More Kitchen Talk: IKEA Kitchens

Image: IKEA kitchen unit featured in Living Etc.

So, yesterday was all about dream kitchens. DWR modular units that are made from high-end materials and that can be customized. There were some great comments about the expense of these units, and I thought I would continue the conversation by presenting some alternatives to the ultra-expensive dream kitchen.

While I still think that at times going high-end can save you money in the long run, it's also important to get real and offer options that meet everyone's budget. IKEA is so good at doing this, and offers some spectacular kitchen units. Their "Kitchens for Everyone" slogan holds true to their philosophy that design should be accessible and fit your individual needs. And with their 25 year warranty, these kitchens are also made to last.


Image: IKEA kitchen unit featured in Living Etc.

For a fraction of the cost of some of the more expensive kitchen collections out there, you can build your own kitchen using IKEA's 3D planning tools. While it may mean a little more work, IKEA kitchens are a wonderful way to create custom kitchen solutions without breaking the bank.





So, what do you think? If you were about to do a kitchen reno, would you shell out the extra expense for a little luxury and high-end materials, or opt for extra savings with some do-it-yourself know how?

Can't wait to hear from you!

DWR Kitchens

Do you ever find yourself leafing through issues of Living Etc. or Elle Decoration UK, looking at those amazing European kitchens? You know the ones I'm talking about - modern, sleek, and oh so beautiful.

Even though I live in an apartment, I still find myself dreaming of one of those kitchens. An amazing chef's kitchen, with a large island, zebra wood, that's sleek and sophisticated. And while those dreams may not come true for sometime, I thought that the new kitchen line from Design Within Reach came straight from my dreams.



With modular systems that can be customized for your needs and your budget, DWR's new kitchen line is fresh, functional and will truly make the kitchen the heart of the home.



The modular pieces in the kitchen collection are configurable and portable so that they can actually move with you! And in addition to the collection of kitchens islands and cabinets, DWR also has a new tabletop and accessories line that is full of beautifully crafted items for the home.



Uno Glasses are perfect for a casual dinner party. The set includes a unique glass for each guest.



I love this cream and sugar set. Simply beautiful.



The wood grain pattern in this chop block is amazing. Made from salvaged wood, the design actually aids in preventing warping over time.



If you enjoy cooking, you might like this new take on the recipe notebook. Lifestyle Books have pages for notes, room for pictures, and a place to plan future dinner parties. A fun way to keep track of your favorite dishes.



This Cedar Sake Vessel is made with techniques that have been practiced in Japan for more than a century. Cedar is bent into a vessel that naturally keeps cold sake cool and hot sake warm. A lovely addition to an intimate evening with friends.

I love how DWR's concept of modern living has extended into the kitchen - smart, functional pieces that will stay with you throughout your lifetime.

Happy Friday!

{ajuma, originally uploaded by Caravaggio Araki.}

Happy Friday! I hope you're getting ready for a relaxing and restful weekend. I will be recuperating from an early spring cold.

Before you get ready for the weekend, I had to share with you this piece by artist Delwin Kamara. The profile and colors are just beautiful. It's one of my absolute favorites.

Happy weekend to you!

NIC*FISH

I am really happy to share with you the work of Philadelphia-based fashion designer, Nicole Fisher. As you may know, I grew up just outside of the city and am a fan of all things Philly. Nicole's fashion line NIC*FISH features an innovative collection of beautiful silhouettes that can be transformed with a touch of imagination.



A technical designer for Free People, Nicole knows how to design clothing for women. The drapes and colors in her collection are sure to suit any woman, and her designs can be transformed. With a tie of a sash a single piece of clothing can be taken from day into evening wear.



Perfect for the urban fashionista, it's no wonder that Philadelphia socialites go to NIC*FISH when they're looking for something new and inspiring to wear.



This sea green jacket is so Michelle Obama - cool, collected and classic.



Drapes that are sure to make any woman look and feel beautiful.



Go from day to night - this tie dye shirt transforms into a mini dress for a night on the town.

See new designs from NIC*FISH right here.

New Bedding from Rubie Green!

Oooh la la! The new organic bedding collection from Rubie Green is a testament to how luxurious organic textiles can be. In prints from Rubie Green's fabric line and classic colors, including black, white, pink and buttery yellow, duvet covers and sheets from Rubie Green are sure to bring a touch of classic elegance to your bedroom.





