Inspired by Clements Design

Always looking for like-minded design vibes, I came across the fabulous Los Angeles firm of Clements Design.

We love this organic California eclectic look, where traditional elements meet modern.  

Design elements to notice:

• edited minimalism
• organic design
• mix of natural materials
• neutral design scheme with subtle color accents
• light and dark contrast
• lots of natural light
• collected artifact
• dramatic art                                               

Interestingly enough, this is the former home of designer Kelly Wearstler, 
and the two designers rooms are shown in a side-by-side comparison in a great article in My Domaine.

      

                   I hope you are enjoying the winter months 'nesting' in your home!

What's new

Update: Our new blog link is: www.powellbrower.blogspot.com since we launched our website on www.powellbrower.com .  Sorry for any inconvenience! 

We hope you continue to follow along!

The hours I spend on blogs and pinterest have been minimized lately, cause honestly, I am not seeing much that's new and unique these days.  The internet can provide inspiration and you can mimic others style, but to create a look all one's own, creativity has to come from within.

As I get ready to do a lite makeover of my kitchen, my previous plan was white cabinets.  That is all you see these days, and to me, not unique anymore. 

 This beauty caught my eye.  I have always maintained a love for the integrity of a mix of natural materials. I'd love something like this with new cabinetry, but that is not in the budget at this time.



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The funny thing about being a designer is that since the possibilities and ideas are endless, it's hard to pin one down that I think I will be happy with over the next few years. Tricky!  So I try to not be too trendy, but instead put together a mix I haven't seen before. Even I do not know what I will come up with.  I swear, it's much easier to design for clients!

Almost neutral

This gorgeous room designed by Michael S. Smith is a great inspiration for a serene, almost neutral palette that is packed with subtle color.  The warm wood tones, sisal carpet, plants and organic art elements are calling me.  

How about you?

"It's just paint" we always say.

I've been a color-aholic all my life. I have to admit that looking at tons of  crisp white or dark, moody rooms constantly are somewhat intriguing and they photograph so beautifully.

In looking at my dining room, I was never really happy over the last 5 years with the turquoise paint below the chair rail.  I tried new stuff on the walls, a recent new rug, a new light, but it wasn't doing anything for me.  I love what Emily Henderson said about sticking with a room when it's time to move on:

"Like a mediocre relationship, you can only stay in denial that it’s not really working for so long. You pretend you don’t need to move on, that you can make it work, that everyone is happyenough. But, all the signs point to ‘GET OUT AND TRY TO BE HAPPIER’. It’s just hard because its such a risk. You keep telling yourself, ‘It’s not frustrating enough, it’s not terrible enough,’ to make you jump out … but now and again you start looking. Your eye wanders. Your thoughts drift …"

BEFORE

My husband said our dining room was his favorite room in the house because it was finished and it all matched. That about sealed the deal for me knowing how 'opposite' we are- time to change! I don't like matchy-matchy.  Love you honey, but I know you don't read our blog anyway!

AFTER

I went for a fresh, clean, organic and neutral vibe knowing that I can always load it with color as my whim occurs, which is a given!  

I used Benjamin Moore Dove Wing and BM Ancient Ivory for the trim.

Nothing like a fresh coat of paint!

That "aha" Moment

\ä-’hä\ interjection

the universal sound of discovery, which leaves you with a temporary feeling of surprise, triumph and euphoria.

… it’s the moment a designer pinpoints a new idea.

… it's curator's reaction to an exceptional find.

… it's the feeling you get when discovering something inspiring.

The AHAlife site has some truly original ideas and a beautiful story behind it's origination.  I love entrepreneurs like this!  I love the organic nature of this online store.

Check out the Home section for inventive designs like this birdhouse,

     this gorgeous Boda bowl,

 this amazing rug,

these amazing wooden tiles,

the Lighting section's Adler fixtures, 

or the Tech section's wooden amplifier.

You could easily spend an hour or two looking through this site, with a few surprises in it.
I love those wooden faceted tiles and the Jonathan Adler Brass Chandelier!
Check out AHA life!
Have a great week friends!