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.

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. 

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

Pottery Barn

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

L'Object

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

cb2

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

Graham and Green

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

Horchow

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!

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

www.vivaterra.com

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

www.Bambeco.com

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

www.uncommongoods.com

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

www.cb2.com

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!

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

potterybarn.com

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

westelm.com

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 

vivaterra.com

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

vivaterra.com

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

vivaterra.com

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

Holiday Decor... Inspired by Peacock Feathers

With Thanksgiving now merely a memory, and Christmas only 22 days away, at Inspired Interiors we are in full Christmas mode!


I have been in the holiday spirit for a little while now, but find myself getting more excited with every fabulous find I discover! I've scoured the internet, stores and magazines looking for new and exciting decor to share with you.


The first trend that has inspired me this holiday season is the peacock feather. The popular feather was quite fashionable over the past few seasons, used in accessories like headbands, earrings and necklaces. The transition into home decor has begun as well, and we are seeing the fashionable feather evolve into an elegant accessory of the home. Despite the fashionable aspect of the feather, there is also a link to Christianity associated with it.


It is said that the peacock is a symbol of immortality because ancients said they had flesh that did not decay after death. This legend could be the reason there were paintings and mosaics with peacock imagery in Christian artwork.  You will also find peacock feathers used during Easter as church decorations. This symbol of immortality is also directly linked to Christ. It is also said that The Gates of Paradise are guarded by a pair of peacocks,  both Origen and Augustine refer to peacocks as a symbol of the resurrection, and you may also see the peacock among the animals in Christ's nativity. 


I fell in love with this wreath from elledecor. The deep jewel tones of the exotic peacock feathers are gorgeous, and I can envision gold and bronze accessories mixed in with this color palate. How stunning! A very modern and fresh approach of the traditional Christmas wreath. 

Peacock Wreath, $68

JaysonHomeandGarden.com

Pier1 also offers a very similar wreath for an affordable price. It is a bit smaller, but will still create the same feel! This wreath is also a great size to use as a candle ring for a hurricane or a thick pillar candle.

Peacock Feather Wreath, $30

Pier1.com

This season you can find some peacock themed tree trimmings at Crate and Barrel. Check out your local store or shop online for their beautiful clear glass ornaments with an actual peacock feather enclosed in the teardrop! 

Teardrop Peacock Feather Ornament, $2.95-$3.95

crateandbarrel.com

These ornaments are also available at Crate and Barrel and work beautifully with the exotic colors found in the feathers!

Set of 3 Glitter Bead Ball Ornaments, $11.85

crateandbarrel.com

So, fluff out your feathers and fa la la! Let the season inspire you, and until next time... live beautifully!

My Black Friday Finds...

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving is know as "Black Friday". The most popular day of the year for us "shop-o-holics".A day where retailers open their doors before dawn offering ridiculously low prices on merchandise and running specials on the hottest gifts of the season. I am sure some of you were among the shoppers out and about this morning snagging bargains and getting great deals! I envy you! 


Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend this retail ritual, but I found myself inspired by it nonetheless. My inspiration evolved to researching interiors. (what else is new!) I decided to feature some of my favorite beautiful black rooms. 


Theoretically, black is the absence of light, therefore the absence of all colors. Yet, these rooms are designed with balance; considering the lack of color and light, and the enhancement and highlights of accents. Proportion and size is important in these spaces, balancing furniture and decor with the mass of the black walls. 


The bold, beauty of black and white shown below is strikingly dramatic and hard not to appreciate. Reflective surfaces like mirrors and lacquered accessories give additional light to the space. The repetition of vertical lines keeps your eye in motion, heightening the space. Vertically placed greenery softens up the space without competing with the design. 

Black walls are warmed up with rich hardwood floors and accents of copper. Carmel colored club chairs complement the copper accents of this space, and a tufted loveseat becomes the focal point in the room when upholstered in a contrasting white damask pattern. 


I love the mix of the traditional and modern in this room! I am personally drawn toward this image as my own style is similar. The tufted camelback loveseat and club chairs against the geometric copper wall art and geometric throw pillows blend these two styles perfectly. The bold zebra rug paired with the polyurethane end tables are modern elements which ground the look and are balanced proportionally with the traditional seating of the room. 


Texture plays a huge role in this space. The sheen of oversized copper wall art creates a cold, minimalist mood, while the tufting on furniture below softens up the look. Plush fur throws and animal rugs add comfort to the room, welcoming guests into the space.  The mix of pattern and materials used in this space creates interest and drama. The space has character without being cluttered, and is one of my favorite takes off the ever popular black and white theme. 

So, there you have it, my Black Friday finds! I hope you've enjoyed these rooms as much as I did! Until next time be inspired and... live beautifully. 

Delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies

I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving! I wanted to share this recipe with you incase you need a last minute dessert for your guests! I just whipped up a batch of these for my family... and they were a hit. Quick, easy and delicious! I made half a batch with chocolate chips... but you could add pecans or white chocolate if you'd like. They are tasty simply with the glaze on them too! Let me know your thoughts! 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Glaze (recipe follows)
• 
  

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.
COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.
BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.
FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.