Happy Lunar New Year everyone! Today marks the beginning of the year of the horse and everyone one here in Singapore is celebrating. So I just had to share a few chic, modern ways to bring these equestrian beauties into your everyday decor! 

1. mod horse tray {so understated and graphic!}

2. vintage round tray {I love the classic racing green hue}

3. ceramic table lamp {Jonathan Adler makes anything chic!}

4. wild horses photo print {such great movement in this image - so free}

5. Hermes scarf {I adore the idea of framing silk scarfs, they really are works of art}

6. printed linen pillow {a simple and instant way to change up your decor!}


And a few more inspired spaces for the Year of the Horse. . .

Gong Xi Fa Cai! 

I just love the start of a fresh new year! 

AE Design: A Gracious Guest Bedroom

Today I am so excited to share a project I recently completed - a gracious and sunny guest bedroom here in Singapore! My clients requested a cozy yet fresh guest room on a budget for their parents who often come to visit for long stretches. Although quite small, the space has lovely tall ceilings and huge windows so we opted for a palette of soft, creamy neutrals grounded with a few pops of deep ochre, teal and chocolate brown. Here a few of my take away designer tips:

{1} In a small bedroom, leaving the floors bare creates a generous and uncluttered feel

{2} I always love bright, clean look of white bedding for a guest room - it reminds me of staying in a luxe hotel!

{3} Adding gauzy white sheers behind the warm ivory linen curtains provides privacy while still allowing the beautiful natural light to flood in

All photos were taken by the very talented Claire of Fellow Fellow - I just adore how she captured the room!

If you have a design dilemma here in Singapore or elsewhere please feel free to drop me a line - I would love to help! 

Singapore Shopping: Vintage Gems at Second Charm

Last week I finally made it out to visit Second Charm Vintage in person! I have been drooling over their site and meaning to visit for ages, and in the end it was even better than I imagined! Located in two large showrooms in a dusty industrial high rise building on Kallang Avenue, the shop is filled with lovely and well priced mid century mod pieces. They carry a equal blend of gorgeous vintage furniture, for which owner Sharifah scours Singapore and Malaysia, and new pieces crafted especially for Second Charm. The best part is it was pretty much impossible to tell the new from the old pieces. The vintage ones have been gently restored, cleaned up and refreshed without looking too shiny or new, and the new pieces are made to feel as if they have a natural age and patina. I love originals, but have to say  the option to customize size and finish makes the reproduction pieces a really fabulous option {like say a classic teak bed frame which will perfectly fit an American King mattress!} I was so inspired by their inventory, I certainly say it was worth the trip off the beaten path. 

Here are a few of my favorite finds: 

Can you guess which ones are vintage and which are repro? 

Happy Shopping! 

Color of 2014: Radiant Orchid

The color geniuses over at Pantone have spoken . . . and Color of the Year 2014 is Radiant Orchid! While I really do love this rich, vibrant hue, it can certainly be a bit tricky to work into an interior. My tips are to pick just one or two accents of this bold pink-purple and to temper it with layers of black, white, natural wood tones and neutrals. Another trick is to pick pieces with clean lines, a geometric pattern, a vintage feel or mod touch to prevent this color from becoming too cloying or fussy.

1. Leather chair

2. Over-dyed rug

3. Kuba pillow

4. Niche glass pendant

5. Tolix bar stool

6. Mariana Perdiago art print

7. Herringbone throw

Here is a bit more inspiration . . . .

A perfect hue to brighten up your January!
Wishing you all a colorful and vibrant 2014! 

Inspired Ikea: Malm Bed

Today's post is proof that when used in the right setting, there are some real gems hidden amongst the chaos and dorm room essentials at Ikea! All three of these gorgeous bedrooms were designed by talented Athena Calderone of Eye Swoon and all 3 feature the classic Ikea Malm bedframe. Calderone's trick is to first prime and then paint the bedframe - I know this is very straightforward but the results are really lovely {and at S$199 for the queen - such a steal!} In the first image she uses a rich matte black paint for a cozy vintage feel, but below she opts for the exact same hue as the walls, creating a really seamless and chic look. The lines and form of Malm are so clean and timeless, it really is just the finish which needs an upgrade. Calderone uses the savings from the frame to splurge on amazing bedding and pillows and also incorporates a few antique or rustic pieces for a beautifully collected look.

Sometimes the most brilliant ideas are the simplest! 

{via Eye Swoon}

Singapore Style: Sentosa's Fish House

Sometimes the heat in Singapore is just oppressive but as today was breezy and lovely I thought it was the perfect day to share the incredible Fish House built by Guz Architects. Situated on Sentosa Island, the architecture and finishes of the home work to bring nature in and act as a link to amazing sea just a few meters away. My favorite features include the unique indoor-outdoor pool, lush rooftop garden and the soft undulating form of the interior ceilings {meant to mirror the waves just beyond!}. I also love the the use of abundant landscaping and lots of natural wood surfaces to create a space that is chic and modern but still so welcoming. Any details you love? Happy daydreaming!

For those of you in the US experiencing the intense cold snap - I'd say this house is the perfect inspiration to come visit us here in sunny Sing! 

XOXO

{via}

Color Inspiration: Pastels Meet Primaries!

Today I am so inspired by this surprising palette of pastels and primaries. I love how the soft and traditional background of pale blue and dusty yellow gets a wonderful update with a burst of royal blue and cherry red! This lively juxtaposition is also echoed in the lines of the pieces, like the pairing of the classic chesterfield sofa with the mod retro floor lamp to create a really interesting and beautiful room. I think it's an excellent example of why 'matching' is overrated! 

What do you think? A lovely color combo or just too much?