Just Like a Circus...

Still very sad over the fact that I'm not at the Britney Spears Circus concert tonight in Dallas. I would have loved to have gone- the sets, the costumes, the energy...her COMEBACK! But alas, the tickets were sold out too quickly and I am instead left with only sketches of Miss Britney in her crazy costumes designed by the Dsquared twins and the tales from those who went..

How could I have missed this??

I think the circus theme is just too much fun. One of my favorite books is Water for Elephants, which I hear is being made into a movie...can you imagine how imaginative and colorful the sets on this movie would be?

What if you and your family lived in a real life circus? (no, not as carnies) What we mean is, what if your home was originally the winter headquarters for John Robinson's Circus (back in 1840) and your address was One Circus Place?

Hey, it could happen! At least it did for the Worples' family. I will never forget this entertaining story that was in Traditional Home not too long ago.

Who would have thought that this normal looking Terrace Park, Ohio home would house such interesting roots?

The family said that they have definitely embraced the circus theme because of the home's history...and it's certainly apparent in their home! Brightly colored solid fabrics as well as lively contemporary prints adorn their furniture. They have taken the circus theme and modernized it in a whole new way.

Raspberries, lime greens, aquas, and hot pinks are everywhere! Hot pink velvet chairs above are Designer Guild and the ottoman is upholstered in a Manuel Conovas striped fabric.

What a fun house to grow up in! These rooms have so much vibrancy. As you can see, the homeowners interjected small accents of circus memorabilia without clowning around too much.

The family room is equally as fun as the rest of the house! Bold and vivid, I wouldn't have any problem hanging out in here.


I love this wall color!

The landing's curtains provide that extra jolt of color in the small space.

Harlequin vases on the dining room mantle provide some circuis flare! (they were given to the homeowners by their interior designer)

I wouldn't recommend the circus theme in a normal residence; however, it definitely works here!

Dress My Window

Window treatments are practically an essential. Whether it be for privacy, to block out UV/glare, provide warmth - almost any commercial or residential space needs some sort of window coverings. In most all my projects, it is certainly the one item we address at some point. There are many options to chose from in deciding window treatments.
Sheers add a nice touch whether it be in addition to other window treatments or as a light weight contrast to a silk hem.


The String Panel system from The Shade Store makes for both a room divider and a window covering.

Available thru The Shade Store by Chilewich, these wood grain roller shades are something really unique and different.

Solar Shades (such as these from The Shade Store) are great for commercial/working spaces.

Relaxed Roman Shades look great and as they are aptly named - have a more relaxed (less tight) feel. Also great for windows that do not have any molding where they can be outside mounted.

Flat Roman Shades with a cornice is really charming.

Drapery panels always seem to add elegance with a hint of formality based on the fabric. There are so many styles and designs for drapery too. Mounting the drapery rod up high extends the height of the windows and the room.

Solar Roman Shades are great for spaces such as a window seat, they are light weight and a bit translucent, but do their job in filtering strong rays.

Classic Roman Fabric Shades lend a more tailed look to a window and are especially nice and streamlined for inside mount windows.

I often do wovens like this on a slider - having a valence straight across the top with the shades split in the middle. This allows for one panel to stay fixed and another to be opened to access the door if necessary. It also gives flexibility in opening and closing at different heights depending on how much light or privacy is needed.

Woven shades are great,especially for places like a kitchen/breakfast room as they allow light to filter thru. Since they are a natural fiber, there is less concern for smell and stain absorption from cooking.

Christopher Lowell flat Roman Shades from Smith & Noble:

When one door closes, another opens!

We have good news and bad...

The good- Fete Home Collection in Dallas is having a huge sale!

The bad- it ends TOMORROW!

So hop on over there and pick up a few funky finds at this home and gift shop in the Bishops Arts District.

Their entire inventory is marked down at least 60%. Everything must go by the time they close on Wednesday, 3/31!

Why so cheap? They are going out of business...but not to worry, they are reinventing themselves and will be back with a new name and new inventory sometime in late April.

Located at 322 West 7th St.

April Food Day

Meg of Pigtown Design and Chris of Easy and Elegant Life have started April Food Day Bloggers Fighting Hunger blog action day to help bring awareness to hunger in America.

