I love coming across beautifully simple design that makes me think “I could do that!” This week’s Idea to Steal is dedicated to all of our DIY’ers out there. I just know that some of you crafty readers could do amazing things with this!
The shelves pictured above are part of the Assemblages collection that highlights multifunctional leather pieces from Lightly studio in Melbourne. Those Australians sure know good design! Since shipping from down under is a bit cost-prohibitive, I think we could totally “borrow” this idea. With some quality leather strips and a couple of pieces of plywood, you could easily recreate this unique and modern way to display your pretty objects. I’d love to see it in a nursery, bedroom or even an office!
Although I like the look of the untreated wood, the shelves would pop painted a high gloss white. Or perhaps you’d prefer to take on a more playful feeling and paint them in a fun neutral pattern {my current obsession}! Or maybe go more masculine in your paint and leather choices and try all black?
The possibilities are endless and we’d love to see how you steal this idea! Anyone up for the challenge?
We’ve noticed the campaign chair popping up in rooms all over Pinterest. With signature craftsmanship at its core, the campaign chair brings a vintage European flair to any room it graces. Due to my slight obsession of the piece, I decided to do a little more research on campaign furniture and share it with you in this installment of, This is Very Pinteresting!
Campaign chairs, which you might know as safari or Roorkhee chairs, were originally used in the British Imperial Army. Made for high officers in camp, the campaign chair, along with other campaign furniture, was designed to breakdown or fold for easy travel between marches and camps. They are often made of leather or canvas with strips for arm rests and brass hardware.
Lately, there has been a huge revival of campaign furniture {especially with our DIY enthusiasts who have created an easy way to get the look of a campaign dresser or chest with brass hardware}. I had no idea of the military history or craftsmanship that went behind campaign furniture and this video brought it all together for me. The materials and construction skill used to perfect a chair that can disassemble {and we’re not talking Ikea} is rather fascinating. Check this out!
Campaign chairs are a great compliment to a Western style room or one with lots of organic elements. Picture them in a sophisticated Safari themed room: perfection! However, my favorite way to style the campaign chair has to be in a lighter canvas, in a more modern Swedish style room, like the one above. The worn leather and vintage feel brings in just the right amount of warmth and texture.
Want to get the look? I came across the most amazing white campaign chair over at French Connection Home and fell in love at first sight. The modern take of using white canvas instead of the more traditional materials, brought new life to a classic piece. When searching for campaign chairs, remember to enter in other keywords like “safari chair” and “Roorkhee chair”. You can find vintage versions or more modern styles. If you want a funkier, more eclectic take, I lovethis cowhide option! I just have to calculate how I can bring one more chair into my living room!
If you want to see the French Connection chair that started my obsession, you can check it out with some of my other favorite pieces from the collection here.
Every couple deserves to live in a home that they both love. Unfortunately, for most that is easier said than done! Decorating a home that both he and she approves of requires a lot of compromise and patience. Trust me, I speak from experience!
First, let’s do a little breakdown of masculine and feminine design.
In more masculine rooms, there tends to be neutral and darker color palettes. Furniture lines are clean, streamlined and are often more modern. You’ll tend to find different finishes of wood, varying from dark to light with chrome accents and modern art on the walls. And you can bet on finding a leather piece in there somewhere!
Feminine rooms are usually a bit more colorful. Tufted and velvet pieces of furniture are often combined with delicate glass, gold or brass accents. Obviously, vases and flowers are a must. And you are likely to find pattern and texture interwoven throughout the room.
Here are some styling tips and our hand picked favorites Joss and Main collection to help you create a gender neutral space that you both want to live in!
Tip 1: Start with a more masculine base. This means wall color and big pieces of furniture should be in a neutral color palette. You also want to stick to clean lines and stay away from anything too curvy. This really helps to set a more neutral tone in the room. Just remember feminine pieces speak much louder than masculine ones!
Tip 2: Bring in texture and pattern in accent pieces. Think a patterned rug and accent pillows. Drape in a cashmere throw on the sofa or add a pop of color in an accent table. A more modern chair upholstered in glamorous velvet is a great compromise accent piece.
Tip 3:The third layer should involve more feminine touches. A vase of flowers instantly brings femininity to the room. Just remember feminine pieces speak much louder than masculine ones. So for as many gold vases and pretty bowls you bring in, be sure to add a masculine touch to juxtapose the feminine lines. Think industrial objects or a vintage toy.
Here’s an example of a fabulous space that both he and she should totally love.
Love the look as much as we do?!
Starting tonight (and only until Saturday!), shop our Joss and Main Collection to grab the pieces that will work in any home and are guaranteed to be a hit.
If you shop the sale be sure to come back and tell us what you bought!
PS: Still not a Joss and Main member? Get your exclusive invitation right here
