If you, like many of us, are suffering through sub-zero temperatures right now, then allow this the warm, floral-focused blog post take you away to warmer thoughts. Floral designer Mary Pinson is from Montgomery, Alabama (now based in Georgia) where she cultivated an interest in celebrating often, entertaining thoughtfully, and doing so with the warm addition of flowers. Mary defines herself as a dreamer, and I must say that her imaginative approach toward floral design certainly gives her arrangements a dreamy quality. Her taste for fashion, art, and music provide constant influence on both her work and personal life. Get a taste of Mary Pinson’s design style as we peruse some of her recent work and accomplishments.

Design is what truly sparks Mary’s soul. Over the years Mary has used her imaginative design style (and flair for events) to transform a range of special occasions both formal and informal. Mary is especially inspired when creating arrangements with touches of gold, which happens to be her favorite color and the perfect addition to elegant floral displays.

You’ll also find Mary getting involved in her local community when she isn’t working on floral designs for clients. I love that Mary recently collaborated with organization More Precious Movement, which helps young women boost their confidence and learn that they are more precious than jewels. Mary guided the More Precious Movement participants in creating floral crowns, representing the organizations mission to help young women find their worth in God, not the world, and to passionately live out their purpose.

In addition to Mary’s love of flowers and design, she also enjoys hosting friends & family for dinner, drinks, and laughs. Above you’ll find the tablescape from Mary’s recent Tuscan inspired dinner party at home. Below are a few highlights from some of Mary’s other hosting occasions. Fresh flowers truly make every gathering even better!

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Visit Mary’s website at www.MaryPinson.com to schedule Mary’s floral designs for your next event. Mary creates custom floral arrangements for clients in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and New York.

There is still time to host an outdoor meal for you and friends! Seize the moment and invite your friends for a lovely evening outdoors for food and drinks. I love to mix things up with al fresco dining, and one of the nice things about moving your party outdoors is the opportunity to choose your setting/venue. This go round I decided to host my al fresco dinner at a local park overlooking a lake. I packed up my necessities and prepared to create a stylish ambiance for relaxing outdoors. See how it all turned out in my video below, with my tips for hosting a chic meal outdoors. Thank you to Modern Luxury Interiors Texas for sharing this fabulous outing in their August magazine edition.

We’ve prepared a video with 4 great tips for al fresco dining at the end of this post, but I’ll give you a teaser here. Try decorating your outdoor tablescape with fresh cut fruit for a vibrant and fresh look. It adds a chic touch to your outdoor dining space, plus it’s easy and inexpensive!

Styling by the Interiors by Jacquin team with Jacquin Headen, Stephanie Cornell, and Paula Esguerra

Tips for Al Fresco Dining – VIDEO

European architecture firm, Archifocus, recreated the vivid and powerful colours of Arabia for one of the city’s most anticipated restaurants in Podgorica, Montenegro. Under the direction of architect Dijana Zoric, Archifocus firm executes a truly unique restaurant design with eye-catching global flare. Dijana Zoric’s original design work transports you to a exotic location as you dine in luxury. We had the opportunity to interview Djana Zoric to learn more about her design approach for this exotic restaurant, Mazaya Arabic Restaurant & Bar. 

A vibrant ambience has been created in the new Arabic restaurant Mazaya in Podgorica. In every corner of this beautiful interior, a special story is told through the intricate carved walls, the artistic ceiling, enchanting chandeliers, luxurious wallpaper and exotic furniture. Dijana was challenged to create a space that is both dominantly minimalistic, yet also sumptuous and luxurious with a rich palette of colours, flavors and fragrances. In the architecture field we consider this eclectic, a design style that Dijana has mastered expertly.

Eclectic design style, while deeply interesting, can be a bit trickier to achieve. When you are dealing with an eclectic look, you must think of the space you are working on as a blank, white box and have the complete image of your future design in your head, all the time. Otherwise, you would make a busy and distracting space full of different styles without order. Through an interview I found out that designer Dijana Zoric had no problem applying her knowledge and free spirit on this project, and that her initial inspiration starts with traveling.

