Thursday, July 30, 2009

Keep it Clean


Look! Egyptian Cotton hand soap. Smells soo good. It makes you feel like Egyptian royalty.

I'm off to wash my hands. Carry on...


The Art of Fusing Blue and Yellow


In my post on The Art of the Blues, I promised I would look into successful blends of blue and yellow. It was an extremely difficult task. It is not that I didn't find decor attempts at commingling the two, I just didn't find many that didn't make me somewhat ill- did I say that?

Emotionally, yellow and blue appear to be conflicting colors except for the fact that it could create one-big-weight loss inducing room (see The Art of the Blues). Yellow can elicit feelings of cheerfulness and warmth, but also frustration and anger. Blue, among several things, is calming and tranquil. But why not feel calm, cheery and frustrated at the same time? We are very complex creatures that way. I just hope it doesn't send you into a psychological tailspin.

Well, here is what I believe are a few successful attempts at fusing the now infamous (at least here at The Art of...) BLUE AND YELLOW.










Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Look- Zebra Print!


I love the idea of using a little zebra to liven up a room. It's contemporary, funky, and tres chic. I can't help but feeling, however, that it's a little bit like 60's style fashions- it rolled in with a bang, but it will eventually go out of style, only to return one day in some modified, updated way. So, run and buy zebra print home furnishings while it's still in style!











Thanks to DecorPad for the photos


On the Cheap: Pillows (revisited)


I've already lectured you on how pillows are an inexpensive way to decorate a room; so I'll just share with you my latest purchase from Marshalls.


I looove red. I am putting it in my bedroom. Just that small pop of color transforms the entire look of the room. It has an elegant sheen to it that makes it perfect for a bedroom. Dying to see what the bed looks like after the new addition? Maybe I'll share it with you one day soon :)

I think I'll blow up the second picture and frame it. It'll make a cool print and will add another pop of color to a different part of the house.

Monday, July 27, 2009

On the Cheap: Headboard Alert


Thanks to Apartment Therapy for a glimpse into the new IKEA 2010 catalogue. I had a brainstorm for a headboard on the cheap by using their Tyglosa stretcher frames (see pgs. 20-21), with a fabric of your choice. The catch is that the fabric is sold separately, but they are inexpensive as well.

(click to enlarge image to view frames)
Mount enough of the frames together on the wall behind your bed to create one big rectangle or square and, voilĂ - a headboard! You can mix and match, or keep with a continuous pattern. In this picture I especially like the black and white striped frame (very Hamptons), the black and white circle frame, and the red and orange flower print frame. Check out some other fabric favorites:







Darn that IKEA!

Check out the new IKEA 2010 catalogue here: http://onlinecatalog.ikea-usa.com/2010/ikea_catalog/US/


Saturday, July 25, 2009

Jaw Dropping Rooms: The Sydney Morning Herald


These rooms need no introduction.






Um... Wow.


The Art of the Blues


I have the blues... Blue is such a beautiful color. It resonates as tranquil, calm, relaxing and supposedly it can open the channels for communication.

Back in my post on The Art of Using Yellow, I didn't add the little tidbit that apparently yellow can increase metabolism. I don't know how true this is, but for those of you who are interested, don't go running to change your entire domicile into a hot yellow mess just yet, because apparently there are other options. Supossedly, blue suppresses appetite. But if you like to cook and entertain, I wouldn't suggest blue for your dining area unless you want everyone pushing your hard work around their plates.

Hmm, can yellow and blue come together successfully? I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Well, I just wanted to rub a little of my blues on to you for the weekend. Enjoy!




Elle Decor








A Touch of the Traditional



I have contemporary taste, but when I saw these pillows, I had to have them. Although they have a traditional print, there is no rule that says you have to keep with one theme. Different style pieces bring interest to the room; and these pillows somehow seem to fit when surrounded by contemporary items. Simply placing it next to a more modern pillow makes the traditional up-to-date chic.



Pillows are a great and inexpensive way to style a room. You know I got these on the cheap at Marshalls. The color, texture and patterns can change the mood of the room instantly.




Stunning detail. Such a great find. Pieces like these belong in any room.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Guess That Bedroom

When I saw this bedroom on Apartment Therapy under their post on canopy beds, it took a second glance to realize who it was furnished by. Can you guess?



Ikea! This room looks high end and very chic. It's their Edland series. Great staging job in this photo.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

West Elm Finds: Lamps

I got the most recent West Elm catalogue yesterday in the mail. I'm dying for their lamps! Someone please buy them so I can live vicariously through you.










Food Diary: Try the Unexpected


Last night my humorous and great friend from undergrad fortuitously brought me out of the house to enjoy the weather-perfect evening in Washington, D.C. While our first stop just didn't evoke the vibe and energy I was looking for, we ended up at the good ol' faithfully laid back, casual, always reliable, The Reef in Adams Morgan. They have an upstairs deck and boast of unique beers and a free range, organic, sustainable menu.

My friend enjoyed their freshly made pretzels with hot mustard sauce and a bean sprout salad; and I had the fish tacos. It came as a surprise, however, when I saw that they put a whole piece of tilapia in a tortilla, but it was actually quite delicious.

The unexpected came with the dessert. We split a decadent brownie with the surprise ingredient of chili powder. It was interesting. It tasted just like a brownie, but after you chewed it and swallowed, there was this punch of spice to the back of your throat. Reminds me of a drink I had a Bangkok Joe's that was so spicy it melted my memory, so I don't remember the name of it. But it was good!

An honorable mention to the "Liquid Wasabi" at SEI.


On the Cheap: Wine and Cheese

This weekend a close friend of mine and I went to the oh so magnetic Trader Joe's. I haven't met a person that isn't at least mildly obsessed with that place. While sauntering over to pick up some of the creamiest brie I've ever tasted for under $5 (under any amount, to be honest), I ran into a wine and cheese taste stand...

The woman suggested their new Sauvignon Blanc- a New Zealand wine called Vin-Koru, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It was surprisingly tasty. It wasn't too sweet like a lot of the SB's, but instead it was mild with hints of citrus. So I was sold. But wait-- how much? I'm on a budget here. After finding the Australia/New Zealand wine section I hold my breath when I glance at the price...



$5.99!! Yeah, like that stayed on the shelf.

Wine for me strikes up so many kinds of emotions depending on the venue and the individual. It can be relaxing, meditative, romantic, lonely, funny, social, inviting, etc. So to experience a good bottle of wine, it is all in the details.

No matter how cheap the wine, always pair it with nice glasses and ambiance. Heck, even if its cranberry juice, a nice wine glass and some candles are always appropriate. Who am I to judge. I got these great glasses at, gasp, Ross Dress For Less! Four for $6.99. They're Italian (glass, but hey- its 7 bucks) by Bormioli Rocco. The stems are so elegant and the shape of these glasses are so classic. No one would ever know how inexpensive they are; and paired with the delectable brie from Trader Joe's... as they say in Italy- belissimo!