Friday Favorites 4/1/2011

Erin Marvin, Managing Editor
Animal prints are everywhere these days: side chairs upholstered in leopard . . . zebra print throw pillows . . . giraffe patterned rugs. And, while I’m a fan of the exotic drama such accents can bring to a room, sometimes I think they’re just a little bit too, well, subtle.

Which is why I think these chairs–made with actual taxidermy–are the ultimate home accessory. Just imagine the dreamy ambience one could create in the master bedroom with this plush white sheep chair tucked into a corner near the bed. Sweet dreams would be sure to follow!

Photo courtesy of serenitynowcris.blogspot.com

Karin Lidbeck Brent, Contributing Editor
It may be time to brush away the blah grays of winter, and add some punch to your walls with happy color. New England Home magazine is full of great decorating tips, but here are a few favorites of my own:

Consider using construction paper as a transitional fix to create your own wallpaper palette. So easy to do! Just tape the paper to the wall in any configuration that excites you.

It’s also time to throw out your winter rugs. Replace them with this fantastic line of graphic mats from the Job Lot. Using duct tape along the back, attach six to eight rugs together to create a runner. Mix and match for something really unique to use in your hallway, entry or your kitchen

Paula M. Bodah, Senior Editor
Imagine the look on your friends’ faces when they sit on this rustic-looking sofa, expecting a hard seat–only to sink into its soft polyeurethane foam. Moroso’s Soft Wood sofa by the Swedish design group Front is made to look like a piece of rough-hewn pine, a clever bit of trompe l’eoil that comes from a photorealistic wood print inkjet-printed onto the fabric that covers the soft cushion. More than just a piece of furniture, the Soft Sofa is an exercise in “exploring the boundaries of design and meaning.†Short of a whoopee cushion, I can’t think of anything more fun!

Kyle Hoepner, Editor-in-Chief
Last week Stacy Kunstel posted on this blog about many different kinds of decorated walls. Well, I expect a lot of hate mail to come from decorative painters over what I’m about to say–but really, why would you pay thousands of dollars for mythological frescoes and faux marbre when there is a truly mind-numbing selection of easy-to-install and easy-to-remove-and-replace vinyl wall art available on Etsy.com for practically nothing?

Look what a simple pair of purple kissing penguins can do for an otherwise beige-blah bedroom. (According to the item’s description, “this decal measures 13†wide x 11†tall.†Yet it seems so amazingly large and impactful on the wall!)

“The Penguin Kiss Vinyl Wall Decal.†Image from Etsy.com

Other possibilities include piquant sayings and quotes, or wildlife and game (both predators and prey). Or perhaps a serene birch forest with perched bird will exude just the right ambience to soothe guests in your home.

“Vinyl wall sticker wall decal art-lovely winter tree†Image from Etsy.com

“Oh Deer—-Wall Art Home Decor Mural Vinyl Decal Sticker.†Image from Etsy.com

“DIY Decorative Wall Paper&Art Sticker (Wolf) LW53.†Image from Etsy.com

“Large Birch Tree Vinyl Wall Decal Kit free shipping.†Image from Etsy.com

I have to say, though, that the chance to express my own creativity by mixing and matching would be almost irresistible.

A seating area that conveys important life lessons.

Jared Ainscough, Assistant Art Director
I recently heard an incredible story of a local architect who was building his dream home as he had been imagining it his entire life. Working diligently, and staying true to himself, the final piece is a testament to his identity as an architect. Click here to listen to his inspiring story.