Set to Life : The Simpsons

In honor of all my friends in the Animation industry, I'd like to have a little fun and create a realistic living room based on the TV show, The Simpsons!

Our inspiration!

(FOX)

Our look!

Source: Farrow and Ball

For the walls, we're just going to go for it and paint the walls pink!  Farrow and Ball's "Calamine" is just the right color to keep it from being too sweet.  

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/3020921/63rd-Avenue-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-dc-metro

Instead of green carpeting, why not do some great distressed wood planks painted in a light aqua color!

Source: Restoration Hardware

A bulky leather sofa will stand up to the pink tone on the walls.  

Source: http://www.etsy.com/listing/155499451/post-rug-5x8-cotton-flat-weave-dhurrie?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_query=dhurrie&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

A more modern take on the rug in the living room.

Source: http://vintageground.blogspot.com/2012/01/vintage-fuschia-side-table-nighstand.html

Add a side table in a color pulled from the area rug. 

Source: http://www.heathfield.co.uk/

Accent with a colorful table lamp. I've kept this one a bit more minimal than the inspiration.

(PS, I've just recently discovered this source for lighting and am in love!)

Source: Urban Outfitters

Accent with an arched neck floor lamp in a metallic finish.

Source: http://fab.com/inspiration/desk-phone-turquoise

You will need a turquoise phone!

Source: Allposters.com

Add a sailboat print over the sofa.  I'll keep our's black and white as to not compete with the other colors in the room.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/149435/Aubock-Magazine-Rack-modern-magazine-racks-

A modern magazine rack will help pull together the black from our picture frame and metal finish in the floor lamp.

Thanks for playing along!  I hope you enjoyed this look at a modern take on the Simpson's living room. 

If you have a TV show or movie you'd like to see broken down in a modern way, let me know!

Cheers! - Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

PS. Make sure to watch the Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" episode this year. My friend worked on it!

Design Concept : Natural Pools

As we enter Fall and start to enjoy the drop in temperature, most people are packing up that pool gear and saying goodbye to their swimsuit until next year.  But, in case you aren't ready to let go of Summer just yet, I'd like to share a fascinating pool concept with you.

Natural pools are such an interesting thing to me.  It's like lake swimming without all the fuzzy things touching your feet!  Not only are they great to look at, but they do not require the use of chemicals like a traditional pool. 

 Fun facts!  You can convert your existing pool into a natural pool through some companies!  Also, in the winter, let your pool freeze over and use it for skating!  

Let's take a look at a few beautiful natural pools.

Source: http://www.materialicious.com/2012/07/19-incredible-natural-swimming-pools.html

There are two ways to configure your pool.  You can have an integrated "regeneration zone" that is combined with the swimming area or one that is separate. The regeneration zone is the area with plants that filters and cleans the water.  A pool with an integrated zone might require the use of UV lights to clean the water.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664637726/

Love the gradual slope into the pool. 

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664637783/

What a lovely setting for a pool. A traditional pool would not have the same feel in this environment.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664637764/

A small pool with lush landscaping creates a private swimming area.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/683764/Natural-Swimming-Pool---Cottage-at-Home-contemporary-landscape-toronto

Here is a great view of the separate regeneration area.

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/103442122664637735/

Just for fun.  What could be better than a trampoline into your pool?!

Interested in natural pools and would like additional information?  Check out these sources:

http://bionovanaturalpools.com/

http://naturalswimmingpools.com/

http://www.materialicious.com/2012/07/19-incredible-natural-swimming-pools.html

http://www.inspirationgreen.com/natural-pools-swimming-ponds.html

I would love to hear your thoughts natural pools! 

Cheers! - Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

Details : Styling your shelves

Sometimes interior designers, myself included (!) get caught up in the big picture of a project. The overall look and feel can be given the most attention while small details, such as shelf styling are overlooked.  These details can be the defining element in a room and can really set the tone.

Let's take a look at a few ideas!

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/157338/Living-Room-traditional-living-room-seattle

I love this example of stylish shelves. There is an excellent balance between objet d'art, books and personal photos. The color scheme is kept monochromatic, but the various textures of the items creates visual interest.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/136297/Carol-Vaughan-Davis-traditional-family-room-san-diego

Organizing your books by color can create interesting color blocking and keeps the shelves from looking too busy.  Note the use of both small and large decorative objects.  It is a good idea to vary the size of your items on display.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2487701/NW-13th-Avenue-Loft-industrial-living-room-portland

This modern living room's shelves are packed, but because the items are of similar color, the shelves create a texture and not clutter.  Note the fabric on the sofa, pillows and chair is kept solid to give your eye a place to rest.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/77573/Intimate-spaces--intimate-art-traditional-bathroom-los-angeles

Beautiful styling is also very important for other small spaces in your home.  This bathroom niche is elegant with it's glass accents and colorful art.  

