What a racquet.

This weekend is going to be all about squash. I'm going to see my sister play her last squash matches of her CAREER before she retires as a college squash player. I played squash in college but wasn't nearly as good as my sister, but I love the game and the competition. How does this relate to interior design you ask? Well a lot of times people incorporate their hobbies into their designs. Tennis, squash, and even ping pong racquets can be used in design.

From Live Well Designs, Kyle Shuneman put antique tennis racquets above this bed. I like the way this looks with them alternating. In a close up though you can see that the strings have been replaced with mirrors. I don't' know if I LOVE that idea but I'll take it.

Jonathan Adler has created these fun geometric racquet covers in his Spring collection. I really would love one... Via Style Beat.

This room is full of fun classic sports equipment: croquet in the basket on the left, and the two antique racquets pointing towards the lovely glass cabinet. Suzanne Kasler via willow decor. I love everything in this room and I wish I could see more of those throw blankets flanking the patchwork rug.

You can customize a rug to have cute crossed racquet design like this one! This rug is in the Racquet Club of Philadelphia via THIS blog.

This design is totally plain Jane and I'm not happy with it BUT, I like the idea of hanging these racquets in somewhere utilitarian like a kitchen. This breakfast nooks seriously needs my help though. Via M English Design.

From Country Living, this DIY project is a project in which you place an oval cut mirror over the strings in each of these antique racquets.

Interested in buying your own antique racquets? I found some great ones on Etsy! HERE is a pretty one with a wooden frame! I bet there are some on Ebay as well. Just for the record I'm not a preppy obsessed designer. I don't have crossed racquets over my bed, they're in my parents' basement, okay??!! Decorating with object from a hobby though can be fun. Care to share? Also, GOOD LUCK to my sister! I don't' want to brag but, she's awesome at squash.


Alicia B.

Decorative Object Mystery: The Universal Ring Dial

have you ever seen an object that you thought was really amazing or beautiful and unique but never knew the name of it? Or did you ever see that object but call it by the wrong name for your entire life? That happened to me with this object, the universal ring dial. It was the symbol of my school growing up and we were incorrectly calling it an Astrolabe when it's really an equinoctial (or universal) ring dial! I think they are beautiful ancient objects and I've been seeing them quite often.

Suzanne Kasler used one on this writing table in the living room. I love the way that it's silhouetted against the window.

At school the ring dial was in the middle of a cobblestone courtyard in front of the main building and looked so charming. Hoerr Schaudt uses it in the same way at the top of these steps in a garden. Brilliant and a nice change from an ancient stone sculpture.

This dining room has many beautiful and interesting objects. The ring dial is in the corner but certainly isn't invisible. By Gerald Pomelroy via Verdigris Vie.

Here is a close up of the above picture. Gawwgeous.

David Easton says that this is his favorite decorative object. What an interesting display of antique objects.

I think these would be a fun object to put in a bookcase display or a tablescape. Anywhere you put it though, it's sure to start an interesting conversation. Now I want one!


Alicia B.

Clerestory Story Time

Traditional Home. Look to the left to avoid the TV over the mantle (ugh) to the clerestory windows!

A very loyal reader asked me yesterday what clerestory windows were. For those of you who didn't have a proper art history education, clerestory windows, which originate in churches, are a narrow band of windows placed up high, to let light in from above. Here are some great ones that I found in residences, not churches.

This is from the Golf Digest Showhouse by Suzanne Kasler. If you can get past the astro-turf patch, there are gorgeous clerestory windows in the kitchen. The kitchen is a great place for them if you don't have an amazing view from your sink or you want privacy but still want light to come in, then these are perfect!

The light that streams in from these windows is so beautiful/ethereal. By Suzanne Kasler.

These next two are used as decorative elements on the interior of the room. This bathroom was designed by Robert Young for Traditional Home. These windows let you know that there is another room behind those slatted doors.

