Author: Kim Cook
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Tiny mosaic tiles are a big trend
Blending art, architecture and design, mosaic tile is one of the older forms of wall and floor covering. Using the tiny squares known as tesserae, ancient Greeks and Romans created detailed stories and intricate geometric patterns, and mosaic art embellishes ceilings, walls and floors from Byzantium to Barcelona. Today, artists teach and share their tile-working…
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Furry, fuzzy, fluffy: holiday decor with a soft touch
This season, faux furs, wools and other softly textured materials are giving holiday decor a cozy, festive feel. The trend was prominent at this fall’s Maison et Objet trade show in Paris. Booths were populated with winsome, appliquéd, felt people and animals. Glamorous, jewel-toned feather trees dressed up tabletops. There were furry pillows printed with…
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Tents take a stylish turn, indoors and out
Whether they’re providing cozy shelter from the elements outdoors or top-secret privacy in the playroom, a number of style-savvy tents put the “fun” in a functional structure. Land of Nod has several tepees with pizazz. Color- happy and neutral-toned cotton canvas comes in an array of stripes, dots or dip-dye patterns, supported by easy-to-assemble bamboo…
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Dorm Decor Hacks: fun ideas to add flair to the basic box
Moving into a dorm is one of college life’s more exciting milestones; it’s the first time many kids are living away from the comfy confines of home. But the thrill can wane when the dormitory door opens. Most dorm rooms are pretty basic, with plain furniture and institutional floors and walls. So how do you…
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Stools are a versatile player in home decor
A stool is one of the more versatile pieces of furniture you can buy. It slides neatly under or up to a counter, takes up little real estate and can provide a handy perch in any room. Interior designer Kati Curtis finds herself employing stools a lot in her projects. “I love using Lucite bar…
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Right at Home: Tents take a stylish turn, indoors and out
Whether they’re providing cozy shelter from the elements outdoors or top-secret privacy in the playroom, a number of style-savvy new tents put the “fun” in a functional structure. Land of Nod has several tepees with pizazz. Color-happy and neutral-toned cotton canvas comes in an array of stripes, dots or dip-dye patterns, supported by easy-to-assemble bamboo…
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Right at Home: wallpapers that take you on a trip
Wallpaper goes in and out of fashion. Right now, it’s enjoying an “in” moment. There are wildly creative designs coming from studios all over the world. Some of the best take us on a journey to far-flung places both real and imagined. Londoner Nina Campbell’s Fontibre collection for Osborne & Little is inspired by the…
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Epicurean delights in the pet food aisle
Imagine a warm, fragrant entree of oven-baked chicken with whole-grain brown rice, steamed yellow squash and pan-wilted spinach. Or slow-roasted leg of lamb with pearl barley, broccoli and crispy whole-wheat croutons with cheddar cheese. Those aren’t offerings at a tony French bistro. They’re on the menu at Chef K9’s Doggy Bistro and Cafe in Pompano…
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Garden art can bring drama and design to outdoor spaces
If you came across any of Barbara Sanderson’s work in a garden, you might think you’d stepped into Alice’s Wonderland. The Seattle-based glass blower crafts flowers, arbors, lights and fountains for natural settings, aiming to create a magical, otherworldly tableau. “I love to add another dimension to what already exists,” she says. Art created for…
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Right at Home: decor with a lighter, softer look
There are lots of ways to make a big, bold statement when decorating. A daring paint color, audacious wallpaper, a substantial piece of furniture — these elements confidently proclaim, “Here I am!” But decor that whispers is equally interesting. And in the season of long, sun-dappled days and mellow evenings, a gentler vibe might be…