The Perfectly Imperfect World Of Wabi-Sabi

I recently attended a Sherwin Williams color forecast seminar. They spoke about what trends we will see in 2018 and what influenced them. Sincerity, unity and connectivity were the three topics of discussion. Some of 2018's trends were based upon silence, Instagram, treasuring your flaws, revamping our sense of community, techies being the new hippies, productivity and environmentalism. Thought provoking and moving as they were, the topic of finding beauty in the imperfect was what stood out to me the most.  How a hyper-local approach allows us to connect with our roots in a sustainable way. They spoke about the world of Wabi-Sabi. It's not the fiery paste that ignites a storm in your nostrils, but a decorating style and way of life. Wabi-Sabi interiors favor a more minimal approach and sees the beauty in timeworn treasures. There is a mutual respect for natural objects which can overlap into our everyday lives. The way one thinks, works and the mindset of becoming increasingly unencumbered. For example clearing the clutter from your home. The more clutter the more one feels distracted from whatever calm your home provides. The Wabi- Sabi approach teaches one to simplify, don't buy what you don't need and take time to block out noise and technology. This approach does not have time for the over-stressed consumer culture.Wabi-Sabi tends to lean into minimalism. In an intentionally modest way, but not in a stark way. One can appreciate the flaw and injured in the Wabi-Sabi thinking. Go ahead and be conscious of a room's unwitting flawlessness. Enjoy the imperfections of your grandparents rich oak dining table, or a crack in vase that makes it more interesting, giving it a greater meditative value. The quirks that can arise in the construction of an object add to it's uniqueness and beauty according to the Wabi-Sabi way. Its patina or visible repairs heighten the love of a space. If you find yourself in favor of this style, then earthy tones is the best way to go. Browns, greens and grey colors with worn unfinished, imperfectly shaped pieces will fit perfectly with the Wabi-Sabi concept. Look for natural handmade fabrics and accessories. Natural stone, clay and wood become interesting in a Wabi-Sabi space as they exhibit changes that can be observed over time. Remember this style  is not a shabby chic . These pieces are not intentionally distressed to look antique they are pieces that have evolved over a natural cycle of growth.  I'm also in favor of letting filtered light permeate our homes. Too much harsh light doesn't give one lift one's mood and general well-being as much as filtered light. A Wabi-Sabi aesthetic is big on hanging thin, gauzy curtains inside.With all that said go ahead and look at some ideas below and get inspired!         

Boring Nightstands Are Out!

A ring without a diamond and a beach without sand is like a bed without a nightstand. Without one, its beauty fades and silently begs for the other to return. In the past a nightstand was defined as a piece of furniture sold in two’s, was a fairly small boring table, and featured drawers. Thank goodness trends restyle and they have been transformed into an elegant focal point that can reflect your design aesthetic.

By your side when butterfly kisses softly close your lids to the awaking of a new day,  today I want to give these beauties the love and attention they deserve. I know it may be difficult to find a nightstand combo that has the look, function and scale you need. You may wish that there was some sort of algorithm on the internet that could ship you the perfect set. This is where I want to help. Below you’ll find a few of our past bedroom installations that will help inspire you. I have also incorporated a few bedside tables you can click on and purchase on your own. Creating a balanced look,  these bedside tables will make your sanctuary appear cleaner, more put together and stylish.

Having two different bedside tables can look stylish. Mixing elements is the key to mismatching utopia. Two different tables can give a room a more eclectic vibe. If you go for two different styles make sure there is a cohesiveness so that they don’t look too random or implausible.

     

You don't have room for 2 bedside tables!  No problem!! Choose 1 to go in the middle of like the bedroom below. Make sure to choose one with a little more storage space like a three-drawer table that allows for clutter-free storage.

  

Metal bedside tables can play many roles in a space. They can play the leading role with their unique details and large presence or stay quietly pretty while holding a great read and glass of wine.

An ode to modern architecture, the metal base side table demonstrates perfect simplicity and clarity of form.

   

AND lastly here are a few of my favorite standout bedside tables that can add a little interest to your bedroom space..

