I am in love with Amsterdam!

A few weeks back I participated in the inaugural European Meet the blogger conference held in Amsterdam. It proved to be a very well attended and successful event with over 100 bloggers from all over Europe. It was great to put faces to virtual names; the start hopefully of long term friendships. I particularly enjoyed hearing the stories of how some bloggers started then expanded, truly inspiring. Lise M. from "Urban Style Vibes" and many others are to be congratulated for making it happen. Guest speakers were Holly Becker from Decor8, Angelie from Lily's cupcakes and Natasha from Flavourites.

Conference over it was then time to explore and Amsterdam is now one of my favourite cities because of its beauty, amazing design and yet, for a major city, areas of solitude. There aren't many cultures as open and blunt as the Dutch which for some can be quite disarming. As someone who has been cast in the same mould I find it amusing and refreshing. The Dutch are very welcoming and always so friendly.

After nearly avoiding certain death from all the cyclists whizzing by one learns how to look both ways twice when crossing the road so not to be taken out by bikes, cars or trams. I do like the fact that they cycle everywhere no matter the weather and the more on a bike the merrier. Its amazing what you can do on a bike...

Did you know there are over 200,000 boat houses and some of them are quite amazing and stylish? I so wish I could have seen them from the inside; talking about inside while walking in Amsterdam so many times I looked through a window thinking it was a stylish shop and I found myself looking into a person's house, not a place to set up a net curtain business it would seem. Apologies to the ones that saw me do it but it shows how beautifully decorated most of them were.

Coming from a country where socializing is part of my DNA I embrace how the Dutch also do it, like it is a part of their work/life balance. I also found it to be more economic to eat out in Amsterdam than London. There are endless possibilities to sample cuisine from around the world; here are some really great choices Hostaria, Bar Italia, Bar Moustache, Portugalia, etc. I would avoid most places in Damrak, the street just ahead of Central Station. The locals rarely eat in this area and that should give you a clear indication.

There are amazing markets; on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the muntplein is the Bloemenmarkt ( the only floating flower market in the world); also the market on the Lindengracht where you can get fresh veg, fruit and fish or just go to see what's on offer - its great to take stunning colourful pictures.

I found Jordaan one of the coziest and quirkiest districts with lovely little shops where you can buy nearly anything. The nine streets is also a must, loved wondering around exploring art galleries, jewellers and designer boutiques (may I say I did not succumb to my desire to buy everything). Vondelpark is just stunning, and since it was so hot I welcomed the shade the trees provided and the coolness of the lake sides.

Obviously I had to go to the fashion district ( oh hubby did treat me to a lovely waistcoat ) and ended up finding a furniture shop which I now absolutely love - Riviera Maison has a New England nautical theme; their merchandise is available on line and they will ship overseas plus they do have a representative in Surrey. I was greeted with such helpfulness and buying in Riviera Maison is an experience in itself - their customer service is superb.

I also found another shop, Sissy Boy, a great name instantly memorable and I really like their furniture. The layout was so well done that I just had to take pictures so you knew what i meant ( I have to say I was told off for doing so, shades of my experiences in Hong Kong).

I so enjoyed my trip, it has whetted my appetite to return. If you have been there lately or are going do let me know of your experiences.


www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via Jurriaan Hoefsmit, Riviera Maison and my own.

Colonial Door Style Design

Colonial Door Style Design

A colonial front door and sidelight design includes an eight panel solid door in the door style with oversized sidelights that are framed by fluted columns. The fluted columns are completed with a header featuring crown moulding and accented with dentil trim. The front entry design compliments many home styles including Colonial, Georgian, Regency, Federal and Empire. The exceptional beveled glass design is accented with faceted jewels that reflect the light.

The first impression your home gives from the street is key to how your house is perceived. And at the very center of curb appeal is your front door and overall home's appeal. It's where you welcome the world to your home and it sets the tone for your entire house.

When it comes time to selecting an entry door, it is important to understand the various materials and style options available to enhance your home's aesthetics and complement its architectural style.

Cushions: My Top Must-haves in Home Accessories - (part2)

There are virtually no limits to the variety of colours fabrics, shapes and sizes that can be used to create cushions. So don't be afraid to mix and match different coloured cushions or pick a single colour and vary the cushions design.

