Stunning Geometrics in Design - Inspiration for your Home

I've spotted some really unique rooms featuring geometrics that I thought you'd enjoy too. These rooms are just so special that nearly all of them have given me new ideas of additions I'd like to add to my own home. For starters, how fabulous are these chairs!? (see below) After seeing these two beauties, I have a few furniture design ideas that I'm eager to get down on paper. Time to start sketching! 

Image via Sors.

So, these geometric iron doors are swoon worthy too! (see below) Yet again, these are just the kind of doors I can see myself adding to my home. The door's bold shapes stand out in this neutral entryway. Certainly the type of statement I can see myself making in my home. How about you?

William R. Eubanks Interior Design

Geometric patterns in design can often give a space a mod feel, like in this bold blue room. However, the possibilities are infinite. While this room features a variety of shapes, it avoids looking busy by keeping the room in a blue palette.

Image via Ratedpeople.com

And the Pietro Russo Romboidale Shelves are just stunning! I had to literally walk around my house to try to think up a place to put such a bookcase, because it's just that great. I can see myself using this as a room divider, although I must admit, I have no idea where this would go currently. My eye just dances across the geometric, triangle pattern featured on this sturdy iron, shelving unit. Love it!

Image via Criteria., Pietro Russo Romboidale Shelves

Image via Ideas Design!

There are innumerable ideas for adding graphic, geometric accent walls to your home. All you need is heavy-duty painters' tape and a vision. Take a look at this geometric wall DIY project, featured on The Projectory blog. 

Ombre Geometric Accent Wall DIY via The Projectory

Architect Michael O'Sullivan's Auckland, New Zealand home, Image via Dwell

Image via Our Urban Box, Kmart Copper Candle Holder turned vase, DIY-style!

Leo Designs, Ltd.

For my last geometric design, I'll leave you with this impactful staircase showcasing a rectangular pattern. It's simple, yet bold and goes well with the natural decor around it. This was another inspirational photo for me. Certainly a design element I'd welcome at my home.  I hope you've gotten a few ideas too! 

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At Home with Virginia Designer, Anna E. Lee

Hi Friends!  I've been under the weather this week, but I'm glad to be back today with a new edition of "Bloggers at Home" featuring Virginia designer, Anna E. Lee.  Anna's home is calming and neutral, while filled with intriguing texture and style.  This home tour is also further proof that neutral doesn't have to be boring.  Let's get to know a bit more about Anna, her home, and her personal style.  

Anna: Hey y’all!  I am so excited to be here today with you.  I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit about me and my blog, Anna E. Lee – Interior Design!  A bit about me:

I am a recent college graduate of Marymount University with a degree in Interior design and plans of someday starting my own business as an interior designer and professional organizer.  My mission for my business is for my services to bring beauty and functionality to a space while empowering the lives of those living in it. 

I started blogging in 2012 when I began my degree in interior design.  It was initially a way to impress design firms that I planned on applying to for internships and post-college jobs, however the more time I spent researching blogging, and, after seeing so many of the amazing blogs out there, I decided to change gears.  I now use my blog as a place to share my passion for interior design, organizing and empowering others.  

Jacquin: How would you describe your decorating style?

Anna: While I appreciate a range of styles I would describe my overall style as “California Chic” – a mixture of Old Hollywood glamour, Bohemian Chic, and an overall sense of easiness.  I love the layering of materials, texture, and pattern to create depth and interest to a space.  Though I enjoy the use of color, I personally prefer the color scheme of black, ivory, brown, and warm grey.  I just think they are such chic, classic colors, that you can do so much with. Sunlight, candles, and fresh-cut flowers are also a must.

Jacquin: What is your favorite décor possession?

Anna: One of my favorite décor possessions is my Verona 6-shelf World Market bookcase that my husband and I received this past year as a house-warming gift.  I had been eyeing it for a few years, with the hopes of someday bringing it into my home – so I was absolutely thrilled to get it!  Along with the quality, I love the color and lines of it.  I enjoy displaying books and special décor (i.e. pictures, pottery, & shells) on it. 

Jacquin: How was your experience decorating your home?  Did you learn anything during the process or experience any difficulty deciding your design elements?

