Thursday, February 26, 2015

Exploring Animal Prints

It seems that animal prints are here to stay, so let's explore some of the luxe uses of animal prints in interior design. Animal print decor accents force your guests to take note of the details in your home design.  Take a look at how these homeowners and designers have masterfully incorporated animal print into residential decor. 



































Toronto Residence, Image via Style at HomeSloan Mauran Interior Design, Virginia Macdonald Photography


 Image via Studio A Flo

Image via Rue Magazine


Image via Design Crisis, Erin Williamson Interior Design


Image via Houzz, Willey Designs

Image via Karina Gentinetta, Domaine, Mellissa Rufty interior design of MMR Interiors










Diane von Furstenberg's Parisienne pied-a-terre, Image via Decorators Best, InStyle

Image via Draw Interior, Elle Decor

Animal print has been around for quite some time, but can still be done in a fresh, contemporary way as demonstrated by these fantastic home designs.  I know there must be a few animal print lovers out there who already know this.  If you're a certified animal print fanatic comment below! 

If you're beginning to consider decorating with animal print, go for it, but be sure to use it minimally.  That way it's a surprising and refreshing accent, without being overwhelming.  So, go forth and conquer animal print!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Contest WINNER!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered the recent contest sponsored by Interiors by Jacquin, Revisions Design Studio, and the fantastic artist Christoff Davis!  A winner has been selected! Our winner is Ivey W. of Maryland!  If you missed out on this giveaway, don't worry, Interiors by Jacquin will feature another contest this year.  Thanks for your support and be sure to subscribe for more great interior design inspiration! 








Friday, February 20, 2015

A Global Recipe for Your Sweet Tooth - Kaiserschmarrn

Hi everyone, we're Clarissa and Diana from the blog Dogdays of Summer and we are glad to be guest posting on Interiors by Jacquin today. We're excited to show you a very traditional food from our country, Austria – in a very nontraditional way: Vegan Kaiserschmarrn. All keeping with Interiors by Jacquin's fun global recipe theme!








Austria is famous for its good and solid cuisine, so being vegan and "eating more clean" were not the most common things back in the time of emperors (="Kaiser"). But now more and more people have changed their minds and are trying a more healthy lifestyle and alternative way of eating. So we thought it would be nice to join in this changing traditional while featuring a traditional Austrian sweet with a vegan twist. Here is how to make this delicious dessert!
What you'll need: * 6 tbsp flour * 1 1/2 tbsp soy flour (don't leave that, otherwise your Kaiserschmarrn will stick to the pan) * 1 tsp baking soda * 2-3 tbsp agave nectar * 1 cup soy milk * raisins * olive oil for the pan * 3 big apples * cinnamon How to make it:
1. Mix soy milk and soy flour. Add baking soda, agave nectar, flour and raisins and stir until smooth. 2. Put the oil into a pan and let it heat. Then put the batter into the pan and bake it like pancakes (so first side one, then side two). While baking the flip side, cut the Kaiserschmarrn into pieces (normally this works with a fork, but you could also take a knife). 3. We either eat our Kaiserschmarrn with a certain plum mouse or with apple sauce. For this sauce, peel the apples, cut them into pieces and cook them at low heat (add a little bit water, if it needs more). 4. When finished with cooking, blend the apples and add cinnamon and powdered sugar to taste. 5. Serve the finished Kaiserschmarrn with confectioners' sugar and your apple sauce. Enjoy!
So, for all who are hungry: Take your pan and give this recipe a try! You will love it for sure!

P.S. The contest to win custom interior design services for 1 room in your home ends this Saturday, February 21st at 11:59pm PST.  Enter the contest here.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Stylish Celebrity Home Tours

Today we're taking you inside the homes of four talented celebrities, all with a unique eye for style and decor.  The homes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeannie Mai, Lauren Conrad, and Solange Knowles really make a style statement!





















Gwyneth Paltrow's Hamptons Home, Image via My Luscious Life, House & Garden Magazine, Eric Cahan Photography

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow's home features crisp, calming colors and classic style.  I just love the upbeat feel of her space!  This home's design is all about casual elegance, perhaps with the exception of the formal living room, which features a stunning piano as its focal point.  

Gwyneth's master bedroom (below) strikes a balance with its comfy bedding and shag carpet combined with richly hued, patterned wallpaper and high end furnishings.  

















