GET LUCKY

March 16th, 2012

The leaves of each four-leaf clover symbolize faith, hope, love, and luck and according to legend, finding a four-leaf clover brings luck to its finder. Quatrefoil, a representation of four leaflets resembling a clover, is most commonly associated with Gothic architecture. Seen throughout history, it’s now making its way to fashion and interiors. Here are a few of our lucky picks.

Enjoy your St. Patty’s day….we hope it brings you lots of luck!

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There are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf clover…happy hunting!

CALMING CLUTTERED CHAOS

March 9th, 2012

With spring around the corner, it’s never a better time to get organized.


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These metal locker baskets from Etsy.com have an industrial look and are perfect for storing office or kitchen supplies.


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Declutter your closet with decorative labeled boxes like these from IKEA…Store scarves, hats, tights, leggings and even shoes.  Tip: place a photo of your shoes in the label for a quick find.


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Add some pops of spring color with these document boxes from The Container Store.


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Etageres allow for displaying books, baskets and accessories, and the open design appears airy and less heavy than built-ins.


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Cubbies in mudrooms, home offices or playrooms are ideal for holding shoes, toys, art supplies, magazines and books. These baskets are a perfect fit.


Favorite Find:

These olive buckets would be great for holding umbrellas. We love their rustic appeal!






Lavish Hotel Baths

March 2nd, 2012

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Love the open layout of this bathroom and the island vanity…what an awesome panoramic view!


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The monochromatic scheme in this bathroom is simple but elegant and  the chic damask patterned tile is the perfect focal point.


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Love the posh copper toned tile in this hotel bath!


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The horizontal lines in this bath give it a very streamlined look, and the choice of earth tones are perfect for a spa-like feel.


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The choice of accent mosaic tile in this San Fran hotel is amazing..loving the illusion of a runner that it gives.

MAKE YOUR NEXT ROAST A PEARL

February 23rd, 2012

As we approach the heart of oyster season, we wanted to share a few tips for creating the perfect oyster roast.


Serve your drinks in mason jars and tie with raffia for the finishing touch. We used a wooden tiered stand which was perfect for holding the jars. It’s also great for displaying desserts or party favors.


As we mentioned in our Entertaining Al Fresco, lighting is key for outdoor entertaining. Create ambiance with candles and lanterns. We also installed up-lighting in the trees to highlight the branches and hung jars with tealights for added atmosphere.


We used an old wagon for the oyster table for a rustic feel and dressed it with vintage candelabras and a palm arrangement for the centerpiece. It was casual yet elegant!


For otherwise nondescript chairs, we dressed the backs with burlap ties and placed folded aspidistra leaves and fern fronds.

Wild for Osborne & Little’s New Collections

February 22nd, 2012

Inspired by this past weekend’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, we thought it would be fitting to feature some of Osborne & Little’s new wildlife-inspired collections.
The Komodo and Sabi collections feature contemporary wallpapers and fabrics that are contemporary designs featuring reptile and animal prints fitting for contract or residential use. O&L describes the collection saying “Most of the designs are interpretations of the coats or skins of wild animals and are named after game reserves in Africa”. Prints reminiscent of pigskin, snake skins, crocodile and giraffe hides exude exotic glamour.
The Lyceum collection is also a new favorite that features textured faux leathers many of which are metallic. The fabrics  “evoke the glamorous theatrical world of the West End of London in the 1930’s”.

Here are some of our favorites:

Boa and Cobra prints from Komodo are gorgeous wallpaper prints. Chic and edgy.

Mako, also a Komodo print, is an understated (pigskin) paper that would be breathtaking in a powder room.

The Sabi Collection introduces luxe velvets embossed to resemble elephant and crocodile hides as well as snake skins and furs. We love the crocodile!

The Aldwych and Lyceum faux leathers would be great as an upholstered wall or chic ottoman!

Photos courtesy of Osborne & Little




I call dibs!

August 12th, 2011
Words that describe my father are direct, precise, thorough and extremely detail oriented. Design visionaire…not a chance. So, imagine my surprise (and excitement) when I found this extraordinary vintage rattan swing this past weekend that he purchased in Thailand in the 70’s.

I have no idea what his original purpose for the swing was, but I’m imagining he doesn’t share the intent I now have for it. While it could become somewhat  funky, painted in a fun green lacquer, a sleek popping white or an original treasure keeping its tortoise shell finish, this would make the perfect, unexpected addition to an eclectic interior. And, that’s exactly what I foresee…I call dibs!

As I seek some inspiration for my new find, here are a few of my favorite swinging interiors.