‘’Ten years ago I worked as a student of architecture in Syria and Jordan. The experiences and impressions of this close encounter with Arab culture served as my main inspiration for creating this restaurant design. The aim of the project was to document the atmosphere of the Far East, transfer heat and color from their culture, bold spices, and aesthetic into a completely different space. So at the outset, I examined my photos from that trip, absorbing each color and shape, and then left the rest of my designing to spontaneity and creativity, eventually landing on the restaurant’s final appearance,’’ said Dijana Zoric, founder of Archifocus.

For an authentic Arab environment, Dijana began with retro, mood lighting showcasing the shapes and patterns of Arabia. Dijana’s chandelier selection is the focal point in this Arabic design, and it was positioned specifically to dominate the space. The main lighting is dim and adjusted as needed, while candles are used as decorative details. 

In Arabic art & design one of the most common elements you’ll find is the use of Islamic art, so of course this restaurant would not be complete without this addition. While the world of Arabic art & design is vast, for this restaurant Dijana focused on the use of arabesque, a drawing style with repetition of geometric shapes traditional to Islamic art. You’ll notice the addition of arabesque as a decorative element at the bars, as well as on the flooring and custom wall carvings. In my opinion, the best expression of Islamic art in this space is certainly the ceramic art, which displays the highest level of designer creativity.

Designers always react differently to the overall look of a completed space, and that is something we all expect impatiently, so I asked Dijana how she felt after the exciting grand opening.

‘’The first day after the restaurant opening, when I accompanied my friends to breakfast, it was very touching and emotional for me. Everything was like fairytale, all the colors, scents, music, smiles on the people faces, while just sitting there and enjoying the view.  Materializing the idea is always a special moment, yet I often question whether I could do better, wondering what I would change, add, or take away. I am my greatest critic, but I am pleased with this project because I managed to create an atmosphere that is warm, eclectic and arouses positive emotions,’ ’said Dijana. I agree that this impressive restaurant design is something to be truly proud of.

Dijana accomplished her goals of creating a warm, comfortable, and inviting space while maintaining a sophisticated look for this business. A restaurant’s interior design (or the design of any type of public business) has a dramatic impact on the type of guests the business attracts, making it so important for designers and business owners to keep in mind the needs and wishes of their customer base when designing the physical space. Dijana suggests that ensuring the space is functional and adaptable for multiple business purposes is key, as well as selecting high-quality, sturdy materials that will withstand visiting customers throughout the years.

Learn more about Dijana Zoric and her team’s work at ArchiFocus.

Changing up the scene and taking you to the East Coast, I’ve traveled to New York City to bring you all a taste of the Concrete Jungle, where dreams are made! Being born and raised in New York and taking many trips to the city, I never truly understood the magic it has to offer. It was not until I was older that I appreciated the art inspiration and the “hustle and bustle” of the city. Walking around and soaking in all of the designs everywhere I go from people’s fashion, buildings architecture, or street art outside a pizzeria, everywhere you look is truly magical.

There is a special feeling you get in New York City when watching the buzz of NYC’s most stylish residents running to their next meetings, calling for taxis, and being trendsetters all at the same time. One of my favorite things to do is look at everyone’s fashion sense as they walk down the streets. There is a lot of simplicity in New Yorkers’ streetwear, but you’ll also see many unique fashion prints year round. There is so much inspiration throughout this great city!

In Hell’s Kitchen, NYC I captured this marvelous street art of a man and a woman eating dinner. This painting truly captures New York City and the urban street art that is all around. I love the combination of colors and how it pops from miles away. This was displayed outside of a restaurant and definitely attracted many customers, (like me!)

I headed over to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) to get some design inspiration. All around there was incredible paintings that would act as great wall décor in your home.  As I headed to the museum there was a work of art parked on the street that I had to capture with a picture and show you all! This convertible with European license plate was painted and decorated inspired by the Amalfi Coast. The intricate detailing and props in the trunk were truly beautiful, and such an inspiration for the summertime. Who knew a car could make you want to travel to Europe in a heartbeat!

