Shou Sugi Ban is the Japanese technique of burning or charring wood. It’s a stunning wood treatment to consider for the modern and contemporary home, especially for those wanting to make an eye-catching statement. This charring technique creates a richly hued, dark color in wood that actually highlights the unique texture and grain of each piece of wood. It also happens to dramatically increase the wood’s durability and strength, which is another noteworthy bonus to Shou Sugi Ban, and happens to be the main reason this technique was initiated in Japan centuries ago.

There are some cutting edge, contemporary designs being produced using Shou Sugi Ban techniques. The coffee tables shown and the furniture below are beautiful examples of contemporary Shou Sugi Ban furniture.

The steps necessary to accomplish a Shou Sugi Ban wood technique are actually relatively simple, but it still needs to be done with great care and safety. Of course learning how to build your own furniture with Shou Sugi Ban wood would be a feat, but simpler applications like a paneled accent wall could be more easily achieved by the average person.

Step-by-Step Shou Sugi Ban Process:

1) Burn the wood – Use a propane torch to char the wood. Add scorch marks to areas of the wood, without completely blackening the entire piece of wood. Make sure to be safe by wearing protective glasses and keeping water and a fire extinguisher near by.

2) Brush the wood – After you have finished burning the wood to your liking, then wet the wood and scrub it with a wire brush. The more you brush the wood with the wire brush, the lighter the finish will become. Stop at your desired wood tone.

3) Wash the wood – Thereafter you need to wash the wood to remove the dust and loose charred pieces. Then allow to completely dry.

4) Finish the wood – Seal and finish the wood once dried with Tung or Penefin Oil to preserve your Shou Sugi Ban’d wood long term.

When charring wood you’ll find that there are range of shades you can accomplish depending on how extensively you burn the wood. With a lighter hand, you will create variations of wood tones with some darker areas like in the wood above, but with a heavier hand you can create a completely ebony shade of wood.

I personally love the idea of using Shou Sugi Ban wood for an exterior door or coffee table. While you can stain wood black, there is something special about the effect that charring wood creates. It’s the kind of wood treatment you should select if you really want to make a bold statement. There are several companies providing Shou Sugi Ban wood planks for flooring and other uses ready to go! Check out Reclaimed DesignWorks, CharredWood.com, and Montana Timber Products to see their Shou Sugi Ban wood collections.

Below you’ll see the design work of Stefan Bishop. After this designer’s expert Shou Sugi Ban application, each ring within the interior of the wood pops out with dramatic flair. Truly a work of art!

How would you use Shou Sugi Ban within your home? Would you give it a try for your home’s exterior paneling, or perhaps your cabinets or a coffee table? Share you Shou Sugi Ban preferences in the comments below!

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If you have ever had a destination vacation, you have probably done your fair share of hotel research. Normally, people look at hotel reviews on its cleanliness, service, and location. However, these days travelers want more than just an average lodging option, they want an experience, and art hotels are the perfect answer to this.

Art hotels are an up and coming phenomena around the world. For those who are not aware of what an “art hotel” is exactly, to put it simply, they can be described as luxury hotels that have chosen extravagant artwork to decorate the interiors or exteriors of their rooms. However, the term “art hotel” could mean several different things. For some hotel businesses, it means that they invest in a collection of original artwork to showcase in their lobbies, bedrooms, and bathrooms. For other hotel businesses, it means that they showcase installations of different up and coming artists in their spaces. Both of these takes on art hotels allow travelers to have a unique experience while traveling. They are not just staying at another ordinary hotel with ordinary artwork that you could find at Ikea or Target; they are visiting a one-of-a-kind uniquely decorated hotel, and that is something to write home about.

One of the most luxurious art hotels in the world is called The Ellerman House. This art hotel is a five-star, internationally acclaimed hotel located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is the home to a collection of original art pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also tell the rich historical story of South Africa. Personally, I think it is important to know about the culture and history of the place you are visiting. With this in mind, I found it extremely commendable that this hotel offers patrons a personal tour guide for the collection of artwork displayed. This allows their travelers to have a full understanding of the extensive history from the mid-nineteenth to twentieth century of Cape Town. The Ellerman House is definitely a luxurious art hotel that you should check out if you’re in the area!

