New Website and Blog!

Hello Everyone!  I wanted to pop in to talk to all of you who regularly check in with this blog and anyone new who just started reading here.  It seems to be ever changing lately and we finally found something we like and are sticking to it.  The Studio Em Interiors website has been redone (which is so exciting!) and the blog is now attached directly to the website.

All the past posts have been moved over to the new site and new posts will begin to show up there instead of here starting in September when everything is officially launched.  I wanted to give the regular readers a heads up on the change so you all have a chance to pop over there and check out the new site and sign up to receive alerts when new posts go live.  We hope to keep each and every one of you as an avid reader of the Studio Em Interiors Blog and promise more posts are coming.

Another change is that Emi Marie Illustration + Design is also getting a new website.  Everything is in the process of being changed over so the site is currently down, but will be back up as soon as possible.  There will then be a separate blog attached to that site as well.  So if you are looking to follow that side of things we will be posting here when that site goes live so all of you can sign up to receive updates on that blog as well.  Over there we will be featuring a lot of illustration, stationary designs, wedding items, hand lettering and signage.  There is a lot in the works and it is very exciting.  A line of products will be coming later in the year/early next year as well.

Again, I want to thank everyone for sticking with us through all the changes and I hope to see you all on each of the new sites.  Go ahead and head on over to the new Studio Em Interiors site now and check it out!

F.I.N.D.S. Two Year Anniversary!

This month we are celebrating 2 years since we published out first post here at F.I.N.D.S.!  We are excited about all the growth we have seen in the past year and hope to keep that momentum going over the coming year.  We have all of you to thank for that and hope that you continue to check back on Tuesdays and Thursdays to see what we have in store for you.

Over the next year we hope to continue to grow and gain new readers (tell your friends please!) and continue to improve upon the content we put out there and the quality of our posts.  Three years ago I never imagined even having a blog and 2 years ago I couldn’t believe I had just pressed the publish button on my first blog post.  Here we are now and I am so glad I did.  It can be a lot of work sometimes (well a lot of the time) and not always on my list of favorite tasks for the day (if I’m being honest), but I am glad that I have stuck with it and continued to grow the blog.  The growth and increase in traffic over the last year really is motivating to keep this going, to provide quality content, and to keep consistently posting content.  So again, thank you to all of you who read these posts each week.

That being said this month is going to be a mix of things we love.  We will be featuring a chair of the month because our love of furniture makes us love that post.  I will be sharing with you my experience from participating in the Make it in Design Summer School 2015.  I am going to give you an update on Studio Em Interiors, what we are up to, some projects we have in the works.  Of course we will be sharing some great design finds and some design tips with you this month.  We will be bringing back the Decorigami post because it has been awhile and that is always a fun one to do.  And lastly, we will have another Time to Get Away guest post from Chelsey Gike.  It’s going to be a fun month so please stick with us and check back often!

Decorigami – Macramé Madness

If you are anything like me then you have an unnatural obsession with textiles.  It is my love of textiles that got me interested in the process of making textiles and wanting to learn to weave my own.  That then led to the want to learn how to use knotted ropes to create wonderful macramé creations.  That want has come back with a new intensity now that I am seeing macramé everywhere lately.  It is definitely an on trend item at the moment and it can be used in so many ways.  I am sure you are all familiar with the macramé hanging planters we see all over and all the DIY instructions on Pinterest, but there is so much more that can be done.  Below we are sharing some of our favorite uses of macramé.

Furniture – This is by far one of the most eye-catching ways to use macramé by creating one of a kind furniture pieces that no one can resist curling up in and relaxing for an afternoon.

Knotted Chair by Marcel Wanders

Hanging Chair we found on Pinterest

Hippy Hammock // Macramé Chair from The Throw Back Daze on Etsy

Knotted Melati hanging Chair from Anthropoligie

Home Accessories/Hanging Planters – Of course we still love a good macramé hanging planter, but there are more accessories that can be made.  If you are wanting to try your hand at some DIY macramé then a smaller accessory item or hanging planter is a great choice for your first attempt.  Once you master that you will be on to knotting entire chairs before you know it!