One of my favorite pieces of art that was in the MOMA was this sculpture from artist Frank Stella, which he describes as a painting, construction, or whatever you imagine it to be. It was created in 1984 and it was inspired by an Italian fairytale. The 3-D effect and pops of color make it so unique. Incorporating sculptures or paintings similar to Stella’s work in the MOMA can give any room a modern- European look!

See below some of the most eye-catching pieces of art that I captured as I toured the MOMA.

And for a taste of NYC street style, here are a few things that caught my eye. 

Headed to NYC anytime soon? Don’t miss the chance to visit New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). You won’t be disappointed. And while you’re in the neighborhood taking in the NYC sites, people watching and taking in the local street style is always a free activity that will leave you inspired. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the tail end of their summer! I am back with a brand new Fashion meets Interiors post featuring creator, host, and fashion blogger Nneka Elliott, whose foundation is based in her Caribbean roots. Nneka infuses Caribbean style and culture throughout her blog and personal style, bringing Caribbean heritage to her life in America. Meet Nneka and explore how she styles an original outfit based on this vibrant interior design and wall art by Leah Bartholomew.

I’m a long time tv news girl, with an island soul, chasing my dreams as a host, actor and content creator. I blog about my life as a woman on screen and the things that help me shine on camera. All the clothes, beauty/hair products and lifestyle tips that work for me. I recently quit the news biz after more than a decade of reporting and anchoring in Toronto, Canada. As such my style has also transitioned to be less conservative. I’d describe my personal style now as classic with a side of island chic.

That’s why I felt most drawn to this particular design photo. The botanical feel of Leah Bartholomew’s art work gave me a slight island vibe. The leaves, the citrusy vibrant colours. I could definitely see myself hosting an episode of my online lifestyle talk show in this room! I often talk about the intersectionality that is my identity as a Canadian woman of Caribbean descent (St.Vincent & the Grenadines & Trinidad to be specific.) I’m getting a bit of that dual identity when I look at this room. The artwork juxtaposed with the more neutral, classic tones in the furniture and decor.

I pulled out the least prominent colour in the room, which is the orange (my favourite colour) and made it the dominant colour in my outfit.  I paired some comfy wide leg trousers with a hieroglyphic patterned tank from Caribbean designer Fashion is Payne. Then I threw on a faux suede moto jacket to tie in the pinks/blush in the painting and the texture of the couch. I recently got the african print clutch from a black owned pop up market. I really wanted to add a tiny bit of the electric blue from the painting, plus I love orange and navy. So it was a no brainer really. I love outfits that are multidimensional and represent who I am and this room provided the perfect opportunity to do so!

SHOP THE LOOK!

• TANK TOP: FASHION IS PAYNE
• ORANGE WIDE LEGGED TROUSER: ASOS (SIMILAR  PAIR)
• BLUSH FAUX SUEDE MOTO JACKET: MEMBERS ONLY
• BRACELET: MISACH JEWELRY
• TWO-TONED WEDGE SANDALS : CHINESE LAUNDRY
• AFRICAN PRINT CLUTCH: (Similar)

Thank you, Nneka for sharing your eclectic and colorful style with us. This outfit is perfect for the summertime, can be transformed from a business meeting to a night out on the town!

Be sure to follow Nneka Elliot on Instagram and Twitter @nnekaelliott and on Facebook. Go to her blog for more great content. For more of Interiors by Jacquin “Fashion meets Interiors” features click here!

 

There is still time left to do some crafting this summer! This Shibori tie-dye tutorial is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and create something. As seen in the August 2018 edition of Modern Luxury Interiors Texas magazine (page 16-17), here is the step-by-step tutorial for creating your own Shibori tye-dye napkins. If you’re new to Shibori, it’s a Japanese process of dying fabric by using special folding techniques to create patterns. I’ll show you how… 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Gather your materials – Soda Ash, Indigo dye powder, Natural twine/rope, 2 Large buckets, Protective gloves, and a set of 100% cotton white napkins. You will also need clothespins to hang your wet Shibori creations to dry. 

