Monday, April 21, 2008

Starburst Mirrors - Classically Timeless



Photo Jan Showers Interior Design


I absolutley love Jan Showers take on French deco design, with these walls glistening and the reflection of light bouncing off the smooth surfaces through out the room is a show stopper. The sunburst acts as a great focal point and all the design and symmetry of the room is pointed right at it. This would make a beautiful entryway and set the tone for ultra glam home (and it's owner!).



Photo House Beautiful

A collection of anything can make a big impact especially when it is grouped together such as these sunburst mirrors. Interior design by Suzanne Kasler.



This is a modern take on the ubiquitous starburst mirror, with it's chrome plating and straight edge rays gives some tension to the design of the straight lines of the headboard and the striped fabric.






Margaret Chambers, one of the top designers working in Dallas, uses this starburst mirror to add height to an otherwise squat bed - especially since the ceilings are so vast and also adds balance to the room to play off the adjacent wall filled with prints.


From Thomas Pheasant for Baker furniture - the constellation mirror.




avid-home.com

These two are from my avidHOME shop's stock and it is truly a great look at a great price (and the same one I mention below as hanging over my bed.)

In my relentless and sometimes (usually) exhausting hunts for the perfect accent piece for above a client's grouping of artwork or the such, I find the all encompassing starburst mirror. Typically they are French in orgin, sometimes Italian from the 1920-1940's with a collectors dream of a pantina finish of crusty old gold gilt leaf and a silvered convex mirror. I like to do them above groupings to bring the eye up and add an unexpected element besides the usual look of being placed above a fireplace - though I do have one above my master bed - but have been thinking about putting it in the center of a grouping as well above my living room sofa. Although this look has exploded in the last year or so, it will be a timeless investment. If you can't shell out a few grand, check out our collection - from the classic lines as shown here to more modern version with a brushed nickel finish.

http://avid-home.com/mirrors.html

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Favorite Sites for Home Design



Find inspiration that portrays a fresh, unique approach design from contempory, French, to classic...Also great recipes and tips for entertaining

Check out the forums for great tips and sources from other shoppers in your area, and not, also great photos


SHOPPING

www.avid-home.com/
But of course we're into self promotion...! No, but seriously, the concept is to bring hi-quality, unique decorative pieces for the home including furnishings and antiques that are not found everywhere else. We strive to bring an eclectic (but edited) selection of some of the greatest design out there - whether old or new.

http://www.1stdibs.com/
Find one of a kind - mostly with one of a kind prices(!) but if not to buy, then to gain inspiration from. I think you have to see something truly beautiful to gain insight as to what is of quality and craftmanship. There is also some profiles of the world's top designers along with a little portfolio of their work...very interesting.

http://www.momastore.og/
Tip: Check out some of your favorite museums online stores for unique and interesting accessories - for the home or yourself!


http://www.etsy.com/
For unique handmade things no one beats this site, usually great bang for the buck. Great for photography prints, artwork, decorative objects and jewlrey.

http://www.ebay.com/
This should be self explantory....

This is similiar to etsy except products are usually not handmade but new, get recommendations on just about anything...and make friends doing it!
ORGANIC LIVING

http://www.vivaterra.com/
Very comprehensive site featuring eco-friendly products


https://wildflowerorganics.com/
Organic living for the modernist...and modernist baby? - Check out the eco-friendy bottles...