'The Great Outdoors, Indoors'

Bring the outdoors, in

Find inspiration in the changing colors of the leaves and rediscover your love for the great outdoors by incorporating materials, finishes and fabrics into your home. This fall, find earthy influences in wood, wicker, faux fur, and colors like gold and brown.

All natural

Fauna print pillow in a neutral green

Color is what sets the mood; what actually creates the impression that you have just walked into an indoor forest. Look for nature-inspired prints such as botanicals and fauna-themed toile. Textures like jacquard or stripes in earthy shades of ochre, amber and sky blue can be found in the form of pillows, slipcovers and blackout curtains.

Think soft English garden-style with green leaf print pillows or hunting lodge with a faux fur pillow in chinchilla. Or if you’d like to calm it down it bit, opt for colors like terracotta, sand, gray or taupe. Do note: Green is the most versatile because it naturally blends with cool hues in the same way as it does dark or warm-tones.

Fully furnished

Faux rabbit rug adds texture to flooring

Look for furniture that can enhance the earthy tones and textures such as those made of wicker, wood, stone and copper. Chairs, ceiling fans, bowls, baskets and coffee tables made of natural materials have that old-fashioned charm that cannot be found in plastic and synthetics.

Pay special attention to your flooring and how you might be able to enhance the outdoorsy décor with area rugs. A floor rug like this rabbit faux fur rug is an unexpected choice, but ties in with the textures and colors of the elements around it. If you already have your floors carpeted, use the fur rug as a centerpiece underneath your coffee table to draw attention.

Wicker, for example, is returning to the décor forefront since its simplicity and lightness make it able to adapt to any room and move if need be. While stone is undoubtedly heavier, it is also sturdier and lasts for some time. Copper and wrought iron in the form of headboards and railing are particularly popular because its curlicue patterns are feminine and elegant.

Light it up

A little candlelight is always a good choice

When it comes to lighting your outdoorsy-inspired abode, remember to stay as neutral and as natural as possible. Sunlight during the day and candlelight at night is by far the most relaxing and environment-friendly. But if you must incorporate decorative lamps, search for those with the following qualities: tree-like shapes, made of wrought-iron, with earth-toned lampshades, wooden beads, or with stone bases.

S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of elitechoice.org; decorinnovation.com

'Fur to the Fashion Forefront'

It’s all about keeping up with appearances.

Luxury and elegance, marked by warm fur coats and fur trim on jackets, returns to the fashion forefront. Despite the economy, showing what you’re worth has never been more important. Except this time around, designers are showcasing fur in the unlikeliest of places: in handbags, hats and even in shoes. In the homefront, fur can be found in the form of rugs, blankets, duvet covers and pillows.

Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag

Marc Jacobs, known for his eclectic style, created a selection of Fall-Winter ’10 Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags and clutches made entirely of fur. In the center of the flap is a gold-plated logo plate. The adjustable fabric strap has leather detailing and the inside is lined completely with a micro-plush lining. Talk about keeping your wallet and makeup essentials warm this season.

Christian Louboutin fur trim boots

If you thought wearing an entirely fur creation on your feet – like the ‘Big Foot-’inspired footwear at Chanel’s Fall-Winter ’10 show earlier this year – but you think it a tad too much, there are less furry concoctions. That is, if you don’t mind wearing some fur on your feet. Christian Louboutin introduces the Toundra: a gray suede boot with criss-crossing belt straps in leather. Running along the front of the boot, strapped in by the buckles, is a layer of fur.

Faux fur run in polar bear white

Keeping those toes warm is priority and all the more reason why fur is now an option for your floor draping needs. A faux fur rug in classic white will insulate hardwood floors, will not slide and adds a measure of class to your existing décor. It could have been my horror by the animal cruelty after watching a crocodile hunting special on television last night, but faux fur and leather products are the animal-friendly and cost-effective way to go.

Coyote-faux fur blanket and pillow

A faux fur rug in warm colors, like this coyote faux fur blanket, is a masculine touch that would go best thrown over a tufted leather chair in a study or home office. This coyote blanket comes available in two generous sizes: 58x60 and 60x86. Its underside is lined with a thick, quality microplush fabric, unlike other blankets out there. Pair a coyote pillow with the blanket to complete the look.

I’m keeping up with appearances this season thanks to all these fur-friendly options. Are you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com; fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com; christianlouboutin.com; decorinnovation.com

'What Faux Fur Animal Are You, cont.?'

Looking for a faux fur throw, but still can’t decide between which one?

Invoke the animal spirit of the faux fur rug of your choosing by matching the throw in your home to your best personality.

In the previous post, I covered the distinct characteristics and mythical qualities of the coyote and the lynx. Ever wanted to know what makes the raccoon and the jaguar so popular?

The Raccoon

Dexterity, disguise and transformation are several traits closely linked to the raccoon. In ancient rituals, this masked creature was believed to be the bearer of change, healing and transformation. It was only by wearing a mask, especially during these rituals and ceremonies, that the human spirit could acquire knowledge hidden from our conscious selves.

A set of nimble ‘hands’ allow the raccoon to gather food, catch fish and open crawfish. But its ability to use its hands to satisfy its curious and dexterous nature is one that also gets the raccoon into trouble. Wily and cunning, the raccoon is a talented and mischievous animal.

Raccoon Faux Fur Throw

The Jaguar

Unlike the leopard, the jaguar has a more muscular, stocky build and shorter limbs. It is the third largest cat with the ability to crush the skulls of its prey with its strong jaw.

If you are anything like the jaguar, then you are an excellent swimmer and tree climber.

A solitary animal, the jaguar only socializes during the mating season. It prefers the nighttime, and is rarely seen active during the day. Because of these traits, the jaguar is believed to practice its magic at night and to use the moon to set its course of action.

Strong, sensitive and powerful, the jaguar is the chosen ‘power animal’ of many shamans.

Jaguar Faux Fur Throw

What will it be? Raccoon or jaguar?

-S. Gonzalez