meta name="p:domain_verify" content="83432fc69a1d6df071f49df584f9d839 Laurl Designs: April 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

Eco-Chic at Home- The Boy's Nursery

Boy's are all about being on the move. So, today I am looking at decorating a nursery for a boy with the concept of movement. Layering on the component of green design, we will be looking at buying local, handmade and recycled. Maybe people think about being green as simply recycling, however when you think about green in a holistic way you see that it is about the conservation of thing. Buying items that have a longer "shelf-life"maybe as a conversion item, buying items that do not cost a lot in fuel to get to you, and buying items that come from something that can be grown again easily or that used to be something else are all ways to look at the concept of green. So, antiques are green, and so are items made by local artisans! Here are a few great designs that follow some of these ideas!

All items can be found of Etsy! The first items in the list is from a member of one of the Etsy teams I am a part of and called Alabama Accents. This team is doing a promotions drive and featuring one team member a day

Personalized Growth Chart-Vintage Airplane Growth Chart
BronstarDesigns on Etsy brings us this great growth chart all about easy modes of transportation! I love the clear color palette of blue and red!

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Modern Art Mobile - The Nova, in Blue Heaven
Movement can also be about the air and unseen forces! This Modern Mobile- The Supernova in Deep Red by The Wonderland Studio is a great contemporary design that adds color and movement into the nursery.




Vintage Child's Hamilton Greyhound Scooter
What a great vintage scooter from LilAndLou! Not only would this be a great early mode of transportation, but it also brings some history to the nursery. Because of the narrow profile, under 6 inches, it would also make a great wall piece. So, you have a recycled piece that is wall art and functional once your little mover gets moving! What a great way to celebrate green design.
bicycle . organic stuffies . set of 3
These fun little bicycle pillow can add repetition into a space. Repetition is a great way to add pattern without creating visual clutter. Soft artwork is great for little hand and chewing mouths! These organic bicycle pillows comes from BirdMafia on Etsy.


Bamboo Storage Cabinet
I love mixing moderns with vintage, especially when the larger piece can grow with the child. This Bamboo storage cabinet would be great for storing books and toys now and a TV later. Because the piece is made of bamboo plywood the piece is strong and from renewable materials! This piece is from MaddoxStreetStudios and the only problem with getting this piece home if that you might want to keep it for yourself!








Sunday, April 22, 2012

Eco chic at home- The Girl's Nursery

It's a girl! What an exciting phrase to hear. Bows, giggles and pink first come to mind, then you skip from 5-year old ballet classes to the first woman president of the world. But let's back up. Let's create a room for her that embodies all the things you want her to be! Thoughtful, athletic, kind, smart, and strong.
Now we can move to identifying those attributes in items for enhancing her first place- the nursery.  I have created a collection on items that embody thoughtfulness to the environment, on this Earth Day, items that encourage playfulness and strength, items that are about strength of mind. Let's make her first place one of her best.
As part of the Alabama Accents etsy team promotion blog posts, the first item on this post is one of my team members! The rest are other fabulous finds from Etsy.


Traditional Girls' Ballerina Tutu in Light Pink
The tutu from LuckyCloverBoutique on Etsy. These are great to decorating and play. You can use it as a wreath on the wall, and accessory for her teddy bear and a fun way to introduce her to organized play!
Sweet Nursery Decor Frame Set, Vintage Upcycled Painted Frames, Pink Frames,
Another great wall idea are these pink frames from FeFiFoFun on Etsy. Add these to the wall in a grouping to make a space for the future art gallery. Creating art is a great way for children to learn problem solving skills, enhance creative thinking and build confidence. Reinforcing their skills by offering them a gallery to put their best pieces on offer confidence in their abilities as well as a understanding of change since you can change out the items in the frames! Plus, they are recycled to encourage thoughtfulness to the environment and a new way of seeing thing!
Children's Bookshelf in White and Baby Pink
This sweet little bookcase from AlyandCompany on Etsy is handcrafted and perfect for pretty storage and encouraging reading. The imaginative child will also see this as a playhouse, as part of her doll classroom and maybe the home office of her empire! But first, it will be a great place to store her books and toys. Handmade items like this reinforce the belief in supporting artist, owning quality and knowing where things come from!
Girl's Whale Pillow Plushie in minky Pink for Whale Nursery or Plush Whale Toy
There are so many wonderful handmade toys on Etsy, this adorable whale comes from EllaLouDesigns. Handmade toys are awesome for giving your child and appreciation of non-commercialize toys. They are also thoughtfully made and often locally made for your green attributes. The simple shape is great for babies.


