DIY Lighting

I need to start doing some more DOING and less thinking about what I need to do. I've got a million and one ideas spinning around in my head. Should I stencil my walls? Should I stencil my floors? Should I make a pelmet for my office? Yes, all these are all on the to-do list. Also on the to-do list: a DIY light. I've needed a new light fixture for my office and one for the dining room for quite a while now, but I'm not really sure exactly what I want, and the ones that I have found are pricey. I came across some pretty amazing DIY light pendants. Check out these string/hemp/yarn/jute globe pendants. I'm not sure that these are exactly what I'm thinking, but I like them. I'm worried that it will cast a weird light in my office where I really need to be able to see well.

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I fell in love with this beachy Malibu Chandelier from Serena and Lily, but it might be too small for either space, not to mention the $900 price tag. OUCH!
Although this one does look like a really easy DIY.
I love the tassel detail.

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I'm sure you've seen the turquoise similar version. And I've seen some not-so-great- DIYs of it. 

But I have to say, this one is very impressive: 

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I've also been thinking that I should try to do something with perforated sheet metal. It comes in all kinds of cool patterns. I'm thinking it would start something like this:

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And add a liner and a diffuser. Has anyone attempted to make something like this? I think perforated sheet metal is the same stuff that you use to make radiator covers. Any other great DIY light options I may have missed?

Happy Habitat Eco Throws: Recycled Cotton Blankets

I couldn't be more excited about my new Eco Throws. Soft, thick recycled cotton blankets perfectly sized for throwing over a chair or couch or for taking an afternoon snooze. Not too thin, not too heavy-- just right at 3.5 pounds. Graphic patterns are bold and add instant style. Or turn it over for a neutral look.

Recycled cotton does not mean it's made from old t-shirts from a thrift store (ewwww!) but instead from pre-consumer clippings. So those extra pieces get a new life instead of going to a landfill.

100% vegetarian. No animal used in these throws.

The Eco Throws come in 4 pattern and 4 colors: there's the Fretwork Throw which is inspired by Moroccan tiles, and Tribal Throw which is a simplified version of an ancient Arabic pattern, there's the Zigzag or Chevron Throw-- which is bold and graphic, and last is the Lattice Throw which is a square chain pattern.

The colors are Paprika, which is an orange that's a tad bit on the red side, Ochre is... well, Ochre- a deep saturated goldish yellow. The pictures don't do the Ochre justice, it's really a fantastic color and looks great with grey. Cerulean is a typical turquoise-- not too bright, no too light, not too dull. And Mushroom is a classic taupe. All patterns are paired with ivory... a slightly off-white.

Fretwork Eco Throw Blanket in Paprika

Tribal Eco Throw Blanket in Ochre

Zigzag Eco Throw Blanket in Cerulean

Lattice Eco Throw Blanket in Mushroom

Visit the SHOP to find out more.

More Moroccan Tiles

Funny how when I have something on my mind, it seems to pop up again and again. Kind of like how you hear someone's name that you haven't seen in a while, then you run into them. Anyway-- I just posted on Moroccan Tiles, and then I came across these beauties in House Beautiful. Stunning.

Tabarka Studio makes them. I love how they look aged and rustic. Here's more from their website:

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And some beautiful installations from Tabarka Studio:

Look closely at how these are pieced together, it's like a puzzle.

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Rainbow Cabinets: PINK

I've got kitchen cabinets on my mind. Probably because I really need to clean mine, and they are starting to fall apart. So, I've been dreaming of what kind of kitchen cabinets I would have if I could have new ones. I like to think in terms of 10 years down the line, am I still going to like it? Cabinets should be classic since most likely you are going to keep them for a while. And sometimes classic to me is the unexpected. A random color that isn't a trend, but just something that you really like.

With that thought, I'm starting a new series: Rainbow Cabinets where I  am challenging myself to come up with kitchen cabinets in every color of the rainbow, that I actually like. Maybe I wouldn't put it in my own house, but I can honestly say-- "that looks pretty cool".  So today, we start with PINK. I figured this would be impossible, but I can truly say these kitchens are lovely!

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Were you born in a barn?

Another great way to add architecture to your home: sliding barn doors. Functional and so cool looking. Take it up a notch and use a recycled barn door. With all the new houses being built so wide open, I think this is a perfect way to make your space a little cozier while adding a bit of interest with the hardware track and a distressed or painted door.

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I'm proud to say this beautiful home is from my neck of the woods.
I love how seamlessly the barn doors flow here.
The door almost looks like a piece of furniture,
and the track system blends in with the wood ceiling beams.

This is my good friend, Jackie's nursery. 

She installed  a barn door to separate her bedroom from her little boy's room.  

She built this herself for less than $300. So charming.

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Moroccan Tile Patterns

Moorish tile has got to be my number one inspiration for pattern. While traveling in southern Spain, I saw this tile everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean covering the outside of buildings, on the walls of basement bathrooms, and less glamourous places as well. The traditional colors are green, gold, red and blue as seen in this classic zellij pattern:

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These are a bit over the top, but so cool. 

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 I had way too much fun on this site. So many options. 

I could realistically put these anywhere:

           

             

When talking about Moroccan Tiles, I cannot leave out the fabulous Popham Design. They have some killer designs in cement tiles. I couldn't get any pics of my favorites from their website, but they are to-die-for. You must check it out. And to get a little taste, here's a few shots from the creators of Popham Design's very own Marrakesh home. W-O-W. 

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I would love to go balls out and customize a back splash in something bright but have it tiled on to a double-sided board where you could flip it over and have neutral tile on the reverse side. So depending on your mood, your kitchen can be switched up. Also great for resale value in case future home buyers don't want crazy colors on a permanent fixture such as a back splash. Has anyone ever tried this? Do you think it could work? If not, here's a simple Moroccan tiled backslash that you could live with for a long time. 

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Can't get enough? I've got more images on Pinterest.

Fabric Faves: Michael Devine

Michael Devine: do you think that's his stage name? If so, I want to change my name to Karrie Fabulous. With a name like that, he is destined to do something great, right!? Well, I'd say his fabrics are right-on. Hand-printed, and you can really see that in the texture of these prints.

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And while you are in his shop, 

make sure and check out the cool accessories. 

I SO want one of these trays!

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