Have a little bit of fun with it!

February 04, 2018 by Nina Neimarlija

Layers, layers, layers! They really are the hidden secret to a well made bed. And it really can be easy at 1, 2, 3! How you choose to make your bed is totally up to you and can often end up being a reflection of your personality. We like our beds made with lush fabrics, clean linens and stark cottons. We tend to love lighter color palettes but every once in a while when we find a delicious print or floral pattern.. we spice things up!

Step 1 - It's all about your foundation!

Let your personal style do the talking here with a choice of a patter or solid, perhaps in your favorite hue. For a soft and inviting feel, don't be afraid to add multiple layers here - comforter, duvet cover, bed quilt.. and most importantly, try to avoid a one and done approach. The best part about having multiple 'base' layers is that they can of course vary in fabric. Above, we've chosen to go with Bella Notte Linens for both the linen and the velvet throws. In additional to our custom silk bedskirt, the layers begin to make your bed look anything but ordinary!

Step 2 - Throw pillows are anything but optional!

This is where you can really mix colors and patterns. Often clients assume that decorative pillows must repeat a color from your quilt, duvet or comforter - and really, that's not a hard and fast rule. They absolutely can be similar but we would discourage you from purchasing the exact same color of decorative pillows. And for good reason - you can create a more interesting look by again featuring multiple fabrics. In our case, it is the type of fabric (linen and velvet) that is tying the bed all together not necessary the same color. Also try to think of colors on a gradient scale.. hues can have a subtle node to the dominant theme without being exactly like it.

Step 3 - It's all about how you put it together!

We're not afraid to take risks and we certainly don't mind having a little bit of fun when it comes to making our beds. We found these amazing Designers Guild pillow shames with the most gorgeous floral pattern we've seen in a while. Of course, we knew we had to have them but even for us they were a little bit out there. However, looking at the bed pictured above, you'd never know that was the case! The one aspect that makes these floral shams work is that they tie in our color scheme perfectly. Our decorative Bella Notte Linen pillows are able to become the center of attention with such a strong and beautiful backdrop that these shams create.

This bed in particular has luscious rosier hues that dabble in lavender. Meanwhile, our Bella Notte Linen ruffled throw is a powerful charcoal navy-gray combination that lends itself to a natural progression to the stark black shams with bright rose accents. Overall, this bed does a wonderful job of presenting a collective look by following these three easy steps! Remember, creating the perfect look for your bed is nothing to lose sleep over so make sure you select from a wide array of bedding options that allow you to dress your bed based on all your favorite indulgences!

New year, new table setting!

January 23, 2018 by Nina Neimarlija

We'll admit it - we loved the holiday season while it lasted. Everything about holiday decor is wonderful. The rich hues, the gold details and the luscious greenery that filled our center pieces..what a dreamy seen! it was But the holiday's have come and gone and we're in dreary, sun-lacking January. In a nutshell, that means we could use some freshness and airiness in our lives and one of the easiest ways to do that is to do a re-set around your home!

Now before you start thinking that this re-set will mean you have to go out and buy an entire new collection of dishware...let us change your perspective on exactly what it takes to bring newness to your dining room table.

We've always been a lover of cobalt or royal blue. That deep and rich color captivates us and happens to be one of the many reasons we also love Delft so much. As a result, we've naturally, acquired many pieces of dishware that pay homage to that perfect hue.

A key take-away from our re-set is that the pieces we pulled together to create this setting break all the rules. None of our elements are from the same company, same time period or carry the same pattern. But they are however all tied in by one common element - and in our case, that is this signature royal blue color. The repeated royal blue accent allows the setting to develop a theme - or a tie in that allows you to carry it through the setting in different ways.

Now, color is certainly one way to develop a theme but it certainly isn't the only way. A floral pattern or gold detail can also do the trick. The best way to establish what would work in your home is to open those kitchen cabinets and think about what stands out to you the most. Whatever the most common element tends to be (color, pattern, detail) that will be your formula for creating a intentionally, non-cohesive table setting.

We also recommend you take a few more pieces out then you think you'll need to set your table and then start playing. Our clients are often surprised to find out how much of an 'eye' for design they have.. and the truth is, everyone has! You won't really be able to imagine how non-cohesive pieces come together until you begin to layer them. So layer away and see what works and what doesn't! And finally, of course if you feel that your eclectic table setting is now missing a few keys pieces - you're allowed to do some shopping!

Take this opportunity to take inventory of what you already have in your home and what pieces you haven't used in a while . It's time to bring in that freshness with a bit of creativity!

Japanese beauty!

January 14, 2018 by Nina Neimarlija

This little gem is all the craze in our household and for good reason! Not only is the piece filled with layers of detail and vibrant colors but it also originates from Tajimi, Japan. Now, if you've never heard of Tajimi or what this little cozy town is known for - not to fret, we've got you covered!

Tajimi - (多治見市 Tajimi-shi) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. This city is famous for the handcrafted ceramics referred to as Mino ware. And perhaps the most popular styles are the Oribe and Seto - traditional styles of pottery that are glazed with earth tones and resemble what you would find at your local farmers market.

The most special pieces produced out of Tajimi are featured in their Museum of Modern Ceramic Art. That is where you would find pieces more along the lines of the beautiful bowl we chose to feature. The aim of these ceramics is to tell a story or highlight a notable animal, symbol or pattern.

For our specific bowl, an intricate peacock is featured throughout the outside boarder and on the inside as a focal point. In Japanese culture, peacocks represent an emblem of love, compassionate watchfulness, good will, nurturing, and kind-heartedness. Of course, finding meaning in our collectables and antiques is a common theme behind why we love most of our pieces - but it can also help to relay the story of the item itself.

Although, Japan has a rich history is ceramics, much of this remains unknown to the outside world. However, despite the city's best kept secret - each year there are multiple ceramic festivals held by the locals to increase awareness and celebrate their local art and talent.

For us, the more we learn about Tajimi - the culture, the people, the art - the more in love we fall with all of it. And that's just the thing about the pieces in your home and the item's you choose to be surrounded by - they connect you to a greater world. One that opens far beyond your little four walls. They tell the stories of other cultures, of other countries, of other people - and remaining open and embracing those aspects of the world we live in just makes sense. After all, we're all in this together. You might as well have a gorgeous bowl on your dining room table to remind you of that!