Blush & Brass: 4 Favorites

My 'up and coming' trend radar must have been in overdrive when I reupholstered our womb chair in a light pink fabric and added brass accents to our renovated kitchen.  Suddenly that color combination is hotter than hot for both home decor and fashion wear.  Given the classic look of the current IT metal and the flattering flexibility associated with blush pinks, I suspect this combination will withstand the test of time if used in moderation.

Here are a few items that I’m currently blushing over:

One:  A gem shaped side table that’s both fancy and functional.

Two:  Softly hued wallpaper that works in either traditional or modern settings.

Three: These brassy, pointy clogs have my name written all over them.  However, their 4.5 heels bring me back to my senses.  Maybe one of you can rock them.

Four:  A sweet lamp for Zoe’s bedroom.

3 Simple Things For 2015

1. This softy hued color palette lends a sense of calm and elegance to apparel or home accessories.

2. Don't underestimate the beauty and interest of a foliage plant. Big or small, outdoors or in, leaves can add drama and life to a space. Stay tuned for a list of my favorites.

3. A suede handbag, reminiscent of the 70's is this year's 'must have' accessory and I'm creating one just for YOU!

Loving Lately: Round Mirrors

Lately I've been loving the look of round mirrors.  So much so, that I just ordered one for the kids' bathroom.  The soft curves of the reflecting glass soften a space while expanding it.  Take a look at a few examples on how the circular shape can make any wall look more interesting:

Stay tuned to see how a new round mirror transforms our children's bathroom!

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Pod Art

When it came time to unveil my latest endeavor on Debra’s lifestyle blog, she asked me to write a little something about it.  Where to begin?!

“Pod Art” is perhaps the newest expression of my love for plants.  Ever since I can remember, the happiest childhood memories revolved around them.  Whether playing with dolls on a bed of violets, watching my grandfather weave daisy crowns for me, or climbing trees to eat their fruit for what seemed like hours, these experiences forged a bond with Nature that continues to fulfill and inspire me.

Love of perennial gardening led me to create both live and dried floral arrangements for friends, boutiques, restaurants and the grandest of hotels.  Together with Debra we’ve designed, planted and sold [too many to count] original compositions for weddings, as bridal bouquets, terrariums, succulent planters, mini biospheres and even vertical gardens.

“Pod Art” evolved naturally from this.  It combines both the end AND the beginning of the growing cycles and it provides an interesting array of visual shapes and textures that allow me to wield a glue gun as a painter would his/her brush.  Foraged seeds and nuts, twigs and feathers, lichen and moss, beads and metal come painstakingly together to form unique and beautiful art.  I hope that some of you will agree with me on that...NS

It's always exciting for me to watch Natalia create art no matter what it may consist of.  I'm honored to feature her latest works, as well as reflections on her personal creative journey.

If you’re interested in buying or commissioning one of her original wall hangings, please email me at:  debra@cocoonhome.com for details.

Gifts For The Coffee Enthusiasts

Yesterday, while enjoying a late afternoon cup of joe prepared by our new coffee maker (more on that later), I came up with a few gift ideas for the coffee lovers in your life.  Take a look:

1.  Bodum's Chambord gold press

2.  A classic:  the Chemex Glass Drip Coffee maker

3.  Delonghi's drip coffee comes in an array of colors

4. A Tonx coffee membership:  fresh beans delivered weekly or monthly to your loved ones' home

5.  A homemade dark chocolate coffee ice box cake!!

6. Tom Dixon's form milk jug

7.  Heath Ceramic's 1940s design Studio Mug.