One Love: Metal Stock Tanks in the Garden

If your garden is full of terra-cotta and painted pots, why not try something different? We love this metal stock tank (also called a cattle trough) that's housing our new herb garden.

We bought ours at our favorite local nursery -- Flowerland in Albany (which was also recommended by Berkeley designer Erica Tanov in the September '11 edition of  Elle Decoration UK). These troughs come in different sizes (3-8 feet long), and they complement all types of spaces--from urban rooftop to country garden. They are especially great for growing bamboo, which can become unruly if planted directly in the ground.

Maybe it's the juxtaposition of the industrial (metal) vs. the natural (earth); maybe it's the contrast of the green against the silver. Any way you look at it, these are beautiful and modern alternatives to more traditional container gardens. Special thanks to Marco, our landscape designer!

Neutral + Color = A Beautiful Balance

Camel. Beige. Tan. Cream. Taupe. What do these neutrals mean to you? Calm? Peaceful? Safe?

Now add a little something . . . how about a pop of pink? A bit of bright blue? A racy orange stripe or a burst of yellow?

A little color can change everything. Lately we’re noticing some great blends of neutral sofas and chairs combined with shots of color via pillows, lamps, blankets and artwork.

If you love your creams, whites and camels, try layering a little color on top and see what happens to your room. And when you’re ready to change the whole feel again, just change out your color accents. It’s the fastest, easiest and most affordable way to make your room feel new.

Images via House Beautiful and Elle Decor

Seaweed Lamp by Sarah Foote

 We bought a new lamp!! We found this item at the Lolahome store located on College Ave.  The seaweed lamp is a great addition to our entry way. It adds a whimsy, natural and organic element in the space.  Since its such a unique piece it can also serve as a conversational feature.  With its twisted and tangled white maple wood veneer strips it is reminiscent of a hanging nest.  Sarah Foote, the creator of the lamp, is originally from the bay area, but she now resides in Brooklyn.  She has been creating lamps for 10 years.  You can go to her website and check out her other artistic home products.

                                                                                Here it is in our entry way!

Decorate

We purchased the book "Decorate" by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick.  It's helpful to use book as a resource when decorating; you can get lots of inspiration and tips on decorating.  Here are some of our favorite rooms and quotes from the book.  "Decorate" is currently available at West Elm and Anthropologie. 

CB2 Pillows

Pillows are an easy, affordable way to switch things up and make a new statement. Here are some of our favorite pillows from CB2's latest collection.  Mixing your new pillows with existing pillows is a great way to refresh your color scheme or decor.   

We mixed some of our older pillows from West Elm, Urban Outfitters, Ikea and CB2 with the new pillows from CB2.

Polka Dots

Polka dots have been popular for years, and they've made a comeback!!  The pattern of repeating circles is known for its fun and colorful whimsy.  You can easily add a polka dot pillow, accessory or piece of furniture to your decor to achieve a lively and youthful spirit in your space!! 

Here's how we added it to our space!!

One Love: Alameda Flea Market

Their Trash Can Be Your Treasure!!!


Flea Markets are a great place to find items for your home.  Our favorite place to go is the Alameda Point Antiques Faire.  It's  every first sunday of every month at the 7-25 Alameda Point.  Here's a few images from one of our trips to the faire.

Black and White: A Classic

When asked "are black and white colors?", you may not be so sure of the answer.  Some say that black is the absence of color, and white is all colors.  Others may just simply say they both are colors.   Well we know one  thing is for sure.  Whether or not they are or aren't, you can never go wrong with black and white!!  Its chic, its bold, its graphic, and most importantly its classic!  White can be used for the subtleties in a space, while black can make the big statement.  Finding the perfect balance of the contrasting "colors" can create a room that is beautiful, bold, and timeless.

 

Look How Easy It Is!!   

We simply changed out our pillows, a lamp and added a black ottoman,  and we created a whole new look and feel!!

Creating Harmony In Your Outdoor Spaces

It's summer  and the sun is finally out so your going to spend a lot more time enjoying your outdoor spaces.  This is a great opportunity to create harmony between your indoor and outdoor decor.  Outdoor spaces are an extension of your home therefore the enhancements and attention to detail that you apply to the inside of your home can do wonders on the outside as well. A simple way to do this is by taking the color theme from indoors and applying it to your outdoor space with pillows, rugs, and accessories.

Remember that it's about utilizing your personal style and having fun!

Natural Beauty for the Home

5 Ways to Add Natural Elements to Your Home for the Summer


What better place than your own home to start enjoying the beautiful neutral colors and textures of summer.  This is the best time to begin adding simple elements to your indoor or outdoor rooms. Here are 5 ways to add natural beauty to your home:

1. Furniture:
Furniture made of natural materials adds a dynamic focal point in a room.

(Peyton Ottoman, Ralph Lauren, House Beautiful Magazine)

2.  Rugs:  
Adding a natural rug to your room is a quick way to freshen up your space.

(Serena & Lily Catalog)

(West Elm Catalog)

(Panama Jute Braided Rug, West Elm)

3. Storage:
Woven baskets and wooden units can add lots texture and function to any room.

(Woven Drink Bucket, West Elm)

(Senegalese Storage Collection, Serena & Lily)

(Bamboo Sideboard, Mike Charlton, Elle Decoration Magazine)

(Elle Decoration Magazine)

4. Accessories: 
Touches here and there of everyday items like straw hats, cotton or linen scarves, woven purses, etc, are a fun way to add character to your home.

(Elle Decoration Magazine)

5. Whimsical Outdoor Furniture:  

We all have a bit of kid left in us right?  Kicking back in a fun and comfy furniture piece is an excellent way to escape  during a sunny afternoon.

(LifeShop Collection)

(Anthropologie Catalog)