Friday, January 28, 2011

Elle Decor's Top 8 Lighting Websites

Check out Elle Decor's favorite websites for lighting! They have scoured the internet in search of the most unique, beautiful and fashion-forward lamps, sconces and chandeliers.




YLighting is a personal favorite of mine, I just love the Bubble Chandelier by Ether.



Let there be light!.. and as always... live beautifully!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Fun Finds!... Things That Make Me Smile!

I love finding fun pieces that are unique and unexpected, ones that make you giggle a little bit and put a smile on your face. Here are a few fun finds I've stumbled upon and want to share with you. 

These log bowls will add a serving of happiness to your morning bowl of cereal. Each log bowl is made from reclaimed wood and the interior finish is splashed with brightly colored lacquer. They are a perfect blend of natural and modern elements. Perfect for any decor, they are a great addition to your kitchen. Placed on a coffee table or side table the pop of glossy color will attract your guests attention, making great conversation starters!


A chandelier made of gummi bears? Only from Jellio.com! It took over 5,000 hand-strung acrylic gummi bears and two months to create this one-of-a-kind candelabrum. Only ten of these colorful creations will be constructed, each will be slightly different due to their handmade nature. 


What else could be a sweeter seat than a large cupcake? Again, Jellio has made a simply irresistible piece. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this cute cupcake seat! What little girl wouldn't want a cupcake seat in her bedroom or playroom? Keep 'em coming Jellio, we love your merchandise, it's refreshing to see some fun infused in your unexpected designs! 


You're smiling a little bit aren't you? See, told ya! Until next time, spread joy and fun wherever you go, and as always live beautifully! 


Monday, December 27, 2010

Fit For a King!

The recent media buzz surrounding the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton has inspired me to share with you what I consider to be classic royalty, the King Louis Chair. I love the many different faces this chair has had over the years and have dissected each style a bit, showing you how one differs from the next!

I particularly like the modern versions found at the conclusion of this post! 

I hope you enjoy learning about the many faces of the King Louis Chair, and until next time... live beautifully!


Louis XIII Chair 
From the Renaissance Style,
the Louis XIII chair is short in the back and square in shape. This chair is covered with either leather or a tapestry fabric. Brass nails fastened the upholstery to the chair. In some versions, the back and seat had fringe attached.










Louis XIV Chair
During the era of Louis XIV there was a breakthrough in chair construction, with the back becoming higher and the seat becoming larger to accommodate the more ample space required by the fashions of his day. The arms and legs of the chair are usually heavily carved. 




Louis XV Chair
By 1730 the Baroque furniture style of King Louis XIV had gone out of style and was replaced by a elegant style, known as Rococo. The French Rococo style would take its place in history, recognized for the attention to detail and fine craftsmanship. Symmetrical forms were used in the frame of this chair; scrolling "c" and "s" shapes are used, as well as interlocking shells, plants and floral ornamentation. 










Louis XVI Chair
While there are many chair varieties in the Louis XVI style, they are rather easy to identify.  There is one characteristic that will remain in all of the Louis XVI chairs, the fluted leg. This style grew popular in the neoclassical time, and mimicked Greek columns with rounded channels carved out of the wooden legs, creating concave grooves. 




King Louis Ghost Chair
In 2002, Philippe Starck put his own spin on the King Louis XVI armchair. Cleaning up the silhouette of its historical predecessor, Starck used clear or opaque polycarbonate when constructing these molded chairs. With a generously sized seat and a medallion backrest, this chair offers comfort to consumers, while a subtle curve in the armrests allows for additional relaxation. Starck's chairs are weather resistant and scratch resistant, they can be used indoors and out, and stack six high for easy storage. 


Lastly, some eye candy for you! A few fun updated versions of the classic King Louis.


Sunday, December 26, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and hoping the holiday brought you great memories and cheer!


In southeastern Pennsylvania, we received our white Christmas a day late! But, still a beautiful sight! 

