Happy Memorial Day: Decorating with Stars & Stripes

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. 

~ Elmer Davis

A special thank you to the United States Military for protecting our freedom and way of life. 

Happy Memorial Day!

 

*images courtesy of Country Living, Wisteria, Martha Stewart, Pottery Barn, About.com

CSN Gift Card Winner & Friday Find from Wisteria

Happy Friday folks! And congratulations to lucky comment #15, Mary. She has won a $50 gift card good at all CSN Stores. Happy shopping Mary and a big thank you to CSN for sponsoring this great giveaway!

This "WELCOME TO THE ZOO" doormat from Wisteria caught my eye and is my Friday Find. I am seriously thinking about getting it for my front door. It's been that kinda week. How was yours?

Design Trend: Elephant Home Décor and Feng Shui Tips

In the East, the mighty elephant is viewed as a sacred animal. As the largest land mammal, elephants are symbols of power, strength and wisdom. No wonder there is a surge in designer décor items inspired by this majestic animal. I am sure Babar and Dumbo are thrilled!

 Interior Design by M. Design Interiors

Looking for chic ways to incorporate this symbolic creature into your home?  Here is a round-up of some stylish and contemporary home accessories featuring the elephant. And pay attention to the elephant's trunk and read some interesting Feng Shui tips at the end of this post.

Elelphant Bank Jonathan Adler

 

 

Elephant fabrics on Spoonflower

 

Raja Elephant Napkins by Simrin

 

 Elephant pillows from Rikshaw Design

Elephant Eames Chair by Vitra

 

Two Elephants Rice Pillow by Koko

Elephant Salt & Pepper Jonathan Adler

Dylan Crib Bedding by Serena & Lily

Elephant Wallpaper Silhouette at Romp 

White Ceramic Elephant Side Table Tonic Home

 Safari Sighting Pillow, Elephant at Anthropologie

Ready to add an elephant figurine or pillow in your interior design? If so, here are some fun tips for those who follow Feng Shui principals:

"For good luck, protection and strength to the household, place a statue of an elephant, or a pair of elephants, at the front door," advises Asian Feng Shui in an article on Feng Shui Elephant Tips. "When elephants are used in such a way, they are referred to as “Elephants of Many Blessings.” These elephants should have their trunks facing upwards as that represents prosperity, good luck and victory, although elephants with their trunks facing downward represent longevity and conception. The direction of the trunk can affect the chi within the space, so it is important to choose an elephant that will bring about the energy you wish to have in your household or office."

Good to know... now off to check the direction of a little elephant figurine's trunk.

Tips for Styling a Bookcase Like an Interior Designer

The bookcase. It's functional by maximizing space and aesthetically pleasing by adding height to balance out a room. The bookcase is also not just for books. It is a wonderful place to add treasures that personalize your space. Here are some tips on how to style a bookcase.

A Clean Start
Remove all items from your shelves. Store or donate unsightly paperback books.

The study above, designed by Carrier and Company Interiors Ltd., is a beautiful example of how a bookcases help maximize a space, while adding height for overall balance.

Add a Splash of Color
For visual interest, back your shelves with a contrasting wallpaper print or colorful paint. This gorgeous bookcase by Samantha Pynn {decorator, stylist and host and principal designer of Pure Design on HGTV} is backed with Schumacher's Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler  in Charcoal.

Some Up and Some Down

Books can be wonderful home accessories, so showcase the most beautiful ones in your collection. Arrange the books by size, subject and color. Create a rhythmic pattern by placing books vertically as well as horizontally {horizontal books can also act as bookends}. I love how designer, Molly Luetkmeyer of M. Design Interiors arranged the books and accessories in the built-in bookshelf above.

Make it Pretty
Adding objects such as shapely ceramics, decorative boxes, small sculptures, family photos and original artwork makes your bookcase more visually interesting and personal. When selecting objects, be aware of the scale and color. Objects shouldn’t blend in or get lost on the shelves. Here is an example of beautiful bookcases flanking a fireplace from Elle Decor  {May 2008} that showcase more decorative objects than books.  It makes me think that "Bookless" bookshelves may  show up more often as people go high tech and move to the Kindle or iPad to read books. What do you think? Do you like the look? 

