Cocoon Collective: Bold And Unique Jewelry Giveaway

I'm very excited to introduce  Cocoon Collective, a beautiful collection of necklaces created by Natalia Szidon of Cocoon Home Design.   Having always been drawn to bold, dramatic jewelry, Natalia decided to design her own with beads she collected in her travels through the years.  The pieces, both earthy and elegant, reflect her love for natural and organic elements.  They are meant to be the accessories one reaches for whenever stepping out in a favorite black dress or one's best fitting jeans.  I've included images of a few of my favorite designs, but please click here to view Cocoon Collective's Etsy shop.

Below you will find details on entering to win one of three giveaway necklaces.

Cocoon Collective Gift Giveaway

WIN ONE OF THE BELOW NECKLACES!

Enter to win one of the three necklaces below by leaving a comment on which one you like the most and why.  For an additional chance visit and "like" Cocoon Collective's Facebook page.  Giveaway contest deadline is Wednesday, December 21 at 6 am.

Good luck!!

FLOCKED: A Holiday Decorating Obsession

flocked wreath

  A recent purchase of a flocked wreath has my mind spinning, or shall I say obsessed, with decorating ideas.  Flocking as been around for decades but seems to be making a comeback in wallpapers, holiday decor, and sculptures.  I think our upcoming Punch Bowl Party might be a perfect place to showcase these fuzzy holiday pieces.  Take a look at my flocked finds:

 Flocking is the process of depositing many small fiber particles (called flock) onto a surface. It can also refer to the texture produced by the process, or to any material used primarily for its flocked surface. Flocking of an article can be performed for the purpose of increasing its value in terms of the tactile sensation, aesthetics, color and appearance. It can also be performed for functional reasons including insulation, slip-or-grip friction, and low reflectivity.

So, what do you think about flocking?  Does it trigger any memories of flocked Christmases past?  I do remember my nana hanging flocked poodle ornaments on her Christmas tree (wish I could get my hands on those).

Happy Decorating!

Before And After: A Basement Turns Into a Cool Hangout For Kids.

Cocoon Home Design just finished a fun project designing a basement space for 3 energetic kids and their friends.  With almost an addition 1000 sq feet making the basement area safe, functional and fun was key to expanding the every day living space for this family.  With bold colors, wall decals, a chalkboard  and even a disco ball the basement now has a whole new identity.  One that mom and dad are thrilled about.  Take a look at the before and after photos:

To see the pin board that inspired this space click here.  Whether you live in the Boston/Cambridge area or elsewhere,  Cocoon Home Design can help you attain your design goals.  For more information email debra@cocoonhome.com.

5 Cozy, Bright and Metallic Things I'm Loving Right Now

 Take a look a 5 cozy, bright and metallic items I'm loving right now.

Above: Restoration Hardware's faux fur bean bag.  Now that's cozy.

I love the hint of shimmer in  Serena and Lily's metallic suede and hemp rug.

Restoration Hardware's warm white LED starry string lights are battery powered and strung on bendable copper or silver wire so they are super easy to wrap around just about anything anywhere.  A must for this season's holiday decorating.

Metallic details make  John Robshaw's Canopy tablecloth a perfect backdrop for a Thanksgiving table setting.

Anthropologie's echoing argyles cardigan features great pattern and color.

What are you loving right now?

Out And About: Gambs Seconde Nature, Paris

I first spotted and was drawn to Gambs from across a Paris street while exploring the city on foot.  Its amazing window display and selection of vases, lighting and botanicals were spellbinding.  Only upon entering the store, did I realize that the exhibited plants weren't real.  Never had I seen such realistic faux botanicals.  Merchandised among super cool lighting and home accessories,  in avant-garde vases these botanicals were a sight to behold.  Take a look at yet another favorite Parisian retail experience:

So would you fake it (when it comes to flowers) if they looked this good?!