Giveaway: ILIOS Jewellery (Modern Hand-painted Brass)

April 19, 2013

Giveaway: ILIOS Jewellery (Modern Hand-painted Brass)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED AND WHO HELPED SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL SHOP. CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO WON!

Yesterday you saw my lovely new earrings from ILIOS, and got to know the designer a little better. Now it's your turn to add the sweet sophistication of Kat's modern, geometric designs to your jewellery box. The best part is, the lucky winner gets to choose a piece from three designs:

HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

Visit Kat's Etsy shop, ILIOS, and take a look at her original designs. Pick a favorite and then leave a comment below, letting us know what you like best from her shop.

FOUR BONUS ENTRIES:

1. Follow Kat's shop, ILIOS. (You'll want to do this anyway, because Kat hopes to have four lines appealing to the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. The hand-painted brass pieces recall Fire with their brilliant gleam and warm colours. I can't wait to see what her soon-to-be-launched designs will look like, so I'm following ILIOS too!).

2. Pin one (or more) of Kat's designs to your favorite Pinterest board.

3. Let your friends and family know about this giveaway (via Twitter, Facebook, or over a cup of Joe).

4. Tell your friends and family about Kat's stunning shop!

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, letting us know what you did to enter (as well as a way to reach you if you win!).

Giveaway details:

This giveaway is open to anyone. Anonymous entries are welcome, but please include a way to reach you (preferably email). Contest closes Midnight EST, Thursday April 25th. The winner will be announced April 26th, so check back!! Winner will be chosen at random by random.org.

GOOD LUCK and have a lovely weekend!

P.S. Want to know Kat's favorite design at the moment? Her TOTEM earrings, because they are so eye-catching and such a good conversation-starter! The asymmetrical designs are especially fun.

New Jewels (For Me and You)

Tomorrow you'll have a chance to win a piece of jewellery from ILIOS!! Often companies and shops approach me with proposals for a giveaway, but I'm so smitten with ILIOS jewellery that I approached the designer and owner, Kat, to partner with me. I just knew you would love her modern aesthetic. Here's a peek at her handmade, geometric jewellery:

Given how beautiful these hand-painted and hand-cut brass earrings and necklaces are, you can imagine how excited I was to receive this in the mail:

I fell in love with these brass and mint green triangle earrings the minute I spotted them in the shop. I appreciate that each is hand-cut and hand-painted, plus I love how Kat's designs are modern and on-trend, but also quietly unique. I think her jewellery is the kind that will always look current and fresh.

It's not enough to show you the earrings in the box. You have to pretend you haven't seen me looking like this or this, because I want to show you how beautiful these earrings are on. The size is perfect: not too big but not too small - they have a great weight too, which I'm picky about because some statement earrings are too heavy to be comfortable. These feel great: light, but you can feel them move. They are also really smooth to the touch, which makes them exceptionally addictive to wear. I think they look stunning with hair up, but even with my long, straight dark hair worn all askew, the glint of these brass and mint beauties peeks through which is perfect, because so many earrings get lost in long hair.

When I asked Kat what inspires her, I was really moved by her answer:

I believe in the specialness of hand-painted objects, whether they are handmade cards, pieces of furniture, visual artwork, etc. When I began making jewelry, I noticed that there aren't a lot of hand-painted pieces of jewelry out there. I decided I wanted to bring that specialness into my designs. We live in a world so dominated by factory-made products, and I want to bring items to the world that have been touched with color by a human hand; bright, bold pieces that can be worn every day.

I also love being outdoors, especially during warm weather. I wanted to carry that feeling into my jewelry by using the angular shapes and bright colors one sees in bright, summer prints. This way, even when it's cold or dreary out, my pieces can remind me of warmth and sunlight.

I definitely get the feeling of warmth from her pieces. The name "Ilios" means "light" in Greek, and it's so fitting. The brass glows from within and the mint green is a perfect, summery shade (although the other colours she uses are also striking). I think these earrings will look great with colourful dresses in the summer, but also add a much-needed dose of cheeriness to my grey and black staples all winter long. Kat agrees!

