Featured Slider

Showing posts with label interior design. Show all posts

Enviable Entryways

We moved in to our new home last week and after the gigantic task of arranging all those most essential stuff, I am finally back here. I haven't discussed our new home here much because I was waiting for this right moment, right post all this while - which I wasn't sure when and how. But anyways, settlement is done, we moved and all is well and I can finally share the news here. I loved our rental home for past 5 years a ton even though it wasn't ours - so it is a given that this one will be loved and cherished every single moment. Do stay tuned for more and more painful details and boatload of pictures.

While we are settling down, I am thinking of our foyer and those around the internet that inspire me . I am still trying to figure out what exactly makes some homes instantly inviting. But I am pretty sure of what I want anyone entering our home feel from the very first moment that they step inside - warm, happy, loved and cherished - with an anticipation of meaningful conversations, laughter, stories and memories. Those are the exact vibes some of these foyers that I have saved in my Pinterest feed over time sent out.














1 / 2 / 3 / 4/ 5 / 6 / 7 / 8


What do you think? Do you have a formal foyer ? What are the functions and emotions that you want your foyer to convey ? I would love to hear your thoughts and that inspire you :-)

P.S : Please do pin from original sources :-)



Tropical Leaf Prints - A Trend that can't be Ignored

Have I ever mentioned here that I am from Kerala ( the southern tip of India) , an Indian state known for its tropical beaches, coconut trees and lagoons? - Where a grand feasts are served in banana leaves? Yes, for real . No wonder this new trend with tropical leaves, that is rocking the design world caught my eye and stayed there :-) . It is nostalgic, brings back the salty whiff of our local beaches to which a lot of memories are attached.

banana leaf print wall paper from made by lemon
Via Made By Lemon

I am quite not sure where the trend originated from though  Don Loper's Banana leaf  print wallpaper is often refereed to as the original installation. Did you know that the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel had the original banana leaf wallpaper in the year 1942? Yes, actually the design, the print is existing from that time, though now we have countless replicas of original design.

Etsy anewalldecor shop
Via Etsy - anewalldecor
But I do agree, these are bold prints that have substantial impact on a room. Committing to such an effect might be a tough decision for most of us - both in terms of design and price. But not to worry, these tropical prints are appearing in all sorts of forms - fabric, paper, art, accessories and home decor. You just need to decide how and where you want to see it .

In the living spaces, you may enjoy it in the form of  curtain panels, throw pillows or art on the wall.

banana leaf curtains
Via Coco + Kelly
banana leaf pillow
Via Homey Oh My

Society 6 throw
Via Domino
In kitchen and dining spaces these leaves could turn into lovely table cloths, DIY placemats  or as beautiful dishes and bowls.

Via Place Of My Taste

Via Room296

You can use the fabric or paper options to create your own art or use them in various DIY projects, even tweak a few furniture with them. The possibilities are endless, imaginations limitless.

Tropical print wall art
Via The Everygirl

banana leaf wall paper bookcase
Via A Cup Of Jo
DIY Leaf Print dresser
Via A Beautiful Mess
How do you feel about the trend? Here to stay? I am thinking it is going to stay a while especially since it has seen decades by now.

Would you like to check out some products spotting these tropical leaves with their color rich and bold patterns? Do check out my pinterest board here , full of inspirational images and products and sale information.

This post was inspired by Laurel and Wolf and part of their trend forecast project.. If you haven't heard of them, they offer online interior design services at affordable prices. Do check out their portfolio and designers here.

See you,
Anima


AN ECLECTIC HOUSE FOR A YOUNG FAMILY

This is the first time I am doing a house tour here. As a serial web surfer I come across so many house tours and I love house tours and to see how people live. So I was excited when I came across this model home that is built for a young family who has a casual way of life but elegant style quotient.

This is a model home set up by Ryan Homes for their Westridge collection of homes. This one is 4 Bed,3.5 bath, added office space and loft space with 2 car garage design. What I loved most about the home is it is the right sized home for a growing, young family. Neither a mansion nor small, which is the winning point in my account.

So here we go , an eclectic home from  Aldie, Northern Virginia,




I have no idea as to who the interior design credit goes, but the home has a good mix of high end and Ikea pieces, they co-exist without any hitch or glare here. This is the foyer area of the home to where the main door opens. It is more of a part of hall way. But the lack of a formal foyer is disguised with this small welcome arrangement. What is lacking there? I would say only a bouquet of  fresh flowers.




To the right is the formal living and next to it the dining space which are defined by a pillar structure in between.



The dining room leads you to the kitchen and main family space through a walk-in pantry and butlers pantry facing each other. I love how the mirrors are used to give an airiness to the space. If up to me, I would have changed the chandelier though. I feel a lighter weight piece would fit better there.

Moving on to the kitchen.



I am usually not a dark cabinets person, but any dark element here is well contrasted and complemented by the white counters and stainless steel appliances. Do you see the white candle holders and black candles? Would you think of using them at your home? But they look so at home here!



Right off is the family living space. A bit low on storage pieces there but we have to remember this is a model home. But otherwise I would say it is well styled and visually calm.






I forgot to take pictures of the breakfast area which has a nice bay of windows letting the sunlight pouring in. The amount of light flowing in beat the disappointment of not having a window in the kitchen.

There is a small office space right behind the family room.





Now the second level, most of the second level is dedicated to rest and relaxing with 4 bedrooms, a loft space and a laundry room.


The Hallway
The hallway has a nice sized closet apart form the laundry room with ample space. This hallway connects all the bedrooms and the loft space.






The master bedroom is one area that I think is overdone with its 2 big walk-in closets. One would have been enough I believe. But I am not complaining because storage space is that - storage space. No one can have enough right!

The design here is a bit traditional, expected with the tile work and - seen too many times - sink design. But then again, this is a model home, designed to please people from all walks of life with varied taste.

These below are snapshots of the guest room. They have used different colors in all bedrooms, but none overwhelming or out of place. The color crazy me loved that.





Next up are the Boys and girls room. Simple, neutral furniture pieces with pops of color on textiles and accessories. Perfect for growing kids and their ever changing tastes. They definitely could use some rugs though. Or is it too much?







I especially loved the pops of colors in the girls room and I also love that the room is blue and not traditional pink. Did you know our little girls room is also "blue" with pops of pinks ? Very similar to this one.


The girl's bathroom also has an interesting choice of color. My iPhone pictures are not doing much justice to the real color and feel of this space.

Below is the loft space, which has plenty of storage, seating and TV, game facilities.


Finally here is the view of the entry from Garage. There is a coat closet and powder room next to the entry.





I wasn't really thinking of blogging about the place when I visited the place with my friend. So the tour really isn't comprehensive. But hope to do a better job next time.

So how did you enjoy the first room tour at This design Journal? Tell me what you love and hate about the place right here. We learn together right!

Anima

*PS : This is not a sponsored post. Ryan Homes don't even know that I exist. Anything written here is my own opinions and feelings about the place.