Now, South Africa might be far away for most of you, and you should know that you don’t have to go far and wide to find a fun and exciting art hotel. The Hotel Des Arts is art hotel in California with a different take on the meaning of an “art hotel”. It is located in the heart of San Francisco. As many of you know, San Francisco has a copious amount of street artwork that is pertinent to the city, and this hotel reflects the culture of street artists inside each room. There are thirteen tourist rooms and 38 residential rooms, each decorated with a different permanent mural or installation created by rising artists from around the world. When it comes to the design of each room, the artists had full artistic freedom for the murals and installations that covered the walls of the bedrooms. The floor-to-ceiling paintings create a unique interactive experience for each patron, bringing the culture right into the room with them. The hallways contain temporary artwork that can be purchased, and this artwork is switched out every few months. This is one out of many art hotels located inside of the United States that offers a unique lodging experience for each guest.

All in all, art hotels provide an exciting, one-of-a-kind experience for patrons, whether that may be from the unique room designs or from the original collection of artwork hanging on the walls. Art hotels can make a vacation so much more interesting, enriching, and memorable. So, for your next destination vacation, I suggest researching an art hotel to stay at!

Article by Julianna Carl – Interiors by Jacquin intern

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You may know that Bed Bath & Beyond has a TON of items to meet your home’s needs from small kitchen appliances to pillows, dinnerware and more, but this store can also be your source for luxurious décor and furniture. After browsing the wide range of products on their website, I curated the perfect combination of décor and furniture to hit the luxe note I was looking to achieve for my bedroom refresh. Now that the refresh is complete, I am loving the gold tones and pops of color. It’s just the look I was hoping to achieve.

I anchored my bedroom re-design with this gold etagere bookcase and used these two gold photo frames found here and here to coordinate with the bookshelf. To fill in the rest of my bookshelf I used coffee table blooks, plants, and small decorative objects to bring the look together. This gold bookshelf is only 30 inches wide, so it’s a great option to add a touch of gold without taking up a huge amount of space. The bookshelf is quite sturdy, so you could also choose to load this piece of furniture with books if you choose or even other heavier items.

It’s well known that you can find bedding at Bed Bath & Beyond, so of course I had to explore their range of options. I chose this navy blue velvet bedspread, combined with their 825-thread count sheets, Nestwell organic cotton duvet cover, and amazing down pillows. (The BEST pillow I have ever used!). While you may have expected to see bedding in this haul from Bed Bath & Beyond, you may be surprised to learn that the tufted linen headboard, TOV shagreen nightstands, violet blown glass table lamps, and the 11×14 matted gold frames over the bed are also from Bed Bath and Beyond.

The quality of the TOV shagreen nightstand and blown glass table lamps are quite impressive. Definitely the type of selections that will elevate your space. One of my favorite items I found at Bed Bath & Beyond was the round gold mirror shown below, which arrived even larger than I expected for a rather grand look and feel. This mirror is incredibly heavy, and the construction of it is really substantial, so I would consider it an heirloom quality décor find.

Along my dresser I styled a pair of green hobnail glass table lamps that I absolutely love. The hobnail textured effect on the glass is dynamic and adds the perfect level of visual interest. For the loveseat, I decided to create custom pillows with this contemporary take on plaid fabric from Romo, paired with lemon yellow trim from Samuel and Sons. I am really happy with the final look on these custom pillows and I’m glad I invested in them as I made updates to the space. Going custom with a few elements in your home will help elevate the space and allow you to be more creative since you’re literally creating your own décor.

For my workspace, I selected a cream colored shagreen and gold desk from CB2 that I styled with a artwork gallery wall above. While I love color, I opted for all black and white artwork, which worked out perfectly with the other bright colors already in the space. The teal hobnail vase shown on the desk is hand-blown glass from Europe made by cult-favorite brand Klimchi. I actually have two different Klimchi vases in this space in different colors and I am looking forward to collecting more. They were an excellent addition along side my Bed Bath & Beyond selections throughout the space.