*images courtesy of Splendid Willow, Carrier and Company Interiors, Samantha Pynn Inc., M. Design Interiors,  Good Bones, Great Pieces

Grant K. Gibson - One of Elle Decor's Designers to Watch

 

In the June 2010 issue just hitting newsstands, Elle Decor announced their A-list  Designers and the Five Designers to  Watch.  I am thrilled that San Francisco–based interior designer and fellow blogger, Grant K. Gibson was selected as one of the top five designers to keep your eye one.  Yippee! His eclectic, yet sophisticated designs won me over too. Here are some beautiful images from his portfolio.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of meeting Grant at the Williams Sonoma Home store in Palo Alto's Stanford Shopping Center {btw this store is amazing... you will have to drop by if you're in the area}. Grant was discussing social media marketing trends to a room full of San Francisco Bay Area designers. We were all taken by Grant's charming, down-to-earth presence. He walked us through what social media vehicles he uses currently - blogging, facebooking and tweeting {the cute little canary wallpaper on his Twitter page was a former pet that sadly flew out his window}. To build a following on any of these sites, he encourages people to leave comments and join the online conversations. I encourage you to "follow or friend" Grant; Like his designs, he is  wonderfully approachable.

Do you have any blogging or social media advice or new tools for those trying to build a following?

 

CSN Stores $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

Yippee! CSN Stores is sponsoring a giveaway! They have graciously offered one Simplified Bee reader a $50 gift certificate to any one of their 200+ online stores. I love CSN Stores because they offer a wide variety of fabulous items home decor items. Whether you are looking for something to style your kitchen, living room or bathroom vanity, CSN carries it. 

Here's how to enter Simplified Bee's CSN Stores $50 one-time use gift certificate giveaway (sorry, but due to shipping costs this giveaway is open to US or Canadian residents only):

• Visit CSN Stores and leave a comment letting me know which item is your favorite (include  your email if you are not a blogger).
• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee™ Blog, follow on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a post or tweet and leave a comment letting me know you've done so.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at midnight PST, Wednesday, May 26, 2010 and the winner will be announced Friday, May 28, 2010.

*Note: The winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org, notified directly via email and listed back at this post using first name only.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Custom Eco-Friendly Fabric Printing - Spoonflower

Okay, I might be late to the party, but I recently came across Spoonflower , an amazing print  on demand textile marketplace and community. Founded in 2008, the North Carolina-based company makes it possible for individuals to design, print and sell their own fabric designs. Since then , the  Spoonflower community has exploded to 70,000+  crafty individuals who use their own fabric to create all sorts of items including clothing, artwork and home accessories. The  Spoonflower marketplace now offers the largest collection of independent fabric designers in the world!

The selection and quality of fabrics is impressive! Spoonflower uses large-format inkjet printers specially modified to run fabric. Unlike conventional textile manufacturing, digital printing entails very little waste of fabric, ink, water or electricity. In addition, they print using eco-friendly, water-based pigment inks on natural fiber textiles. No additional chemicals are used in the printing or preparation process. Clients can order a swatch of fabric or 100 yards of a single design. The fabric is shipped within a week. 

Here are some beautiful textiles made and available on Spoonflower that caught my eye:

 

 

Be sure to check out Spoonflower's weekly contents too. Here is the latest winning fabric design:

Love the whimsical splashing drinks and colorful cocktail monkeys hanging from the martini glasses.  

Cheers!

Friday Find: Succulent Wreath and DIY Vertical Garden

I have a thing for succulents. Not only are they are not only a low-water easy-care gardening option, they come in a wide range of sizes, colors and textures.

Mixing varieties of succulents can create incredibly beautiful arrangements. Here are some spectacular succulents bowls by Flora Grubb Gardens of San Francisco for a recent event at the SF Ballet.

I also love the square succulent arrangement above from Succulence a life & garden store also in San Francisco.  

This hanging succulent wreath {also from Succulence} really caught my eye. I think it would be fabulous on a front door or garden gate.

