Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Modern Sofa Guide


Finding the perfect modern sofa for your style can take time and patience with there being so many options out there. Here are some of the more unique sofas I have my eye on right now. These chic sofas have contemporary lines and major appeal for the design lover! 


Friday, April 21, 2017

Eclectic Home Tour featuring Kate Reid of KROMA by Kate


Today we head to the UK to tour the home of illustrator and all around creative, Kate Reid of Kroma by Kate. Kate's creative brand Kroma by Kate has recently been expanded to include surface design and fashion and even more to come. Her eclectic home serves as an influence for her artistry and creative career. Here's our recent chat on home decorating and being a creative entrepreneur!

Jacquin: Hi Kate! How would you describe your artistry?

Kate: I have always had a thing for colour and after graduating as an Illustrator, I became fond of the idea of branding myself so that I could explore more creative outcomes under one name. So, my roots are within illustration and painting, but I tend to branch out to surface design and textiles too. I enjoy working in pen and ink as well as paper collage. I try to balance using older techniques such as screen printing with keeping up with the digital age!


Jacquin: Tell us about your new collection! What was your inspiration? What was your process for creating this collection?

Kate: My newest collection is based around fashion styling and trends using bold motifs and pattern. The collection will include silk scarves, sweatshirts and t-shirts. I am also working on some new limited edition screen prints. I feel that this collection, much like most of my work, combines both modern and nostalgic elements.

Jacquin: I love that you and your husband are both creative types (with your husband working on screen printing, sign writing and more). Have you two had the opportunity to collaborate on any creative projects? What future creative project would be on your bucket list together?

Kate: Thank you! Our biggest collaboration was probably designing all our stationery for our wedding last year. It was so fun to work together, Joff doing the typography and screen printing, and I chose the colours and layouts. I think we make a good creative team. We've spoken about collaborating again sometime soon!



Jacquin: How has your experience been decorating your home as newlyweds so far? What has been your favorite home décor DIY up to this point?

Kate: We love our little space and decorating it has been all the fun. I think our most successful and favorite DIY project has to be our contact-paper marble kitchen cabinets (shown above). If, like us, you rent and need a way to modernise, this is so easy and makes a huge overall difference to your space. We've really loved filling our home with our personal items and making it both comfortable and cozy.


Jacquin: Where do you like to get your creative work done? What makes a great environment for you to be creative?

Kate: I share a home studio with my husband Joff, which is where we do all our creating. It's been great to share with another creative (I had my own studio for 2 years) because you can bounce ideas off one another and always have a second opinion on hand if needed. Freelancing can also get pretty lonely so, when we can, we tend to do weekend studio days so that we can work together. 

A great environment for me to be inspired is one filled with all my work and inspiration. I tend to always have a pin board filled with visuals above my computer as well as any little ornaments or colour palettes close by. I like to see all my things on display! I guess you could call it organized mess but the more colour, the better! - The colours that inspire me the most tend to be pastels and I love little inspiring quotes and messages. I also fill my spaces with lots of plants!

Jacquin: What is your favorite space in your home?

Kate: I am always changing my mind on my favorite space but currently, it is our bedroom. Out of all the rooms in our apartment, it has the least colour but is so calming and tranquil. I think it makes a change for me who is normally drawn to bolder pattern and colour palettes. Joff chose the design and decor for this room which is probably another reason why I love it!


Jacquin: What is inspiring you creatively right now?

Kate: At the moment, with summer approaching in the UK, I am really enjoying the "laid back surf vibes" and bohemian textures mixed with muddy pastel colours. My pinterest shows all of my current inspiration. Trends really inspire my illustrations whether that be fashion or interiors. Here's a few things and creative people I am loving right now...


Thursday, April 20, 2017

Artist Spotlight: Greg Irvine's globally inspired paintings

Balinese Interior with Green Shutters, Gauche on paper, Greg Irvine

Artist Greg Irvine is the creator of vibrant paintings capturing scenes from his travels across the globe. Irvine's works are known for being boldly colorful and meticulously detailed and have won multiple awards from the art community. He also happens to be a fierce admirer of antiques, patterns, and exotic textiles which really comes out in his paintings of global interiors. In Irvine's paintings you'll find that textiles and patterns are painstakingly recreated with a healthy dose of whimsy, which I absolutely love. While Greg Irvine's multi-decade career has been based in Australia, his artwork is loved internationally.

