looking for a lantern for my dining area...

It's been a while since I last wrote, hasn't it!

Well, work has been rather hectic, so I haven't had much time and energy to update here.

My husband and I have been busy looking for lights to decorate our new home. We've been looking for three weekends and still haven't found anything suitable for our dining area until today! I can easily say that looking for pendant lighting can be as difficult as looking for our wedding rings two years ago :-).

I've never really been a chandelier kind of girl - I like simple lighting, and I am drawn to the simple elegance of lanterns.

However, after scouring a total of... (counting in my head)... 12 (!) different lighting shops, today there was a shop that had great-looking lanterns at reasonable prices. In addition to that, lanterns are categorised under the 'outdoor lighting' section, so today, while admiring the lantern I liked, I didn't tell the sales girl that I was considering of hanging it in our dining room. I think she would have maybe laughed at me.

Anyway, we haven't bought the light yet as we were rushing off somewhere after that, so we'll probably buy it tomorrow or next weekend. I hope I can post a picture of it here and show you then.

In the meantime, here are some of my inspiration photos of lanterns in dining areas. Take a look!

Velvet & Linen

I love this sunroom with the french doors and windows! Isn't the lantern so pretty as well?

Munger Interiors

A simple, clean white dining area with a lovely, squarish lantern. Love it. Love the Roman shades with the elegant grey stripes, too.

Tammy Connor Interior Design

I am in love with this room above! I love the sheers with the thin iron rods and those glass doors. Beautiful!

Loi Thai's dining room

Now who has not fallen in love with Loi Thai's dining room yet? Well, I have. Amid the neutrals, the beautiful dark lantern makes a great accent. I love the size, too.

Sally Wheat - Better Homes & Gardens

A pair of industrial looking lanterns complete this look in this fresh and bright dining area. Check out the ghost chairs. Aren't they lovely?

So what do you think? Well, I am most certainly loving the lantern look and most likely will get one for myself!

Have a great weekend, all!

lived-in look - sets of The Vow

Last Saturday, I went out with a few of my gorgeous girlfriends to enjoy the ultimate chick flick recently released in cinemas - The Vow. I was excited, as the last movie I watched was Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part 2... yes, it has been that long.

Just before the accident which caused Paige's memory loss. See that lorry coming their way?

Not going to spoil this movie for you all, but let me just say I enjoyed the movie despite it being chock-full of cliches and (I know, I know!) it didn't fare well with the critics. As always, I cry in soppy love stories (which amazes myself and my husband as I'm not the soppy type. We're at a loss as to how soppy movies manage to push my waterworks button).

Anyway, as always, I like to look at the home sets they use on shows I watch, and I was delightfully impressed with the kitchen of the industrial loft of where the commercially good-looking couple, Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) live in.

Firstly, I noticed they used pretty aqua-blue backsplash tiles which looks great with the white cabinets and wood countertops. I also noticed they used open shelves for the upper cabinets, and a stainless steel little portable island. The little plants on the windowsill above the sink also makes the home look lived-in, showing a bit of Paige's nature-loving character.

So, it turns out that the production designer of this movie is Kalina Ivanov, who happens to have won an Emmy for her work on HBO movie, Grey Gardens. No wonder.

Here are some more photos from the set of The Vow taken from Apartment Therapy. You can read the article and view more photos of the sets in this movie there. Enjoy!

A view of the rest of the loft from the kitchen. Like the green industrial lamps above the island and the open brick wall.

Paige tries to do a timeline of her photos on the dining table. Kind of like the Facebook Timeline which is being forced upon us all. Love the huge lamp shades.

The bedroom. I've always loved the idea of having built-in bookshelves around the bed. Ain't that pretty. Cool artwork above the bed.

Paige's studio

Paige and Leo in her studio

Which reminds me (pun not intended) - Paige lost her memory of the last five years, and she seemed bewildered with the fact that (spoiler alert) she dropped out of law school and became an artist. I mean, in reality, wouldn't she be amazed upon finding this out because a passion doesn't come out of no where? If I were Paige, after losing my memory and finding out from my incredibly good-looking and sensitive stranger/husband that I was a talented artist, I would be like, "Whoa! I'm an artist?! I've always loved art! Good on me!" and do a funny but endearing little dance.

