JPM Design: February 2010

Friday, February 19, 2010

Featured Designer: Frank Roop

Frank Roop's subtle use of color and worldly mix of furnishings in his interiors is what draws me to these spaces. Roop designs much of the furniture he uses, as well as the draperies and lampshades and he uses local artisans to do it. Roop explains, “For me, it’s not about going to design center showrooms. I’d rather support local craftsmen. I think I am one of the few designers that stick to that principle of design.” If Roop hasn’t designed it, chances are the piece is vintage or antique. All of his interiors evoke a sense of refined glamour and balance and are simply gorgeous! Take a look!

images via Frank Roop & House of Turquoise

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Room of the Day

I am loving this black and turquoise color combination! Those zebra stools are fabulous and I love the black lampshades as well. One other element that stands out in this space is the band of turquoise painted around the perimeter of the room. It helps draw you eye up and is a great detail! I believe it is repeated just above the baseboard as well.

image via House Beautiful

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

DIY Chandy

Earlier today I posted some rooms that featured the Marjorie Skouras Turquoise Empire Chandelier. I would LOVE to someday own one of these beauties, but with a price tag over $6,000 that's probably not going to happen anytime soon. That got me thinking. . . how could I create my own version of this fabulous chandelier?

All it would take is one of these:

Ikea Lerdal Chandelier

A TON of these:

Fire Mountain Gem's imitation turquoise beads

And a few of these:

Fire Mountain Gem's peridot beads

And whaalaa! You could create a chic, beaded chandelier that looks a little something like this (but in turquoise of course!)

I spy. . .

The Marjorie Skouras Turquoise Empire Chandelier!

You may or may not know that I have a soft spot in my heart for all things turquoise. Whether it's jewelry, clothing, fabric, paint, lamps, etc., I love it all! (Just imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon House of Turquoise a few months back. It was like destiny--a blog dedicated completely to turquoise interiors, what more could a girl ask for?) The moment I first spotted the Marjorie Skouras Turquoise Empire Chandelier in the first photo above from House Beautiful, I was in love. Could there be anything more perfect in this entire world?! Although this chic chandelier comes with a cool price tag of $6,900, I'm not going to let that stand in my way from one day owning a beaded turquoise beauty of my own someday. Even if I have to make one myself. . .

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Small Space Living

Living in smaller quarters requires a lot of things; planning, patience and organization, to name a few. I have lived in a teeny tiny studio apartment all the way up to a 2,000 square foot house and let me tell you, there is a lot of things you take for granted when living in a larger space! I remember moving into my studio apartment in Los Angeles and wondering 'where the hell am I going to put all my stuff?!?!'. After a little bit of careful planning and organizing, I was able to make use of spots that most people take for granted. For example, the top of the refrigerator was used for magazine storage (is this weird?!), under the bed housed baskets for sheets, towels and extra blankets. I alsokept all of my jewelry, purses, scarves and belts on hooks in the closet. These are just a couple of things I was able to do to keep my sanity, as well as an organized living space.

I recently shared with you my 'office makeover' (which was originally a linen closet.) The total size of the space is just under two square feet, but I didn't let that stop me from turning it into a functioning office. Basically the moral of my story here is that the most important thing to remember when dealing with small spaces is to MAKE EVERY INCH COUNT! Here are a few examples of spaces that are small in size, but big on style!

I think tucking a bed away into it's own little nook is a fabulous idea. It's not only space saving, but oh so cozy, as well!

via Alkemie

No formal entry? No coat closet? No problem! By adding a couple of simple hooks and a chair you can create an instant 'entry' to your home.

via design sponge

I love the idea of using a dining area to also function as an office or library.

via Houzz

By keeping the furnishings, bedding, cabinetry, and walls white and simply adding a few splashes of color, this space doesn't feel cramped at all (even though the dining table is practically in the bedroom!)

via Houzz

Utilizing furniture that can double as storage is a great space saving idea.

via BHG

Living in studio apartments can be sort of tricky. Using drapery panels to divide 'sleeping areas' apart from 'living areas' is a great way to maximize your space.

via Apartment Therapy

By concealing a table with fabric, you can use the space below for extra storage as well.

These are just a few ideas for making a small space work for you. What about you? Are there any other creative ideas for saving space that you have put to use in your home?

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with love, passion and excitement with that special someone in their lives. If not, I hope you are enjoying yourself with family or friends! Have a great day!

via Mark Lund

Friday, February 12, 2010

Romantic Retreats

In light of Valentines Day quickly approaching, I wanted to share some of my favorite romantic retreats that I have saved in my inspiration files. The bedroom is always the perfect place to turn up the heat, add touches of femininity and to create an oasis that sparks romance. Elements that can enhance the passion in the bedroom include chandeliers, faux fur, canopy beds, candlelight, and flowers. Texture is also key when trying to create a sanctuary of love. The image below is one of my favorites and just screams 'romance' to me. The texture of the brick wall, combined with the elegant chandelier, layered rugs and chabby chic furnishings, make it the perfect example of a romatic retreat!