April Food Day

As many of you are probably aware, there is a drive underway this April 1st, for bloggers to unite and donate to the organization Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. April Food Day is asking all those who write blogs and those who read them to donate $1.00 in April. One dollar is such a small amount, yet it equates to ten pounds of food, or seven full meals! If you wish, and are able, you may donate any amount. Please help us fight hunger.

Click to Donate to Feeding America / Click to Donate to Food Banks Canada

Visit April Food Day for more details.
Thanks for being a part of April Food Day! Together, all of us can make a difference.

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© 2007-2009 Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog

Category › Blogging , Blogs

Elle interiör

: : to fill the void of .domino. I have started looking for another magazine subscription. there are a few good Swedish ones and other European ones I'm interested in. I thought I'd share them with you.

.Elle interiör. is one of my favorite Swedish magazines. Here are 3 things that I like about this magazine:

1. Inspiration for creative decoration ideas 2. The latest in interior design news, Sweden and the world 3. Fabulous blogs a part of their website and as an added bonus, I find their inspiration to often be very colorful!

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DIY Canopy Beds

DIY Canopy Beds

Blakes Hotel London Canopy Bed

Left: Dominio Canopy Bed Right: Anthony Todd Canopy Bed

To achieve the above DIY Canopy Bed treatment - mount curtain rods on the ceiling and hang your choice of draperies

The above drawing is from Blogger Erin at Elements of Style and this is her directions for creating your own Canopy Bed..... "You'll need two drapery rods and a very long length of fabric. If you feel up to it, I like the idea of sewing together a solid on one side and a pattern on the other (for the under side). install one bar right above the head of the bed and one at the foot and run the fabric behind the bed (you can tack it to the wall near the floor so it doesn't move). I think it's a beautiful and cheap way to create a very romantic and dramatic look for your canopy bed." Thanks Erin.

Dominio Canopy Bed Photo by Simon Upton Dominio Canopy Bed Photo by Paul Costello
To achieve this DIY Canopy Bed: Screw 4 small hooks in the four corners of the ceiling above the bed and hang a length fabric.

Fancy up plain mosquito netting for a fun & whimsical canopy bed.
India Hicks photo by Arthur Elgort as seen in Vogue, 1998 via Style Court

Anouska Hempel Design Canopy Bed

 

Anouska Hempel Design Canopy Bed

 

 

Other posts you might be interested in:
White Bedrooms
Chic White Bedrooms
Another White Bedroom

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© 2009 Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog

Category › 10 Top DIY Canopy Beds , Blogs , Canopy Beds , Color in Interior Design , DIY , DIY Projects

It's Time to Build!

Almost every day I ask myself why more people are not taking advantage of this crazy building market.  By crazy I mean this is a ridiculous buyers market.  The answer seems to be fear.  We can't seem to get away from all the bad news.  Just turn on your tv or your computer and you get nailed with it.  I cannot say if the fear is justified or not.  Each persons situation is unique, and so it is up to them to determine for themselves.  But I can tell you that right now there are some really good opportunities for those that choose to pursue them.

If you have been thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing one I suggest seriously pursuing it.  If not, you may just be missing the opportunity of a lifetime.  I have been in this industry for more than a few years now, and I cannot remember any time that the market has been more favorable for the buyer / client.  Here are a few of the big reasons:

• Interest rates are ridiculously low.
  
• Contractors and subcontractors are highly motivated.  In many cases they are working with little or no profit just to keep their good people busy.  And since they are not that busy, they have the time to dedicate to your project.  An associate of mine has had a flood of very high quality contractors practically begging to bid on a bathroom remodeling project.  I have had numerous local contractors request to bid on a project that is several hours outside of our traditional building area.
• Lot costs have plummeted.  Developers are looking to unload.  Indeed the banks now own quite a bit of really nice land.  Call up a few of your local banks and ask for their property listings.  You might find a great deal by buying directly from the bank.
• Many material costs are at 10 year lows.  Since no one is building demand is very low and inventories are up.  Classic over-supply and under-demand.
• Everyone in the process is open to negotiation.  Realtors, Land Owners, Architects, General Contractors, Sub-Contractors, Suppliers, etc.  

Seriously this feels like the perfect storm - as in the perfect buyers market.  A great opportunity to do a beautiful project at the best possible value.  

How long will this last?

Nobody seems to know.  But statistics are beginning to show an improvement in the sales of existing homes and once inventory is diminished construction costs will begin to rise again.  Nobody knows how long this "window" will be open, but we all know it will not be open forever.  

Don't Feel Guilty!  

It is true that the current market allows the buyer to take advantage of the situation.  But at the same time the builders, vendors, designers, realtors that are surviving are truly appreciative of the work.  And if you pick the right team they are going to give you their best.  

Build Smart!

If you decide to proceed with a project, make sure you do it smart.  For instance "McMansions" have a bad name right now and the builders cannot seem to give them away.  This might not be the type of home that will be in great demand even after the turnaround.  Folks are starting to look for a more modest, smartly designed and quality constructed home.  The type of homes as seen below designed by Ron Brenner Architects.

Be Smart!

Utilize the expertise of your professionals (architects / designers, general contractors, realtors, etc.).   Don't try to design and construct the project yourself.  You will get a better outcome and will carry less burden if you have a good team around you.  And besides, right now you are practically getting their services for free!

SIMPLY ELEGANT HOME DESIGNS

Category › architect , buyers market , contemporary , cool , cottage , country , craftsman , elegant , green , home designs , home plans , house designs , house plan , house plans , modern , simple , small , unique

What are you going to do with your week?

