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People get into ruts with design. No need to repeat these design myths any longer.
Myth #1: Everything has to match.
How do you expect to have an elegant place to eat if everything doesn’t match? Easily. These distressed vintage chairs evoke the same feelings but they certainly aren’t the same color or style.
Photo via KT Merry
Myth # 2: Variety only exists in color and pattern.
Any monochromatic space offers a new and exciting challenge of creating contrast with texture, shape and size. Engage all the senses to create a design experience that envelopes you rather than screams at you. This all-white room from Vogue Living is a perfect example of contrast and interest.
Photo via Vogue Living
Myth #3: That has to go against the wall.
Designer, Chris Nguyen, curated his personal studio space where very little actually is sitting flush against a wall. It keeps the space breezy and open. His artwork is suspended between two windows, his couch compartmentalizes his spaces and his room divider replaces a bulky awkward TV by doubling as a projection screen.
Photo via Analog Dialog
Myth #4: Being trendy is foolproof.
Your personal style may go through phases, but at the core you are less volatile than most magazines suggest you should be. Accessorizing may be where you rotate your newest favorite color or pattern but don’t make the mistake of choosing expensive pieces that you’ll be over tomorrow. You’re not changing that much and your space should reflect that timelessness.
Myth #5: The ceiling needs to be white.
Why? It won’t necessarily open up your space and make it look larger. The eye will often ignore a white ceiling, keeping the eye from moving upward. Painting a ceiling two shades lighter than the walls adds interest and draws the eye upwards, mimicking higher ceilings.
This metallic ceiling in this David Kleinberg design certainly draws the eye upward and performs a key function to making a room look and feel larger; it reflects the natural light.
Photo via David Kleinberg
Myth #6: You have to stick to one style.
Why give a room a diagnosis? You’re limiting its potential. These two spaces from Nuevo Estilo prove that backing a space into a style corner is a mistake. Without the juxtaposition of Victorian and rustic, I could assert that this space would be much less interesting and most likely, less livable.
What other myths have you heard?
Always,
Erin for KBD
Everyone needs their secrets. And no secret is more fun than a rad space only you are privy to (well, at least you feel that way).
These elusive and exclusive speakeasies nod at the prohibition era of the past and the seeming prohibition of privacy in our present day.
Here’s our list of the most intriguing—least secretive to most.
6. Please Don’t Tell, New York
Well, too late, someone told.
Inside an East Village hot dog shop (behind the phone booth, of course), the illuminated bar top of Please Don’t Tell acts as a beacon, leading customers to a rich, personal drinking experience. With unique drink specialities like the bacon-infused Benton’s Old Fashioned, we hear the bartenders are as talented as they are easy to entreat.
Camouflaged from the Wicker Park foot traffic by an ever-changing exhibition of graffiti, The Violet Hour reveals a modern take on the old-fashioned speakeasy. After opening the door and pushing past the giant velvet curtains, customers are welcomed into a beautiful secret. Everything from the interior decoration to the drink recipes is fresh and progressive. The Juliet & Romeo (a mix of Beefeater, mint, cucumber, rose water) is among their famed cocktails.
Apparently you’ve lucked out if you get into Room 13 and you aren’t a guest of or a paying member of the Old Chicago Inn (or a guest of either). If you happen to get your hands on the daily password, you’ll be granted entrance to the red-lit room filled with period decor and classic 20s cocktails.
3. Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency, San Francisco
What’s more exciting than a speakeasy within a speakeasy? Very little we imagine. It’s like another magic closest inside Narnia. This time, you’re required to have both a password to the Agency and the Bourbon & Branch in which it rests—cool.
2. The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co., Philly
While its entry isn’t any more exclusive than a popular restaurant, the Franklin has a history rich with bootleggin’ and money launderin’. Max “Boo Boo” Hoff, originator of the operation, was said to be at the front of the liquor ring, greasing police and the like, all while fronting as an investment firm in the late 1920’s.
It’s said the drinks are killer. And with an entire section of the drink menu entitled “I Asked Her For Water, She Brought Me Gasoline,” we’re intrigued.
