Decorative Garden Party Chairs.

These chairs, designed by British artist and designer, David Le Versha are perfect accent pieces for an outdoor garden, a porch or for use at an Al Fresco Afternoon Tea Party. These colorful chairs with their loops, swirls and curls make them whimsical and interesting garden decorations. Perhaps they are not practical seating for a large family barbecue, but they would look beautiful nestled amongst some wild flowers, fragrant lavender and rosemary plants. Set the chairs at a slightly distressed white wrought iron table. In the evening, place an ivy topiary in a weather beaten terracotta pot on the table, and surround it by a few vanilla fragrance candles to punctuate this decorative furniture ensemble.  

Where? A Green Chandelier!

Every so often I run into a piece of furniture, an accessory, or a light fixture that grabs my attention, yet I have no idea where I would use it. Oftentimes it is a decorative element that "speaks to me". One such piece is this green crystal chandelier from Cyan Design. The question that goes along with this light pendant is where would I use something so elaborate? Many individuals would run away from this ornate and very unique lighting fixture. I, on the other hand, may hang it predominately over the dining table in the interior design of a slick, modern home, hotel or restaurant in Miami, for example. Similar in theory to the striped stairway runner I featured yesterday, this bright green chandelier could hang quite magnificently in a space designed with a tone on tone neutral color palette. In that case, the chandelier would be the star of the room. It would be a glimmering but bold detail. I think it is sometimes great to be bold in design. BUT I caution, it is best to be bold at the right time and in the right place with some knowledge of what the final outcome will look like. It's not for everyone and simply won't work in just any space.

Stripes!

I am often asked where I get my design ideas from. The answer is very simple. I extract ideas, creative thoughts and inspiration from all those things around me. I find inspiration in very simple things, from places I travel to, from books I read, pictures I see, stories I am told and feelings I have. I wish I could remember where I found this particular photograph. I would love to give the appropriate person credit for the stunning and very unique striped stair runner in this monochromatic room. This photograph excites me. It has sparked my creative senses and inspired me. It has fueled my appetite for colored stripes. I think  this design is absolutely wonderful.

Cast Iron Jacks.

I am not fond of excessive amounts of "things" and clutter on every table top in the house. I do, however, think fun, whimsical, decorative details placed selectively and sparingly here and there is a nice touch. I think these cast iron jacks are a delightful way to add a bit of playfulness to a room. Each weathered, antiqued, different colored jack is made of cast iron and measures just about 3"h x 4"w x 5". For just $40.00 for a group of three, they are an interesting way to spark what might be a lifeless tabletop. They may look nice tossed together on a bookshelf. I wouldn't mind seeing them as one of the few decorative details on an entry console table. They would look interesting combined in a mantle top display with other materials like a glass vase, a ceramic bowl, and/or stone abstract sculpture. Done correctly, the look could be quite dynamic and sophisticated. 

Most importantly, have fun. They certainly are.

the rules.

 I think these "signs" by SignsofVintage are simply charming. A variety of different sizes of wood are artfully painted with some great 'pops' of colors. Each hand made sign is unique and one-of-a-kind. The "Family Rules in Our House", pictured above and below, include the following rules:

"In Our House We...
Choose Happiness
Welcome Friends
Listen & Don't Judge
Are Loyal, Grateful, Sincere
Use Our Manners
Share
Smile
Have Fun
Try New Things
Respect Each Other
Smile, Laugh, Hug
Never Go To Sleep Angry
Clean Up Our Messes
Keep Our Promises
Forgive & Forget
Say I Love You"

The signs are available at the SignsofVintage store at Etsy.com