Tag Archives: interior design
Wrap to Room
image via papersmash
I’m a firm believer that the presentation of a gift makes what’s inside that much more special. Whether it’s taking some extra time to personalize the wrapping paper itself or including a homemade card, it lets the recipient know you care. Looking online I’ve found a wealth of gift wrapping inspiration I’d like to share with you, and I also thought it would be a great time to play a game I like to call ‘wrap to room’.
image via anthology
Eclectic Presents
Go to town mixing patterns, shapes and different kinds of paper and materials for a whimsical feeling. This trio of presents is so happy looking, and I imagine a whole collection of these uniquely wrapped gifts would be beautiful under the tree.
image via the boo and the boy
Eclectic Room
Here, patterns and textures have been combined for the same whimsical effect. Lining shelves in patterned paper is a great way to add visual interest to a wall. This style works especially well in kids rooms and living rooms.
bobalog gift tags and wrap via papercrave
Red, White and Mod Gifts
The online seller bobalog creates this fabulously festive wrapping paper and hand stamped gift tags. Red is instantly evocative of the holidays, and paired with white and geometric shapes also appears clean and modern.
image via bhg
Red, White and Mod Room
This holiday mantle display shows how a bright red pops against an all white wall and fireplace. Geometric christmas trees, graphic pillows and a pompom garland are festive without being too cutesy.
image via odessa may society
Au Natural Wrapping
I love the effect of the delicate white pen drawing on kraft paper. If you have some drawing talent this is a beautiful way to dress up plain paper. It reminds me of snow on wood. Tie with a simple colourful twine and you are ready to give.
image via Veronica loves Archie
Au Natural Room
Pairing white elements with light coloured wood creates a relaxed and soothing atmosphere. This sunroom is so peaceful. I especially like the wraparound benches that give plenty of spots to savour the view.
image via you are my fave
Watercolour Giftwrap
How pretty is this watercolour wrapping paper? This could be a fantastic DIY that even the kids could get involved in. The yarn bow is also a pretty and easy way to adorn your gifts, but hand-dyed ribbon would be even lovelier, I think.
image via little miss homes
Watercolour Room
It’s hard to make sure pastels stay modern and don’t look like like they should be in a nursery. The way this dining room used both bright and more subtle shades together with white is very evocative of a watercolour painting.
That concludes our game of ‘wrap to room’. Hope you’ve found some wrapping or decorating inspiration, or perhaps a little bit of both.
Happy Friday Everyone!
In the Showroom With Greg: Inspired by Christmas
Greg Laciak is Greentea Design’s lead designer. When Greg’s not helping clients plan their dream kitchen he’s often in the showroom giving it that quintessential Greentea vibe. With an unmatched eye for what’s beautiful and how it all fits together, The Design Tree is delighted to have Greg as a guest contributor. This month Greg explains his process as he designs the showroom for the holidays.
People often ask me where my design inspiration comes from. Typically I answer that inspiration can be found just about anywhere, you just have to keep an open mind. Case in point my inspiration for this year’s Greentea Christmas look came from an ad for a bathtub of all things! Here it is:
I loved the rich wall colour and the stark juxtaposition of black and white; and how the faucet and table seemed to sparkle in contrast. Seeing this was my lightbulb moment: I knew I had my theme of a black, white and gray Christmas with a silver overlay. And with the growing popularity of both industrial and rustic furniture, I also knew I wanted to showcase Greentea’s take on this design style.
For Greentea’s display, I started by anchoring the look with a three glass bankers bookcases with the rustic table placed in front. Both bookcases and table were set with a collection of white servingware and festive touches of silver. After taking a few customer requests to paint some of Greentea’s pieces white and loving this effect, I knew painted white benches would pull this look together.
A big Christmas tree fit in a black pot is elegant and simple dressed in white lights and a dusting of fluffy white “snow”.
For the entryway, I used a small black buffet decorated with a large bowl of silver baubles and topped with a rustic mirror.
Two new items to our furniture line include the rustic console and bench with industrial wheels,I felt that the big red wheels added a playfull touch, much like the red firetruck you always hoped would be under the tree. The 2 shattered glass mirrors look amazing painted white, and the white and black cow print rug pulled all the elements together. I added the small douglas fir tree in the black champagne bucket, the paperwhites in the shiny bowl and the white tray of silver baubles – the final nod to to the festive season.
A very dear friend of mine once said that a display must always have something whimsical in it. What could be more whimsical than a trail of Santa bells!
Wishing you all the most inspired, whimsical and magical holiday season!
Alternative Christmas Trees
I love decorating for Christmas and the highlight for me is going out and picking the perfect tree to bring home and decorate with the ornaments that I have collected over the years. However, the environmentalist in me feels a little guilty killing an innocent tree to fill my house with its intoxicating scent for a mere four weeks.
Image: Bibitaro
And yet, I can’t quite bring myself to go the artificial route. I have considered a small, living potted tree but I don’t have anywhere to plant it when the holidays are over.
Image: Fleurfatale
But this is an excellent choice for people who have a backyard or who have larger indoor plants (Christmas cactus anyone?). Even a container with branches could make a cool sustainable version.
Image: AtelierboisdAme on Etsy
AtelierboisdAme plays on this idea by assembling driftwood into the shape of a traditional tree. I think this would look amazing draped with rustic ornaments.
Image: Makedo on Instructables
For the crafty types, Makedo on Instructables has an easy 10-step tutorial for a cardboard Christmas tree. If you have kids, you could keep them busy for hours decorating one with markers or decoupage. You could even make small holes in the cardboard and hang ornaments.
Image: Tattered Style
But why not use items you already have around the house? A plain old ladder looks spectacular decked out with lights and sparkly decorations.