Grey Palace Kolkata - Part 2, Oil on canvas, Greg Irvine

Indian Garden with Saffron Shutters, Oil on canvas, Greg Irvine

If the artwork of Greg Irvine has captured your attention and imagination, you'll truly be amazed by his South Melbourne, Australia home tour featured on The Design Files. Irvine's home is a haven of global antiques and creativity, providing constant inspiration for his paintings. The Design Files also has an impressive video of Greg Irvine's home tour that you will not want to miss.

Balinese Tropical Outdoor Setting, Gauche on paper, Greg Irvine



Cuban Interior with Portuguese Tiles, Oil on canvas, Greg Irvine

Greg Irvine shares images from his sketchbook and more on his Instagram page so if you're a fan of his artwork you'll definitely want to follow him on Instagram, as well. To inquire about purchasing his artwork head over to Greg Irvine's website

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Indoor garden vibes... Space saving tips for plant lovers


I'm proud to say that I'm slowly, but surely developing my green thumb and knowledge of plants and flowers. A few things I've learned is that the world of plants is quite vast, and that plants and flowers can really add to my at-home experience. While I only own a few plants right now, my goal is to surround myself with gorgeous greenery at home... executed tastefully and with style of course! 

In honor of my botanical goals, here are some of my favorite interiors giving major indoor garden vibes. I've even included 6 great ideas for making potted plants work for you at home!

Idea #1: Cluster your potted plants in an empty corner of your home to maximize space. Using small side tables of varying heights will create great visual interest and allow you to see all of your plants at once. 

Image via Behance

Idea #2: You can never go wrong with symmetry! Choose two matching potted plants and place them across from one another for an upscale look like in this stunning Atlanta home.

Image via Atlanta Homes
Idea #3: If you're tight on space, choosing just one great oversized plant will go a long way. And you'll love the pop of green it adds to your space!

Image via Studio McGee


Idea #4: Try creating a stylish plant cart to maximize the look of your plants when styled together. This is a space saving idea that's also really attractive. Just purchase your favorite bar cart and then fill it with your favorite potted plants!

Image via Pinterest

Idea #5: Another unique way to style several plants together is to hang them from a garment rack. I love the look this creates with the plants hanging at different heights and it's an unexpected use of a garment rack!


(Left) Image via Kmart (Right) Image via Pinterest

Idea #6: This last idea is great for someone with a bit more space. Try filling an entire bookcase with potted plants like shown above. The results are a breath of fresh air... literally!


Plants in a space really make everything better. Trust me!

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Bloggers at Home: featuring Brit Pierce of House Updated

New home tour alert! Today we're touring the chic and relaxed home of Brit Pierce, founder of blog House Updated. Brit's home decorating is all about soft neutrals, while using black decor elements to add a touch of upscale sophistication. While you peruse this home tour, lookout for the pops of black paint and decor she uses in several rooms of her home (LOVE!) and see if you can catch all of the gorgeous, textured fabrics used. Brit successfully achieves a home that is warm, welcoming, and approachable while still being stylish, which I'd say is a decorating win!


Jacquin: I love the fresh feel of your home! What did you set out to achieve when decorating you home?

Brit: I really set out to achieve a home that felt comfortable for our family and our friends. We entertain a lot and I wanted everything to be open, kid-friendly, and a perfect place for fun.



Jacquin: What is your favorite thing about being at home?

Brit: Hands down it is spending time with my family in a way that is easy and fun for all of us. Creating an open concept home allows us to be together often and you can usually find us gathered around the kitchen island. Eating... and talking A LOT. :-)


Jacquin: How was your decorating experience? What was the most difficult part? What was most rewarding?

Brit: I’ve enjoyed decorating our home but the most difficult part is committing! There are so many wonderful design options out there that picking just one lamp or just one chair can feel overwhelming. But, by far the most rewarding part is to see everything come together in the end and just enjoy the finished product.



Jacquin: Do you have any changes you'd still like to make to your home or any other projects you'd like to undertake?

Brit: I’m always changing our home! This year I’m hoping to tackle some bathroom projects, update our living room, and another big one is to take our untouched office and bring it into this century. I like to mix big remodels and smaller decorating projects throughout the year to keep me motivated and enjoying our house progress.


Jacquin: What design element in your home do you thing made the biggest design impact?

Brit: I think the design element that has made the biggest design impact is starting with neutral spaces everywhere and layering on top of that. All our walls are white or light gray (except my daughter’s room is a pale pink) but in every space we’ve added a lot of texture and color on top of the neutral base to keep things interesting. This allows for easy changes but also makes all the spaces seem cohesive and clean.

Head over to House Updated to learn more Brit, her home, and her passion for DIY! Have a lovely weekend!