If you’ve noticed a huge spike in seagrass baskets, you’re definitely observing one of today’s biggest design trends! Many of these baskets are handmade in Southeast Asia and include embellishments such as pom-poms and tassels. Inspired by water vessels, they provide a big dose of easy-breezy, practical style.

Why are belly baskets so popular? Made of natural materials (such as seagrass and straw), they instantly serve as earthy accents for a range of interiors, from the modern to the boho chic. Plus, they’re collapsible, making them easy to store. There are so many ways to use and decorate with seagrass belly baskets, so keep reading for all the details, as well as purchasing information…

Decorating with Seagrass Belly Baskets

Belly baskets can be used as laundry hampers, storage bins (hello nursery toys!), and shopping bags. They also serve as plant baskets and even wall-mounted storage. The possibilities are endless! While it’s best to place a plant in the basket ONLY if it’s already in a pot, we think you’ll agree that they create an interesting, textural alternative to your run-of-the-mill terracotta planter. [photo below from Newchic]

Need a place to stash blankets and throws for those chilly nights? As you can see above and below, a belly basket is the perfect receptacle for extra textiles!

Whether you purchase them plain, pom-pommed or tasseled is a matter of preference. We can’t help but be smitten with the blush tones of the pom-poms on this basket from Etsy shop Xinh & Co. Subtle yet striking at the same time!

Belly baskets can also feature stripes that follow the zigzagged woven pattern. These black and white rattan baskets from Newchic prove that contrast is cool:

However you showcase your seagrass belly baskets, it’s hard to go wrong with these versatile containers. This dining room tour from Studio DIY highlights the way that they make great toy baskets for little ones, especially when you’re trying to baby-proof while providing your tot with kid-friendly items to grab and enjoy:

Now who’s ready to do some shopping?!…

Where to Buy Seagrass Baskets

Seagrass baskets are available for a range of prices at an equal range of retailers. You get what you pay for, so higher-quality materials such as seagrass often fetch a higher price than baskets made from straw. Embellishments raise the price as well. With that said, they’re generally affordable, making a big impact, even when small! Etsy is a popular destination for belly baskets, and you can find them in a range of sizes, including small, medium and large.

Baskets from Xinh & Co. are shown above and below. Plain and striped seagrass baskets take center stage, showcasing an array of options.

As mentioned above, many of the baskets have tassels and pom poms. We’re big fans of the Blush Pompom Basket below. In fact, it inspired our Easter basket DIY project! Check it out here.

One more treasure from Etsy shop Xinh & Co.: this pink pompom basket, featuring beautifully vibrant hand-cut pom-poms in shades of red and pink. Check it out below!

Whether the pom-poms are one color, a range of colors, or different shades in the same color family, these embellishments really bring a belly basket to life. Here’s another vibrant option from Elize Gran Studio, available through Tigertree:

Etsy shop Tala Home Design also offers beautiful seagrass basket options, including the tasseled variety. This embellishment is a great option for those seeking an alternative to pom-poms.

Many of today’s popular seagrass baskets are two-toned. Whether they’re paint dipped or made from two separate materials, the color-blocking creates a modern feel. This dipped seagrass basket (also from Tala) showcases the lovely contrast of rose gold and white.

Affordable purchasing options for belly baskets include containers from retailers such as Target and IKEA. You can easily create your own pom-poms from yarn and embellish the basket of your choice. Or purchase the basket of your choice through brands such as Design Vintage and Serena & Lily (who offers the Round Belly Baskets below).

Newchic is another source for belly baskets, including two-tone options. This basket is made from straw:

Amazon provides some interesting options, especially since it curates a huge selection from sellers such US-Poptrading:

We’ll end with a fabulous image from Amazon seller Sosibon, featuring a belly basket in a Scandinavian-style home.

Is there any space that doesn’t look even more stylish with a seagrass belly basket on display?! Happy shopping!

You're reading Design Trend: Seagrass Belly Baskets, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Velvet sofas, chairs and headboards are some of our favorite top trends. But what if you want to incorporate velvet into your home on a smaller scale? If you’re on a budget, you’ll love today’s design ideas, which are affordable and very attainable. Plus, once you try a touch of velvet, you can always add more luxe velvet furnishings later in the game. The photos and products below will inspire you to decorate with velvet, embracing one of today’s most popular trends.

Round Pillows

When it comes to velvet pillows, there are MANY to choose from, as well as a range of shapes. Whether you place them on the sofa, the bed, or your favorite chair, you can’t go wrong with a splash of cushiness. We love round pillows because…they’re fun! The perfect compact statement, they feel both whimsical and decadent. Kip&Co offers an array of 100% cotton velvet round pillows, and the craftsmanship is as beautiful as the velvet itself.

Their current palette includes enticing shades such as Kombu Green Velvet, shown below:

On a vibrant note, Kip&Co’s Cinnamon Velvet Pea Cushion creates the perfect pop of orange. While you may think of rich jewel tones when you hear the word “velvet”, today’s offerings include a rainbow of colors. Don’t be afraid of vivid hues!

