Category Archives: eclectic interiors

Soft Chairs, Creature Comfort (Fresh Start Monday}

Isn’t it impossible to resist softly covered chairs that let you tuck your feet up and really get comfortable? Be it a frayed old thing with the stuffing spilling out, an overstuffed armchair covered in washed-out linen, or a blue mid-century number with a shag footstool, it’s for me if its got a history and a style of its own, and I can enjoy tea and a book (or a beer and my laptop) in it without my feet touching the floor. Wishing you a week sprinkled, or doused, with quality time in a comfy chair!

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Romantic Reds {Color Inspiration}

Today is grey and chilly in the mountains, a reminder that winter is far from over. Cold winds call for warm colors, and with Valentine’s Day upon us, I think splashes of red will do the trick. In shades of ripe cherries, rusty metal and burgundy wine, red enlivens our senses and woos our hearts. May you be inspired to put some love into your life with romantic red.

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Images via: Anthropologie, Emel, Design is Mine, Pinterest, Designamour, High Street Market, Parson Sees, We Heart It

Black Ceilings, Bright Living

My first thought when presented with the idea of a ceiling in black was the possibility of the feeling of darkness descending. Au contraire! These stunning rooms are as bright as can be; the black contrast adds depth to the room without diminishing the light. The first three photos are of the gorgeous home of Paula Leen. It seems the light is bouncing off the black ceiling, making the room even brighter. What a gorgeous surprise!

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Inspiration and photos from emmas designblogg (3), Ashe + Leandro, Remodelista (2), Dwellers Without Decorators.

Eric Goode’s Eclectic Loft {Fresh Start Monday}

I’ve been seeing photos of this taxidermied lion all over our favorite design blogs and every time I see it I crave more. Finally, I found the source. Eric Goode is a restaurateur, hotelier (Bowery Hotel NYC), artist, filmmaker and conservationist. His NYC loft is a spectacular mix of nature, art, light, and vintage modern, mid-century, rustic and industrial style. I absolutely love the vintage taxidermy. [It should be noted that all the taxidermy Eric has collected fell to natural causes and he is "strongly opposed to the idea of killing animals", as am I.] Take Eric’s lead and add something daring and uniquely “you” to your space this week!

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Grabbed this from homedit

Industrial Revolution

First of all, huge “congratulations” to Christy Ann, winner of our very first giveaway and proud recipient of that gorgeous gilt sconce. And massive “thanks” to everyone who participated – we’ll do another giveaway soon!

Now on to your Friday fix. Industrial designs are a major source of inspiration in belle patine’s world. A repurposed piece from an old factory, mill, or workshop can add a twist of funkiness to the vintage modern mix. Check out these great industrial pieces – each one really makes the room, in my opinion. Oh, and the items in the last two photos – the vintage medical stool, the rolltop desk and the industrial shelving - are available in my online shop!

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belle patine's Rolltop Metal Desk + Vintage Medical Chair

belle patine's Industrial Shelving

Images via Duchess Fare, Vintage Rose Brocante, Homedit, Apartment Therapy and belle patine

Pink & Gray Perfection {Fresh Start Monday}

I love the softer hues of pinks and grays, the two colors in their more neutral tones. But I also love them bold and intense against a white wash of wall. Keep an eye out this week and I bet you’ll see some aspect of this gorgeous combination at least once in a sunset, a beautiful textile, a cozy bedroom, a tablescape, somewhere! Have a wonderful week, and don’t forget to enter our giveaway!

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Photos via a perfect gray, Hidden in France, Designspiration[SK], pink wallpaper, Brown Dress with White Dots, Greige, Riazzoli, Neutral Heaven.

The Rustic Charm of Reclaimed Wood

There’s nothing like the look and texture of wood that’s been exposed to the elements, season after season. Reclaimed wood salvaged from old buildings or barns is a beautiful, earth-friendly way to bring rustic charm indoors, and it looks great on floors, ceilings, furniture. I especially love the contrast of smooth linens and fluffy pillows against rough planks lining a headboard or bedroom wall. Perhaps it’s nostalgia for a simpler time of connectedness to the earth, when shelter for man and beast was hewn by hand and made to last. Whatever it is, we all seem to be hooked.

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Images via: Feather, Stone, Moon & Ivory Bone, Buckets of Burlap, Trendir, Design Sponge (this, this, and this), Pinterest and Wade Giles Tumblr

Vintage Modern Industrial Loft {Fresh Start Monday}

Happy Monday! Today I wanted to share the home of Johanna Burke, a truly inspired artist. Her studio Burke & Pryde designs window vignettes for Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co., among others. The vintage modern mix of her industrial loft (the building used to be a pasta factory) is one of my absolute favorite ways to nest. I love the rustic cement walls, the spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn waterfront, the old casement windows, the great kitchen (for a New York rental, it really is), the contemporary Herman Miller chair with the mid-century Poul Cadovius system in her office, and the mix of slouchy vintage pillows, seating and rugs. Couldn’t resist sharing some photos of her work in progress for Bergdorf’s holiday windows, too. Lovely, no?

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Grabbed this from the beautiful Mechant Design, originally posted by Freunde von Freunden.

Kilim Me Softly

One of the great things about the vintage modern lifestyle is the ability to repurpose old items for new uses. Antique kilim rugs combine rich colors with unique geometric shapes that are undeniably beautiful as floor coverings. However, kilims past their prime can be used in numerous other ways to inject an exotic, yet cozy flair. One popular transformation is to use them as pillow covers (I have two beautiful ones in my store right now, here and here), but there are lots of other applications, too. Aren’t those shoes just so snazzy?

belle patine's Kilim Pillow with Leather Back

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Signs of the Times

Old signs incorporated into interior decor are a hallmark of vintage modern living. Whether from bus, train or gas stations, or even subways or chemist shops, signage from another time can be both chic and nostalgic, especially when mixed with other pieces you love. Here are some beautiful examples.

Images via: Skona Hem, Spearmint Decor, Glitter Guide, Design Scouting, Pinterest