VIVRE Summer Tablescape Giveaway!

{click on image for a larger view}

It's Summer time. Time for outdoor parties, alfresco meals, backyard barbecues and wonderful times spent with friends and family. To help you get ready for all of those summer bashes, AphroChic and the oh-so-stylish boutique VIVRE have come together to offer a Summer Tablescape Giveaway just for you!

So, what do you have to do to enter? It's so easy and so much fun, I know you're going to love it:
1. Flip through some of your glossies or online mags and select your favorite room.
2. Then, head over to VIVRE.com to select items for your summer tabletop.
3. Create a pretty little moodboard featuring your summer tablescape style, name it of course, and let us know your list of sources (see my moodboard above).
4. Finally, send your moodboard to aphrochicblog@yahoo.com, include your name and e-mail address and the subject: Summer Tablescape Giveaway.

Entries will be posted on the blog all this week, and at the end of the week you get to vote for your favorite. What will the lucky winner receive? Why, a $100 gift card from VIVRE to help you bring your summer style to life.

So, go on, get started. Is my inbox full yet?

Update: the giveaway has been extended until July 10th! Send your entries to aphrochicblog@yahoo.com.

Have A Lovely Weekend!

KleinReid has the most beautiful porcelain vases. This custom designed bud vase is made with a glaze that slowly runs and melts as the porcelain is being fired. The result is refreshing and simply poetic.

I hope you are preparing for a lovely and refreshing weekend. To help you get started, here is your weekly wrap-up:
- Style Talk with Nate Berkus.
- Custom screens from Frou-Frou & Claude.
- Dallas Shaw group art show this weekend in San Francisco.
- Mag Love: ARISE Magazine.

Remember, if you're in the Bay Area I'll see you tomorrow night at Stem. And come back Monday for a fun new giveaway just for you!

P.S. - you can now follow AphroChic on Twitter and share posts on your favorite social networking sites by clicking the share link in the comments section below.

{Image from Horne}

Mag Love: ARISE Magazine

There is a new magazine that I just cannot get enough of. ARISE, Africa's Global Style & Culture Magazine, is an unabashed look at fashion, music and culture from Africa that is shaping and adding to today's contemporary culture. "ARISE communicates the landmark success that Africans, and people of African descent, have achieved in fields as varied as music, fashion, business, and politics," says Nduka Obaigbena, Editor-in-Chief.



An amazing contribution to global style that continues to have an impact on contemporary fashion and decor, this large-format glossy has featured Alex Wek, Liya Kebede, Iman, and Nnenna Agba from America's Next Top Model.



The result, a truly beautiful publication full of some of the most inspiring articles on African culture, art, and politics I have ever seen. An absolute must-read, check out ARISE right here.

{Images from Arisemagazine.net}

Original Art: Upcoming Group Show at Stem

Tights Fashion Illustration by Dallas Shaw

If you live in the Bay Area, there is a fabulous group art show coming up this weekend at Stem in San Francisco. Featuring the work of Dallas Shaw, Leigh Bullard and Liz Ballard, on Saturday, June 27th from 5pm - 8pm you can enjoy yummy cupcakes by Batter Bakery and fabulous original art by these three ladies.


Lanvin 01 Art Print by Leigh Bullard


Summer by Liz Ballard

Keep a look out for me at the show. I'll definitely be there to check out what's new from Dallas, Leigh and Liz.

See you at Stem!

Frou-Frou & Claude

Sometimes it feels like unique finds are hard to come by. In the world of mass marketing it's always wonderful to find something completely new that can be customized to fit your individual style. That's why I love these luxury screens from Frou-Frou & Claude.



Recently launched in the UK, designer Shelley McDonald's upholstered screens are sure to make a statement in your home. Perfect for setting aside some private space in a guest bedroom, a little nook in the nursery, or for cornering off a home office, I absolutely love the classic look of these screens.



The fun part begins in picking your own upholstery to customize your screen. Recommended fabric stockists include Designer's Guild, Liberty Fabrics, and Neisha Crosland.



