Heavy Metal-Gold

We're so often focused on the contemporary look of stainless steel that we neglect copper, bronze, gold, and nickel.   This is first in a series exploring how to incorporate other metals into your space with accessories, textiles and lighting.  Take a look at some gold examples.

Above  Williams and Sonoma's Gold Leaf Mirror will reflect the late summer sun through out your home.

The  gold in  Marcel Wander's Alice wallpaper makes the floral pattern delicate and glamorous.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams occasional table is the perfect size to fit just about anywhere.

Gold details throughout  a hotel room in St. Petersburg make the guest feel royal and grand.  Take me there....

This vintage cocktail shaker set  from Esty is a great way to get a touch of gold into your bar.

Vico Magistretti Atollo Gold Lamp. I  LOVE IT!!

The gold piano and the gold framed chairs make this room whimsical and classic.

Try working a bit of gold into your space.

Lady Luxe- A Vintage Experience

I've on many occasions driven by this store front dying to go in but in a car filled with kids kept on going.  Last week I nearly drove by again until I realized I was alone and stopped.  Lady Luxe was worth the wait.  A true vintage store owned and operated by two sisters.  It's filled with vintage clothing and antique collectibles merchandised in a fanciful way.  The sisters love the idea of fusing old with new both in the closet and in the home. While there I bought a cute billowy white blouse with gold piping and colorful butterflies on it.  A great addition to my late summer wardrobe.  Take a look at some photos of the store.

If you're in the area it's worth a stop.  Let me know what cool things you end up with!

And remember to check out Cocoon Home's Facebook page.

Its In The Details-Making Your Space Personal

No matter what your style is, it’s the details that make it unique.  Creating little vignettes or accessorizing your accessories is a great way to remember a time, a place or friend.  The above horse is wearing napkin ring around his neck.  This little detail adds glamour and sense of humor.

Shells from an winter vacation line this mantle.  The photo in the photo is of the shells collected  at the beach on the hood of a rented  jeep.  A memory twice remembered.

This could of been just a hallway but the decal makes it an experience to walk through.  Photo taken by Liz Linder for Orange Street Design Studio.

Books can be a great place to display smaller objects especially when you have kids.  If you put them a bit  higher up little hands can't get to them.

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Favorite flowers add freshness and color to a space.  In the room the mirror reflects the flowers and the detail of the molding.  Photo taken by Liz Linder for Orange Street Design Studio.

Keeping Cool

I'm not a huge fan of ceiling fans but in this heat wave, I’ve become one.  Take a look at some that are high in style and price and some that are not.  When the mercury rises any fan will do.

I love the sleek design of the Artemis Fan-$499.95.  Available in many colors and finishes, this fan can update any room while keeping it cool.

I'm going to install the Minka Air fan-$250. in my renovated master bedroom.  It's simple design and price make it a perfect fit for the space.

I like the industrial  look of  Acero ceiling fan-$349.95.   Powerful and quiet.

Below a few others that you may consider if you don't have the height for a ceiling fan or don't want to sacrifice your chandelier to air circulation.

Bed Bath and Beyond's Bionaire fan -$69.95 looks better in person and truly is silent.  It takes up little floor space while providing a nice breeze.

The Bionaire  window fan-$59.95 is not the prettiest thing but it's very effective.  I just put one in my boys' bedroom and I can't believe how well it works.

Restoration Hardware's Allaire-$99-$149 fan is a classic.

My favorite fan, the vintage Vornado.  I've had this fan for least 15 years before then it was my father's.  He painted it canary yellow per my request.  Maybe that’s when my obsession with yellow began.  Anyway, even my sitter sings its praises...It's super powerful, extremely quiet, and so retro chic.  Hope you all get some cool air.

Stepping Up

A friend sent me the link to these great step stools from Loll Designs.  They 're available in many colors and sizes and are made from recycled materials.  I'm loving the double wide...with 3 kids needing to get to the sink, the larger the stool the better.  No more fighting over who gets there first.  take a look at other fantastic Loll designs.

Love the idea of storing outdoor toys in this stylish credenza.  It also works as a bench or cocktail table.  

picket double hiback bench

This is a sweet bench.  It would really make a statement in the garden.  Fun for kids and comfortable for adults.