Where do Interior Designers shop for Asian Accents?

Have you ever driven by a shop that looks so intriguing that you vow to return one day when you have a bit of time?  That's what happens every time I drive by Asian Accents in West Palm Beach.

They send postcards to designers as they receive new product, just to "dangle the carrot".  One day my business partner and I could resist no longer and popped in.  As you can see this warehouse is filled with lots of wonderful things.

Carved statues and Buddhas, panels large and small, credenzas, tables, cabinets and accent furniture were everywhere. We made notes for client projects and plan to bring our clients here to see all the beautiful pieces in person.

The carved details on this bench makes it even more charming.

 

A  hand painted cabinet like this adds so much character to any style interior.

Not all furniture is old.  New pieces like these have been popping up in showrooms and magazines everywhere.

This "Key" cabinet is available in many sizes and finishes.  Straight sides allow for bunching together to create exactly the size you want. too.

Silver metallic finishes add luster and formality.

A painted finish rubbed through to "age" this credenza  makes it less formal.

We ended up purchasing this cabinet for a client to use under a large flat screen tv.

Look how different a change of paint and accenting the detail can make.

This console is perfect for our client's foyer. It is narrow but also has drawers for storage.  She loved it.
We can't wait to have these pieces delivered when her house is ready.

They were willing to change the hardware on the cabinet to these teardrops.  We may silver leaf them too but will wait to see how they look in her home.

Changing hardware can have a huge effect. 

It can be difficult to find an over sized cocktail table for a large seating area, but here it is!

Decorating with Asian accents adds a special touch.  It works well with contemporary or traditional design.  I find it gives a "traveled" feeling, a "global" influence.  Whether the accents are new or old the effect is lovely.

Sometimes just introducing a few small pieces like these is gives an interior the perfect twist.

Have you heard of a drum table?  Well here are real  drums that you could use as tables, seats or keep them just as they are. 

Pagoda lanterns are great in the garden, patio, by a tub and, well, just about anywhere.

Look at this fabulous vintage rattan  cocktail table.

It's fun to come upon so many treasures.  Don't you love imagining where you might use them or how you might refinish, embellish or just make them your own?

What fun, an antiques shop in the same warehouse!

Vintage "bentwood" chairs.  These would add personality to any dining space.

This little armoire is charming but topped with a stack of vintage suitcases makes it irresistable. 

Sharing the warehouse was an antiques dealer with fabulous treasures. We did not have time to stop and look that day.  But we will return soon.
Next door to their warehouse was a small shop filled with a delightful surprise.

Look what we found hanging on the wall.  Panels of Indian fabrics, one more beautiful than the next.
Yes we will be going back there too!  We met the owner, Paula Roemer, who had just found these incredible textiles from India.  We can't wait to see what she discovers next!

Oh wait....lamps and lanterns!

Let's hang several of these at different heights with candles lit inside on a porch or balcony, or in the corner of a room.  It might be a bit of Bohemian but actually they are from India.

Such interesting detail on this lamp but a new shade would really make a difference.

Where would you put this delightful parasol?

Have you decorated with Asian accents?  What do you like about discovering new resources or poking around in warehouses filled with ...well, you never know what?  As always I invite you to share your experiences and inspirations in the comment box below.
I look forward to hearing from you!

                      Happy Decorating!

What's new in kitchen appliances....or should I say what's old is new !

As an Interior Designer I can find myself at any given time in all kinds of places.  Just last week a project I am working on with my business partner, Ellie Caimano, took us to a plumbing showroom, a custom mattress shop and a local appliance retailer.  What we discovered there was unexpected and delightful.

These red vintage style appliances are showstoppers.  The black and white tile just adds to the "retroness"

This stove appears pretty authentic, but look closely and see what current feature it has.

How fabulous would these look in a modern day "retro" kitchen?  The refrigerator is the same inside as most current standard refrigerators but when they put the fancy red vintage door on it the price went up to $5,000!  We are actually working on renovating a condo built in the 40"s and this would be perfect. But we are making it look contemporary.....all white...very sleek...so I guess I will have to wait for another day to bring these beauties home.

Does anyone remember cooking on a stove like this....or maybe there was one in your mother's or grandmother's kitchen?  This oldie was on display in the store, but not for sale.  Don't you love the advertisement?

Look at that double oven!  What a  nice work space by the burners too.

Not only does this beauty have a "Sensational new quick-set automatic timer", but it also has a spectacular built in "Jiffy Griddle".  I think it is behind "door #2" on the right.  When you open the door the 2 burner griddle slides out.  

We did spot something new there.  It's a new finish called slate.  It's very cool.  What do you think?  I don't know what goes into creating a new color/finish for appliances.  It could be a very risky investment for manufacturers but it is so nice to see something different!

In the yellow shaded lighting the finish takes on a bronze tone, which is something to remember when selecting the lighting for your own home.  Slate is softer and less obvious than black while still adding a rich tone to go with darker cabinets.

I don't remember the avocado being this bright and cheerful, but I do remember wearing bell bottoms !

Remember Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and Copper?  I remember having to base decorating schemes around the color of the appliances.  I am not kidding!

I think the second photo may be my own kitchen from the 70's!  And look they even made avocado green sinks to match the appliances too! The light fixture in the top photo is back in style.  Maybe there is truth in if you hang on to it, it comes back?

