Zippered Pouches

I have always had a love of fabrics. One of the great perks about being an Interior Designer is that I am around beautiful fabrics everyday -- it is definitely my favorite part. Ever since I got a sewing machine a few years ago, I have been eager to turn all of these colorful, textured, and patterned fabrics into beautiful things.

First, I created a growing collection of two-of-a-kind throw pillows available through my website and Etsy, and I am now getting ready to offer a collection of one-of-a-kind zippered pouches. If you see something you like, don't wait too long because once it's sold, that's it! Below is one of the first pouches that is going to be available. It's the perfect size for a makeup bag, a place to keep receipts (I'm a big receipt-hoarder), or to organize any other little items that need organizing.

Keep an eye out for many more styles to come!

Turquoise Home Decor

Turquoise furniture and home decor items seem to be popping up everywhere. It's the perfect color to add to almost any space. I love it because it reminds of the clear, bright blue water in the Caribbean. Add this color to your home through pieces of furniture, light fixtures, or small accessories like vases or an ottoman. Brighten up your decor just in time for summer!

Turquoise Home Decor by carlyahlman featuring glass bottles

Currey Company colored light
zincdoor.com

Ceramic garden stool
kathykuohome.com

Glass vase
lampsplus.com

Glass bottle
etsy.com

Swivel chair
dotandbo.com

3 drawer dresser
kirklands.com

Surya ottoman
blisshomeanddesign.com

Casters furniture
ikea.com

Favorite Patterns: Watercolor Florals

Recently I have seen watercolor-inspired florals everywhere from dresses to throw pillows. The watercolor technique gives a more contemporary look to otherwise traditional floral patterns. I also love the bright and sometimes unexpected color combinations that are used on the floral watercolor patterns on the items and spaces below.

Get your home ready for summer with this seasonally appropriate trend. Incorporate throw pillows, artwork, or even an entire accent wall.

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design

Photo: Etsy / Pineapple Bay Studio

Photo: Anthropologie

Photo: Lily Bunn Interiors

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Summer Scarves

Lightweight scarves in the summer are a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit. They also come in handy in overly air-conditioned spaces, which are always hard to avoid during the summer. These summertime staples come in a variety of colors and styles; solid or patterned, large or small.

Summer Scarves by carlyahlman featuring lilly pulitzer scarves

J Crew scarve
jcrew.com

Lilly pulitzer scarve
zappos.com

Kate Spade loop scarve
saksfifthavenue.com

J Crew j crew scarve
jcrew.com

Nine West fringe infinity scarf
ninewest.com

American Eagle Outfitters scarve
ae.com

Sole Society tube scarf
solesociety.com

Old Navy sheer shawl
oldnavy.gap.com

Single Patterned Spaces

Decorating a space with a single pattern applied to many or all of the pieces and surfaces in a room is a technique that has been around for many years. At some point it fell out of style a bit, but is now making its way back into the world of interior design. Applying the exact same fabric to multiple items in the same room is definitely a bold design choice, but it can result in a boldly beautiful space.

What do you think of this design comeback?

Photo: Beautiful Habitat

Photo: Better Decorating Bible

Photo: Better Decorating Bible

Photo: Free Sharing

Photo: House to Home

Photo: House to Home

Favorite Patterns: Ikat

Adding pattern to a space is always a great way to liven up the look. A very popular pattern these days is Ikat. Traditionally, Ikat is a fabric in which the yarns have been tie-dyed before weaving (Merriam-Webster). Ikats come in a variety of colors and patterns, and can be found on almost any home decor item that you can imagine. I even have an Ikat pillow in my new throw pillow line! Get inspired by the great Ikat-filled spaces and products below.

Photo: Design Sponge

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design

Photo: The Kellogg Collection

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: West Elm

Carly Ahlman Design Etsy Shop

The Carly Ahlman Design Etsy shop is officially underway. Check it out often to see the growing collection of two-of-a-kind throw pillows. All throw pillows are sold in pairs, and won't be repeated. Once they're sold, they're gone for good! Additional two-of-a-kind pairs are added to the shop on a regular basis. All fabrics are high-end, designer quality. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, dens, and any other room that needs a pop of color or pattern!

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design Etsy

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design Etsy

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design Etsy