Perfect Design Comes from Within

7 Dots Media

Jay Johnson - I worked a booth at the NEWLIFE Expo this weekend in NYC, and had a ball - a new age ball, that is. This was an opportunity to meet some of the most fascinating people, some complete nutters (aliens are controlling your mind!) but most sincere seekers of a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. I met Nitin Adsul

Click to read more ...

Vintage Vera Neumann Linens

The Vera Company

Jay Johnson - Our Design2Share interior design expert Irwin Weiner is away in Venice with a client, and we can't wait to see photos of the resources he'll bring back. Meaningwhile, Irwin told us about some wonderful fifties-and-sixties bedding and kitchen linens he grew up with in Cape Town, and we did a little research into New York's own Vera Neumann. A huge hit in the fashion world - she originated the designer silk scarf and introduced a pop sensibility to clothing - she's widely collected today. Check out the Vera Company website for bits and pieces that are produced today, as well as Vera's book. This video is from Vera devotee and collector, fashion designer artist Francisco Medavog.

It's clear to see that style elements like Vera bedding and linens in Irwin's childhood home played a big role in influencing his future design career. "I never forgot how bright and crazy they were," says Irwin, "and now I'm jaded. I don't like boring, pale bed linens. They look too washed out to me." Check out these Vera eBay offerings, including the Vera Forbidden Fruit plates (fantastic)!

eBay

 Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos.

Update on March 5, 2011 by Design2Share

Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern.

Featured Project: DIY Painted Headboard

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Paintedheadboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

 

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.

UK Antique Heaven

Irwin Weiner ASID - I was a happy camper when I bought antiques, primarily British silver, for my mother's antique shop in Cape Town. I've since gone into my own interior design practice and have shopped in London with clients for antiques and fine furnishings.

One thing is certain about UK antiques shopping - if you see that a dealer is a member of LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antique Dealers, you can feel confident that they abide by a great code of conduct and have gained admission to the "club" based on the outstanding quality of their goods.

Click to read more ...

Cloisonne, Yesterday and Today

Bard Graduate Center - Cloisonne Exhibition

Irwin Weiner ASID - While there are tacky examples of decorative cloisonne, we love the contemporary takes on this ancient enamel technique that flowered in fourteenth century China.

Click to read more ...