My pieces are pretty versatile. I love pairing them with neutral palates, so that the color in my pieces really pops. But I also love the challenge of pairing bright tops with brilliantly colored earrings and necklaces. It makes a real statement! The geometric, slightly Southwestern look of my pieces works well with airy blouses and tees, but also pairs nicely with more feminine dresses and gives professional attire a bit of a more edgy, unique look.

Like her jewellery too? You'll feel a little flattered when you find out who Kat designs her jewellery for!

My first customer was myself (and even now, my goal is to make pieces that I love and believe in). People who, like me, love color, enjoy mixing and matching their wardrobe and try to step out of their homes every day looking unique are the women I'm thinking about as I design my pieces. I design for the creative, trendy professional with an artistic, intriguing side.

If this sounds like you (or someone you're shopping for), take a look at Kat's shop, ILIOS (there is even a spring sale on right now!). I guarantee one of her hand-painted brass necklaces or earrings will inject some warmth - and style - into your wardrobe. And check back tomorrow for our giveaway!

Treasure Hunting Report: When it Rains, it Pours

Did I will this to happen, or am I clairvoyant? Remember my post at the beginning of April, gleefully sharing my classifieds score: a vintage bar cart, found almost one year after announcing I wanted one? I joked that I'd probably find so many, because I have one now and (my) life is like that. I didn't find another bar cart, but I found a mid-century cabinet that fits the dining room so perfectly, that the bar cart has been displaced.

Please ignore Hubert the Hibiscus. He is very ill and I am trying to find him the sunniest spot.

I didn't think it was possible to find something narrow enough for the dining room. Although the traditional place would be under the painting, as you know there's no room so I thought a piece of furniture like this was out of the question. But this slim cabinet doesn't get in the way of chairs and because it is the exact length of the wall, looks like it was meant for this room.

This teak cabinet was purchased from the same seller who sold me the apricot tweed chair and ottoman.

The chair and ottoman were a great price and so was this unit, at $160. It's tough to find Ikea furniture for that price, let alone something mid-century (although it's still quite a few $20 bills leaving my wallet). My only issue was that it has been modified and the legs were added. I'm not surprised because the seller tinkers, but I was a little disappointed by the lack of full disclosure. She'd already moved it to her entryway when we arrived, so it was impossible to look under it in the cramped quarters. We didn't notice the alteration until we got it home and flipped it over to figure out why it wobbled (we fixed it!). Truthfully, at first I was peeved! But then Hubby and I decided we'd never find something in the perfect size with a clean-lined mid-century look, for that price, again. A little update shouldn't bug me, because I'm a furniture lover, not a furniture collector. I buy what I like (and can afford) and make it look as fabulous as possible in the townhouse. I don't tend to go ga-ga for famous designers and I don't want my house to look like a museum. Hubs and I want a fun, stylish place to call home but have time and money for living, instead of spending both questing for furniture. My Dad always says, "Do we live for the furniture, or does the furniture live for us?"

Now I have a perfect place to display my growing Iittala and turquoise glass collections (thanks Mom!), plus there's a handy surface for party snacks or buffet-style dinners. I'm so excited to have a new piece of furniture to style. I already have something up my sleeve . . .

And don't worry: the lovely bar cart has found a new home. It can still be easily wheeled into the dining room or living room for drinks and snacks, but is now a workhorse in the front hall. Although it snowed last week, I'm hopeful I can spray paint soon (this feels like the Dans le Townhouse motto).

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Last year I rounded up two DIY gift guides for Mother's Day (see here and here). This year I'm sharing some sweet ideas for what to buy Mom. It might seem a little early, but with so many great gifts available online, it makes sense to shop a little earlier to allow for shipping time.