So Paige has super-rich and estranged parents, but she lost her memory so she can't wrap her head around why in the world she would not have spoken to them in the last five years. So she goes back to her parents' home and leaves poor Leo mourning alone in their stylish loft.

Here's the parents' rich and sophisticated, formal home - looking all classy but cold. I think the formal family portrait brought in that feeling.

The tastefully-decorated formal living room with dark walls and furniture and a serious-looking family portrait of Paige and her family.

More dark furniture in the dining room. Nice wallpaper there.

Finally, Paige sort of comes to her senses and moves in to a city apartment all by herself.

Paige's loft, decorated with sculpture pieces, looking similar to the loft she shared with Leo.

Have you watched The Vow yet? After watching this, I feel like going on a Rachel McAdams'-romantic-movies-marathon. Starting with...The Notebook!

Hope you enjoyed these photos. See more of the set here.

Have a great Monday!

backsplash ideas

I've not decided on the backsplash design that we'll be using for our kitchen.

My first request was for my contractor to quote on white 4x4 inch tiles where this was my inspiration.

Pinterest

So when my contractor gave me the quotation, she instead quoted 2x2 inch tiles where it would look something like this (thanks, Google images - you're a lifesaver).

Susan Jablan

Which doesn't look bad at all, but not the look that I was going for.

Which also made me wonder, would my kitchen end up looking like a bathroom with all the tiles placed neatly side by side?

Unknown source

Maybe that's why the Americans love their signature subway tiles in their kitchens - tiles are stacked in a neat brick-like pattern instead.

BHG

But I was certain that I didn't want to go subway style because (dare I say), its too homey and traditional for me. And plus, I saw beautiful tiles in a Belgian kitchen before that was not subway.

Belgian Pearls

So my contractor explained to me that 2x2 inch tiles would cost less for installation as they come pre-installed as a mosaic of a bigger tile, stuck together with some mesh. Does that make sense to you? Well, it does in my head. But anyway, it's kind of like lots of tiles bound together to make one tile.

4x4 inch tiles would cost more as they would quote based on installation per tile - which I presume is smaller than the mosaic tile made of 2x2 tiles.

I'm not trying to give you all a high school math quiz, but in the end, I have to contemplate which one was worth the money.

So, I started googling up images of mosaic tiles so that I could convince myself to go for this option.

Here are some beautiful mosaic tiles used for kitchen backsplashes.

Decorpad

 Isn't it beautiful? The kitchen backsplash in the photo above uses mosaic linear glass tiles. It looks modern and sophisticated.

Decorpad

A mixture of grey and white mosaic tiles used here.

Decorpad

The use of glass linear mosaic tiles here is gorgeous as they are of different sizes.

Decorpad

This is the same kitchen from one of the photos above, but I love the whole kitchen, so I thought I'd just show it to you.

Eclectic Revisted

I've shown this photo on my blog before. But I just noticed that the bright ocean blue backsplash is actually mosaic. So pretty.

Houzz

Mosaic tiles can actually bring depth to a rustic-industrial inspired kitchen!

So, after this, I'm going to get my contractor to quote on linear glass mosaic tiles and will decide after that!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

awesome study

Have you ever dreamed of having an awesome study room that's not too neat, decorated with cool industrial stuff, casually simple and beautiful, a little messy, but organised at the same time?

That's what my study room would look like... some day.

Pinterest

This room is a piece of artwork.

Have an awesome Friday!!

ikea kitchens

I'm a fan of the Giuliana & Bill show - I especially love the episodes featuring the home renovations. And to my delight, 2 seasons ago, they ran an episode where the couple gave a makeover to Giuliana's parents' kitchen with Ikea cabinets! 

I couldn't find photos of the new kitchen on the internet - so if you missed that episode, here's a short clip showing the finished kitchen.

I love the cabinets, the door handles, the white counter tops. Dreamy! Have I mentioned that I'm in love with white kitchens? Yeah, I think I have.

With the cost of custom cabinets running sky-high these days, I've been contemplating on getting Ikea kitchen cabinets - they have great prices and a good number of kitchen door cabinet choices.