One thing I love about my bedroom refresh is that I’m surrounded by the artwork I created. It was fun to incorporate my own colorful creations to brighten the space. Pairing my works on paper with Bed Bath & Beyond’s matted picture frames certainly made my artwork pop even more and rival the finished look of custom framed artwork. The matted gold frames here are Bed Bath and Beyond’s Studio 3B 11×14 frames, which are so affordable.

I advise taking time to brainstorm how you can make your space truly feel like YOU. Curating items that stand out paired with items you’ve created yourself or perhaps collected over time is a great approach. Exploring your own creativity, combined with shopping Bed Bath & Beyond’s great selection, will help you design a space you love!

This blog post is sponsored by Bed Bath & Beyond.

Here’s the full line-up of items I curated from Bed Bath & Beyond for this bedroom refresh!

1. Fiora 4-Tier Etagere Bookcase – Safavieh – Fantastic value
2. Madison Park Marlow Round Mirror – Heirloom quality and so luxurious
3. Navy Cotton Velvet Quilt Set – Studio 3B – Cozy comforter available in multiple color
4. Caicos hobnail green table lamp – Statement making table lamps for the win!
5. Maya Table Lamp in Lavender by Trademark – Beautiful hand blown glass for a luxurious look
6. TOV Shagreen Nightstand in gray – FABULOUS, luxe nightstands crafted in a unique shagreen surface
7. Polished Gold 8×10 Frame – Olivia & Oliver – Looks expensive, yet is a great price
8. Studio 3B – 11×14 gold matted picture frames – Looks just like a custom frame job
9. Skyline Zoe Upholstered Headboard in Linen – Stunning and sturdy headboard option you will love!
10. Umbra Round Floating Picture Frame – Perfect addition for a unique touch
11. Swift Home Embroidered Quilt Set in Mint Green – Currently green is sold out, but blue is available
12. Nestwell Organic Cotton Duvet Cover Set – Great option for those looking for a breathable duvet
13. 825-Thread Count White Sheets – Studio 3B – Amazing quality
14. Down Soft-Support Pillow – Nestwell – The BEST pillow I have ever used!

It’s time to refresh your bedroom decor! Ready, Set, Go!

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As the year comes to an end, I’m setting my intentions for 2022 and making plans to start my new year refreshed and ready for new adventures. I’ve partnered with Bed Bath & Beyond to try out out their range of products for wellness and relaxation. With Bed Bath & Beyond’s extensive offerings I’ve been able to find a product for just about every relaxation need I can think of. Take a look at my curated round-up of products to bring in the new year refreshed and relaxed! Bed Bath & Beyond’s amazing selection will not disappoint you. Let’s get started!

(1) Therapedic Weighted Blanket – I’ve been wanting to try a weighted blanket for a while now after learning the impressive science behind this clever product. These blankets are known for their calming effects, and are extremely helpful in reducing stress and improving sleep. 

 

(2) Haven Organic Cotton Waffle Robe – This robe is incredibly luxurious! I personally like to make sure that any garment I purchase is made from a natural fiber, and this one is not only organic cotton, but it is also a nice thick material that feels substantial and comfortable. It will definitely make you feel like you’re whisked away to a 5-star resort within the comfort of your home. 

(3) HoMedics Bliss Foot Spa – You don’t have to wait to go to the salon to enjoy a pedicure! If you haven’t invested in your own foot spa at home, then I suggest you purchase one asap. After a long day on your feet it’s such a nice luxury to soak your feet. It’s the perfect addition to your self care routine.

 

(4) Studio 3B Neroli Candle – This candle is heavenly! The neroli scent is rare in candles and perfumes, so I was delighted to find that Bed Bad & Beyond offered a neroli candle from their Studio 3B brand. 

(5) Sharp Dreamcaster Alarm Clock – This is not just an alarm clock, but it also plays ocean sounds, rain sounds, thunder, white noise and more. It’s been great to play the rain sounds as I prepare to go to bed, and even better when you need to drown out the sounds of other noises. 

(6) Sharper Image Shiatsu Massager – I think we can all agree that a massage is a welcome addition to any day. Like with the foot spa system, you really don’t have to wait to go to the spa to enjoy the benefits of a massage. A home massage system can be part of your daily routine and the price point is spot on with this option by Sharper Image!

