bexcaliber: room boards, follow the yellow brick road

Emerald is Pantone's color of the year and since the announcement I have seen all sorts of beautiful green things popping up. How awesome would it be to have a delicious green couch?

I love this one from IKEA. And while it is trendy now, I could see it wearing well and being usable for years. I thought building a room around emerald would be a fun challenge and it was made easy with crisp black and white accents. A natural wooden table warms things up and a few colorful pieces add variety. The abacus print can be the jumping off point to lots of other color additions. A warm rust would work in the fall and then brighter yellows for spring. And how cool could this work at Christmas time?

Follow the yellow brick road...

Emerald Couch / Green Mirror / Golden Feather Pillow / White and grey armchair / Abstract Drawing / Diamond Curtains / Black Frame / Emerald Floral Pillow Cover / Black Rug / Library Table / Abacus Print / Yellow Lamp

bexcaliber: room boards, one fabulous green rug, two ways

I can't wait to have a nice rug in our living room one day. Apartment carpet really is the pits. Not only is it the cheapest grade but it seems to just absorb stains. Sigh.

Sometimes I internet-shop for rugs with as much fondness as I do shoes. One rug can really be the starting point to so many different spaces.  This fabulous green rug really deserved two spaces. One is more muted with exotic details and the other is punchy and eclectic.

I am really loving the combo of this graphic "fabulous" print in the gold frame. It gives importance and presence to pop art. A kind of macho leather couch is feminized with a floral painting and pretty blue accents.

This peony wallpaper is to-die-for-amazing. I would keep the accessories simple with such a statement. A Moroccan mirror and metal lamp are interesting without being too distracting, they also coordinate nicely with the feel of the rug. And a mustard pillow just seemed to compliment the soft grey couch, green rug and coral walls.

Floral Painting / Monaco Blue Love Pillow Cover / Fabulous Print / Brown Leather Sofa / Blue Lamp / Gold Frame / Green Rug

Punched Metal Lamp / Mustard Love Pillow Cover / Gold Leaf Mirror / Peony Wallpaper / Grey Sofa

bexcaliber: room boards, colorful details

So I am basing this whole room around the idea of color. I know some people are afraid of color and sometimes it can be scary but with the right base of neutrals anything is possible. I started with neutral curtains and furniture. A charcoal grey leather sofa weights the space and has a modern feel. I love this sofa. I seriously hate all that slumpy, oversized leather furniture but this is how I would do leather. I love that sleek options are now becoming more affordable and accessible.

Classic basics get an infusion of fun with a mustard side table, a knitted turquoise pouf and an assemble yourself unicorn trophy. This etsy shop has the coolest, put-together-yourself trophy heads made out of paper. They have all sorts of animals but this unicorn had the whimsy I was looking for. Another great etsy find was this brass wreath sculpture. Its geometric, delicate and light. The France artwork ties together the mishmash of colors and the red lamp was too amazing to pass up.
For pillows we have bright combinations of blue and orange and a jaunty banana pillow. "There is always money in the banana stand."

Don't be afraid of color. It makes life so fun!

France Poster / Navy Rug / White Clock / Banana Pillow / Aqua Dots Pillow Cover / Teal Starburst Pillow Cover / Red Lamp / Knitted Pouf / Cream Chair / Brass Wreath / Mustard Side Table / Cream Curtains / Leather Couch / Unicorn Trophy

bexcaliber: room board, Halloween

Its my favorite time of year. Fall. The kickoff to the holiday season. Halloween is quickly becoming one of the best holidays in my eyes. Maybe having a kid really brings out the fun. So I threw together a fun mix of spooky items to haunt your home.

I tend to like Halloween decor to be creepy and fall decor to be pretty. Fall and Halloween are two different things to consider. Do you tend to lean more towards pretty autumn colors? Or are you decking your halls ala haunted house? Since Henry is a total scared-y cat, we tend to keep it G rated but how scary would it be to have a whole flock of ravens perched in your living room or on your porch? Or this haunting image of a skeleton dancing with a victorian woman? I do love to drape spider's webs all over the place and this year might branch out to moth-eaten cloth. On the more fall side, glitter pumpkins would last you through to Thanksgiving.

We'll be decorating this weekend, to Henry's delight as he has been asking every day when we will get the "halloween things" out. And he really does love decorating.   

