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I received a design mail dilemma from my dear blog friend Estelle. You know Estelle. The super-funny, talented author behind one of my favorite blogs, Under a Pink Moon. Well it seems that Estelle's office was on its last leg and things weren't looking too hopeful friends. And here's the rub. Estelle shares the office with her husband so it can't be girly-girl. AND they're hopefully selling their house in the upcoming year so all the new cool stuff has to be able to come with......
But...all is not lost. There is potential in this sweet little space. And I believe it can be revived to be the inspiring office it was meant to be.
Incorporating existing pieces and Estelle's request for an earthy, bohemian vibe with a bit of color, I curated an office design that embodies "boho-chic" with an infusion of energizing hues. Turning this office into a destination NOT to be avoided. Check it:
Design Montage: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
Original photo from Estelle
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Taxidermy art that is. Is there a happy compromise for the love of taxidermy but without using (read shooting) the real thing? Another design dilemma. Let's read my letter from Kenny to see....
Problem:
"Michelle, I have been wanting to enhance our decor around our house by using wildlife artistry in the form of taxidermy. I know not all homes can pull this style off, but I believe our home has the right personality. What would be the best way to "bring in the outdoors" while not being kicked out to them, if you catch my drift. Your help would be awesome."
Solution:
Wow. That's a challenge alright. Let's face it, there is a bit of controversy over real or fake these days. And it has trickled into the taxidermy world too. :) I myself am not a big fan of the real deer heads and antlers and animals under a bell jar 'cause I think about how one got them. BUT, the trend of mixing the outdoors with interiors, rustic with modern, and collected "lodge chic" is just not letting up. Now, there is something quirky and a bit kitschy cool about adding these elements to your space in an artificial way. And it's a way that would make you and your significant other happy Kenny. Check out some examples of ways to incorporate the look inside without getting booted outside. Note no animals were harmed in these stylish settings....
AND, you're not just restricted to deer. Think about introducing the fellow brethren in the animal kingdom such as the deer's friends horse and fowl:
The key is to mix the faux animal accessories with modern elements to keep it fresh and hip. The goal is to avoid this:
NOT cute.
Send me your design questions and dilemmas for a creative, fun and modern solution.
Until next time friends...
images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
By the way, how cool is the knitted deer by Rachel Denny?! Pretty incredible if you ask me.
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Hi there. I hope everyone is having a terrific week! If not, the weekend is almost here! I want to introduce you all to a new series on the Studio Surface blog - "Design Mail". As you may know, I'm a licensed Interior Designer and this blog is a companion to my boutique interior design studio of the same name. And as I mentioned before in the post below, I strongly believe that design is part of celebrating an inspired life as design can connect us. That being said, I love talking about design to any one who will listen and imparting my "wisdom" to whoever would like a bit. Think of this new series as a bit of free design advice alright? I love educating folks about what I do and perhaps giving them a nudge in the right direction when it comes to their design needs. So it will go a bit like this: readers will email me with their design dilemmas and I will post my design solutions in a Q & A format with photo examples. Example:
Q. Michelle, I'm thinking about painting our master bedroom bright pink and my husband threatens to leave me if I do. Is there a way to compromise and sneak this color in? Or, is our marriage doomed? Thanks, Charlotte.
A. Hi Charlotte. That is a dilemma. Bright pink is a bold choice and I think it would look kick ass, but I can empathise with your husband and that he doesn't want to feel like he is waking up to a "girly" room each morning. How about sticking with a neutral backdrop such as gray or white walls with crisp white bedding, then punctuating your room with touches of black accents? Reserve the bright pink for a few decorative pillows and artwork. Add a bit of yellow or orange to round it out. Check out this example.....
Your marriage is intact and now you have an awesome room for both of you to enjoy (and just may make your marriage stronger if you get my drift, hint..hint...)
OK, so the "dilemmas" probably won't be that dramatic but you can see where I am going with this. You send design questions to my "mailbag" and I dole out tidbits of design wisdom.
Looking forward to it!!!
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