Carolina Eclectic

A Place of Serenity

2008-07-25T12:37:00.003-05:00

I had to share this video from Dwell magazine. It is the home of architect David Ling. He converted an entire building into his own live/work space, and it is unbelievable. I'll admit that he is a bit pretentious, but just turn the sound off if you need to. Two things to take note of:
1. The CRAZY bedroom. I freaked when I saw it.
2. Those glasses! I gotta get me some:)

Wearstler Fabrics.

2008-07-25T00:06:00.004-05:00

Last week I found the picture of the sofa above, and fell in love. Later, I found a Kelly Wearstler fabric that looks very similar. I must have this! Of course, I haven't seen how much it costs yet.

P.S. I spent about an hour trying to figure out where I found both the picture, and mention of this fabric line, and never figured it out. If anyone know, please enlighten me.

PingPong Basketball

2008-07-23T23:13:00.004-05:00

This is the kind of thing that cracks me up, even though I'm not sure why. Maybe because its so absurd, or because it makes me wonder how someone came up with this idea. See the video here, found via Kate Spade's site. I realize this has nothing to do with design, I'll post something else later.

My Dream House This Week (Part II): Cowboy Cool

2008-07-22T09:14:00.004-05:00

Maybe its my upbringing, but I LOVE this California ranch! I have to admit that when I think "ranch", "cowboy", California doesn't just pop into my head; but hey its working! Architect Lloyd Russell combined contemporary architecture with desert living. The large metal canopy that sits above the main structure, serves to control the temperature inside the house. During the day, the canopy keeps out the extreme sun; and at night it preserves some of the warm air around the house, during the chilly desert night.

Looking at the interior, I imagine Georgia O'Keeffe; living here.

Any house that has space for dancing and sitting outside with friends, is just right for me! If only I could get Mark to actually dance. Found via Los Angeles Times and Materialicious.

My Dream House This Week: Danish Modern.

2008-07-21T11:39:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted a "Dream Home" recently, because I haven't felt inspired. This week on the other hand, I feel so inspired; that I'm going to post two houses! I will post the second one later today, or tomorrow morning. This is the former home of Danish midcentury designer, Finn Juhl. It is part of a museum in Copenhagen, and preserves the designer's work and way of life. I'm fascinated with this house, because although it is furnished with pieces that are 50 and 60 years old; it is so fresh! I would move in and not consider changing much. The house has a farm house casualness, but the furnishings are intelligent and attractive.

Found via Metropolis Magazine.

I'm Learning.

2008-07-20T16:48:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to up my photography skills. Here are a few experiments. I think they are okay; I'm trying to achieve a moody feeling. Part of the reason I'm pushing myself to learn more is because I want to start selling my products online. I've been pondering it for months, but can't decide how I want to do it. Should I use Etsy, my blog, a website? Its all so confusing. I also have an idea of the look I want for my site, but haven't been able to achieve it yet. You know I don't just want to place objects in front of a white background with bright lighting and call it a day. I guess I want it to tell a story...create a mood. If you're wondering why I'm writing all this, its because I felt it would help me get on with it. I'm trying to get out of my head, and move forward. Unfortunately, I often get stuck in my own thoughts. I need to move forward. If anyone has any thoughts, suggestions, or critiques; please let me know. Feedback is a good thing.

A Colorful Life.

2008-07-19T23:27:00.004-05:00

I wonder if I could be adopted by this beautiful family; their lives seem so colorful and fun. That little boy is just too cute! See more of their pictures here.

Happy Weekend!

2008-07-18T00:10:00.003-05:00

Image via: Yoo Il.

I started my weekend a little early by having a very fun dinner with a few local bloggers. Paloma, Courtney and I are old buddies by now; but I also met Paige and Lauren for the first time. We did a lot of girl talk, and had to be practically kicked out of the restaurant! I'm loving our "Blog Meetings"!
I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend too.

Charming Blog

2008-07-17T23:31:00.004-05:00

I am infatuated with this Finnish blog, called Livian Talossa. I have no idea what any of it says, but I sure do like the pretty pictures:) Its just like kindergarten.

Phillipe Starck's Robinwood Deluxe Collection.

2008-07-17T00:01:00.006-05:00

I dropped by the Houston Decorative Center the other day, and this furniture collection really caught my eye. Its actually outdoor furniture, that is to die for! I love its ingenious combination of teak and aluminum.

One Of My Favorites.

2008-07-14T22:26:00.005-05:00

I know in "blog land" Audrey Tautou is a perennial favorite. I'm crazy about her too. She is just so charming. I love this photo of her by Denis Rouvre. He is an amazing photographer, and here are few more amazing photos; I love.
(BTW: Only after I posted this, did I notice the striking resemblance this photo has to the one on the right. Hmm, I see a pattern here).

OOOh!

2008-07-14T20:48:00.003-05:00

I love, love, love this room! The wall color and bookcases are wonderful. This is a Design Sponge sneak peek, of Jenifer Altman's home.

Not Ready To Go Home.

2008-07-11T14:00:00.003-05:00

I've been having so much fun with my virtual world travels, this week. I wish it didn't have to end. Before the week is over, I thought we could travel to Argentina; via El Beso.
This house inspires me, not just to visit; but to move in! Its bohemian goodness, is too much for me to resist.
Correction: When I first posted this article, I said the bedroom had a peg-board wall. A reader commented that the wall is not peg-board, but a small print wallpaper. Oops!
Too bad, I was loving the peg-board idea. Maybe that is how I will reinterpret it.

