Tuesday, June 29, 2010

At My Local Consignment Store...

Today I went to a local consignment shop here in town. I've been there about a DOZEN times & I've only walked out with one item, my dining table. This time, I saw quite a few items I liked....including two nightstands that I envisioned painted in white! The handles were so pretty, but the size of the night stand was a bit wider than most I've seen out there. 

Below are some of the items I really liked... unfortunately this time, I didn't end up buying anything! Maybe I'll go back this weekend.

So, what do you think of consignment shops? Do you have some in your area? Do you shop there? 


Above are the night stands I was telling you about above. The handles are what really drew me in! What do you think of these? Can you see them painted white??


 

 
 

This mirror was super pretty, but I have no idea where I would put it!!

 
 I absolutely adored this fixture below...because I figured i could buy some crystal beads and make it look more like an empire chandelier....don't you think??

 

 How cool is this RED chandelier?

 

What do you think? Should I go back & get any of these items? Don't you hate that feeling! You walk out of a shop, get home & you're still thinking of a specific item you saw in a store! 


images from my iphone


Domino Now on Brides Magazine Website!

One of my readers informed me that Brides Magazine Online was granted access to all of the stories from the late Domino Mag, remember them?!?!? Of course you do! 

 So, we'll all be able to see some Domino archives via the Brides.com site. According to the editor-in-chief, Julie Raimondi they'll be adding more & more in the weeks to come. Here's a little reminiscing below for you....










images via brides


Were you a Domino Magazine reader? Which magazine is now your favorite??



Monday, June 28, 2010

Jewelry Storage Armoire.....like in Lonny Mag!

For those of you who fell in LOVE with the jewelry storage armoire (like I did) in this issue of Lonny Magazine, here are a few alternatives I recommend. It seems the one featured in Lonny is almost discontinued. However, I did manage to find it in ONLY one place, here, but it was more than I wanted to pay. I'm extremely HAPPY with the alternatives and will definitely be purchasing one for my jewelry (which is growing quite rapidly). 

Do you have a jewelry storage armoire like these? Is it useful? How do you like it? 





images above via lonny mag










from left to right:


Sunday, June 27, 2010

Copying Other People's work.....!!!

This is the kind of thing that makes artists furious. Artists are sensitive people, and we really care & are passionate about what we do! So, when someone comes along & STEALS our designs, we need to take action, and that is what I am doing right now with this post. A tiny company called jack in the box designs, is claiming that the prints they are selling are their designs. Are you kidding me? I recognize a few that I know for a FACT aren't their designs, including mine!  I know I should expect this kind of disrespect, but this is just plain wrong!!  

They aren't just RIPPING me off, but others at the same time! Do they think because they are in Canada it's ok?? Well, they're wrong! Copyright laws exist all over. Here's the even funnier part, they say on their blog they created these designs 3 years ago....but coincidentally, all their designs are using my exact color schemes as well as ones from Binth, Penny People and Chaiv.  They also had the nerve to go to some kind of show & exhibit their work (you know, the designs they're ripping off). I don't mind if someone makes a replica for their own personal use, but for commercial purposes....that, I am not cool with. 

Please help support the artists and businesses who work their butts off to create and come up with original work. Tell people like this that they are WRONG and they are clearly copying others. How do they justify this behavior??!?  How do you feel about this?  What if it was your work? 
 
Please email them at: Jackinthebox.designs@yahoo.ca and let them know they are violating the works of others. Or feel free to let them know by leaving a comment on their blog here. 
Something as simple as "you are clearly copying other artists work". 

 Thank you.


**UPDATE**: These copycats have now deleted their Facebook page & their blog, however, neither I nor the other artists/designers have gotten a response from them. Figures. If they appear again, I'm certain my readers and customers will tell me. 



Below is just a portion of what is/was on their blog....




(click for larger images)


What she writes (above) in her blog post cracks me up...and I quote, "We came up with this design and appropriately named it "ABC Original."


Here she is above (I was kind enough to blur her face out) selling copyrighted work by other designers (including mine) at a booth.


As the saying goes, "stealing is easy, being original is hard".


Friday, June 25, 2010

Luxury Hotel Interior Modern Design

Hotel Interior Design Ritz
Luxury Interior design Ritz
Interior Design Ritz

Staying at a hotel can be one of the best, and most relaxing experiences that many people will ever have, especially if the hotel of choice is a luxury hotel. Finding a luxury hotel that will meet your vacationing or weekend getaway needs may take a little digging, but it will be well worth it.

What is a Luxury Hotel?

Interior design Ritz
Interior design luxury gold interior
Lobby Bar Interior Design

Hotels are given a rating from zero to five stars - five star rating being the best. When a luxury hotel is rated, there are different things about it that are given a rating, and the rating is averaged to give it the hotel star rating.

In the United States, Europe, and England, there are star ratings for hotels, though each area uses a slightly different way to rate them. The star rating is meant to help people who want to choose a luxury hotel based on certain criteria.