Skull Pillow Cover from bexcaliber
Creepy Cloth from Amazon
Glitter Pumpkins from Target
Glitter Wreath in Black from Target
Crows from Factory Direct Craft, flying and standing
Candelabra from Pottery Barn
Black and Orange Bat Garland from etsy
Skeleton Candy Bowl from Target
Skeleton Photograph "The Dance" from etsy
Skull Sculpture from etsy

bexcaliber: cosy red and blue inspiration board

Red, white and blue is a classic color combo but can verge on being too patriotic for my tastes. Warmed up with greys and a variety of wood and metal finishes and the colors can be down right inviting. Varying shades of raspberry, poppy red and coral can help soften the Americana vibe.

So am I the only one completely in love with this coffee table? Sleek glass on a natural base. The florentine mirror and leather palette pillow add luxurious texture. Animal prints and pillows keep it quirky.

Starburst Chevron in Coral and Grey from bexcaliber
Alameda Flat Weave Rug from Hattan Home
Bowl from Ferm Living
Round Florentine Mirror from Ethan Allen
Hudson Cabinet with Steel Base from Room and Board
Birshire Sofa from Vielle and Francis
Cheetah Cushion Cover from H&M
Conran Elder Chair from JcPenney
Large Abstract Painting from Jolina Anthony
Hipster Llama Quote Poster from ArcadiaGraphic
Orbit Trio Floor Lamp from Target
Mudhut Suzani Vine Window Panel from Target
Dunn Cocktail Table from Room and Board
Black Leather Palette Cushion Cover from H&M

bexcaliber: mood board, one couch, three ways

For my room inspiration this week I wanted to show how mixing up fun accessories can really change the feel of a space. I started with a basic white couch--which coincidentally I wouldn't buy as the reviews online are poor but I didn't read them until after I was done with the pictures--and a wooden side table with clean lines. The perfect blank slates.

Just by adding a few coral and turquoise pillows and a touch of cowhide, you get a delightful southwestern feel. Go for deeper tones to avoid that 1990's Taco Time feel. The modern lamp and retro planter keep it fresh while the pom pom pillows is to die for.

I love that gold has made a serious comeback and I especially love it in this playful lamp by Jonathan Adler. (P.S. JcPenney has some amazing home decor stuff these days, who would have thought?) Gold detailing on pillows warms up an otherwise stark color combo. This buffalo painting is organic and has great movement.

Mint is having a major moment these days and paired with coral it is sure to enliven any room. Varying shades within the color scheme adds depth. I love travel posters and this one for Dubai just seemed to fit. A luxurious leather clock and intricate lamp base add texture.

Luxe Three Seat Sofa from World Market
Fretwork Side Table from West Elm

Southwestern Charm:
Magical Thinking Woven Mirror from UO
Hip Haven Short Bullet Planter for UO 
Cowhide Pillows from Home Decorators Collection 
White Linen Drum Shade from Target
Threshold Ombre Lamp Base from Target
Tassel Trace Pillow from Anthropologie
Chevron Applique Pillow Cover from bexcaliber

Black, White and Gold:
Jonathan Adler Elephant Accent Lamp from JcPenney
Geometric Sleepy Buffalo from geometricink
Gold Pillows from Sukan
Black and White Lacquer Boxes from Gramercy and Co
Starburst Pillow Cover in Black and White from bexcaliber
Custom Love Print in White on Black Pillow Cover from bexcaliber

Coral and Mint:
World Travel Dubai Print from Fab
Pasha Basketwork Table Lamp from World Market
Coral Burlap Table Lamp Shade from World Market
Michael Graves Faux-Leather Mantel Clock from JcPenney
Cuddle Fleece Blanket from Nordstrom
Circles Squared Pillow Cover in Mint Chip from bexcaliber
Starburst Chevron in Midnight and Teal Pillow Cover from bexcaliber

bexcaliber: mood boards, unexpected luxury

Well it was love at first site with these tattooed ladies from artist Emily Martin over at the black apple on etsy. I loved the idea of creating an elegant but unexpected bedroom around these lovelies. And while I personally would never get a tattoo, there is something enchanting about these floral ones. Their hairstyles suggest an earlier time period so I'd like to imagine that they are usually pretty covered up with clothing and their tattoos are secrets just for them, hidden away. Unexpected art.

I stuck with a pretty neutral color palette (for me) on the amazing bed and traditional rug and curtains. But an aquamarine chair and bright orange pagoda mirror pack a punch. I seriously am crushing on this bamboo mirror. I loved these vintage deep blue side tables paired with the modern linear glass lamps. Heavier tables topped with light as air lamps, sounds good to me. And I couldn't resist this sweet elephant ring holder.