Roost Jute Hanging Planters from Heaven’s Gate Home and Garden

DIY Hanging Pots from All You Need is Love and Design

Noemi Macramé Oversized Bowl from Shiraleah Chicago

Hanging Macramé Candle Holder from Clayton Gray Home

DIY Macramé Hanging Basket from Joann Fabric and Craft Stores

Lighting – If you are looking to add a natural touch to your outdoor lighting try using a Macramé chandelier.  It the perfect addition to any outdoor space.  The simple and natural style lends itself to a rustic décor, your beach house, and any classically designed space that you want to add a natural element to.

Jamie Young Company Macramé Chandelier

Wall Hangings – Another great use for macrame is to make some art for the walls with macramé wall hangings.  Below are some of our favorite uses of macramé wall hangings.

DIY Macramé Wall Hanging from A Pair & A Spare

Headboard at the ACE Hotel in Portland, Oregon via Sally England

Wall Hangings via Courtney Out Loud

 

Textile Tuesday – Summer Prints

This summer we have found some prints that will add a bit of fun to your space and maybe even your clothing.  We wanted to find an array of things that we are loving this month which included watery prints, flamingos, pineapples, watermelons and bicycles.  All of those things scream summer to us this year so here is a roundup of some of our favorite summery textiles so you can add a bit of summer to your space too.

First up we have 2 patterns from Sera Holland who is a graphic and textile designer based in Cape Town.  She runs the Etsy shop Handmade by Me.  We spend all summer riding around on our bikes so nothing says summer more to us than Nicky’s Vintage Bikes pattern that she has available in her shop.  We love the cute vintage look this pattern has and wish we could ride around on that bike all summer.  You can get this pattern as a cushion cover, napkins, tea towels, an apron, and a purse in her shop.

Another pattern we love from Handmade by Me is the Pink Flamingo pattern.  We absolutely love the Art Deco feel this fabric takes on while still being fun and modern for summer.  You can find the Pink Flamingo fabric in the shop as a cushion cover, napkins, tea towels, a chef apron, a vintage apron, a tote bag, purse, and even as custom wallpaper!

Another set of patterns we love and found on Etsy are the Timeless Treasures Watermelon Rind and Watermelon Seeds – Perfect for Summer Fabric by The Fabric Cobbler.  Nothing says summer more than a freshly cut watermelon that you can eat outside on a hot summer day.  We love this print and all the possibilities of things that can be created.  The fabric is available by the yard.

Keeping with a fruit theme we are also in love with pineapples, as we are guilty of sipping many fruity drinks out of them by the pool over the summer months.  We found a more abstract, geometric take on a pineapple fabric and love it.  Head on over to Spoonflower.com to get the Pineapple – Mustard fabric from Andrea Lauren.

The next fabric is a gorgeous watercolor inspired print that is incredibly colorful and bright.  We love the combination of pastel summery colors and the fact that it makes us think of ice cream. Check out Cones by Lea Carey.

Lastly, after all the fruit and ice cream it is time to dive into the pool or even the ocean.  Our last pick for favorite summer textile is the Mailbu Blue Burnout Cotton Jersey from Mood Fabrics.  This is a versatile fabric that has the perfect combination of opaque and sheer qualities.  It can be used in the home and even in your summer wardrobe.

So what are you waiting for?  Pick out your favorite; let us know which one you love and what you plan to make with it!  We would love to hear from you!

Fantastic Furniture – Summer Picnic Tables

Summer is all about having family and friends over and celebrating, hanging out and enjoying a little relaxation time, having a BBQ, and maybe even a pool party.  When having a small gathering of people it is best to be able to set the food (and maybe drinks) out on a table you can all gather around.  That is why we have selected some of our favorite picnic tables.  Any one of these would be the perfect addition to your next backyard get together!

 Authentic European Biergarten Table and Bench Set from AuthenticAlpine.com

If you have ever traveled across Europe in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland you have probably fallen in love with the simple style of these traditional biergarten tables.  I sat at many tables like this while traveling through Germany.  They make the perfect place to gather friends for food, drinks, and fun.  This is also the perfect addition to any backyard limited on space as you can fold up the set and store it when not in use.