Gwyneth Paltrow's Hamptons Home, Image via Architectural Digest, House & Garden MagazineEric Cahan Photography











Gwyneth Paltrow's Hamptons Home, newly updated living room via e-design, Image via DomaineWindsor Smith Interior Design 

I was excited to learn that Gwyneth Paltrow recently redecorated her living room utilizing an e-design service! Even celebrities are realizing the added value of choosing internet based, e-design services.  Designed by the incredibly talented Windsor Smith (Room In A Box), Gwyneth Paltrow's newly designed living room doesn't miss a beat after its stunning e-design installation.  This living room is sophisticated, elegant, and polished.

Our next celebrity is Jeannie Mai, the chic fashion stylist of Style Network's How do I Look and upbeat host of Fox's The Real talk show.  Jeannie's home is so unique!  

With the help of designer Jinnie Choi, Jeannie has combined her husband Freddy Harteis' outdoorsman perspective, with her signature luxe style quite nicely.  Get ready for the most stylishly arranged taxidermy you've ever seen! 

Jeannie Mai's Los Angeles Home, Image via Apartment Therapy, Jinnie Choi Interior Design, Monica Wang Photography

Above, we get to see a glimpse of Jeannie and her husband, Freddy Harteis of TV show The Hollywood Hunter.  Their home leads with vintage flair and rustic style with a hint of feminine luxury!  Such a creatively put together home.  I'm sure Jeannie and Freddy are quite comfortable here.


Jeannie Mai's Los Angeles Home, Image via Apartment TherapyJinnie Choi Interior Design, Monica Wang Photography


















Jeannie Mai's Los Angeles Home, Image via Apartment TherapyJinnie Choi Interior Design, Monica Wang Photography

Let's just say this is a statement wall! (above)  Whether taxidermy is your thing or not, I think we can agree that the styling is on point.  Lots of visual appeal here.  













Jeannie Mai's Los Angeles Home, Image via Apartment TherapyJinnie Choi Interior Design, Monica Wang Photography

You may know our next celebrity, Lauren Conrad, from the reality show The Hills, her fashion line Paper Crown, or any of her numerous and highly successful business ventures.  I just love her chic neutral home filled with pops of color.  Lauren's bright orange, tufted sofa is just stunning! 

LC
Lauren Conrad's Southern California Home, Image via Lauren Conrad, InStyle magazine, Kate Martindale Prop Stylist

LC
Lauren Conrad's Southern California Home, Image via Lauren ConradInStyle magazine, Kate Martindale Prop Stylist

I know we all love a fab closet and Lauren Conrad's closet - I mean dressing room - is just as fabulous as expected. Each room in Lauren's home features an unexpected pop! I'd say the bold brick wall is the unexpected element in this luxe living room (above) and the graphic zebra hide is the star of Lauren's charming closet (below).















Lauren Conrad's Southern California Home, Image via Lauren ConradInStyle magazine, Kate Martindale Prop Stylist

Last up is the beautifully eclectic Brooklyn home of singer Solange Knowles.  She happens to also be famous for her funky yet highly curated eye for style, which I happen to think is pretty awesome!  Take a look at Solange's hipster-chic home.




















Solange Knowle's Brooklyn Home, Image via Elle, Paul Costello Photography













Solange Knowle's Brooklyn Home, Image via Elle, Paul Costello Photography

I need these dishes!  Solange's dining room features a global/tribal flair that I find very attractive.  I really enjoy the depth created when mixing and matching dining sets. There are just so many layers here to engage you.  

Combining dining sets allows you to be more creative, and individual creativity is what makes your home unique and memorable.  Definitely something to try as you add variation to your plate collection or plan for your next dinner party.    






















Solange Knowle's Brooklyn Home, Image via Elle, Paul Costello Photography

Solange's artful living room is simple, yet still packed with visual interest.  Using the wainscoting to frame her gallery wall is such a nice touch.  My absolute favorite element of Solange's living room, however, has to be the reclaimed wood coffee table (above)!  If you've been following my blog, you know that decorating with reclaimed wood is one of my (many) favorite things.  

Solange Knowles is definitely a tastemaker.  I'm looking forward to seeing more of her eclectic style this year! 

Which of these celebrity style icon's home is your favorite? Did you get any new ideas for your home after seeing how these fab ladies decorated their homes?  If you're feeling inspired to give your home a new look consider Interiors by Jacquin's e-design service

P.S. The contest to win custom interior design services for 1 room in your home ends this Saturday, February 21st at 11:59pm PST.  Enter the contest here.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Giveaway in honor of NEW blog design!

Today is a great day for a GIVEAWAY!  I'm thrilled to present Interiors by Jacquin's first contest in honor of my colorful, new blog design!  I hope you like the new look and these fantastic prizes.  One lucky winner will receive a custom interior design service (e-design) for one room in their home ($350 value!) along with a 11" x 14" fine art print and a set of porcelain egg planters with wheat grass kit.  


