Inspirations from Nature Come to Life

Inspiration & beauty is all around us, we just need to have our eyes open so as not to miss it.  The passion of photography enables me to keep my eyes open just a little wider than they normally might be.  I started a series with some of my photographs, how I see them through my eyes & in my mind how I imagine them them being created into something fabulous.  It is a relation of an inspiration to me to a stunning space created by others.  This concept was stimulated through the wonderful series that Anne @ The City Sage does with her fabulous Outfit to Room posts. 

 Room Photo Edward Addeo (Traditional Home) 
The gorgeous living space is by: Barry Dixon   "I never tire of the helios gamut of colors. Glowing ember golds, blood oranges, and muted, winey clarets fold into one another when used together. A room in these colors is warm even before we turn up the thermostat."  The extremely talented Mr. Barry Dixon is one of the most charming and eloquent men I have had the pleasure of meeting.  Some of his inspirations come from childhood memories, his farm or his exquisite travels around the world and many other fabulous places and things he sees along the way.  Whatever might move him it’s all fabulous.

The images may mean one thing to me, another to you – the meaning isn't important, how it makes us feel and what we choose to do with it……is. Brooks & Falotico designed this refreshing beach style home in Nantucket (one I could certainly find myself residing in without any problems :)).  Introduced in the living space are "peacock" Blue Porcelain Lamps from Robert Abbey, making the relation between peacock and the space even more convincing (if there was a need to make it so) :)

 Spring time, love it and purple is a color that I associate with this warm, pleasant exciting (everything budding & blooming) time of year.  Purple is a color that is connected with wealth, power, intellect & magical abilities (what's not to love about that? :))  Purple is also the color of passion, it's complex, mysterious, tranquil, sophisticated & relaxing all at the same time. 
Room Photo from House Beautiful Designed by Jill Brinson (her website is chock full of amazing eye candy)  

Moss is definitely one of my favorite things to see, touch & be inspired by that can be found in natural setting. For it's velvety spongy texture, the depth, deep and dark, light and bright colors and beauty that I see in this natural element.  Liz Forsyth Williams inviting bedroom is an example of how I am inspired by the fun fuzzy stuff called moss and how it can translate to a beautiful space.
If you haven't checked out the super talented amazing Liz Williams Portfolio, I HIGHLY recommend you do. Her style is classic, clean with many natural elements introduced in her beautiful spaces.

If you like the concept/idea/inspirations and how they are envisioned, please consider to follow like me at Interior View on Facebook to see more.

Bookcases & Built Ins….back drop & display

Whether a bookcase, a hutch, a cabinet, or a built in, being creative with the interior is a great way to add a little pizzazz to the space and to the objects which one wishes to display.  Sometimes we might think of something simple, maybe even a tad bland in wood tones, but here are some great examples to show how using either a contrast color, a texture or a reflective surface can add life to the space to showcase precious objects or beloved books.

Complimentary colors working perfectly together.
  Martha Stewart Living 

 
Source Unknown …..anyone know?

Shades of the sea, whether a blue, grey, turquoise, or emerald, anything reminiscent of the sea, all of these colors work well.  They can be contrasted with color, or a monochromatic fashion,  paired with shades of white or even wood tones. Elizabeth Martin via Elle Decor

Steven Gambrel

Source forgotten (I inserted images awhile ago, and can’t believe I forgot the source) if anyone knows, please let me know.

House Beautiful as seen over at the super fabulous blog, Simplified Bee

Southern Accents  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy D. Morris

 

 

Green….vibrant, punchy, soothing, or a relaxing green, either way, they work well in creating the ideal setting.   John Willey

The strong contrast of the lime with the white along with the black matted framed intaglios make this arrangement sing with a burst of color making it one very happy place to be. Tobi Fairely

Shells, books and vintage sailor's shell art which are set off beautifully in creamy white and a soft pale green. Super talented Brooke Giannetti (Velvet & Linen)

Colorful & Cheerful
Photographer Michael Partenio

Neutrals….and a dark contrast….everything always looks good in black and/or a rich brown (in my opinion :)). Photographer Michael Partenio   Mary MacDonald

Reflective surfaces……mirrors & shimmering surfaces.  Mirrors are a great way to reflect more light into the room and visually expand the space. Grant Gibson  
Steven Gambrel

 

 

 

Even in small cabinets such as this one, with a silver leaf it adds a lot of sparkle.  Martha Stewart

 

 

 

 

 

Bold & Beautiful
Grass cloth paper on the walls paired with black and reds on the built ins and throughout the room add warmth. Brooke Giannetti @ Velvet & Linen

Molly Luetkemeyer of M. Design

Couldn’t you just imagine this stunning faux finish treatment by the talents of Billet Collins complimenting some beautiful china or favorite pieces?

