Showing posts with label decoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decoration. Show all posts

Thursday, June 13, 2013

GUEST POST: Five Ways to Incorporate European Culture into Your Interior Design


Five Ways to Incorporate European Culture into Your Interior Design

Europe is a vast space that’s full of contrasting and interesting cultures. And luckily for design buffs, there are many ways that you can bring a taste of Europe into your living space. If you’ve been lacking in inspiration, it could be the ideal way to bring a breath of fresh air into your home.

Here, we take a look at five ways to incorporate European culture into your interior design.

Create a pretty mosaic wall feature

Mosaic walls bring a Mediterranean feel into your home, and are surprisingly easy to create. Part of their beauty is that you can make them yourself, adding a touch of your own imagination to your space. All you’ll need is a selection of porcelain or quartz tiles and some grouting materials. If you have a big family, consider getting everyone involved in the mosaic. There are no rules, and everyone can put their own stamp on the home.

Look out for wrought iron furniture

When you take a walk around a typical Spanish villa, you’ll find plenty of simple wrought iron furniture that brings a rustic and simple feel to the living space. If you have an area of the home that you need new furniture for, consider taking this approach. Balanced with some warm colours on the walls, you could have a Spanish inspired room without too much fuss.

Keep it minimalistic

If you’re looking for something unique and out of the ordinary, you might want to lean towards Swedish influences. Known for their simple designs and clean finishes, Swedish inspired décor is affordable and easy to implement. Think of minimalism, no clutter, large pieces of furniture, lots of glass and basic, non-complex artwork adorning your walls.

Bring a pizza oven into your kitchen

You’d be hard pushed to find a pizza better than you would in Italy, though with a few tweaks in your kitchen, you could have your very own taste of Europe with as little fuss as possible. Reaching super high temperatures that are required for the perfect base, pizza ovens could transform your kitchen space as well as your culinary repertoire.

Make use of outdoor space

There is no pleasure simpler or greater than enjoying a few drinks and nibbles with friends on a warm summer evening. So why not create your very own luxury outdoor living space? With some patio tiling, a barbecue, and some beautiful flower features, you’ll almost feel like you’re sipping your wine from somewhere much more Mediterranean.

Will you be putting any of these ideas into action? Which one is your favourite?


This article was brought to you by Ruth Richards on behalf of Tons of Tiles. ToT provides high quality porcelain, glass, and brick tiles for those who are looking to improve their living space.

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Thank you Agnes for this great post!

I have added a few pics from the website of Tons of Tiles because they are offering quite some unusual tiles which may be of interest:

 From the "Museum" range:  "Banksy" inspired tiles

From the "Museum" range:  "Bookcase" inspired tiles

 From the "Museum" range:  "Newspaper" inspired tiles

 "From Spanish Designer Tile Company Peronda - Wood Effect tiles"

 From the "Moroccan" collection

From the "Moroccan" collection

"Parisian Chic" Decor Mix Wall Tile
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Monday, June 10, 2013

Wrought Iron Beds and other Metal Furniture

I don't know why but wrought iron beds and other iron furniture always emanate a hint of romance no matter which design. Maybe it is the seeming fragility of the material that evokes this impression. Or maybe because most wrought iron beds are dressed with romantic materials such as lots of pillows, ruches, sheers and silky textiles etc.

Wrought iron furniture never seems to disappear entirely from the sonar of interior design despite any trends. And I know that quite a lot of people share this love for romantic furniture - therefore I did a little research and this is a collection of various styles I found. Maybe it gives you some inspirational thoughts if you are in the middle of decorating or re-furnishing your home.

A completely unusual free form is this lovely bed:

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Another very stylish and more classical form is this metal bed:

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The next bed is kept in a much more simple victorian style design but nevertheless elegant:

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A much more romantic version is this iron bed:

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The next example is a wrought iron daybed. Very simple in its design but with the right decoration a very sweet alternative to the classical chaiselongue or settée:

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Who would not love the next example - the embodiment of a romantic bed, transferred from a different time right out of the history of old Victorian homes?

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A very delicate version of an iron bed is the following example. It looks so fragile that one cannot imagine sleeping in a bed such as this one without collapsing...

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Unfortunately I could not find a better photo of the following iron bed. This design is unusual and truly  artistic. As a completely free and asymetric form it is reminiscent of a sculpture:

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And how stylish is this Italian canopy bed? You simply have to love it:

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Now the following example for a wrought iron bed is quite a different caliber. Grafted and gilded it has been transformed into a luxury bed ready to be used by a princess...

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In addition to above iron bed what about this one from a Moroccan palace:

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Imagine you have a bedroom and then a jewel such as this one. It would be THE eyecatcher and the pride of your home:

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This is a bed design that could be the main piece of a goth inspired room. Imagine dark walls, clad in deep purple velvets with lots of precious decorative objects carefully placed in the room, on the bed itself heavy silk blankets and cushions, all black and purple and ruby red and then this bed frame - perfect!

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The decoration of the following celtic style bed may not be to its best advantage but the frame is gorgeous. Oh what could you do with it in a goth style room with the appropriate lush colours such as deep purple and dark reds and tons of velvet and silks...

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Now who says that only beds can be made and designed in wrought iron? The palette of furniture is endless and the designs are innumerable.

Doesn't this sink look gorgeous? I would love to have one and additionally some matching mirror and other small iron furniture for the bathroom...

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And what about this beautiful little coffee table?

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Another beautiful example is the next one. As you can see it can be more than just garden furniture...


