Extreme

Living room by Cathy Echols - Photo courtesy of High Gloss

Hmm... Let's see... exotic orchid, tiny skulls, antiqued mirror, loads of velvet, antlers, leaf green medallion-print wallpaper, and four-foot rock crystal chandelier. What, your living room doesn't look like this? Ha!

I personally think it is fabulous and, for this client of Cathy Echols, it is home! I am a big fan of the unexpected in interiors and, apparently, Miss Echols feels the same way.

"My style is many things: eclectic, collected, created by my travels and experiences," says Echols. Exactly how I think a home should be!

Hope y'all are having a good day out there!

Nobody's Foo

Pair of wild-eyed foo dogs by Todd Alexander Romano LLC for 1st Dibs

I think by now you all know my penchant for unique and unexpected accessories (and colors... and artwork...). One fun little trendy set of creatures that keeps popping up everywhere are foo dogs. Known in China as "guardian lions" (the animal they actually mean to represent), these figures are thought to possess mythical, protective powers and typically come in design-friendly pairs.

One lonely foo dog on the first cover of online magazine High Gloss

It has become easier and easier to find affordable versions of this festive accessory, and they certainly pack an exotic punch wherever they reside.

My friend and I found this hand-sculpted guy at a local antiques store.

As you can see, they come in all shapes, colors, and sizes and can work in lots of different interior styles! (Although a predisposition to bold color and eclectic furnishings does seem to help!)


Living room shelving by Molly Luetkemeyer of M. Design Interiors


Where's Waldo foo....

Den by Tracey Garnet

Barking foo....

Vignette by Scout Designs

Cool white foo....

A pair of large, ceramic garden foo dogs from Urban Suburban

Chinoiserie Chic recently did a post on these little fellas as well. Check it out here to see even more incarnations of this exotic accessory!

Mod living room by Jonathan Adler

What do you think about this trend?

Spring Soiree

Table setting by Victoria Pearson

I don't know what it is about spring and warmer days that makes me want to celebrate. Maybe it's that the winter is on its way out and summer (my favorite season) is on its way in. Or maybe it's just my own willingness to be out in the world more, when I don't have to brave bone-chilling winds and "wintry-mixes".

Tablescape by Eddie Ross

Either way, it makes me want to get together with the people I care about and have some fun, and these table settings - done in a variety of bright and cheerful colors - are a great place to start for getting some spring soiree inspiration!

Yellow table setting by Eddie Ross

Dining room and table setting by Alberto Pinto

Funny, but this color scheme makes me think of Mardi Gras! Ha! I love these colors together, though, and the fabulous orchids as centerpieces.

Tablescape by Kelly Wearstler

Lots of gold, grounded by wood and other earthy accents. In typical Wearstler style, this spread is glamorous but with a very LA casual coolness about it.

Dining room and layout by William Yeoward

What post about table settings would be complete without mention of Mr. Yeoward? With collections ranging from table linens and crystal to dining tables and chairs (and several books on the subject), Yeoward's joy for entertaining is unmatched!

Dining room by Dan Carithers

Dan Carithers shows how a more neutral theme can still be festive. This setting, with its casual gingham, comfy chairs, and earthy china (all energized with a pop of color from the cheery chrysanthemums), is sure to make his guests feel right at home!

Table setting by Dan Carithers

Our last two photos of the day come from the brand new online magazine High Gloss. Created by style maven and fellow blogger Paloma Contreras (of La Dolce Vita), High Gloss is a one-stop shop for photos and ideas on interior design, fashion, and intriguing travel destinations. A must read for sure!

Dining room and tablescape by David Jimenez

How sexy and fabulous is this setting? The lighting is the real star here: with ambient light emanating from the lamps and picture lights around the room, and accent lighting on the table from the votives (which are reflected in the mirrored tabletop). I think just about anyone could look good in this kind of setting!

Table setting by David Jimenez

I love how well the orange, from the flowers and china, works with the blue-green of the wall color: such an elegant and modern palette! I would love to get an invite for this fête!

Have a great Thursday, everyone! The weekend is almost here!