{inspired by fall fashion}

Have you ever wanted to bring the chicness of New York Fashion Week home?
This next look was completely inspired by the fall fashion trends found on the runway during New York Fashion Week, Fall 2012.
Bringing the hipness of the runway home is simple and exciting with this inspiration I'm calling, Military Chic...
This years version of military fashion was inspired by cobalt blues, geometric shapes and metals of every kind.  So hip indeed.
 
Since fashion and decor follow similar trends, finding things inspired by this years fashion was a cinch.
One of my favorite finds is this cabinet by Anthropologie... I absolutely love the deconstructed look of this reclaimed wood piece.  It's got a pretty price tag, but sooooo worth it in my opinion.

Shades of cobalt blue also played a key role in mimicking the runway style of this space.  From the area rug, to throw pillows, to accessories... mixing solids and patterns gives the space a cohesive look that's sure to catch any eye.

Taking military style a tad vintage, I added a trunk to the space and this fabulous find from Wayfair, the copper mailbox.  I am absolutely in love with this mailbox... it screams military inspired for sure {at least it does for me}.

The final touch to the room was added with metal accents throughout.  Copper pendant light fixtures, nail~head trim on the club chairs, an accent mirror and accessories throughout really give the space a classy yet hip edge.

By mimicking fashion trends found on the runway, you can bring runway style to your interior style.  That's truly inspired design.

{inspired by Symmetry}

This one is for the perfectionists out there... you know, the ones who love symmetry.
I too love symmetry, but as a recovering perfectionist I'm learning to mix things up a bit... by doing it in style of course.  I'm calling this one, symmetry with style.

{via}

You can create symmetry without being too literal.

Here's how:

• By purposely mixing similar textures and elements you can create a soothing symmetrical look that has a lot of visual interest.
• A focal point is created by using a fabulous "stand alone" piece of furniture like the custom cabinet above.  I also gave the wall a focal point by adding a large mirror.  Both pieces are pretty substantial, but because they are of the same element {wood} they work well together without overpowering each other.
• I framed matching pieces of artwork with mismatched frames of the same size and elemental look.  Artwork doesn't have to be your typical painting or print.  The artwork pictured here is actually whitewashed floorboards in a herringbone pattern.  I did this because I wanted to stick with the natural elements of wood, and I love the visual interest found in the herringbone pattern.  I also turned the pattern sideways, allowing the lines to lead your eye up through the space.
• On the cabinet I used accessories of similar height and visual weight to create symmetry in the tablescape.
• On the front of the cabinet I created an eclectic feel by adding metal numbers.  Not only does this create a truly unique piece of furniture, it also gives the room that statement piece {everyone will surely be talking about}.  I left out the 4 on purpose, which may make the best of us cringe a little. :)
• Cozy up the space by taking two similar chairs & customizing them by upholstering them in complimenting fabrics and adding mismatched throw pillows of a similar color.
• Finish off the space by adding accessories.  Behind one chair I added potted grasses, and next to the other I added a carved wood sculpture.  Because both are of a natural element it still creates the feel of balance and symmetry without being matchy-matchy.

Well, there you have it.  Now go find that symmetrically designed room in your home and mix it up a little.  It's okay... you have permission to do it!

{inspired by a bouquet...}

Every blog needs its first post right?  It's a little intimidating & a bit overwhelming to be honest.  With so many ideas and thoughts running through my mind, I'm not exactly sure where to start.
I don't think I have ever designed a space without some form of inspiration, whether its the colors found in a bouquet of flowers, or the texture of a seashell, or the melancholy of a painting, inspiration is literally everywhere, & I love the challenge of using that inspiration to style a space.  Inspiration isn't just about designing around a piece of furniture or matching decor to a paint color, its about finding something that inspires the overall feeling of the spaces you live in.  This is what I L.O.V.E. about inspired design!

{via}

Inspired by a bouquet...  its not just about being inspired by the amazing shades of teal and coral.  Look closer & you begin to see a vintage feel found in the color combination & lace accents.  There is a chicness found in the delicate "messiness" of the natural shape of the flowers & an overall timeless feeling of the arrangement.  Here is how I incorporated the inspiration into a bedroom...

Using classic pieces of furniture, splashes of coral and a pale teal, I created a space with a not too grown up vintage vibe.  Black and white accents found in the artwork, lighting and flooring lend to the timeless feeling of the room, while the look is completed by utilizing the natural light and open space of the architecture.  Simplicity is the key to success in this room.  By allowing the color to flow freely throughout the space and using a few standout pieces of furniture, the room is left with a simplicity that is intriguing & inviting.
So there you have it... the bouquet inspired bedroom.

What kind of inspiration did you use to style your bedroom?

{this design is conceptual only ~ the majority of the items used in the room were found here, at Layla Grayce ~ happy shopping!}