I must thank my awesome sponsors, artist Christoff Davis and Revisons Design Studio, for their fab contributions to this giveaway.  The contest is running this week only and will end on Saturday, February 21st at 11:59pm PST. Subscribing to Interiors by Jacquin is a requirement for entry and you can earn additional entries by following our contest sponsors on social media.  All contest entries should be done through Rafflecopter.  This contest is open to entrants outside of the U.S. as well, but only U.S. residents can receive the e-design service.  Anyone can win the artwork and planters.  Don't miss your chance to WIN!  Enter here.  

Thank you for supporting Interiors by Jacquin!  Please share this contest on Facebook and Twitter.  I plan to keep the inspirational design content coming!  I will also feature some exciting global content this year.  Stay tuned for a special Austrian post this Saturday.  Have a great week!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Have a Spa Day at Home!











© UPStyled

Happy Valentine's Day!  This Valentine's Day take a bit of time to rest & relax by giving yourself a spa day at home. There are so many ways to go about it, whether you want to do a bit of advanced planning or just have an impromptu spa experience.  Here are my ideas for a relaxing spa day at home!



















© Template Designs

For today's post I've done my own spa day at home just to get the benefit of these wonderful tips I'm sharing.  Here are my six steps for a successful and relaxing home spa day. 

  1. Set a relaxing mood.  Start with a clean bathroom.  You'll already be off to an unrelaxing start otherwise.  Then, light a few of your favorite scented candles to transform your space into a tranquil environment.  Play soothing music in the background, too.  For soothing melodies, click over to the "Spa" station on Pandora radio, and for your candles, try one of Illume's luxurious candles.  The combination is sure to make for a lovely spa day and Valentine's Day weekend.
  2. Whip-up a spa-like beverage, such as fruit infused water.  I suggest infusing your water with orange slices and mint leaves, but you can try your own fresh fruit variety, as well.
  3. Prepare to pamper yourself!  Have some cucumbers on hand to give your eyes a little love. (cucumbers and orange slices would be a great infused water combination, too!)
  4. If you already have your favorite beauty and skin products at home, use those, otherwise try a natural DIY skincare recipe. You'll be surprised to find that they are often just as effective as any store bought treatment.  If natural-meets-DIY peaks your interest, get ready for the awesome DIY skincare recipes listed in #6. 
  5. Now that you have your products in place, give yourself a relaxing facial and be sure to place your cucumbers over your eyes as you wait for your mask to set. For my own home spa day, I used Syren Song Creative's Banana Creme Face Mask and I was very pleased with the results!  (My skin felt very cleansed and smooth afterward, but not dry.  It's also a natural product so you can feel good about using it on your spa day. Great face mask for dry skin!)
  6. End your spa day by taking a hot bath.  Taking a bath while waiting for your face mask to dry would be the perfect combination.  Here are a few DIY, luxury bath-time creations to enhance your home spa experience.




















© KLStyled Photos

So, this Valentine's Day remember to treat yourself, too! A home spa day is the perfect opportunity.  Have a lovely weekend and an enjoyable Valentine's Day!  

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Featured on Writing in Red Lipstick's Interview Series Today!


Happy Tuesday!  Today I'm checking in to let you know that I've been featured on the fabulous blog Writing in Red Lipstick today as part of the interview series.  The interview was great and filled with fun questions!  Not to mention, Jess Buckley, my gracious interviewer and the voice behind Writing in Red Lipstick, even included some old school photos of me from my travels in India - definitely worth stopping by to peruse the interview.  Say hi to Jess while you're there! Here's the interview!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Double the fun with twin rooms!

In preparation for home ownership I've been gathering inspiration for my future home's decor and specifications. One of the ideas I've taken to is having a twin-style guest room.  A lot of people think of a kid's room when they hear matching twin beds, but it can be done very stylishly for an adult guest room, as well.  Here's the latest of what's inspiring me.



















Image via Wit and Delight














Image via Pinterest





















Image via Coastal Living, Jean Allsopp











Image via Houzz, Elizabeth Dinkel Design


I'd love to see what's inspiring you in interior design lately! Have you found any great designs on Pinterest lately? Attach a link to your favorite interior design pin in the comments below! 

Friday, February 6, 2015

HGTV's Ellen's Design Challenge is pretty awesome!

Image via HGTV

Happy Friday!  This week I watched the second episode of HGTV's new show Ellen's Design Challenge and I was so impressed by the talent!  This show features several furniture designers all competing to win the title of Ellen's design expert and $100,000.  

