Decor Archives - Poppytalk

Arren Williams x Renwil Create Sculptural Decor

Jan Halvarson — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:13:24 +0000

Canadian interior designer, Arren Williams, has collaborated with Renwil, a Canadian art and home decor company on a new collection of sculptural decor featuring lighting, artwork, mirrors, rugs, and other decor accessories.

The collection which was launched in the fall of 2022 has a fresh and modern vibe, making it perfect for those looking to elevate their home decor.

Featuring a range of stylish and timeless pieces, including statement artwork, stunning lighting, and other accessories, there’s a mix of modern design and timeless elegance, whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a subtle accent to complete your space. I’m especially gravitating towards the unique-shaped ceramic lamps and vases and graphic-inspired rugs.

Available through the design trade and select retailers across North America. Click here to see more or ckeck out a few favorites below. Above photo from home of @pen_and_brick and @lairdkay.

All photos unless mentioned otherwise via arrenwilliams.com and renwil.com

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How To Make Home Your Happy Place

Jan Halvarson — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 07:28:34 +0000

A Book I Didn’t Know I Needed

Just when you thought the term Hygge was a passing trend from a few years back, Meik Wiking, the author of the million-copy bestseller, The Little Book of Hygge, and founder of the Research of Happiness Institute in Copenhagen is back in the book world to recommend, that Hygge is not only here to stay but as he explains, as in Denmark, how important the hygge lifestyle is there; making one consider, maybe we all could benefit from this concept in his newest book, My Hygge Home, How to Make Home Your Happy Place. A concept I don’t think any of us could deny to at least entertain. After starting this book, little did I know how much I actually really needed it.

The Importance of Hygge

Hygge is all about the art of creating a nice atmosphere, being with people we love, feeling safe, shielded from the world, where one can let their guard down and just be themselves; finding comfort and connection. Hygge is also about designing your home to have a positive impact on your wellbeing and shaping your living space to make it happen.

As Wiking explains, ‘It’s difficult to overstate how important Hygge is to the Danes and the Danish culture. The Danish obsession with hygge seems so ingrained in our cultural DNA and national values that to say you don’t care about it would be as much of a social faux pas in Denmark as it would be for a British person to say ‘I don’t think we should stay calm — I think we should freak out’ or an American saying, ‘I’ve been thinking lately about this freedom thing —and I’ve come to the conclusion that it is not for me”.

Homes are hygge headquarters to the Danes. Not only is it where we relax and recharge, home is also central to our social life in Denmark.

Wiking continues, “Whereas other countries have a culture of socializing predominantly in bars, restaurants and cafes, Danes prefer hjemmehygge (home hygge). Perhaps it is because going out in Denmark is relatively expensive or because Danes are typically introverted people and feel more comfortable in their own surroundings.”

Another consideration Wiking mentioned after one difficult day during the pandemic was, as the virus imposed things we couldn’t control, his girlfriend reminded him, “we always have control over how we approach things.” Adding that, “While we may live in a turbulent world, we can still make our homes a happy place.”

As a Scandinavian extrovert turned introvert after the pandemic happened, I get that and welcome the idea of making our home more of our happy place. Just these concepts alone make total sense, which intrigued me more into diving deeper into this way of life.

What Has the Greatest Impact On Your Happiness?

Pulling stats from the Happiness Research Institue, Wiking found some interesting information:

“73 per cent of the people who feel happy about their home, also feel happy in general but, more importantly, that 15 per cent of people’s overall happiness could be explained by their home or their satisfaction with it. Fifteen per cent might not sound like a lot, but think of how many factors have an impact on your happiness. Your relationships, health (especially mental health), your job, etc. It takes a lot to move a needle, so 15 per cent is a sizeable chunk.”

Wiking goes on to say, “Spaces and places definitely have a positive impact on our wellbeing. So to know we can improve our quality of life through changing the spaces around us, that we can design our happiness through that, and to paraphrase Winston Churchill, “we shape our homes and then they shape us.”