    Photo- Oly Studio

 Gabby Home- Sloan Waterfall Table

   

Shop This Mid-Century Modern Living Room

  

Click on the items below to see pricing and availability:

             

Was That A Pumpkin That Just Fell On My Head? ~Fall Home Decor 2017~

As I was mirthfully walking down the isle of my favorite home décor stores when I was stopped dead in my tracks by the site of brightly painted pumpkins. Yes, that is what I said, pumpkins! The vision of the plastic, pulp free robust symbols of the upcoming holidays got me thinking of Fall. Believe it or not, it’s just around the corner and I’m setting my sights on what hues and home design trends are about make their presence felt. When the weather makes a shift (a slight one for those of us here in Florida), you can make a few modifications to your home as well. There are a lot of trends that are really beautiful, but not everyone wants or needs to give their home a complete makeover. I can show you a few  and easy ways to transition your home to the look of fall 2017.

Velvet!

The beauty in velvet is its ability to speak. It should have an elegant soft voice that’s heard, without over powering the conversation. It’s important to choose one show stopping upholstery fabric and velvet may just be your ticket! The fabric feels luxurious and welcoming for fall. When combined with smooth metals and natural textures it adds visual interest and palpable alleviation. If you don’t have the budget for an upholstered sofa add a velvet throw or accent pillows instead! 

Blush

I am lovingeverything blush! From vintage glassware and bedding to my Sunday Brunch’s eye shadow, this refreshing color speaks of youth and femininity. If you’re not the frilly type popping a blush throw or frame into a space is less serious, and overwhelming.  By coordinating blush with elements and materials found in nature you can create a more contemporary edge and looks stunning mixed with stone and marble. If you are looking for a more ethereal look you can create a space that's monochromatic. No matter how you choose to add this gorgeous color into your space it will certainly keep you blushing.I’m asked what colors look best with blush from time to time. I say it looks great with greys or warm neutrals, and fresh when paired with rose gold metallic or trendy copper. Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate the color blush into your home's decor. 

Classic White

Hardly boring, neutral white can virtually go with everything and anything. From glossy to chalky it’s a calm and cool vibe that I love! White adds an inherent easiness to any space it graces. It fits seamlessly into any design scheme or style. I love how crisp white walls can bring a modern edge to a room’s vintage stylings or how a white accessory can pop against a dark wood toned console table. 

Furniture & Accessories That Double As Art

Art is taking center stage this fall. It’s no longer an afterthought or left as the last part of the puzzle. People will be basing their entire rooms around it and I’m not just talking about the art you hang on your walls. I’m talking about furniture and accessories that double as art. We will see interiors that are anchored not only by art but artful design pieces. 

50 Shades Of Blue

Did you know that there are over 50 shades of the color blue? From the lightest icy shade of  "Alice Blue" to one of the richest, 100% saturated "Oxford Blue",  this magnificent color stays sincere and honest. The color blue commands a room and without being fussy or confrontational.  It's like a best friend that is giving and honors the quality of a great friendship. Lighter hues can inspire relaxation and calmness to a bedroom. Crisp darker hues can add an immediate crispness to a room while blue stripes add layers and richness to a room. I love the classic combination of blue and white. It's like wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans, it never goes out of style. The mixture of the two colors can be dressed up or down. When compared to black and white it can be more welcoming, maybe a little more likable, some may say.

     Blue is the #1 favorite color of all people. From shades of the ethereal sky to the coolness of the waters edge the color blue can bring a beauty to your home.  From drapery to area rugs here are a few ways you can incorporate blue into your home's decor and a few of my favorite designs from Beasley & Henley. 