So, now that you're in love, I know you want to know where you can get your custom Frou-Frou and Claude screen. Well, the good news is screens are shipped worldwide, and if you live in central London your custom screen can be couriered straight to your door! Now that's luxury.

Take a look at Frou-Frou & Claude's collection right here.

Style Talk With Nate Berkus

Photographer: Carter Berg

Name: Nate Berkus
Place: Chicago, IL
Design Firm: Nate Berkus Associates

I am so excited to bring you today's Style Talk Interview with Nate Berkus! It's not every day that you get to interview one of America's top interior designers and someone who has had such a major influence on your own interior design philosophy. I first fell in love with Nate when he made over a small space on Oprah. Since that time he has been featured everywhere from Elle Decor to Domino, and has produced collections for Linen N Things and now the Home Shopping Network. I had the opportunity to ask Nate about what inspires him as an interior designer and his new line for HSN.

Tell us about your design philosophy.
Make your home your own. Whether that means traditional or mod, you owe it to yourself to outfit your space with what you love and what makes you comfortable.



How does your design philosophy translate into the rooms you create?
I spend quite a bit of time getting to know my client as well as their families. Do they have pets? Do they travel? What are their hobbies? I want to hear it all. It’s the only way for me to do my job. I know exactly what I’d do in the space if I were moving in, but that isn’t the point. I’m not making their home for me to live in. It’s for them and it needs to rise up to greet them each time they walk through the door.

Can you give AphroChic readers an example of a room that embodies these ideas?
In my own home, it’s my den. It’s filled with stacks of books. I love to read and have two comfy couches for plenty of seating for when friends come over for Thai take-out and movies.



How did you discover your own personal style and voice in the world of interior design?
To me it’s an evolution. As I experience new places or people, I find new inspiration or new passions that work their way into my home. As we change, so do our homes, or at least they should. I look back to my first place and what I loved then and see only small touches of that in my place today. That’s the beauty of home. It’s a mirror for where we are at this moment.

What do you think the importance of interior design is today, and how do you see it playing a role in the larger context of people’s lives?
We all want to live beautifully. That doesn’t mean more money or high end. Just living well, in a home that welcomes us. And, why shouldn’t we? We spend so much time in our homes. We create our best memories there. Home is where we get our start.



What inspired your new line for HSN?
I travel. I read. All of that inspiration makes its way into my products. And, I thought of what I wanted. What pillows did I want on my couch right now? What types of sheets do I love? I’m my best customer!

How did today’s current recession fit into your ideas for this new line?
I have always wanted what I design to be the right value for my fans. So, I just maintained that same focus for my line of products sold on HSN.



Your new line for HSN has a lot of cultural influences. How does global style fit into the collection?
People tell themselves that if they like one style everything in their home needs to fall within that look. To me that’s creating a theme, not a feeling. Liking traditional doesn’t mean you can’t put out an Ikat frame. Or a country look doesn’t mean that you can’t bring home something from a flea market that’s a bit mod. It’s just about balance. Follow your heart and just choose what you love.



Tell us about your unique partnership with Cotton Made in Africa.
I wanted my towels to feel luxe, but I wanted them to work. Great towels are always 100% cotton. So, I asked the team if there were differences in the cotton. That spurred a great idea to use my towel for a great cause. First, we found the style and look that we liked and then we sourced the cotton from the Cotton Made in Africa Fair Trade group.





As one of the world’s top designers, you’ve already accomplished so much. What is it that you feel keeps you motivated and inspired going forward?
It’s simple. I love what I do. And, I get just as much inspiration from the process of working with others as I do spending time on my own interiors. Doing what I do is a true gift.

What can we expect to see next from Nate Berkus?
I keep dreaming up new items to add to my current line. So, stay tuned.



Any tips for readers on how they can make their home a soulful space?
Get to know yourself and make sure that space reflects who you are.

