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So spare yet so serene. Notice the circle shapes reflected between the art on the wall and the table, also the curve of the vase and the chair. All in contrast to the paned window. Softness added with touches of fabric.

Rustic + Linen + A Little Fancy (and a dash of color) = Awesome

I’m in search of a similarly styled cocktail table. I know Roost has one, but I’m not sure it’s quite the right shape.

chalet_1

Originally uploaded by keller.lauren

]]> http://echodesigninteriors.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/axel-chalet/feed/ 0 echodesigninteriors http://echodesigninteriors.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/slap-dash-inspiration-board/ http://echodesigninteriors.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/slap-dash-inspiration-board/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:18:27 +0000 echodesigninteriors http://echodesigninteriors.wordpress.com/?p=53 ]]>

I’m re-learning how to use Photoshop, so excuse the imperfection of my inspiration board.  

I love the idea of an inspiration board.  It’s a gathering of inspirational images–colors, shapes, fabrics, textures–that I can take with me when shopping or researching.  It’s such a great reference when I’m getting overwhelmed with what’s out there.  When I get drawn into a fabulous fuschia  fabric, I can easily see that no, that’s not the look we’re going for.  . . . This time.

Unfortunately I can’t remember where I got a lot of these images specifically.  I know a bunch came from House Beautiful.  If you’re curious about the Belgian style, they’re a nice reference.  Just do a search on their site.  This style came from Axel Vervoordt, who I’m in the process of learning more about.  All I know at this point is that I’m a fan.  I think my current addiction to linen is his fault.  Lots of linen, neutrals, natural textures, art in simplicity… There’s also a sense of history to his work.  And an overall sense of calm.  I like it.

Sachi Black Bean

A few years ago I was obsessed, obsessed I’m telling you!, with the color turquoise.  Not every shade made the cut, but I ended up with a lot of turquoise bits and pieces in my house.  Though they’ve filtered out now to a great extent, this rug still makes me smile.  My now-fiance gave it to me as a Christmas present.  I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that every girl would love to get a rug for Christmas, but I was pretty won over.  I still love the pattern and colors, which is great because the turquoise thing was mainly a trend.  Of course, I guess some trends have to become classics.  Right?

Soothing Bath

Here’s the inspiration for a master bath I’m working on. It’s a great vote for the power of neutrals.

I really like to work from images.  They allow for a common language between my clients and me.  One woman’s taupe is another’s beige is another’s grey tone.  Looking at this picture, my client and I can forge a path to something less beige-y for the walls and more like the grey-ish cabinets.  

Though we’re using this pic for inspiration we’re certainly not copying it.  Alas we have no french doors in the bath and the ceilings won’t be quite as high.  We can’t do any floor length drapes either.  But even if we could use all of those details, it wouldn’t be quite right to mimic each and every one.  I just want to use magazine pics as a jumping off point, as a direction.  I do think interior design is a type of art form, at least in that the original idea shouldn’t be stolen.  Ideas are certainly meant to be shared and reinterpreted though.  But no copycats here please!

West Elm’s shelving blocks hint at the PEZ display by presenting the collection as art. The collection is easily accessible and grabs attention as it shows a little piece of the homeowner’s personality.

Each of these ideas, from Apartment Therapy, also display a collection much like art.  Simple ideas that could go in most rooms of a house.

Shifting gears toward a more traditional look, we could use a piece of furniture to hold the collection.  Still accessible, but a little less in-your-face than hanging on the wall.  Both Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn have some nice options.

022008_atla_display09_small

Originally uploaded by keller.lauren

How best to display a quirky collection? I have a client who needs a solution to display a collection of smallish toys. At the moment, they are scattered throughout the house. Because the toys’ homes are spread out, the toys read more as forgotten or misplaced clutter and less as something that brings joy to their owner.

The toys need to be accessible. Most make noise or wind up. These are toys that are meant to be played with, not sealed off in a box.

This picture of a PEZ collection from Apartment Therapy is my jumping off point. I like the idea of such a visual impact. These PEZ are just as much art installation as display.