Design: African Fusion

Hello Made By Girl readers! It's Brooke from the Modern Sophisticate again.
One of my favorite tricks designers use to add some fun and whimsy to a space is to incorporate animals into the decor. Adding a dog statue to a side table or little leopard print to a chair can really do wonders.

 

Trust me. It works every time.  

Lately, I have been inspired by more exotic animals like rams and peacocks, which have been styled to be more glam than safari. Here are my picks for an African fusion look:

a. Emma Feather Pendant via Jayson Home

b. Unknown found on Pinterest (similar here)

c. Italian 1950s Gilt Iron Bench via Quotient

d. Bamileke Feather Headdress via Safari Fusion

e. Resin Kudu Horns via Safari Fusion

- post by Brooke Jones

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Design: Over Dyed Area Rugs

Hello MBG readers! Brooke Jones bringing you an interesting trend, over dyed area rugs. I mean, who said old dogs can't learn new tricks? Over dyed area rugs are just that-- vintage rugs that have seen better days that are re-dyed in bright cheery new colors.
 

They almost look like abstract paintings for your floors, don't you think? These rugs would work great to update a traditional room or add a bit of history to modern spaces: a win-win no matter where you use them! Here are my favorite picks from ABC Carpet & Home:

{images via ABC Carpet & Home}

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Design: Mint + Gold

Hello Made By Girl fans! It's Brooke here to talk about my newest obsession: mint.  I sure we're all aware this color is everywhere this Spring, from fashion to home decor to ice cream shops.  Even when I was watching the season premiere of Mad Men (amazing!!), I spotted some minty freshness in the swingin' 60's spaces.  

My absolute favorite was a shot of Don & Megan's front door to their new apartment.  I love the mix of green lacquer the gold starburst escutcheon on the door knob.  I'm dying to recreate the look for a modern-day home:

1. Mid-Century Wide Star Escutcheon by Rejuvenation

2. Mint Julep by Benjamin Moore

The original shot of Don's new doors: 

I probably wouldn't stop at the door, either. You could use mint and gold pretty much anywhere in your home, from the bathroom to the bedroom.  Here's my dream mint/gold 60's inspired dining room:

fig. 1. Auburn Antique Brass Chandelier via Arteriors

fig. 2. Bermuda Grass Green Grasscloth via Phillip Jeffries

fig. 3. Paul McCobb Vintage 1960s Dining Table via 1st Dibs

fig. 4. Pair of Gold Base Chairs Vintage via Pieces, Inc.

fig. 5. Ming Satin Brass Mirror via MG+BW

fig. 6. Linley Console Table via Dering Hall

-post by brooke jones

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Design: Bone Inlay Furniture

Brooke from the Modern Sophisticate here again for your interior design fix. When building a room I usually suggest to keep the larger pieces in your home simple and basic so they'll stand the test of time and you won't tire of them too quickly. 


Where you bring in your funk & pizazz is through your accent pieces and accessories!  Lately, my eye has been drawn to BONE INLAY FURNITURE as just the right amount of simplicity and pizazz for contemporary rooms.

via Alice Lane Blog

via graham and green

Below with even more pizazz!
 

Bone inlay is a little bit tribal and a little bit polished. It's a little earthy and a whole lotta chic. Check out the pieces I've been dreaming over:

Did you notice the herringbone on that cocktail table?  I. Die.

1. Ironies Starburst Mirror

2. Ironies Armmoire

3. Ironies Klismos Chair

4. 1st Dibs Cocktail Table

-post by brooke jones

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Design: Abstract Art

Hello lovelies!! It's Brooke from The Modern Sophisticate to share with you my love of abstract art. 

There is not another single item you can add to your home that screams "I have taste" more than a gorgeous piece of abstract.  They fit in traditional settings just as well as they do in uber modern spaces (which can be a God-send sometimes).  

Lately, I've even started to see a lot of abstract-inspired fashion, as well!

1. Room by Nicole Cohen

2. Abstract by Nicole Cohen, Dress by Lela Rose

3.  Room by Jan Showers

4. Dress by Alice+Olivia, Abstract by Richard Aldrich

Do you like the look but not sure how to style abstracts for your own space?

Here are a few tips:

1. 'Camellia' Original Painting by Jen Ramos 

2.  Field Bench with Back by Dering Hall

3. 6 Light Chandelier by Currey&Company

4. Side Table from One Kings Lane

5. Polyedres by Hubert le Gall via 1st Dibs

6. Suzy Gold Leaf & White Marble Side Table by Worlds Away

7. Estelle Display Lamp from Circa Lighting

8. Colors 97 Original Painting by Jen Ramos

-post by brooke

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Design: Amethyst

Hi again, fellow design enthusiasts!  

It's Brooke (While Jen is on her way to NYC) I'm here again to share with you my latest obsession: AMETHYST. I stumbled across this amazing image a few weeks back and can't get this semi-precious stone off my mind!

Using amethyst in decor is a little bit glam, a little bit rock and roll, a little polished and a little raw- the perfect combo for a statement accessory, if you ask me!  Here are some picks to add this look into your home and wardrobe:

1. Framed Mineral Art by Christopher Marley from The Pheromone Gallery

2. Purple Rock Crystal Ring from Fred Flare 

3. Raw Amethyst Cuff by Jody Candrian from Far Fetch

4. Amethyst Mineral Lamps from 1st Dibs

Mother Nature creates the most beautiful art, no?

{image via The Glam Lamb}

-post by brooke jones

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Design: Books as Holiday Gifts...

Hello again! It's me, Brooke, from The Modern Sophisticate.

I don't know about you but all I ever want for Christmas are books, especially gorgeous design books.  I have books in every room of my home, including my bathroom, kitchen and dining room-- I can't get enough of them!! If you are running around last minute trying to think of some quick and easy Christmas gifts, why not consider a beautiful book for your loved one?  One can never have too many, you know.  

And if you REALLY want to make an impression, why not add in a decorative object to coordinate?  

Here are my picks for...

...the Hip Hop Fan...

(This would be for the man in my house.)

1. Decoded by Jay-Z

2. Polygon Object from Indigo

3. Glow In The Dark by Kanye West

...the Fashionista...

(I've been pining for these books for years.)

1. Les Must De Cartier

2. Black and White Lacquer Boxes from Gramercy & Co.

3. Tom Ford by Tom Ford

...the Journalist/Photographer...

1.  New York Times Magazine Photographs

2. Marquee Letter from Urban Outfitters

3. Vanity Fair The Portraits

...and the Happy Chic Designer.

1. Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Accessorizing

2. Richard Nixon Throw from Jonathan Adler

3. Hue Limited Edition by Kelly Wearstler

What are you asking Santa for this year??

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