Lizzy Loves: Geometric Patterns, Mirrors, Rustic Tables, and Natural Lamps

Lizzy Rose is one of Marie Flanigan Interior's beloved designers. She joined the MFI team as an intern in August and recently "graduated" to a permanent position as a full-time MFI designer. We're so lucky to have snapped up this Auburn grad, and today she shares a few design elements that bring out her happy dance!

To learn more about Lizzy, visit this blog announcement: Introducing Lizzy Rose.

Geometric Patterns

I love designs infused with geometric patterns because they have such a timeless quality. The patterns are highly versatile and lend a dynamic touch to any elegant space.

Pinterest



If you're not ready to incorporate these patterns into your higher-priced items such as rugs and architectural detail, you can always add a touch of geo via your throw!

The Hermès throw offers superior quality and is oversized so that two people can easily snuggle up underneath (not that I would be extremely excited about sharing my Hermès throw with just anyone)! Another added benefit? That camel/ecru color combo will never go out of style, much like this blanket.

Jonathan Adler's throw is perfect for someone who craves a designer label without the Hermès price tag. The Richard Nixon throw is super mod and fun for a loft-y living space. It would also be awesome at the foot of a twin bed in a children's room!

West Elm features a classic striped throw in a warm gray which is a neutral piece you could use in a multitude of spaces. And at $29, you could even use them as outdoor blankets for a chilly night on the patio enjoying a fire. One huge benefit? If this blanket accidentally gets left outside after one too many cocktails, you're not out big bucks!

Mirrors

Mirrors are a fantastic way to add drama and light to a room. You can find one in just about any style and they do a great job of making a snug space feel more roomy! My personal fave? Antique mirrors!

Rosette Mirror
Elle Decor

With mirrors, size usually reflects pricing. In addition, the materials used to frame the mirror are an important factor. Be creative when considering mirrors for your home. You could salvage antique architectural details or picture frames and create your own unique piece!

This is my personal favorite!

Rustic Dining Tables

The dining room is a place where the entire family comes together to share food and memory. Wooden tables lend a very natural, organic feeling to that experience and are also super durable! They tend to be neutral and depending on the table you select, it can easily evolve with your style over time.

Babble.com

With tables, you are paying for the quality of the wood and the overall customization options. Restoration Hardware features a variety of finishes while the other options listed below are only offered in the colors you see here. These tables serve as great examples of the fact that you can find high style within a limited budget.

 

Nature-Inspired Lamps

 

There are so many things to consider when choosing lamps for your home: height, style, shade shape, base material, base size...the list goes on!

Lately, I find myself drawn to lamps with more natural bases. I'm talking stone, shell, and coral here. Fab!

 

 

Alabaster has been a recurring fave. They are stable, sturdy and the stone isn't severe like a black marble might be. Alabaster is tough but also lends a beautiful softness to a space.

 

The mother of pearl lamp is another great piece that can help you incorporate a natural material into your space. It doesn't radiate the same grandeur vibe that the first two do, but it's definitely a more affordable option.

Here are a few inspiration images featuring alabaster and mother of pearl lamps:

 

Pinterest

Matching alabaster lamps looking fresh and gorgeous on this buffet.
Red Door Home

 

You can go for a more neutral alabaster or choose one with a bit more warmth.
I'm a girl who loves variety!
Mitzi's Miscellany

 

A very unique mother of pearl lamp in a fun shape.
Tracery Interiors via The Enchanted Home

Pottery Barn

 

I hope you've enjoyed learning a bit more about me and what I love! Feel free to comment with your thoughts and your loves.

 

Cheers,



 



Design Inspiration: Furry Best Friends

"Until one has loved an animal,

a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

If you've ever had the privilege of loving a dog or a cat, you understand how true this quote is.We are born into families we cannot choose and we do everything in our power to offer them patience, love, and compassion. In contrast, we often hand-select our puppy and kitten family members or we discover that somehow fate finds us, and pushes us together in some inexplicable manner.

Regardless, we do make a choice. We choose to bring them into our lives, into our hearts, and into our homes. And we find that they offer us the neverending patience, unconditional love, and absolute compassion that we all strive to offer each other. In essence, our snuggly, fuzzy little friends teach us how to live and love better. And we're all better off for it.

Today, we offer up a fun tribute to these awesome animals, and we showcase unique ways we can make spaces a bit more home-y for our four-legged friends.

How well do we know this picture?
We love you, but please don't stain our priceless chair...

This is more like it!
A little nook fit for a cat or a (small) dog and all of his/her favorite things nearby.

Another sassy place to relax fit for the most regal kitty.
Rondo

This nailhead-studded pet bed is an elegant addition to any room.
Noir Furniture

Well, aren't you cute!?

 

Yes, you're cute too!
And, obviously a fan of Country Homes.

If you're renovating your home or building entirely new, consider your pet as you draft plans. From built-in pet beds and food bowls to mud room showers, these additions can provide comfort for your pet and increased functionality for your family.

 



Check out how this modern, open floor plan is also a kitty playground.
HausPanther

 

This homeowner takes designing your home to fit your pet to a whole new level!
Pinterest

 

An elegant dog for a very elegant space.
McAlpine Tankersley Architecture

 

These pooches roll "mod".
Sunset.com

 

This is such a cute and unique swing design that would also serve as a suitable resting spot for Fido and Fluffy!
Elkaniho

 

Mud Rooms and entryways are great places to consider installing built-in puppy beds.
Newlywed Diaries
 

A little DIY space to hang leashes and store doggie treats. Perfect!
Pinterest

This space can easily be closed off using that gorgeous hanging barn door.
It can serve as a closet and as a comfy place to leave Fido when you're off to work or play.
Pinterest

 

A puppy door with canopy - TOO cute!