Step 2: Fill 2 large buckets with water. One bucket will be to wet your folded cotton napkin before dying. The second bucket will have the indigo dye added and will be your bucket of dye.

Step 3: Prep your indigo dye solution. This indigo solution will need to sit for at least 30 minutes before using. (You may also use Rit dye in “denim blue” for an easy option, although not the same as the natural indigo.) Please use instructions for mixing your dye bath with soda ash as provided on your indigo dye instructions. For people using Rit dye, you will not need soda ash at all. 

Step 4: Fold your napkins into your desired design. I have provided a folding tutorial video at the bottom of this post for creating 4 different patterns in your napkin. You can also try your own abstract ways of folding your white cotton napkins.

Step 5: Once you have determined how you will fold your napkins then you will need to use the twine to wrap and hold in place your folds. The twine will create a resist pattern in your finished napkins as well, so using twine adds another added abstract feature to your designs. 

Step 6: Now you’re ready to get started! Wet your folded cotton napkin in your bucket of warm water first and wring it out gently.

Step 7: Dip your damp folded napkin into the indigo dye bath and leave inside the solution for a minute or two. When you pull out your napkin gently wring it out again.

Step 8: Rinse your dyed napkin with a hose. (This is another great reason to work outdoors.) Lastly, carefully cut away all of your twine from the folded napkin.

Step 9: Gently unfold your completed napkin and then hang it to dry. Afterward wash and dry your napkins to complete the process. Now you’re ready to decorate your next tablescape with Shibori tie-dye napkins!

Remember to RINSE your Shibori creations after dyeing, and before you hang your cotton napkins to dry. For additional guidance on folding your Shibori napkin into a pattern, watch the brief video below with instructions on creating 4 different Shibori patterns with your folded napkins. We are so pleased with how our cotton napkins turned out! We hope you enjoy your Shibori creations as well! 

 

Have you been struggling with your coffee table décor? There are many options to choose from, but sometimes the best option may be the simplest one. Coffee Table Books. Oversized, usually hardcover and deluxe editions that are meant for people to interact with while they look at photographs and learn from them. They are everywhere you look, from stores like Anthropologie, on Amazon, at that amazing art gallery gift shop, and perhaps even your home, stored in a box from an old housewarming gift. Don’t miss out on the enjoyment of coffee table books in your home!  

They are meant to be enjoyed, that’s why they are all about the visuals. Definitely not a heavy read where you spend tons of time figuring out what each sentence means, instead they are a little side dish to inspire conversation and accompany your coffee.

Here are a few of our favorites! Take a look and decide for yourself which genre of coffee table book suits your style.

Bosphorus is a region of Turkey where you can find  incredible people, delicious food and a culture rich in history due to being a crossroad between Europe and Asia.

 

Fred Samuel was a jeweler famous for transforming original drawings by Jean Cocteau into glowing jewels. This book takes you through the history of his impressive brand and how it become an icon.

Luxury of Space is a recopilation of Oberto Gili’s work. He captures quiet moments and basic needs as the fundamental moments of human existence.

Château Life, presents to you the best of the french culinary expertise including how to set your table and sixty recipes for all occasions.

  

When Art Meets Design, helps as a guide if you’re restoring and decorating your home. Artist Hunt Slonem’s introduces you to his work and illustrates how to combine antiques, fabrics and artwork.

There’s a perfect Coffee Table Book out there for everyone. From music, dance, architecture, cooking, landscapes, entertaining, travel and even coffee table books dedicated to specific themes, you just need to look for them, and rest  assure, you’ll find the perfect one for your coffee table.

Photos by Assouline

Coffee table books will compliment your space by adding a touch of your own personal aesthetic and by being an excellent conversation starter . And you can be certain you’ll be complimented by your guests. If you are looking for a way to take your home décor to the next level, don’t think it anymore and go find your perfect Coffee Table Book.