I am a firm believer than textiles and accessories can really make the room. In this fab California home by Amber Interiors, the stunning use of vintage and ethnic textiles adds such color, depth, pattern and texture. By keeping the rest of the spaces breezy and simple, with clean lines, white walls and lots of mid century pieces, the textiles really pop! I just love this eclectic look, what do you think?

{This might be the most charming and stylish nursery ever!}

And for those in the market for a few - my go to secret source for great vintage inspired textiles is Urban Outfitters Home and Anthropolgie Home! Who knew?

Singapore Style: Industrial-Vintage in Tiong Bahru

Life in Singapore means apartment living for many of us, and creating stylish and functional homes in small spaces is a big challenge! This incredible industrial home nails it - it is full of personal style and vintage pieces. The 1930's walk-up apartment is located in the trendy Tiong Bahru neighborhood, and was designed by Singapore architects WY-TO. I love the open layout of this interior, and the use of bold patterns and pops of primary color. The patterned rugs layered on the amazing vintage tile = a big win! Lots of older Tiong Bahru apartments have the original tile work and I loved that they saved it. I also love choice of a shop-style metal gate to act as a stairwell railing - such a great nod to the surrounding neighborhood. 

If you are looking to come visit soon here is a fun guide to the neighborhood! Hope to see you there!

{images via and via}

House Tour: Breezy & Eclectic at the Beach

Hope all of you are enjoying the dog days of summer! To help you beat the heat, I thought I would share this beautifully breezy beach house. This Cape Cod meets Palm Beach bungalow is the work of designer Anna Burke. She got her start under design icon Celerie Kemble, and Burke captures that preppy, classic style but infuses it with plenty of quirky details. I love all of the collected finds, vintage furniture, exotic textiles and organic textures. The vintage, unique elements are balanced by a calm canvas of simple white floors, white walls, and classic bamboo blinds. The result is casual, inviting spaces that just say summer to me! 

(All images via Domino here}

Love or Loathe: Vintage Sports Gear

One of my design clients here in Singapore has a fantastic collection of vintage golf clubs passed down in her husband's family. She had them stashed away but I argued they absolutely be incorporated into her modern interior! I loved the patina of the aged leather, woods and brass, and also the vintage feel they bring. Especially in a more contemporary space, antique pieces can add a ton of depth and texture. And vintage sporting pieces are just so playful! The key is using a single or a few pieces grouped together and contrasting them with plenty of clean lines and simple shapes. Here are few of my favorite examples. . . 

Do you have any gems hiding in the garage or attic? 

 {images via here & Lonny}

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! 

Drool Worthy Kitchen: Vintage Mediterranean Style

I spend a lot of time scanning blogs, Pinterest, product sites and online mags but sometimes a image just stops you dead in your tracks! I am so in love with this vintage inspired Mediterranean kitchen designed by JHID {Jessica Helgerson Interior design}. Located in Portland OR, this home is actually part of an apartment complex which was originally built in 1926. The black, white, brown and brass color palette is simple yet so dynamic and I love the way JHID brought a modern edge to this classic style. I also think the layout of the kitchen to include a library nook is so cozy and practical {the kitchen really is the heart of the home!} The chic black and white Moroccan tile floors and the vintage gloss black stove are also just amazing. 

Any details you love? 

{all images via}