So how do we achieve hygge in our homes?

I’m not going to reveal all that is in the book, but there are a few key concepts that Wiking explains as a good starting point.

One doesn’t have to do a complete overall of their home interior/exterior to obtain a hygge feel (that would also just go against everything hygge is meant to be —to try to fix it all right away). But to start small, taking baby steps is a good place to start, and here are a few takeaways I think are the perfect way to begin.

The Architecture of Happiness Checklist:

Embrace the Nook

Everyone likes to feel safe. And what better way to feel cozy and safe in one’s home than to “Viking Proof a corner or nook to hang out in, so as not to worry about anyone sneaking up behind you while you’re working (not that anyone would), but it’s a human instinct to protect ourselves”, notes Wiking.

Consider Scale

We can all learn from human scale, as Wiking states taking a cue from Danish architect, Jan Gehl, who advises cities across the world on how to create liveable spaces, “No matter how much space you have at home, give your senses things to enjoy and think about how your surroundings are constructed to support how you want to live there.” For example, “plants add life, books offer exploration.” You wouldn’t feel comfortable in a space where furniture is too small and the room feels empty, equally, if the furniture is too large for a room and it’s crowded, then things feel stifled and restricting.

Add Softness

Creating a soft place to fall where one can curl up with a good book is “quality hygge hybernation”. Love this layering of mattresses (Princess and the Pea-style) we featured this past spring here on the blog for adding ultimate softness.

Keep a Stocked Pantry

Being prepared for any type of weather or situation (especially in the winter) is comforting. This is a fail-safe way to hygge and hunker down during events beyond our control. As Wiking notes, after canning and pickling a summer’s harvest, “Making summer last until Christmas is a pretty good recipe for happiness.”

Create Space for Privacy and Socialization

Creating space for both privacy and socialization is key for a hygge home outdoors. Places that are suited for social activities (like your front door area/entrance), and a place that is more private (like a backdoor or balcony for instance). Love these Kotalaavuts out of Finland for enjoying the outdoors hot or cold. Seems cozy.

I never realized how much in depth hygge can get, especially since I basically just touched the surface of this book.

For more inspiration and tips, check out this book (link below), a perfect companion for hitting the reset button in the New Year.

My Hygge Home, How to Make Home Your Happy Place.

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10 Cool Decorating Tricks for the Dorm

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:58:35 +0000

It’s that time of year when thoughts of back to school start to trickle in. Whether you’re decorating a dorm room or want a refresh in your own room, decorating them can be tricky, especially if they are small spaces. Well no worries, we’ve got you covered with 10 inspirational ideas on how to decorate your dorm room to make it cozy and efficient this upcoming year.

1. Inspiration Corner

Place a collage of mini art works, cards or pictures on the wall to form a little inspirational workspace. Collage kit here and here.

2. Cozy Shelf

Create a cozy ledge to make it feel more like home placing fave collections and momentos. Shelf found here.

3. Band Posters for Art

Local band posters make great art and can usually be found in local student college radio papers or stations. Posters found here.

4. Organize Aesthetically

Make those piles of things look organized and beautiful. Storage crates found here and here.

5. Glowy Nights

Go neon with a few blacklight posters and neon lights for a dreamy vibe. Posters found here, lights here and here.

6. By the Seaside

Display collected driftwood, river rocks or seashells, for a serene by-the-sea vibe for studying. Glass cylinders here.

7. Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Create an arch-shaped rainbow and enjoy it everyday without the rain. Make with washi tape or peel and stick decal found here.

8. Music, Plants + Art

Always a fun way to decorate a room and share your taste in music using album cover art, a few vinyls and some plants. Love this nook from @dilanmatallana. Note: Clothes rack found here.

@dilanmatallana i miss my room but here’s a little update #fyp ♬ pastel skies - Rook1e

9. Deck the Walls

Drape vines, string lights or garlands. Hang them from the ceiling, wrap them around columns and banisters or arrange them with other lights, or even potted plants for an extra leafy display. Faux vines from UO, $14.

