Tag archives for decor

Friday…I’m in love: Vanity

I don’t care if Monday’s blue…

This week has been such a beautiful one. It started with the misty rain and ended with a sweet redo!

This table used to be yellow with rustic country charm. We had been using it much like a garden table filling it up with plants, watching as it quickly became dusty with soil. This little table is an antique, but was in no condition to be restored. I still liked the grace of it’s lines and the keyholes. A collector once told me it was probably a 1920′s wash table with a mirror attached. I always saw it’s original potential.

I think I like the pale pistachio paper and pink birds even more against the white.

I’ve been building a replacement for the garden, inspired by this tiny photo.

Now, I wouldn’t dare to set a dirty potted plant on this lovely white!

For custom pieces, please inquire hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com.

Happy Friday, folks!

Posted in Facelift, Furniture Design | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Treasures from India

There are no words to describe all the cool treasures I found in Goa.

This wall panel is functional as both art and a candle holder. I love the charm of the elephant carving and the colored stain on the wood.

This antique panel measures 11″h x 21″w . I have never seen anything quite like this!

These carved wood elephant bookends were my favorite. Just searching for the right books to display with them.

Now you can see the whole mantle with a painting by textile designer Mabel Martinez. I like to change up the mantle all year.

I think of the mantle as sort of an ongoing art installation, where I can add and subtract things for the season; according to my travels or (my favorite) display garlands and cards near the holidays. Since, we live in an apartment is something refreshing to change and style regularly.

I found these brilliant nesting tables in Goa.

I loved the colors and the composition of the design.

I think we are going to use these as nightstands. One large on one side and two small in a little stair step configuration for my stuff! Sometimes, perfect symmetry in design can be over rated, but balance is a must!

Some of these antiques,  I have to share and others have found a place in our home. I set this gorgeous wood carved mirror on top of a chinese butterfly chest, both of which are for sale. I can picture them together or apart, but I love the way mirrors look propped up on vanities or leaned against walls.

The ornate carving and color of the mirror make it a great focal point. It measures 14″h x 16″w.

For now, I am offering all items here, until I can add Google checkout to PinkPianos…a feature that is coming soon:)

If you want to see more contact me at hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com , I have a glass lantern, paper stars and an Indian beanbag (flattened and re-filled)  all of which need a home.

Believe me, were there not a limit on suitcases for travel I would have brought more. Literally, it was a sight to see us dragging all of the above through the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport! The nesting tables were the toughest to explain at customs because they had been wrapped and sewn shut in this funky looking burlap (too bad I should have snapped a pic!), people thought something was alive inside of there.

All in all, I know it was worth effort.

Posted in Art, Inspiration, Interior Design | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

A Touch of Color

Weekend treats:

This picture of footwear designer Philippe Model’s bedroom from Paris Style is so sublime. I just found this book on sale. It instantly transports me back to the good ole days living sur l’Ille.

Paris Style

The subtle shades of each color like a value scale painted on the wall. Plus, look at the blanket! I love how French Interiors aren’t too perfect or over designed.

I have visions of doing a rendition of this to one of my living room walls. One day!

Now to really get in the mood francaise for the day, listen to Nouvelle Vague.

This past week, I missed them at the Oohlala festival. What was I thinking?

Have fun out there this weekend!

I’ll be sure to share a DIY and stories, when I am back.

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Princess Chair

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce to you and old acquaintance.

Once upon a time, there was a chair….

She’d seen alot in her time and her red velvet cushion was becoming shabby.

She desperately needed a little love!

Princess before rehab

After stripping the old veneer off her and sanding her down she looked a bit plain.

She glowed with hand mixed color, a combo of lavender, grey, white, and red; developing a brilliance that was all her own. Selective sanding lent an air of sophistication to her sheen.

princessinprogress

Freshly reupholstered with a vibrant vintage inspired print from Martha Negley and comfy new cushion, she is ready to charm guests all over again.

