Chroma Creative


Today I opened my Daily Candy and was jumping for joy to see Chroma Lab featured! Their website was saved in my "to post about" folder after I found them over at Etsy. Alicia and Tony are a fabulously creative duo. They take old furniture and transform it with "pick me up colors" and unexpected patterns. See the "Deep Sea Dresser" above. Even more exciting, they are Boston peeps! What first drew me to their store were their interesting hand painted clocks. If you don't see the colors you are looking for they will customize for you, talk about making it easy to shop! You can browse more happy designed pieces here.





(images from Chroma Lab)

Quick Share - Laser Cut Rug


Here is a morning quick share. This the wool felt rug from Brocade Home. In the last few months I have gone back and forth if I like these or not. I like the idea of a laser cut and the charcoal is appealing especially on a white floor. The "wool felt" is what throws me off, I wonder how it feels and wears. What is your opinion? Do you have one in your home?

(image from Brocade Home)

It's a Trina Turk Tuesday!

the wonderfully creative Trina Turk


Displayed in the lobby of the Boston Design Center are these gorgeous fabrics from Schumacher. With a tad bit of research I find they are the much anticipated (at least by me...) indoor/outdoor fabric collection by the fantastic Trina Turk! I fell in love with Trina Turk when I purchased my first Bonita Dress from one of her summer collections. It was an intricate mix of a sea blue and gorgeous grass green with flecks of silver, it was perfect for a wedding soiree! When I heard she was creating a residential fabric line I was overjoyed to say the least! Imagine different size pillows in these fabrics, it would feel so summery. I can just see my outdoor table decked out in the Peacock Fabric below! Very Fun! Her fabrics are always full of interesting patterns and fantastic color combinations! Check out a few of her patterns below!




Super Paradise Print * Sonriza Print * Santorini Print





Peacock Print * Trellis Print * Zebra Print



A few favorite looks for Summer 2009!



a possible new Bonita Dress for 09?!

(images from Jace Interiors, Trina Turk, Schumacher)

Monday Morning Happy


Happy New Week! Did you enjoy the weekend? It was so nice to have an extra hour of daylight! I spent the "bonus" hour going to a Celtics Game and enjoying a great dinner with a wonderful new friend! How did you spend your weekend?

Take a look at our "Cute Picture of the Week" from the Pawblog. An adorable dog with eyes that could melt anyone's heart! Too cute!
Enjoy the new week
jul

(image from Kate Spade/Desire To Inspire)

Have an Inspiring Weekend!

Welcome to the Weekend!
This week was filled with a few ups and downs. As you can see I turned to my favorite bloggers for inspiration and they definitely pulled through! Where do you turn for inspiration or a quick lift your spirit moment? Thankfully the week is ending on a very positive note!


A quote to remember, found over at Creature Comforts



I was reminded once again of the very true statement "if life gives you lemons make lemonade". So when I came across the "Sipping in Style" post over at Hostess With The Mostess I just had to laugh!



Desire To Inspire reminded me there are only a few short months until outdoor dinner parties resume!! I can't wait!




The last thing to leave you with before we head out for the weekend is an adorable, free spirited video "Cloud Nine" over at Coco+Kelley. Check it out, it will put a smile on your face!



Thanks for another fun week here at CreateGirl! I truly appreciate all the comments and for all your visits!
Enjoy the weekend
jul

Galley Sunshine

A great example of making a small galley kitchen bright with sunshiny yellow paint!



Above are 2 of my "go to" yellow paints from Benjamin Moore.
Another favorite is Country Cream by Pratt & Lambert







*note paint colors on computer screens greatly vary from even the paint swatch, always check it out in person
(images from Traditional Home and Living Etc)

Watch the time!


As I was looking for a way to remind us all about Daylight Saving Time, I came across these adorable kitchen timers. I love to add unexpected whimsical pieces to any room and the kitchen is no exception. Any of these would be great sitting out on the counter!
Oh and don't forget to spring ahead on Sunday, more light and one step closer to spring!!









1.Cock a doodle timer at Anthropologie 2. Tape Measure Timer at Delight 3. Dog Timers at Sur la Table (ok cat timers too!) 4. Retro Timer at SITE design nyc

Peaking in the windows of the Transit Building


The building above sits stately on the corner of Newbury Street and Mass Ave in Boston. It's absolutely one of my favorite structures, it blends the old and new seamlessly. Adding to the appeal is the fact the 1918 building received a face lift by the famed Frank Gehry in 1987. He added the top 2 stories along with the parapet and copper struts. Luckily for us, designer Meichi Peng (one of my local favs!) and Boston Home paired up to give us a sneak peak into this amazing space! Peng designed the handsome condo below. With it's minimalist decor and dark finishes it is absolutely stunning!

imagine unwinding to this gorgeous city view every night?



