Showing posts with label I Spy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Spy. Show all posts

December 04, 2011

I Spy: Henna Mehndi

I'm sure you've all seen the henna designs on hands before. I think they are fantastic... mystical, intriguing and sexy. I'm starting to see some of these designs pulled into interiors which gives the same
effect.
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Henna Mendi Pillow
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Henna Mendi Design CupHenna Mehndi Design Pitcher

Indian Design Henna BowlIndian Design Henna Tray

Honestly, I wish there were more options-- I couldn't find much in the way of rugs, fabrics or wallpaper. Hmmmm.... that gives me an idea.

Oh-- and if Henna and Mehndi design is something you like, but maybe don't want to bring into our home, you can EAT it! How beautiful are these cupcakes, cakes and cookies?
Henna Design Cookies
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Henna Design Cake
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Henna Design Cupcakes
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July 29, 2011

I Spy: Peacock Feathers

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This sums up why I salivate over color. I mean, I just want to EAT these colors. They are so alive. And could a peacock feather be any more sexy? So exotic and organic in shape. I'm liking what I'm a seein'.

Fabrics: 
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Are you kidding me with these rugs? Perfection.
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And for some style on the go...
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May 25, 2011

I Spy Portraits

When I see a room I like, I dissect it: I look at each individual element to figure out what exactly it is about the room that attracts me. That's where the "I Spy" posts come in. The "I Spy" posts are design elements or trends that have caught my eye. Portraits are something I see reoccurring in rooms I like. And not just any type of portrait. They all seem to have a similar look: faded, dull acrylic or oil paintings of a somewhat somber looking person, usually a woman. Am I the only one noticing this? Looks like something you'd pick up for 5 bucks at a garage sale or flea market; however, I never seem to find them. I keep wondering what would draw me to a painting of someone I don't even know. Maybe it gives a room a human element? A cozy factor? Why would someone want to hang a picture in their home of some random lady? I like the idea, love the look, I want to embrace this idea, but I just can't live with a stranger. I guess I'll have to commission some somber portraits of my friends and family.

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This last photo is of Amy Butler's house-- one of my longtime textile heros.
I'll be featuring her soon. Her house is AMAZING. You have to check it out.

April 21, 2011

I Spy Kantha: Pickstitch Ralli Quilts

Trend alert: pickstitch quilts, or traditionally called Kantha or Ralli. Kantha meaning 'running stitch', and Ralli meaning 'rags'. These layered, stitched quilts are handcrafted from women in India, Sindh, and Pakistan. I came across 3 of these quilts in the same day and quickly became enamored. I love blankets that get better over time. Like matlasse, quilts like these just get softer with each wash. These all seem to have a free spirited gypsy attitude. While I'd like to imagine grabbing one of these and a bottle of Rioja for a picnic in an olive field in southern Spain, I think a ralli would also be suited for some serious fort building and snuggling in front of the TV. Since first spying these quilts, I've spotted them at Anthropologie and Sundance Catalog. They range in price from $48 to $420. Stay tuned, looks like I might have to make a version for myself.
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Ralli Sari Quilts
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Even a folding chair. Only from Anthropologie.


March 31, 2011

I Spy Suzani

If you look hard enough at every detail in any design magazine, you'll see them. It's kind of like how if you look in every magazine design photo, you'll find fresh flowers. But I'm talking about Suzanis. I know, some of you are saying this is so 2009. But I'm just discovering them and I can't get enough. (That's what happens when you live in the midwest, it takes a while for things to hit.) Suzanis are embroidered textiles from Uzbekistan. They add that rustic appeal that makes a room look real,  and lived in, not like a staged, model home. I love how they can go in a traditional home (see first pic) as well as not so traditional. Its looks handmade and ethnic, not like something you could just pick up at Target. (Although, I did see some Suzani inspired fabric at Hobby Lobby). The genuine article can be used as upholstery, or in pillows, rugs, or wall hangings.  I also spied great suzani-inspired designs on plates, bowls, and boots (okay, maybe that's taking it a bit far, even for me!)

So, have you spied any great suzanis? Next time you are in Uzbekistan, pick one up! Or, check them out here, or on Ebay.
Suzani textiles on table
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Couch Upholstered in Suzani Textiles
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Suzani Pillow on Bed
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Suzani
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Suzani Plates
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