Be Inspired No. 11 - Leather Walls

Sometimes when we are designing a space the walls are left to a simple paint choice. Emphasis is put on the space plan and then the fabrics, textures, finishes, and color of the furnishings. These are definitely important elements of a well-designed space. And the wall color plays a part in bringing it all together. However, I believe that texture is also a priority for the walls.

Be inspired to think textile for the wall, namely leather or a great faux leather.

Leather walls are clever, seductive, and embracing. Be inspired to explore this option for your room design. Just be careful with the selection - make it timeless. Be careful with the color - make it classic. Be careful with the amount of wall - make it a great partnership between leather and wood mouldings or function in place of wood. 

The leather wall takes precise planning. There is pattern match, panel size and layout that are all factors in a leather wall design. Use a top quality leather or faux leather and a top notch installer. This is an investment just like the rest of the furnishings in your room make a wise one. Leather walls are not a trendy temporary addition to a room design. Plan carefully.

Now you have all the warnings and recommended precautions and you've made the decision to go for it! Now have fun with it. Pull all the swatches and finishes for the space and select a great leather or faux leather, draw out the pattern and placement and consider adding nailhead to your plan.

Let your walls speak, like leather bound books, let them tell a story.

Speaking of walls, be inspired.

Sources: Spinneybeck, David Linley, Jarvis Studio, Embassy Row Hotel-Washington, DC, Plumetis Magazine

When it Could be a Don't No. 14 - When a Wooden Bench is Not a Bench At All

If we open the creative side of our minds we see function, not thought of before, come to life. Take that bench that sits in our home waiting for the need of an extra seat. It's tucked to the side or under another piece of furniture until its need arises. Why?

A bench can become so much more in our homes. How about using our bench as an art easel? I've been rethinking the "correct" way to hang art at eye level. Eye level when? Only when we are standing in a space? Why? Couldn't eye level be when we are sitting down? (More to come on that subject in a this blog soon.) So this brings to mind how the bench can become more than a bench.

Our bench can be in lieu of a console table behind our sofa. And what a great way to display our current stack of acquired books we will be reading next, or our favorite reads from times past. How about those great travel books - they aren't limited to cocktail tables - who decided to call them coffee table books?

There is something to be discovered about spreading things out across a long bench. They become a bit more special. That piece you have on your mantel may become more of an eye catcher put down lower on a bench, its detail appreciated even more.

I love the shape of the bench showing itself off behind a sofa adorned with simplicity by well-chosen books and objects. Remember we still may need to pull the bench in as extra seating so don't load it up too much. Or do! A bench is a great library space! Perhaps your bench is a permanent non-bench - so load it up with stacks of beautiful books. And heck, top those books off with some favorite objects. Or not.

Let's take away the temporary feeling a bench can create in a space - a piece waiting to be used on occasion. Perhaps this is where your stunning photography finally meets its perfect spot. Think tabletop when you are considering what you will display on our bench. Opens up endless possibilities!

I love how a bench keeps the visual of a space open - not blocking the view. The displays you decide to utilize your bench for sit lower, blending with the space rather than creating a division of the space. When a bench is not a bench it brings life to a space, to your objects, to your book collection, to your Summer vacation perfect seashell on top of those books. There's no limit. Just be sure to keep it within the less is more. 

Be inspired to redefine what an easel is that holds your art or photography. Be inspired to redefine what a bookshelf is. Be inspired to rethink about when a bench is not a bench.

Sources: Dusty-Reykjavik Blogspot, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, Dering Hall, 79Ideas, House Beautiful UK