We have probably all seen what they call "integrated" appliances in kitchens.  That is where the appliance has a panel on the front that matches the kitchen cabinets.  The appliances blend in so well that sometimes you don't even realize what you are looking at!

This built-in could almost pass as a pantry with drawers below.

I saw this at another showroom.  It  is a combination of  a freezer, wine cooler and refrigerator.
Can you guess where the freezer is?

This would be great for a wine conoseur but if not, you can have a refrigerator on both sides.  Yes, the freezer is on the bottom.

As we left the first appliance store we spotted this cutie.  Do you know what it is?  Did you know someone who had one?  I think I saw one once on someone's back porch years ago.  Gosh, how far we have come.  This bit of nostalgia was such a treat.  Hope you enjoyed seeing what's new, what's old is new and a few throw backs to a bye gone time.

Yes, I think this old faithful deserves it's blue ribbon!

What do you think about decorating in a "retro" style?  What touches of nostalgia would you like to use in your decorating?  Even in contemporary design a nod to the past can give depth to your decorating, don't you think?

What ideas do you have for a new feature or color in kitchen appliances?  How does the color of your appliances effect the way you decorate or design your kitchen?

As always I invite you to share your experiences and inspirations, or questions, in the comment box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.

                     Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a decorating project please email me at pictureprettyint@aol.com

Where do Designers shop? Pier I has lots to offer.

While shopping with a client, I stopped in an old favorite haunt, Pier I Imports.  It was always a fun place to get inspired and it still is!  Pier I has a little bit of everything at great prices.  That day they were even having a sale.

They still have a fabulous selections of pillows and seat cushions, accessories, furniture, tableware and more.

Pillows for every color scheme.

These pillows had pretty appliqued flowers.

I love  classic navy and white.  These were embroidered.

This fresh, crisp, colorful pattern is just plain cheerful to look at.

A pillow like this can inspire a whole color scheme.....or tie it all together.

Linen covered chests with nail head patterns are so popular now but often very pricey.  This is a great way to get the look at an affordable price.

A chest like this could be a focal point or an inspiration.  Use it as a server, buffet, entertainment cabinet or where ever you want to add an exotic touch.

Want to add a bit or nature or a pop of color?  Butterflies can brighten up any space.

A charming mantle clock like this reminds me of  a pricey Swedish antique.  You could "age" the finish by sanding and distressing it and giving it a light antique wash..

Hammered silver adds sparkle, texture and an artisan feel.

Looking for accessories for an office or den?

Here's a twist on a traditional wreath.  Hang it on a door or wall, or lay it on a table and place a large candle in the center. What other ways would you use it?  Which direction would you hang it?

Wouldn't these elephants add a delightful touch of whimsy to a bookshelf?

A flute playing frog would charm anyone. What about tucking one in a garden?

These youthful musicians would work high on a ledge, on a shelf, cabinet,  or on the floor by a plant.   Where would you like them?

Lanterns are fun to use inside or out.

And garden seats like these are not just for your garden, and not just seats either!

Pier I is a great place to find hanging chairs.  They are so comfy and a little retro.

I even found this traditional sofa with nail head trim there.

Not everything was bright and colorful.  I like the way they took a neutral wing chair and added soft gold.

Want to update your colors without redecorating?  I loved these dishes and glassware, napkins and napkin rings.
Creating a beautiful tablescape on your dining table is like a mini decorating project.  I think that is why holidays are so much fun!

 

I am starting to feel like this is a commercial for Pier I Imports but it isn't.  I do not often think of it as a place for major pieces of furniture, though it could be, but it really can be a source for accessories and what I call "fill in" or accent pieces.  It is always fun to bring things home and "play" with them.

Where do you like to shop for accessories?  Do you like the "global" style of import stores?  I always get inspired when I pop into places like this.  Now I am thinking of redecorating my patio!

As always I invite you to share your experiences and ideas in the comment box.  I look forward to hearing from you.

                             Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a decorating project of your own please email me at pictureprettyint@aol.com 

How to "Go Green" on Earth Day

                    Happy Earth Day!

There are so many wonderful ways we can be mindful of our environment.  Not only can we recycle and find ways to save energy at home but as savvy consumers we can take care when designing or remodeling our homes as well.

Here is an email I got from a local flooring showroom, Foundation Floors, about the latest and most popular "green" flooring solutions.  Thanks, Matt for keeping us ever mindful of ways we can go green in our homes.

 Hi Marsha, 

Wanting to go “green” with your flooring?  Here are some old favorites and new trends that are big this year in green flooring, adding both comfort and eco-friendliness to your home’s design. Eco-flooring trends allow homeowners to protect the health of their loved ones while protecting the environment at the same time—it’s a win-win!

• Bamboo — an eco-friendly classic that is still favored by many homeowners.

• Cork — is hypo allergenic and has anti-microbial attributes, making it the perfect choice for homes with people with allergies and a material that contributes to cleaner air space.

• Marmoleum — a material that contains linseed oil, with backing is made from wood flour combined with jute. This combination creates a 97% natural product, in which 67% of the content is vegetable and rapid renewable.

• GreenStone — a product which incorporates recycled glass in its concrete material and has the ability to aesthetically resemble timber flooring.

Best Regards,

Matt Jorgensen

 President

Foundation Flooring

www.foundationfloors.com 

In what ways are you "going green" in your home?  How does "going green" effect your decorating decisions?

As always I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Decorating!

If you would like some assistance with a decorating project in your home please email me at 

pictureprettyint@aol.com