All of the designers have completely different styles and approaches toward furniture design, making for a very entertaining competition.  The furniture is created in such a short amount of time (48 hours), yet is so unique and high quality.  It's really exciting to watch! The competition is only at its half way mark, so you still have time to catch this creative competition. 

Image via HGTV

This week designer Katie Stout took home the win with her bold and graphic wardrobe featuring mirrored sides.  The judges were all pleasantly surprised to find that one of the mirrored panels pops out to reveal a cubby drawer.  This piece is high on style and storage!  

I'm picking Katie as the show's season winner, so let's see what happens.  Her designs have been artistic, functional, and most importantly, memorable.  Take a look at Katie's design from the first episode of Ellen's Design Challenge (below).  I just love the whimsy of this stylish storage solution, which was inspired by the sculptural bowl on top. I would totally put this in my own home!!

Image via HGTV

If you're impressed by this piece of furniture (above), wait until you see the limited materials that it was built with! Designer Katie Sout's bar cabinet (shown above) along with Designer Tim McClellan's creation of a military campaign desk were both created - literally - out of this big, empty box below.  The designers all expected the boxes to be filled with materials, but this wood, steel, and plexi-glass box frame (below) are all the materials that were used for the furniture designs shown here.  

Image via HGTV 

Just to get you caught up, Tim McClellan's military campaign desk (shown below) was the project winner on the premiere episode of Ellen's Design Challenge.  The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the drawer shown pulls out to a carry around case with a handle, containing all of the drawer's contents, just like traditionally used in wartime.  

Image via HGTV

If you've already been watching Ellen's Design Challenge (EDC), who do you think will be the winner?  I'd love to hear your vote!  Check out Ellen's Design Challenge on Monday nights at 9pm EST, 6pm PST on HGTV. 
Have a lovely weekend! 

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Painted and patterned floor inspiration

I've come across some truly unique flooring designs that I wanted to share with you! Painting your floors a custom color or installing patterned flooring adds visual interest and personal flair to your room.  Personal flair really is what makes a space memorable!


I'll be the first to admit that what I really want is for my home to be warm and  memorable.  So, what makes the most unique and stylish homes memorable?  It's one's personal selection and collection of decor that makes one's home memorable.  Your guests will appreciate and remember your unique style if you dare to show it. 


Something tells me we can all appreciate the amazing depth the chevron wood floors add to this home (above). What a stunning space!  The patterned floors really are the star of the room!  I just love this home's simplistic attention to detail.  












































Image via Houzz, Thom Filicia Interior Design

We get another look at chevron flooring above.  The painted wood floors in this graphic black design add style and interest to this entryway.  We can see how similar patterns with different executions can give an entirely different feel.  

Creating a pattern with your wood planks or making the lines in your painted floor design thicker or thinner can transform the entire look of your room.  At the end of the post I have included some instructions for do-it-yourself floor painting, if you think you may want to try your hand at this.  These are the kind of variations that add personal flair to your home and can enhance the overall styling of your space.

Image via T MagazineChristopher Petkanas Design, Simon Watson Photography

Although it can be a nerve-racking decision, selecting bold flooring can really pay off.  Take a look at how fantastically the turquoise flooring above came out!  Yet again, these gorgeous floors are the star of the room, even in such a bold color.
























Image via Houzz, Designed by Eric Cohler

The black and white honeycomb painted floors above are anything but plain.  These graphic floors are truly memorable!


Image via Haymarket Designs, Better Homes and Gardens

Painted floors are great for kids' playrooms too. You can go all out with color to create a fun space!  Not to mention, painted floors are easy to clean and you can always repaint if the floors are ever stained.  The homeowner above created the cutest striped pattern on the floor in her dining room using acrylic latex floor paint, painters tape, and a bit of patience.   



The easiest way to instantly patterned flooring is to select a patterned tile for your floors.  Take a look at this hacienda's beautiful tile work.  With this flooring, the Spanish theme is perfected in this well-styled home.  

Image via Up to Date Interiors, Traditional Home

The last two rooms (above, below) both feature painted hard wood floors.  Most people don't think to paint hard wood, but it can be quite charming.  I really like the cheerful and whimsical look created with the combination of the painted floors with the turquoise and lime color palette.  It's just so upbeat!

Image via Up to Date Interiors, Better Homes and Gardens

Have you painted your floors before or are you considering doing so?  I'd love to hear about it!  Here are two posts featuring DIY instructions for painted floors for your home--here and here.  Have a great week!