The Beer Table from Cassecroute

This is another take on the classic beer garden picnic table.  It is the perfect table if you can’t decide if you want to sit or stand.  We love the taller pub style height of this picnic table, but it still keeps some of the traditional design details.

Exotic Wood and Glass Picnic Table by Sergio Rodrigues

If you are looking for something vintage (this one is from the 60’s) and unique to add to your yard then this picnic table is for you.  We love the details of all the bolts used to construct this table and the glass top adds an unexpected element to the design.  It is very rare to see a glass topped picnic table, but we love it on this one!

SR White Oak Table Set from Scout Regalia

If you are looking for a more modern twist on the picnic table then this is for you.  We love the modern lines and squared off design of this piece of furniture.  Our favorite part is the pop of color added with the powder coated aluminum details on the bench seats and the base of the table.  This would make a stylish, modern addition to any backyard.  If you are not crazy about the blue in the picture we shared there are 210 colors you can choose from for yours!

Custom table for Medlock Ames Tasting Room by nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

We absolutely love the idea of this table.  It takes the basic picnic table and adds a twist.  By removing the middle plank from the table top and replacing it with a tub or metal rain gutter you can create a great place to chill your beer, wine, water, whatever you choose.  Contact the landscape Architects for information on getting your own or do a search for DIY instructions which you can find all over the place.

Sunset Celebration Succulent Table from 5 Feet from the Moon

If having drinks sitting in the middle of your table is not your thing then maybe adding a little greenery to the table is.  We fell in love with this table when we first saw it.  The first thing that catches your eye is the river like well of plant life running through the middle of the table top.  Once you stop to take a look though you are blown away by the mix of materials.  The concrete and steel give it a very industrial and modern look, but the addition of the live edge wooden bench tops warms up the feeling of the entire table giving it a very inviting mood.  I don’t think anyone could turn down a night of hanging out at this table.

DIY Bottle Rocket Drink Stirrers (with free printable)

I know the Fourth of July has come and gone, but it is still summer and still time to celebrate.  I remember shooting off fireworks on family vacations all season long, not just on the fourth.  I also have a birthday coming up which will call for a celebration.  A backyard BBQ/pool party seems like the perfect way to celebrate the day.

Today I am sharing with you my Bottle Rocket Drink Stirrers I have made for the party.  It’s a great way to add a festive touch to any summer event.  It is a simple DIY that takes no time at all and I have even included a free printable so all you will have to do is assemble, make a drink, stir it up and enjoy the party!

Supplies:

DIY Bottle Rocket Drink Stirrer Printable  (click to print, there are 6 per page)

Bamboo Skewers

Scissors

Double sided tape or a glue stick

Glue gun with glue sticks

Directions:

1.)    Once you have printed out the template cut out all the pieces.  The image above shows you where you are meant to connect each piece.  You will want to use double sided tape or a glue stick on the open spot then roll each piece.  The base of the bottle rocket will make a cylinder.  If you are having a hard time rolling it try rolling the paper around a pencil before you put on the tape or glue.  I did this and it made it much easier.  The top piece will make a cone.

2.)    Now it is time to secure your pieces to the bamboo skewer.  Place a bead of glue at the top of the skewer the length of the bottom piece of the bottle rocket.  Slide that piece over and press against the bamboo skewer for a few seconds till the glue sets.  I glued each one on at the seam from rolling it.  The two layers of paper helped with the heat from the glue.

3.)    Lastly place a bead of glue around the top portion of the skewer and another glob of glue inside the cone top piece.  Place the cone on top of the bamboo skewer to create the bottle rocket.  You will need to hold it in place till the glue sets, be careful as you can feel the heat of the glue through the paper.  I lined up the seams of each piece when I attached them.  Once the glue is set you are done.  Make as many as you think you will need then get ready to enjoy your party!

 

If you are looking for a great treat for your party, whip up a batch or our Firecracker Ice Cream!

