Spark

Chesterfield Sofa From Anthropologie

Just like an unfashionably late wedding guest, I’m sheepishly posting my British inspiration piece a few days after the royal rustle. But just because we’ve gossiped about Kate’s dress and witnessed “the kiss”, our glance across the pond doesn’t have to shift just yet. And the cool, drizzly weather today has me feeling especially English (sipping a cup o’tea right now).

Take a look-see at these fab finds and consider how they might invade your home:

Featured above (this one from Anthropologie), the Chesterfield sofa is a classic design that exudes fine taste and mingles well with traditional or contemporary interiors. For small but stately accessories, I like these crown hooked pillows from Ballard in subtle neutrals. For more color, try these fresh mint green table linens from Bliss Living or this graphic flag pillow from Etsy. I actually own two hand made pillows from this Etsy seller, Helkat, and can vouch for the quality of the hand-printed designs and sewing craftsmanship. And these pillows come from the UK. . . no British wannabes, just the real thing!

From Ballard, Bliss Living and Etsy

Finally, we can’t go the full English without wallpaper. The vintage inspired paper from Burrows is based on a 19th century William Morris print and is hand printed in New England. The Owls of the British Isles from Abigail Edwards represents the “new” from England with its quirky design and artistic hand.

From Burrows and Abigail Edwards

For more regal design ideas, see 9 Favourite British Inspired Finds and London Calling.

This week’s blog is completely poached from the wonderful Austin garden designer/blogger Pam Penick. She regularly writes about Austin’s unique gardening opportunities and constraints with lots of imagery. Pam writes: I’m joining my colleagues at Garden Designers Roundtable today on the topic “Vertical.” Introducing vertical elements into the garden is a time-honored technique for bridging [...]

Well, you know we all want to change the world. Here are a few people who are doing it and inspiring the rest of us to join up! Fritz Haeg is approaching growing your own food as an art expression and in the process creating a revolution in how we approach our front yards. He [...]

Last week, we discussed dining tables in a modern sense. Today, it’s all about the reclaimed woods and rustic finishes. I get all melty over a time worn patina . . . maybe it’s because it seems like there are stories etched on the surface of the furniture. Or maybe the distressed finish takes away [...]

What a fun way to start my day!!! I’m going to pull together a wonderful colorful guest room in about an hour  with the help of some seriously talented furniture makers & designers.  On the wall above the bed, I’d have to start with these…fabric covered horse shoes from  Hable Construction. At just $18 a [...]

Those random glasses at flea markets and thrift stores will never look the same again. The lovely Propellor Design has gathered them all together to create one-of-a-kind chandeliers.  I must have.  Must have now! Can’t you picture this over a gorgeous white tempered glass kitchen table in an amazing white room? Now let’s find some wonderful [...]

Outdoor living is around the corner here in Austin, a mere few weeks away really, if you want to add a pool to enjoy summer, consider hiring an expert like this plumber in Kellyville to help you with the installation. A pool is a great addition to any home but makes more sense if you live in [...]

Continuing with our 2011 color trends forecast from Sherwin Williams, today we bring you the Purely Refined palette. Think luxury and pedigree, elegant and understated, artisan craftsmanship and British tailoring. The look is undeniably classic with timeworn colors and textured layers. Soft blue, sage and lilac are warmed by sophisticated gold, chocolate, and cream. The [...]