10. Heaps of Pillows

Nothing says comfy more than a heap of pillows. Mix and match (loving stripes these days) and coordinate with wall art. Photo via Pinterest.

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Flea’s Succulent-Surrounded California Mid-Century Home

Jan Halvarson — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 04:41:01 +0000

Is there anything better than succulents and mid-century modern architecture? The Serulnic House designed by Richard Neutra, FAIA back in 1953 is the most stunning example. Part of a bigger compound that is up for sale, incidentally for $8.8 Million, the secondary home on the property, originally designed for Neutra’s secretary and her husband is set hilltop amongst a stunning 5.7 acre succulent garden in La Crescenta, California (a few miles out of L.A.).

The compound is currently owned by Michael Balzary, better known as Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers) and his designer wife, Melody Ehsani and although the main home on the compound designed by architect, Michael Maltzan for previous owner/artists, the Pittman Dowell residence, (in the early 2000’s), is stunning in itself, the original structure, The Serulnic House with it’s giant succulents is definitely a highlight.

With a 1,350 sq ft floor plan, the home features 2 bedrooms, one bath, walls of glass, a bear valley stone fireplace and a plethora of Neutra designed built-ins, including a sofa system with record player and concealed speakers, multiple desks, shelving systems, dining room table, sliding breakfast nook and vanity. The home opens up onto a flat grassy pad with stunning mountain and city skyline views throughout. The home is listed with RSR Real Estate out of Los Angeles. All images with permission via RSR Real Estate, unless otherwise stated.

Let’s take a look!

Here’s a few images of the original build (before succulent plant-life —circa 1956). Images via Ofhouses.com. (Photos: © Julius Shulman/Getty. Source: “Architectural Record Houses of 1956″, Mid-May 1956.) Illustration by Neutra via Artnet.

Click here for more images and info on the complete compound for sale, including the main Pittman Dowell building (as shown below). A special mention of the stunning view, courtyard and giant god’s eye on the adjacent terrace.

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Workspace Styles to Optimize Creativity and Focus

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 23:25:00 +0000

(Above photo by George and Willy). Have you ever wondered if the space you’re working in is helping or hindering your creativity? Is clutter getting in your way to thinking more clearly? Are you constantly being interrupted by people knocking on your door when you’re trying to work? Or maybe you’re even unaware of that humming air conditioner in the background is affecting your productivity. Recently I tuned into one of my favourite podcasts, (The Huberman Lab), that addressed all of those issues and offered up science-based solutions to optimize your workspace for productivity, creativity and focus and I thought it would be fun to visualize a few key takeaways. (As a side, if you get a chance, I highly recommend you tune in to the podcast or any of the Huberman Lab’s podcasts actually, where the Stanford University tenured professor of neurobiology and opthamology, Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life). I’ve learned so much from it!

Huberman breaks up a 24 hour day into three phases. And explains how workspaces should be set up for optimal success. Let’s take a look!

Phase I

The first part of one’s day (from waking up to 9 hours later), Huberman calls Phase I. According to studies mentioned on the podcast, this part of a work day is a great time for detailed analytical work. To create a space that will help you focus, Huberman advises our cognition follows our visual environment and working in a lower ceiling space with bright overhead lights and in addition, a blue light or a ring light in front of you is optimal for this period. Making special note that restricting one’s visual window (blocking your view right and left) and placing what you’re trying to focus on at nose level or above also helps. A special note to avoid reclining and try standing at least 50% of the time. The above two photos from design studio, George and Willy demonstrate this well by creating enclosed workspaces that allow for privacy as well as offering overhead lighting. Fun fact: George and Willy offer a free e-book on how to make these adorable workspace huts on their website if you’re interested. Click here for the link.

Budget tip: Huberman also suggests if budget is an issue, you might be able to create this effect just as well by simply wearing a hoodie. A great tip especially if you’re working or studying in an open environment.