Thank you so much Nate for sharing your thoughts and vision with AphroChic readers! To see more of Nate's new collection for HSN click here. Super stylish, everything in the collection retails for under $500. You are going to love it!

{Images from Nate Berkus Home Decor for HSN.com}

Met Home Showhouse This Weekend

So, I just had to drop in to let you know about a must-go-to event this weekend. Metropolitan Home just opened their Modern By Design showhouse this week here in San Francisco. An amazing 7,700 square foot Pacific Heights home has been renovated by some of the country's most sough-after designers, including Martha Angus and Phillip Parton, David Oldroyd & Greg Stewart of ODADA, MinDay, Jiun Ho, Gary Hutton, Jay Jeffers, Dowling Kimm Studios, Nicole Hollis, Erin Martin, Sand Studios, Steven Miller, and Surfacedesign.



Here is just a peak at some of the amazing designs you are going to see in this showhouse.



With a new interpretation of modern design, this home shows how modern style can be met with eco-friendly materials, the latest in technology, and also be a warm and inviting space for contemporary living.



The end result - a space that is glamorous, innovative, and completely livable.

If you are in San Francisco, or if you will be visiting some time in the next few weeks, you can order tickets to view this incredible show space right here. Proceeds will benefit The San Francisco Ballet.

Have fun!

Day of Rest

living room 3, originally uploaded by AphroChic.

So, sometimes the best laid plans can go awry. I had a wonderful week of posts set for you, plus a special surprise, but that will all have to wait until next week. I am unfortunately very sick this week, and am going to have to take some time away from the blog to get some rest per my doctor's and hubby's orders.

I wish you all a wonderful week. And if you're looking for some fantastic design inspiration, take a look at some of the blogs on the blog roll and visit AphroChic's archives. It's full of wonderful and inspiring posts to keep you going.

See you next week. I hope to be a lot healthier.

Stay Tuned...

Horoscope Marie Claire, originally uploaded by Agata Raczyńska.

I'm taking a bit of a blogging break today. I am working on a very big post for tomorrow. I promise you won't want to miss it. See you tomorrow!

And The Winner Is....

Congratulations Amanda L! This print will look perfect with that new West Elm duvet. I hope you enjoy it. To get your canvas sent to you, please e-mail your name and address to aphrochicblog@yahoo.com.

Thank you All Modern for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway and to everyone who participated! Results can be seen at random.org.

Happy Weekend!

Lady: An Amazing Group Art Show

Lady show poster, originally uploaded by samlovesherdog.

If you are lucky enough to live in New York City, then you must free up your calendar for Lady-A Group Show tomorrow night. Four absolutely amazing women, Leigh Bullard, Christina Entcheva, Samantha Hahn, and Dallas Shaw will be showing off their wonderful work at Charles Nolan.

You can RSVP right here. And if you're like me, and won't be in the city this weekend, take a peak at some of the work that will be featured right here.

If you can make it, say hi to Dallas and Sam for me! I love these ladies.

Mag Love: BHG Remodeling Tips

I was so happy to receive an e-mail from Better Homes and Gardens about a new feature on their website. Chocked full of ideas on how to remodel your home without breaking the bank, for those who are moving or who are just looking for a few key ways to make improvements at home, you are going to love this!

Features include low-cost updates that will add value to your home, remodeling projects that you can take on yourself, and even some staging tricks for those lucky enough to be able to sell in this market.

Some of my favorite low-cost tips from their website: Making a change with throw pillows. When you're strapped for cash but would like an easy update, do it with throw pillows (see photo above). It's cheaper than buying a whole new set of furniture, and can give your home a new feel in just one day!



Accentuate the architecture in your home. If you have crown molding, high ceilings, or a focal point like a fireplace don't let those details go to waste.



Go with multi-functional spaces. The open-shelving in this kitchen can be used to store dishware or highlight your favorite collection of Heath Ceramics.



