Rando Design Inspiration Friday!

Hey y'all! It's Friday and I'm so excited to bust out of work today! My little sister (4 inches taller than I) is in town and I can't wait to hang out with her! Here are some images that make me ALMOST as jazzed as my sisters do.

The pink, the antique chair, the bookcase display--what more could I love in this living room by Todd Klein?

I think we all know based on yesterday's post that I'm just obsessed with this little breakfast nook with the birdcage next to it! I hope there's not a real bird in that...eek. By Tim Clarke.

I'm just in love with Country Living lately. This bedroom is one of many in their gallery that super impressed me. The brick wall ads such a romantic vintage aspect to this room and I want a luggage rack like that one. HOT.

My sister has really great personal style. I hope we go to J Crew and she can pick out outfits for me! Not that I need help there but who doesn't love playing dress up with their sister??! How cute is this outfit (I'm already getting excited for "back to school" clothes!)

Clearly I've got a kickin fun weekend set up for myself! What are you guys up to? Hopefully it will cool off soon because this heat is too much.


Alicia B.

Alicia B.'s Latest Obsession: Architectural Models

I love stuff. I have a lot of "stuff" in my apartment because I like to look at it and it looks pretty/fun/interesting. I don't have any room for any of these things that I want lately but I can talk about it anyway, right? Maybe some of you guys DO have room for it and I'll inspire you?! I've been lately very obsessed with architectural models; wire ones, wooden ones, you name it. Check them out:

A wire Duomo from Ballard Designs for $99 "had me" at Duomo. As you all may know, I'm a sucker for anything remotely related to Italy. Maybe I could fit this one because it wouldn't take up too much space on a table or window sill.

Another amazing Wire Conservatory from Ballard Designs for $79! I love the shape of this one.

I'd die for an architectural model staircase. This Grand Staircase is well priced from Ballard Designs for only $225. Most antique ones go for upwards of $1500.

I have wanted a wooden birdcage for a very long time (without the birds. ew.). This breathtaking Victorian beauty is from Mecox gardens. They have SO many special birdcages and models.

A little more on the rustic and distressed side, this hand carved Altar for $168 is also from Mecox Gardens.

A little more on the whimsical (and pricey) side, this ADORABLE Chateau wire lantern is from Anthropologie. I saw one similar to it at ABC Carpet as well a few weeks ago. This one above is only $1598--no biggie!

If you're into the whole wire thing that is going on right now, West Elm has these decorative spheres (tumble weeds) for only $13! Personally I think these are the types of things that you buy and then get them to your house and have crushing regret but they could be fun...

These wire birds are SO CUTE from Sundance Catalog. Song Birds of Paris, TX set of 3 for $48.

Hopefully this post will calm my need to acquire a new accessory that I don't technically need. Or it will convince me that it's meant to be and that I must have one now! Sorry to be so down on the wire spheres, I can see that wire decorative accessories are pretty much everywhere and i don't want you guys to get caught up in something you'll regret. It happens to everyone! How do you all feel about these?


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.

Coat of Arms in Design

A coat of arms or a family crest is a symbol used to represent your family, your country, or your military as a means of identification. Everyone knew which crest belonged to which family or even individual. They are seen as quite regal and filled with history. Today, although they are less common, they still show up in family rings or in homes as heirlooms passed down from prior generations. I've been seeing a lot of them lately in design in pillows, as wall decoration or elsewhere. It could be a nice way to add something different and personal to a room.

In Rob Southern's latest spread in House Beautiful he painted these chairs white but you can see on the back of them they have a carved coat of arms. The black and white contrast is gorgeous in this front hall.

Michael Smith found this extremely large coat of arms to put in the stairway of this California home. It definitely draws your attention upwards.

Like I said above, many stores have them as pillows. Even though it might not be your family crest, they still look important. By Joanna Poitier.

Christopher Coffin designed this elegant and traditional sitting room and put two small crests over the doors.

These are the most modern and daring looking coats of arms I've seen thus far. I just adored this entire spread from Elle Decor by Badgley Mischka. This room with the monogrammed pillows is so bold yet nonabrasive.

Monogramming has become so popular, perhaps it's time to go with something more subtle? An old family crest? I think one has to be careful not to use it in a pretentious manner-like all over the place. I still love monogramming, of course--it might be awkward if I put the Alicia B. family crest on an LLBean tote, right? One of my favorite crests is the Medici one HERE.


Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

I'm still riding high from the mention in the Washington Post, but also, it's Friday! Every single day this week I thought it was Friday, even Monday, so this day has been a long time coming! Enjoy my random pictures for the day.

I just adore this bathroom by Amanda Nisbet. Who needs a mirror when you can say, "Dahhhling, you look maaahvalous!"

This is by amazingly talented Siskin Valls. I love the use of antiques and the distressed doors here.

After a late night last night, I'd so love to curl up in one of those gorgeous ikat upholstered chairs and read a book. The rug is exquisite--I love the color and how it is contrasted on the deep soot brown walls. From House Beautiful.

I am in the city for the weekend and might head down to Prospect Park to spend quality time with my cousins and their (semi) new baby! Have a lovely, fun, creative, and relaxing weekend! Big plans? Tell me!


Alicia B.

Thank you Terri!

I'm so honored once again to be included in Terri Sapienza's Blog Watch in the Washington Post. Thanks so much!

www.aliciabdesigns.com

Also among the honored are Habitually Chic and Color Me Happy! Congratulations to them as well!


Alicia B.