Phase II

If creativity or abstract thinking is the plan, Phase II, (8 to 16 hours after waking), is apparently a good time for these types of activities. Huberman mentions that working in an environment with cathedral-style or high ceilings has been proven to be most effective to get the creative juices flowing. Bringing the light levels down to eye level, dimming the overhead lighting, and turning off the ring light (if you use one) a little later in the day, will help also with adjusting your circadian clock for your upcoming night’s sleep.

(Above) The workspace at Boston’s Autodesk designed by Utile organizes work space around a signature “Glowing Box” wrapped in a 34-color gradient that houses meeting and conference spaces. Focusing on maximizing light and views through the deep floor plates, the team provided a variety of flexible working, collaboration, and meeting spaces. A must-see if you need workspace inspiration.

If you’re trying to create or brainstorm at home, Huberman suggests a high-ceiling type environment, like this loft space from The Nordic Barnhouse Project we featured earlier (above) or similarly (below), a high ceiling home office from architecture firm, Finkernagel Ross and their Belgravia Mews Project.

Budget Tip: You could also head outdoors if the space you’re in isn’t working for you and inspiration is at a standstill. Huberman also added that stepping outside at least for 5 minutes in between working sessions and getting some sunlight is a great way to activate the brain and body

Phase III

If you happen to work during Phase III (evening hours), according to Dr. Huberman, lighting is the most important element. He suggests lighting should be dim (including your screens) and limited though, as one could basically deplete their melatonin levels and shift their circadian clock at that time of day. In other words, if you are burning the midnight oil and do stay up between the hours of 6am to 2am (or later) and are getting bright light into your eyes in the third phase, you are effectively flying to a different time zone.

Huberman does state however if you do want to stay alert, then you’ll want to turn on all the lights and keep them really bright. You have to determine the trade off that is getting work done versus shifting your clock. Maybe okay if you’re a student and cramming for an exam once in a while, or if you do shift work and need to stay awake. But there’s definitely a trade-off to consider obviously.

Huberman also mentions sound can increase your level of alertness and suggests trying to avoid white, pink or brown noise for extended periods of time. And if you are going to pursue particular levels of sound frequencies, he suggests 40 Hz binaural beats (not monaural beats) done during a particular work bout or 30 minutes prior to that work bout. But cautions not to use them everyday as it may lose it’s potency.

There are so many other variables as well that go into creating productivity and focus in your workspace like leveraging background noise, the angle at which you are looking at your screen during different times of the day and even how you can deflect interruptions at your workspace, so if you are interested, I would definitely check out Huberman Lab’s podcast.

Thanks for reading!

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9 Outdoor Space Ideas Inspired by IKEA Stylists

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 06:28:00 +0000

1. Made in the Shade

(Above) Love this lean-to shade that offers small space versatility.

2. A Plant Oasis

A space that feels connected to nature and gives a feeling of well-being.

3. Accent Flooring

Floor decking is a quick and versatile ways to update a small space

4. Create Outdoor Rooms

Love the idea of splitting up areas like rooms

5. Pergola Love

Bamboo poles on top of a pergola help with shade and end up being great for hanging lights

6. Create Ambiance

Lighting and sheer curtains create ambiance and a bit of privacy

7. Movie Night

Create a drive-in movie feel by watching a flick outdoors. Don’t forget the bug net

8. No Patio No Problem

Turn a backdoor stoop into an oasis with a cozy spot to dine al fresco

9. A BBQ Station

Make a BBQ station with a few planter pots and utensil bars.

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10+ DIYS + Hacks from IKEA’s Stylists

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:35:00 +0000

1. DIY Bureau Goes Old School

Turn a RAST dresser into an old filing cabinet look. I would love to see this in it’s original pine.

Click here for the how-to.

2. Give Your Dresser New Life

A MALM dresser gets a new look using fabric. Click here for the video

3. Industrial to Elegant

A HYLLIS Shelf gets an upgrade with a little help from some paint and mesh board.