I’ve jump started my 2022 plans to focus on self-care and launched my relaxation routine this December. Here I am trying out a few of my new Bed Bath & Beyond finds and I am loving them! Each product I’ve selected truly meets a need for me and makes putting my self-care first a breeze. Bring on the new year!

What are you planning to do to make self-care a priority in the new year? Which of these products from Bed Bath & Beyond are you most excited to try? 

This blog post is sponsored by Bed Bath & Beyond.

Today’s post is all about luxury hardware for cabinets and furniture! Ranging from knobs to pulls, unique and artisanal luxury hardware selections can transform a piece of furniture or even an entire room. I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to change-up the look of my furniture at times, and even easier than a coat of paint (or new furniture purchase) is choosing new hardware! European brand PullCast has devoted its brand to bringing customers across the globe fine-art quality luxury hardware in a range of fascinating designs. 

PullCast was born digging deep into the wonders of nature by a jewelry designer whose hobbies included collecting objects from outdoor experiences. Crossing the worlds of jewelry and design led to the exploration of new design approaches that combined architectural, artistic, and nature-based influences. With PullCast you can expect to find a diverse range of design styles on heirloom-quality sculptural hardware, created with traditional artisanal practices in Portugal. PullCast’s luxury hardware creations create a sense of rarity and legacy, grounded by ancient forms of craft.

To help you choose what hardware piece you will need for your cabinets & furniture, we’ve put together some of the most wanted products that will become a great addition to every cabinet and furniture design.

(1) “Codium” knob –  Codium is delicate, yet impactful design that will add visual interest to any drawer, cupboard or wardrobe.

(2) “Tiffany Quarts” knob – With a handful of elegance and refinement, adorn your designs with PullCast’s polished brass handle complete with a quartz centerpiece.

(3) “Atlas” pull – Atlas is a piece that reminisces on the diversity and complexity of a metropolis. Embark on a journey with the “Atlas” pull to transform you home & furniture. 

(4) “Kesyia” pull – PullCast’s “Kesyia” inspiration was drawn from the uniquely uneven texture of pine tree bark. A distinguished furniture handle, made to enrich your modern designs.

(5)  “Karat” knob – The “Karat” design is extravagant in its modern form, yet draws from the same purity and uniqueness of a cut diamond.

(6). “Comb” knob – PullCast’s inspiration with this product was one of the most aesthetically pleasing sights in nature, the honeycomb phenomenon. PullCast’s “Comb” design showcases the angular perfection that bees form in nature with their honeycombs.

(7)  “Nouveau” pull – Immersed in modernity and fluidity, the “Nouveau” pull is inspired by the Art Nouveau époque.

(8) “Limb” pull – Driven by the nature cycles, PullCast shaped their “Limb” range to showcase the beauty of nature’s trees and branches. Designed to impress!

(9) “Natica” pull – “Natica” is a jewelry-inspired piece based on the unbelievable variation of sea life, one of nature’s gems.

Which PullCast luxury hardware design for cabinets & furniture is your favorite? Leave your top choice in the comments!

Brenda Bogart is a Dallas-based artist with a fascinating background. I had the opportunity to visit Brenda’s home to interview her and learn more about her artwork recently, and I was beyond impressed. Brenda has worked multiple careers over the decades, ranging from operating a children’s clothing business to working as an interior designer for decades before picking up a paintbrush in 2006. She is a testament that the artist inside doesn’t just fizzle out because you may be working in another profession but simply re-emerges in your life when the time is right. I had the opportunity to chat with Brenda Bogart on this particular topic and more as she welcomed me into her stunning home for this video interview. (You can watch the video at the end of this post.)

Brenda Bogart’s Artwork

“Big Al,” Oil on canvas, Brenda Bogart.

Brenda Bogart, collage (2013).

“Dictators and other dicks” series.  (Discussed in our video interview!)

From the “Peace,” “Patience,” “Kindness” collage trio, Brenda Bogart.

Brenda Bogart’s art forms include painting and collage primarily, which she executes with great creativity and precision. You’ll find that she does not shy away from controversial or political topics but rather tackles these difficult topics through her own creative perspective. Brenda Bogart has featured subject matters ranging from politics to current events and even history throughout her art career. My favorite works of Brenda’s are her collages which contain so many layers within the created image.

