Strap it up!

Some times, as a designer, I get fixated on some design idea and can't get it out of my head. At the moment, I'm kind of obsessed with leather straps.  I want to use them on everything! Luckily for all of us, we have blogs to post fantastic images of concept ideas, so we don't scare our clients too much... at least not today. Hopefully.

So!  Let's all enjoy some leather straps together, shall we? 

A simple addition of a leather strap to a pillow:

Source: http://elv-s.blogspot.nl/2013/06/crushed.html

Intricate leather detailing on the side of a sofa:

Source: http://www.casamidy.com/

A fantastic dress detail:

Source: http://mandula.com/

A DIY wall shelf:

Source: http://www.designsponge.com/

These amazing lights:

Source: http://sarahillenberger.tictail.com/

Leather straps as handles on gorgeous cutting boards:

Source: http://www.jaysonhome.com/

Source: http://www.jamieyoung.com/default.asp

Gorgeous:

Source: http://www.stephenkenn.com/

I love a good leather cabinet pull: (and these are great!)

Source: http://www.remodelista.com/posts/rugged-leather-pulls-heritage-edition

Want to see more? Check us out on Pinterest! 

http://www.pinterest.com/VirginiaBDesign/leather-strapping/

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

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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

Brass is back!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love how interior design re-invents itself and what was once considered passe, is now in style again.  One trend that is coming back with a bang is brass.  I have vivid memories of brass from my childhood, and they aren't all pleasant.  There were shiny brass beds and some really special hanging fixtures that we can only try to forget.

The new wave of brass is much more subtle and refined. We are now seeing matte finishes which offers a relaxed, eclectic feel.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/1529435/Prospect-Heights-modern-kitchen-new-york

Let's start with this lovely kitchen faucet.  What an elegant look it creates.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/354133/Portfolio-traditional-bedroom-orange-county

This lovely bedroom uses subtle brass and gold accents with neutral white to create a relaxed, classic look.  Note the metallics are only touches and the color palette is kept minimal.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/88377/Bedroom-eclectic-bedroom-other-metro

Here is another great bedroom example. I love just the soft brass accents. Fabrics and other colors are kept neutral.  This room would not have same feel if the accents had been done in a silver tone. 

Source: http://www.houzz.com/photos/2704109/Thurman-Street-eclectic-kitchen-portland

This is a great kitchen example! Notice the brass accents on the stove and the faucet. What a great use of color, texture and pattern to bring in visual interest.  The metal is subtle and pleasing to the eye and works in conjunction with the other colors in the space.

Source: Crate and Barrel

You can find some great pieces on the market today! The mixture of the soft brass and leather is a great look for this clean lined chair. 

Source: West Elm

Interested in trying brass, but don't know where to start?  A good place would be a simple update to your bedside or sofa table lamps!

If you want to incorporate brass into your home today, remember the two "S's"!  Keep is simple and keep it subtle!

Cheers! - Vee

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