These Shelly Round Velvet Pillows from Urban Outfitters caught our eye awhile back, and they’ve proven to have staying power. Their scalloped look has a retro vibe, it can go boho, and it’s also perfect for those who love all things beachy and mermaid:

Urban Outfitters also offers different palettes, such as the crisp tones above and the intriguing vintage-style mix of gold, rose and teal, shown below:

Whether you feature your pillows in the living room, the den, the guest room or the bedroom, enjoy the process of experimenting with color combinations and pairings. This type of mix-and-match design could lead to bigger velvet purchases! Do we see a couch in your future?…

Ottomans and Poufs

If you’re liking what you see with the pillows and you’re ready to venture into small furniture territory, why not try a pouf?! Elegant and cushy, poufs and ottomans can punctuate your favorite chair or serve as extra seating in their own right. Since we just discussed round pillows, let’s shine the spotlight on the beauty of round ottomans! CB2’s Pleated Ottoman-Stool features a brass base. Available in blush or grey (as shown below):

ferm LIVING’s Round Poufs celebrate the beauty of lines and curves. A rich array of color options creates a jewel-toned palette in the stunning product photography below:

If you’re craving a grander velvet statement, the Large Grey Pouf will double as a coffee table, providing a surface for objets d’art, reading materials and more. When combined with other rich hues, a deeply decadent space results:

For a more oblong look, an Oval Pouf will bring lean style home. While ferm LIVING’s velvet poufs are a bit of an investment, they deliver a big return!

On a budget? Try a pouf from Urban Outfitters. Selections like the Kirstie Velvet Pouf (below) are under $100. Plus, this beauty showcases one of today’s top color trends: lavender.

Low to the ground and lovely, UO’s Amya Velvet Pillow Pouf will help you create the perfect reading nook or essential extra seating. Tufting adds a big dose of style.

Velvet Curtains

We’ve decked the seating with pillows and decked the floor with poufs, so how about decking the windows with velvet curtains?! An affordable way to bring a substantial slice of velvet to your space, curtains are a fun arena to spruce up with luxe fabric. And if you’re thinking they have to be heavy and dark, think again! Urban Outfitters offers a lovely velvet curtain palette that includes shades such as mint, orange and emerald, all shown below:

Not to mention, the curtains can be used as dividers to define specific areas of your home. For a more neutral option, check out CB2’s Velvet Graphite Curtain Panels, which also have the ability to reduce noise and darken the room if need be.

Below we see the way these curtains create a chic vibe in a dining area. Neutrals are punctuated by pops of gold, and the curtain panels add richness and sophistication:

If you’re a fan of deep tones when it comes to velvet, note that the panels are also available in navy. Nothing beats a stunning bedroom with thick sapphire curtains surrounding the window. Use them as a backdrop to the bed (they’re great for blocking the light.), or simply hang them on a wall without a window for a headboard alternative!

Are you ready to bring a touch of velvet to your space?…

You're reading 3 Easy Ways to Decorate with Velvet, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Contemplative shots of buildings, structures and scenic landscapes combine with interviews of Tuscany’s 20 best architects in Tuscanyness, a new documentary from 120g. Consisting of young architects and engineers from Italy, this Pisa-based cultural association has released the documentary online (yes, for free)! You can watch it here or here. Keep reading for more on this beautifully shot film directed by Andrea Crudeli, its important messages, and a collection of images that will make you want to start watching immediately…

*All images in today’s post are taken from Tuscanyness

The Tuscanyness Experience

Tuscanyness takes viewers on a journey of discovery. Not only does it thoughtfully explore the challenges faced by current Italian architects, it celebrates the beauty of the region and ultimately provides a hopeful call to action. Long, sweeping shots of the landscape and grand architecture provide a stunning context for the concerns at hand. In this way, the message of the film is passionately expressed.

As viewers quickly fall in love with the land and buildings on-screen, the challenges depicted in the film are given true poignancy. At the same time, viewers feel like they’ve been on a meaningful, tranquil retreat, a getaway of sorts.

The challenge faced by today’s Tuscan architects: Issues such as the redevelopment of suburbs, property speculation, the loss of appreciation for beauty in daily life, and local architects emigrating abroad have created a profit-driven environment where architecture is created “without concern or passion”.

Topics such as “landscape” and “beauty” are discussed in terms of their role in Tuscan architecture, from the way they are valued in the culture to the way that cherishing them may be the key to uniting nature and mankind through architectural works.

Not only are the most important buildings of the region filmed for Tuscanyness, so are works of art that drive home the importance of the pursuit of beauty when it comes to architecture. These shots give insight into the culture, including its values and history.

Poignant Details

Just as in the realm of Tuscan architecture, there is beauty in the details when it comes to Tuscanyness. Many grand shots of the buildings and the landscape appear, but the close-ups of architectural details that range from the Romanesque to the contemporary are equally captivating. It is in these quiet moments that we discover the magic of Tuscan architecture. When lines and curves blend with ornate details and empty space. When creations come to life as far shots gradually becomes close-ups.

Modern design lovers will appreciate the way Tuscanyness highlights contemporary creations in all of their grand, unfussy glory. In fact, they truly complement the landscape as effectively as Tuscan architecture of the distant past. In this revelation lies a key concept: humility. It is when architects truly listen to their surroundings that something timeless is created. It’s about thoughtful design, discovering the soul of the location. As mentioned in the film, “…every soulful action will forever hold beauty. And if it is done coherently with the present conditions, it will become immortal.”

The most inspiring aspect of the film is the way it places hope in the current generation, who has the power to stay, share a passion for architecture, and create a cultural renaissance. We could talk about this hopeful message at length, but it’s more effectively experienced through a viewing of the documentary!

For more on the past, present and future of Tuscan architecture, do yourself a favor and watch Tuscanyness. A big thank you to Andrea Crudeli and 120g for inspiring us with their beautifully crafted film.

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