Brenda Bogart’s newly constructed home

A contemporary masterpiece

After watching my video interview with Brenda, I’m sure you’ll be convinced that Brenda’s home is just as interesting as her artwork. Brenda worked with seasoned architect Bentley Tibbs to convert her newly constructed home into a contemporary masterpiece. Tibbs’ attention to detail is evident throughout Brenda’s home, with architectural gems featured in each homeroom. Brenda’s background in interior design takes her home to the next level with her curated selection of art and sculptures around the home. Look closely at the video to catch all of the amazing design features. I absolutely love how Brenda installed a sculpture on her oversized kitchen island; such a nice design surprise that I don’t typically see!

Visiting the home of Brenda Bogart.

It was truly an honor to interview Brenda Bogart and tour her newly renovated home for this project. I was incredibly encouraged to hear Brenda share her life story about starting her career as an artist later in life. If anyone out there is looking for encouragement to resume their artistry seriously, let Brenda Bogart’s story be an encouragement to you. She has built a thriving career as an artist after working in 2 other careers while pushing the envelope with innovative ideas. Brenda Bogart is certainly an artist worthy of our Artist Spotlight. You can visit the Blue Print Store in Dallas (exclusively) to purchase an original Brenda Bogart piece to add to your art collection.

“Ring around the Rosie,” Oil on canvas, Brenda Bogart.“

Brenda Bogart collage art on display – from the Blue Print Store.

To keep up with Brenda Bogart‘s latest artwork and upcoming events, follow her on Instagram. Also, be sure to stay up to date on Blue Print Store’s art shows for an opportunity to catch Brenda Bogart’s artwork in person. You can learn more about the BluePrint Store here, where I tour the store for myself. I hope you enjoy Brenda Bogart’s artwork as much as I do! Watch our video interview and home tour below:

For more artist interviews, browse the Interiors by Jacquin “Artist Spotlight” series!

Brighten up your space with a warm, vibrant hue.

If you perceive to decorate with orange as difficult, then this blog post is a great opportunity to change your mind. The color orange is very versatile and always adds the perfect pop of color. The key is pairing orange with the right colors and in the right proportions. See for yourself how to decorate with orange to transform a room design.

7 Ways to Decorate with Orange.

1. Mix orange with purple

Orange actually works well with several colors. One of the more unusual color palettes worth trying are orange and pink. This atypical color combination is sure to turn heads, especially for those wanting to make a bold statement with their decor!

2. A pop of orange with white

Pairing orange with white simplifies the process of finding the perfect color palette to pair with orange… and this color combination always looks fresh and contemporary!

3. Decorate with an orange rug!

Choosing a rug with a pop of orange is a low-maintenance way of giving orange a try at home. If you aren’t ready to commit to an entirely orange accent wall, or if you’re feeling nervous about an orange upholstered piece of furniture, you’ll find that a rug with orange tones will be a welcome addition to add warmth to your space.

4. Be bold with an orange sofa!

If you want to go full bold, then having a piece of furniture upholstered in a luxe orange fabric will meet your design needs. I suggest a rich fabric choice like velvet or linen for your orange sofa. Your sofa will definitely become a conversation starter!

5. Pink and orange are fab!

Orange and pink together is another fun color combination that adds a youthful touch to a space. This House Beautiful bedroom shows how this color palette can add a fresh perspective to your home.

6. Paint an orange accent wall

Choosing a specific space in your home to paint an orange accent wall can be very gratifying. I actually had a deep orange accent wall in my previous living room for years and received so many compliments. It was an unexpected yet sophisticated addition alongside my decor and furniture.

7. Decorate with an orange arm chair!

Lastly, an orange arm chair is a high-impact purchase for your home or office’s decor. This addition will add a bold punch to your space, without the commitment of an entirely orange sofa or accent wall. An orange arm chair is almost always a stylish addition!

