A Creative Interior

Purple Passion

by Katie on August 30, 2011

While I wandered aimlessly through Nordstrom’s this past weekend, I spotted these deep purple beauties. OMG, I absolutely love them, and I can tell you they’re even prettier in person! But at over $700.00, they’re a bit out of my comfort zone. (Plus, I can guarantee my husband would probably blow a gasket if I slapped the Visa card down on a pair of $700.00 shoes! He just doesn’t understand…. Anyway, these gorgeous jewel-toned Jimmy Choo’s got me thinking about the use of purple tones in interior spaces. I’ve got to admit, I’ve never really used this color much, and I would probably recommend using a bit of caution if you plan on draping an entire room with this dominant color (unless it’s a nursery or child’s room). But it’s gorgeous used as accents and accessories!

So let’s check out some spaces that even the artist formally known as Prince would find swoon-worthy!

Jimmy Choo Suede Platform Pump, $700.00 @ Nordstroms

Jimmy Choo Suede Platform Pump- $700.00 Nordstroms

Kevin Kelly Interiors

www.realsimple.com www.doverrug.com

Decorpad

Okay, I know I said use caution when draping an entire room in this deep color, but I love this rich and glamorous dining room!

I had to add this Fruitful Folds: Designer Dror Benshetrit Peacock chair exhibited at the recent ICFF 2009 in New York. Designed forCappellini, no weaving, sewing or upholstery glue was applied to the comfortable lounge seat with a price tag too high to mention on my site. Hey, it’s art!

How have you used purple or lavender in your home inteior? Love to hear your feedback. Thanks for reading!

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Todays Side Chair Lust!

by Katie on August 23, 2011

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Painted To Prefection! – A Look At Painted Wood Flooring

by Katie on August 22, 2011

Want a great way to freshen up and add character to an old, scratched, or tattered wood floor? How about painting it? Seri0usly! I know it might sound CRAZY and could potentially be a hard decision as wood flooring typically is one of the most expensive changes to make to a home. But I love the look of painted wood flooring! When I look around my living room, I’m constantly looking for improvements that can be made. I guess it’s just a habit, but I always evaluate my surroundings and tend to be more critical of my own home. My to do list includes adding crown molding, changing out throw pillows, and adding some new artwork among other things. And while our wood floors are in decent condition, I can’t help but wonder how great they would be painted in another color. I am sure my husband won’t be going for my painted wood flooring ideas, but here are a few fantastic examples of painted wood flooring!

www.doorsixteen.com

www.parkersimsinteriors.com

www.jans-gems.blogspot.com

www.younghouselove.com

Windsor Smith Home

www.assets.curbly.com

What about creating extra character and interest? How about adding a pattern to painted wood flooring? I just love the idea of the painted patterned flooring!

www.farm6.static.flickr.com

Source: Mary McDonnald

www.yourhomeonlybetter.com

www.luckylittlestars.blogspot.com

www.dreamshappythings.blogspot.com

www.decorpad.com

Muse Interiors

Source: Darren Henault

Could your wood flooring use a little pick me up? Try painting it!

Happy Monday! Stay tuned for much more!

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Harlequin Romance!

by Katie on August 15, 2011

Today one of my clients showed me a picture of the kitchen she wants to duplicate! Shall I say fabulous?? It happens to be Kirstie Alley’s Hollywood kitchen designed by one of my favorite designers, Nate Berkus! When I saw this kitchen showcased last year on the Nate Berkus show, my jaw almost hit the floor! The funky vintage appeal of using a green harlequin backsplash paired with painted cabinets, black and white flooring and White Carrera marble; this may not be for everyone, but in my book it’s perfection!

This got my creative juices stirring about harlequin and diamond-shaped patterns. The Diamond pattern is a classical design element and can be seen in interior design used in flooring, fabric, and wallpaper. The harlequin and diamond pattern is extremely versatile and can be used in the super traditional to the ultra contemporary space.

