July / August 2013 US House Beautiful Review

Hello there!

There was a double issue of July and August so I am not late with the review of the summer issue of House Beautiful!

Now it is always interesting the upcycling or lateral use of items.

The napkins below look kind of like tea towels or Moroccan bath towels but they make a lovely graphic modern statement.

I once went to a riad in Marrakech where they cut up similar looking fabrics and used them for sarongs, curtains, tea towels, pillow covers.  
It is a nice reminder to try and use different cloths and designs for unlikely uses.

Momogramming mad just as Heidi from Adelaide Villa predicted in this post.  Or you could give each guest a bucket with their own wine bottle but at least they can't touch yours?

Loving the playful nature of these sketches.

What I would love is interchangeable wallpaper because as much as I love all these patterns I would have a problem committing.

Most of you know how I feel about haphazard throw styling so I will deduct two points for this issue for FLTS otherwise known as 

faux lazy throw syndrome.

The throw is touching the floor - I know it's a new rug but still.

The monogrammed towel is covering the lone lovely pink accessory on the outdoor lounge. 

Just had to show you this ad as it was conspicuous in it plainness and lack of art direction. 

Where is Don Draper when you need him?

Everytime I see a rug I like featured in a magazine the cost is usually more than a monthly mortgage payment so it was nice to see some nice affordable rugs shown.

This book is so clever in its deconstruction of flowers.

Do you ever feel like doing lovely flower arrangements but then they look the same way they did when you bought them in the store?  Well this book might help spruce up a floral display so I might get it myself.

The last few "tablescapes" featured on the magazine have been rather uninspiring and this one is no different I am sad to say.

HB gives tablescapes a monthly feature and yet it rarely wows or gives us fresh new ideas.  I mean a few colored glass bottes, shrubbery, and a basket of lemons is hardly ground-breaking.

The set table below in one of the editorials is a lot more fun...

This house is less than 700 square feet but is decorated in such a grand manner.  Ok it's got a bit of a Napoleon complex in a way but if we didn't know it was a small house you never would have guessed by its comportment.

 

 

I love how the exterior flora is so tied into the general decor of the the house as a whole.  Some interior decorators frown upon live plants inside but I love the freshness indoor plants bring.

 

I also love how the green pattern on the walls and upholstery mimics a type of vine on the walls reflecting the lush garden outside the walls.

 

 I am deducting five points for FTLS though...

I think people automatically limit scope of patterns and furniture placement when homes are under 1000 sq ft but this flat shows that size should be no obstacle in being daring and bold.

Another 5 points deducted for the FLTS on the picture bottom left.

It shows you only need a bit of wall to make it a feature

and seemingly celebrate and use any space to have fun 

with color and pattern.

I love the zoning of space usage by using the different rugs and upholstery in the living room below.

Oh look, there is FLTS again..!

But I love the D. Porthault-esque look of the sheets on the bed. 

So crisp.

500 sq ft? 

Now this is something people living in Europe can learn from.

There is no entrance foyer or hall and goes smack into the living room.  I love how immediate the home is and makes a statement but still manages to gently cajole you inside.

I think stripes are always referred to in making things bigger or smaller both in fashion and decor. But the soft yellow seems to add just enough color but also act as a netural palette simultaneously.

There is still room to display a collection and have a cozy snack.

The furniture in this instance is both ornamental and constructive acting as an airing cupboard.

The person who made the bed must be into origami...

I think most people would benefit from this article even 
if you do live in a McMansion.  

Funny thing is I find it easier to decorate a small space rather than huge caverns.  But these tips are universal.

I don't particularly agree that one needs visual continuity and everything should match everything else.  Like fashion, I think it is how it is worn.  I don't like faking size for instance. I think it's about bringing a sense of lightness and comfort.

I think cupboards to the ceiling should be done if only to prevent 

a dusty grimy buildup on top!

As you can read in the color debate, even the leading designers are at odds whether or not you should go light or dark in painting a small room.  Personally, I think it has everything to do with the local light and function than size of a room.

But for every shape and size of house, I think editing is truly key.

In my recent clear up, I was ashamed at how I had been using storage space.

In what would be an otherwise boring flat, the drapes and curved furniture add visual interest and flow.

My heart doesn't necessarily bleed when I see anything over a 1000 sq ft as I live in London.  But I will let it pass...

Ev

Even the inside of the cabinet is such a feature and I would keep open myself.

Even though there are strong contrating colors next to a 

seemingly clashing pattern with tassled fringes by no means does the space seem small perse.

The color palette may not suit your taste but I don't feel hemmed in.

 I like the use of mirrors but I do worry about the inhabitants coming home after a drunken night...

This chair sure got a "fanciful update"...

There is a lot going on in this bedroom but I do like how the ceiling is mirrored in the blinds. The feature wall and the footstool I personally don't see how it fits but as long as they like it.

Unusual color choice for a kitchen but it is cheerful I suppose.

I personally woud have extended the counter and cupboard space instead of putting two chairs there though.

Because then I would have been able to cut up a few more leeks.

Mirrors always do the trick although I don't know where to look.

I have just gotten back from Austria and be default I was not only on a food diet but a digital diet and I must say that I have come back a lot more relaxed and less wired.

I hope to get back to my normal blogging schedule but it has taught me to stop finding out what the latest news is...

It certainly helps you sleep better!

Well that was the summer issue for House Beautiful so the next one won't be out until September!