Love!
via Vintage Verbena

Yes, they make them for cats.
Source Unknown

Food and water storage built in to a window seat.
Terracota Properties

Such a cute food container!
Pinterest

You can also use an existing piece of furniture and carve out an area that belongs to your pup for food and water.
Source Unknown
 

More awesome pet food canisters.
Ballard Designs

Last, but not least, here are some fab dog baths! What a great idea!

"I'm ready for my bath, Mama"
This truly makes bathing your dog a much more enjoyable process.
Pinterest

This modern beauty could go in your garage or a mud room.
Pinterest

We hope you've enjoyed these pet-friendly designs. Do you have a custom space created for your pet? Send a picture and details to mhotze@marieflanigan.com and your space may be featured in a future post!
Before we sign off, we thought we'd share a few photos of the sweet, furry friends who make our days so special:

Lizzy's handsome Winston spending the day in Galveston.

Rachel's sweet baby boy, Oliver!

Megan's Aussie, Cooper, and his model pose ;)

One last little note: Love cats and dogs? Love pets in general? So do we! Remember that there are thousands of animals in Houston in great need of quality care and loving homes. Check out this local organization that can help you offer compassion and a strong voice to our furry friends who are unable to speak for themselves:

CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection): http://www.cap4pets.org/

Much love for all that you do, CAP!

Woof woof,

Press: PaperCity May 2013

We are so thrilled to see Marie Flanigan Interiors highlighted in the May 2013 Home + Art issue of PaperCity! Many thanks to Catherine Anspon for being such a joy to work with, and much appreciation for the kind nod from the entire PC staff.

PaperCity Magazine
May 2013 Home + Art Issue

 

On stands now - pick up your copy today!

Best,



Happy Mother's Day!

It's our last "Mother Knows Best" post and we hope you've been enjoying them so far. If you haven't had a chance to see the first 2 posts, take a look here:

Pantries, Laundry Rooms, and Mud Rooms
Bathrooms and Closets

We thought we would save the best space for last: the bedroom!

This is a room where moms can find peace and tranquility away from the household storm, where enchanting memories of reading to your children and tickling their toes in a snuggly bed are made, and where we pray, pray, pray that we get a wink of sleep every once in a while.

The MFI team pulled together some exceptional bedrooms fit for a queen, and we hope they inspire you to get a little R&R on your special day.


A light and airy canopy over the bed and delicate pink accents throughout the room make this a feminine retreat.
House Beautiful

Here's a fun use of blue! Fantastic!
Elle Decor



Linen, velvet, and white.
Every mother's dream...and likely impossible to have near children? ;)
The Enchanted Home



A casual screen and matching headboard define this clean, classic space.
McAlpine Booth and Ferrier Interiors



How amazing is the natural light in this room? You may want to invest in some blackout shades!
Coastal Living
 

A. Is there a husband who would allow this?
B. Kids: Dont. Touch. Anything.
Love the unique window work above the bed!
The Enchanted Home

MMM, books, a cozy 4-poster bed, ceiling height mirrors, and clean neutral palette.
Heaven!
House of Windsor on Hooked On Houses



We love these bold florals and patterns mixed with soft neutrals.
Sarah's House



Soft, rich linens and a gorgeous grid of botanical prints.
McAlpine Booth and Ferrier Interiors

Aren't these rooms full of inspiration? I think we're all ready for a nap!

But, before we leave you, we have one final space where we think mommies find themselves quite often...the nursery/kiddo bedroom! Enjoy these tot-sized rooms that give us record baby fevers!

Sophisticated but also so playful!
Beth Keim

What a fun canopy bed for a little lady!
And the Lucite chair is so hip but also a great fit for a child's room.
Pinterest

We love neutrals with fun pops of color.
And just think, you can easily use the existing paint color for your next bambino if it ends up being a boy!
Finnian's Moon Interiors

A room fit for any queen's princess!
Source Unknown

Although the walls boast a blue hue, the more feminine, scalloped bedksirt and otherwise neutral palette allow this room to be truly unisex. Add pink frames and bedding, and you have a soothing, girly retreat.
Our point: Don't automatically nix blue once you hear pink!
Jenny Steffens

This is another neutral space that still has some feminine accents.
Use accent pieces like a chandelier, pillows, drapery, artwork, and lamps to designate girl or boy.
Let the rest of the room remain a constant standard.
Ashlee Raubach

SUPER glam!
Loving the use of a vintage dresser as a changing table.
Pinterest

Beautiful vintage crib and elegant drapery.
The Home Files

An accent wall of Schumacher Twiggy wallpaper is a very sophisticated touch!
Samantha Farjo Design
 

Whether you're a mom, a stepmom, a mother-in-law, a grandma, or an aunt, you provide support and love to so many, and we wish you the happiest Mother's Day!

And, don't think we've forgotten about all of you mommies currently raising fur babies...

Via Marie Flanigan Interiors

 

You have an entire blog post coming your way packed full of fun pet-friendly home design tips and images! Prepare yourself!

Much love,