Zebra but Faded.

I've always loved animal print, especially zebra. Lately I've been seeing zebra, but a different kind of zebra. It's a faded zebra. Is it an antique? Vintage? Whatever it may be, it's a toned down zebra print and I love it. That girl above--her amazing non-toned down zebra maxi is for sale on ideeli right now. Toned down or not, I'm into it. Let's check out some subdued animals, yes?

Hang on, let me catch my breath. This. bathroom. is. SO HOT. It's from the Southern Accents (TEAR) Riverdale Showhouse. The amount of drama that that wallpaper provides with so little color is incredible.

Patrice Cowan Bevans. We all know how much I hate skirting around tables (what are you hiding??) but if you're going to do it with this faded grey zebra print, I'll accept it.

This is from Eric Cohler's latest spread in Veranda. He is mixing a safari with hunting lodge look and I'm liking it. I love the structured pleating in that little armchair and how it works with the zebra pattern.

Betsy Burnham mixes different greys with the zebra print Travers fabric for the drapery, the grey desk chair and a greyish wood desk. This looks like a great place to do work.

Do you see what I mean? It may be a trend, but it's a great one. Animal prints are timeless, but I love a fresh new twist on a timeless classic, such as an animal pelt. Do ya'll like it? Are you over it? DON'T FORGET that 9 by Design premiers tonight at 11 (Why is it so late??), and Glee is back also! I'll miss it because I'll be in class but I KNOW it will be amazing. Have a fabulous Tuesday!!


Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

Friday is here again! Here is your weekly dose of design inspiration. Enjoy. Also, please don't forget to enter the Rug Give-Away Contest below. If you can't be bothered to scroll down just click HERE: I'm lazy but I still want to win.

Timothy Whealon created a gorgeous living room using many different geometrics, some subtle, some bold but I really love the white washed mirror over the fireplace.

Southern Accents. You couldn't pay me to touch a book when I was younger but now, if I seen an interior crammed with books and a lovely arched bookcase like this one, I'm ready to move in. Seriously. It's going to get weird when the owner comes home and I'm sitting at that desk with glasses on and holding one of those antique books.

Lars Boldander never stops impressing me. This painted blue clock is mesmerizing.

This is a tad bit too symmetrical for me but the bold modern looking monogramming on the pillows is what won me over. By Jackye Lanham.

Amanda Nisbet is so great with color. How happy does this mantel look? I want that painting.

I'm not sure if I had a theme for today but all of these images have a cottage quality feel to them. Maybe it's because I'm going home to celebrate my Mom's birthday (AND I get to bake her cake!!) this weekend up in the country, or it could be because all I really want to do is lie on my bed and listen to Heal the World by MJ. Have a great weekend everyone (MJ would want you to.)!


Alicia B.

Spring Trend: Butterflies

Butterflies are everywhere! I've noticed them in magazines, on the blogs, and everywhere I shop (window shop). They are whimsical and colorful and definitely a sign of spring, I'd say. Many accessories are covered in butterflies, from throw pillows, to decoupaged plates, but here are some examples in interiors!

What a sweet kitchen inspired scene by Trevor Dixon via gogoabigail.com

This room from Southern Accents is very garden-inspired with framed butterflies up on the wall. I really love that mini stool under the table with the blanket draped over it.

This is a from good old Domino mag featuring Schumacher's Birds and Butterflies wall paper. Not entirely sure where the larger than life butterfly on the wall comes from...I'm scared. Definitely adds a focal point to the room though, right?

In this super luxurious bedroom by Nancy Boszhardt, she uses framed butterflies on the wall. I like these--they're very close together and all the same species. Very pretty and a great punch of color in this mostly neutral room.

I like this one the most, I think. It looks like a little horticultural study; perhaps there are books on gardening on the other wall and a beautiful garden outside? By Monique Keegan from Country Living.

This exotic garden room is from a Kips Bay showhouse, so is of course very over the top. The chair in the corner is actually in the shape of two butterflies. By David Barrett.

This Freeze Frame Butterfly Chandelier by Lladro, is very whimiscal and looks like a swarm of butterflies around a light. Only $3200!

John Willey had these duvet covers custom made with Holland and Sherry butterfly fabric! This room is super springy with the green painted ceiling and nature inspired fabrics (roman shades, grass cloth walls, etc).

Want some of your own butterfly decor? Here are some small framed drawings from Ballard Designs. Cute!

Read more about this new spring trend HERE in Elle Decor. Personally...I'm not loving it. I know I'm supposed to but all I can think of are glittery butterflies from the mid to late 1990's and I'm uncomfortable. I do love the framed drawings and the horticultural side to them, but the giant, out of scale butterflies are somewhat inappropriate. What do you all think? On board? Hate it? Love it?


Alicia B.

Weekend time!

Doesn't this look so cozy? It's from Southern Accents.


I'm off to my glamorous country home (my parents' house) for the weekend! Have a great weekend!


Alicia B.