Kirstie Alley’s Hollywood kitchen designed by Nate Berkus. Nate used a very bold, muted chartreuse harlequin tile backsplash for the entire kitchen! It’s so beautiful! To add even more vintage charm, he paired it with white painted cabinets and classic black and white flooring. (The picture quality is not the best. It was hard for me to find good images of this kitchen that were not copyright protected).

Another shot of Kirstie Alley’s kitchen. (The lighting is not the best, and the shot does not capture the amazing ceiling details. But you get the idea!).

Here are some other amazing spaces, furniture, and accessories using this classical harlequin and diamond-shaped pattern!

www.atticmag.com

West Elm Kite Kilim Rug

Diamond pattern inlayed with marble and back granite Source: www.classictileny.com

Happy Monday everyone! Thanks for reading. Please stay tuned for more!

(To find the source of an image, hover the cursor over the image)

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Designing On A Serious Budget? Try the Habitat For Humanity Re-Store

by Katie on August 9, 2011

Tap tap… I’m back!! Yes, I know I’ve taken a few weeks off from blogging! Those of you that follow along may know I just started a new position as a Project Manager with a large granite and stone importer doing two the things that I love to do, designing and selling! My new position, along with several design projects I am working on, have taken the majority of any of my spare time! But, I am back and ready to go, and it’s great to be back!

I’ve had an important goal of doing charity or volunteer work for quite some time. I’ve done volunteer work when I was in college and working for various companies. It’s been quite a long time since I have done any volunteer work though. I cannot tell you the wonderful feeling knowing you helped someone and being a contributing part of something for the greater good. It’s truly amazing! If you have never done any volunteer work, I highly recommend it!! It’s a sure way to do something great for someone else! I’m super excited that my husband and I will soon be teaming up with Habitat For Humanity!

Which brings me to my pointm to tell you about the wonderful Habitat for Humanity Re-Sell Store! I completly understand it may sound a bit strange to purchase from a charity store. But I assure you there are definitely some great bargains to be found this store. This powder or half-bath vanity is a little too traditional for my personal taste, but it’s very nice and a super fantasic buy!

Need a little paint or stain? This store has tons of it! This picture is just a fraction of the paint and supplies they carry!

They have a ton of tile! And not just crummy remnants either! I saw boxes and boxes and boxes of really nice tile!!

They also carry appliances. I noticed some wonderful appliance finds!

Just think of the household and craft projects you could do with all this molding!!

Just a word to the wise, if you are planning on doing any home remodeling, check with the Habitat St0re before you start. With this store, you just never know what you will find! You could potentially save yourself a ton of bucks and contribute to a really great cause! (Cue warm and fuzzy feeling!

Please stay tuned for my upcoming post on a dining room make over on a serious budget! You’ll never believe the chandelier I used from the Habitat For Humanity Re-Sell store for a whopping $13.00!!

Thank you so much for reading! Talk to you soon!

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Klismos Crazy!

by Katie on July 29, 2011

Today I am highlighting the very beautiful Klismos chair. Even if you are not familiar with furniture styles, the Klismos is one of the centuries most popular and recognizable chairs with roots firmly planted in the 4th century BC in Ancient Greece. This light, elegant chair was developed by the Greeks and perfected in the 5th century BC and remained popular throughout the 4th century BC. The Klismos is remarkable for its four gently curving legs and curved back rails with a narrow concave backrest between them. It has long been depicted on Ancient Greek pottery and has been resurrected in the French Directoire, English Regency, American Empire and Neo Classical styles, only to gain popularity again in the designs of the 21st century.

The Klismos just might have faded into history were it not for the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum in the mid-18th century. The discovery of Greek and Roman ruins sparked the Neoclassical revival in Europe. Click on the link to read more about this ancient chair. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klismos

Check out the ancient Klismoschair, with its curved backrest and tapering, outcurved legs, on the stele of Xanthippos, Athens, ca. 430-20 BC

And the modern versions of today…

www.decorpad.com

www.elledecor.com

www.decorpad.com

Thanks for checking out my blog! Stay tuned for more!