ZGallerie                 Houzz                 One Kings Lane                 Wayfair              CB2                 Layla Grayce               Horchow

      

How To Design Your Dream Dining Room

An inviting dining space is a home essential and chances are it’s one room in your home that could use a little attention. It’s not only about function, but a little fashion as well. It’s much more than just eating. It should be about the ambiance people feel when they dine in your home. A space where family and friends make time to share their lives. A place where a little drama may erupt in conversation or a place where a little drama can be felt within the décor. Your table is the anchor of the room and the surrounding chairs are just as important.  You want a table set that looks great, serves your dining needs and will last a long time. It’s important to take the time to select the right table for your room’s size and purpose. If you’re looking to go smaller or for great conversation and social gatherings, a round table is a great option. If you’re looking to go larger, a rectangular is popular choice. Most importantly don’t forget to confirm your dining room’s available space before making any table purchases. “Measure and measure again to before falling in love with a table that just won’t work.   It’s fun to add an eclectic mix of chairs to your dining space and a great way to add your own personal style. Make sure they are the right height for your table before falling in love with them!  I also love the look of a bench. So often in a dining space we think of individual chairs as our only choice. A bench with a medley of chairs works for any style of dining space from formal to casual, traditional to transitional. You can also cozy up to your favorite person and squeeze in a few more people during the holidays.  Plan for beautiful lighting in your dining room. Include that uniquely gorgeous chandelier you have been eyeing for a while now. The right fixture can do your space a major favour and exhibit your personal style. It can easily contribute to mood and functionality of the room. A light fixture is like a beautiful piece of jewelry that’s enjoyed from a far. It can be more adventurous because no one’s touching these hanging works of art. Your chandelier can act as the sculptural element in your dining room. It can create the exact mood in which you choose to feel in the space. Don’t forget to consider the diameter and height in which you choose to have your chandelier hung when redecorating the space.     

Ways To Infuse Orange Into Your Home Décor This FAll

Marking the beginning of Fall, pumpkin spiced lattes have made their presence in our favorite coffee shops and fall festivals have begun with their variety of fun filled activities. The shades of Fall such as orange, yellow and brown make for bewitching accents for the home. This week I want to focus on how the happy color orange can be introduced into your home decor and how its many flavors can bring warmth and energy into a space. Physically, this flamboyant color stimulates activity and socialization. It's time to inject a little fun into your life, don't you think? In home decor, it can revitalize and refresh a room in the most attractive way. Playfully dramatic, orange can wake you up in the morning, draw attention to a space or act as the star, making it the focal point to a room.  If your not ready to take the full "orange" plunge, introducing a piece of artwork, bedding, lamp or  pillows will add a surprising splash of color your room craves to have. The brightly colored hue of orange makes for a great contrast to neutral furnishings. It won't be a overpowering, but can still be beautiful. Today we appreciate orange in all its varying shades and the spark of energy it can add to a home. Let's commemorate it in your home and allow this versatile color to bring an uplifting mood. Let us inspire you with the many ways our design team incorporated orange into their designs. Enjoy the photos as we say cheers with our pumpkin lattes in hand.  

The Safe Whisperer ~Enchanting Secrets Preserved In A Jewel

In order to preserve ones treasures & enchanting secrets, Boca do Lobo designed safes to secure them. Art for your home, each one has a personality of its own. They've been materialized into pieces of artwork for your home or office. With inspiring details, their mere presence creates a fascinating world of their own.  Some of their safes are inspired by the great artistic movement- surrealism. They not only guarantee the preservation of your most valued possessions, but exude confidence and validity. Several of Boca do Lobo's treasures contain watch winders and cigar humidors. They're unique flavor materializes into beauty and function in the most poetic way. I believe these safes have become more personal. They've reached a point where the unique functionality embodies pure luxury in a life well lived. Answering the question- "What is luxury"   may be more complex than one knows, but I believe these safes are works of art. The're undeniable unique and give one pleasure by their mere presence. They're not just objects in your home. They are an experience, a journey per say. They lend themselves to craftsmanship that will evoke feelings inside us all.Jorge Canete, the founder of Boca do Lobo was once quoted saying "I strongly believe in encounters; encounters with clients, with artists, with brand and with places. I love my job because each time we can write a new story". Then there's the talented Marco Coasta,  Boca's head of design who stated "I believe that society is getting tired of industrial processes and mass production, my fight is to change this “way of living” from everyone." I am in agreement with both of their beliefs. I love my job and the weekly encounters the interior design field brings into my life. The places we've been inspires us to reach beyond the conventional home decor. Our Beasley & Henley team is always on the search for ways to bring more value and interest to a space. We enjoy desiging each clients home with a story in mind. A sweet story of beauty in a voice that speaks to them in the most beautiful way.Below are a few of my favorite safes  coupled with a sprinkled of Boca's cabinet designs that I have a slight love affair with...

