Ikat Inspiration

Ikat Room - Steven Gambrel

There is no doubt that ikat prints are very hot right now. It doesn’t feel right to call ikat (that’s eeee-cot) trendy, though – after all, these are patterns derived from ancient textile dyeing techniques. Somehow it looks just as fresh and bold today as it surely did then (we’re talking several hundred years ago).…

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Wherefore Art Thou, Art Nouveau?

Harvey Ellis motif - Stickley bookcase

For a long time, I’ve been trying to find an angle from which to write about art nouveau that is appropriate for this blog. Interiors For Families is all about celebrating the way ‘real people’ live – especially families with children, who require special, highly practical considerations when designing interiors. I promise I’ll get there…

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Nursery Theme Thursday 6: Scotland Yard

Scotland Yard Nursery Theme

Today’s nursery theme is actually bit of a misnomer. I needed a clever way to say “all things Scottish” – but all I could think of was this: …and I didn’t want to call it “If it’s not Scottish, it’s crap!” So, this is not a theme about British law enforcement, or a (brilliant) Saturday…

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Petal Pushing on Mother’s Day

Emily A. Clark Interiors

In honor of Mother’s Day, my first as a mom, I thought I would take the liberty of straying just a bit from this blog’s typical fare. But not too much. I’d love to give flowers to all of you mothers out there. But since I can’t, I am going to share with you some…

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What I’ve Learned About Countertops…and My Countertops

Costa Esmeralda Kitchen - Westborough Kitchens

Apologies to subscribers/followers if you saw an earlier version of this post – it was inadvertently published before it was complete! I’ve just completed what amounts to a crash course in countertops, as I’m in the midst of selecting them for our new home. I thought I would share some of my learnings, as well…

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10 Fun Ways To Display Kid Art In Your Home

Mud Room Kid Art

When you have children ‘of a certain age,’ there is nothing more precious or meaningful than the copious works of art they produce in school projects, at-home activities, birthday parties, etc.  My little man is only 9 1/2 months old and is not yet wielding the crayon and marker, but I have to say I’m…

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One Down, Ten To Go (!!??)

Wine Drawing Napkin

Tonight I handed in my final portfolio for my first class in my Residential Interiors course of study. It felt like a big accomplishment – until I was reminded how many classes remain (10 more! – better than the ’15’ someone mentioned…I just double-checked after near cardiac arrest). I just completed the introductory drawing class,…

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The One Countertop Appliance You Don’t Want To Hide

I’ve definitely got kitchens on the brain, which is unavoidable when you’re in the midst of a kitchen design for your own home! In a recent post (Functional Cabinetry For The Dream Kitchen), I featured a few different solutions for concealing countertop appliances like stand mixers, can openers, toasters, slow cookers, etc. behind ‘garage doors,’…

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