Restaurant Interior Design
Ritz London Hotel Design
Interior Restaurant Ritz

Room size, comfort level of the room and especially the bed, noise level audible in the room, cleanliness, decor, amenities provided, and service of the luxury hotel staff are all rated during the overall process of reviewing the luxury hotel. The bottom line, though, is that if you want a luxury hotel, you will want to look for a four star rating at the least, and possibly a five star rating.
Restarant interior design classic
Interior Design Restaurant Ritz London

The star rating is not the only thing which distinguishes a luxury hotel from other hotels. Most often a hotel will be considered a luxury hotel if the rating is at least four, and there are other unique things about the luxury hotel, such as a particular focus or special perks that are not common to other hotels that are not considered to be in the luxury hotel category. Having a spa, in room massage, offering child care, and even having a special theme throughout the hotel may help as one establishment is deemed a luxury hotel.

Special Perks

Usually a luxury hotel will offer special perks. You may be able to find a luxury hotel that will offer perks and amenities in almost any area including family fun, romantic adventure, and exotic treatments.
Finding what you want in a luxury hotel can make your vacation time or weekend getaway even more memorable.
Bedroom interior design ritz
Bedroom Interior Design Ritz

There is a luxury hotel option available in many price ranges and one can be found by looking for the star rating. Make sure when you look at the rating of a luxury hotel, you look at the ratings for the individual categories that have been rated. If comfort and room service are more important to you than space and a blow dryer, then give those things precedence over the other.
Classical itnerior design ritz
Ritz Interior Design

Office Decorating Ideas


Do you need office decorating ideas for your home business? Here they are! Having a workplace at home takes adequate planning, time and effort. Don’t worry, we know what we’re talking about. We work at home, too...just like you!

This web site will not only provide you with decorating ideas, but ways to create a productive work environment within the walls of your own house or apartment.

With more and more people starting to work at home, the need for office decorating ideas keeps growing. But where is the best place to start?

First you need space.

Identify how much space you need and how much you have available for your home business.

For some, a simple desk in the corner of a kitchen is enough. Many others need a light, spacious room to work at home. But, how big are the pieces of office furniture you plan to use? Are there sufficient electrical sockets in the room for lighting and for cable or wi-fi internet connections? Do you have enough filing cabinets for organizing your paperwork? Do you need space for storing inventory or other home business necessities?
Always decorate the walls with decor you like to look at!

Framed art prints and posters work best when related to your business, especially if you have client meetings at your home office. Also, if inspirational quotes or stories help keep you going, frame them and hang them up! Use your favorite colors and your favorite types of decor. Make your home office feel special to you!

Ensure clients don't have to cross your living room, kitchen or nursery before entering your home office. And of course, make sure you have comfortable chairs that fit the style of your office, along with idea-inspiring industry reading material should clients need to wait to speak with you.

Have bottled water, juice and coffee on a nice serving tray ready for enjoyment. It doesn't take much to have these little niceties ready, and image counts!

Even though you work at home, you're still running a business and clients expect an accommodating environment.

Stylish clocks, calendars and chalkboards are great office decorating ideas for any home business. If you don't have a lot to spend on office furniture, at least spend alittle more on your office accessories such as your desk lamp, desk chair (for your comfort), and other office supplies. They'll help keep your workplace contemporary-looking.

Keeping up with technology is also necessary for any home business. If your clients can see your work area, these tips are especially important. Once again, image counts!
Create a relaxing, but professional atmosphere without any distractions.

Most small business owners spend more time in their home office than in any other room in their house.

A good view and relaxing colors (blue, purple, green) can be very comforting.

Clutter is distracting. A clean, neat and efficient home office will improve your productivity when you work at home.

But don't forget to inject just as much love into decorating your workplace as you would in decorating any other room in your house. Have fun creating a comfortable, efficient, and client-friendly (if necessary) area for your home business!

If you’re living in an apartment and there’s only one cramped room available, you might just need some office decorating ideas.

Why not paint the walls white and use a large mirror to open up the space? Also, try to decorate with lighter colors. Darker colors will make the room feel smaller and more closed in. Make sure to plan for the possibility of needing a larger space in the near future, too! Think big!

Your Weekend.....


image by jen ramos


July Issue of Living Etc.....

This weekend I'll be on a hunt for the newest issue of Living Etc. I've skimmed through it online and it looks pretty darn good. Here's a sneak peek! Enjoy!





images via living etc



White interior....via Bolig

It's no surprise I'm featuring this home today. I've expressed so many times how much I love an all white interior with pops of colorful artwork & accessories throughout! I found this lovely residence via Bolig Magazine online and couldn't help but notice the wonderful view from the bathroom window. That would be soooo amazing to wake up to every morning.....











images via bolig

Thursday, June 24, 2010

(SUB)URBAN Home L.A.

It's so awesome coming across a shop like (SUB)URBAN Home. This cool showroom is based out of Los Angeles, California. They have a range of modern designs for the home including the studded side chairs as well as the ceramic skull (my favorite) that come in various colors!  Next time I'm in L.A. I'm going to make it a point to stop by and visit this lovely place. 

If I pick something up, you'll know because I'll be blogging about it! In the meanwhile you have to visit their shop here. They have the coolest website, with LARGE pics to entice you even more to drop in. Smart.











images by (sub)urban home






found via aphro chic