Chair of the Month – Loopita Bonita by Victor Aleman

This month is all about summer so we had to feature a great outdoor chair for you to lounge and relax in.  Summer is even better when you enjoy it with a friend or that special someone so we found the perfect lounger that you can do just that in.  The Loopita Bonita designed by Victor Aleman has a loopy roller coaster like look to it, but it’s full of great ideas and comfort.  The looped design allows you to have both your privacy and be able to share some time with another.  The position of those lounging allows you to relax on your own, but still be able to easily speak with another when you choose to.  It’s an incredibly original piece of furniture that will lend a sculptural aspect to your space.  The lounger is a piece of art in itself.  The Loopita Bonita is constructed using a combination of CNC machining with handwork by experienced artisans in woodworking.  We know we would love to lounge around in this all summer long!

Time to Get Away – Guys Camping Trip

What better way to get away with the guys than to get outdoors and really enjoy what this earth has to offer.  Pack a few tents, sleeping bags, some food and drinks and head out to one of these 5 destinations that are sure to amaze you.

Havasupai Falls at The Grand Canyon – This may not be the easiest campsite to get to, but it is worth it when you see the gorgeous waterfalls that await you at the bottom.  You can hike, go by horseback, or take a helicopter to this destination.  Whichever method you choose do so in advance.  You must have a reservation before showing up.  I have heard from many that the campsites fill up and this is the type of trip you should plan in advance to make sure you have a spot when you want to go.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California – This location offers hike-in and boat-in camping only.  It is all worth it when you can camp in such gorgeous surroundings.  If you choose to camp at Wildcat Camp you will be able to overlook the ocean with a short walk to the beach.  Even better you can hike 2 miles and reach Alamere Falls.  Another option would be Tomales Bay which is a boat-in camping only site.  I can’t think of a better place to camp than on the beach or overlooking the ocean with the sound of the waves helping you drift off to sleep each night.

Bartlett Cove Campground, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska – Grab your winter clothes and prepare for a camping trip with amazing views of Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park.  This is a walk-in campground and it does have outhouses and a warming shelter should you get too cold.  The campsites here are “bear-proof” as well.  While there you can explore on your own and even take guided tours of the area.

Yellowstone National Park – Established in 1872, Yellowstone was Americas first national park and is still worth a visit today.  Yellowstone is home to a variety of wildlife, which you are sure to encounter, breathtaking scenery, and geysers.  You can’t miss seeing Old Faithful when visiting.  There are 12 campgrounds in the park.  Pick one and stay your entire trip or switch it up and spend a few nights in different areas of the park.

Acadia National Park, Maine – This national park awed so many with its beauty that early 20^th century visitors donated the land that became the park.  This was the first Eastern National Park.  The park is full of things to do from hiking, to biking, or just relaxing and taking it all in.  Many animals call this place home and so does the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast.  There are many campsites to choose from, including Duck Harbor Campground located on Isle au Haut, a rugged island off the coast of Maine.  Reservations are required so be sure to plan ahead.

Ultimate Man Cave Roundup

Whether you have your own man cave or not you can still dream about the Ultimate Man Cave.  We have rounded up some of the guy spaces out there to help inspire you to take yours to the next level.  Here are our top 10 picks for your ultimate guy hang out space and why we love them so much.

Locker Room Style – We love the locker room look this theater room has.  It is the perfect way to set up the seating so everyone can see the game (or games) on the multiple televisions in front.  The locker room style display is great for showcasing all your sports jerseys and memorabilia.

Bowling Alley Fun – Every man cave needs a pool table which this room has, but they take it one step further and have added a fantastic bowling alley.  With two lanes in-house everyone can compete.

Garage with Style – This guy may not have had a room in the house, but that didn’t stop anyone.  The garage was turned into a great retro, car themed hangout complete with soda fountain.  Love the throwback to the 50’s and the stylish golf cart out front.

Ski Lodge Sophistication – We love the stone work in this room and the mountain lodge feel it brings to the entire space.  It seems like a more sophisticated take on a man cave that those with a refined taste would love to hang out in.

The Dugout – If you are a sports fan then this room is great for you.  Plenty of space to proudly display your collection.  What we really love is the floor.  A design like this could definitely be custom-made for the space or you could easily pull off the same look using Flor Tiles by cutting them to make the same baseball diamond design.

Golf Simulator  – Maybe you prefer a round of gold over all other options.  Why not set up a simulator and play a round with the guys anywhere you want without ever leaving the cave.