4. Upgrade Your Plates

Create unique tableware from your white plates using ceramic paints.

Click here for more info.

5. IVAR Folding Screen

We’ve seen this concept before with the IVAR dressers. Turn IVAR end frames into a folding screen.

Click here for the how-to.

6. Summer Fresh Still Lifes

Preserve your favourite flowers in vases or frames.

Click here.

7. Centre Stage

By placing the carpet in the centre of the room, it creates a lighter, spacious feel.

More info here.

8. Sheets Become Curtains

Recycle sheets into curtains, with this simple idea.

More info here.

9. Joy Division

Create a new space by dividing a room using fabric attached to the ceiling.

More info here.

10. Make a Sofa

Add an upholstered cushion and pillows to make a new nook.

More info here.

11. DIY Personal Light Loop

Lights, photos, clothespins!

Click here to see

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10 Inspiring Home Workspace Ideas from IKEA’s Stylists

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:13:00 +0000

1. Wardrobe Workspace
(Above and below). This workspace neatly tucked into this KLEPPSTAD wardrobe is really clever. Includes a perfect fitted MICKE desk and SKADIS pegboard.

2. Shelf Desk
The EKBY ALEX shelf with drawers works perfectly for a small space where you can just pull up a chair and turn it into a desk.

3. Bedroom + Workspace
Also loving this idea of adding a mini flexible workspace to a bedroom with this idea using IVAR’s fold-up desk and locker-esque combo. Via Livet Hemma.

4. Bar Table/Desk
A kitchen office is a do-able option with this bar-style dining table which can become a stand/sit desk. NORRAKER bar table.

5. Kitchen Office
A gateleg table opens up to create a quick desk in the kitchen too. Also could be an island for food prep.

6. Under a Stairwell
If your stairwell has an opening underneath (Harry Potter-style), this option looks rather cozy. HEMNES desk.

7. In Front of a Credenza
Set a temporary desk in front of a shelving or credenza (works for us). IVAR cabinets with MELLTORP table.

8. The Corner Office
Cozy up to a corner in a bedroom or a closet This space does double-duty as a vanity. HILVER table.

9. Set Up Shop in a Hallway
This galley idea is rather easy to make happen. I think a simple black and white theme is a way of keeping things nice and minimal too.

10. Flex Space
I know someone who’s using part of our living room right now for a home office. This option of two tables together could be helpful when it’s time for dinner so we’re not having to clear it off each night to eat.

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18 Liberating Decorating Tricks from Real Life Surfers

Jan Halvarson — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 03:59:00 +0000

This past weekend we stopped by our local public library and on one of the floors in the staff picks section, I happened upon a book, Surf Shacks; An eclectic compilation of creative surfer’s homes from coast to coast and overseas by Indoek, a surf-centric blog run through ITAL/C and published by the folks at Gestalten. Published back in 2017, the book covers apartments to bungalows from New York to Bondi Beach, visiting homes of some of Indoek’s favorite people in the creative surf community. Browsing through, I felt a pull, back to a simpler time in our life, and in this day and age of such pre-meditated and staged images, I sensed a spark of realness and freshness that I’ve so missed, and think perhaps some of you might too? In many of the homes, the idea of living smaller and simpler was not only refreshing, like one of the surfers featured, Nick LaVecchia said, “it is the most liberating thing you can do”.

With that in mind, one activity that I’ve always loved doing when browsing through books and interior magazines is looking for decorating tricks that I could adopt and in sharing a bit of a comradery with these surfers, it beckoned me back to what’s important, just being happy wherever you hang your hat. A novel idea? In fact, since we already live in quite a small space, this book has inspired me to accept all the little flaws our 70s townhome has, and maybe make the best of what we already have, rather than waiting to tile with that perfect tile, or cover the flooring with that perfect wood. I long for this realness again. How about you? Let’s take a look!