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Room Lust!!

by Katie on July 25, 2011

Happy Monday!

Check this super stylish bedroom!

Please stay tuned, I’ve got a ton of great stuff coming up on my blog!

Thanks for reading!

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Who Says A Living Room Must Have A Sofa!!

by Katie on July 18, 2011

Do you have a living room where it seems impossible to place a sofa? Well, who says a living room must have a sofa? The good news is there’s no interior design law requiring your living room must house a couch. Most of the time in social gatherings, people prefer sitting in a single chair. I know I hate being the one sitting in the middle of a sofa at a party. Give me my own comfy chair with plenty of elbow room! So, instead of using the standard “living room arrangement”, you know – a couple of chairs, a sofa, and a coffee table, try using a grouping of chairs. A grouping could be the perfect arrangement for those seldom used formal spaces such as living rooms or casual gathering areas like an oversized game room. Take a look at a few beautiful spaces where designers created beautiful and functional furniture arrangements without the use of a sofa.

Source:.eclecticinteriordesigngroup.blogspot.com

Source: Candice Olson

Source: Decorpad.com

Source: Decorpad.com Source:www.decorpad.com

Source: www.thelennoxx.com

Source:www.coastalliving.com

Hope everyone had a happy Monday! Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more!

(To view the source of the photos, hover your curser over the picture.)

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Mixing The Old With The New! Pairing Classic With Contemporary

by Katie on July 14, 2011

Variety is the spice of life, and modern, ornate furniture can be the perfect pairing to spice up any interior! If I think about my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE design style, I would have to say rooms with a pleasing mix of contemporary and traditional is my style of choice. Anyone can put new furnishings and accessories into a room and call it decorated, but it takes skill to put together a healthy mix of modern and classical items! Pairing both treasured antique pieces and/or vinatage items with contemporary ones is how an interesting, unique, and transitional look is created. In addition, adding an element glamour, travel, and history is accomplished as well. This design style also allows a designer the luxury of combining what the homeowner already owns and loves with new more updated finds.

Lets take a look a few striking spaces with a juxtaposition of both the old and new!

Source: www.decorpad.com

Source: Designer Vanessa De Vargas

Source: Materialgirls

www.getgoinggirl.com

Source:www.interior-design-daily.com

Source: www.Houseinteriordecor.com

Source:www.interior-design-daily.com

Source: Designer: Vanessa De Vargas

Source: www.designfolio.co.nz

Source: www.decorpad.com

Source:www.decorpad.com

Source: www.decorpad.com

Source: www.farm5.static.flickr.com

Need help pulling a room together? A Creative Interior is here to help! Thanks so much for reading! Stay tuned for more.

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Marvels Of Design Excellence! Frank Lloyd Wright Style Home

by Katie on July 10, 2011

Toto, I don’t think we are in Richardson anymore…

A few months back my husband took me to see a very rare Frank Lloyd Wright style home located in the prestigious Dallas neighborhood of Bluff View. As lover of architecture, I was super excited to tour this home and I wanted to share with you a few pictures of this unique residence. This amazing home was designed by a husband and wife team John and Kay Rattenbury. Architect John Rattenbury was an apprentice under Wright and senior architect at Taliesin West. The home’s interior designer, Kay Rattenbury, had lived and studied with the Wrights since she was 14 years old. The result is a stunning residence that is as close to a Frank Lloyd Wright house as one could possibly achieve. Click on the link to read more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West http://www.franklloydwright.org/fllwf_web_091104/Home.html

Front of home – The roof line appears to go on forever. The home is 4124 square feet but because of its long and low shape, it appears much larger.

Fantastic Brady Bunch-esque original concept drawing of the rear elevation. (I am sure Mike Brady would have approved!)

Rear elevation- The home is very secluded and you can see the vast expanse of land it sits on. Really beautiful!

Back elevation of home - you can see the vast expance of land it sits on

Close up of the rear elevation and large angling patio area. I love the stone walls and built-in stone flower pots.

