living Archives - Page 79 of 367

January 20, 2015

Custom Color Matching with Sherwin-Williams

When I moved into my new space this past September it was painted the universal house staging color of buttercream. While a lot of people might be okay with that – it’s a neutral, isn’t offensive, etc – it may as well have been neon green to me. It was the very first thing I knew I had to tackle to make this place feel like home.

I’ve always had dreams of an entirely white and bright home. One that radiates light and would be the perfect gallery-like backdrop for the myriad of art I possess and love. After obsessing over paint chips I came to the conclusion that a ready-made color wasn’t going to be the answer, so I teamed up with Sherwin-Williams to do a custom color match.

I pried a piece of shoe board off in a doorway and headed over to my local Sherwin-Williams to get their expert opinion and advice. The assistant manager, Jared, gave me a few different color match options after scanning the piece of already painted wood. The two of us spent about fifteen minutes tweaking things until I was 100% happy with the shade. I opted for the darkest to create a small contrast between the walls and 10-inch molding that’s present in the whole house.

I went with Sherwin-Williams‘ Emerald line because I’ve used it several times in the past and love the coverage and low odor. Jared also made sure I knew exactly which brushes would be best for the different areas of detail, as well as extension rollers that would help 5-foot-two-inch me reach the top of the 10-foot ceilings. After about thirty minutes I left with the confidence and know-how to tackle this project – did I mention that I’m painting the entire house this shade? Because yeah. The whole enchilada. The end result was a shade of not-white-grey/not-grey-white.

One long weekend and four helping hands later the first floor, staircase, and half of the second floor was done! I’ll be knocking the other two bedrooms and finished attic off the list as soon as it warms up a bit this spring. I’m thrilled with the result so far and guests who have seen the before and after love the look, too.

(See the entire first floor – living room, dining room, and kitchen.)

Photos: Quelcy Kogel

Product and consultation provided by Sherwin-Williams. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

Posted In house and home, my house, walls

January 19, 2015

10 January DIYs

Click on each image to go to the project.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

Posted In accessories, accessories, house and home, kitchen, make it, wear it

January 15, 2015

Moscow Mules 10 Ways

One of my only goals for the new year is to perfect a kickass Moscow mule, the classic is new(ish) to me and it’s quickly become one of my favorite cocktails. They just go down so smooth and the shiny copper mugs make drinking one all the more fun. I’ll keep you all posted with my progress, but for now here are ten variations that I’d love to try while doing my own (ahem) research and here are some of the best ginger beers to use.

Click on each image to go to the recipe.
All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.

Posted In food, recipes, round up

January 15, 2015

Jude Allman Stoneware Pottery

When it comes to kitchenwares I’m definitely drawn towards simple yet heavy duty pottery. These hand-thrown food-safe glazed jugs, bowls, and other homewares by Jude Allman all exhibit a modern rustic influence that could fit in nearly any household. I love the clean lines and simple aesthetic that each piece has about it.

Pouring Bowl // Jug // Handthrown Plate // Small White Stoneware Plate

(via Anthology)

Posted In accessories, create, house and home, kitchen, sculpture

January 14, 2015

Framebridge

I have a confession to make. I’m a legitimate print hoarder.

I’d guess I own around forty pieces of varying shapes and sizes, but only about half are actually framed. As someone who likes to change up the art in her home frequently this presents a little bit of a problem, and if you visit you’ll often find pieces hung by metal clips/pants hanger/washi tape.

Because I’m such a portrasti-framer (Can that please be a thing?) I’ve become very excited about affordable online framing. And one in particular, Framebridge. Basically you visit their site, then input the size of your piece and choose a frame style and a mat if you’d like one. Framebridge calculates the cost and then gives you the option of receiving a tube or flat mailing supplies or using your own. They email you the free shipping label to print and affix and you’re set. You can also send them a file you wish to have printed and framed.

A few weeks later your art shows up back at your house and ready to hang! I’ve used a similar service in the past that I was not nearly as impressed with. Framebridge‘s attention to detail and protective packaging had me smiling from ear to ear. Each frame comes with a bracket and nail to assure an all-around quality experience (and eliminates the need to dig through your own things to track one down).

These are two screen printed posters by Jordan Grace Owens that I’ve owned for just over a year, previously victims of the aforementioned pant hanger treatment. I chose a simple thin natural wood frame – the Marin – for both pieces so as not to detract from the art, and I also opted for no mat. The end result is just what I envisioned, two pops of color to welcome guests into my home in the entryway.

Try Framebridge for yourself before January 29th and receive 15% off any order with the code DESIGNCRUSH!

This post is sponsored by Framebridge. I received product and compensation in exchange for my thoughts of the experience. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Design Crush going!