Enjoy, Adrian

Blackman Cruz leather swing via katie-d-i-d.blogspot.com

Interior via design-crisis.com

Also via design-crisis.com

Colorful swing via desiretoinspire

Chic swing via House Beautiful

via houzz.com

Another viewpoint from houzz.com

Love this - Jonathan Adler's dog, Liberace's swings via Interior Design Hound

Great interior from myhomeideas.com

Layer It On

August 4th, 2011

 Whether layering a room with textures and patterns through fabrics and rugs or building depth with window treatments, accessories and art, layering adds panache and life to your décor.

As we mentioned in our March Sneak Peek, I wanted to keep my dining room simple, formal but not fussy.

In this case, the green silk was my inspiration, so I decided to build the room around it, painting the walls to match. Adding another texture and pattern, I then decided to use the geometric pattern on the dining room chairs and table cloth border. I built layers with the coral mirrors, the willow branches on the buffet and the infamous bobcat.

Dining before window treatments

Now, I’ve recently added window treatments, thus creating four layers. The perfect amount for a room with such color.

For my window treatments, I decided to go with a chocolate linen, a less formal texture for contrast, with a simple trim that accents the coral with a subtle a hint of the green. The bamboo hardware is a favorite, and is perfect for these flat panel drapes.

{PSI Says} We love window treatments! They’re the lip gloss of your interiors…that final touch that perfects the look.

Fall Into Interiors

August 4th, 2011

We know the drill…summer’s coming to a close and the kids are headed back to school, leaving you with time to refocus on your home projects.  Get a head start this fall with your interior to-do’s to have updated in time for the holidays!  This August, for any two hours of design time you purchase, receive a complimentary third hour!

Take advantage and stock up on design time for future projects or to use as gifts for the holidays.

Contact us today at 843.278.8707 or info@parkersimsinteriors.com for more details.

        
*Must purchase two hours of design time by August 31, 2011 to receive third complimentary hour.  Hours can be used for future projects through December 31, 2012.

Entertaining Al Fresco

July 29th, 2011

As we enter August [and hopefully cooler temps soon...at least in the evenings], we immediately have the urge for al fresco entertaining…whether we happen to be the hosts or guests.  As we daydream of fall evenings and outdoor fetes, this post came to mind.  Enjoy a few of our favorite tips and takeaways when entertaining al fresco.

[Lighting]

When planning a backyard get together, lighting is the most important feature in creating the right atmosphere for your gathering.

Hang grapevine ball lights or globe string lights from tree branches for festive ambient lighting. Lanterns are another must. Vary lanterns in height, size and style to scatter about.


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[Lounging]

Create a cozy setting with lounge areas bringing the indoors out.  A great tent or umbrella allows for an intimate canopy.

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[Creative Table Settings]

In a recent wedding we designed, we used palm fronds as a chargers. This is an easy way to adorn your outdoor table.

PSI Event Design photographed by Leigh Webber

Love these potted herb place settings as well. They can act as your centerpiece, and are great favors for your guests.

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[Signature Serving Pieces]

Your serving pieces can beautifully complement your decor.  The galvanized collection from Pottery Barn is a perfect pick. Pair with glass beverage dispensers with freshly cut lemons, limes or oranges for a fresh summer feel. Finish the look with something vintage. We found this sink at a local salvage store. Fill with ice, and it makes for a great beverage pail.

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 [PSI Final Tip]

Weather warmer than anticipated [or in some cases - fathomable], go to extra efforts to make sure your guests stay cool and comfortable.  Roll up some hand towels or bath cloths and fasten with raffia. Place in a bucket or bowl of ice for a quick refresher for guests.

Oh, Honey

July 26th, 2011

Color psychology reveals that different colors have various effects on mood and emotions.  Adjectives commonly associated with the color pink are calming, soothing, feminine, happy, passive and nurturing.  We’ve read that pink has been used in jail holding cells as well as opposing athletic locker rooms to have the “sedative effect.”

This year pink has taken a whole new sensation. As you may have read, Pantone introduced Honeysuckle Pink as the 2011 color of the year. Executive director, Leatrice Eiseman touts, “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum. The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages.” Now that’s the pink we know and love!

We’re excited that this year’s hue exudes vitaility and vigor…a much welcomed boost!


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PSI’s Favorite pairing: Navy Blue

Check out where we’ve spotted the color of the year.

From fabulousmess etsy shop


Jonathan Adler Throw

Soleil L.A. indoor/outdoor print in sunset by Trina Turk for Schumacher [To the trade only. $73/yard]

Zenyatta Mondatta print in berry by Schumacher [To the trade only. $130/yard]

Hot pink fabric by the yard from Sunbrella

Terai Folding Chair in raspberry from Anthropologie

Fuschia modern bird pillow on etsy

Tableware from SCAD Working Class Studio [a favorite of ours]

Pink tree lamp [you must click the link to see it installed -- clever!]

Adore this pink powder room

Phenomenal foyer from Johnathan Berger