So I've been scouring the internet, looking for reviews on Ikea kitchens - whether they are any good, what kind of quality to expect. And the outlook is pretty good. 

Some notes I've gathered on Ikea cabinets from decorating and designing blogs:

1. The Blum soft-close drawers - custom-made cabinets will not come with these soft-close drawers, adding these on would require extra cost. Ikea cabinets are not only cheap, they come together with these soft-close features. Note: I love drawers as they're convenient and great space-savers. I'm thinking of investing in drawers for my whole kitchen. With maybe about 2 base cabinets max.

2. If you're looking for quality, the Tidaholm series is great. The door frames are made of solid oak whilst the panels are melamine. Solid oak frames would be ideal  as particle board frames have the risk of warping due to moisture. This is evident in my mum's kitchen that has melamine cabinet doors.

3. The Tidaholm (or just about any of the other series) cabinets can be furnished with paint to get a lovely custom look.

4. Custom kitchens have melamine cabinet frames and this is exactly what Ikea uses. So why pay more when you get it for less with Ikea?

5. To avoid your kitchen from looking like an Ikea showroom, with cost saved from their cabinets, you can indulge in higher quality countertops (though their wood countertops are a great bargain), hardware (such as knobs and handles) and appliances (sinks etc).

I've been collecting photos of my favourite Ikea kitchens. Some are straight off their online catalogue, some are photos from design blogs.
 

decorpad.com

I love this kitchen. So cool and classy. I love the marble countertop on the island. I think these are Ikea Tidaholm doors custom-painted in white. I'm loving the tiles of the backsplash too. The lovely blue-grey curtains on the side matches those chairs.

IKEA

This one is straight from the web catalogue. I've got my sights set on that freestanding island. I love how sunny this kitchen is.

IKEA

Another lovely white kitchen - this time looking more contemporary and modern with the sleek stainless steel handles. I really like the subway tile backsplash.

ikeafamilylive.com

This one goes even more modern with sleek, glossy white cabinets and modern stools. I love this kind of modern look, but not so sure if I would go for this style. It's too white and would be a hassle to maintain.

Jonathan Adler

Even Jonathan Adler goes Ikea! I love how he has paired the white cabinets with beautiful marble countertops and walls. And he adds in punches of colour from the lime green upholstered stools and matching pendant lamp.

IKEA

The Tidaholm cabinets in its original state. I'm liking the texture. Seriously considering of getting these doors.

delightfullyrandom.blogspot.com

I'm totally in love with this kitchen. One would not guess that those are actually Ikea cabinets painted a rich dark brown for a traditional country kitchen. Looks lovely.

IKEA

The Ikea kitchen goes industrial in this photo with their range of stainless steel cabinets paired with the wooden countertops.

installikeacabinets.com

A modern Ikea kitchen with stainless steel countertops and farmhouse sink! I love how the wooden beam ceilings bring character and architectural interest to this modern kitchen.

aroomforeveryone.blogspot.com

Ikea shelves. Contemplating whether I should go for open shelving or upper cabinets. I could save money by opting for the former.

I do hope you enjoyed these Ikea kitchen photos! Would love to know what others think of Ikea kitchens!

Have a great day! 

More Industrial Inspiration: Guest Edition

After my previous post talking about industrial inspiration for my next room makeover project, I've been inspired to explore further on how this look can be achieved in any room of the house. Today, we are in for a treat as we have a guest post by Joanna from Design Shuffle to help us with more ideas on how to integrate industrial elements in our homes. Take it away, Joanna!

Hello, I’m Joanna, a blogger for Design Shuffle, a premier source for interior design information and designers portfolios. I am fortunate in that I spend my days finding the most beautiful images of interiors the web has to offer. I put them together and then share them with blog readers such as you.

Thanks to Weekend Escapades for letting me share with you today!

With the popularity of city loft living, industrial spaces have become more and more desirable. With expansive square footage, these “homes” can be intimidating when it comes time to decorate, but many designers have risen to the challenge beautifully as you’ll see in the spaces below. We’re sure you’ll come away with lots of interior design ideas.

If a dream loft isn’t in the cards for your near future, you can easily bring industrial elements into your home. Furnishings such as a wood and metal table on wheels or a distressed table with aluminum chairs will give your room an industrial feel.

