One More Bit of Inspiration.

Before, my "Creative Displays" week ends; I thought I would add the work of Riitta Paivalainen. She uses second-hand clothing to make these surreal installations. Found via Brocante.

Creativity Doesn't Have To Be Complicated.

Point Click Home.
Not all creative displays have to be intricate and busy. The trick to making a room interesting without getting too complicated is, by adding one large and dramatic piece. Instead of filling the walls with lots of tiny knick-knacks, these rooms use a minimal amount of very bold pieces. Personally, I think bigger is almost always better, (Is this because I'm from Texas?)

Via Desire to Inspire.

This picture is from Thom Filicia. I've been obsessed with those giant gears, since the first time I saw them. They really make this room truly memorable. I also love Thom's use of very large artwork in the picture below. Its a great springboard for the rest of the room.

Finally, the king of drama in simplicity...Vicente Wolf. I know I've mentioned this before, but I love everything this man does! His work proves that a beautiful object, even if it is a simple one; can "make" a room. BTW, for all of you who live in small spaces; this design trick will still work. A small room gains importance when large scaled items are brought in.

Last Minute Entry.

Just found this intricate collection of artwork via, Please Sir. Amazing! I have trouble lining up just two pictures.

Creative Displays.

From Flickr: 1. Headboard 2. Small bath 3. Top of dresser.
Hello friends! Here is a collection of inspiring images. Keeping with the weeks' theme, they show very creative styling and displays. Hope you enjoy!

Stylist Rosie Brown: Above and below.

One of my favorite rooms from Jay Jeffers. I get very excited about his wonderful color combinations. Its kind of a vintage chic.
Check out some great interview with Jeffers at All the Best.
Jay Jeffers (Below)

Here are a couple of store displays. I think most of my favorite displays are found in stores, because they don't have emotional attachment. They are much more free spirited.
Above: Saffron and Genevieve. Below: I lost track of where I found these. If anyone knows, please let me know.

Brown Design Blog.

I just finished watching a new episode of Flipping Out. Did anyone see it? It is a CRAZY show! But I do love the amazing houses it features. A lot of the design is done by Ryan Brown of Brown Design. I've been a fan of their work for a while now, so I thought I would mention that they have a new blog. Its full of lots of eye candy and juicy photos of some the Flipping Out, houses. (Like this little gem).

Ottomans, Benches, Foot Stools, Hassocks

Ottomans have become a favourite of mine to use in family/media rooms and dens. I like using them for several reasons. First and foremost they serve as the indispensable coffee table. I like to make mine with tight tops and rather flat as opposed to padded with a pillow effect. This way you can set things on top of them without worrying about them toppling over. Secondly you can comfortably set your feet on them and be in a semi-reclining position to watch TV, read or maybe even fall asleep. Thirdly I can have them made any size to fit the requirements of the room. This is a real benefit because large coffee tables are hard to find and are more costly than having an ottoman custom designed for the space. In the space below the ottoman is made out of deep chocolate brown faux Ostrich. This family has two young daughters and they use the ottoman to color on and do their craft projects and have snacks. Spills can be wiped up easily, and the deep brown faux ostrich adds and a nice textural interest and makes a dramatic center focal point for the room.

Patricia Gray Inc. Photo Roger Brooks

Patricia Gray Inc. Photo Roger Brooks
These ottomans (in the same house as the photo above) go against my tight top rule, but who couldn't resist sitting down in this den and putting your feet up on a down filled leather pillow top ottoman.

Patricia Gray Inc. Photo Roger Brooks

This ottoman is large by ottoman standards 5 feet by 3 1/2 feet. It is covered in Holly Hunt, Hair on Hide Leather, in a creamy butterscotch color. It was made long so 3 people sitting on the sofa could all put their feet up on it, and I made it deep enough to that there was still room at the back for the inevitable books, magazines, remote controls and trays for snacks and drinks. It also doubles as extra seating for parties. What coffee table has that much versatility?

Patricia Gray Inc. Photo Gary Beale
The Ottoman in this penthouse I had made in charcoal gray Beacon Hill "Pashmina". It is soft and luxurious like a Cashmere blanket and makes a nice warming contrast to the leather sofa. It sits on top of the same color of Belgium wool area carpet. Facing the sofa is the view with the TV hung and framed between the windows. Where else do you put the TV in a room that is all windows & view.

Patricia Gray Inc. Photo Gary Beale

Below are some more designs for ottomans, benches, foot stools, and hassocks that I like.

Madeline Stuart Greek Key Ottoman Tangier Hassock by Michael Berman

My Dream Home This Week: A Home By The Bay.

Happy Monday, everybody! I know its the middle of the day, so everyone is well into their Monday.
Today's dream home may be familiar to many of you. It is the home of Victoria of SFgirlbybay. I chose it because, first: I love it so much and second: it fits into a theme for the rest of the week. Most of my posts this week will be about creative displays. I have been studying different methods of accessorizing in order to inspire my own displays at my furniture booth. Since I collected many interesting photos, I thought I would share them.

Victoria's bohemian home is filled with creative vignettes, in every corner! Art, books, found objects, all come together to make a truly inspiring abode. Again, I find myself drawn to a mostly white interior. It just seems so relaxing! I would love to take a nap on this cushy sofa.

I need to find a large scale chalkboard like this. I can imagine, both Liam and I would have lots of fun with it :) Victoria's home is also featured in Apartment Therapy's book, "Real Homes, Real People".
Its a very cool book, that I have mentioned before; here.