Anna: My husband and I have had so much fun decorating our apartment, since moving into it just over a year ago.  I have to admit that I was initially a tad overwhelmed, as I didn’t want our first place to look hodgepodged however I think we’ve done a great job making it a cohesive space!  My advice for those moving into your first place is to take your time when decorating - enjoy the process of discovering your style and identifying what you really want and need.  Also, don’t be afraid to take some risks (i.e. for me – creating a gallery wall)!  

Jacquin: Where do you get your decorating inspiration from?

Anna: I find inspiration in everything - from magazines to interior designers, movies, and travel – I’m always looking!  There is a quote from Grace Coddington in regards to inspiration that I find to be so true, “always keep your eyes open.  Keep watching because whatever you see can inspire you.”

Jacquin: What one decorating tip would you give to readers at home?

Anna: Enjoy the process of decorating by taking your time and curating furniture and décor that you truly love.  Save up and buy good, quality items that are a true reflection of your style.

If you've enjoyed Anna's home tour, then you'll enjoy her blog too!  You can visit Anna's blog here.  Also, stay tuned for another great post here on Interiors by Jacquin this Saturday along with a big announcement!  Have a great day!

Smoked Salmon Mousse & Arugula Napoleon

The weekend is the perfect time to try a new recipe.  Today we're sharing a recipe with one of my FAVORITE ingredients, smoked salmon!  This recipe is compliments of our fab Food Contributor, Brooke Fedigan of Be Fed Again blog. This smoked salmon dish looks so elegant and is perfect for impressing your guests at your next get-together!  Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon Mousse & Arugula Napoleon

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (9x10 inch) sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed and cut into 12 (3 by 5 inch) rectangles
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced smoked salmon
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 Tablespoons mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallion
• 1 cup heavy cream
• parsley leaves for garnish

FOR THE PUFF PASTRY: 

Place an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place the pastry rectangles on the prepared baking sheets. Cover the pastry with another sheet of parchment paper and place another baking sheet on top for weight.  Bake for 25 minutes until golden.  Remove the top baking sheet and parchment paper.  Set aside to cool.

FOR THE SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE:  

In a food processor blend together the smoked salmon, sour cream, mascarpone cheese, hot sauce, scallion and salt and pepper to taste.  Blend the mixture until it is combined well and is smooth.  Transfer to a clean bowl. 

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks.  Add to salmon mixture, and carefully fold in until incorporated.  Transfer, very carefully trying not to deflate the mousse, to a pastry bag.

Spread a very thin layer of mousse on puff pastry to use as a "glue" for the arugula.  

Place arugula on pastry.   Pipe mousse on arugula layer. Top with another puff pastry and repeat process.  Top with third puff pastry.  Pipe a dollop of mousse on top of Napoleon, and garnish with a leaf of parsley.  

Served here with steamed asparagus and a parmesan crisp. This meal is savory and delicious. Give it a try!

Smoked Salmon Mousse & Arugula Napoleon

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Home Tour of Textile Designer Mary Catherine Folmar

I introduced you to Cotton + Quill textile company last month when I featured talented contemporary abstract artist, Liza Matthews.  Liza did a lovely collection for Cotton + Quill that you can learn more about here.  Now I have the opportunity to get to know Mary Catherine Folmar, founder and principal designer of Cotton + Quill, which I am very excited about.  I should also add that Cotton + Quill doesn't just create custom textiles, but wallpaper, stationery and trimming too.  Cotton + Quill is based in Birmingham, Alabama where Mary Catherine resides with her husband, Tyler, and three dogs, Marley, Sookie and Butters. 

Jacquin: What inspires your work?

Mary Catherine: I am inspired much from my travels abroad as well as the fashion industry and periods in time.  I love the Roaring Twenties as it was the inspiration for my Deco Collection.  I have also always been fond of Old Hollywood Regency and Palm Beach design styles and recently used these design styles as inspiration for the Regency Collection featuring whippets and garden stools surrounded by bamboo trellis work.

Jacquin: How would you describe your decorating style?

Mary Catherine: Traditional with a mix of contemporary and modern flair.  For example, we have a lot of antiques mixed with some of my more modern/graphic textiles.

Sofa upholstery (above) from the "Terrace" Collection - Cotton + Quill

Jacquin:  I really love your Regency Collection and well, all of your textile collections really!  Which of your textile patterns has been your all-time favorite so far?