We are asking our readers to make a contribution to this cause tomorrow, April 1st.

You can donate here, to Feeding America, a national food bank- every little bit helps!

Mellow Yellow

Never one to normally flock to yellow, (but never say never, right?) I found these tables at West Elm and I thought they were fun!

Can stack, nest or scatter these Nesting Hexagons. $199 for a set of two!

Light My Way

A client was in need of a new light fixture for her nondescript narrow stair landing, a hanging fixture from the ceiling. Her look and style is Contemporary Asian. Here are some unique finds that can work in a narrow landing and have a streamlined Asian look.
Reed Pendant from Y Lighting.

Koshi Pendant from Y Lighting.

Pendant from Lighting Universe.

Pendant from Lighting Universe.

Coco Bead Pendant from Modern Dose.

Teardrop Lamp from Spacify.

Bamboo Tranquility Pendant Chandelier from Lamps Plus.

The George Nelson Triple Bubble Lamp Fixture by Modernica available at Velocity Art And Design.

Round Top Recap

If there is one word to sum up my sentiments of the Round-Top Antiques Fair after my first trip there this weekend it would be, "excess." I joined my mother-in-law and her two friends this weekend for an exhausting whirlwind shopping extravaganza. Now these ladies mean business, this is their fourth time to go (with no signs of ever NOT attending again), and they stay for a full week of shopping from 8am - 10pm. Crazy. I could only hang for the weekend, but it did not disappoint. You can find everything from the junkiest of junk to fine European Antiques. I thought I'd share some of my favorite finds...
At "Excess," I found this barn filled to the brim with industrial-chic-modern finds. A nice breath of fresh air when you've been looking at gorgeous antiques you can't afford and sorting through the junk you can. I would describe this vendor as Anthropologie on crack.

I loved this glamorous steel and lucite dining table/chairs combination! The chairs have SUCH potential.



My love for gorgeous rocks knows no boundaries and I about DIED when I saw these hunky chunks on lucite stands.


He had lots of gorgeous (expensive) lamps as well.

On the right hand side of this picture, note how he hung white coral all the way up the wall - very dramatic in person.
The new look Restoration Hardware is advertising was EVERYWHERE at Excess. Every last one of these cart/tables were sold.
This one booth had loads of zinc tables, I could think of a thousand possibilities and functions for them.
It amazes me that these "stores" only set up shop twice a year. It took the owner of Clutter three weeks to get everything set up. Any kind of print you could imagine was available.
SOOO many cute dishes!

A screen I contemplated as a headboard, but decided against because that's not what I ultimately want.

I saw several of these large mirrored obelisks - amazing!

Small sunburst mirror I passed up (I really want a pair).

I fell in love with this zinc chest, so so cool.

It's hard to tell but that is a cowhide rug all folded up - they had tons all over the fair. I mean this is TEXAS after all.

These antique bottles were really beautiful. The dealer found them in an old factory in England. They have the look of mercury glass but they are not actually made of the mercury. He isn't sure what they were used for, but had speculated that they were used to make herbs more potent. I think they will sell out quickly. I already saw various dealers who had bought from this man hawking them in their booths.
I loved the lines of this alabaster lamp.

The show has only just begun, so if you can make it I highly suggest checking it out!

Marimekko Outdoor Fabrics on Sale!

Textile Art is currently selling their Marimekko Collection of indoor/outdoor fabrics from $29.99-$34.99/yard. They are printed with fade and mildew resistant dyes and can be used for upholstery. The collections feature color combinations of blues, citrus, reds, and neutrals.

Pantone's 2010 Predictions

Pantone, the color experts, are at it again...and six months early! They recently came out with a Home + Interiors 2010 set of swatch cards of each of the 78 forecasted colors (including an additional neutrals palette). These cards encompass the anticipated trendy paint colors for next year.

Available for purchase!

Chicago Modernism Show!