Posted In house and home, paper goods, prints, sponsored post, walls

January 13, 2015

Gramovox Bluetooth Gramophone

I’m forever on the lookout for the next audio technology, and the latest of the late is from Gramovox. Check out the Bluetooth Gramophone, inspired by 1920s horn speakers. Talk about the merging of vintage and modern aesthetics – wowza! I’d love to see if its sound is as beautiful as its presence.

Posted In house and home, music, technology

January 10, 2015

Happy Weekend

01/ Graham McGeorge captures owls perfectly camouflaged within trees.
02/ The 12 most popular New Year’s Resolutions turned into posters by Viktor Hertz.
03/ Memo Bank is both piggy bank and memo pad.
04/ Warby Parker’s Make Your Own Annual Report does just that.
05/ A conceptual iTunes redesign by Brye Kobayashi.
06/ Would you dare to use a transparent canoe?
07/ Jurassic Sweet is a series of half-dinosaur, half-treat creatures.
08/ A giant balloon shaped like an old man’s head was flown over Japan.
09/ The Belty is self-adjusting (think Thanksgiving) and nags you about your weight.
10/ A breathtaking snowstorm in the Grand Canyon.

This week on Design Crush:
Eight crush-worthy prints to mix up this month.
So impressed with Makrbox, a Pacific Northwest-filled subscription box.
Beautiful illustrations from Amyisla McCombie.
I teamed up with Target to make my entry winter-ready.
Dark and lovely work from Nina Torr (aka Andy Wyeth).
I’d love to fill my wrists with these painted leather Mixed Doubles bracelets.
Morgana Wallace captures fantastical characters in layers of paper.
Add some color to your space with Mod Pieces.
Work from the mysterious Olivier Umecker.

Design Crush elsewhere:
January is the perfect time to clean out your kitchen linens and invest in some new ones.
It might be cold outside, but your home can be downright tropical indoors.

Posted In accessories, concept, create, graphics, happy weekend, illustration, online, outdoors, paper goods, photography, posters, street, technology, wear it

January 8, 2015

Mod Pieces

New-to-me Toronto-based Mod Pieces is scratching my itch for color, in nearly every room of the house. All products made my shop owner Lia are unique and sustainable, going against the throwaway culture that seems to surround us on a daily basis. The hope is to create truly one of a kind pieces that are rare, unique, and irreplaceable. I can definitely back that notion.

Sketch Dinner Napkins // Sketch Pillow Covers // Sketch Cocktail Napkins //
Inside Out Pillow Cover // Watercolour iPhone Case

Posted In accessories, house and home, kitchen, technology

January 6, 2015

Making the Entry Winter-Ready

I’m trying to live a slightly more minimal lifestyle these days, but winter with all of its layers is trying to throw a bit of a wrench in my best laid plans. Scarves, hats, gloves, boots – the necessities of cold weather are no fun to corral. My usual (bad) habit it to shove as much as possible into the pockets of the coat I just took off and hang it on the stairs’ bottom newel post.

My solution was to take those unfortunate habits and make them work to my advantage. By adding a wooden bench with woven accents I created a small storage area right out in the open. Boots can be tucked underneath while other cold weather gear can be stacked on the lower shelf. It will also make a great place to sit to lace up footwear, as well as a spot to put friends’ bags when they’re over for a visit.

The pastel blue seat of the bench will make transitioning to spring and summer easy with its breezy feel. And I’m also really feeling the combination of the woven pattern next to my tribal throw rug. Completely unexpected and slightly out of my comfort zone, but it seems to be working well.

I tucked a white sherpa throw into a vintage metal crate nearby for those extra cold Pennsylvania days that will be here soon enough. The idea being that you walk in the front door, take all of your outdoor gear off, and grab a blanket to cozy up with immediately. (It’s especially going to come in handy after I come inside after taking down those Christmas decorations!) So take that winter, because I’ve got you all figured out.

This post is sponsored by Target. Shop Home Décor for modern luxury made easy. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that keep Design Crush going.

Posted In house and home, sponsored post

January 5, 2015

Makrbox

When subscription boxes became an overnight trend a few years ago it was tough to separate the wheat from the chaff. There were plenty of smart ideas, but little quality in my experiences. I’ve remained true to Birchbox and Hatchery, and now I’m under the spell of Makrbox.

Their idea is to provide a collection of the best handcrafted home and kitchen goods made in the Pacific Northwest. Each of the 2-3 products you receive includes the story if its creator, their inspiration, and the process. A few favorite pieces I received are above – an ergonomic hardwood saute tool by Geoff Fisher, Flying Bird Botanicals Dreamcatcher Tea (a new obsession), San Juan Sea Salt, Pigeon Toe Stacking Thimble Cups, and a linen tea towel from Love, Daniella.

Posted In food, house and home, kitchen