We Love :: White and Wood

I've been trying to make some updates around the house, mainly swapping out the heavy and dark with lighter and brighter colors, textures and fabrics. So it's no surprise that I'm in love with all things white and love the contrast against wood. Here are a few things I'm eyeing:



1. Florence Knoll Credenza via 1stdibs. 2. Ladies and Gentleman Perimeter Tray via Dwell. 3. Case Study Planters via Modernica.

We Love :: Copper

I recently saw this copper KitchenAid mixer and loved it (little did I know how expensive copper can be!) Regardless, it made me appreciate copper finishes and I found a few similar treasures for the kitchen.



1. Segno Italiano copper kitchen utensil set via Monoqi.

2. Copper Pendant light via Cibone.

3. Asahi Japanese drip coffee copper kettle via Ebay

4. Kaikado Canisters via Tortoise General Store

Rethink :: Portait Paintings

A recent T Magazine article touts the prevail of personal style and tastes over trends in interior design, and it made me realize that this is the common thread that runs through our home tours. We've certainly seen trends in our home tours, but each application is varied and suited to the specific space and personality of our subjects.

It's also another reason that I love shooting these home tours. It's opened my eyes to new ideas and new ways of looking at space, color, design and creativity, even beginning with the first home tour we featured. I developed a new appreciation for portrait paintings after seeing them at Casey's, and now have an affinity for them after seeing these:









From top to bottom. 1. via Marie Claire Maison 2. via Savvy Home 3. via Alice Gao 4. via Ethnic Cottage

We Love :: Sofas

A great sofa can serve two important functions: 1) they serve as the visual anchor and focal point of a room; and 2) it's the best invitation for your guests to sit down, relax and make themselves feel comfortable in your home. I loved Wasima's sofa (complete with her pineapple pillows!) and wanted to share a few great finds for inspiration.



1. Gus Modern Thatcher Sofa via Design Public. A great modern, clean shape with a diamond-quilt detail that makes it unique.

2. Genova Sofa via HD Buttercup. Velvet sofas - there's an innate sense of cozy and comfort in it, and a bright one like this could add a pop of color to a room.

3. Reese Sofa via Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. A great, classic shape with lean lines that can easily be incorporated into any room and decor style.

4. Livingston Sofa via West Elm. There are so many elements I love about this couch - the wingback shape, button tufting, contrast piping. Adds a lot of style while still being clean and modern.

Rethink :: Shelving

As a professional chef, I loved opening up Susan's cupboards to showcase the assortment of amazing homewares. I love that the everyday, assortment of things that you use can end up being an added design element - it's all about presentation.

I've always been a fan of open shelving (although living in California makes me nervous about what would happen in an earthquake) via SmittenStudio.



A vintage car used to store and showcase homewares via DesiretoInspire.



A lovely white hutch to showcase neutral housewares via MyLovelyThings.

We Love :: Desk Accents

I just moved into a new office and have been trying to figure out ways to add some fun and functional pieces to personalize it. Similar to homes, I love getting a glimpse into people's office space as I think it's a great reflection on their working styles and aesthetics.

In my hunt to beautify my office, here are some great office accessories I've discovered:


1. Brass Stationery Trays by Muhs Home Perfect for papers, mail, and holding all the small miscellaneous items that we use in the office.

2. Akita Tape Dispenser by Plant and Moss A concrete tape dispenser that feels a little industrial, but pops with a little copper detail.

3. Jonathan Adler Dachshund Bookends Not all office accessories need to be serious, and these JA bookends present the perfect way to add some fun.

4. Wooden Business Card Holder by Masakage Tanno Tanno is a young Japanese craftsman and this business card holder made from Japanese walnut is a classic alternative to traditional card holders.

We Love :: Clocks

As I mentioned in my home tour, the clock is one of my favorite pieces, not only because of its sentimental value but also because it's a focal point of the room. Clocks are functional but also might be the best way to dress up a bare wall. Here are some of my choices:

 
1. George Nelson Sunflower Clock via Vitra Vitra Design Museum A re-edition of the classic 1958 George Nelson clock.

2. Parsons Wall Clock via West Elm. A classic shape with bone inlay detail.

3. Industrial Iron Circle Clock via CB2. Love this minimalist, industrial clock with the brass hands.

4. George Nelson Turbine Clock via Hayneedle Another George Nelson classic in a starburst design and maybe my favorite of this lot.

Rethink :: Chairs

One of the pieces I loved most about Esther & Frank's home tour was her DIY reupholstered wingback chair. It's a project that I've always wanted to take on myself but am terrified and overwhelmed by the idea. So I applaud anyone that has successfully taken on a reupholstering project!

I also realized in going through my Pinterest board that I have an affinity for accent chairs - all shapes, sizes and especially bold prints and colors. Here are some of my favorites:

1. A modern white and pink geometric print - via an old Domino magazine cataloged on Flickr.



2. A classic Eames-inspired lounge chair and ottoman in white with a pop of color - via Marissa Waddell Interiors.



3. A vintage tufted wingback chair in a soft peach, perfect for a neutral room palette via DesignSponge.

Dia De Los Muertos

Halloween may be long gone but if you remember Johnney and Krystallin's home tour, you know that Day of the Dead style home decor can be year round (especially for the bar!).  It can be kitschy but it can also be modern, sleek and blend with most styles.  On my evening walk tonight, I even passed a neighborhood sushi spot that used skulls as patio decor.  Doing a quick search online, we found these fun items so enjoy!

1. Morelia Decanter from CrateandBarrel.com

2. Crystal Head Vodka from Bevmo.com

3. Skull Shot Glass from Bevmo.com

4. Human Skull Replica from RestorationHardware.com

We Love :: Books

Who doesn't love a good coffee table book? We love books and Casey's home tour reminded us how books can add character and color to any room and home. But aside from serving as decor, a good coffee table book should have a great cover and tempt you (or guests) to peek inside. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Chanel: Collections and Creations. Amazing archival photographs of Coco Chanel and original drawings by Karl Lagerfeld that have built this classic brand.

2. David Hockney by Paul Melia. A retrospective filled with colorful photographs showing the artistic development of one of my favorite contemporary artists, David Hockney.

3. Kinfolk Table A minimalist cookbook from the creators of Kinfolk magazine showcasing simple recipes perfect for intimate dinner parties.

4. Neutra: Complete Works Richard Neutra, a name synonymous with California modern architecture, has a cult following, but all will love this book filled with over 1,000 photographs of his inspiring work.