Boat House Conversion – We love this room where they converted the boat house into a great hangout.  Love the full bar and rustic feel to the entire space.  You can’t beat the view out the sliding doors either.  This would be a great space to hang out before or after hitting the water for some fishing or water skiing.

Vintage Sports – We love the refined style of this room and the choice of art using all black and white vintage photos along with vintage sports equipment.  Great choices for color and materials to give a very manly fee to the entire space.  Definitely a man space for the more refined gentleman and one of our favorites on this list.

Sports Bar at Home – Why go to a bar and sit with a bunch of people you don’t know when you can have all your friends over to watch the game in the sports bar you created at home.  Our favorite part of this room is the scoreboard hanging from the ceiling.  It does not matter which part of this man room you are in, you will always have a great seat for the game, another one of our favorites on this list.

The Ultimate Man Cave, the Bat Cave – We could not pass up featuring this in today’s roundup.  The detail that went into creating this space is amazing.  The texture on the walls makes it feel like you are in a cave.  Every little detail was thought of in this room to really immerse you in the space as if you were Batman himself.

Leave a comment below and tell us which was your favorite and why!  We cannot wait to hear what you all think of these!

5 Tips to Design the Perfect Home Bar

Well we promised you some tips on how to design the perfect bar for your man cave (or really any other room in the house) in our Monthly Mood Board this month.  So get ready to dream big and design something you will really love to show off.  The best advice we can give is that you can go as big or as small as you want with a home bar.  Don’t be afraid to have something that is really elaborate if you have the space for it.

Cabinetry by Ken Leech (image via)

And don’t be afraid to do something small, but with style if you are short on space or do not want to make the bar a focal point

(image via)

And don’t be afraid to make a bar if you are not into drinking alcoholic beverages, a bar can be anything you like to have.  Make it a soda bar, a juice bar, a smoothie bar, you pick the beverages you love to drink and serve and make it your own.  A bar doesn’t always have to include alcohol.

Tips for the Perfect Home Bar:

1.)    Determine where the bar will be – really think about how much space you have to build a bar in.  This will help you determine if you can design something with a back bar and counter for people to sit at while you amaze them with your bartending skills, a smaller wet bar against one wall, or maybe you just have room for a small, but stylish bar cart.  Really think about how much space you want to give to the bar and how much of a focal point you want it to be in the room.

(image via)

2.)    Decide how you want to use the bar – Now that you know how large you can make your bar you need to think about how you want to use the bar.  What types of drinks do you drink or like to serve when you entertain.  If you are more of a beer drinker maybe think about installing a beer tap or at least make sure you have refrigeration so the beer is always cold.  Is wine more your thing, then a wine rack or wine refrigerator.  If you like mixing up cocktails make sure you have shelves for liquor.  You will want some type of counter space or prep surface as well if you need a blender or just space for mixing drinks and setting out glasses to fill for your guests.

3.)    To DIY or not to DIY – Now that you know what size the bar will be and how you intend to use it, it is time to decide if you will be doing this yourself, getting help from a contractor, buying a ready-made bar from a store, or maybe just rehabbing a vintage bar cart.  Breathing new life into a vintage piece is a popular choice these days as is DIY, but really think about how much time you have and be honest about your DIY skills.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a designer or contractor if you need it.

(image via)

4.)    Decide what “equipment” you will need – Plan out the right amount of space for whatever type of glassware you will need.  If there is nowhere to refrigerate things then allow space for a tub with ice to keep drinks cold so you are not always running back to the refrigerator.  If you are more of a juice or smoothie drinker buy some fun glass pitchers or bottles to serve from.  You can even have a make your own bar and put bowls of fruit out with some mixers to make your own smoothies, juices, etc.

5.)    Time to Entertain – If you want to be the star of the show and have a large bar you can play bartender behind that is great and maybe you won’t want your guest back there serving themselves, but if you want to be out mingling and enjoying your party without being the bartender then make it easy for guest to serve themselves.  Put all the tools they would need front and center at the bar.  Invest in some matching glassware, a nice set of cocktail shakers and tools, and some matching bottles that you can put mixers in.  Bottles you can see through are the best choice then you can wander by the bar every now and then and make sure they stay full throughout your party without having to man the bar all night.