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/373543/Mill-Creek-Ridge-Farmhouse-farmhouse-kitchen-minneapolis

Even functional spaces, such as a pantry, can be styled well.  The use of glass containers and vintage elements adds charm and style.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/294986/Beach-House-eclectic-kitchen

Keep accents in your kitchen grouped together by category and do not be afraid to display your collections!

I hope you enjoyed this look at stylish shelves!  Here are my tips for making them look their best:

1. If your display is monochromatic and streamlined, accent with colors and patterns in your furniture or draperies.

2. If your display has varying colors and textures, try to keep the main pieces in the room a solid color to give your eye a place to rest.

3. Experiment with books standing straight up and lying on their side in stacks.  Place a small object on top of a book stack.

4.  Vary the size of your objects. 

5. Incorporate framed art or photos onto your shelves for interest.

6. Most importantly, don't just display trendy objects for the sake of it. Use your own objects. There is nothing better than surrounding yourself with the things that you love!

Cheers! - Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

Space Plan : Semi-open plans

Over the past decade and a half or so, the concept of an open floor plan has become quite a popular idea.  I'd like to challenge the idea and note there is something to be said about semi-open plans.  I think there is something quite charming and cozy about rooms that are their own entity. It's like creating anticipation for what comes next.

Let's take a look at a few examples!

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/4559717/Old-Hingham-Hill-Living-Room-traditional-living-room-boston

Built-ins and pocket doors separate this beautiful dining room and living room.  The continuation of flooring and wall color keeps the rooms feeling unified and open.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/56707/KitchenLab-traditional-kitchen-chicago

A kitchen does not need to be open to the rest of the house to be inviting.  A comfortable work space and counter height seating allow ample room for guests to sit and chat.  A large opening to the dining area provides adequate flow between rooms.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/477470/Newport-Beach-Custom-Home-01-traditional-kitchen-orange-county

A cut out in the wall between the kitchen and adjacent room can provide separation but still allow for an open feel.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/3849310/Historic-Whole-House-Renovation---Living-Room-craftsman-living-room-atlanta

Something as simple as a framed opening can create the right amount of distinction between rooms.  PS, LOVE the dark painted doors.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/713591/Cat-Mountain-Residence-modern-living-room-austin

Another great example of framed openings between rooms.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/117495/Living-Room-rustic-living-room-seattle

This home uses a built in cabinet and an elevation change to create separation.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/944702/Dining-Room-with-renovated-two-sided-fireplace-into-Porch-traditional-dining-room-minneapolis

A dual sided fireplace can also be a great way to transition between two rooms.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/85700/Living-Room-contemporary-living-room-minneapolis

Here is another fireplace that works as a room divider.  It's just enough to create the feel of a separate room.

Thanks for sharing this look at semi-open floor plans with me!  Does this type of plan appeal to you or do you prefer a full open concept plan?

Cheers! - Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

Living with : Kids

Anyone with a Pinterest account can tell you there are thousands of ideas for designing and organizing a child's bedroom or play area.  But what really works?  Sure, that open shelving with toys neatly placed looks nice for pictures, but in the long run, will it provide functional storage?

As an Interior Designer, I am always looking for the balance between aesthetically pleasing interiors and practical design solutions. 

Here are some images of ideas that I think not only look great, but serve a purpose.

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/photos/think-outside-box-7-totally-slideshow/vintage-crates-photo-2568916-211800941.html

What do you do with in toys that are "in play" but need to be put away?  I love this idea of rolling storage that can be put under the bed when not in use.  There is a touch of whimsy with the use of the old crates.

Source: http://www.soorikianarchitecture.com/Organize.html

  
We all have those toys that the child might be too young to play with or are maybe too delicate.  What a great way to keep them in the room but out of reach.  Items can be updated through the years to trophies and ribbons, books that have been read but still loved and then maybe that favorite baby toy that just can't be parted with.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/356517/Toddler-Room-contemporary-kids-other-metro

I am a big fan of combining open and closed storage in all rooms of your house, kid's rooms especially. Bins are great for moving toys around the room with ease and deep drawers are perfect for quick clean up!  The open shelves on the activity table area great for those current favorite toys.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2107162/Light---Classic-eclectic-kids-san-francisco

One of my favorite items for kid's rooms or play areas is a structured ottoman like these.  They are great for seats, leaning against while sitting on the floor, putting your feet on, etc!  They are also a great way to add a pop of color to any room.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2478483/Kitchen-Nook-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco

Pull out storage under seating is always great for crafting in the kitchen.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/44239/Laidley-Street-Residence-modern-staircase-san-francisco

Providing a child with a small area of their own near the main part of the house can also be a great idea.  What an easy way to give them access to their toys while also creating an out of site place for them when not in use.

I'd love to hear your ideas on how you've made functional kid's storage work for you!