I know few Moms who wouldn't love an all-for-her treat with thoughtful details, and jewellery fits the bill! A brass and hand painted necklace, in soft pink or black, is on-trend but casual enough to wear every day while mint green glass studs, handcrafted in Italy, are subtle but pretty (and cost $8.00!). A white ceramic watch seems kind of decadent, making it a perfect gift for a Mom who could use a little luxury in her everyday.

Overstock; Leperla Handmade Glass; Ilios

If Mom isn't enthusiastic about jewellery, something beautiful for the home is always a good idea. Although your Mom might love something practical (mine would), consider something she would buy for herself, but upgrade it a little, like a pretty Marimekko throw pillow, a hand-printed tea towel or a set of beautiful storage jars. These little luxuries, but things she will use and love, will brighten her day all year long.

LaKattun, Truly Swedish Design, EQ3

If you're worried about accidentally buying the same thing for Mom as someone else (like a sibling), turn to local vintage shops or Etsy to find a more unusual gift. Track down a hard to find item for Mom's collection, or buy a special show piece or set, like cheery fine vintage glassware, collectible Cathrineholm bowls or plates. Mom will appreciate not just the beautiful gift, but the time you took to find something quirky and different, just for her. Bonus points if it's something sentimental from her childhood.

Minden; Luola; A Living Space

A perennial favorite gift to give: artwork!! Etsy is chock full of beautiful paintings and fun prints. Find a quote from a movie you both love, or a painting that reminds Mom of you.

Hair Brained Schemes

Elizabeth Mayville

Linnea Heide Art

Perhaps the best gift of all: your time. Plan a trip together (even just a drive in the country), schedule an extra-long Skype session, or present Mom with a "coupon" for yard work. It's just as cute as an adult as it was when you were five, and now there are some great customizable and printable options available (see here and here). You know Mom just wants some more time with her kid(s). But a pair of pretty earrings doesn't hurt either. What are you doing to make Mom feel special this year? And Moms: what's the best Mother's Day you've ever had?

Easy Ways to Add Personality to a Home

Yesterday I bemoaned the fact that our first home is a temporary home, so every design decision is made with strangers in mind. This means no hot pink tile, painted wood floors, or turquoise ceilings. But we still try to add personality to our space. After all, we live here now! For anyone else in a temporary spot (especially renters), here are some great ideas for keeping things neutral (like flooring, walls, kitchen cabinets and drapes), but still adding some personality.

Art!
Colourful art is obviously my not-so-secret weapon for jazzing up very house-buyer friendly white walls. If I think some of our art might be too bold for potential buyers to see past, it's easily stashed in the basement and replaced with a black and white photo. Easy.

Desire to Inspire

Familjeliv

California Home Design

Large scale paintings can replace ambitious and trendy ideas like wallpaper and even wilder ideas like handwritten wall designs.

Cool handwritten wall on A Beautiful Mess & a handwritten painting, Kristin Peake Interiors

Furniture and more.
I have few really colourful pieces of furniture, but they are a great way to add colour and spunk to a room with neutral walls and floors. Bri Emery's new living room has simple wood floors, white walls and drapes and a neutral rug (all sell-friendly) but the furniture and art make the room special. Even the addition of a cheery lamp and glossy table already lend the room great personality. Although some buyers can be turned off by even personal items (like furniture and accessories) they are easy to swap out - especially if you have a friend with neutral furnishings - temporarily. Much less commitment than turquoise walls or kitchen cabinets.

Design Love Fest

Wooniden

House to Home

Stealthy Style.
I like the idea of sneaking colour into stealthy spots: like the inside of kitchen cabinets. Like my secret Pyrex stash, it's a little treat every time you open the cupboards but isn't a large enough colour commitment to scare off potential buyers and, if you're worried, it takes very little paint to cover it up!

A Beautiful Mess

Less is more.
A home-stager advised our neighbours to remove quite a bit of their furniture. Her guideline was to ask each homeowner to remove about 70% of their furniture and knick knacks to show off a home to its fullest potential. We're trying to keep our home uncluttered to begin with, because I have no idea where to put 70% of a home's stuff when it's time to sell and, further, moving stuff is awful. So we make the most of each item. Sometimes all a spartan room needs is one pretty thing. A small, thoughtful detail can really make an impact.

