Apr 20, 2018 No Comments

Curate My Life

Cafe Table Roundup!

By: Danielle Clockel

Wouldn’t we all love a nice big kitchen table to spread out and enjoy our meals at? Well sure! But let’s face it, square footage is precious, and not everyone has the space (or the need) for a full dining table. That’s where cafe tables come in — stylish little guys that provide an intimate and space-saving spot to eat in peace. Here are some of our favorites!

Photo courtesy of Pier1.

The classic French cafe table. Petite, timeless, versatile. Sip your morning coffee and nibble on a croissant at this tiny table and you’ll swear you were at a Paris pastry shop (Eiffel Tower not included).

Photo courtesy of Bernhardt.

This chairside table from Bernhardt would fit perfectly in a small breakfast nook for an elegant, slightly feminine touch.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Enoksson.

Not all cafe tables are dainty and soft. This terrazzo table is sturdy, modern, and 1,000% cool as heck.

Photo courtesy of World Market.

From warm summer to brisk autumn, if you have even the tiniest of patio or balcony space, consider nestling an outdoor cafe table in it for those mornings when the weather is just right (whatever that happens to be for you).

Whether you choose a cafe table for aesthetic reasons or spatial constraints, you have plenty of options to choose from in terms of style. From the classic French look to a modern steel and concrete assemblage, there’s a tiny table for every home!

Apr 13, 2018 No Comments

Learn it!

How To Mix Patterns Like a Pro!

By: The Balance Design Team

Our upcoming spring/summer collection is chock full of color and pattern, which is a fun way to mix and match some real statement makers. But where do you start when you want multiple patterns in one space? The possibilities are practically endless, but here are a few of our favorite combos.

Stripe and fret fabrics courtesy of Schumacher. Rug courtesy of Loloi.

Play with scale. Pair a large, bold pattern (like this super funky Manuel Canovas leaf print) with a couple of smaller, tighter patterns. Ground it all with thick, white-based stripes and you’ve got a mix that’s just wild enough.

Fabrics courtesy of Norwalk, Celerie Kemble, and Schumacher. Rug courtesy of Crate and Barrel.

Limiting your color palette to a few earthy tones gives you more freedom to play with pattern and texture, and can be more approachable to those of us who prefer sepia to Day Glo. Want a smart tweed with a sparkly fabric? Heck yes you can do that!

Black and white fabrics courtesy of Schuamcher and Kravet. Lilac and bouquet fabrics courtesy of Schumacher.

There’s something about stripes and florals that complement each other perfectly. Bold, graphic, black and white lines against delicate, illustrative tendrils gives you edge with a touch of softness. It’s the visual equivalent of “I’m cute, but also don’t mess with me.”

How do you take mixing masculine and feminine patterns to the next level? Involve color! Try a hard zig zag in a lovely gem tone (Schumacher sure knows how), or a delicate hand embroidery in a tough black and blue. (Pair with a luxe berry velvet for extra va-va-voom!)

When it comes to mixing patterns, we say don’t hold back! While these are some good ideas to get you started, the rules truly were made to be broken. Be as adventurous or reserved in your pattern play as you wish — in the end, it’s all about whatever makes your space authentically yours.

Apr 06, 2018 No Comments

On our Turf

Sneak Peek: Balance Design’s “Bright & Bold” Collection.

By: Danielle Clockel

It’s a color explosion! We’re in the thick of planning our 2018 spring/summer collection, and if you can’t tell, it’s all about color. Bright and bold, with influences from abroad as well as here in Atlanta, this warm weather season is going to exude ALL the positive energy at Balance Design! (Seriously, how can you frown in the presence of fuchsia embroidery?)

Stay tuned for more information about our artists, custom pieces, and open house date.

Mar 22, 2018 No Comments

Exterior Lovin'

Hello, Spring!

Primavera: a beautiful Italian word that translates to “spring!” With this beautiful season beginning to blossom, we’ve got some eye candy that is sure to motivate you to get outside and enjoy it!

Photos Courtesy of Almanac, Whats Gaby Cooking, Janus et Cie, Elle Decor, 500px, Lonny, and Love This Pic

Mar 16, 2018 No Comments

Learn it!

It’s Element-ary! How to Incorporate The Four Elements in Your Home.

By: Danielle Clockel

The four elements of earth, fire, air, and water were used by the ancient Greeks as a way to simplify life’s complexities. Nowadays, we often refer to them in terms of our personalities. For example, maybe you identify with the free-spirited nature of the wind, or are passionate and fierce like fire. Whichever one speaks to you, here are some ways to really get in your element at home.

Earth.

Photo courtesy of Femina.

Filling your home with plants is the best way to immerse yourself in earthy goodness. But what if you don’t have a green thumb? We love pressed plant art as a way for everyone to celebrate their earth element roots in a clean, modern way.

Fire.

Photo courtesy of Frerik Hylten-Cavallius.

There’s something so comfortingly primal about fire. Grand fireplaces and outdoor fire pits are amazing to gather around, but not everyone has the space for them. That’s not an issue for petite ethanol-burning stoves. These little guys are perfect for feisty spirits in any size abode, especially since they don’t produce smoke.

Air.

Photo courtesy of Studio KO.

This is an easy one: just open up! Open any doors and windows you can and get some air flowing through your home. That feel of a gentle, calm breeze — what can be better? How about standing amongst flowing sheer window panels like some sort of goddess? Yes, that.

Water.

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

Ceiling mounted rainwater shower heads. Floor inset soaking tubs. These are amazing ways to turn your morning (or evening) shower into a luxurious submersion, but what else? Match your floor and walls in a cool blue handmade tile to channel the experience of swimming through a beautiful lagoon every time you bathe.

Natural elements in the home, regardless of which specific one they reflect, make a space feel grounded, intentional, and authentic. And of course you can mix several elements in one room — whatever speaks to you!