Here is an incredible vertical succulent garden that only needs to be sprayed with a little water now and then. It was installed using a Vertical Garden, DIY Panel available at Flora Grubb Gardens. Hmmm... might have to drop by and pick up one of these panels for myself.

Are you thinking of planting some succulents this summer? Here are a few simple step-by-step tips on how to plant succulents in containers.

Happy Friday, Happy Gardening!

*first image from Anna Williams Photography

Summer Lovin' ~ Beach Bag Essentials

With the heat of summer just around the corner, it's time to get your beach bag organized. Here’s my list of beach bag essentials you’ll need when sitting poolside or on a sandy beach.

Carry a Cute, Yet Practical Beach Tote - When selecting a beach bag look for one that is big enough all your beach items. I love the chic clear vinyl tote by Trina Turk – it’s waterproof, easy to clean and allows you to view what’s inside. I picked mine up at Bloomingdales - Trina Turk stores are sold out of this bag already!

Pack a Generous Beach Towel – A big, soft towel should be at the top of your beach bag essentials list. Amy Butler is offering several bright and vibrant options this summer with unique seashell green, orange peacock and floral reef designs. Any would make a great companion at the beach or pool. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond. 

Throw on a Versatile Cover Up - The right cover up will allow you to transition seamlessly from beach to dinner with friends. The Elina cotton tunic by Lilly Pulitzer gets my vote for it’s flexibility – wear over swim, skinny pants or jeans. Also, it’s colorful, bright pattern is perfect for summer!

Slip on Some Chic Summer Sandals – A fun flip-flop sandal is a must. Lilly Puliter’s McKim pearlized patent sandal in "shorely blue" is one of my favorites. Love the signature metal o-ring detail. I will take them in black too, please.

Protect Your Eyes - No beach bag should be without a pair of sunglasses. I am smitten with Kate Spade’s "Ally" Petite Aviator Sunglasses. Available at Bloomingdales. And be sure to protect your eyewear with a "SPECS" needlepoint glasses case by Jonathan Adler.

Keep Your Hat On – Shade your face from the sun with a hat like the darling "Malibu" Terry Hat from Juicy Couture. Available at Nordstroms.

Toss in Some Sunscreen - Sunscreen is a must for every beach bag. Don’t mess around with sunscreens that include lots of harmful chemicals. My favorite is Lavera's Sun 40SPF because it is an USDA-certified organic sunscreen free from ingredients we should all avoid, including fragrances, gluten and parabens. Wouldn't want it any other way.

Keep Hydrated – Fill up a reusable water bottle to pack in your beach bag. I love the Dragonfly water bottle by EarthLust. It is handmade from high quality #304 food grade stainless steel and non-toxic paints - a stylish way to reduce the use of plastic water bottles. Available at Paper Source.

Now, grab your Elle Décor, House Beautiful or book of the week and head out for a day at the beach. What's a must in your beach bag?

*not a sponsored post

9 by Design - Benefits Show Tonight

If you haven't tuned into Bravo's 9 by Design, tonight is a great night to do so. The husband and wife design and renovation gurus, Robert and Cortney Novogratz of New York-based Sixx Design and their darling seven children {yes! including a set of twins} are behind the captivating reality show. For the past thirteen years, the couple have been renovating dilapidated buildings in New York’s up-and-coming neighborhoods. The images in this post are of a remodel {completed in weeks!} in the Hamptons. Their modern minimalist, urban chic thrifty style has also been published in their book, Downtown Chic.

Tonight's episode of 9 By Design (airs on at 10PM on Bravo) is special one because it features two fundraising events that are near and dear to the Novogratz family. The first is an event that was held at the Novogratz’s home for Jasmina Anema, a family friend. Jasmina was a “spunky 6- year-old” who lost her battle with Leukemia this past January. The Novogratz family hopes to raise awareness about Leukemia and encourages everyone that can to register to become a bone marrow donor.

The second event featured on the episode is a benefit for ‘The City’, an organization that Robert helped create. ‘The City’ is an amazing group of young players who come from all over New York City. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise money to keep the program running and to start a scholarship fund for the kids who are of need on the team.

Check out clips from tonight's episode here. I've got my TiVo all set!