If you ask me, every home should have a cozy corner of some sort. Check these out:

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I have a MAJOR thing for Ikat fabrics. They are graphic, they are colorful, they are exotic, and simply sensational. Ikat (pronounced e-cot) is a dying technique utilizing a resist dyeing process (sorta like using rubber bands in tie dyeing). The yarns are strategically dyed prior to being woven, resulting in a fabulous striated pattern. This design has been known to various cultures for centuries, and it’s a hot trend you’re likely to see more of in 2013. Absolutely love it!

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 6

This right here is super snuggly weather. And for super snuggly weather, you need super snuggly stuff. Check out these super snuggly shots

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

One of the things I love about interior design is the variety of ways that I get to help people. From color and lighting to flooring and furniture, my job encompasses a great deal for both home and office. One service I don’t often mention is window treatments. Whether you are looking for ready-made or customized solutions, I can help. Of course there are countless scenarios for wanting or needing new window treatments, but here are just a few:

Ugly or naked windows. I help my clients appropriately dress their windows, functionally as well as fashionably. Windows may be left naked because of a challenging style or shape. Sliding glass doors, French doors, bay windows, cathedral windows, Palladium windows, triple hung windows, or corner windows would all fall under this category. Another explanation for naked or outdated treatments in that the homeowner may simply be at a loss for a solution. This is the perfect time to call in for extra support and advice.

The custom treatment. Some people simply love to have unique, personalized things. Nothing wrong with that! I provide custom design solutions and one of a kind creations as well the flexibility from shopping at home. With an extensive fabric library, my clients are able to touch and feel materials in person. Custom treatments allow for the freedom and creativity to design with every individual in mind.

Efficiency and control. In addition to being pretty, window treatments are an easy way to help insulate your home or office in the winter and keep you cool in the summer. Another primary function of window treatments is light control. Whether you need to diffuse direct sunlight, reduce glare on your TV or computer screen, or block that pesky street lamp from outside your bedroom window, treatments are the trick. Light control would also include room darkening options for those who work late shifts.

So regardless of your why, at least you know who. Lavender & Lotus Interior Design is the place to call for help with windows.

Source

Believe it or not, I’ve just discovered Etsy. (I know! What is wrong with me?!) Granted I heard about it ages ago, but I never slowed down long enough to peek for myself. Amazing! This is an excellent resource for vintage finds and handcrafted wares. Take a look…

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I LOVE Suzani’s. Native to several central Asian countries, these textiles are colorfully embroidered works of art. Generally made of cotton or silk, their patterns feature rosettes, floral motifs, birds, or ancient magical symbols. Simply gorgeous!

Sources: The Decorista, Pottery Barn, Joy Plotnik, Etsy, l’aviva, Once Upon a Tea Time, decorpad

Talk about amazing… Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a very talented woman with a remarkable home. Miss Kandi has a fantastic eye, not just for decorating, but the architectural details as well. Between her creative vision and her husband’s proficiency in carpentry, there is little they cannot accomplish. Perhaps my most favorite feature of their 1904 home is the kitchen’s fireplace (bottom right), followed closely by the second set of stairs, which would have been originally used by the house staff.

Thank you again Miss Kandi!

HGTV does have quite the cast of some very talented people nowadays. My most favorite of all is Emily Hendersen, host of Secrets from a Stylist, and recent winner of HGTV’s DesignStar.

Besides being cute and a bit quirky, I am fascinated by Emily’s approach to interior design as well as the format of her show. Her “Style Diagnostic” and layered approach to personalizing a space certainly helps this design professional to think outside the box. Secrets from a Stylist offers oodles of information - a definite must see.

My MOST favorite episode to date was the Bohemian/Mid-Century living and dining area. This is me, to a T.

Hello again! I’m having such a great time with these colorful posts - hopefully you are enjoying them as well. Next in our series is what I would refer to as Blue-Green or Turquoise.

Although Pantone may have coined their “Turquoise” as Color of the Year for 2010, I wouldn’t consider Blue-Green to be out of fashion. After all Blue-Green encompasses a wide range of colors. For example, ”Quarry” is a hot color trend for Fall 2011.

Maybe it’s the soul of summer, but Blue-Green (or Turquoise) is really speaking to me.

Hello and welcome! Great to have you back :) Next to be featured is a color that has made quite an impression on me. So much so, that I even went so far as to include it in my business name! That’s right, you guessed it: Purple.

Purple, or Violet, is known to embody passion, drama, artistry, spirituality, opulence, determination, independence, wisdom, intrigue, and wit. Feast your eyes on these delicious images: