As the apartment hunt continues, Brent and I found an apartment with exposed brick walls that we may take. Only problem: I’m not that into brick walls. I know. Many people love them for their warm character and old charm. So I decided to round up a bunch of photos of rooms with exposed brick walls to get some decorating inspiration and see if I could be convinced. What do you think?
Want the look of wallpaper sans the price — ek! — or commitment? Try a wall stencil. For the cost of a can of paint, you can completely transform your room in a huge way. And don’t think floral borders are your only design options. Wall stencils have come a long, long way in the past few years, and you can now find them in a ton of amazing patterns. Ikat. Suzani. Trellis. Damask. Geometric. The list goes on and on.
The best places to find chic wall stencils are: Cutting Edge Stencils, Olive Leaf Stencils, Royal Design Studios or DIY Stencils.
I’ve been fantasizing about using a wall stencil in a powder or dining room for quite some time. But really, they’d look amazing in any room. Just check out how Carmel of Our Fifth House and Amber of Amber Interiors used wall stencils in their homes (pictured below).
If you’re not into big, bold, patterns on your walls, consider using wall stencils to create a subtle tone-on-tone look. Use the same color, only a shade or two darker or lighter, than what’s on your walls. The result will be a barely noticeable pattern that adds a sense of depth to your room.
If you want the look to be even less noticeable, use a flat paint on your walls and a gloss paint for the stencil in the same exact color. The pattern will subtly shimmer in the light giving your room a chic, jewel-box look.
And if you’re going to test out a wall stencil, be sure to use one of the brands on the list of 17 Best Interior Wall Paints. They’re all VOC free.
Paint is the new cigarette. We assumed it was safe, but it turns out that’s not the case. More and more studies have confirmed the paint formulas we’ve used for years off gas toxic chemicals — known as VOCs — into the air.
According to the EPA, indoor air quality is 2 to 5 times worse than that outdoors. Granted, that’s not solely due to paint. Carpets, fabrics, caulk, composite wood products and vinyl floors off gas as well. But paint is one of the leading VOC venters.
Why does that matter? Like cigarettes, VOCs wreak havoc on our health. You may have experienced some of their effects while painting: headaches, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, respiratory irritation, loss of coordination and even rashes. I know I have, and that’s only their initial effects. Studies have yet to confirm the exact extent to which they harm us; however, VOCs are known to cause damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system, as well as cancer. So it’s best to avoid them.
Of course that brings up the all too common question: How long do paints off gas VOC? After all, if it’s only for a day or two after painting, can’t I just open the windows? No.
While there’s still controversy surrounding the amount of time paint off gasses, a number of studies are finding paints continue to off gas long after they dry. A study conducted in 1999, found less then half the VOCs in paint off gassed in the first year, and another study conducted in 2002 by the EPA found paint continued to off gas for 42 months after application.
So when it comes to choosing indoor — and outdoor — paint, your best bet is to select one that’s VOC free. Fortunately, a number of paint companies have caught on. Below, I’ve listed the best VOC free paint brands to try.
Which paint do I use? I’ve used both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams with success; however, on my next round of painting, I plan on trying an even more eco-friendly version for one main reason: They’re even safer.
Just because a paint is VOC free doesn’t mean it’s toxin free. There are a number of paints that still include harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, and while those chemicals may not off gas, they are known carcinogens. So if you want the best paint for your health, be sure to look at the label on any paint before buying. Check to make sure it has no hazardous material warnings. Your body will thank you.
Yesterday, I accidentally stumbled across a rug in Pottery Barn and couldn’t believe my eyes. There before me was a Beni Ourain look-alike.
If you’re not familiar with Beni Ourain rugs, they originate from the Atlas mountains in Morroco where the Beni Ourain tribe handmade them from lush wool trimmed from the sheep they raised. Unlike most Morrocan rugs, Beni Ourain rugs lack color. Instead, their geometric black — or brown — and cream patterns take center stage. Originally, Ben Ourain rugs were used as blankets; however, here in the Western world their main use has been as a floor covering.
In fact, for the past handful of years Beni Ourain rugs have been a designer favorite, popping up on magazine pages here and there. So I guess it was only a matter of time before they were inducted into the Pottery Barn lineup and officially introduced to the mainstream.
The one big benefit? Price. Authentic Ben Ourani rugs can be a bit on the pricey side. But now, that’s no longer an obstacle. You can get the same look at a fraction of the cost thanks to the look-alike versions Pottery Barn — and Anthropologie — are selling. Check them out below. Do you think they look as good as the originals?
If you’d prefer an authentic version like the ones above, I’ve rounded up 12 great sources for you to check out. Given that Beni Ourain rugs are handmade, no two are alike. So I’d greatly suggest checking out the options at all the sources listed below before making a purchase. That way, you’ll be sure you got your favorite pattern.
Keep in mind, if you want an antique or vintage version, Beni Ourain rugs traditionally were made no wider than 7′. So if you find ones wider, they’re more than likely newly made.
12 Places to Find Authentic Beni Ourain Rugs:
1. Berber Arts
2. Beyond Marrakech
3. Boucherouite, Etsy Shop
4. Hannoun
5. Imports from Marrakesh
6. Koco Boutique, Etsy Shop
7. Mara Authentics, Etsy Shop
8. The Moroccan Room
9. Mosaik
10. Muskelil
11. Nazmiyal
12. Red Thread Souk
13. Tazi Designs
Given their minimal — yet not sterile — patterns, Beni Ourain rugs easily fit into any decor style. You’ll find them in rooms from traditional to modern to everywhere in between. Typically, they’re used in neutral or white rooms. But they don’t have to be. Beni Ourain rugs look great in colorful rooms thanks to their neutral color scheme of cream and black or brown.
This past weekend I had my first video shoot in which I was the one holding the camera, and my gosh was it heavy. When you look at them — or even pick one up for a moment — they seem so light. But after 12 hours of holding one up without letting it shake my arms are sore. Very sore. The type of sore where it hurts to even be, and all I can think of is how I wish I could spend the day in a soothing, hot bath preferably with a killer view. So here are some bathroom photos of lovely places to soak it up. Which would you prefer?
If you’re planning to redo your bathroom and want to situate your bathtub to take advantage of the views through your windows, positioning is key. While many prefer the look of a bathtub running lengthwise along a window, it’s not the most comfortable from which to enjoy the view because you have to crane your neck to the side to look out the window. At first, that may not seem like a big deal, but after a while it can be a bit tiring on your neck — especially if you’re taking a bath to soothe it.
Positioning your tub so that it faces your window straight on is by far the best when it comes to soaking up views. If you’re not a fan of that look, you may want to consider a square or circular bathtub that allows you to soak it up from any side, giving you far more options when it comes to enjoying the views.