Design Crew

Got a problem? Need some help? Just standing there shaking your head? Don't know what to do? You're not alone. Send us a link to photos of your design quandary and let the Desire to Inspire design crew help you .... that's you lot ... the readers! This week's problem is from Kelly.

I'd like to submit photos of the master bedroom in our new apartment for the design crew's input.  This wall is the only one that really works to put the bed on, but I'm stumped because of the windows being off-centered.  I'd like to build an upholstered headboard, but I just feel like it will look silly covering half of the window?  And I don't want to push the bed in the corner either because then either my husband or I will have to crawl across the other to get in/out of bed! I'd love some suggestions as to what I can do to balance out this wall/make the bed/headboard work!  Don't worry- new nightstands and bedding are on the agenda as well.  Thanks!

WHITE

It's the beginning of a long weekend for us Canadians (YAY!), and it's been a loooong and busy week. I cannot wait for the weekend to begin - but first, I am leaving work a bit early to get a little tattoo (YAY!). It's been a few years since I've been inked so when I heard my twin sister and co-worker wanted to go I figured I'd join in the fun. (I'll share on my page when it's healed a bit). Anyhoo, I thought you'd enjoy a couple gorgeous photos to end off the work week, care of the portfolio of photographer Edward Pond. Isn't white beautiful?

SL:ID STUDIO

SL:ID STUDIO is the California design firm of Samantha Lyman. She begins with a foundation of classical principles and integrates modern elements to create a fresh aesthetic. Although relaxed modernism is the signature of SL:ID STUDIO, Samantha is fluent in several styles and periods. Surfaces and finishes are both tactile and beautiful. The warmth of a timeless antique may soften a spare, modern space. Layered lighting anticipates the arrival of a treasured painting and comfortable furnishings. Finally, an element of humor and the unexpected lends levity to a tastefully arranged space. I love the classy but liveable spaces and the warm, neutral colour palette that seems to have so much depth. 

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Night and day

I'll start this post by saying that I would happily move into Les Interieurs' studio in Newport Beach and blissfully live amongst the stock. I adore Pamela Makin's work.  Remember this ...

from this post? I didn't think it could get any better. Well it has. New work from Les Interieurs. I think of it as night and day. Black, white and natural. Tribal, timber and art and artifact. It's just perfect. The homes today are moody and black or atmospheric and naturally neutral ... or both. Perfect.

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Monaci delle terre nere

I need to get my arse to Italy. It is SO beautiful and kind of embarrassing to be half Italian and not really having ever visited the freaking country (except once when I was 4). We heard about this home turned hotel in Sicily, Monaci delle terre nere, from the folks of Welcome Beyond and it's quintessential Italian - rustic and full of history (check out the old wine press!). The building is of historic importance and used to be owned by monks. It is set on the slopes of Mt. Etna looking over the Mediterranean. It is part of an 40-acre organic farm where we grow different varieties of fruit. We also have a vineyard and an organic vegetable garden for the guests. The restoration took about three years. We used only local materials and as little chemicals as possible and are about to get an eco-tourist certification. There are six rooms. We eventually plan to have 12 after having restored the three old stone buildings by the vineyard and the wine cellar. But this will take a little while.

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