Without further adieu... The Flower Show Part 2

Springtime in Paris has officially come to an end.  As promised, here are some final shots taken from the Philadelphia International Flower Show.

Schaffer Designs

Any movie fanatics??  Bill Schaffer's design's are based on the classic film "An American in Paris," appropriately addressing this year's flower show theme.

Waldor Orchids

You cannot have a bad display when orchids are your subject matter.  Orchids by the dozens, or quite possibly by the hundreds, leaves the crowd with dropped jaws.

Michael Bruce’s Urban Graffiti Shadow Art

(823 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108)

Michael's designs add new meaning to the popular idiom, one man's trash is another man's treasure.  Constructed out of metal soup cans, plastic bags, and other pieces of "junk", these individual shadow art displays stop the crowd in their tracks as they try to make sense of what's dancing before them. 

There is so much more to see and share, but I'll leave you with what inspired me the most.  It's not an extravagant exhibit, a purse made of plants, or carousel flowered animals.  

It's a terrarium.

I'd really like to take my chances at cultivating one of these babies!  I'm so sad to say that I don't know the source, but isn't it lovely?

The Philadelphia Flower Show: Part 1

By now many of you may have had your fair dosage of Flower Show happiness, but we're here to bring you a few final dosages.  It would be cruel not to share these beauties.  So here are some of what I found to be the 2011 International Philadelphia Flower Show highlights, but you can be the judge of that. 

Carousel Animals by Valley Forge Flowers

These creatures by Valley Forge Flowers were really spectacular!  Each animal was so intricate and carefully constructed with beautiful flowers, ferns and even bark (or at least that's what I could make of it).  The carousel animals were the main feature of the show residing at the front entrance and near the Eiffel Tower.

 

I really like this picture.  Not only does it reflect the grand scheme of the flower show, but it also creates a sense of nostalgia as the little girl admires the creatures in front of her.  A little Alice in Wonderland.

Flowers by David

Flowers by David really wooed the crowd.  Walking around the exhibit you would hear sudden gasps, "Look a bed of roses!"  In actuality this bed of flowers and the rest of the exhibit includes amaryllis, orchids, carnations and other husband and wife team, David and Robin Heller, favorites.

There is a total of thirteen pinwheels resembling dream catchers surround the room creating a whimsy space.  Being an interior lover myself, I quickly feel in love with this exhibit!  Such detail took place in this design.  As if the rose covered blanket isn't enough, check out the bed skirt!

My ab-solute favorite, hands down! 
Here's a final shot at another angle.  I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Too much for one sitting.
I'll be posting more flower show favorites soon!

XoXO!

Philadelphia Meets Paris!

Bonjour, mes disciples belle!

Last night I saw the Eiffel Tower for my very first time!  It was absolutely stunning!  Such beautiful architecture... the gardens were GORGEOUS... the crowd was energizing!  All of this excitement was held under one giant roof.  The Philadelphia Convention Center hosted Springtime in Paris for the Philadelphia International Flower Show.  It did not disappoint!

Here Jason is doing a live painting demonstration with another Studio Incamminati artist, Allison.

Later I plan on posting all my favorites of the show.  In the meantime, here's a teaser.

Until next time... au revoir!

The Philadelphia International Flower Show: Studio Incamminati Artists Painting in the Garden

I am absolutely thrilled about this years Philadelphia International Flower Show!!  Since moving to Philly, this is one event that I've always wanted to attend, but for some reason or another have not been able to make it the show.  

Photo:  The Flower Show

This year is very special and close to our hearts.  Jason Espey, Studio Incamminati artist as well as my AWESOME husband will be one of the artists painting throughout the gardens.  Please join us Monday from 3:00 to closing to see a live painting demonstration!  Here's a self portrait of my handsome hubby!

Photo: Jason Espey, All Rights Reserved

  Here are some of our other artist friends, Jen Hagen and Katya Held, performing a live painting demonstration during last nights PHS Members' Preview. 

Photo: Donna Fisher via The Morning Call

If you aren't able to join us on Monday night, other artist will be painting at the show throughout the week.  To see more of Studio Incamminati's artists work click here.  For further details regarding show information go here.  We hope to see you there!!

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Peacock Color Inspiration for the Bedroom

Yesterday after work, I spent my happy hour at none other than West Elm!  I just HAD to check out the pin tucked bedding for myself rather than relying on computer images.  First of all I'd like to say, I really think I could work with a deep blue and green color combination in the bedroom.  For instance,  take the colors in this rug.

This rug, Peacock Dark, is by Matthew Williamson from The Rug Company.

Here it is again, but in green (very similar in color as our curtains).

I do love the color of the Steele Blue duvet cover from West Elm, but I'm not totally in love with the thread count at 250.  Call me a bed snob, but two people gotta sleep comfortably.

Plus when seeing it in person it just looked kinda drab... given it may have been just a poor set-up on the stores part.  The catalog image looks like something I could crawl into easily!  At this point, I think I will shop around some more before making such a commitment.  I do enjoy the pintuck.  I feel that it will add a touch of modern to my more traditional curtains.  At least we have a theme!

Remodelaholic Link Partay!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! 

I couldn't be happier that the weekend has arrived!  This has been an exhausting work week which has had a negative impact on the productivity of my blog post.  Today The Tiny Abode is participating in a link up party at Remodelaholic!

 

For those of you who are unfamiliar to link up parties, I'll explain.  Link up parties allow bloggers with shared interest (in this case DIY, Home Decor, Interior Design, etc) to share projects that they have completed.  Usually these consists of crafts, home projects (including before and afters, furniture reupholster, remodels), you name it!  We are sharing our Creating Spaces post.  Go check out Remodelaholic for more great projects.  Great Inspiration!!

