Guest Blogging!

I'm guest-posting over at Spark! today - Head on over, ya'll! ;)

pic via here

Gimme, Gimme, GIMME!

Give photographer, Terri Smith some love for this precious pic

A Brooklyn Limestone is hosting the most awesome giveaway I've seen yet - A Lulu ("baby" Ghost) chair. The giveaway is hosted by All Modern, if you wanna go see some other way cool stuff. Now, get over to A Brooklyn Limestone to put your name in the hat - but don't plan on winning - I've got that part covered! ;)

Botanical Bliss

We've all seen the array of vintage, or made-to-look vintage botanical prints that have graced the design scene for the last few years. Most recently, we were awed and entertained by the fantastic, oversize versions selected by designer Bunny Williams for the Kips Bay showhouse. (Full article and pics at house beautiful).

The history of botanical prints dates back to ancient Roman times - where images of plants and herbs were depicted to provide reference to different species. Later, during the Renaissance, interest in the natural world blossomed, and botanical renderings became more detailed and beautiful - an art form, if you will.*

These days, despite their lineage, you'll find botanicals used in not-so-traditional interiors.

from here

image here

In many cases, though, you'll find botanicals placed in classic, grid arrangement.

via la dolce vita

via decorology

You have to give a homeowner credit when they throw design "rules" to the wind. Like these unframed versions used with wallpaper effect. Design street cred, I tell ya!

via southern accents

Despite thinking such traditional art may not fit the scheme of my Brazilian casa, I've been snooping around for a cool set of vintage prints. I'm thinking something tropical: palms, orchids, maybe tropical fruit So I was thrilled when I got a hot tip via Full House. (Be sure to read her interview with Caitlin Creer for some awesome DIY images!)

Vintage Printables has printable clipart images of vintage botanicals - I do believe I'll need to warm up my printer for this!
Here's some of my faves:

*History of botanical prints here

Etsy Interruption

You all know I've been surfing Etsy a lot lately. I'm supposed to be looking for cool fabric-y stuff for Avery's room, but I'm easily sidetracked by all the cute, C-Ute stuff. This, however, fits into another category entirely... Apparently, my life is not complete, because I don't have my own Giant Uterus Pillow! Seriously? Who buys this stuff (and I won't even TELL you all the other anatomical softies they make - ha!) want one? Go here.

The Thrill of the Hunt

Still searching for lower-price, but still fab fabrics for Avery's room...Really want more of a hand-blocked, ethnic look - something like this...Too bad it's only a runner - guess I could get SEVERAL of them! (found here)

These caught my eye, too.

It's a start! (Both found here)

DBRB Symptoms Arising...

I'm feelin' it again...symptoms of Design Blog-Reader's Blues have been a 'creepin into my brain as I work on Avery's room redo...

I did settle on a bedding ensemble for her room - the Callie set from PBKids

The pattern is discontinued - but I lucked out and found a complete (well, minus a skirt) set on Ebay - sweet price, too!

Remember, I'm planning to paint the bed a deep midnight blue to temper all the hot pink..

...But, I can't leave well enough alone - and am not sure I want the bulk of the pattern in the room to be on the duvet - I was imaging more of a white coverlet/duvet with pink edging, and then patterned skirt/shams look. I'm still brainstorming on how to use this set to create such a look.

When I was tossing around ideas of other patterns, I spied some uh-ma-zing fabrics on the Quadrille/South Seas website. I emailed the oh-so-sweet-and-talented Marianne of Haven and Home to see if she could help me out with some swatches. (The fabrics are to-the-trade, and I knew Marianne was at Market that week) - she kindly obliged, but gave me fair disclaimer - These fabrics are C.R. AZY expensive (at least for this blogstress - and most sane people)

...That's when the DBRB symptoms arose...inspiration, followed by sadness, ending with disdain for high-end fabric manufacturers - I mean, really WHY do they have to be so freakin' expensive? Here's some of the patterns I'm having conniptions over...

Yes, this is for Avery's room - I did her nursery in soft-candy pink, so I'm going for more of an elegant-little-diva bedroom look this go round. Do I even have a prayer for a throw pillow or two out of this stuff - Prob' not...

But what I CAN have is Round Two of The Cure for DBRB!!! The requests to the MLHP designer panel have been sent, so I'll be compiling all the yummy, insider scoop pics soon. I know you can't wait!!! Stay tuned...

