Pagodas: a motif I'm into.

Design motifs are basically our favorite things transformed into decorative objects, fabrics, wall coverings etc. These days we love ginger jars and zebra print. While I love those things too, I REALLY love pagodas. They are a classic Asian motif which can make a room fun and chic. Check out how these designers use them.

Mary McDonald took the pagoda to a whole other level when she mimicked the shape here in this upholstered headboard. As you can see, this Asian motif continues on the chocolate wall too.

Here are more pagodas adding height to a room buy placing white painted ones atop this cute white armoir. Love the stuffed animals too. Mary McDonald.

Placing decorative objects on display such as on a coffee or console table is important. Should they be books? a plant? Or two pagodas on either side of a plant like this by Ruthie Sommers.

Meg Braff does the same sort of thing with two white washed pagodas in this absolutely beautiful blue and white living room. I love the symmetry in this unpredictably two tone room.

I love all the asian motifs in this room: faux bamboo coffee table, the blue and white ceramic lamps and especially the pagoda lanterns. This room filled with fabulous textiles and furniture would be breathtaking even without them, but they seem to compliment everything and add a fun punch to the wall. By Alex Papachristidis.

For only $9285 you can have this bold pagoda cabinet. Found it HERE.

Etsy is always full of fun finds. This pagoda throw pillow sells for $55 at Decorative Instincts on Etsy.

Charlotte Moss loves the pagoda so much that she made it part of her letterhead. Great taste comes naturally to Charlotte Moss.

I'd love to get buy some pretty fabric with a pagoda on it and make some pillows. I found some traditional Asian toile fabrics online but I didn't love any of them. I found this fabric line Pagoda at Thibaut HERE. Or, this really cute whimsical with a tinge of cartoon fabric for only $24 a yard at warm biscuit.


Alicia B.

Friday Faves

Cheval from my newest photos. www.aliciabdesigns.com

How about this snow, huh? People have been complaining about all the snow, but it's February! It's prettier than rain! I can't wait to take some pictures of this on my way to work. Anyway, it's Friday so let's have a little fun...

I saw this designer, Kendall Wilkinson, in the latest Decorati newsletter. I loved this bright blue wall with a tree painted behind it sort of like a headboard.

This is such a classic traditional scene with the antique chair and the gallery wall with ornate frames but Jonathan Adler makes it really fun with the oversized floor lamp and bold geometric rug.

I've been going over this whole house from Traditional Home by Ruthie Sommers over and over. It's colorful and light and these fabrics are so gorgeous. I love the rusty red zebra on those twisted back chairs.

I really must say that as I look out my window (into an icky courtyard of fire escapes) this snow is really just gorgeous. You might even go as far as to say MAGICAL. Might this snow thwart my plans of going to the flea market? Possibly. Not to worry though, I may just stay in over the weekend and sew pillows. It's every girls' dream. What are your plans for the weekend? Have a wonderful, magical, and snow embracing weekend!


Alicia B.

Farmhouse Sink Love

When I grow up and have a large converted farmhouse, my first order of business in the kitchen is to have a farmhouse sink. I just adore them. They look soft, smooth, luxurious and beautifully country.

Usually when I think of a farmhouse sink, I think white glazed ceramic. I do love this stainless steel one though. By Ruthie Somers via House Beautiful.

Woah I adore this. This might rival my favorite kitchen ever by Joan Schindler. I know those are strong words but this is so spacious and calming looking. From Living etc.

Gil Shafer can pretty much do no wrong in my book. Painted floors in a kitchen? LOVE IT. Painted interior cabinets? LOVE THEM. Farmhouse sink? You get the gist.

Via Simplified Bee. You can use many different materials for the same idea. I wonder how well copper holds up in a kitchen though...

Kyle Timothy took something pretty traditional looking and made it super edgy! I love this look-it's so chic with the glass tiles on the backsplash and this modern looking farmhouse sink.

I'm not sure if its the fact that it looks like a tiny tub, or how well it looks with a sweet country kitchen but I must have a farmhouse sink one day. I love how it extends down into the cabinetry below it too. Do any of ya'll have one? Is it everything I think it is?

Alicia B.