  

Not quite sure of the origins of this space, but we love it. The worn leather seating and rustic cabinets and tables look perfect in the industrial style room.

  

Modern glass touches and furnishings make this warehouse space updated and fresh. Brick against a fresh coat of white paint really makes the wall and shape of the windows stand out.

   

Here is where that industrial style table we were talking about above comes in. Take a traditional and feminine room and give it a sassy edge with industrial accents.

   

An old factory sets the stage for a glamorous bedroom design with lots of personality. Can’t you just imagine jumping into that comfy bed for a mid-day nap?

   

Over 6,000 square space of industrial strength living space didn't keep the designer and owners from creating a warm and livable home.

   

Need dining room design ideas? Sleek modern furnishings and ornate chandelier play nicely with weathered brick and worn concrete floors.

   

This is another way to add industrial touches to a room in your home. Old post office cubbies, aluminum chairs and vintage commercial lighting go a long way in creating a chic decor. Does this space inspire interior design ideas of your own?

   

Another luxurious bedroom is brought to life in rather harsh surroundings. Concrete walls and heavy steel beams add to the character of the space.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 

Industrial design can take on any kind of twist! Be sure to check out Design Shuffle where you'll find out about interior design styles and connect with Boston interior designers and more!

Dreamy kitchens

Happy New Year!

Today's post is going to be about kitchens. It's the most important room in the house, and almost all homeowners have their idea of the dream kitchen.

My dream kitchen? A white kitchen. Like this one.

housebeautiful.com

Or this one.

interiorgroupie.blogspot.com

Swoon. I love airy kitchens with a lot of sunlight.

Having a white kitchen may not be the brightest idea when you have a kid running/crawling around the house, so I've been scouring the internet for photos of beautiful kitchens in different colours. I gravitate towards neutral and muted tones.

There seem to be hundreds of photos of beautiful kitchens, but I find it difficult to find ones that I really love. And each kitchen is unique to its owner, so collecting these photos and trying to figure out what I love about each one may help me to figure out what my future kitchen would look like.

Let's check out these lovely kitchens in neutral colours.

kitchenbuilding.com

I love the marble floor, the simple cabinets, the simple lines.

Beta Plus

I love this kitchen in the photo above. I feel at peace just looking at it. I love the stone backsplash at the stove, the industrial stools, the stone countertop and the simple clean lines of the kitchen cabinets. Minimal beautiful, that's what it is.

brookegiannetti.typepad.com

This kitchen is simply gorgeous. Simple green-grey cabinets, lovely lamps on the countertop, chicken-wire mesh on the upper cabinets to reveal white dishware. Beautiful!

belgianpearls.blogspot.com

I love this kitchen too. So cool and calming.

Beta Plus via brookegiannetti.typad.com

Another Beta Plus kitchen above.  Gorgeous grey-coloured cabinets, the stone floor, the weathered wood - everything about it is gorgeous!

belgianpearls.blogspot.com

Beautiful kitchen above. So simple and pretty.

Source unknown

The backsplash of this kitchen caught my eye. Lovely colour.

Even stole some photos of celebrity kitchens. Meg Ryan has great taste (below). I adore her industrial kitchen. The lights are beautiful. The chunky wood island completes this kitchen.

elledecor.com

Courteney Cox also has great taste when it comes to interior style and decoration. I really like the glossy white cabinets and the industrial chairs.

elledecor.com

I am still collecting more images on Pinterest, but I think I am getting the idea of what I like - simple, clean lines, texture, minimal/contemporary with a few details.

Simple, clean lines for the cabinets. Another example below.

Beta Plus via brookegiannetti.typepad.com

Add in some texture with wicker -these baskets are beautiful.

gardeners.com

And potted plants to add pops of green colour.

lifestyle.ca.msn.com

Industrial lights like these would be the details I would love to have.

rivieramaisonshop.nl

And perhaps white subway tiles for the backsplash?

bhg.com

But I'll probably change my mind again tomorrow!

Of course, possibilities are endless if you have an unlimited budget! Perhaps my future post should talk about kitchen decoration on a budget. Hmmm....

Have a wonderful week ahead!