Today, while allegedly taking the day off from work, I enjoyed my job immensely by touring the Chicago Modernism Show and Sale.  The event sponsored by AIA Chicago, Modernism Magazine, and Chicago Home and Garden Magazine was a treat.  I was WOWED by the vignette created by Room With A View.  The illusionist box was already sold (that is what I get for shopping the last day of the event) but it's graphic image and magical provenance was unique.  One piece that would make a room and label an environment one-of-a-kind.  Gotta love the graphic orange walls showcasing the architectural and black and white objets d'art.
Go Scout!  I always look forward to seeing what is in store for me when I hear that this Andersonville star is on the dealer roster.  BTW,  I scored on the Ted Harris "Terrarium" lamp  (his work is available at Scout)  on top of the console in the background. Lucky me!
Larry has done it again...a multitude of color, texture, and layering.  Each piece has a personality... And one that I would like to get to know better.  Proud that he is a Chicago compatriot...and that his shop is close enough for me to raid at will.
I was admiring the vignette created by Alex Chronis of cmodern in Cincinnati for his vast collection of foundry pieces.  This sculpture containing actual pieces mounted on steel drew me in...and then..POW!  I spied the cabinet behind it.  I love when that happens.
This industrial cabinet is so perfect for a mud room, kitchen, or closet application.  Mutli colored "peeps" adorned the drawers.  Just in time for Easter!  No samples were to be had, though :(
A close up.  Just to be sure.
Check this out!  I have never seen anything like these chairs before.....
Hold me back!  This set of 6 Italian Memphis style inspired leather and metal chairs from the 60's gave me the gimme's.  I had to be escorted out of the booth due to excessive use of superlatives.....Wells and Company in Binghamton, NY owns these chairs now but I will be working my interior design magic on a client that I know very soon.
The vignette provided by Room Service, was lovely in it's scope.  The whole space just "worked."  I adore the use of industrial metal pieces alongside the cowhide covered chairs.  Plus, the front table was loaded with peppermint patties.  Perfect pick me up...I scored a couple...to share.

The entire portfolio of the Masters Degree Project c. 1948 of Frances Stewart Higgins, was exhibited by Lusenhop Fine Art.

Frances, who studied at Chicago's Institute of Design, was so fascinated by a demonstration of the art of glass color fusing in her study above that she later made it her career.  Today "higgins" pieces of beautiful and always useful art glass can be found everywhere from brides' wish lists for dessert plates to some of the world's great design museums, including the Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert in London.  Imagine showing up at the Antiques Roadshow with this in hand!  Such a beautiful art presentation possibility...framed and shown on a white wall in it's entirety.
What a good time.  

East and West: Rashida's Best!

I just saw I Love You Man and it was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while! I have loved Rashida Jones ever since she was on The Office.

But how could you not love her? She is so freakin adorable! And we think just the same about her NYC studio apartment that was featured in Domino, in Feb '08.

Her apartment is only 400 sq ft but this little lady managed to transform it to fit all of her needs! One large room holds a dining area, living area, and bedroom! The article gives great tips on how to save space and organize effectively.

Her studio makeover included these things:

1) Efficient floor plan 2) Hidden Storage 3) Focused color scheme

Her color scheme included soothing light blue, black and white, with splashes of bold magenta!

Her symmetrical arrangement is perfect- two bookshelves flank a dainty white sofa.

I love her black Panton chairs- incredibly chic!

She managed to combine a bunch of different styles in her apartment and make it all look so seamlessly put together.

Fast forward a year later and her home is featured in Glamour. No, not that home...the other home! This one is on the west coast, in Los Angeles, and let me just tell you this home is just as fabulous as the last one we showed you!

Her LA home was designed by the talented Katie Fine and her celeb stylist friend, Estee Stanley. It looks simply stunning, I must say! This bright and colorful home seems to fit Rashida's charming personality to a tee.

A lot of the furnishings came from Mecox and LA's Dan Marty Design.

This living space looks so comfortable and provides a great place for guests to go and mingle (Rashida likes to entertain a lot). Walls are Elephant's Breath by Farrow and Ball.

So now that we've seen her initial two houses, all that's left to do is wait for her to move again! We need our next installment of Rashida home eye candy. She has the east coast down, and now the west, but how about Texas, Rashida? It's a nice and central locale!

There's still time!