Don't hide the hardwood. Unfortunately I don't have hardwood floors here in San Francisco, but if you do, don't hide those hardwood floors under wall-to-wall carpet. They can be a fabulous feature in your home, can help cut down on allergens and vacuuming, and with some refinishing those old hardwood floors can really shine.

Check out BHG.com for more remodeling tips. And let us know in the comment section some tips of your own for low-cost renovations.

Today is the last day to enter the All Modern Giveaway. The giveaway closes at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, June 11th. Enter now!

{Images and tips from Better Homes and Gardens}

Original Art: Made By Girl

You all know the wonderful Jennifer Ramos from Made By Girl. Her cards and prints are absolutely lovely, and have been featured in Living Etc. and Real Living magazine to name a few.

Bright, colorful and with attention-grabbing graphics and typography, Made By Girl prints are chic, original, and fun, fun, fun.



I Love Hue is an ode to color in the home.



This Love Print looks so good in lemony yellow.



I can't get enough of the eye-catching typography in this ABC Love Print.



Jen's perfect patterns stand out in a simple frame.

Made By Girl silkscreen prints will not only be a colorful addition to your home, but you will also love the environmental statement you make by purchasing prints made on recycled or post consumer paper.

See more Made By Girl designs right here.

{Images from Made By Girl}

a.carpet

There are some companies that grab you from the very beginning. Their innovation, philosophy, and their products literally have you at "hello". That's how I feel about Swedish rug design company, a-carpet. Founded by two fabulous women, Charlotta and Anna Lande, a-carpet offers hand-tufted natural wool carpets that are designed by you - yes, you, the client!

What an exciting endeavor, and the results are absolutely amazing. One of my new favorites is their National Geographic Rug. Part of the Sirocco designer collection, this would look fabulous in the home of a globe trekker.





a-carpet partners with some of the hippest designers and interior decorators to come up with some of the most original designs. And as always, customization is key, so you can select the color and size that best fits your needs.

Located in Stockholm, visit their retailers page to find a stockist in your country.

Don't forget to enter to win the All Modern Giveaway.

All Modern Giveaway!!!

River Rock

Hello lovers of modern decor! I am happy to bring you a very special giveaway this week. All Modern is giving away one Inhabit stretched wall art piece (a $63 value) to one lucky AphroChic reader!

If you love Inhabit as much as I do, then I know you will be sure to enter this fab giveaway. Created by husband and wife team Jennifer and Mike Tuttle, Inhabit Living combines modern design, unique palettes and an organic feel that blends seamlessly with the modern furniture and decor in your home. Their collections are designed with the modern home in mind, with perfect accent pieces including their line of stretched wall art. And Jennifer and Mike have taken their company one step further by offering eco-friendly pieces, making your home a beautiful space that will provide you with peace of mind.

You can enter to win one of the many lovely stretched wall art canvases below, and visit All Modern to view more.


Foliage Aqua


Field Grass Amber


Pussy Willows


Brush

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below with your first name and last initial, and let us know you favorite canvas and why it would fit into your modern home. Giveaway entries will close on Thursday, June 11th at 11:59pm EST. All are welcome to enter, and you can submit a comment more than once. Winners will be chosen using random.org. Check back on Friday, June 12th to see if you won!

Thank you All Modern for this fabulous giveaway!

Anthropologie: Pretty In Pink

I don't know if you've visited lately, but Anthropologie is having a HUGE summer sale. From clothing to items for the home, I have found some of my favorite pieces marked down to prices that I can actually afford these days. One set that has been on my wish list for some time is the Phulkari Duvet and Euro Sham.


Phulkari Duvet


Phulkari Bolster at John Robshaw


Phulkari Euro Sham

This gorgeous bedding by textile guru John Robshaw is inspired by embroidery techniques in Punjabi. Beautifully pink with a diamond pattern and special embroidery, this Anthropologie.com exclusive is on my "must have" list.


John Robshaw Pink City Collection

And if you love what you see and want more, visit John Robshaw's website to view the Pink City Collection. I am in love!