Most Influential Blogs

I must tell all of you who haven't had a chance to visit this Blog: Cote de Texas written by Joni what you are missing. Joni is an Interior Designer living in Texas and writes the most robust, interesting, informative and well researched posts. She continues to amaze me with the depth and breadth of her research. I find myself re-visiting and re-reading her posts and always learn something new with each visit to her site. As well Joni is friendly and charming and always has a good comment to share.

Some of my favourite posts of hers are:

Vermeer and Camera Obscura I was fascinated by this post and the theory postulated on the use of the Camera Obscura by Great Artists. I learnt something new and my interest is piqued to read more on the subject because of this post.

Round Top , Texas
An excellent round-up of photos of the famous Round Top market that is held in Texas twice yearly. This post makes me want to go there next year.



Farrow and Ball
A great review of the new Farrow and Ball book as seen through Joni's eyes.

Paris in Houston Part 1
At the same time that I go to the Round Top market I want to visit this store in Houston that Joni takes us on a tour of. She has the great ability to make you feel like you are right there with her looking at all the treasures.

Living with Dogs and Slipcovers
This has to be the best resource that Joni has compiled on slipcovers that I have ever come across. I love the casual elegance of slipcovers, so this post was especially appealing to me. Don't you love the picture of this Lab all comfy in his (or hers) slipcovered chair

My Design: Family Room Joni walks us through her design process for her own Family Room. I would love to visit her and sit in this room. It is charming, comfortable and totally liveable, exactly what a family room should be. And the last picture on this post is of a bowl of pictures that Joni keeps on her coffee table. A perfect way to get those photos off the computer and get everyone looking at them and reminiscing.


Joni's latest post Most Influential Blogs - Her Picks:

My pick to be added to this impressive list is:


My thanks to you Joni for all your hard work and research. I am continually inspired by you!!!

Decorating Chic with Zebra Carpets

Following my post on Zebra carpets, I started to see similarities between certain designs. Do you see the similarities in the following pictures???

Both have off white sofas and side chairs w/ zebra area carpets under the coffee table

Both have skirted cream chairs, traditional scheme w/ zebra area carpets

Both have green walls, patterned sofa/patterned cushions, dark coffee tables, floating side chairs w/ zebra area carpets

Both have dark blue walls, dark floors w/ zebra area carpets

Both have black & white geometric print on chairs w/ zebra area carpets

Photo credits in previous post

Zebra Carpets

Everywhere I look lately, everything is coming up Zebra. Animal prints are very much in Vogue right now, but especially the classic and stately Zebra. I have heard it said that no two Zebras have the same stripes. I was fortunate to go on a Safari in Africa and to see herds of these beautiful animals. An amazing sight, indeed. They have tufts of fur that stand up along their spine. I remember them being quite sturdy, like a Pinto Pony. Almost all of the zebra carpets that we are seeing now are stripes simulated on cow hides or wool area carpets, which I am in favour of. As you will see in the following pictures zebra carpets can be laid on a bare floor or layered over carpets. Just make sure your carpet has a short pile. So without further ado, I will honor these wonderful carpets inspired from the stately Zebra, as seen in some of the chicest abodes.........

Design by fellow Blogger Vanessa of Turquoise LA

Above 2 pictures Todd Romano

Shelly Riehl David

Above 2 pictures Schuyler Samperton's own living room

Above 2 pictures Ruthie Sommers In Style Home Spring 2007

John Gruen Photography

Miles Redd

Above 2 pictures Michael Taylor

Above 3 pictures Mary McDonald zebra carpets in living areas and an entry foyer.

Jan Showers

Dominio

Entry way luxe

Entry way luxe 2

Above 3 pictures showing Zebra Carpets used in Enty Foyers and under a desk Burnhamn Design

There is even a classic zebra inspired fabric that Brunschwig and Fils has done for years called "Le Zebre"

And what about a zebra striped ceramic stool?

O Magazine Sept 2007 spotted at Fresh Pallette

From Vintage book: Billy Baldwin Decorates, Billy Baldwin uses this zebra carpet with such panache via Style Court

Above 3 pictures Zebra Carpets Anne Coyle Interiors

Notice the black backing.

Zebra Rug from a furrier in Canada

Pieced together these make a stunning large zebra area carpet, complete with straight edges. I love the orange sofa & ceiling, and the wall of shiny black bookcases.

Interior Design Wallace Bryan,photography Erica George Dines via Fresh Pallette

Postscript December 31 2007
I have to tell you that I am not a proponent for using real zebra carpets. I have learnt that they are indeed an endangered species. Let's leave them where they belong....in the wild. There are many good imitations that can be used, unless you are lucky enough to own a Vintage Zebra hide.

Amazing Juggling

Just to let you all know that I am still here and that I appreciate all your comments and support in my last "Moving Day" post. I am moved in but my life is daily an amazing juggling act. I wish I could do it with the panache of this Video. I shoud be back posting very soon. Enjoy this video.