1. Night Heron Speakeasy, New York
They expected this illegal activity to last six weeks. And while it did, it was purely awesome.
N.D. Austin of Wanderlust Projects, a transgressive placemaking collective, proves that rules are suggestions and old can become new again.
More importantly, Wanderlust understands that any space can be transformed into something wondrous—even an abandoned water tower.
The second coolest part of this ticking-time-bomb venture were the invites. Pocket watches secretly passed person to person served as a token of direction and entry into this intimate watering hole.
In its short life, it was able to give only 700 people the experience of a lifetime. Relive what they saw, below.
The Night Heron: NYC Water Tower Speakeasy from Brooklyn Laboratories on Vimeo.
Fingers crossed that we are able, one day, to be the first to write about a secret even fewer know…or create our own.
Always,
Erin for KBD
Cornstarch-stuffed creations and obnoxiously bright decorations may make for a kid-friendly holiday, but if there are no young ones running around this Sunday, you may opt for an adult afternoon complete with pretty cocktails and muted palettes.
We’ve collected some ideas that inspire us to create a simple, yet sophisticated Easter brunch.
Everything lifestyle blogger, Julie Blanner does, looks effortless. Her easter table from last year (and this year, too!) is no exception.
Julie’s muted color palette keeps the celebration mature, but comfortable. The freshness of her design certainly lifts the spirit and channels the feelings of rebirth and resurrection of our hearts, mind and Mother Nature.
Here are a few of our favorite details from her tablescape. The centerpiece is especially lovely, relaxed but purposeful.
Laura Zindel’s china dinnerware sets are always stunning. For this celebration, her Woodland collection would be especially timely and would sit beautifully atop the table Julie has curated.
Photos via Laura Zindel Design
Keeping it fresh and interesting is always easier with a beautiful fruit cocktail to start the day off. We were especially intrigued by Martha Stewart’s Little Rose Spring Cocktail. This milky, rosy mixture of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscatel and grapefruit juice is pleasing to both the eye and the taste buds.
Brunch food is simply the best.
And when it comes to clean eating, Katie Ferrell of the Dashing Dish knows her stuff. These brunch recipes will make you feel good and remain guilt free.
Carrot Cake Protein Pancakes by Dashing Dish
Crustless Asparagus Quiche by Dashing Dish
And of course, no Easter celebration is complete without…
Skinny Deviled Egg by the Dashing Dish
While being around friends and family is the most important part of every holiday, it certainly doesn’t hurt to enjoy one another in a beautiful space.
Happy Easter All,
KBD
Turns out, less is more in Texas.
This applies specifically to designer, Barbara Hill, whose earthy minimalist designs combine man made material with natural nuances.
Each of her spaces are inspiring, leaving you with room enough in your brain for contemplation.
Spaces from the Marfa house:
Photo via Hill’s website
Hill’s high ceilings give this space breathing room and draws attention to the stunning marbled walls. Contrast is created using fabric rather than color and plays with the eyes to keep them moving.The porcelain wood floors function to keep the space physically and aesthetically cool.
Photo via Hill’s website
My favorite piece in this room is the coffee table. The juxtaposition between natural and manufactured products is characteristic of Hill’s designs and is showcased beautifully here.
Photo via Hill’s website
This very geometric tub looks as if it was left standing from ancient ruins. The natural light in all of Hill’s spaces, especially in this one, creates a sense of a synergy between the earthly and the heavenly.
Photo via Hill’s website
The bared metal of the bath’s faucet call to mind a picture of harvesting a natural spring, making this fixture a completion of the aesthetic.
Details from the Dancehall:
Photos via dwell.com
Hill creatively displays her wardrobe that partions the space while letting light pass through. If she wants to open the room she can roll the cabinets on their attached skateboard wheels.
Photos via dwell.com
Hill defies the status quo by placing her stately tub in the very center of her bedroom complemented by the custom plumbing that seems to come out of nowhere.
Your designs are always inspiring, Barbara.
Always,
Erin Stevens for KBD
It seems wrong to label nature’s creation as trendy, implying one day it will go out of style. But malachite seems to have taken design by storm. Natural or manufactured, this green beauty makes a statement only Mother Nature could conjure.