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© 2007-2009 Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog

Category › Blogs , Inspiration , Inspirational Quotes

Earth Hour 2009

This year, Earth Hour 2009 has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth Hour 2009 or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH HOUR 2009 and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.
Earth Hour 2009 is aiming to reach more than one billion people in 1000 cities around the world

VOTE EARTH Hour 2009 by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour 2009
8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009
Sign-up to for Earth Hour 2009!!!
Earth Hour 2009 in Canada
Earth Hour 2009 YouTube
Earth Hour 2009 USA
Earth Hour 2009 India





All Art by Belgium Artist Patrick Desmet used with Artist's permission
Bottom Photo Titled: THE LAST FOREST

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© 2007-2009 Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog

Category › Artists , Blogs

H&M home in stores in Sweden

: : I skyped with sister for 2 hrs this weekend (we hadn't talked to each other for months)
and she told me that H&M's new home series is now available in Sweden. bad news is, I don't think it'll be available in the US for a while. good news is, I can shop a lot when I go home this summer. maybe travel home with an empty suitcase?

photos via .nitro:licious.

check out .H&M's website. for more pics.

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tropicalia colors

: : the tropicalia chair by .patricia urquiola. keeps popping up places. I must like it. I do like it. maybe it's the colors.

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playful dishware

: : wonderfully playful photos by .ditte isager. on .edge. (found via .oh joy.)
some of my favorite china dishes too. colorful .origo. I already have at home. my favorite cereal bowl. .royal copenhagen., I'd love to have for fancy dinner parties or everyday dinnerware.

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spring is here!

: : boston is beautiful today! I biked in along the river this morning and saw crew boats out on the river for the first time this year. oh, I can't wait for the day that we can go to the beach and swim!

photos from .flickr.

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Ice-Bag Wine Chiller

The Ice-Bag Wine Chiller is a new product that has just hit the North American Market. It is a clear plastic wine tote and chiller that is reusable. It is completely water tight and portable. With it's sleek design and trend-setting appeal the Ice Bag Wine Chiller is an alternative to the ice bucket. And talking about trend setting, this Ice-Bag Wine Cooler has been used at venues such as the Ascot Racetrack, to high profile concerts (Madonna, Elton John, George Michael). How fun to display your wine or champagne in this Ice Bag Wine Chiller. I think that it would be great to use for weddings, special events, or your next party. It is even customizable with your own logo.

For the coolest drinks in town, re-usable Ice-Bag Wine Chiller. My friend Joyce is distributing these. Please contact Joyce for ordering information for Canada, South America, and the Americas here. 

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© 2007-2009 Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog

Category › Product Reviews , What's Hot

Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture

Ibiza. Even the word has magic. One thinks of beautiful Interior Design and Architecture; of nightclubs that open at dawn; of a night life and a daytime so tightly integrated, one can’t see where the one ends and the other begins. One thinks of royal high-jinks and celebrities avoiding the pesky paparazzi and people so beautiful, when the rest of us look at them, it hurts the eyes. Ibiza is an island and town located in the Mediterranean Sea about 80 km off the coast of Spain. A reader of my blog, recently sent me photos of a house in Ibiza that I fell in love with as soon as I set my eyes on it. I posted the picture of the living room painted a beautiful pink in my post: Benjamin Moore Virtual Fan Deck. This house is designed by the German architect ERWIEN WACHTER in the architectural style of Mies van der Rohe. It is a 'secret place' not on the public market and is available for rental for 'friends and friends from friends'. If you are interested Contact MONIKA BORCHERT. Enjoy the pictures.

Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture
I think that this is an amazing design for a front door...and look at the view you have when you enter this home.

Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture
The picture on the right is looking towards the staircase with the front door to the left.

Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture

Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture

Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture

You might be interested in these books on Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture

Related Post: Benjamin Moore Virtual Fan Deck

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© 2007-2009 Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog

Category › Ibiza Interior Design and Architecture

Benjamin Moore Virtual Fan Deck

As this week marks the beginning of Spring and pink is a color I associate with spring as the cherry trees are starting to blossom, I have two favourite Benjamin Moore Paint colors to share with you that are season appropriate: 1. Benjamin Moore Spring Azalea & 2. Benjamin Moore Springtime Bloom. The color Spring Azalea has a little more of a purple cast to it than the Springtime Bloom and is a closer match to the color on the wall of this beautiful room. Benjamin Moore has a neat product on their web-site that you can see color samples on line. This living room is in a house is located on the island of IBIZA and has been designed by the German architect ERWIEN WACHTER in the style of Mies van der Rohe. It is available for rental. If you are interested Contact MONIKA BORCHERT for information. I will be posting more photos of this house, but for now this is just a little teaser. Be sure to check out Benjamin Moore Virtual Fan Deck

Happy Happy Spring


Here is another post on Pink you might be interested in:
Think Pink

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design and travel,
as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
©Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog

Category › Color , Inspiration , interior design

life without domino

: : it was a busy week last week. the weekend was beautiful. I spent a lot of time in the sun and out of the sun, reading domino. I don't know what I'll do when there is no .domino. anymore? I have gone through all my magazines at least 3 times and yet every time I go back I find new things that inspire me. oh, domino.....

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shooooz

: : wow! what a great red shoe collection! I don't even own that many pairs of shoes. I'm looking for some new shoes right now actually. would love to find some vintage boots. funky flats in colors... What's your shoe source?

the shoe collection belongs to .ninainvorm. ,I found the image via the .stylefiles.

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