Friday, March 28, 2014

Color Crush of the Month- Emerald

It's March people, which means it's Emerald City over here at Emily LaMarque Design Studios. In honor of spring, this lively and vibrant hue is a perfect addition to add a pop of fresh color at home. 

Emerald is a powerful color; a go big or go home kind of bold. If you're ready to walk on the wild side, here is a roundup of some of my favorite emerald items I am digging right now.



1) Malachite Tea Set from One Kings Lane
2) Neon sign wall art from Etsy
3) Jade fabric from Schumacher
4) Green lounge chair from CB2
5) Malachite frame by Jonathan Adler
7) Emerald lacquered bar cabinet from Worlds Away
8) Painting by James Nares
9) Palm inspired fabric from Christopher Farr Cloth
10) Kate Spade journal
12) Leather key fob from Etsy
13) Embroidered pillow from Trina Turk

If you're using emerald as the focal color of your interior, try pairing it with white, gold, and black to deliver a space with the utmost sophistication. For a more preppy vibe, simply switch out black for navy. If you really want to "taste the rainbow" (stylishly of course), try pairing emerald with citrus yellow, aqua or orange.

Don't have jungle fever just yet? If you're lukewarm, try a few emerald accents in your current space. A small pop of this powerful hue can really work to rejuvenate, renew and refresh your home. That's what spring is about after all!  Natural stone such as malachite and jade offer a calming balance, while many of these exotic palm inspired prints create a sense of outdoor adventure and escape. 

Welcome to the jungle baby! 

xo,
Emily



Monday, March 24, 2014

On the hunt: Vintage Pyrex

Lately I’ve been having a mini-obsession for vintage pyrex bakeware. I have to say "mini" because I came across this nugget of truth allegedly from Mr. Gosling himself... so, NO I am most certainly NOT a hoarder,  not ever... unless we're talking about Ryan Gosling.... then yes, he's completely hoard-worthy. 



So hoarding, err, I mean "collecting" aside, the Pyrex brand has nearly a century of brand recognition as being an American made, durable and reliable high performance glass cookware. If you’re American, or you live in America and you cook (I’m guessing you fall into one of these categories), more than likely, you have at least one pyrex dish in your home. Maybe you’re like me and can recall a few favorites that your mother or grandmother used to use on a regular basis.

Like many brands with a long standing history, Pyrex has gone through many design periods, and one of my favorites date back to the 1950’s-1970’s eras when they introduced colored pyrex with some pretty groovy pieces that served up great food and great style. In fact, many of these pieces are so beloved, that they are considered collectibles. If you’re on the hunt for some of these vintage lovelies, you can find them at local antique malls or flea markets, if not online. 

Here are some of my favorite collections and groupings. There are oh so many bright and cheerful eye catching pieces... what's a girl to do...




 




Living Room. Just pretend you are a gypsy. Ladies listen. Gypsy men know. Trust me. they do. i hate most women. For a reason. But not all. Also this. Gay men. They are good. run to them. I would. I do.






























Arranging cookware in collectible groupings allows it to become useable kitchen art, which I love. Stylish cookware should be on display, it livens up your kitchen space.Whether you stick to a specific color grouping or mix and match, the only major rule to follow is to have some uniformity by pairing the same color in groups or the same color combination, otherwise it will look hodge podge. If you have a large display, this seems to work best. If you have a few pieces, then you can definitely be more experimental and use them to add a cheerful boost to your living space. 


This space is a great example of clean, not cluttered, with a healthy dose of midcentury style. I particularly love that the planter is decidedly pyrex- inspired. Fab!Dreamy display of pyrex and other vintage goodies...
"So Emily, are there any other ways you can display vintage Pyrex?" Why, Ryan, I am so glad you asked! Here are some creative ways you can use and display these gorgeous pieces in your own home.
Cute use of PyrexPretty pink vintage Pyrex. Yes, please.


I love the idea of repurposing pyrex to organize smaller items you already have in your living space. Why shove supplies in a drawer when you can put your creative passions on display? I love that colorful spools of thread and fabric get showcased here, not shelved. 

Pyrex can also be used as flower pots or planters as shown here, or fruit bowls on your kitchen counter or dining table as a centerpiece. The ideas are endless.
Seattle, WA: Brandon and Rebecca - eclectic - patio - seattle - Sarah Greenman 

Love the idea of vintage pyrex but not committed to the collection just yet? Check out these fabulous pyrex inspired products.
Framed Vintage Pyrex Poster- Blue

Stacked pyrex dish art print from Etsy.
melody+miller+pyrex+for+kokka+1.jpg 400×503 pixels
Pyrex inspired fabrics from Melody Miller. You still get the look without committing to a display of dish ware.

happy.dishes.jpg
Tea Towel Subscription: 12 months, 12 Pyrex Tea Towel Designs, Flour Sack Tea Towel Printed With Water Based Innk   
  
Pyrex inspired tea towels from Etsy.


 Vintage Pyrex Recipe Cards - Set of 16
How cute are these recipe cards from Etsy?


I hope you've enjoyed the walk down memory lane, and hopefully you too will be inspired to find some great treasure from the past and display it with pride. Now if you'll excuse me, Ryan and I have a date at this swanky joint....






xo,
Emily


Friday, March 14, 2014

My Top 10 Hit List for the Home

"I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best"
- Oscar Wilde

Mr. Wilde my friend, I concur! I love punchy humor for one, but this could not ring more true when it comes to fashioning your living space. Don't confuse "best" for "expensive", after all, some of the best things in life are.... ok, you get the idea. But truly, when you create the right style and sensory experience in your home, it can literally uplift your mood.

I've been thinking about my non-negotiables when it comes to everyday living and these are my top 10 must haves that are game changers. It's the little details that make the difference.



1. Something Scent-sational. These scent diffusers from Antica Farmacista can transport you to a state of bliss from the comfort of your own couch.

2. A beautiful go-to table cloth. This Crate & Barrel classic makes even a spur of the moment gathering feel pulled-together.

3. Art that inspires. I might be slightly obsessed with Brit Brass (hubs, this is your cue to add it to my birthday wish list... ok thanks).

4. Things that make you go hmmmm.... in my book, the quirkier the better. This piece from Jonathan Adler is a delightful conversation piece.

5. A reliable handyman. Little improvements like switching out knobs, repainting, installing new lighting, etc. can make your home feel brand new. 

6. Instant ambience. Get it with a dimmer like this one from Ikea. Lighting absolutely sets the mood and can be simply installed with the help of your #5 bestie, the handyman :)

7. "Tray chic". A place for everything and everything in it's place. I'm a sucker for anything stylishly minded that also organizes my space, from baskets to this lovely lacquered tray from Swing Design.

8. A cozy couch, chaise or oversized chair. Who doesn't want to curl up into a heaven of billowy fluff at the end of a long day? Feet up with a glass of vino in this oversized chair from Crate & Barrel... sign me up. 

9. Bold pattern. Add a dose of dramatic backdrop with delightful wallpaper like this from Black & Spiro. Try it, you just might love it! 

10. Something sparkly. Because we all need a little glitz in our lives. A piece like this from ZGallerie will be your daily reminder to shine. Promise.


And that's a wrap! Whatever your must haves are for your home, the biggest reminder is to never settle for less than the best!


xo,
Emily