BABY TOY RATTLE  organic natural The Handle Wooden Maple Waldorf Style Wood Rattle Teether infant baby toddler
Natural teethers from LittleAlouette on Etsy is a cool contemporary child's first toy. These maple wood teether rattles are organic and tested for safety. The shape is som pleasing to the eye and will be especially so in a nursery with many colorful items.

Fabric Organizer Storage Container Basket Bin - Light Pink and White Chevron
Storage, storage, storage, who could not use more! Fabric storage bins are great for the environment, for cleaning and for little mouths! These bins from BaffinBags on Etsy serve all those purposes and they are a very stylish pink and white zigzag! From storing diapers to bottles to small toys they bins will carry you though many years of service!
3 Tiered Bird Mobile for Nursery
Nurseries are one of the few times we think about hanging things from the ceiling, which is a shame! This fantastic mobile from lacey414 is a great example of a baby items that provides visual stimulation that can also grow up with the child or move into their rooms of a contemporary designed space! Visually stimulation items improve the development of the brain and this handmade items improves the lives of artists and the environment!












Saturday, April 21, 2012

Whimsical Walls- Signage for the home

Monograms and letters have been trending high for a few years now. The latest trend is signage. I'm not talking about beer signs and old advertising. This is all about hand-crafted, pretty colors, and pleasant sayings. I have crafted a collection of great handmade signage from my favorite source- Etsy.

Distressed Sign, Hand Painted Farmers Market
This Farmers Market sign comes to us from Garavan on Etsy. So cute for the kitchen decor or even a casual dining. Could possible be sealed for use on a covered porch. 
Wall Decal Quote Our Laundry Room Always loads of fun -  vinyl wall art Sticker
Wall signage is a whimsical additional to any home and the laundry area is a perfect spot for a touch of whimsy! This clever signs comes to us from ChuckEByrdWallDecals on Etsy.











Keep Calm and Carry On, 11x14 Poster (Featured in Cardinal Red) Buy 3 get 1 FREE
I think this phrase was the start of the lettering, text and signage craze for the home on Etsy. This classic "keep calm and..." sign is from KeepCalmShop on etsy.

French Peace Love Hope Vinyl Wall Lettering Decal
Great way to fill a space without spending on fine art. This lettering is a vinyl decal can be customized and comes from LandBGraphics!
MICHIGAN Bus Scroll. Tram Scrolls. Subway Sign. Canvas 20.5 x 60
The classic vintage look subway sign. Heading to Michigan anyone? This sign comes from TransitDesign on Etsy.



Friday, April 20, 2012

Hot colors with big impact- Saffron Concrete

In my Etsy supply store, one of my hottest color combinations of fibers I called Saffron Concrete. Saffron was the hot yellow name and concrete is a very descriptive grey. So, yellow and grey. It can be a sophisticated color palette or a dramatic color palette. It's great in clothing, as well as home design. Here are some great small items that can make a big impact-  I am calling today, Saffron Concrete!

You can click on any of the lighter grey text to take you to the item pictured.

Yellow and Grey Bobbies
Jenn P on Etsy is the creator of these sweet bobby pins. The dark grey and the soft buttery yellow are a great way to express this color combination!

Yellow, Grey White Frames Set of 6 - Upcycled Frames Modern  Bedroom Decor
I have always loved these collections of frame that are refreshed with a new coat of paint.I would like to see them mounted on the wall of the stacked methods they are presented! This set comes to us from BeautiSHE.
Glass Soap Dish Yellow and Gray
Cool grey and yellow glass soap dish from bprdesigns. Sometimes it is the little things to enhance a space. This is a definite modern enhancement!

Gray and Yellow Abstract Circle Tile Switchplate Light Switch Plate Cover Modern Home Decor 382
Another small thing that can enhance your space in a big way! What a cute customizable switch plate from ModernSwitch!
These fun knobs are some of my designs! Since I sold a set to a repeat customer, I thought I would add them to the group!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Dressing up what you already have- pillow makeovers

Sometimes design and decorating is about altering what you already have. It is a form of green design! I  think it is akin to switching out your clothes each season, you are see what you already have and love differently. Here are a few ways to dress up the pillows and other accents in your home!

