Ever dream of sleeping in the tree tops? I fell in love with the boutique resort Pretty Beach House as soon as I first saw photos. It just 90 minutes north of Sydney and while we are not staying there this time - its certainly on my must see list! I love how organic and simple the architecture and design are and how beautifully the whole restort blends into the environment. Just dreamy! 

It looks so relaxing and intimate . . . however, I can't complain about my current locale, we are at a tiny hotel in the heart of the oh-so-cool Darlinghurst neighborhood of Sydney and we are loving it! More to come on that tomorrow! 

XOXO

{P.S.} Organic Chic Entertaining

I can't help adding a few more beautiful shots to yesterday's post on easy eco-chic branch decor! A few lovely readers reminded me about the fantastic ways branches can be used for entertaining and table top decoration as well! Perfect mixed in with candles, small flower arrangements and even fruits. 

What a great DIY - brightly painted branches! {via}

So simple and so charming {via}

I love the idea of an outdoor branch chandelier - the glass ornaments perfectly replace the lights {via}

And how creative and beautiful is this temporary screen crafted of branches! {via}

Hope you have a restful and lovely weekend! 

xo Allison

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 

Bold Color Inspiration: Thailand . . . {Surprise!}

A surprise trip to Thailand to celebrate our 2 year anniversary (I adore my husband!) has been a true color inspiration! I love the contrast of the earthy green foliage with the azure water above! Nature is always a fantastic jumping off point for design. I love the pairing of colors which seem just a bit 'off'  - they can give a room spontaneity and interest.  Much more to come on Thailand but here are a few of favorite beautiful and bold color contrasts you can enjoy indoors as well! 

A lively living room by designer Angele Parlange, featured in Lonny magazine's December issue. Hot pink and cyan blue! I would worry it would turn out like a baby shower - but Parlange does a beautiful job! 

Miles Redd, a true master of bold color, pairs primary hues in this entry. The collection of patterns and different materials here helps it from looking too... well, primary! The photo is by Thomas Loof, and was featured in New York Magazine.

Mary McDonald combines dusty turquoises with brick red in this sophisticated room. Black accents help ground the space. I never would have thought of this particular color combo but it looks wonderful I think.

Jeffery Bilhuber picks a surprising plum and tangerine for upholstery in this Pennsylvania farm house. Especially given the more traditional setting, I think this color palette is just so dynamic! 

So don't be afraid of color! Inspiration is all around! 

Design Dedication: Antlers

Lately I have been spotting a ton of antlers, both traditional and stylized, in the design world! Previously reserved for hunting cabins or men's lodges, antlers can also be used in more eclectic and sophisticated interiors. I love the organic element and texture they lend a space and especially like their contrast against a more modern interior. Plus, there are so many beautiful resin and faux options out there so you certainly don't have to use the real thing! Here are few of my favorites. . . {Above is a resin deer antler by Restoration Hardware!}

A vibrant living room by stylist Lili Diallo, previously of Domino (Oh, I miss Domino!). The carved oak deer head works great with the collected feel of the room.

A stately study in the Chateau de Groussay, owned by Carlos de Beistegui - while perhaps the number is a bit overwhelming the antlers certainly make a statement!

The Ghost Antler Rack in snow white resin by artist Erich Grinder - you can even hang your coat on these guys! Available through Velocity Art and Design online.

Decorator Leslie Klotz designed this cheery kitchen featuring a carved wood cow's head.{Photo by Laura Resen via House Beautiful}.

I love the arrangement of these antlers and deer head in Haus Interior home store by Nina Freudenberger! {Photo via Lonny magazine}.

I am just crazy for these vintage brass antler table lamps on lucite bases! They are American from the 1970s and are available at High Style Deco Antiques on 1stdibs.com!

Lastly, a charming and colorful living room in Nantucket by designer Tom Scheerer - the stylized bull's head looks perfect flanked by windows!

Bali Chic . . . Part Trois

Ok, I promise this will be the last of the Bali posts (at least for a while!). Here is a collection of images and pieces which I particularly loved and thought embodied the ultimate Bali Chic! 

A scene in Bali from the film Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts . . . I could not resist! A great example of the traditional fabrics and offerings. The photo is by Francois Duhamel via Elle Decor.

A woven rattan outdoor lantern, these were all over in varying sizes, it reminds me of a fisherman's basket. The villas, hotels, and restaurants in Bali do a beautiful job with soft outdoor lighting! 
                      

 
A teak root sculpture, Canton whitewashed bookcase, and Hullet solid wood side table - all by Lio Collection, a few of my favorites! 

 The whitewashed interior of Cafe Bali in Seminyak - not only was the food wonderful here but I loved the white, breezy decor with colonial and antique touches. A lovely combination of East and West {photos via Haute Habits}

Nusa Dua batik fabric in shell and gold. Traditional batiks are generally more brightly colored but they are also making some more modern versions like this one. It would be stunning pillows and reminded me a bit of Fortuny's timeless fabrics.

108 white Japa Mala buddhist prayer beads strung on orange thread. I am already kicking myself I did not bring some of these back with me!

A Balinese carved stone wall mural, I love the organic flow of it!