By Phoebe Howard, these almond shaped clerestory windows are placed above closets and add a great architectural element to the room.

These are more reminiscent of a church setting, as the windows are placed very high, and the ceiling is slightly pitched. By Christopher Coffin.

There are so many different kinds of windows out there so it can be confusing. I love clerestory windows because they remind me of my early days in art history classes, which eventually led me to interior design. Sigh.


Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

Too much rain makes me sad inside so I'm in need of some sunshine in the form of great interior design! Am I the only one? I think not.

I adore this sweet little attic guest room by Suzanne Kasler. So crisp and clean without looking uninviting. How lovely is yellow and white--the shades are Michael Devine Home, who has the greatest fabric collection HERE!

Mary McDonald's rooms are always a treat. Love everything here minus the mirrored coffee table. LOATHE mirrored furniture.

When I own my own country cottage, I'd like to have a library sitting room like this one with antlers, books, gorgeous throw pillows, and lovely art prints. By Markham Roberts.

I found this incredible designer Grant White on The Daily Bed (thanks Raina!). I'm in love with this color palette, but more importantly the gallery wall of prints with the one round one in the middle.

I think this home really defines my personal style. NO NO JUST KIDDING. This is from Real Housewives of NJ. OY.

Have a great weekend, all! Any great plans? For the first time in a while I'll be staying in NYC.


Alicia B.

Round Windows into My Soul

I've always had a "thing" for certain architectural details like thick mouldings, but lately I've been just obsessed with round slash oval windows. What's beyond them? They're so pretty and just plain interesting! At "my" house in the country, we have an octagonal one over the first floor and I literally (not really) have dreams about it. Enjoi.

Three windows equals three times the beauty of this house! I love the symmetry in this white stucco house. I wish I could see what is on the other side of each of those windows. By Suzanne Kasler.

Wow, she's killing me with the exteriors of these homes. I love the Palladian window over the door, too!

WOW. Look at the mysterious shadow this one casts on the floor. Also, they used a chair with a round back to mirror the round element. By Randall Powers.

A round window doesn't always have to be traditional; this one is clean and unadorned and is a nice contrast with the hard angles of the roof. This gorgeous pool house is by Jed Johnson.

I would wash dishes forever if this window was over my sink. How gorgeous is the green and the green tile backsplash? By James Michael Howard.

How calming and therapeutic was that? I feel so much better--the beauty of that little round window is so captivating. The glow that comes through, the smooth curves--woah this is going a little far.


Alicia B.

First Impressions

First impressions are very important; with people as well as homes. Besides the actual facade of the house, the front hall entrance can be the most important room. It sets the tone for the rest of the house; lets you know what kind of people live in that home. A front hall can be understated and modest or it can be grand, and make a big statement.

Noel Jeffrey. This one has a lot of visual interest in the eclectic collection of frames.

Miles Redd. This entirely mirrored front hall makes a dramatic statement and expands the space with reflections.

Suzanne Kasler. The tiled floor leads your eye to the beautiful curving staircase.

Suzanne Kasler. Uses the black and white tiled floor again for a classic yet dramatic effect.

Kips Bay In the Kips Bay showhouse, Beale-Lana uses a black/white/silver contrasting combination. I like how the staircase is so open at the bottom.

From Living Etc, this front hall makes me want to live in a little Victorian home with stained glass windows!

Living Etc. A bench is often a good solution in a smaller space. This driftwood bench is amazing.

Martha Stewart. Understated perfection with flowers!

Bilhuber. I like the neutrals and soft colors in this entry hall.

Celerie Kemble.

Victoria Hagan. Subtle architectural elements.

Jason Bell. I love this entrance hall. It's so perfectly country and I love the white painted beams that lead you into the next room. Plus it's in CT, how could you go wrong.

I wonder what kind of first impression I make. Too eager? Too Shy? Fake? Something to think about I guess.


Alicia B.