I pulled the colors for the pillows out of the citrus print, I do love a good botanical. The custom Love Print is created from Fall 2013 Pantone colors. I am digging this Linden Green paired with Deep Lichen Green. It is still bright but muted for fall and could easily transition into many other seasons.

Love Print Pillow Cover in Pantone Colors by bexcaliber on etsy
Citrus Floral Print by rifle paper company
Slam Dunk Tangerine Super Soft Pillows from Overstock
Linear Blown Glass Table Lamp from West Elm
Tangerine Pagoda Mirror from Horchow
Tess Chair in Aquamarine from Crate and Barrel
Braylin Rug from Pottery Barn
Ceramic Elephant Ring Holder from Urban Outfitters
Threshold Farrah Fretwork Curtains from Target
Tattooed Ladies Print Set from The Black Apple on etsy
Regency Linen Bed from Anthropologie
Vintage Lacquered Night Stands from Danish Modern LA

bexcaliber: mood boards, pastels with punch

So I have to say that I am loving putting these rooms together. Even just for myself. Its like doing a pretty puzzle every week.

As you have seen from my magazine article pictures, my home is really bright and colorful. I am not shy about using patterns or colors or both. I love mixing crazy finishes and tacky brass into something interesting. I am an eclectic.

This week I wanted to subdue my color scheme and go for a more pastel approach. Did you know pastels can still pack a punch? I choose this lovely, velvet seafoam couch because it is daring even though the color is soft. It was the perfect complement to my starting point, the Early Morning Print by ashleyg on etsy. The dark silhouettes of the mountains/trees really highlight the bright sunrise colors. The black is echoed and lightened in the abstract pillow's wispy greys and the grey chair. (P.S. Ikea has really been stepping it up on the chair front recently, you should check it out.) I also loved this whimsical Accordion Sea Print by thelittlecanoe, also on etsy. The colors are perfect and the two narwhals had me with their pink heart spray. I paired it with this frame from IKEA that looks kind of sea-battered and nautical. Add a wooden side table for texture and an exotic patterned rug and you're set.

Today I featured three amazing etsy shops whose overall work and aesthetic I admire. Check them out!

Abstract Pillow Covers in Black and Pink by bexcaliber on etsy 
Early Morning Print by ashleyg on etsy
Stella Floor Lamp from Urban Outfitters
Modern Wood Wall Clock by uncommon on etsy
Samode Denim/Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Dash and Albert
Accordion Sea Print by thelittlecanoe on etsy
Jallvik Frame from IKEA
Chloe Metro Living Sofe in Seafoam from Macys
Mellby Chair in Black/White from IKEA
Dru Sculpture from Haus Interior
Bentwood Side Table from West Elm

You can find all of these items on my pinterest board

bexcaliber: mood boards, retro eclectic

Now that Henry is in preschool 9 hours a week, I have rededicated myself to my etsy shop. During my summer hiatus, I relaxed, played in the sun and spent time with Henry. But now that school has started I am renewed, full of energy and ready to get back in the action.

One of my new goals is to put together mood boards creating rooms including one of my pillow cover designs. There are so many wonderful resources online and let's be honest, I love browsing the internet for pretty things. So this is going to be the perfect project for me to market my wares. Plus it will be a fun challenge to mix items from bexcaliber, etsy, and large and small retail ventures. There isn't anything better than dreaming with no budget.

 Self issued challenge extended: I accept.

So without further ado, here is the first space.

 

I was immediately taken with the beauty of this abstract painting by Linda Monfort. Her etsy shop is full of intriguing, original paintings. I used it to pull together all the colors of the mustard rug, coral and white graphic map and blue love pillow. I love a good nail head design and the Moroccan feel of this ottoman is unexpected but fun. The brass of the sculptural lamp and natural wood accents on the mirror and couch legs keep the feeling organic and lived in. A bold black and white striped pillow in a thin stripe helps bring out the vibrant dashes of pink and blue in the painting without competing with the other patterns.

Custom Love Print Pillow Cover in Peacock on Night Sky by bexcaliber from etsy

Three Hands White Storage Ottoman from Target

Cleo Table Lamp from Crate & Barrel

Abstract Painting by Linda Monfort from etsy

Andalusia Wool Dhurrie - Horizon from West Elm

Octagon Distressed Mirror by englertandenglert from etsy

Map Wall Art Print-City of Washington D.C. from etsy

Black and White Striped Pillow from Fab

Crosby Sofa from West Elm

You can find all these items also in my pinterest: bexcaliber room boards