As some of you know, I spend part of my time each week working for the e-commerce company my husband and his partner started. I love being part of the team and it's certainly a departure from my design work. Plus, working just above the warehouse brings a whole new surprising source of design inspiration. As I often walk by these stacked up shipping palettes, I naturally started wondering how I could use them in an interior. They have a great industrial vibe and it turns out there are so many lovely and eco friendly ways to give new life to these old wooden crates {but admittedly they would need a good scrubbing down first!}

I love them white washed with paint or just in their natural wood texture, here are a few of my favorite inspirations . . . 

I especially love this striped bin designed to hold fire wood - so creative and pretty! 

What do you think? Cool and repurposed or just old and a bit dirty? 

{via}

Trend Alert: Cork Walls

My current obcession: cork floor to ceiling! I love the earthy, organic feel of cork and how each piece is slightly different, full of flecks of warm browns, golds and neutrals. Plus, it's renewable and very environmentally friendly and lately cork has popping up in all types of new products - like wall tiles, paneling and paper. Whether you leave it in it's pure state or cover it with inspirations and images, there is something so casual and delightful about cork! 

I love this last image of a boy's room. The cork wall and worn leather chairs are so cool and whole space grows so well from little guy to teen. Also loving the wide striped rug and navy blue lacquered door!
This would also make a great DIY project . . . try this company for cork tiles and wall covering! Would you ever try this idea at home? 

{via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7}

Easy Organic Decor: Branches!

They say the best things in life are free, right? Well, sadly this usually does not go for chic design pieces! That is why I especially love all the beautiful branches and twigs I keep spotting in interiors. Branches are free (or almost free at a garden shop) and bring such lovely organic shape and texture into your space. They are certainly eco-friendly and last all year round! I love the way plants and branches bring nature into your home and the fabulous contrast they give in a more composed or traditional space. 

Here are some images to inspire you! 

I think they are just so lovely and unexpected in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and children's rooms! What do you think . . . Eco-chic or overgrown? 

{Images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7}

xo Allison

Spicer + Bank