18ft high ceilings with a custom bookshelf spanning 2 floors




minimal decor and furniture create a calm bedroom environment. take note, the only pattern in this room is from the accent pillows on the bed, very serene



the dark floors throughout give off a sophisticated warm feeling



the glass banister adds to the illusion of a floating staircase





(images from Boston Home and Boston.com)

Quick Share - Blue Pendant


I came across this pendant over at the Point Click Home blog and had to share! The vibrant blue is just fantastic! I wonder if it could stand the outdoor elements, in a partially covered area. I would love use it as a hanging pendant by the front door, a great pop of color! Oh and it's affordable at $99.95, just what we like here at CreateGirl!! You can see it at CB2. It's been a while since I have browsed through CB2, let's see what other interesting pieces I come across!

Scouting Upholstered Beds

Inspiration Photo






This week I am scouting for an upholstered bed for a bachelor's home. My search began with the option above found at Home Portfolio. The handsome, dark wood frame and tufted upholstered headboard are very appealing. The only draw back is the price tag, over $5,000. To fit our scheme we are looking for a wood frame with some type of upholstery to soften the look. The search continued for a budget friendly option and these are a few of my finds!



Manhattan Bed at Overstock.com $649



Montgomery Leather Headboard at Pottery Barn $699


Restoration Hardware Portman Upholstered Panel Bed $1299

Do you have an upholstered bed which is budget friendly? If so please share with a comment below, you never know what other readers might be looking for the same bed!

(room image from Point Click Home)

Display your date

Take a look at Mary McDonald's vibrant kitchen, featured in Domino Magazine. Isn't it just fantastic? Of course I adore the window seat but most of all I love the whimsical numbered plates used as wall decor. The sharp white is the perfect contrast against the dark wallpaper. You can purchase the plates here, they are sold in sets of 4 for $150. I might chose a special date, like an anniversary or birthday to display in a fun arrangement! It's a great design trick to look around your home and use everyday items in a new way, just like we see here!





(image from Domino Magazine and dfd Boutique)

Monday Morning Happy!

a quiet city street


Welcome to a new week and new month! How was your weekend? Yesterday we had a snowy, gray day which was the perfect setting to catch up on my stack of magazines! A big cup of hot tea and a warm Sunday afternoon dinner topped off one of my favorite types of winter days. The kitchen smelled wonderful and my creativity peaked with lots of visually pleasing pictures. So get ready, this week on CreateGirl is going to be filled with lots of great finds from my inspiring day!

The "Cute Picture of the week" is the most adorable dog playing in the snow. With his tongue wagging in the air, he looks as if he is trying to catch a few snowflakes!
Enjoy the week
jul

(image by Melissa D'Anello)

Lounge around, it's the weekend!!


This picture is from Coastal Living Magazine and is just spectacular. The view is absolutely amazing and just outside of this room is a swoon worthy infinity pool. The wicker chairs look incredibly comfy too! I imagine a group of us lounging, the table filled with yummy apps and bottles of wine. Doesn't it sound like the perfect way to spend the weekend?! I hope your weekend is filled with great friends, fabulous wine/food and hopefully a beautiful view!
See you all next week
jul

A new view - EA



I popped over to Ethan Allen today and was so excited to see they had finally updated their website. I could not be happier!! It is now filled with bright, LARGE photos and great examples of their pieces used in actual room settings. Their new ad campaign is fantastic, very hip and modern. For decades EA was considered to be old colonial furniture but in the last 10 years they have completely revamped their line and image. I am a big believer in mixing expensive and inexpensive items together. For instance if you absolutely love a custom sofa from EA, go for it, just pair it with a less expensive entertainment unit and accents. Here are a few of my favorite images and as you can see they have a collection for all styles!


Villa - New Country bi-fold media cabinet


Global - British Classic Plantation Bed.
This has been a favorite piece for years, the number of looks that can be created with this bed are endless AND it feel like you are in a tropical hideaway!


Metro - Collectors Classics Sawhorse Desk



Park Place - Modern Glamour Dining


Metro - Savvy Living Room (including my favorite sofa, the Avanti)


Have you been into an Ethan Allen lately? Do you have a favorite piece or collection?

(all images from Ethan Allen)