The first thing that caught my eye is the bold black cabinets in the kitchen area. It totally grounds the space. The black and white is picked up again in the accents for the couch and rug, and then continues to the sliding door frame that leads into the patio.

One additional detail that I love is the black floating shelves that are mounted flush to the black cabinets. It not only visually extends the kitchen cabinets but it also helps make the wall mounted TV not such an eyesore by balancing out all the black!

Finally the light fixture above that drool worthy marble top dining table adds another light but modern touch to this well done space!

Check out the entire story (and see some inspiring before/after shots) in the May/June 2013 issue of InsideOut Magazine, available on newsstands here in the States now, as well as on Zinio.

Images courtesy of Inside Out. Photos by Nik Epifanidis and styled by Emma Barnett.

By far, Kleenex had the best selection. To me, they’re the most recognized brand so it’s nice to see they are taking tissue box graphics seriously. Their “Expressions” collection looks to be their trendiest group, and the designs are divided into the different shapes of boxes: oval, upright, and the longer box “medium count”.

My favorite from Kleenex is the “Cubix” design, part of their “oval” Expressions collection. Another design I liked in the “oval” collection is their “Jacks”.

In the “upright” category, I really liked the “pixel” design.

I checked out other stores to see what options they had.

Walgreens had several designs for their their own “Nice!” label of facial tissues. I liked this simple navy with white stripe, and also this more decorative motif.

Both K-mart and Walmart have their own private label collection of tissues as well, however I only found one design from each that I liked. From Walmart, I thought this polka dot pattern had a great color combination, while K-mart had one that reminded me of woodgrain.

Despite all these different motifs, I think the design that I seem to prefer out of all of them is actually no design at all.

Target’s own label of tissues has some random designs on their boxes, but they also offer just some with plain solid colors. These plain solid colored boxes have no graphics visible (once you remove the top opening strip). I found the simplicity of the solid colors to be the most appealing. Sometimes the most basic is also the best!

Have any of you found any interesting tissue boxes with nice graphics?

Sir Terrance Conran is a legend and the Conran Shop has long been a design mecca. With this new collection, Terrance Conran is taking his incredible aesthetic and leading a team from his company to create an exclusive collection of furniture, lighting, and accessories that will only be available at JC Penney stores.

Below is a video describing the collection:

Here are a few lookbook images for this collection,

as well as what the new in-store concept looks like:

(photo by Chris Rupert via JCP)

I’ve been eagerly looking forward to see the new in-store shops installed and last night I checked my local JCP and OMG! They were up!

The Design by Conran area is centered around the furniture collection. The accessories and lighting were mixed in settings
and also placed in the shelving units. I loved the graphic grey/royal blue color scheme.

Also loved this modern nesting coffee table and stackable tray set in this vignette.

UPDATE: While the Design by Conran in-store shop had more emphasis on the furniture pieces, the Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler collection was set up more like the look of his existing free standing stores. It was located up front and center and was the first thing you saw as you entered the home goods department at the location I saw. There were two sides and each side had a different color story.

Then there was a separate area down the ways a bit that had the other larger furniture pieces, including a couch, dining set, and desk.

Check out the entire Design by Conran at JCP collection here. See anything you like? Have you checked out the new JCP?

Images courtesy of JCP and my little iphone.

Check out more here and here.

(via Nowness)

This Spring, HGTV Home has launched a large and bold collection of indoor and outdoor fabrics that is being sold exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores nationwide.

I recently went to my local Jo-Ann’s to check it out in person. In stores, they have about 30 designs (online has a larger selection of 74 designs). The collection varies from traditional motifs to more contemporary designs.

I found myself gravitating towards the more retro-vintage inspired ones. I think they’d be perfect for the patio, or even better… Poolside!

The collection also includes trim, such as piping and tassels.

The kind folks at HGTV Home and JoAnn’s actually sent me some yardage of the “Urban Blossom” pattern for me to play with. The weather has been great here in SoCal these past weeks, I’ve been doing quite a bit of al-fresco lounging. I’ve been using this wood tray I’ve had for awhile and thought the fabric would be a super easy way to spruce it up. I simply measured the base, cut a piece to fit, and lightly adhered it to the bottom. Easy Peasy.

In addition to the fabric sample, they also gave me a handy dandy coupon that I get to pass on to you! Right now through May 4th, the entire HGTV Home Fabric collection at Jo-Ann’s is on sale at 50% off. BUT WAIT- there’s more…

the coupon I have below is good for an ADDITIONAL 10% off!

So… if you’ve been considering doing a little Spring makeover or weekend project (or maybe a little something for Mother’s day???) – Now’s the time!! Head on over to Jo-Ann’s to check out the entire collection, and let me know if any of the fabric patterns catch your eye!

Sooooo much bright and happy!

I think the best souvenir was being able to grab a coppy of their Spring 2013 catalog.

The cover features a new print designed by one of my favs, Sanna Annukka.

Each spread is filled with bright bold graphics, colors, and fresh images that left me totally inspired.

In even better news, I know they recently opened up a flagship store here in Beverly Hills, which means I’ll be able to check out more merry Marimekko loveliness more often!

Check out more of the entire fantastic Marimekko Spring 2013 collection here and here.

(Images via Marimekko and Jonathan Lo/Happymundane.com)

Just looking at the exterior, you’re able to see the mix of contrasts. The siding is covered in a weathered wood that feels like it’s been there for decades, yet the modern structure design lets you know that is definitely not an old shack! I love the minimalist landscaping and all the clean windows.

However, the living room is what really struck me first. I love the high ceilings and pops of yellow! Check out some more pics of this incredible home below.

You can read more details on this home on their website here.
(all photos by David Wakely)

Speaking of California Home and Design Magazine, have you seen the latest Spring 2013 issue?

They’ve done a complete redesign and it looks fantastic! Not only that, they’ve changed the way they are producing their issues as well. They’re taking more of an almost “coffee table book” approach- meaning more quality, more substance, and something that isn’t just a quick read but rather something you could leave out for months at a time. I’m really excited about these changes and looking forward to the next issue! In the meantime, the new issue is on newsstands now, and you can check out more on their website.

I’m also loving these little bud vases that have a fresh shade of baby blue mixed against white and a great textural surface.

Are these pieces giving you a little summer inspiration? Check it all out here.

(all images via Heath Ceramics)