Crochet Flower Hair Clip With Rhinestone Center In Coffee Chocolate Brown Made From a Cotton and Linen Blend Yarn
What a great crocheted hair clip from Innov8ive Knits on Etsy! You can certainly wear it as intended. However, looking at it differently, like would be cool centered on a pillow or in a group with other flower pins. Nor only are you dressing up your pillows, but you are also finding storage alternatives!

Shabby Chic Fabric Flower Pin Brooch in Raspberry Red, Chocolate and Ivory White
This pretty flower pin would look great with the hair clip above on a pillow with maybe a third flower. Always work in odd numbers when designing a space, it is more pleasing to the mind! Rosy Posy Designs from Etsy brings us this great pin!


Kramer Watermelon Rhinestone Brooch, Blue and Green Rhinestones, FREE SHIPPING
The perfect accompaniment to your flowers in your pillow! This lovely vintage rhinestone brooch is from Relics4you on Etsy. Vintage pins are a great item to collect and display in clusters on pillows. Make sure these are not pillows that you use often, because that could damage the pins!


Ruched osnaburg pillow slipcover
Pillow Slipcovers are also a great way to go to update a space. This slipcover from Victoria Hayden on Etsy is featuring the hottest trend in design- the ruched fabric look.


Rustic Crows on Tan Houndstooth Pillow Slipcover
For a funkier or folksier look to your decor, this folk design pillow slip cover can take a functional but tired pillow to a different place! See RustiqueCat on etsy for other folk inspired items!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Eating with your eyes- The French Mushroom

I love a good French Mushroom... not to eat, to look at, and possibly to sit upon! The French are known as taste makers, and the French mushroom with a red spotted cap and white stem is as ubiquitous as the gnome to French garden culture.

Here are some great selections from my friends at Etsy... and yes, full disclosure, one of these items is mine.


Mushroom Terrarium OOAK Needle Felted Non Living Terrarium Amanita Muscaria Fly Algeric
EmilyLovesNeedles on Etsy brings us this sweet terrarium, easy to grow because it is all felted from wool. What a sweet way to add a bit of French countryside to you home!
Pair of Mushroom Pins (stuffed) - made to order
Cute pair of mushroom pins from Ottoman on Etsy are perfect for an addition to your pincushions or a great way to denote fabric being stored.
Vintage French Mushroom Images 1 x 3 Microscope Slides Digital Collage Sheet no.2
French mushroom college images from Passion Fruits Images are designed to glass microscope slide college.

Toadstools, and Cookies, and Buttons -Oh my. 12 Toadstool Button Cookies ORGANIC
Who could resist a Toadstool Button cookie from Andies Specialty Sweets on Etsy? These are mushroom even I could love!
Toad Stool Mushroom
This is a must for adding some countryside to the back yard. The toad stool Mushroom stool is perfect for playtime or garden parties. This is a real stool made from a discarded log. Kiss the Prince on Etsy offers these fantastic stools!
Knobs French mushroom red and white- handpainted set of 4
These awesome French mushroom knobs are from my Etsy shop, LaurlDesigns, perfect for a kitchen or even a child's room.




Chocolate Turquoise- accessories for your home

Turquoise and chocolate are one of my favorite combinations, as you can see from a previous post on the Turquoise and chocolate home office. I've decided to bring the concept of the office down to the smalls of a space, the accessories, boxes and storage options. Storage is always an issue, here are some great way to add this great combination to your home! You can click on any of the link to take you to the page related to this item!

Walnut Lidded Jar with Turquoise Inlay
Beautiful wooden box with turquoise inlay by Sal's Wood Turning on Etsy. Visually about the size of a dollar bill, but so much more with texture and color. Great for storing calculators and note pads in your living space or jewelery in your personal space.

Diamond Garden Stool, Teal
Diamond Garden Stool from One King's Lane is a great option for updating both and indoor or an outdoor space. Garden Stools are great as a stool or with a glass top to a small table!

15 % SPRING SALE  - Kilim Rustic modern Bohemian throw pillow Antique geometric Hand Woven Pillow Cover wool vintage handwoven turkish kili
FolkloreLove on Etsy brings us this fantastic chocolate, ivory and turquoise kilim pillow. Tribal patterns are hot this year! Pillows are easy ways to update your tool!
large antique apothecary style chest . storage . vintage . antique . primitive .
Storage big and Small! I love this kind of storage for the ability to truly sort your items, by color, shape, numerical value, what ever. If it is small and sortable, it will fit in this large antique apothecary chest by OliverPoodle on Etsy.
Suzani Embroidered Pillow Cover - Cool
Embroidered Suzani pillow from Pottery Barn. The cream background makes this totally blend with your neutral home!