Colours are an individual taste and make a statement so many people avoid the bold and opt for the bland. They don’t need to (if you want more on this subject go to www.aguilarinteriors.com). Colours break down into warm such as red, yellow and orange, or cool such as blue, grey and green. Warm colours are inviting and stimulating while cool colours tend to be more soothing and quieting.

Red - Red cushions are striking, needless to say I have them and they go beautifully with my lovely Chinese red cabinets. Use a single one or a collection of red cushions to add colour and spice up your room. Red cushions will certainly add a touch of bold and wow factor to your home.

Yellow -Add a fresh stylish look to your room. Vibrant, saturated colours distinguish this cushion as a bold, spirited choice for your rooms.

Orange -Choosing bold, vibrant orange cushions will add a statement to your room. You can add a single orange cushion with whites or add to other bold coloured cushions. What a venturesome choice for your room.

 

Pink – Pink cushions are fun, fresh and they are not as girly as you might think. Create a mix and match set with different shades and patterns to give a more contemporary look. A vibrant fuchsia will add energy to your living room while pink in a bedroom will add romance and glamour.

 

 

Purple - Add a colourful look to your home with bold purple cushions. It will certainly add character to your room while giving it a luxurious feel.

 
 

Green - Lime green cushions will add a fresh splash of colour to your room. For a contemporary look choose dark green and olive green cushions.

Blue - Blue cushions are eye catching! Aqua blue cushions will add a fresh splash of colour to any room. While blue cushions will provide a contemporary look.

 

Brown - Brown cushions will add an element of urban style to your room while accentuating your furniture.

Black - Black cushions are bold, stylish and sophisticated. Use a single black cushion or collection of black cushions to add elegance to any room.

 

White -Use a single white cushion with colours or decorate with a collection of white cushions to add a stylish and dramatic look to any room.

 

Metallic -Stunning silks are an exquisite, sensual and soft fabric. Metallic cushions in contemporary designs will make an eye-catching statement piece and will give a vivid feeling of drama in any room.

Grey- Grey cushions are refined and elegant. If you are looking for a relaxing ambience then these are perfect.

 

With so many designs available in the market, it is very easy to find a cushion that appeal to your personal style and taste.

You will find that cushions are a very economic way of adding impact into your room. So if you buy them either in a chain store, online or even go for a designer cushion, it is really up to you how much you spend.

After all, a cushion is not a huge investment and if you tire of it, you can always replace it. So go on and have fun decorating with cushions!

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via furnish.co.uk, roomenvy.wordpress.com, craftjuice.com, duamex.com, decorpad.com, elledecor.com, homeshoppingspy.wordpress.com, usmydeco.com, domestictoby.com, bellahomewares.com, trend-dir.net, sanyartspace.com, homesand gardens.com, housedesigners.info, trendirs.com, nskwood.net, homeklondike.com, interiordesignsense.com, trendy-products.co.uk, housetohome.co.uk, design-a-cushions.co.uk, brookegiannetti.typepad.com and urbanstlyvibes.com.

Vases: My Top Must-haves in Home Accessories

If you have a vase in your home, then you are on the right path. Of all the accessories used in the home, vases are extremely versatile. And if you don’t own one then you should and no I am not saying that you must have the exquisitely crafted Ming vase (although if it’s to your taste and you have the cash then by all means) or you can always go for a J.Adler vase, they are fun, trendy and quirky and I love them.

Nowadays there is such a plethora of vases that you can find one for every style or taste. They are valued for their beauty and decorative aspects so are great to complement any home décor.

Decorative vases range from traditional to contemporary and from ceramic, crystal and glass; vases house fresh flowers and are useful as well as decorative. It can also be one of the most affordable ways to introduce colour, warmth and style into any space.  

Ranging from lacquer ware to the metal, vases are beautiful used singularly or help create interesting compositions to decorate table tops bookshelves, nightstands and other surfaces.

When selecting a vase, keep in mind that it can often remain out and about even when fresh flowers aren’t present. Select something that will be visually interesting and sculptural on its own.

So go and be creative while having fun adding beautiful pieces to your home.

www.aguilarinteriors.com

Pictures via www.contemporaryliving.co.uk, www.portlandart.net, www.jonathanadler.com, www.retrotogo.com, www.boimcapcus.com, www.kathrynpearceglass.co.uk, www.notonthehightstreet.com, www.elledecor.com, www.simple-image.blogspot.com,  www.cocomale.com, www.decorpad.com and www.newhouseofart.com.