Beauty in Structure

There is beauty to be seen in almost everything. Sometimes it's not the path we're walking on, but the structure holding our path together that is the beautiful thing. This is a picture of the underside of the Liberty Bridge I took a couple weeks ago when my wonderful husband took the kids out on a Saturday morning and gave me time with my camera!

Pursuing your dreams

Inspiro 8 Studios is launching a new venture in architectural and interior design photography. This has been a dream for a while...so here we go! I will begin to post images from some of my favorite photo shoots, as well as all the other fun stuff that goes along with our Creative Salad. Stay tuned!

Look at those legs - Farm Tables

The curvier - the better when it comes to the legs of farm tables. Last time, I talked about the diversity of the tulip table (here) and how Saarinen wanted to get rid of the mess of the leg. Here - these legs are anything but a mess. Like the tulip table they are diverse and work in a variety of decor's. The more banged up the farm table is - the better they are. They work well with just about any kind of seating and it's a great way to add character and warmth to your space.

Here are some beautiful examples of how people have used farm tables in their homes:

Scandinavian

Farm table + Eames Molded Plastic Chair with Wire Base

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Eclectic

Moroccan lanterns and carved plaster work over doorway with mismatched chairs

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Modern

White on White - White dining room and white Panton chairs 

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Contemporary

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Traditional

 19th-century French farm table paired with formal Louis XV-style dining chairs

Kitchen designed by Suzanne Kasler (source)

The Tulip Table

In an effort to "clean up the mess of the leg" Eero Saarinen designed the Pedestal Collection in the 1950's. He created the tulip chair and table to directly contrast the ornate pieces of the previous decades. Today, it is a timeless piece that fits with any decor or style, whether contemporary, modern, antique, or eclectic.  In itself it is sculptural and recognizable and has become a symbol of mid-century modern design. 

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Here's a little inspiration for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get the look:

/ Mismatched antique chairs / Geometric Modern Light - Spica Light / Turkish Kilm Rug /

/ Tulip Table /  

Moroccan Design

I've been a big fan of Moroccan design for a while now. I discovered My Marrakesh an award winning blog by Maryam Montague years ago and have been following along with her adventure to create a home in Morocco. Here's a snippet of their story and pictures of their beautiful home.

After traveling the world with her husband, Maryam Montague decided that Marrakesh, Morocco would become the place they called home, build their business, and raise their children. It comes as no shock that the couple accumulated a lot of “stuff” in all of their travels, and luckily her husband, Chris, happens to be an architect and was able to build her a gorgeous home to house all of her worldly items. The couple’s home is also their business. Half resort, Peacock Pavilions welcomes travelers to come and explore Marrakesh and fall in love with the city for themselves. Peacock Pavilions has been featured in Elle Decor, Living Etc., Belle, the New York Times, House and Garden, HGTV, the Travel Channel and many more.

To see more of her Moroccan design you can check out her book My Marrakesh by Maryam Montague. The book’s tribute: “For my parents, who gave me the world, and for my husband, who came with me to explore it” is well stated.

Heathly Eating - 1

We like to live healthy lives - exercising and eating nutritiously is an important part of our lives. As with most people with busy schedules, sometimes it's hard to get all of your fruits and vegetables in, plus have a well-balanced meal. I am convinced - smoothies are the way to make this happen. Especially because I have two small girls who are quickly becoming the pickiest eaters ever, and they love smoothies full of spinach, and protein, and vitamin rich fruits. They refuse to touch the green stuff, but if it's in smoothie form, they will gulp it down.

I've heard the Vitamix blender is life-changing. You can blend up whole fruits and vegetables to make soups, purees, dips, even hummus without having to chop up a whole bunch of stuff. It sounds like a dream-come-true, especially if you want to eat well-balanced meals. I am definitely adding it to my wishlist.

Last night we made a smoothie for dinner and the girls ended up drinking half of it. It was cold, refreshing, sweet, filling, delicious and nutritious. 

Here's the recipe: 

2 kiwis - peeled

1 banana

2 scoops Whey Protein - we like this kind

2 handfuls of spinach

8 oz orange juice

dash of cinnamon

ice

Blend. And enjoy!

Here's a link to some more great green smoothie recipes.

Color of the Year - 2013

Pantone just announced the color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Such a bright and happy color. The easiest way to incorporate this color into your home would be to add some plants, remember my post about bringing the outdoors in? However, if you need some more inspiring ways to use this color throughout the next year, here is a bit of inspiration for you.

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

And here is Pantone's color report for spring 2013. Along with emerald green, it including lots of soothing neutrals with energizing brights. 

How will you incorporate these colors into your home?

Pantone Home