trains..

This past weekend, ICDC took the train home from Union Station.  Despite its somewhat grungy interior (don't worry, there is a $7 billion - yep, with a "b" - improvement project ongoing), the exterior of that place is striking for its architecture and beauty.  The proudly waving American flags, topped by flying eagles make Districters proud to come home.

The "Union" - at least the one in DC - got ICDC thinking about other train stations in the US and the world.  

Where are the most beautiful?

 Chhatrapati Shivaji, Mumbai

Grand Central, NYC

 Union Station, Chicago

Gare de Lyon, Paris

Gare du Nord, Paris

Maputo, Mozambique

Union Station, Los Angeles

Sao Bento, Portugal

Sirkeci, Istanbul

Central Station, Antwerp

Kuala Lumpur Station, Malaysia

Kanazawa, Japan

King's Cross, London

Kyoto Rail

 Atocha, Madrid

Berlin

images via www.cntraveler.com

steep, splurge, steal

Blue ikat (prounounced ee-cot) is an intriguing pattern that adds depth and an aspect of culture to any space.  

Ikat, derived from the Javanese word mengikat (to tie), is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles.  Similar to tie-dye, but  much more complex and detailed, ikat threads are dyed before a pattern is woven into fabric.

Ikat is produced in Asia, Eastern Europe and now in Central and South America.  

Where to find a little ikat fabric to spruce up your own home?

$267/yd

$31/yd

$9/yd

images via www.housebeautiful.com, http://posypocket.blogspot.com and http://dwellingsdesign.wordpress.com

eye candy: lush hills home

Mark Sikes and Michael Griffin live in an adorable and lush 1920s home in the Hollywood Hills.  Sikes, an interior designer of Midwest and Southern heritage, has created an abode that artfully blends indoors with out.  

Sikes was careful to ensure the home didn't look too "decorated," layering pieces, objects and fabric of varying ages and patinas.  Think Ralph Lauren with a West Coast vibe.

His lifestyle blog is one to add to your Feedly list, which shares the things Sikes loves "from white jeans, striped tees and military jackets to chinoiserie, wicker and al fresco dining."  Adore!

 

 

 

 

   

 

images via www.lonnymag.com

style spotter: neon yellow

Neon yellow: a color so bright it demands attention.

You can add just a touch to a room, or you can go all out with a big splash of color.

How will you enliven your home this season?

images via www.blossominteriors.com, www.apartmenttherapy.com, www.adesignerspot.com, http://cocodesignspdx.blogspot.com, www.wrightwagner.com