Chinese Chippendales: Act I

***First - Thank You, THANK YOU for all of the sweet birthday wishes you sent my way! You know how it is...at some point after your 21st birthday (ahem, years ago for me), your special day sort of becomes just another day....but you gals, my friends here in Brazil, and of course, my sweet little family made it perfect. Muito Obrigada!***

On the project front: I started the Chippendale redo the other day. Lemme just say, removing nailhead and old, vinyl upholstery is no walk in the park. Upon closer inspection, I realized just how much TLC these chairs need. They spent several years as patio chairs (hence, the vinyl seats). Exposure to The Elements (in Houston, TX no less!) has made it necessary to replace the batting and seat support straps. It is evident, though, that in their day, they were properly and well-upholstered. I hope I can restore them to their former, glamorous selves!

I bought an "off the shelf" high gloss orange paint, and spot tested it on one chair...

Do you agree, it's a bit too citrus? If we're gonna stick with food references, I'm thinking less tangelo, more persimmon.

But, here's what it looked like in the can - not too bad, huh? Since it's not a custom mix, I'll either attempt to return it - a rather unappealing option, considering my limited Portuguese - or donate it to my friend's playroom redo project. Either way, a different shade is in store...

I do need to chop-chop, though, because here's the fabric - in all it's glory ...in TEXAS! I asked Shannon to ship it to my parents', so my Mom could handle the customs forms, etc in getting it to me...but I am soooo anxious to see it in person! I originally planned on making the seat recovering a DIY project, but considering the quality (read: cost) of the fabric, I'd be devastated if I blew it. Yep, I'll leave this recovering to the pros!

You say it's your Birthday

That's right - it's my birthday! It also happens to be my aunt's, too - Happy Birthday, Aunt Betty ('member her new, glamour-zen bath I helped with?)

Wanna see my B-day present? Stop at 1:27


Thanks Erin (who commented here) for the heads up!

I'm on a Boat

We've all seen the worst nautical style has to offer: cheezy anchor-print fabrics, seashell overkill - you know what I'm talking about. However, classic style with oceanic reference doesn't have to go overboard (pun intended!)
For any of you - like me - who dream of an abode near or on the water, here's some eye candy with a touch of aquatic appeal - that won't make your toes curl...

Don't know about you...but lying on one of these deck chaises, I'd feel like the Queen of Shiba

via cocomale

Rustic leather on captain's chairs paired with crisp stripes - Ralph, you get me EVERY time...

ralph lauren via oceaninteriors

Whoever the architect was who dreamed this up - we need to talk (after I win the Lotto, 'course.)

nautical nook via elegance redefined

Suzanne Kasler can make no design mistake, IMO. Look at those polished nickel nautical lights!

Suzanne Kasler via Willow decor

This bathroom is done so cleverly, but with taste. Vintage map wallpaper, ropes in lieu of towel bars, marble coin tile {swoon}

beachy bath via xjavierx

There's those maps, again...but I can't take my eyes off those metal chairs!

via design crisis

This might fall into the bit-too-beachy category, but with the wide-stripe rug, it still has a Something's Gotta Give vibe - which I'll never turn away!

image via here

And in case you don't know what I'm referencing in the title of this post (and you need a little chuckle) check this out...

He Said, She Said

Do design dilemmas bring about debate in your house? Here at Casa Giese, I am not the only person who cares about the likes of furniture, fabric and form. In truth, I rely a great deal on Ben's eye. His approach is more methodical than mine, and he often sees the possibilities of a room through a different, more pragmatic prism. It all works as a good counterpoint to my delusions of design grandeur!

Oftentimes at night, when I'm sitting with my laptop putting together a post, Ben will be doing his best to keep up with world affairs - you know, oh, like the U.S.' collapsing economy. That's when I'll hit him up with, "Hey, look at this room. Isn't that fantastic?" Or, "Wanna help me out with this Design Dilemma?" Sometimes I get the brush off (is this a man's version of 'Not tonight, honey, I have a headache?' ;) Other times, he's full of ideas - AND opinions. Regardless, when we both contribute to a design concept, you better believe we bring our 'A' game!

