The King's Speech and Its Wallpaper

Congratulations to The King's Speech! If you haven't heard, last night at the Academy Awards it took home best picture, along with best director, best male actor, and best screenplay.  Truly one of the "best" films to come out this year.  When I went to see it a few weeks ago I was struck by many things.  Besides the wonderful story and acting I was drawn to the brilliant set design.  If any of you are like me, when I watch a film my eyes often wander to an actor's surroundings.  Sometimes to the point of distraction.  And in this instance, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the wonderful wallpaper treatments throughout the movie.  

The speech therapist's office has a beautifully done paper-tear-down treatment.  Much like if you applied hundreds of posters to a wall and then tore them down (hence the name). 

To compliment the textured wall they surrounded it with a beautiful and sophisticated palette of burnt orange and green with dark trim.  

Inside the therapist's home the theme continues with graphic, art deco-style wallpaper.  This pattern reminds me of something wallpaper designer Florence Broadhurst would create. Check out some of her work HERE.

Even in the final scene, the designer chose a graphic red print fabric to drape inside of the recording room.  It would be interesting to hear from the production designer about what color story she wanted to tell and why.  I might have to wait for the DVD on that one.

The real Duke of York with similarly fantastic wallpaper in the background.  This photo makes me wonder what color it must have been.

Pinterest - My New Love!

While doing some searches online, I recently came across an amazing site called Pinterest.  This website enables you to upload favorite images and create your own virtual bulletin board.  It also allows you to follow other people's boards with similar or inspiring styles.  


This is a great idea for anyone who is looking to catalogue images for particular projects.  For instance if you are redoing a bathroom, post inspirational images of tile, paint colors, and hardware that you like so that you can refer to them online.  This frees up space on your computer, and also helps you view them all together without printing or creating a collage in Photoshop.


Beware however, it can be a big time killer.  I'm embarrassed to say that I go to the site looking for one thing and end up distracted for hours by the limitless eye candy they have posted.  Whether you are looking for photos of travel destinations, food, wedding ideas, or furniture this site is a wonderful resource and certainly worth a look!

Art, places, things!

Or just products...You decide what you want to view.

Here is an example of the separate boards you can create.

Design Trend: Animals in White

 Domino Magazine

More and more you see white ceramic animals involved in design.  It has become a growing trend, in fact I too have a white elephant and a turtle in my home.  It can be a lovely way to brighten up a shelf or other staging area and add a little whimsy and fun to your decor.  Also, white goes with everything so it can easily be used in multiple settings and the delicacy of porcelain adds sophistication to any room.

 Nate Berkus

Rue Magazine

 Rustic Rabbit Taper Holder at Anthropologie

Napkin Rings by Jonathan Adler

 Squirrel Ring Box by Jonathan Adler

Giraffe Lamp by Jonathan Adler

 Origami Giraffe and Rhino-White at ZGallerie

Porcelain Birds at ZGallerie

Make one yourself!  Check out this cool DIY project on Windhula's blog HERE

Creative Children's Storage

When working with clients it can be difficult to find the right kind of storage that will work for parents and their children.  As we all know, a child's room can go from pristine to catastrophe area within minutes, but having storage solutions that promote "clean up time", are multi-functional, or can be hidden quickly can help in this constant struggle.  Below are a few really adorable, and really functional ways of storing and organizing the loads of toys, clothing, and books that can accumulate.  

Such a clever way to store toys, this felt toy box is not only visually interesting, but is safe for toddlers and can be a staging area for playing with other toys.  Brilliant!

Wooli Children's Storage by Baby's Breath shop on Etsy

This is a great piece that can go in any room.  With it's easy storage, portability and chalkboard top it is practical for parents and fun for kids.  My favorite aspects are that it's dark walnut finish makes it look more sophisticated than most children's toy boxes, and the top can easily be turned over when company stops by.

Storage Table in Walnut at Posh Tots

An easy DIY, these wood storage bins, that you can get at almost any flea market, are a great rustic addition to a playroom.  The casters on the bottom make them easy to move from room to room too.  Also, try sealing the bins for a nice rich color.

Rustic Wood Storage Bins on Wheels by Rose and Grey

Another simple, but impactful way of spicing up the storage in you child's room is to paint on the furniture.  An old dresser gets a facelift with white paint and a bright, graphic red elephant.  It will bring an element of fun to putting away cloths.

Blossem.blog

This wardrobe is pulling double duty as cloth storage and a height chart.  A cute project that won't take much time, and is very fun for the kids.

Height Gage Wardrobe by designer Sebastian Bergne

found at Smallable

As for larger amounts of space that won't be seen, this bed provides under storage that can easily tuck away.  It also has detachable parts in case you need storage elsewhere. 

Nonjetable Adaptable Bed by Little Fashion Gallery

A compact playstation, this stackable storage unit comes apart and gives you a chair and desk as well as dresser. Multifunctional furniture can be more expensive, but often worth the extra money because you get the most use out of it.

SUMICA (Stool, Desk, Dresser) designed by Michiko Eguchi
featured on Inhabitots 

Storage isn't just about toys, but books as well.  Here are a few creative organizers from small to large DIY projects.

These animal index cards quickly add interest to your bookshelf.  You could buy, or easily make these using black matte board.  Try also using colors.  Maybe color some in as a project for you and your kids.

Animal Index Cards by designer Hiroshi Sasagawa

found HERE.

If there is a carpenter in your house, then a simple pattern, jigsaw and some spray paint can give you the same effect.  However, if woodworking is not your thing, as for many of us it is not, then go to dwell studio and click "buy."  This is too adorable to pass up.

Bookshelf Elephant - Lemon at Dwell Studio

This tree bookshelf is a little larger, but not impossible to do with scrap pieces of wood and 2x4s.  Make sure everything is attached properly and hit the studs whenever possible.  We don't need this tree falling down.

Tree Bookshelf by designer Shawn Soh

featured at Inhabitots

Unique Bookends

Organizing my books would be much more fun if I had these amazing bookends to work with.   A great way to add personality to your space whether on a shelf or your desk, these bookends are both functional and eye-catching.  There are many styles and sizes available out there so be discerning when picking the right one for you and your space.

Store Bought:

Halve Fishbowl Bookends at Digs Showroom 

Cast Metal Animals by West Elm

Fu Dog Bookends at CB2

The End Bookend by CB2

Rope Knot Door Stop From CSPost&Co

Grip Bookends by CB2

Vise Bookends at Restoration Hardware

Minimalist Designs:

Falling Bookends by Artori

Magnetic Arrow Bookends on Amazon

Blue Metal Bookends at Crate and Barrel

Using Natural Elements:

Real Simple

Roost Selenite Bookends at Velocity

Real Simple

From the Artist:

 Hand Stamped Fabric Bookend-Edit by Joshua by Oak on Etsy

 Arctic Bookends by Katherine Morely