Stay tuned for a brand new entry... It's fit for a king! 
And as always... live beautifully. 




Monday, December 20, 2010

All That Glitters!

It's no secret that at Inspired Interiors we love sparkle, and we can always find a way to work some shimmer and shine into decor. During the holidays, glitz and glam is found in large amounts, making us all the more merrier! This post highlights some fabulous finds, all of which have that element of glitter and glam. This holiday, be inspired by All That Glitters!


Antique Mercury Glass Pillar Holders, $19- $49


I love decorating with mercury glass during the holidays, although at first glance the finish appears silver, the distressed nature of the glass lends itself to gold and pewter, allowing you to mix your decor up! These pillar holders have a square base with a stainless steel candle plate. Place different sized pillar holders on your mantel or create an elegant tablescape that will surely stun your guests. 


Jeweled Sphere Shaker Set, $395 per set


This year, give your host or hostess a shimmering tabletop accessory or spice up your own holiday table with L’Objet’s stunning jeweled salt and pepper shakers.  Each 14K gold-plated sphere is 2 3/4" in diameter, and encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Every crystal is handset by master craftsmen, making these stunning tabletop accessories even more special. 


Disco Ball Ornament, $2


At 2" in diameter these mini disco ball ornaments add some fun and light to your holiday decor. The many facets of these balls reflect light wonderfully, illuminating your holiday decor! These would be great in a hurricane with some faux snow, or scattered on a table with other sized ball ornaments. At $2 a piece you can afford to get creative with these ornaments.


Ice Cluster String of Lights, price upon request


UK company, Graham & Green, have created wonderful lighted ice clusters. They are the perfect way to illuminate your All That Glitters decor! 24' in length, you can use these lights to glisten up your garland, or tree! Your holiday will surely shimmer with white LED lights and lucite ice clusters! Please note, these lights are for indoor use only. 


Sequin Wire Holiday Wreath, $65


Hang this wreath on your wall or you can use this modern piece as a centerpiece with a large pillar candle and some greens. This wire constructed wreath is 24-25" in diameter finished in copper and embellished with sequins.  Matching finials are also available from Horshow, and can be placed on your mantel, rounding out this copper colored All That Glitters themed decor


May your holiday be glistening, and as always... live beautifully!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

A Very Green Christmas

This year it is a very green Christmas at Inspired Interiors, as we are going green, living conscious of our consumption of natural materials, promoting recycled goods and environmentally friendly materials. 


A “green” lifestyle is followed when a person is consciously aware of the Earth’s environmental limitations, and he/she is determined to live in in a what that will preserve and protect the Earth’s natural resources for use by future generations.

Each individual person that makes even a small change in their daily consumption can improve the quality of the environment. These small changes can lead to large victories. Every small change made can help the preservation of our earth by protecting forests, promoting cleaner air, maintaining global climate levels and sustaining our precious limited resources. 



Living green has become more and more popular, as people have begun to realize the affects of their actions and the simple ways they can help to reduce their carbon footprint. Manufacturers and artisans have provided us with great items to support those who follow a green lifestyle. 


Check out my favorite eco-friendly holiday decor items and ideas for some green inspired gift giving!


These recycled ornaments will add some fun and fizz to your Holiday Decor. Recycled soda pop cans and bottles are brought back to life this Christmas as an artistic rendition of an angel. These ornaments are eco-friendly, and made in Guatemala by a local cooperative. 


"Tin Can Angels" set of 4, $19


Made of natural materials, these Capiz shell ball ornaments are festively adorned with polka dots and stripes. Each ball is handmade, therefore no two will be the same, but all are equally beautiful. Finished with an eco-friendly lacquer, the pearlescence of the Capiz shell shines beautifully when placed on a lit tree! At 3" in diameter they are the prefect size! 
"Capiz Shell Ball Ornament", $7



A great gift idea for the environmentalist on your list, drinking glasses made from recycled glass. Each glass is ornamented with the phrase "protect our earth", the phrase is repeated in four different languages, English, Spanish, South African and French. For every set of four glasses sold up to December 31, 2010, $4 will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund. 


