Before And After Kitchen/Part 2: California Closets' Reader Giveaway

Last week , I showed you how a wallpaper and some editing updated this kitchen.  Today, you'll see how designer Ellen Gunderson of California Closets created a functional and orderly receiving area for frequently used items. With space limitations in both depth and width, the efficiently designed storage unit uses up every available inch without overbearing the rest of the room.  Three cubbies, one for each child, include 2 hooks, a drawer and a place to store papers.  Two smaller closets on either side are for mom and dad. Now everyone has a spot for his/her belongings and the area became less cluttered.  Take a look below and enter to win a $100 gift certificate from California Closets to help you organize your space.

To celebrate the success of this project,  California Closets New England is generously donating a $100 gift certificate to one of my Cocoon Home blog readers. Details below:

Whether it's your clothing, books or tools that crave organization, California Closets can help you do it.  Enter to win a $100 California Closet New England gift certificate by leaving a comment about what you'd love to see organized in your home.  Don't forget to visit and "like" both Cocoon Home Design's and  California Closets New England's  facebook page. Giveaway contest deadline is midnight Thursday April 5th.

Would You Pineapple?

A symbol of hospitality, the pineapple is often associated with traditionally tropical and colonial decorating styles, but lately I've come across it in a much more modern context.  Will the pineapple transform itself [again] into a colder climate hot decorating trend?

Would YOU pineapple?

Above:  Silver Pineapple Wallpaper by Meg Mathews.

This black jeweled pendant lamp brings a healthy dose of glam to the traditional pineapple motif. Available at:  Present.

Dark Dog Studio's pillow has a funky Warhol look.

Jenny Wilkinson's paint by number pineapple wallpaper gives you the opportunity to paint it a color that best suits your space.   LOVE the idea, although I'm definitely not patient enough to do it on my own.   It may just call for a pineapple daiquiri painting party...

A classic Waterford vase to balance a well appointed contemporary room.

Pineapple fabric form GP and J Baker .

Pineapple flatware is a subtle way to bring this exotic fruit to any northeastern table.  Available at Macy's

Pineapple pillow from Beach Decor.

Well, WOULD you?  If so, tell me how...

Soulful Of Style-Aphrochic

Full of energy and style,  Aphrochic's fall wallpaper collection is sure to inject life into any space.  Founder and creator, Jeanine Hays, has beautifully combined a cultural history with a modern aesthetic.  What I appreciate most about her designs is how they easily work in traditional spaces creating a clearly contemporary appeal.  Take a look at the Renaissance collection and get inspired not only by the products, but also by Jeanine Hays' success.

The bold pattern of the reflection wallpaper can play tricks on one's eyes.  Here, I like how it's brilliantly balanced with the warmth of the wood table and chairs.

Taking inspiration from African kuba cloths the beat wallpaper in a magnificent  blue can add a modern twist to a any space.

Full of presence, the vibe paper can inspire a room full of wonderful surprises.

Heavy Metal-Bronze

Today's post is the third in a series exploring how to incorporate metals, other than stainless steel, into your space with accessories, textiles and lighting.  Take a look at some bronze examples and check out the second Heavy Metal post on copper and the first Heavy Metal post on gold.

The contrasting bronze and chocolate damask pattern in the above wallpaper is both modern and retro.

Vintage bronze coffee table by Warren Platner for Knoll.

Finished in bold bronze on the outside and gold in the inside the Cyclone pendant has a hypnotic effect.

Textured bronze planters from Burke Decor look great grouped or alone.

Cast metal letters in bronze from Restoration Hardware are great accessories for walls or shelves.

My favorite.  Elena Colombo's nest of cast bronze branches.  A fire feature like no other.

I love the delicate and shapely forms of Eva Zeisel's bronze candlesticks.  I have just the right place for them....

Try adding some copper to your space.

Don't forget to check out Cocoon on Facebook and let me know what your favorite metal is.

Heavy Metal-Copper

Today's post is the second  in a series exploring how to incorporate metals, other than stainless steel,  into your space with accessories, textiles and lighting.  Take a look at some copper examples and check out the first Heavy Metal post.

Above,  Tom Dixon's copper shade pendants add sophistication and glamour to any space.  Use alone or grouped.

Jocelyn Warner's wallpaper's psychedelic pattern can add excitement and allure to an interior.

Owl tree pillow by Michele Varain combines linen and metalic threads to create a whimsical scene.

Copper conveys warmth as well as feelings of nostalgia.  The Redsmith chair, above,  does all that and more...

Try adding a little copper to your space.