I've been tossing around an idea for a post contrasting Symmetrical versus Asymmetrical room arrangements. I believe this is one of those hot or cold concepts - If you like rooms that are very orderly and symmetrical, it is likely irritating to your senses to live in rooms that are not arranged that way. I am drawn to rooms with lots of symmetry - pairs of chairs, tables, and lamps are very soothing to me. And yes, I understand this is likely a reflection of my OCD tendencies!
Ben on the other hand tolerates asymmetry very well. He looks for points of interest in a room, and has the ability to disregard if items are mismatched - so long as the overall appeal is balanced.
I was going through the images of my Symmetry/Asymmetry post, and asked Ben if he'd contribute...Here's our little design version of He Said, She Said...

Ben: I like the style of the room, but honestly, there's no point of reference - it's literally a mirror image of itself.
Me: I love this room - love the semi-rustic style of it. And there IS a point of reference - the books are "off" - that's how you know what side of the room you're on! Really, though - those iron chairs, that limestone fireplace. I could handle it.

Me: This room is by Phoebe Howard. Do you know her story?
Ben: No.
Me: She's a wildy-successful designer NOT formally trained, and her style is impeccable - if a little formal. I want you to get transferred to Jacksonville so I can stalk her, and become her design assistant. OK, the room..
Ben: Not bad. I like the colors. There's alot of furniture packed in there. I'd probably do less of the "two of this, two of that."
Me: But, that's the whole idea - perfect symmetry.
Ben: Well, they don't have to overkill it on that.

Me: Love this room! This is what I'd do if I were going all-out with the trad-mod look.
Ben: Yeah, looks great. Is anyone REALLY going to sit on those stools, though? And, I don't know about the fake animal pattern. I have a polyester tiger-print blanket that looks a lot like that.
Me: Mmm...sure the designer would beg to differ. Interesing mix of colors, too.

Ben: I like it. I think the perfect symmetry is nicely broken up by the mantel arrangement.
Me: It's OK. To me, it feels like they went to The RoomStore, and bought everything at one time. I do like the furniture arrangement, though. And I really like the palm in the corner.

Me: Love it!
Ben: Ugh! Hate that!
Me: Why?
Ben: It's too small. What's the point of having two sinks in such a small space? And I hate that wallpaper.
Me: Mmm...I like the wallpaper...

Me: I LOVE this room. The herringbone seagrass, the pair of X-leg stools and gourd lamps, the oversized art. LOVE IT!
Ben: Yeah, they did a good job, except for the tree stump growing out of the rug.
Me: It's just a side table - designer trying to "add interest" or texture.
Ben: Well, it's just bizarre. Otherwise, I think the room works.

Ben: Nope. No purple.
Me: I think it's purple done elegant. I think the symmetry balances the unusual color.
Ben: I just don't like purple.

Ben: It's nice, for a Country Club sitting area.
Me: Yes, very traditional. What do you think about the furniture arrangement?
Ben: Kinda weird. The armchair on the right looks like it's directed to the left lamp. I like asymmetrical, but this is just odd...

Ben: OK, I like this.
Me: Why? What about it do you like?
Ben: I like the yellow chairs, and I like that you're not looking at a mirror image - keeps your brain more occupied.
Me: I love the yellow chairs...There's not perfect symmetry here, but it's very balanced. I dig it.

Ben: I hate this room.
Me: Me too. Why do you hate it?
Ben: It's too dark. It looks like my grandmother's house.
Me: But you loved your grandmother's house.
Ben: Well, this is what her house would've looked like if she'd had bad taste. I can't stand the rug.
Me: Nothing appeals to me in this room, either. I'm especially annoyed with the little black chair that floats in the room. Bad. Just bad.

Ben: I like it. The art arrangement is such that the grouping becomes one. I think you might hit your head on the light, though.
Me: I like it, too. It's clean and modern, but warm with the persian rug. Asymmetry works so long as it doesn't cross the line into clutter.

Ben: I like the art, it's very Brazilian, but I don't like the chairs.
Me: Yeah, kind of voyeuristic, isn't it? Like two people watching the bed. Weird. Otherwise, dig the art.

So, what do you prefer? Symmetry or Asymmetry? Do you and your "sig-other" differ? Was this the lamest idea for a blog post? Aww...come on! ;)

Images: Apartment Therapy ,Phoebe Howard ,(help??) ,HGTV ,nskwood ,Todd Romano ,Design Hole ,Decorati ,Elle Decor ,House Beautiful,Ooh Food,BelleMaison