Image: Allison Stanke on Pinterest
As a graduate student, I always have a large stack of books lying around, so I am sorely tempted to procrastinate at the end of term with this DIY project!
Image: Martha Stewart
One of the reasons that people shy away from a real tree is lack of floor space. Fortunately, several creative types have shared their 2-D solutions on the Internet. With little more than a string of lights, one can have a merry little tree.
Image: Le Vestiaire de Jeanne via All Washi Tape
A few months ago, Mandy blogged about the wonderful possibilities of washi tape here on The Design Tree, so it’s no surprise that it has been incorporated in Christmas decorations. The huge variety of colours and patterns means that you could make a tree to match any décor.
Image: Wall Dressed Up
Snowflake decals also make a festive alternative that won’t damage the walls when they come down in the New Year.
Image: A Legg Up
I’m not much of an artist but if I was I would consider covering a wall with chalkboard paint (or butcher paper since I’m pretty non-committal in the paint department) and drawing the perfect tree.
Image: Ever After Blueprint
What about you? Do you prefer a traditional tree or would you consider going alternative this Christmas?
Small Space Entertaining Tips
image via style at home
Have you been thinking about hosting a party this holiday season but are worried you just don’t have the space to accommodate a crowd? Entertaining in a small space can hold challenges, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. With some pre-planning you can throw a memorable party in even the tiniest of spaces. Here are a few party tips that will help make sure your guests have a blast, and that you keep your sanity.
image via freshome
Pre-Party Editing
This tip goes for any size space; before a party or big gathering go through the rooms guests will be gathering in and engage in some ruthless editing. Unnecessary furniture, knick-knacks and personal items can be moved to an off-limits space like a laundry room or bedroom. Guests will feel more relaxed if they’re not bumping into things all the time and you won’t have to worry about things getting broken.
image via a house in the hills
The Ever-expanding dining Table
If you’ve ever tried to seat six people at a four person dining table you know the difficulties. A drop leaf table or one with an expansion panel can be useful, but if you just don’t have the space consider finger foods and cocktails rather than a sit down dinner.
image via Style by Emily Henderson
Party Central
If you’ll be inviting guests over often consider investing in one piece of furniture where all your entertaining supplies can be stored. Maybe a cabinet or a knockout bar cart. It will clear off table space and keep you party ready all the time. Finding something that offers some closed storage will be helpful for keeping odds and ends under control.
image via marie claire maison
Lighting
Lighting really sets the tone for any event. If you’re throwing a holiday party use the sparkly lights of the season to your advantage when creating mood lighting. The glow from a Christmas tree or a few strands of white lights can keep the mood festive and distract from the close quarters.
Block Party Conversation Seating set from Designed Goods
Improvise Seating
Don’t have enough couch and chair space to fit everyone? Pull out benches, oversized throw pillows and chairs from other rooms and arrange them in conversation zones around the room. This conversation seating set is perfect if you find yourself entertaining often. The various pieces can also be used as extra tables or ottomans if the need arises.
la marie chairs by Philippe Starck from hive
Get Stacking
Stackable furniture is a godsend for decorating any small space but it can be especially useful for entertaining. Stackable chairs or nesting tables can be brought out when needed, and tucked away to clear more room once the guests leave.
image via Everything Fabulous
The More the Merrier
Some of the best parties I remember going to were so packed with people it was standing room only. If you keep the mood lively, the music upbeat, the food plentiful and the drinks pouring chances are everyone will have a great time no matter how small your space.
Happy Friday Everyone!
Excellent Reasons to Sleep-in this Weekend
Photograph by Kim Jeffery via House and Home
Sleeping-in is one of life’s little pleasures that can make your whole day better, unless of course it’s a work day and you’ve missed your alarm. As life gets busier late mornings spent in bed get harder to come by but this weekend I am giving you full license to get a little extra rest, and if you need some good excuses to do so here are some that will make you happy to spend the morning under the covers.
Wool Dot Throw from Lief
Reason #1 A Beautiful Throw for Your Bed
Help winterize your bedroom with this pretty wool throw from lief. The modern dot design is just right for throwing on the bed or over a chair. The pattern is reversible too, and this throw is made from one hundred percent soft merino wool.
pajamas from J.Crew
Reason #2 Cozy Pajamas
A new pair of cozy pajamas is reason enough to catch a few extra z’s. I may be alone here, but I think there is still a lot of sex appeal in flannel when the temperature dips below zero (though that may just be wishful thinking.) I’m also a believer in flannel for both men and women; everyone should be allowed to cozy up at this time of the year.
Kiss Goodnight Pillowcase by ColetteBream
Reason #3 Extra Pillows
It’s my opinion that a bed can never have too many pillows. Heaping a bed with cushions and pillows in different prints and shapes is a designer trick that always makes a bed look more inviting. How do you like this sweet pillowcase that comes with a kiss goodnight?
Weekend Waffles from Herriott & Grace
Reason #4 Someone Else is Making Breakfast
One of the absolute best feelings is waking up well rested to the smell of a delicious breakfast. If I could put in a request it would be for these scrumptious looking waffles cooked up by Harriet and Grace. I just discovered their site and am now in love with their handmade wooden goods, like hand turned spoons and artisanal cutting boards.
Summer Bedroom Suite from Greentea Design
Reason #5 New Bedroom Furniture
An absolutely excellent reason to take a little more time waking up in the morning is that you took advantage of Greentea Designs bedroom sale and you now have a newly decorated bedroom, perfect for sleeping and relaxing in.
Reason # 6 You’re a Pampered Pet
Housecats know all about sleeping in, and they have no problem sleeping just about anywhere. For the very fortunate feline this lux cat bed will be the new favourite place for catnaps, and it’s a beautiful piece of furniture too.
Happy Friday and Sweet Dreams Everyone!
