Color Theory

Happy Monday! How about starting the week with some color inspiration? As I'm writing this, my morning coffee hasn't finished brewing...I need a jolt of something! Maybe bright pink, brilliant white, with a touch of green and orange can help?

This is the home of Kathy Dalwood, a talented artist and designer. Her sculptures and busts are absolutely fascinating and her interiors aren't too shabby either:)

This is the only way to start your day, no? 

Just Because

I'm not the romantic type, but even I am fawning over this photo. Read more about it at Poppytalk.
P.S. Sorry no Off-Beat Market, today. Mom duties call.

In My Head: Origami

Once Upon A Time

While in school, I remember making silly little origami sculptures. I never understood the point, so I soon forgot all about them. Recently, that has changed. I can't stop thinking about the art of origami and its simple beauty. There is something so profound about a sheet of paper coming to life with just a few folds. I love it!

My StandArt

We Heart It

Just to clarify, origami is a lot more than paper cranes. I've been exploring this ancient art and have discovered that there is a whole culture of origami artists. Some of their creations are mind-blowing. Me... I'm still trying to make a simple airplane that will actually fly!

We Heart It

Hanging Art and a Dream Home

Lonny Magazine

Today, I am all over the place! I am guest blogging on two sites. First, find me at Dirksen Dabbles; where I am sharing about hanging art on a small wall. This can feel like a challenge at times, but there are also many fun solutions.

Second, you can visit my dream home, at La Dolce Vita. This was so fun to put together and of course its a pretty eclectic place. What else would it be?

So for all of you visiting for the first time, thanks for stopping by:)

A Few Words Of Thanks.

Saint Cecilia Hotel (Photo by Carolina)

I had to sneak in another post to say thanks. First, I wanted to point out my beautiful new banner. I'm so excited about it!! A couple of months ago, I took down my old banner; because it didn't suite me anymore. Finally, I found something that represents me now. I want to thank one of my dearest friends, Sara Reeves of Pumpernickel Ink for her great work. How she managed to make sense of my ramblings, I'll never know!

Second, a quick thanks to Furnish.co.uk for including me on their favorite blog round-up . I still feel surprised and excited when I'm included in these lists with blogs that are so fabulous!

Soulful Retreat

Dreaming about this moody and sensual home, today. I love the black wood floors and dark walls. I imagine this to be a place that would inspire a great novel.

I had a jaw-dropping moment, when I saw this bathroom! The white marble and wood clad walls, oh my!

Via Yatzer

Off-Beat Market: Little Wren Pottery

Happy Friday, everyone. I'm back with another Off-beat Market shop. Hope you are enjoying these articles. I'd like to make them a regular thing. 

Today's find is Little Wren Pottery owned by Victoria Baker. She is a second generation potter and her love of this handmade artform, really shows.

(This color is so beautiful)

Personally, I LOVE pottery. All the variation in color and texture can be such a treat for the senses. Its also fascinating to think that these types of objects have been used since the beginning of mankind! Pottery seems to connect all people everywhere. How's thought for deep thinking on a Friday?! My hidden philosopher is showing again:)

Thanks Victoria for letting me share your beautiful work!

Check out her blog also for more lovely things

Colored to Perfection

(Adrian Briscoe photography)

Not much to say about this, except for WOW! Is it necessary to say much more?

Lunch in Milan

Next time I am lunching in Milan (which would be the first time), I will be sure to stop in on U Barba. With its warehouse feel and industrial furniture, I'm sure I will feel right at home:) 

via French by Design

P.S. I'm really loving this blog too!

Flying

If I could choose any superpower, it would definitely be the power of flight.

1. Anka Zhuravleva
2. Faith Erode: Heart Implode
3. Kateopolis
4. Ars Antigua
5. Nemoi Memo
6. Albertopveiga
7. Wet Behind The Ears
8. Luiza Rich

Off-Beat Market

 My love and fascination for chairs has been no secret on this blog. My other love is finding shopping sites that may be off the radar. You can imagine how excited I was when I found Sally Nencini's site, since it combines both! She has a bespoke upholstery shop based in London. Vintage chairs are given wonderful makeovers with very unique fabrics and details. 

 The "Come To Life" chair. Wow, this is my favorite! Talk about a statement piece.

Nencini's site also includes charming cushions and handmade toys. Check out her Etsy site here.

In My Head: Bookcase Mania

You know how you get the idea of liking something, and then you see it everywhere you look? That's me with fabulous bookcases, lately. While for most of my life, I didn't love open bookcases; now I can't get enough of them. Its inspiring to see the wealth of looks and ideas out there. These photos show that every case can as be unique as its owner.

via Simplypi

The Selby

Whether you actually READ this many books, is up to you. Hey, you don't have to tell anyone the truth!

Houzz: Inspiring Bookcases

The great light and comfy seating area is a bookworm's dream come true.

via That's So Cute

Ooh, I love this photo! Don't forget to use bookcases for art and collections too.

Conversion Charts

via on Pinterest

Ideally, I wish I could have a conversion chart for everything. 

Like how to convert the real world into a way my brain can understand it... Not sure where to find that.

But, at least I could have a fabulous chart for the kitchen! 

A Year of Journey

These days, one must fly

-but where to?

without wings, 

without a plane, 

to fly 

without doubt:

Steps have now passed by 

to no avail, 

they did not 

lift the feet

of the passenger. 

Pablo Neruda

January 11th marks the beginning of my new year. It is the anniversary of the passing of my Dad and the end of a very tumultuous year. In almost every sense, my life was turned upside down and inside out. In fact, I spent much of that time avoiding this blog; because I couldn't bring myself to express all that was going on.
Funny enough, I feel 2010 was a very difficult time for many, many people, not  just me. Because of that, I have spent ALOT of time soul searching and in prayer. I've been trying to answer the question, "Now what?"
One very good thing about trying times, is that you often come out of them stronger and more grounded. Thankfully, I feel that is true for me at this time.
So, why am I saying all this; you might ask. Partly, to explain where I was last year and partly to begin a new year of change.
I will be making changes to this blog that match the changes in my life. I am a very different person than when I first began Carolina Eclectic so I have to express different ideas.
I will still write about interior design, just in a slightly different manner. I will also write about art and explore where creativity comes from.
I want to understand how design can be used to express your true inner-self and to uplift your soul. Also, I have been allowing myself to branch out into other creative endeavors that I have always loved, but felt intimidated by. More on this later.
Another change I am making is to my secondary blog, Random Thoughts. I have ignored it even more than this one! The truth is, "Random Thoughts" was a sort of love letter to my Daddy. I wanted to post things I thought his eccentric sense of humor might enjoy, but because of his long illness; could not.
So, when he passed, my inspiration for it seemed to die too. I've decided to officially put it to rest. I'm going to leave it up, but I just don't know what to say anymore.
In its place, I began a Tumblr site. Taking a line from this poem, I called it "A Volar". Which means, "To take flight". That's what I hope to do this year. Soar with hope and newly found inspiration:) I really have been enjoying it! In it I can express my own eccentric ideas freely. If I could open up my mind for everyone to see, I think it would look like this site. So, stop on by if you like.
Okay, thanks for those of you who bothered to read all this and thanks to all of you who kept reading throughout such a tough year. I pray that 2011 will be brighter for all of you, too!
Love
Carolina

P.S. I will be taking tomorrow off. It is New Year's day, after all!