Monday, April 16, 2012

Eco chic at home- the dinner table

Cloth dinner napkins are a great alternative to paper for many reasons. For one, they are reusable and can save money in the long run because you do not have to buy paper every two weeks. For another reason, you can re-purpose them because they are typically made of cotton! I use my cloth napkins, as hot pads, bread basket liners, drying clothes and place mats.

Try out these cuties from Sunshine Sisters on Etsy! The nice part about this design is that they are reversible. This makes them great for keeping your breakfast sandwich hot on the way to work!

Cloth Dinner Napkins, Reversible- Set of 4- Michael Miller Lagoon Hoopla Dot
Michael Miller Hoopla Dot fabric napkins from Sunshine Sisters.
Reversible Cloth Dinner Napkins- Set of 4- Michael Miller Lagoon Far Out Floral Grey with Teal
Grey and turquoise napkins from Sunshine Sisters.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

In the words of the Beastie Boys, "Kick It!"

Some people need furniture that can... um... really take a beating. You know who you are, those with constant stubbed toes and mystery stains on the sofa. So, to celebrate those who speak the language of tough love, here's the perfect furniture for you!

The Do Hit Chair from Droog. It starts with a metal cube and a sledge hammer and ends with a comfortable chair. You can beat it into submission yourself or have the designer do it for you.
Lucca Console
The nice this about distressed furniture is that is already looks worn. What ever abuse you provide can be called "character" This is a nice little piece from Ballard Designs that can be used as a small side board, media console, or as storage in the entry hall. It comes in many colors to suit any decor! The Lucca console from Ballard Designs.
This recycled tire basket bring kicking the tires a whole new meaning! Great for storage, great for the environment! Best of all it is current on sale at uncommon goods for under $15!
The future is here! Self cleaning fabrics that breakdown organic compounds like pesticides and kill bacteria when exposed to light. Other new fabrics are based on biomimicry and can self clean in the same way the bird feathers do. The future is cleaner homes faster than you can say "Scourgify!"

Stainless Steel Kik Step
The ubiquitous kick stool, common to every library is the country! It rolls, but never tips! It is a stool and a seat. Best of all it come is stainless steel! Perfect for reaching items in the top of the cabinets and for sitting down to read a cookbook!
This beauty comes from Demco.com, a real library supply website.







Saturday, April 14, 2012

Tribal chic lumbar pillows- ikats, suzanis and more

Etsy is a great source for pillows of all kinds- decorator fabrics, leather, pleather, hand printed, screen printed- and all hand made!  I am in love with the new tribal prints. It is a trend I predicted in 2008 and it is finally making it way into the mainstream. Here is a selection of great tribal prints pillows that will bring a one of a kind look to your home. Best part of a lumbar pillow is that it is easy to use and does not hide you other awesome pillows. These are more functional that square pillows!


Suzani 3Park 10X20 Tribal Print Pillow Cover Designer Home Decor Fabric-Throw Pillow-Lumbar Pillow-Couch Pillow-Toss Pillow
Suzani print pillow from Trina Turk fabrics from PillowChix on etsy.

Tribal DayDreamer Pink Patchwork Pillow cover 100% cotton - Deluxe Large OOAK 24 x 16 inches
Fantastic tribal chic pillow created with various patterned fabrics from SisterBatik on Etsy.
24 x 14 lumbar Modern Ikat pillow cover red coral tan rasul berry
I love a rich salmon and red ikat! This one is from PlayPurdys on etsy.
Decorative pillow cover - Lumbar pillow - Ikat pillow - 12x18 - Ivory - Gray - Dark gray  - Designer fabric - Ships Within 24 hrs
Grey has a way of freshening any tired space. This is a great option from ChicDecorPillows on etsy.

Ikat Decorative Pillow - Red Orange Coral Linen - 12x18 inch - Zipper Enclosure - Accent Pillow - Designer Pillow - Lumbar Pillow
Great orange and cream ikat from WillaSkyeHome on etsy.
Handmade Decorative Lumbar Accent Pillow---Black Cat---Tribal-- Ethnic--Reclaimed Vintage Needlepoint
Tribal, check, recycled, check. Eco-chic, absolutely!
Funky vintage tribal needlepoint reclaimed by PlanetDaisyWorld on etsy.

Embroidered Suzani lumbar pillow cover / 12x20 /
Delicious embroidered suzani pillow from BertieWoodhouse on etsy.