(Above: Home of Mathew Olerio and Joanna Zamora \ Photo @readmckendree)

1. Custom Concrete Countertops
Designed and built by San Francisco artist, Jay Nelson for owners Jess Bianchi and Milia Grace Mau (some of you may know Milia’s beautiful jewelry), we love how they created a custom concrete countertop in this artful crafted remote Hawaiian home. Home of Jess and Malia Bianchi | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone

2. Pinned Canvas Curtains
From the above-mentioned home of Jess Bianchi and Milia Grace Mau, love the canvas tent feel that the pinned fabric gives to the space. Both up in the loft and down below in the living area. Home of Jess and Malia Bianchi | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone

3. Matchy Matchy
That photo and those lamps go together like peanut butter and jam. Sometimes matchy matchy doesn’t work, but in this corner it’s a yes from me. Home of Mark Wiesmayr and Eileen Peters | Photo Matt Titone – @mtitone

4. Surf Table
Also, if you surf, this is authentic. If not, but want it? Then display it like you mean it. Home of Brian Bent | Photo @paulnemirahcollins

5. Hang Art Like an Artist
Think gallery but not perfect. Home of Colin Tunstall | Photo Drew Innis @drewinnis.

6. No Rug, No Problem!
Use a cool blanket. Home of Hiromi Matsubara | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone.

7. Mix Old and New
Eclectic things can totally go together. Home of Jake Burghart and Meredith Danluck | Photo @readmckendree.

8. Create a Photo Series
A collection of photos that you’ve personally taken, or love is a great way to make a space one’s own. Home of Jake Burghart and Meredith Danluck | Photo @readmckendree.

9. Jars of Collected Sea Glass and Shells
A stand out way to display collected sea glass and shells. Home of Jeff Yokoyama | Photo @readmckendree.

10. Polaroid Wall
An old idea, but still a good idea. Home of Jeff Yokoyama | Photo @readmckendree.

11. Cubbies
The perfect way to display or not display. I kind of like them minimalist empty. Home of Mason St Peter | Photo Matt Titone @mtitone

12. At the Right Level
Take note of the ceiling height and where to hang art, pulling the eye in, creates the illusion that everything is on the regular. Home of Matt LeBlan | Photo Mark Wiesmayr @marksurfsbig.

13. Outside the End Table Box
Love this cause we used to do this. Grab an outdoor folding stool to hold books and all of a sudden it becomes a makeshift end table with an edge. Home of Matthew Olerio and Joanna Zamora | Photo @readmckendree.

14. Kitchen Shelf Love
Lots of different types of shelves here, but somehow it magically works thanks to the white and wood. home of Mikey DeTemple | Photo Drew Innes @drewinnis.

15. Wicker Mix
Mix it up with different colours of wickers; from dining room, to living room, to lights, and then even the rug. Home of Raimana Van Bastolaer | Photo Ron Thomson @stopbreathing.

16. Plants and Weaves
All you need is love with some plants and some weaves. Home of Ryan Lovelace | Photo @willadlerphotographs.

17. Hang On
Hammocks don’t have to always be outdoors, and neither to skateboards. Home of Ty Williams | Photo Nick Lavecchia @nick_lavecchia .

18. Trim It
Not sure what I like better; that green trim or the surfboard. Whichever, they both really go together. Home of Ty Williams | Photo Nick Lavecchia @nick_lavecchia

Surf Shacks; An eclectic compilation of creative surfer’s homes from coast to coast and overseas by Indoek, published through Gestalten.

“Living smaller and simpler is no doubt the most liberating thing you can do. Free up more time to live.”
—Nick LaVecchia

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3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

Jan Halvarson — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 23:50:00 +0000

This post is in partnership with Society6. Society6 recently added wallpapers and murals to their product family which are printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels that are easy to stick on and off without messing up your walls.

In our final installment of our series, “3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts”, we chose a mural which makes us feel like we’re right in the middle of a spaghetti western. Joshua Tree / California Desert by Adventure Awaits was an obvious choice for us, since Joshua Tree is on our must-see list of places to go. And, pssst! I think this one just might be my favourite.

