Rooms of the Future

I often wonder what homes will look like in the future. Will open floor plans still be popular or will there be a shift back to smaller, separate, more personal rooms? Will stainless steel appliances still be all the rage? How about hardwood floors throughout the home? Will any rooms look different than they do today?

Here's my guess – kitchens that look like true living spaces complete with artwork and furniture items and bathrooms that are big enough to truly live up to the "room" part of it's name.

source unknown (please share if you know!)

Sure this still looks like a kitchen but look at the big mirror and library-style lamp over the sink. And though it's hard to tell, I think there is a comfy chair at the bottom of the photo. Subtle decorating touches make the kitchen look like it was considered and decorated just like any other room in the house.

And then there is this spacious bathroom from Max Mutchnik and Erik Hyman's home featured in Elle Decor. This is basically my dream bathroom. The look was inspired by a barbershop and I'm especially drawn to the large leather chair and tiny tiles on the floor. It's a masculine look but done so well. It's large and expansive and a real "room" that I would love to just lounge in.

What do you think the rooms of the future will look like?

Dancing Polka Dots

Moen is promoting a new spot resistant finish for their faucets with a commercial featuring dancing polka dots. Like another Moen commercial I really enjoyed, the graphics here are bright, clean, and simple, making for a cheery and whimsical concept. 

Below are some of my favorite moments from this 30-second spot, and you can see the entire ad here. (The song is really fun, too!)

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images via Moen/YouTube
advertising campaign by The Martin Agency

DIY Art and Must-Have Chair

This has easiest DIY artwork ever written all over it.

Graphic and oh so simple, something like this black dots artwork could be done with paint on canvas or even with black markers on nice white paper. Signing it or writing a sweet message on the side is nice but not even necessary.

The large scale looks great over the bed and since it's in the bedroom, it reminds me of a starry sky. The circle pattern is the perfect contrast with this stripe bedding, too.

Also from DwellStudio is this black ink artwork. It, too, could be a DIY project but it would require a little more effort than the dots.

The gray, white and black color palette in these photos is perfect for my bedroom. So far I have my version of Franz Kline's artwork, the gray painted furniture, a reupholstered desk chair and there is one open area of the room just waiting for something like this:

Love that chair. The pop of color would be so perfect. Add it to my wish list!

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all photos from DwellStudio

Alice Cottrell Interior Design

Designer Alice Cottrell first came to my attention through this gorgeous feature in Elle Decor.

Her own 700 sq. ft. apartment (pictured above), captured my imagination with this extra long, 16-foot sofa against one wall. I'm not sure that I would have the nerve to give this a try, but I love the risk she took in her furniture choices and layout. I've been smitten with Alice Cottrell's work ever since. 

Here is just a brief selection of some of my favorite interiors by Alice Cottrell. You can view her entire portfolio here.

Amazing, right? Hope you enjoyed this dose of design-goodness. Happy Friday!

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top image photographed by Jack Thompson via Elle Decor
all other images via Alice Cottrell Interior Design

Ornaments and Necklaces

Earlier this week I wrote about using garland to cover a ceiling. Along the same lines is this post today — ways to creatively use ornaments.

Sure these geometric paper ornaments would look nice on a tree, but what about clustering a bunch together to be a mobile in a baby's room? Or hanging them from a chandelier for a festive update for your next party? Tying them to a ribbon and draping them would look pretty on a gallery wall, too.

The ornaments are by Field Guide Design on Etsy and I just had to share another item of their's, too. Pet rock necklaces in the most beautiful packaging:

I know it's a little early but with items like these, I'm already looking forward to holiday shopping!

Garland as Room Decor

Last week I saw this garland on West Elm's website and it got me thinking -- why should garland be used only on trees?

Some garlands are so pretty, they could be used as wall decor, draping some behind a couch or a collection of garland behind (or in place of) a headboard.

And then I saw this one and got an idea.

Imagine a whole ceiling draped with this. Wouldn't that be perfect for a nursery? Much has been written about Jenna Lyons' son's nursery with it's yellow and white striped ceiling and I think the same idea applies here. Babies spend the first few months of their life lying on their back. Why not give them something fun to look at one the ceiling? The circle graphics of these garlands are nice but the best part of having them draped across the ceiling would be the movement. Imagine how pretty it would be when the window is open and a gentle wind is blowing! I would do gray walls and lots of lots of these pink and gray garlands across the ceiling in a baby girl's room. There are tons of other color options available on Etsy, too (some favorites are here and here).

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top image from West Elm, all others from Etsy
images from top:
Confetti System Garland
Fun Felt Garland by Tina Magee
Glam Scallop Garland by LePetiteFest
Pink, Gray & White Circle Paper Garland by Fabulously Homemade

Flying high with Marimekko

I just love a good design collaboration, don't you? And I especially love anything involving Marimekko. So when I heard about the latest Marimekko collaboration, I just about flipped! 

Can you imagine seeing this in the air above you?

Marimekko has partnered with Finnair (Finland's air carrier), to add their iconic prints to aircraft exteriors and design a collection of textiles and tableware featuring their signature patterns. 

Pretty perfect. Finnair says its goal is to become a "design airline" and I love this quote from the airline's CEO:

Finnair aircraft will become roving ambassadors of timeless Finnish design and creativity, giving our customers a special experience when they fly with us.

Love it! Hope to experience this design collaboration in person one day...

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images via Huffington Post