Here are some of my favorite sources for kid's items:

http://www.serenaandlily.com/Kids

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/

http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/

http://www.landofnod.com/kids-furniture/

Cheers! -Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

Modern Moroccan

It's always been a dream of mine to travel to Morocco. I am in love with the architecture, the patterns, the colors, everything.  It's a romantic, lush lifestyle and can provide many interesting ideas that we can incorporate into our modern homes.

Let's look at some ways we can use a Moroccan influence to spice up our rooms!

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2855554/Contemporary-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-chicago

Here is a great example. The bathroom is very modern and the touch of the arabesque shape gives it that Moroccan feel. Notice the monochromatic color palette keeps it from feeling busy.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/3867886/Bathroom-Tiles-Sydney-mediterranean-bathroom-sydney

I love this bathroom. I love that all the elements of the room were kept white, while the floor shines in these amazing painted tiles.  

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1408629/Southampton-Moroccan-eclectic-dining-room-houston

Now, this room may be a bit more of a stretch, but stay with me!  Start with a simple base of white walls and natural stone floor in a neutral tone.  Window treatments should be clean and simple.  Keep your main pieces of furniture (sofa, dining table) in a solid color. 

Then, layer in Moroccan lanterns, a hexagonal accent table, and several pillows in different patterns and colors. Extra points for some sort of carved detail added to the room, whether it be in a piece of furniture or a wall application as shown in the picture. 

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1901269/Parkview-eclectic-patio-tampa

Here is a nice idea to had a far away feel to your outdoor space.  By using Moroccan tiles as an accent wall, your outdoor entertaining area will truly come alive.  Keep other items in solid colors and allow the tile to be the focus.  

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1647826/Adrianna-Lopez-Long-Beach-House-eclectic-bathroom-los-angeles

If you've been dreaming of a walk in shower, and really, who hasn't, then embrace the Moroccan theme!  A great two colored tile applied to the walls and floor will be amazing statement.  Note that the furniture and planters are kept simple and streamlined.  The tile does all the work!

If adding new tiles is not an immediate option, here are some simple accessories that you can incorporate to introduce a Moroccan feel.

Source: Calypso St. Barth

Throw a beautiful Moroccan wedding blanket on your sofa or at the end of your bed.

Source: Overstock.com

A modern Moroccan inspired area rug with simple furniture will add just the right touch to any room of your house.

Source: Vivaterra

Hang a cluster of modern Moroccan lanterns over your dining table for an eclectic look.

Looking for more Moroccan inspired accents and tiles?  Check out the following sources! 

http://www.granadatile.com/

http://annsacks.com/home.jsp

http://www.casbahdecor.com/

http://www.badiadesign.com/

Cheers! -Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com

Set to life: Downton Abbey

If you love Downton Abbey as much as I do, you are probably enamored not only by the tremendous actors and detailed costumes, but the house itself. 

You may have wondered what it would be like to live in the early 1900's and how you could incorporate that look into your own home.  We live in a wonderful time where there are so many styles of furniture available to us. All it takes is a little imagination, a bit of a modern twist and you could be waking up every morning in your very own English Manor. Matthew not included...RIP. 

Our inspiration!

Our look!

Source: Crate and Barrel

First, you will need a rolled arm sofa.  A practical bench seat will allow for maximum guests.  Keep the sofa neutral and bring in pattern with pillows and area rugs.

Source: Esalerugs.com

Next, let's layer in a great Persian rug.  

Source: Pottery Barn

Instead of a standard coffee table, let's do a tufted ottoman. You will be able to place a tray on top for serving.  

Source: Neman Marcus

Add in some wooden accent tables.  If you have any hand me downs from your parents or grand parents, here is great place to use them!

Source: Pottery Barn

A great, weathered leather chair will be perfect for late night reading. 

Source: Ballard Designs

Metal lamps will contrast nicely with the wood tables.

Source: Pottery Barn

Dress your windows in a silk drapery that go to the floor. Extra length if you want to be really dramatic!

Source: Wisteria

Select some modern embroidered pillows in a pop of color. This will keep your sofa feeling fresh and not too serious.

Source: Wisteria

Accessorize with blue and white pottery.

Source: Restoration Hardware

Pressed botanicals add a natural element and a nod to the gardens.

Source: http://www.rubylane.com/item/568150-1549/Beautiful-Young-Woman-Spaniel-19th

Use your antique portraits in clusters to create full walls of art.

Source: Walnut Wallpaper

Bonus Points!  Add a patterned wallpaper to one (JUST ONE) wall as an accent.  You'll thank me, trust me!  A modern print will keep the room from feeling stuffy.

I hope you enjoyed this modern living room based on Downton Abbey!

Cheers! - Vee

*Need help with your own home?  Contact us at virginia@virginiabdesign.com and check out our website at www.virginiabdesign.com