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I am excited to present a new blog series with the custom home building company Jaava Homes in Southlake, TX, a suburb of Dallas. The company has truly impressed me with its professionalism, attention to detail, and high-end finishes. Curious about what is involved when you decide to build a custom home? Throughout this series, I will be sharing their insider information and expertise on what to expect and look out for during the home building and home renovation process, in addition to featuring Jaava Homes projects from beginning to end. I will be showcasing their luxury home designs and getting you excited about updates you can make to your own home and future custom build.

Today I’m interviewing Jaava Homes owner and partner Arianne Chaisson and learning more about their company’s custom home and renovation clients. Additionally, we’re delving into one of their current renovation projects that are on its way to the finish line.

What is Jaava Homes’ mission when it comes to working with clients?

We want to build the best quality home or remodel that meets our clients’ vision, timeline, and budget. For most of our clients, we recognize that this is the single largest purchase they will make in their lives, and we want them to feel secure in trusting us with their investment. We want our clients to wake up in the morning and find their serenity, peace, and joy in their homes.

Inevitably, we will encounter issues on the project; however, we do our best to communicate regularly with our clients, make sure they understand the construction process and provide input into solving issues. We have been so fortunate to have built our client’s dream homes!

Owner Arianne Chaisson with partner & co-owner Jeremey Chaisson and home building expert Jeremy Craft.

Behind the scenes at Jaava Home’s recent renovation project.

How did you decide on the name Jaava Homes?

The name Jaava is the combination of one of our partner’s two kids – Ava and Jacob. The idea behind the name is to build something meaningful for the future of our families and our client’s families.

What is your process when remodeling a family’s home?

We like to go slow to go fast – what that means is that we take the time upfront to understand the scope of work, the client’s budget, and timeline. Each of our clients has a unique project – whether it be budget, schedule, or style. We need to listen, then provide feedback to exceed expectations.

^{Jaava Homes is also creating a dream outdoor living & kitchen area for this client.}

What’s next for Jaava Homes this year?

We are fortunate to have several projects in flight! We have several build jobs and remodel/additions in flight. The project we’re all the most excited over is our new project in Bella Crossing. Gorgeous ~1acre lots, all custom-built homes starting at $600,000. The area is absolutely gorgeous! It’s 15 minutes outside of downtown Fort Worth and major shopping with rolling hills, gorgeous natural stone, and wildflowers! To boot, in the Aledo, Texas school division!

How do you manage quality assurance?

We manage quality leveraging multiple mechanisms. Quality to us encompasses a variety of factors – materials and laborers inclusive. On the material side, there are so many options in the marketplace today. We lean heavily on our suppliers, including our plumbing, HVAC, window/door manufacturers, etc. to understand the advantages of one material over another – not just paying attention to cost, but rather the full 360-degree view of cost, quality, how to install, laborers certified, timeline, etc. Further, we tour as many manufacturing plants as possible to understand how each material itself is manufactured.

Our primary method is leveraging trades that we have worked with that we know address quality issues quickly on the labor side. Further, we have trade meetings upfront to ensure that when multiple trades are needed (like installing a steam shower where we need a plumber, electrician, and tiler), we have a group meeting upfront to ensure that we don’t miss any manufacturer specifications. We have honed down our trade base for this very reason.

Further, if we are using a new trade or a new material, we will have an independent trade or inspector verify the work performed has been to specification.

What is your favorite stage of the home building or remodeling process?

That’s so hard! Each member of our team may have a different answer! I absolutely love the entire process – but I would say the beginning and the end! From discussing the plan to selecting materials and then seeing that vision/dream realized!

^{Jaava Homes looks forward to building your dream home! P.S. I’ve joined Jaava Homes as part of their decorating team.}

Stay tuned! You’ll see how this specific home renovation progresses from its halfway point to the last, finishing touch during this series. You also won’t want to miss the unveiling of some of Jaava Homes other custom-built homes designed by her team from the ground up, which have stunning, luxury finishes! This will be an educational series full of great information for those of you interested in pursuing a custom home, not to mention filled with unique and impressive finishes that may be new to you.

If you’d like to move forward with your own custom-built home or renovation project, contact Jaava Homes to get started. They also have newly built homes available for sale throughout North Texas with the same luxury finishes and innovative building techniques their company is known for.

^{Photo credit: Yaaboaa Hollingsworth}

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