Close up of the rear elevation huge patio area

Gorgeous pool and hot tub areas. The rear patio is very unique as it multi-leveled. You step down about 6 steps to get the pool area from the patio above. On left land side of this picture, next to the hot tub is the guest house and pool bath.

One of the many cool things about this house is the use of turquoise blue for the trim and fencing. It coordinates very well with the patinaed copper gutters on the home.

Every piece of furniture in the home was custom made for it. While the original furnishings appear a bit dated the home itself is not. It is truly a stunner!

In true mid-century style, many of the walls in the home are made of this beautiful solid linear stone.

This exceptional Frank Lloyd Wright-style home has an unsurpassed pedigree for those who appreciate Wright’s work. Whether or not Frank Lloyd Wright is your style, this home is a rare and architecturally significant find! And good news, it’s for sale! You too could own this home for a mere $1,499,000. Hummm, I wonder if they’ll take a check??

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Thanks for reading!

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A Few Photos From A Recent Shoot!

July 7, 2011

Last week I had my old friend and great photographer Brian take a few pictures of our home. Here is a quick peek of a few shots he took that day. Now, please keep in mind he has not had a chance to adjust the color or retouch them! But, I was excited to show you all! In my opinion, everyone’s home should [...]

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Room Lust!!

July 5, 2011

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July holiday. I can not begin to put into words how thankful I am for our troops past and present that help make this great country possible. Thanks you so much! I hope everyone had plenty of American flags, hot dogs and fireworks! I know I had my fair share of the pool and [...]

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Noguchi Akari Light Sculptures!

June 30, 2011

I had a fantasist photo shoot at my home today! I am excited to soon share the beautiful photos that my old friend and wonderful photographer Brian Mccalla, took of our space. However, during the shoot I could not help but think how great it would be to have a Akari Noguchi sculptured floor lamp in one particular [...]

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Quartrefoil Creatives!

June 26, 2011

I know, I’ve been a bad blogger! It’s just I’ve had so much going on! After graduating 8 years ago from college with my BA in Interior Design, I took a job as a design consultant with a large home builder. Over the years I’ve worked as a consultant for three different high-end builders. I’ve been very blessed to have had a successful career in an [...]

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Room Lust!!

June 21, 2011

Lots of fantastic things happening in the world of interior design and some amazing things going on at A Creative Interior. I could not wait to tell you all about it! However, it has been one of those Mondays and all the photos in my post were somehow deleted… Ahhh, (expletive) WordPress issues!! Thanks for [...]

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I LOVE LAMP! Vintage And Mod Inspired Lamps!

June 15, 2011

Are you into interesting and funky vintage mid-century inspired lamps? Well, I sure am! Mod interior design style is burning hot right now and it seems the interior design world appears to have fully embraced the 50′s and 60′s style as a source of inspiration. Mod inspired lamps add a combination of chic Hollywood glamour, mid-century and contemporary style. These awesome lamps typically feature large [...]

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Creative Headboards! Folding Screens And Antique Doors

June 13, 2011

Hope everyone had a happy Monday! So, have you wanted to add a touch of drama to your bedroom? Or maybe to just to your bedroom decor? Well, I’ve become a huge fan of using screens or antique doors for headboards. Doors and screens can be a creative and affordable to way to add dramatic impact to any bedroom. They can be a great way to add a [...]

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Let There Be Stripes!

June 9, 2011

If there is one (more) thing I love… It’s drapes! I definitely have an education on them too! While in college I worked at a drapery store and learned the ins and outs of drapes and drapey hardware. I guess you could say I got my fair share of drapery drama! Lately my eyes have been drawn to bold [...]

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Room Lust!!

June 7, 2011

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Our Yard. A Before and After! Xeriscape Design

June 5, 2011

What’s the opposite of a green thumb? Well, I have that! Yep, I’ll admit its pretty bad…And in all honestly, my husband had to convince me of the fact it HAD to be updated right away… Yes, I know it sounds crazy! This scenario is usually the complete opposite! About 99.9% of the time, I do all the [...]

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