Details in designer, Lindsey Coral Harper’s Upper East Side apartment are worthy of joyous tears. Interestingly enough, she says she picks up most of her malachite accessories in junk stores. via ELLE DECOR
ELLE DECOR featured these Malachite shades that hang stately in the heavenly parlor of Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Almada of Casamidy.
These fiberboard gems from Dransfield & Ross’s Semi-Precious line are the most mesmerizing placemats we’ve encountered. Against a dark table, these may be richer than the food your serve on them.
Michael Kors makes everyone the mostest with his Malachite Hostess Skirt. Elegant, interesting and honest, this skirt stands out paired with a fitted black top and black heels.
Tony Duquette’s Belvedere ‘Malachite’ Chair needs no explanation. It could be dangerous in the wrong room, but styled correctly it can complete an entire space.
There are very few words to say about malachite.
But that’s the thing about nature, it most often leaves us speechless.
What is your favorite use of this precious stone?
Always,
Erin Stevens for KBD
Sometimes we find that what we started our careers doing, no longer lights a fire in us. The same happened to Justin Floyd. Thus, Solidwool was born.
Rather than designing something strictly beautiful, Floyd wanted it to make a beautiful impact. All great design has an element of meraki; Floyd’s is no exception.
His small English hometown of Buckfastleigh served as his inspiration for this beautifully constructed, sustainable chair.
Photo via solidwool.com
Sheared straight from the backs of Herdwick sheep, this sustainable alternative to fiberglass can be use to make furniture, counters and even baths while hardly leaving a footprint.
Who knew you’d be sitting on (and not wearing) your next wool product?
Photo via dezeen.com
No need to shed tears any longer over the absence of the Drop chair. Denmark’s own Republic of Fritz Hansen has resuscitated Arne Jacobsen’s 1950’s design for 2014.
Inspired by the human form and its contours, this tear-shaped chair is uber-comfortable and available in textile, plastic and leather.
We adore this nod toward the past and reach for the future.
Photo via dezeen.com
Photo via dezeen.com
Introduced in 2013 by Dutch designer, Arian Brekveld the VIK lounge chair still begs to be sat in. Inspired by the seats of cars, this permanently reclined design is perfect for drinks minus the driving.
Photo via dezeen.com
The juxtaposition of its breezy aesthetic and robust materials make the VIK as interesting as it is comfortable.
Which one is your favorite?
Always,
Erin Stevens for KBD
It’s quite the dreary day here in Indianapolis.
But grey isn’t always depressing.
Architecture-inspired prints from graphic designer María Rut Dýrfjörð
These icy geometric prints nod at the imposing architectural styles of Guðjón Samúelsson. These would sit well against a yellow velvet sofa.
Emily Chair for Färg & Blanche
This quilted beauty makes me short of breath. The details are well thought out but come across as effortless, comfortable and classic. I want you, Emily.
Source: onekindesign.com
First of all, minimalism. Second of all, a grey accent wall. Thirdly, a SUEDE accent wall. Instead of experimenting with color to add richness and interest to a room, the difference can be in the mixing fabrics.
That’s the Slate of the Union, this Friday.
Always,
Erin Stevens for KBD
Sarah Burton’s collection strutted out of a storybook at the Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winter 2014 Runway show. But this story nixed the talking flowers and replaced it with an inexplicable animalistic, ethereal darkness.
With each piece, the woman’s face became a focal point, accentuated by high collars, oversized hoods and floor-length gowns. The bell-shaped silhouettes, pom poms and goat fur mimicked the movement of moths (one of Burton’s inspirations) or dandelion seeds over a starlit pond.
These rich fur coats encourage a fantasy synergy between a courageous, but gentle human queen and her wild pack as she leads them into dark battle. The looming wickedness is apparent throughout the collection.
Even in pure white, the queen is harboring something much darker.
Of these three gowns the middle is my favorite, a challenge of the ideal of virginity and the ghastly silhouette that seemingly carries the wearer effortlessly over the earth.
Burton achieved a striking dissonance between the pure and poisoned that leaves everyone in a state of skepticism about good and evil.
Which side are you on?
Always,
Erin Stevens for KBD