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And how sweet would look this little bench in a lovely sunroom? Surrounded by tropical palms and ferns it could become a wonderful dreamy place:

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 And last but not least - pets are dearly loved family members. So why should a dog or cat not have their own romantic bed such as this one? Don't they deserve some stylish furniture also?

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Hope you loved this collection of wrought iron examples. I think I have to do another post on ornamental iron - there are so many beautiful designs one cannot cover just in one post...

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

GUEST POST: The Latest at JHID

This morning I received a newsletter from Jessica Helgerson, Interior Design and I could not help but I had to publish this completely on my blog because everything that was created for this Yoga studio was simply marvellous and right up to my alley:

The latest at JHID

"This project was an interior remodel of a historical building in NW Portland for The Yoga Space.
We were fortunate to start with such a beautiful space as we added an entry, two bathrooms,
and two studio spaces for large and small classes.


In the large studio we used a very simple palette of white walls and dark beams, which highlights the lovely stained glass windows. Tall arched niches hold yoga mats, blocks, and other props. Mirrored niches reflect light to create a feeling of openness as they duplicate the beautiful beamed ceiling.
In the bathrooms and entry we used encaustic tile for the floors which adds a subtle pattern that feels harmonious with the mediterranean style of the building.

 In the small studio, the space is intimate and meditative with Moroccan metal sconces, and a vintage wooden alter.
We also transformed a former foyer into a cozy lounge area with lush plants, rugs and large ottomans.


The front entrance is marked by an inviting collonade lined with olive trees; a lovely example of the charm this building brings to Northwest Portland. We hope you'll come by and take a class! For more photos check out our website.

 
Photos by Lincoln Barbour
The project manager and lead designer and for Yoga Space Northwest was JHID designer Mira Eng-Goetz."

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

First Spring Messengers...

Although it had snowed during the night again I am happy to have the first spring messengers here. It makes such a difference to see some other colours than grey and white again and the fragrance - oh my the fragrance cannot be surpassed. And of course these living flowers could be part of any tablescape if you like them - ideas are galore...











 all photos ©Petra Voegtle

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Why leaving the Walls so blank?

When I came across this photo of a bedroom I thought why did they leave the walls so blank?
Although I love white interiors here is just too much white so that it causes dazzling to the eye. Also the contrasts are too harsh in my opinion although the windows probably reveal a lot of green outside which soothes in fact the contrast. But with closed curtains this room looks very stylish but cold.


To break this feeling up I would place a large painting on the wall. The perfect complement for this room would be this silk painting consisting of 5 panels. The landscape here opens the view to a large distance and makes this room even larger. But at the same time the eye has something to lean and rest on without becoming irritated...


This room is probably part of a resort rather than a private villa and therefore it might not be very practical to have an expensive silk painting on the wall. But there is an alternative. I found another view of the very same room and this shows a large wall where a photo wallpaper could do miracles. The original wall looks like this:


A huge wall where an enlarged fine art print version on canvas or even on paper only would have the most wonderful effect:


The original silk painting was inspired by the magical landscapes in Southern China. To see that breathtaking landscape with your own eyes will never let you forget about it. Photos are not sufficient to catch the special light, the atmosphere of this beauty. You can look at some of the photos I have taken here but I wished I could go back with the camera and the easel and do what so many artists have done before me. So many motifs I would like to share...

 "Monuments of Guilin"
(from the Magic Landscapes series) 
Polyptych, 40" x 65", silk
©Petra Voegtle

The painting consists of 5 panels which are painted on silk. It even could be continued to a 360° view. Imagine a room with an endless landscape! It takes you into a 3d-view when you are in front of it and opens the space even more into nearly endless distance...

If you would like to see more details of this painting please check this link. If you would like to see more examples of rooms with this painting please see here.

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Monday, October 1, 2012

GUEST POST: Delightful Al Fresco Tablescapes


Delightful Al Fresco Tablescapes

Hi Art & Interior readers! I’m Beth with Timeless Wrought Iron, a wonderful online source for iron accents and furniture. I’m so excited Petra graciously allowed me to share some of my favorite al fresco tablescapes with you today. I’ve included ones with wrought iron to show just how lovely this material is for outdoor enjoyment. I’d love for you to leave a comment below and let me know which setting is your favorite.

Al fresco 1

Four lovely wrought iron lanterns hang above a blue and white tablescape set in an arbor. How wonderful to be able to gather with friends and family in this gorgeous outdoor space.


Al fresco2

A romantic table for two is set in the corner of a garden. A large wrought iron lantern and tall candelabra sit ready for nighttime.

Al fresco3

A boldly-hued brunch table is set under the shade of a big tree and the light of an iron chandelier

Al fresco4

This outdoor living space is a delightful place to entertain with its arbor and table for eight. A large wrought iron planter hangs high above the scene.

Al fresco5

A garden corner is dressed up with a wrought iron bistro table and soft pink paisley tablecloth. Delightful!

Al fresco6

This lovely setting would be a delight to enjoy an afternoon with family and friends. The natural table base surrounded by weathered wood and iron chairs is charming.

Al fresco7

An elegant wrought iron table and chairs set under trailing wisteria makes a beautiful gathering spot.

Al fresco8

A simplistic yet inviting al fresco dining experience awaits a gathering. The rustic wood table paired with modern iron chairs provides a comfortable spot to relax and visit for awhile.
TimelessWroughtIron.com offerings include a vast array of high quality iron furniture and decorative accents for the home.

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Thank you Beth for this lovely post!
As I am personally a big fan of wrought iron I thought I would add a few accessories from Beth's company:





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