Did you know: Each year, roughly 300 tons of glass bottles are donated by wineries and recycling organizations across the country to be turned into glasses like these. And because they are made from prefab bottles that don't need to be crushed or melted, the glasses use less energy to create than normal glassware. (source uncommongoods.com)


Recycled Glass Tumblers, set of 4, $40

I couldn't help but to smile when I found these eco-friendly bikes! They make great gift for the environmentalist or bicyclist on your list.  Created by an artisan co-op in Africa, these aren't your typical ten speeds. Complete with movable wheels and a functional kickstand, these bikes are made of recycled cans and splashed with color, packaging logos and types will vary from each bike as no two cycles are the same. 




Recycled Bike, $29.95

Live green today and everyday. Let this post inspire you to care for our earth, respect and replenish her, she is the only home we have! And as always... live beautifully!



Sunday, December 5, 2010

Holiday Decor... Rustic Redux!

Rustic Redux was inspired by rural, forest landscapes and the beauty of the natural elements found in these environments. In this entry you will find Inspired Interiors' take on rustic holiday decor. An update to the traditional country decor, Inspired interiors adds a bit of sparkle and modern flare to this style, would you expect anything less?  

How fabulous is this garland! At 5" wide and 60" long, you can spread holiday cheer along your mantel or around your tree.  "Happy Holidays" is printed on antiqued paper with elegant scalloped edges and glittered silver snowflakes. I love this garland! The antique elegance of the garland is complimented with the appropriate amount of sparkle, a perfect introduction to Inspired Interiors' Rustic Redux!

"Happy Holiday's" Tree Garland, $12
These wooden finial ornaments are hand carved from mango wood and distressed to look as though they  are true antiques. The addition of glitter gives these unique ornaments a bit of sparkle, (which, of course, we love!)perfect for a Rustic Redux style tree! 

Wooden Finial Ornaments, $8.99-$10.99
potterybarn.com


Cone trees are a modern interpretation to the classic tabletop pine tree decoration . Taking the cone silhouette of a traditional pine tree, this version marries traditional and modern design. 

Twig Treees, $29- $69
westelm.com


The symbol of the season, these north star ornaments are made of resin with an antique silver finish. They are 4" in diameter and 4" high. No tree is complete without a star! The many facets of these stars reflect light beautifully and are eye-catching trimming a tree or placed as room decor. For $14 each you can afford to do both! 

North Star Ornament, $14

What a simple and beautiful way to bring nature indoors. These lighted twigs add a soft glow to your holiday decor without taking away from the habitual look of the branches. The LED lights glow at the tips of the branches, each branch about 38" long, 3 per set. 

Lighted Branches, $55 

These mini temple bells are a great addition to Rustic Redux inspired decor. At 1-2" in length they are functional temple bells, with metal clackers and are made from rustic brass-plated steel. The burnished gold bells are hung from looped rope and would be a wonderful addition to a Rustic Redux Christmas tree or would be gorgeous used on a gift packaging. Simply use craft paper or mailing paper (it is similar to a brown bag you'd get at a grocery store) and wrap your package, secure with a burlap bow and add a sprig of live greens and some of these mini temple bells and you have a uniquely designed, Rustic Redux gift presentation! 

 
Mini Temple Bell Ornaments, $24 set of 6

Simple and stunning, Rosemary Topiaries from Viva Terra are just that. The beauty of these topiaries lies in the simplistic natural form of the greenery and the rough, raw texture of the burlap that wraps the base of these trees. They do not need lights, nor should they be decorated. Simply place two or three of these trees on a mantel, side table, or as a centerpiece and let them be shown in their modest form.

Rosemary Topiary, $49


Hopefully, you've found some inspiration from my Rustic Redux themed decor! Stay tuned for our next post and as always... live beautifully!