Dali Safe

The Millionaire

 

Baron

Cream Diamond

Oporto

Piccadilly

Dom Heritage

Pixel

Modern Gold For Your Home: How Fall In Love With A Little Gold In Your Home

When I talk about the gold trend there are some that may feel a slight jolt from the 1980's. As designers we don't see it that way and I want you to see and feel the sophistication and glamour it could bring to your home. Unlike the 80's,  today's gold trend is more about style and less about the "bling". I have to admit, I have a reinvigorated love affair with a touch of gold.  When used correctly the gold trend can be quite flexible and endearing. It can be used as a stunning focal point, such as a coffee table, chandelier or piece of artwork. When incorporated into your accessories the richness in tones can enhance the simplicity of a space. It's my job to incorporate this trend into a clients home in a timeless way. In a way that will hold its value and remain engaging for seasons to come.I believe what a multi layered statement necklace does for a simple white dress, a gold piece of furniture or accessory will do for your home. It will provide style, evoke a feeling and respond to you on a personal level. When it comes to gold decor look for pieces with personality. If the pieces could talk what would you want them to say? Keep them interesting, light and fun. Allow them to add shine to your space, wake up a neutral backdrop or even compliment brights. I do believe they should come with a little warning sign that reads,  "Please Distribute Carefully  In Your Home." There is an art to striking the right balance and gold furniture in access can awaken your senses in a way that is not ascetically pleasing. The trick is to mix them with softer textures to balance them out. Here are a few ways Beasley & Henley Interior Design has incorporated the ever so appealing "gold" trend into our clients homes:

Here we added gold to this gorgeous home in Naples Florida. We've incorporated this timeless trend with a brushed gold cocktail table, side table, foyer light fixture and wall accessory. 

 

A cocktail table and wall sconces were chosen to add a little glamour to this home.

   

A polished chandelier was incorporated into this guest suite to add a touch of interest to the space.

We chose gold mosaic tiles to embrace the refined look of the bar in this luxurious home. The gold compliments the marble top beautifully.

Here are a few of our favorite home decor pieces from Inside Avenue Home Decor:

I am loving the gold accented legs of these bar stools, console table and chandeliers  from Lexington Home.

Spring 2016 Color Report- Pantone Color Of The Year

Harmonious and softly mindful are Pantone's colors of the year: Rose Quartz & Serenity.  Their gorgeous pairing bring a refreshing feel to one's home and I feel it's a nice departure from last years rich color, Marsala. They dance to a song of equality and peace. A beautiful story of well being can be told with these calming colors, in this uncertain world. Rose Quartz & Serenity give off a hint of whimsy. A magical being of sorts, created from sweetness and fairy tales. I see these colors working seamlessly not only in home decor, but in fashion and beauty products as well.

SERENITY

I love the color blue! It's been my favorite color from the moment I could feel the beauty in colors.  I love the blue of Key West, hydrangea blooms and my favorite blue jumpsuit with golden zipper details . I think of all that's good in the world when I think of the color blue. It brings a sense of peace and serenity to a mind that stays in constant motion. Pantone's light blue is like a cashmere blanket on a Fall's day. It can bring warmth and serenity to a space with its appearance. Once you acknowledge this pretty shade in a space you can truly appreciate its beauty.      

Rose Quartz

The color pink reminds me of sweet lullabies, cotton candy and pink lip gloss. It's an antidote to the stresses of life. I can see this compassionate color being used in a nursery a serene painting or a few well played accessories . Airy and light, I can see Rose Quartz in both modern or glamours spaces.  Appealing in many finishes this relaxing color can be surprisingly sophisticated and livable. I can see Rose Quartz paired with many colors. I can see it paired with cream, black, gray, teal, burgundy, taup or shade of metallic. 

The occasional chairs are adorned in a rose quartz fabric. The designer at Beasley & Henley Interior Design incorporated serenity into the stripe of the drapes.

Rose Quartz Wall Paint