So remember to…….. Cover Your Cases. 
Papered: a good rule of thumb is to use small repetitive prints and paisleys.  
Painted: shelves should be a deeper shade to suggest shadow and depth.

If you need assistance in figuring out what would be the best backdrop in your space for your favorite treasures, consider hiring a professional to find that perfect combination. 

ZEBRA, ZEBRA, ZEBRA…….Everywhere

Over here, over there, on top of there, under here, up there, it’s the timeless zebra print, it’s lovely and happily it’s in all places you look.
It’s in………..
THE FAMILY ROOM:
  Windsor Smith Home Collection.  Both elegant and practical, the collection is inspired by Windsor’s extensive travels.

It’s in…….
THE BEDROOM: 
 
In Darryl Carter’s D.C. Townhouse, he uses stunning antique bordello doors behind the bed which compliment the zebra patterned rug with it’s black edging across from the bed under the curved desk  ELLE DECOR

It’s in……..
THE LIVING ROOM:
  Jan Showers. Photography by Brian McWeeney.

Using a touch of a zebra pattern in a space can add a bit of whimsy, a touch of class (maybe a bit of a stretch for some) and a nice pop that most rooms can certainly use a little of.   You don’t need much, for a little bit of zebra goes a long way.

It’s in…..
THE LIBRARY/LIVING ROOM:
  Dan Carithers, Regents Park Show house; Southern Accents May/June 2008

It’s in…..
THE LIBRARY
 Alessandra Branca in this red library upholstered the walls in a rich wool paisley.  House Beautiful

It’s in…….
THE DINING ROOM : 
Ann Selke Home for Vanguard

It’s In……….
THE BATH:
Beth Haley

It’s In……….
THE POWDER ROOM:
 Canadian House and Home April 2008  photography: Angus McRitchie

It can be used on many different objects…….

On……..
THE FURNITURE:  Joe Nye, the black and white contrast nicely with cocoa-brown color of this study.  House Beautiful

On….. 
RUGS: Modern Design

On……. 
PILLOWS:

Fashion designer Monique Lhuillier’s gorgeous living room grey sofas have pillows which are covered in a zebra print by Edelman Leather  Elle Decor.

It’s on…….
STOOLS:   Paul Marra stool zebra-print cowhide  Elle Decor. 

It’s on…….
COFFEE TABLES:
  Flickr

It offers up a completely different look when mixed with an array of colors.
With PINK:    
With RED: 
BY: Miles Redd

With CHAMPAGNE, PEWTER, GOLDS, & CHOCOLATE:

Designer Patrik Lonn created a a warm bedroom using a mix of finishes, colors animal skin rug and zebra ottomans. 2009 Estee Lauder Show house, New York City, New York.

With GREY, CREAMS & SPICE:  Skye Kirby of Lillian August in Norwalk, Connecticut, uses just enough to offer up a pop in this family room with it’s lived in look.

It’s far and wide & it looks fabulous!  Don’t you agree?

Some of my favorite attention grabbing products in zebra that are small enough to inject into a space, but yet are capable of creating a big impact are: 

These benches OHT, are versatile enough to go in almost any room in the house and are one of my absolute personal favorites.
For an office, this lovely leather desk chair would make coming to work fun.  Accented w/zebra and nail head trim it’s a show stopper from OHT.

Oly Studios offers up in my opinion some of the best faux zebra products around:

Oliver Faux Zebra Mirror from Oly Studio would certainly make an impression in a foyer or look just as sharp in a powder room as shown above. 

 
Hilary bench from Oly Studio is available in a short or long version and is stunning in either length.

Sophie Lounge Chair - Oly Studio  (as seen in: Joe Nye’s Room)

WS Home offers a chocolate zebra pattern luxurious throw blended with cashmere & wool that would compliment a mix of upholstered pieces, from that comfortable reading chair, to that cozy chaise lounge in the bedroom.

Hide rugs are offered up by an abundance of sources, for one option in a dark and lighter version there is:   WS Home  Pony Hair Zebra Hide Rug

FAUX ZEBRA PILLOW stamped cowhide

There is also an array of different sources for fabrics and leathers with a zebra pattern, from silks, to velvets, to chenille, to suede, to linens and much more, here are a few options:
       

Whatever you do, have fun and do not be afraid to throw a little animal pattern into a room, especially zebra. 

Professional advise and services are always recommended when designing and putting together your space.  So if you are ready to infuse a little animal into your life and are looking for professional advise, Interior View design services can assist you.