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
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.
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.
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.
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
July 18th, 2011
A fifth wall you ask? Absolutely! Consider it a wonderful canvas to complement your traditional interior walls…or to steal the show with a dramatic statement. Here are a few examples we’ve found showcasing exactly that. Welcome, the fifth wall.
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We’re smitten with the “playful” approach to this playroom. The tented ceiling adds warmth to the room, and the red piping provides striking definition. It’s certainly a room that can be versatile as the kids mature.
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The lines in this bamboo ceiling are remarkable. We’d pair with a grasscloth wallpaper…stunning!
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Jeffrey Alan Marks takes on a unique approach with this wooden canoe. The vaulted, V-Groove board ceiling is the perfect canvas for this woody work of art.
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It’s no surprise…Kelly Weastler is a favorite of ours, and we love the bold, geometric black and white wallpaper she chose for her home. It strikingly complements her signature interior.
Photo SourceNot only is the color of this kitchen ceiling soothing and warm, but the diamond coffered approach instantly draws in your eye.
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The attention to detail in the trim work of this new construction is incredible. These detailed finishes simply create a statement room.
This is a new construction project we completed in Mt. Pleasant with Sceltas Build + Consult, LLC. Due to the height of the vaulted ceiling, we decided to approach it with horizontal V-Groove. The distressed wooden beams help break up the pitch and allowed for uplighting.
{PSI tip for coffered ceilings: Paint the sunken panels a few shades darker than the beams to give a shadow effect and add more definition.}
Fifth wall, pleased to make your acquaintance.
May 27th, 2011
Bringing in subtle hints of pink with flowing textiles and muted, feminine tones, we wanted to make a seamless transformation for our little client into a room that she could grow into. Stay tuned for photos once complete!
April 29th, 2011
In the spirit of the royal wedding, we’re sharing some Brit-inspired finds this Friday. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Graham & Brown Crowns and Coronets Wallpaper
British Flag Pillow from Jonathan Adler
Schumacher London Bridge Fabric in Mink
Lily Mirror from Oly Studios
Hand Printed Laurel and Crown by helkatdesign on etsy
Queen Crown Letterpress Notecards by Green Grass Press on etsy
Vintage Flag Pillows
And the jewel of them all, this sapphire and diamond ring from Tiffany & Co.
March 23rd, 2011
Gone are the days of muted textures, endless solids, and shells galore. In the past few years there has been an evolution in Indoor/Outdoor offerings. When Trina Turk debuted her Indoor/Outdoor spring line for Schumacher in 2009, her vibrant prints set the pace. Other lines have followed with great geometrics, rich herringbones and alluring textures.
Here are ten outdoor fabrics that have caught our eye this spring!
Lee Jofa Ikat Stripe in Blue/Green [$134/yd]
Trina Turk for Schumacher Tangier Frame print in Sea Grass [$76/yd]
Schumacher Tortola Print in Kiwi [$140/yd]
Schumacher Carmel Coastline Print in Tobacco [$71/yd]
Clarence House La Flora Danica [$83/yd]
Clarence House Amalfi solids [$126/yd]
Osborne & Little Pelada [$108/yd]
Manuel Conovas Tamarin [$141/yd]
Robert Allen Radiowave in Apricot [$71/yd]
Robert Allen Megastar in Azalea [$60/yd]
If one of these strikes your eye as well, call or email us at info@parkersimsinteriors.com for more details.
March 9th, 2011
As you can likely imagine, being exposed to the latest and greatest of the design industry can lead to a sense of flux for a designer’s own home. It actually reminds us of the current Best Buy “Buy Back” commercial…that continual feeling that as soon as you find something that immediately strikes your eye, something equally as fantastic coincidentally debuts shortly thereafter. Now, don’t get us wrong, we all have those classic staples and treasured pieces, travel keepsakes and heirlooms that could never be replaced or overshadowed by a new counterpart, but those beautiful textiles – in varying colors, designs and textures – always seem to impress…at least us anyway.
That brings us to the ”S” of PSI, who recently found herself in one of these scenarios where it was simply time for a change (not to mention, when one gets married [as she recently did], somehow you manage to “inherit” a whole new brigade of furnishings and that otherperspective that accounts for half of the household interior decisions). Thankfully for “Sims” now “Truluck”, Mr. Tru has good taste…for the most part.
Without further adieu, here are a few quick snaps of The Truluck’s new abode, with commentary from Mrs. Truluck herself. Enjoy!
Truluck Dining
“Getting married not only means marrying your spouse, but also means marrying his things as well. Thus, we have Bobcat. Our dining room is a social area, a place for parties and in this case a conversation starter.
I wanted this room to be formal but not fussy. I chose to keep it simple with two fabrics mingling complementary colors. The juxtaposition of the warm (coral) and cool (sage) tones adds punch. When using a round dining table, creating symmetry around it (example: two mirrors with dining chairs beneath along with the two willow arrangements) allows balance. Although I was skeptical at first, the bobcat has become a permanent ornament and focal point of my dining room, which I’ve grown to love. P.S. – window treatments are on their way!”
Truluck Living Room
Truluck Living Room Series
”A wall series is the perfect way to fill large empty spaces. The key to creating an interesting arrangement is to treat it as a whole composition and pay attention to both positive and negative space. Keep it from being monotonous by varying sizes, frame styles and artwork. I found these antlers and thought they would make a perfect addition and add a little dimension. Do you see a running theme with wild game in our home?”
Truluck Master Bedding
“Since your bedroom is the place to relax and unwind, it needs to be a haven that reflects only you. I wanted to create a bedroom that was subtle, casual, yet striking. I designed the headboard to be the understated backdrop but still wanted it to have personality with the nailheads. Since I love fabrics, and the Bruschwig & FilsNara Landscape is a favorite of mine, I wanted it to be the focal point of the bed. The ikat Euro shams along with the burlap bed skirt make the final touches.”