The new collection features 300 thread-count organic cotton duvet covers, sheet sets, shams and bed skirts that are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. Being environmentally conscious never looked so good.





And while the bedding collection is stunning, I also can't get enough of these new photos by friend and photographer Patrick Cline. Keep your eye out for the Rubie Green Lookbook featuring more of Patrick's photos of this incredible bedding collection.

{Images from M.A. Belle}

Visions of Spring: Erin Petson

These illustrations by artist Erin Petson are the perfect vision of Spring.



I love the soft and delicate feeling behind each piece.



Spring days under an umbrella, enjoying the beauty of a new season - just perfect.



Visit Erin's shop right here, which includes more of her beautiful work and limited edition tees and tote bags.

Room & Board: Local and Sustainable Design

In my own life, I am working to live a more environmentally friendly life. While I love shopping for beautiful things (hence AphroChic), I always want to make sure that I'm buying responsibly and supporting environmental sustainability. To me, its part of my core philosophy of modern, soulful style - modern homes that not only include soulful decor, but a way of life that supports the soul.

Whether you live in the United States, or halfway around the world (from me), purchasing items that are made in your country or local community is one way to support environmental sustainability.

On a recent tour of Room & Board in San Francisco, I was introduced to the value R&B places on supporting domestic, family-owned companies. With a furniture collection that is 85-percent American-made, this expanding company is committed to offering high-quality furniture with an environmental focus.



A brother and sister team in Minnesota, a Philadelphia-based textile company, and a San Francisco lighting designer are just a few of the designers that Room & Board partners with.



Classics, like this Hutton Sofa are made in Virginia.





Organic pillows from Looolo are currently featured in the San Francisco store.



Hand-glazed porcelain from New York design studio KleinReid is featured throughout the store.



By partnering with these domestic companies, Room & Board is able to offset fuel emissions with shorter distances for delivery, and responsibly source materials like American walnut. Check out their environmental policies here.





Learn more about Room & Board's committment to the environment, and the incredible designers they partner with here and abroad. And of course, see more of what's new for 2009 right here. Enjoy!

Happy Spring!

Today is the first day of Spring. The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming and color is everywhere. As we say goodbye to Winter, it's time to bring some springtime into the home and these art prints from West Elm will definitely do the trick.

A picture wall with bright pops of color will have it feeling like Spring in no time. Here are some of my favorite pieces to bring a punch of style to your home.


Flag Print.


Multicolored Stripe.


Blackbird.


Dots.

Mix, match and bring Spring into your home. Find more colorful prints at West Elm.

Thank You League Magazine!

I want to thank The League Magazine for their feature article on AphroChic. You can read the article right here. Check it out!

Fun On The Floor

Started by UK interior designer Danielle Proud, Fun on the Floor is all about making floors fun again!



When you think about it, so much of your life is spent on the floor. Whether sitting in front of the TV, working on the computer, playing with your kids, or just hanging out with friends, good carpet is important and central to a comfortable environment. And with wall-to-wall carpet back in style, why shouldn't it also be fun?



Danielle truly has the right idea. Her love of carpet as a handcrafted luxury is partnered with style and patterns that fit today's modern interiors.



And while you're shopping for carpet, you will also fall in love with Fun on the Floor's interactive website. With a Lookbook that allows you to create and print your own interior design ideas, a carpet calculator for planning and fitting, a video tour of the Fun on the Floor house and plenty of tips, this site will have you mesmerized over the beauty of great flooring.



So, what are you waiting for? Start having fun on the floor right now!

A Dash of Color: FilzFelt

I love felt. This durable, sustainable and eco-friendly material can be used in so many places throughout the home, from pillows to the tabletop. Boston company FilzFelt has taken felt to a whole new level, in modern colors and shapes that are just plain fun.



Started just a year ago by two felt loving designers, Kelly Smith of etcetera media, and Traci Roloff of the design blog the girl in the green dress, FilzFelt integrates simple design, environmental materials and their passion for textiles.





With colors matched to the Pantone color system, you can get felt for the tabletop, floor, or even by the yard in dozens of fun hues including teal, magenta and sunny mimosa.



Visit FilzFelt for a dash of color and cool design.