And like we mentioned in our previous post, we’ve styled this latest mural three different ways. An entryway, a workspace and a living space. With these murals it’s easy to cover an entire wall, just line the panels up and stick them on. If you’re wishing to know how we installed them, please visit our first post from this series where we explain the process by clicking here. And if you wish to remove them, they’re easy to peel off too, leaving no sticky residue behind. The other thing that’s good to know is that their murals and wallpaper are all washable, just use mild soap and water.
So let’s take a look at our three spaces, shall we?

The Entryway
I love this mural for an entryway. It makes you feel like you’re on some sort of movie set or something. It think it would also make a fun photobooth backdrop. Can’t wait to dig up some western gear and maybe host a party soon!

The Workspace
This paper could be fun to style into a workspace also. I totally would love this in my work area. It feels like you’re working outdoors (and in a warm spot)!

So what do you think? Which space did you prefer the mural in? Which was your favourite mural in the series?

To be honest, there are so many beautiful wallpapers and murals at Society6 it was hard to even just pick these three. As I was installing and hanging them, I thought what fun they would be in a dorm setting too. And no problem to remove once you finish the year (just remember to save the backing papers to store again)!

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3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

Jan Halvarson — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 23:33:00 +0000

This post is in partnership with Society6. Society6 recently added wallpapers and murals to their product family which are printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels that are easy to stick on and off without messing up your walls.

Continuing with our series, “3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts”, today we’re sharing the next mural we picked, OK by Anna Dorfman. Anna (whom many of you may remember), is from the much-loved blog, Door Sixteen. She’s also a book designer based in New Mexico via New York, and we’ve always been a fan of her style. Her OK Mural, I thought, would be the perfect pick-me-up in our home studio, especially with our grey winters here in the Pacific Northwest.

Like our previous post, we’ve styled this mural three different ways. An entryway, a workspace and a living space. And I can’t tell you how much we are loving these self-adhesive wallpapers and murals. Like we mentioned before, permanent wallpaper can be a huge commitment, and because these ones from are removable, I wasn’t afraid to take the plunge. Applying them was super-easy, and even if I messed up, it was easy to remove what I had applied, re-adjust, and start again. The process was really, pretty simple and I was able to install on my own (although it’s always nice to have a helper), it really was no problem at all for one person.

If you’re wishing to know how we installed them, please visit our first post from this series where we explain the process by clicking here. It only took about one hour to install this 8’x8′ four panel mural. One thing I didn’t mention however in the previous post is that you really don’t have to worry about the bubbling up much at all. Because the paper is printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels (which is really quite thick and durable), the paper applies to the wall quite smoothly, making for a rather bubble-free application. And if it does bubble up, it easily disappears if you rub it with your hand.

So let’s take a look at our three spaces.

The Entryway
We’re feeling the “OK” vibe as soon as we walk in, do you? And pink, you know how we feel about pink. Everything about this space is making us happy.

The Workspace

Ok then! I think that tangerine/pink combo can invigorate our work week pretty easily! Love the way it contrasts so well with our furniture too.

The Living Space
This mural proves to work in any space. I think it could be a lot of fun to accessorize a room using the mural as a starting point. Imagine a rust coloured sofa, with more hues of pinks and tangerine. Yes!

So what do you think? Which space did you prefer the mural in? Stay tuned for Part 3 of our series of mural posts, which takes us in a whole other direction!

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3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

Jan Halvarson — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 19:56:00 +0000

This post is in partnership with Society6. Society6 recently added wallpapers and murals to their product family which are printed on self-adhesive woven polyester fabric panels that are easy to stick on and off without messing up your walls.

Murals have been around for centuries, with examples dating back to even Paleolithic times, and although the figurative paintings have been around for all of these years, it’s only in recent times have we seen them appearing in domestic interiors. Usually commissioning an artist to paint a mural was an activity exclusively for interiors of public buildings or the likes of castles or mansions, but with the introduction of wallpaper, murals have been appearing more and more in today’s homes.