Mary Catherine: That’s a tough one!  I truly love all of the patterns from the Regency Collection - I think they fit just about any home and any age.  The pattern that took me the longest and that I think is my absolute favorite is the Koi pattern - it is gorgeous in any color and can be traditional or contemporary depending on how it is used and in what hue.  You can see both my Regency Collection and Koi pattern textile below.  Also, my Shishi pattern (foo dogs) is also on the top of my list and has been a best-seller.

Mary Folmar's "Regency" Collection - Cotton + Quill

"Koi" pattern textile, Midnight - Half yard (Sateen) - Cotton + Quill 

Jacquin: What is your favorite space in your home?

Mary Catherine: I am torn between my kitchen and my breakfast area, but since they are pretty much the same space, I guess they can both be my favorite!  This space is bright and airy and where I am able to rewind from a long day or have a peaceful place to start a new day.  I love to cook, so I am often in the kitchen, and I recently refreshed my breakfast area by adding my new pendant light from Taylor Burke Home a pair of ghost chairs and a bold majestic palm.  Between the palm, flood of natural light and a view of our pool, I feel like I am in some lush, tropical getaway.

Jacquin: Tell us a bit about your process when creating textiles/textile patterns?

Mary Catherine: Every collection starts with lots and lots of research and brainstorming.  I create boards from magazine clippings, images from the web, photos I have personally taken from my travels as well as even looking to different textures in fashion, interiors and architecture.  Next comes sketching.  Once I have in mind a theme for my collection, I start sketching, first with pencil then finishing with ink.   The designs may even change during this phase and end up being a completely different type of collection.  I then make all of my sketches digital and this is where I create the repeats for all of my patterns and add color.  

When creating repeats/patterns, I have to think about how someone will use the textile design in their home on its own or with the other patterns in the collection - whether it be for draperies, upholstery or a simple pillows.  Lastly, sampling is ordered to approve scale and color and then a new collection is ready to hit the market!

Jacquin: I think it’s fantastic that you also offer hand-illustrated stationery at Cotton + Quill.  What is your favorite illustration you’ve completed this year? 

Mary Catherine: I think either the Shishi or Vogue collection would be my favorite for stationery.  They are both fun and fresh and great for any age.

             

Mary Catherine: I think either the Shishi or Vogue collection would be my favorite for stationery.  They are both fun and fresh and great for any age (See the Shishi stationery below.)

Cotton + Quill "Shishi" collection stationery

Jacquin: It can be difficult getting a business off of the ground.  I know personally that it’s a labor of love.  What advice would you give to other creative entrepreneurs out there?

           

Mary Catherine: To expect to work very very hard, and as my grandfather used to say “if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.”  That being said, I definitely think that the reward is worth all of the long hours and hard work.  It means so much more when you get to see the end result of something you have worked so hard for and have built from the ground up.  But, I didn’t build Cotton + Quill on my own - I have had an extremely supportive husband and family as well as mentors in the industry along the way that have helped me get back up when I’ve had a set back and encourage me to keep growing.

Thanks for sharing your home tour with Interiors 

by Jacquin, Mary! To learn more about Cotton + 

Quill's beautiful textile collections, please stop by 

their website here.

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7 Unique Coffered Ceilings to Inspire

I've always enjoyed the drama that coffered ceilings add to a space.  Coffers bring a rich architectural feel to your home that guests are certain to notice (and admire) when they visit.  

For those of you who may be unfamiliar, a coffer is a sunken panel in a ceiling generally formatted in series of squares.  I'm sure you'll recognize this ceiling style immediately, but did you know just how many variations there are within the realm of coffered ceilings? Here are 7 unique coffered ceilings to inspire you!

One.

Designer Kelli Ford's Southampton guest house, Veranda

Two.

Beach Style Living Room by Barrie Interior Designers & Decorators Madison Taylor

Three.

Contemporary Living Room by New York Interior Designers & Decorators Clark Gaynor Interiors

Four.

Image via Jian86

Five.

Minimalisti

Six.

Modern Living Room by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Croma Design Inc

...and Seven.

Designed by Structures Building Company, Holger Obenaus Photography

Whether your coffered ceilings are classic & traditional like in the home above or bold & unique, it really doesn't matter... coffered ceilings just can't be ignored!  If you're looking to make a statement through your home's design or just want to add an architectural feature, consider adding coffers.  Installing coffered ceilings at home might sound intimidating at first, but these DIY instructions sure make it look easy.  Here are three great resources for creating a coffered ceiling "do-it-yourself" style here, here, and here. Now I want to give it a try myself!  Who's with me?!