Curate My Life Posts

Cafe Table Roundup!

Apr 20, 2018 No Comments

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!

A Dark and Classy Upgrade: The Cane Chair

Mar 01, 2018 No Comments

By: Danielle Clockel

Photography courtesy of Danielle Clockel for Balance Design.

We have a special fondness for giving new life to vintage and salvaged furniture. When we saw this rattan chair at a local shop, it was cushion-less and unpainted, but in beautiful condition. We loved the wingback silhouette and abundance of parallel lines, and knew with a little work it would be a perfect fit for our current Modern Gothic collection. We chose Studio Green by Farrow and Ball (an inky, almost-black green that changes slightly depending on the light) to add a little elegance and mystery, and created a custom seat cushion with lacy detail. In the end, the Cane Chair went from a bohemian staple to a sophisticated accent that would be at home amongst a variety of styles. Are you in love yet? We have two of these beauties available for purchase at the Balance Design studio! Come by and see them in person.

Runway Inspired Looks From NY Fashion Week

Feb 23, 2018 No Comments

By: The Balance Design Team

Designers in this season’s New York Fashion Week pulled out all the stops with their collections, presenting daring looks that have inspired us to rethink the status quo. If you’re looking to break away from the same old home designs, keep reading — we got you.

Artisan Graphics

The miner uniform inspired pieces in Gabriella Hearst’s ready to wear collection have so much life and story behind them that they are anything but drab. Many of these are hand-stitched in her home country of Uruguay, and focus on form and pattern. We are reminded of one of our constant sources of inspiration: interior designer Justina Blakeney. Both women celebrate strength through bold, graphic patterns, and have a global influence in their work that translates to unique and meaningful pieces.

Modern Swan

The Modern Swan, as Blue Carreon coined this season’s trend, is polished and grown up without being boring. We connected with Brandon Maxwell’s ready to wear collection, designed during a time where he “creatively, clear-headedly blossomed.” Smart lines, radiant hues, tailored but feminine with a touch of retro. We love this concept in the home as well, with uncomplicated silhouettes, plush fabrics, and saturated colors. So so fashionable.

Pretty Masculine

Several designers went for a feminine take on masculine style this fashion week, giving menswear a sexy, womanly edge. In interior design, we see this in the move away from mid century modern lines and towards more romantic and curvy shapes. The hourglass figure of this petite bench, for example, softens the masculinity of the wood grain and tweed upholstery.

Neutral Textures

An absence of color doesn’t have to mean a lack of interest. Neutral, monochromatic color palettes bring focus to materials and textures whether you’re layering a massive scarf over a sweater or a throw blanket over a duvet. Mixing stonewashed linen with sumptuous velvet and topping it off with unfinished natural wood creates a sensory experience that just begs to be caressed.

Wild Animal

Sometimes animal print can be a little much, but we are LOVING the use of animal motifs! Incorporating the animal, versus just its print, brings the drama with a level of whimsy we don’t often see in high fashion and modern design. Paired with bold color, this is a look that brings personality out of any piece.

Historical influence. Focus on the senses. Challenging gender. Celebration of nature. All this and more was on parade during fashion week, and we are here with an enthusiastic “YES!” Bringing dramatic fashion statements into your home isn’t as intimidating as it might seem. Find your favorite style and make it your own!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry! A Collection of Delightful Dishes.

Feb 02, 2018 No Comments

By: Danielle Clockel

Incorporating a curated and collected look in our designs is a priority we hold very dear. It’s what gives a home character, tells the story of the people who live there, and creates a truly unique and meaningful space. But this doesn’t just apply to large pieces of furniture; even your everyday china can be a source of wonderment and pride.

Marble and antique brass: is there anything more classically beautiful? A pairing like this makes a late afternoon snack as special as a gourmet French brunch.

We love the hand-painted look of these plates against natural materials. Bold colors can be less intimidating and easier to incorporate when used in small doses. Can you imagine this beautiful set proudly on display in a neutral kitchen?

Gathering pieces from different places and combining them is what makes a collection one of a kind. This black and white serving dish looks like it was made to go alongside this plate without being matchy-matchy. And those slender wooden spoons? We’re already imagining stirring our morning coffee lovingly with them.

We think people underestimate the power of a good tablecloth. Not the plastic-like, chipped, thrown-on textile of the kids’ table at family gatherings. We’re talking quality stonewashed linen like this deep dark masterpiece. This simple solid amps up the drama of lighter dishes and servingware, turning any meal into an experience on par with your favorite restaurant (decor-wise, that is — the food is up to you!).

In almost every culture around the world, sharing a meal is regarded as an act of love. We believe this applies to family, friends, significant others, and even yourself! What better way to enjoy your favorite food and drink than in a vessel you cherish?

A Lesson in Versatility: The Windsor Chair.

Jan 19, 2018 No Comments

By: Danielle Clockel

The Windsor chair is a timeless classic originating in 17th or 18th century England (its exact birth is a bit of a mystery). Rather than being limited by the trademark simple-yet-sturdy spokes, the chair’s design provides a canvas for a multitude of styles ranging from traditional to modern. Here’s some of our favorites:

A. Comb back Windsor chair from Hive Modern.
B. Round back Windsor chair from Matthew Hilton.
C. Windsor loveseat bench from Palette and Parlor.
D. Windsor lounge chair from Moving Mountains.
E. Windsor arm chair from Palecek.
F. Curved Windsor chair from Room and Board.

Consider incorporating an incarnation of the classic Windsor chair into your own home for a curated, collected look that transcends trends.