What’s even more exciting is the newest technology, removable papers, making the approach to having an actual mural (or wallpaper design), available in any space, including rentals, more of a reality. So when Society6 asked us to create a few vignettes in our home studio using one of their latest products, self-adhesive wallpapers and murals, we were super excited to try them out and bring some real art into our space on a giant scale!

Permanent wallpaper can be a huge commitment, so we were keen to try out something that was easy to remove, making the task a little less daunting, and what we found out, super easy to do also! In fact, so easy, I was able to actually install the murals all by myself!

For this project we thought we’d break things down into something we’re calling “3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts”. There will be three posts, each one featuring one specific mural in three different space ideas in a mini-series of sorts. An entryway, a workspace atmosphere, and a living or dining room scene. We’re also going to show you how easy it is to make it all happen, from measuring to installing. So without further ado, let’s begin with Part 1!

3 Murals, 3 Spaces, 3 Parts

For our first mural we have chosen the Abstract Indigo Mountains by Jen Merli. For anyone who knows me personally I love the mountains, and I love indigo, so this combination in a watercolour abstract was really pulling me in.

Before we show you the other vignettes, first the installation.

Installation

You Will Need
– a ladder or chair
– a scissors and/or xacto knife for finishing
– a spatula for flattening out bubbles

Step 1 – Measure
Before we ordered, we measured out the spaces we wanted to cover. Although not always the case, many of the murals on Society6 are four panels in width (each measuring 2 feet wide x 8 feet high) or 8’x8′. Luckily we had a wall that is almost exactly that, so this measurement worked out perfectly. If your wall is not perfectly that specific size, measure any angles or areas out, and cut the mural to fit accordingly. Measure twice!

Step 2 – Prepare the Walls
Before applying, make sure your walls and floors are clean of any dust, debris or grease. Remove any light or power switch covers.

Step 3 – Lay Out the Panels
To begin we rolled out each of the panels to ensure the order to which they would be applied. This can be a little tricky if there is a lot of repetition, so again, measure twice. Let the panels lay out for about an hour or so to straighten out a bit and to keep from rolling up when you do start applying to the wall. Keep them flat by placing a clean heavy item on each end (I just used a few bowls).

Step 4 – Start to Apply
Begin to peel the top of the self-adhesive backing on the first panel. Carefully begin to apply the panel to the wall, starting from the top, slowly pulling down the backing behind the paper, and then using a spatula to push away any bubbles that might appear. Don’t panic if it doesn’t go on straight, the paper is strong enough and sticky enough to be pulled away from the wall and re-applied if needed.

Pro-tip: When matching the design from one panel to another, you might want to snip a little of the backing off the matching panel on the left hand side, making it easier to match up the corresponding design, from one panel to another. (See diagram below).

Step 5 – Finishing
To finish the installation, use the xacto knife to trim around any barriers such as plug-ins, light switches, etc. Then finish off with their applicable covers.

Like I said before, I found the installation to be rather easy, it just takes a bit of getting used to at first, but installing shouldn’t take more than an hour to install a four panel mural. See below for how we styled three different spaces using the Abstract Indigo Mountains Mural.

The Entryway
I love how this mural looks in an entryway. It really sets the stage for welcoming guests, with it’s gorgeous inky tones.

The Workspace
I think this mural really helps to get the creative juices flowing in a workspace. Blue is a colour that suggests peace and is apparently linked to calm, clarity and inner serenity, a perfect place to be to get down to work.

The Dining Room

Talk about adding ambience! Incorporate some drama into the dining experience with some colour and larger than life oomph! I love how this mural works in a dining space also. Add some beautiful lighting, and you’re set!

Which space did you prefer the mural in? Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series of mural posts, which takes us in a whole other direction!

In the meantime, visit Society6 and their wallpapers and murals collection for more styles and ideas!

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