Desire to Inspire

Annie McElwain

Apartment Therapy

Calculated Risks.
Quirky little details, like a house number in a tiled entryway, are a small enough risk to take.

Four Men and a Lady

Embrace Neutral.
Who said neutral is boring? A space with quietly layered textures and shades is sell-able, and loveable.

HGTV

me oh my!

Desire to Inspire

Are you a renter, or selling soon? How do you keep your space neutral enough for someone else, but still personal enough to be "yours"? What would turn you off an apartment or house that you were considering?

Decorating for Strangers

What sometimes gives me a headache is trying to renovate and decorate our townhouse with the tastes and preferences of someone I haven't met in mind. As longtime readers know, the townhouse is a layover for us. Our plan was to be here for about five years before (hopefully) buying a cute lakefront home in another city. This summer marks year four and we're still on schedule to move next year. Although we'll do lots of de-cluttering and staging when the time comes to sell, we've tried to make things easier (and more economical) by making design decisions that will transition easily.

via Emily A. Clark

Because home buyers can be conservative and can sometimes have a hard time seeing past clutter, bold design or unusual design decisions, we've kept core elements "neutral". When you take away our colourful art and accessories, the townhouse is quite simple: bright white walls, trim and doors, sheer and neutral curtains, white bathroom vanities with marble tops and grey floors, maple hard wood flooring (which is light and airy, but not too trendy), lots of white tile (in a herringbone pattern in the kitchen for some stealthy fun), and classic but contemporary fixtures in various neutral finishes. No turquoise chandeliers (although I want one)! Even a lot of our furniture (white guest bed and bedding, cream sofa, dark leather dining chairs) can be easily toned down for staging the house. I know, I know: we could go wild and stencil walls, paint the ceiling blue and do all kinds of fun things and then paint it all out when it's time to sell, but it's taken so much time, effort and cash to get the home from its "before" stage, it would be heart-breaking to have to do it all over again in a few short years for resale.

I think our formula is a good one but, honestly, you can never know what a home buyer will like. A house with bright green cabinets could catch someone's eye while a home with a pretty grey bathroom can turn people off. It's a gamble, but odds are better if a home can appeal to as many people as possible. So we keep things on the "safe" side. Here's a little peak at some bold design choices that I like to fantasize about when I think about a future where we get to decorate a "forever" home.

Colourful glass counters (turquoise instead of green or pink) in an all white space would be nice. I also think playing with some pattern on the walls would be an interesting contrast with white walls.

New England Home

via Bungalow 5

If not colourful counters, then a dash of colourful tile would suffice - in a kitchen or bathroom.

The Design Files

Pinecone Camp

Susan Jablon


Decorpad

Whoorl

I gravitate toward spaces with white floors, but somehow I think painting our maple flooring would be strongly discouraged by local realtors. Hubby would have a heart attack. Is it strange that I hope our next home has hardwood in terrible condition so I have to paint it a glossy white?

via Door Sixteen (along with a whole host of other pretty white-floored spaces)

via SF Girl by Bay

Sometimes I think a bright colour would be a striking choice too, especially with my penchant for white walls. I will have some colour on the laundry room floor because I doubt a cheery laundry room will make or break a deal, but I can see potential buyers running from a colourful room like this - especially if they hate the colour in question!

via Coco & Kelley

I've always lusted after a white kitchen but now I'm itching for one with more spunk. I think turquoise lower cabinets with pale grey uppers would be pretty, but any colour catches my eye these days.

via Oh Joy!

via SF Girl by Bay

Better Homes & Gardens

Even with my self-imposed limitations, there are plenty of ways to add personality. I favor using punchy art and accessories (I have a huge art project in the works). Tomorrow I'm sharing more ways to add a dash of bright and quirky to an otherwise neutral (and sell-able!) space.

Dans le Lakehouse

April 19, 2013