INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: A BLACK AND WHITE DANCE

Most decor falls into a primarily feminine or masculine category, and while I've seen plenty of well-mixed spaces, none have been done quite like this...

Curvy Corinthian columns welcome us to one of the sweetest living rooms this girl has ever laid her eyes on (PS, Julie from Chapman Interiors, here!). The columns are undoubtedly a feminine architectural element, and as we examine the room we find very modern (masculine) pieces floating around, mixing with relaxed slip-covers and embroidered pillows.

 

It's not always easy to mix styles when they're on the far ends of the spectrum, so why is it working so well here? Because most of the pieces are black or white - totally neutral. Contrast offers drama but also provides an underlying rhythm. The detail that made me really fall for this space? Those chalky walls had me had hello.

A modern and traditional dance continues in the kitchen with the powerful black cabinets and classic herringbone floors.  Notice how the clean palette makes the wood details and furniture really stand out? Love that.

Let's use the cues to make our own space, and I have great news about this one, 1) Because the bones are neutral they remain super flexible over the years and 2) oh-my did we find some very well-priced pieces!

We started with a modern chair set a top a natural jute rug, then introduced an archictural side table  reminding us of the columns in the inspiration home. (I'm assuming you don't have 6' corinthian columns in your home? and if you do, well then, we're all quite jealous.) Recycled glass with oversize greenery adds a garden-feel. A modern morrocan pendant with the gold peacock mirror brings in our international flair. Don't forget a striking black dresser to mix in some of the high contrast elements (whoa good price!). A few more details ( a weathered urn, wooden bowl to evoke those herringbone floors- and soft pillow) make the space complete.

Voilà. Feminine meet Modern. Modern, this is Femme. You two play nicely now.

xoxo

-Julie

*images via ara design in Australia

ETA Back To Nature By Improving Technology And Building Systems With The Wood Of Local Origin In Vancouver, Canada

Designed by Lubor Trubka Associates Architects, Lubor Trubka Associates Architects, based in Vancouver, Canada. LTA plans for specific projects and steel, but the creative passion for technology and society is to bring challenging projects that give the opportunity to promote the interests of the technical viability of building a wooden base even more.

To demonstrate the commitment of the ETA and passion to develop the culture of wooden architecture in British Columbia, they chose two completed projects and two are in phase of design and research. tree architecture, if properly designed and constructed, is not only appropriate but also very beneficial to any project size and function. This broad scope is shown in the selection of projects, ranging from the size of a mountain chalet with a private Olympic size ice arena.

MORE BANG(LES) FOR YOUR BUCK

I've already confessed to you all my maxi-dress addiction for warm weather days, but I've got another little habit that goes along with it...

Bangles!! I love one or two on their own, or layered like crazy. And since I'm such a mix and matcher, I thought I'd pull together a few of my current faves that feature a great mesh of natural materials, shining gold, lucite and punches of black... and most of them won't break the bank!

Which styles would you go for? (Yes, 'all of them' is a perfectly acceptable answer.)

*clockwise from top left: my favorite set from malene berger, a graphic mix of materials at h&m, a geometric stunner from marc jacobs, a fab little set from h&m, a perfect mix of metal and wood at f21, resin tipped wood at nordstrom, a set of plastic fantastic from topshop