Well, I hope everyone had fun traveling with me. Time to unpack our black suitcases ;)
Have a Great Weekend!

Traveling with Style.

2008-07-11T13:01:00.003-05:00

Via: Raggedroses.
Whenever I see antique suitcases and trunks, I feel like I missed out on something special. So many of these pieces were made with so much detail. Now, when I travel; I stand at a conveyor belt and watch black suitcase after black suitcase pass by me. I watch them closely as I look for my own black suitcase.

Hotel Basico/Quintana Roo, Mexico

2008-07-09T22:09:00.006-05:00

Today, lets travel a little closer to home. The name alone of this Mexican hotel, draws me in...Hotel Basico. Sounds like pure minimalist fun :) Situated in Quintana Roo, this is a very stylish spot to spend a vacation on the beach. Although, if you stay in a place this cool, do you really want to leave?

I guess, if I really want to stay at Hotel Basico, I better get a babysitter. Apparently, they don't allow kids; but I can take my dog? Go figure!

Shoreditch House in East London

2008-07-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

This amazing private member's club in East London was designed by Tom Dixon. I wonder what kind of fees they have, because I would gladly pay to see this place.I found this via an amazing site called Yatzer.

Bella Italia Weine/Germany

2008-07-07T21:40:00.005-05:00

I couldn't resist one more image from Yatzer. An Italian winery in Germany uses an extreme optical illusion to expand the space. Although, the mirror effect is pretty extreme, I think it could be used on a smaller scale; to expand any small space.

Let's Take a Trip.

2008-07-07T00:22:00.002-05:00

I just returned from a short weekend trip. The problem is that it really wet my appetite for travel. I would like to spend the rest of the week writing about wonderful places I would like to visit. Many of you are returning from a long weekend, just like I am; and may not be ready for Monday. Check out this amazing post from Pia Jane Bijkerk, and ease into the week. While sitting in a Parisian cafe, she recorded the sounds that accompanied this wonderful shot. I can feel a cool breeze and imagine the wonderful aromas that must have been part of this scene. I love this idea so much! There are several other "soundscape" posts that are just as dreamy, so don't miss them.

A Collection of American Legends.

2008-07-03T13:38:00.004-05:00

What a better way to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, than by remembering some American music legends. Sony records is selling a large collection of photos from the Columbia archives. A lot of these photos have never been released before, so they are a real treasure. With as much as I love music, and photography; these photographs really excite me!
I'm especially crazy about the Johnny Cash photos. My dad used to always wear his hear just like this (up until he started losing his hair). I wish this style would come back again.

A quintessential Miles Davis pose.

Thelonious Monk in 1963

Billie Holiday in 1957.
The first album I bought on "CD" was a collection of her biggest hits.

Bob Dylan in 1963.

Love These Bookshelves!

2008-07-02T21:35:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone! I'd like to say thanks for being patient with me and my slow blogging. Life sometimes rudely interrupts my blog time.
Anyway, in keeping with the "Modern Home" theme; I wanted to share these amazing bookshelves. I have been planning on building some in my own house. I think these would look VERY nice.
Found via Deco-Inspiracion.

A Little Anthropologie Shopping.

2008-06-29T00:21:00.005-05:00

I dropped by Anthropologie the other day, and found some real treasures. First, I fell in love with the delicate floral bowl. Its so delicate and lovely. I also love (I mean LOVE) the bird prints and lampshade. In reality, I didn't need any of these things, so I kept the spending at a minimum. A few things I did take home were:

1. This very cute poetry book.

2. These "Printers block" hooks. I find it annoying that Mark takes "my towel" when he showers. Hopefully, if everyone has their own hook; this problem will be solved.

3. I have been looking for cute coffee cups to replace the ones we have now. These black and white, monogrammed cups are just perfect ("M" and "C" of course).

A Contemporary Treat

2008-06-28T22:25:00.003-05:00

For all the weekend readers, here is an amazing contemporary home to dream about. The dramatic staircase blows my mind. What a statement! I also love the subtle colors in the house. Very pretty. This is from Wallpaper's HausWork project.
Well, I didn't write all I wanted to this last week; so I am going to continue my "Modern Home" theme next week. Hope everyone enjoys it :)

The Modern Kitchen.

2008-06-25T22:15:00.006-05:00

I'm still alive...just tied-up. Here is a collection of some beautiful kitchens I love. To me they have two main things in common:
1. Sleek and minimal cabinetry.
2. Freedom of expression.
I think modern kitchens are so open to the rest of the home, so they are much more stylized than any time previous. Cabinets look like furniture, or disappear into the background. There is also more space for artwork and decorative accessories. The modern kitchen needs to blend with the rest of the house. Its not just about appliances anymore.
Sources:
1. Fresh Home
2. Remodeling My Space
3. Allen Bianci
4. Marie Claire Maison
5. The Kitchen Designer
6. Coastal Living

My Dream Home This Week: Modern House in Sonoma

2008-06-23T12:56:00.004-05:00

Hello, everyone. This week will be VERY crazy for me, so my posts will be light. I do want to dedicate this week to highlighting the details of modern homes. I'll fit in as much as I can. Check out this amazing house in Sonoma, featured in Architectural Digest. (Man, I love concrete sooo much!) For all of you contemporary architecture fans, click over to A Life's Design, and Materialicious; for a few more examples.
Hope everyone has a great week!

Very Charming!

2008-06-22T01:28:00.002-05:00

What an adorable girl! These photos remind me of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. In fact she is a Spanish singer named Russian Red. I found these photos via a blog called, A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. It is a new must read for me.