Princess Chair

Princess Chair, a sweet $125, ask about subscriber discount

Good things do come to those who wait. Contact me here, if you’d like to take her home with you.

Posted in Facelift | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Vintage frames

Vintage frames are simple to find, elegant as décor, and cheap to boot!

The idea for this post came from the vintage bronze headboard that I completed last week.

On more than one occasion, old wooden frames seem to fall right into my lap. Once, while rummaging through the warehouse at Children’s Museum Los Angeles, I found a dolly full of them. This cache of frames has become my favorite DIY project like when I’m in between designs.

While surfing the net (I get a kick out of calling it that), I found some fabulous handmade artists who sell their own DIY frames on Etsy.

Colorful plaster frames

I like these plaster frames by Olivesomeday because the pastel paint gives them a modern update.

In my opinion, when scouting out vintage frames the more ornate the better.

Here’s how we dressed up Jon’s bedroom with a frame from Wertz Brothers Antiques, all it needed was coat of silver paint. You may remember her from the headboard redo.

Vintagesilverframes

This brass frame from Neawear is darling! What surprised and delighted me was the way she describes it as wall jewelry. These come with a chain attached and can be hung around your neck or on the wall. Soo Remarkable!

Brass frame

Additionally, I was stunned by Nea’s Verdi green patina necklace that reminded me of all the patinas I’d love to apply to frames. I haven’t tried the blue one by Modern Masters yet…

Verdi Necklace

Finally~I wasn’t sure what to make of this, but check out these frames stitched into a textile design.

Textiles and frames

Do you love-love it..or not-so-much it? Let me know your thoughts on this one!

Posted in Art, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Indian Textiles as Art

As promised, here are a few tips showing how to incorporate applique into your living space.

  • Tablecloths, curtains, and pillowcases serve as inspired and detailed works of art.
  • Use appliqué or embroidery to introduce texture.
  • Tiny mirrors reflect lots of light.
  • On a budget appliqué work could provide a cost effective wall decor.
  • Historically significant pieces could add luxury to a room.
  • Take a hint from Jaipur and embrace color!

color4

Posted in Travels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Indian Patchwork Rugs

I’ve recently been inspired to take a closer look at Indian patchwork rugs. The art of Indian embroidery is some of the best worldwide. India offers a variety of styles, each with a unique history and linked to a specific region and culture. Some types of embroideries are associated with customs such as weddings or festivals. Some are known for the special thread employed or method of stitching involved. Appliqué work is a popular style of embroidery that is recognized worldwide and within the design industry for it’s nuances including Karchobi and mirror work.

In appliqué work different pieces of cloth are patched together to make a multi-colored mosaic. The vivid colors, shapes, and patterns in combination stand out when stitched onto a contrasting background. Typically appliqué is attached to padded cotton backing, which itself can be purchased in large rolls. Patchwork of this kind is essential in many Indian tapestries and can be found all over towns in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in northwestern India.

Patchwork of this kind is essential in many Indian tapestries and can be found in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in northwestern India. In Nathadwara, a Rajasthani city, the Pichwai style embroidery reveals colorful cloths and wall hangings throughout the village. One aspect of some appliqué artworks is that they can be monochromatic or employ analogous colors. For example, a customer may discover an appliqué cloth in all blues, turquoise, and greens. Others feature rosy pinks and shades of fuchsia. For an interior, they could be used to create a monochromatic color palette within a room.

1sttower

Common motifs include trees, peacocks, houses stacked into the hillside or the tower pictured above. If you look a bit closer some appliqué work, shiny golden threads and mirrors gleaming within the embroidery can be seen.  More on mirror work and the pink city of Jaipur later this week!

Posted in Travels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment
  • Say Hello!
  • Features


    Metamorphosis

  • Follow me

  • Recent Comments

  • Subscribe

    Enter your email address:

    Follow Me on Pinterest
  • Popular


  • Categories

  • Archives

  • Tags















Swedish Greys - a WordPress theme from Nordic Themepark.