A Small Request: Bedroom Advice

In November, I shared with you my mini bedroom transformation.  Taking the brown duvet off the bed really livened up the space.  Jason and I also moved the bed to the opposing wall giving the windows the proper attention they deserved.    Working with the furniture and pieces that we already had available, we were still able to create a serene atmosphere. 

Here's a blast from the past: 

This winter the brown duvet re-appeared due to the frigid weather.  In my eyes, a makeover is never really finalized. At this point, I am re-directing my attention to the bedding.  Although, I'd like to show some love to those curtains (hanging them higher perhaps), and maybe one day I'll score a suitable end table for the left side of the bed.  I've had the most difficult time finding a duvet that will compliment the other elements in the room.  Yes you, green silk curtains that I insisted on having custom made.  

Word of advise: decide on bedding before deciding on curtains!  I find that it is much easier to match curtains to bedding than to match bedding to curtains.  Did I say that right?!  Anyway, you get the idea.  Bedding first... new rule of thumb.  All I can say now is thank GOD for West Elm!!!  I am in love with the Organic Cotton Pintuck Duvet in steele blue.

Photo: West Elm

Please try to help me envision this if you will.  I'd love to hear some opinions.  I think the blue will really warm up the room and compliment the green curtains.  What are your thoughts?  My second color choice would be the "Natural" bedding shown below. 

Photo: West Elm

Regardless, I plan on mixing and matching.  Here is an example of mixing and matching done well!

Bravo!

Photo: Decor Pad

I'd really like to utilize some items that I already own, such as my Thomas O'Brien sheets which are brown and cream.  Below is actually an exact replica of what my bedding at one time looked like, minus the headboard.  I'm parting ways (at least for now) with my brown duvet.  Very heavy, very hot.  Summer will be here before I know it.  

 Photo via kaboodle.com

Here's where you chime in!  I really like the blue and feel like it would add nice contrast to the room, but I am afraid that I may get tired of it.  The cream seems more classic, but I also LOVE color. 

Photo: West Elm

Opinions?  Thoughts?  Just keep in mind that the green curtains will be staying. I'd love for you to share your own ideas. 

A Nursery Rhyme Room

It's not very often that I share post centered around babies or their rooms, but from time to time I get a little itch.  Just ask my co-workers (love them)!  My dear friend and once college roommate has decorated her baby girl's room in lambs and is now on a quest to seek our Nursery Rhyme decor not only for herself, but for a baby shower that she is hosting for a friend.  They would like to incorporate some of the items they use in the shower into the babies nursery.

These prints were found on Dreamery Studio's Etsy store, and I LOVE them!!!  So classic!  Dreamery Studio is New York based, and most of their products are from books nearly 100 years or more old.  Aren't they fantastic!?  The frame is not included, but for only $8.50 per print I think we'll be okay.

Classics like these are not only for the nurseries.  Look at how this Red Riding Hood print is incorporated into this very grown-up living space.

Photo: BlackBaroque

Keeping with the nursery rhyme theme, ART doesn't always have to be something you hang on the wall.  It can be something you plug into the wall.  This Humpty Dumpty Veranda lamp is another Etsy find from Interior Designer Mia Ross at Dress My Shade.  Although these lamps are a little bit more on the expensive side, Dress My Shade is definitely worth checking out!  She had "grown-up" lamps too. 

Here is something more in lines with our budget: a night light.  Decorating is all about incorporating the details to make a well suited room.  Here we have yet another Humpty Dumpty lamp shade, but this time serving as a night light.  This can be found on Details and Fairy Tales Etsy site for $25.00

And what nursery is complete without pillows!?!

Etsy: Ausfullife

This one is our favorite!!  And they all lived...

Etsy: Joshua By Oak

Sweet Dreams!

How Bout that Bookspace?

I once read to treat each shelf as its on individual display unit.  I find this to be true, however, this can be a design crisis when you (ehmm...your husband) have soo many books you're unwilling to part with.  Leaves little or no space for accessories.  How fortunate for you if you are one a the rare ones who's able to achieve this look with your current collection.

Photo via Shopstopstore

I {heart} this eclectic look of designer Michelle McCormick's book nook.  Such a rich and cozy atmosphere. I could definitely down some coffee in this corner.

Photo: Inspiration Resource via Graindit

Take note: when organizing a bookshelf keep in mind that books don't all have to be in the same direction.  Add some character and mix things up.  Try hanging art on the outside of shelves.

Photo: Trendey

And for all of those who aren't afraid of color, paint the inside of the shelves a contrasting color from the walls to make the shelves pop!  I loooove this room!!

Photo: House and Home via BlyDesign

For a really dramatic look, go for a floor to ceiling curtain.  This allows for you to close off or show off the space when desired.  Take advantage of limited space by building up the wall with large units.

Photo: Stagetecture

Since here at The Tiny Abode we are all about apartment style and tiny abode living, while being sure to incorporate functionality (when necessary), we chose bookshelves that suited smaller homes too. 

Finding spaces to store books can be challenging in apartments (that's an understatement).  I love how these books are stored in the kitchen cabinets and organized by color to create a visually pleasing statement.

Photo: Elle Decor via Chic Geek Design

Finally, we are ALL about multi-purpose / multi-functional rooms.  Here the dining space also serves as an office / library.  Perfect for a one bedroom apartment dweller.

 Photo: Adam Friedberg via Arch Inspire

Here again the room serves as an office / library / living space.  Like the photo below, we also used our bookshelf as a room divider.  You can read about it in our Creating Spaces post.  It does wonders for our living / dining / office... whateve space.

Photo: Domino via Dept.of the Interior

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I {heart}Design!
XoXO