The Carrollton Wisteria Outlet sale is still goin on! I went there yesterday and was able to make it in before it closed. I must say, this is one of their best sales yet! Everything is marked down considerably. I am kicking myself that I didn't go on Wednesday- the first day of the sale. Apparently stuff went pretty quickly.

Wish I had a proper entryway because I would get this chest in a heartbeat. The crystal knobs are the cutest!

They had a bunch of accessories and tables ALL marked down!

I really really wanted these chairs- but alas, there were only three and I think they are a different shade of white than my dining table. They were marked down to $150 each! Someone go snatch them up!

These cane back chairs were only $50 something dollars each! You'd need to recover the seats as most of them were needing repair, but what a deal!

This table is just gorgeous in person- too bad it's already SOLD!

More and more console tables!

Joe, one of Wisteria's employees, was kind enough to walk me around the warehouse and make sure I saw every inch of bargain! Thanks Joe! He loved these Art Deco-esque chairs..and for $99 each! You could even get new cushions made for them- imagine the possibilities!

Sale ends Saturday- better hurry because stuff is getting picked over fast!

Furniture Friday: Accent Tables

{Monroe Side Table - $349}

I wasn't going to do tables two Fridays in a row, but I saw this table on sale at Pottery Barn and couldn't resist!  

Some people are chair people, others might be fixated with lamps, but I am an accent table person.  I have no idea why, I just love snagging them up...I don't have a matching pair in my entire house!

So this week's edition of Furniture Friday is focused on end tables... by your bedside, flanking a sofa, next to a chair - they are just so darn practical :)

{Timber Table - $235}

I love this cheeky take on faux bois.  I can see this in a little girl's bedroom paired with pink and orange.

{Embossed Table - $399}

I'm a little bit obsessed with these turquoise moc croc end tables. 

{Hayden Marble Table - $698}

Not only does this table have an awesome name (which happens to be my maiden name), but I think it would be so chic as an end table next to Victoria Hagan's Emma Chair. 

{Venetian Bamboo Leg Table - $399}

Wisteria gets Glam!

{Morocco Studded Side Table - $525}

Funky ethnic inspired pieces always get my attention!

{Ribbon Stool - $475}

The texture of this stool is awesome.  Texture is what makes monochromatic spaces work. 

{Acrylic Nesting Tables - Black - $165}

Much like Nicky Hilton, this is a "trashy or classy" situation.  I immediately pictured her living room and can totally see these tables working in a black and white space. 

{Chloe Parsons Table - Set of Two - $795}

These bad boys have been around for a while, but you know what?  I still like them!

{Pierson Black Oak End Table - $89.99}

Cheap for Chic!  For that price, I'd buy a pair and replace the "Black Oak" with a natural stone top.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's installment...

Face Off: Nikki Vs. Brian: Martinique Wallpaper

Seems as if heiress Nikki Hilton and Brian Atwood have the same taste in wallpaper. And both in their dining rooms, no less!

This Martinique wallpaper is as famous" as its owners. It resides in The Fountain Coffee Room at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

This signature banana leaf wallpaper has been there since the 50's and was chosen by decorator Don Loper.

Which dining room do you like it in better?

Nikki's- this tropical but feminine, pink-accented dining room was designed out of nostalgia for the Beverly Hills Hotel. Nikki practically grew up there! Ahhh memories....

Brian's- Ok well maybe Brian didn't grow up in the Beverly Hills hotel, but he sure does like this wallpaper! So much in fact, that boyfriend Nate Berkus and him didn't quite see eye to eye on it. Nate began to have nightmares about the infamous paper before it was even installed! Not to worry, Nate eventually grew to love the wallpaper just as much as Brian!

Brian's dining room is a bit more masculine, modern, and sleek than Nikki's, but one thing they do have in common, is that their wallpaper sure does make a statement!

So what's your opinion on this paper and whose home does it fit best in?

{Apparently you can buy the iconic Martinique wallpaper here- just in case you want to pull a Nikki...or a Brian!}

{revamp}

A friend I met while attending Pratt Institute just launched her website and I thought I'd give her a plug!

L. Danielle Fennoy started her firm {revamp} interior design a couple years ago and is quickly blazing her own trail in the design world! Below are some of my favorite outcomes.

A Midtown Manhattan apartment infused with orange (When can I move in?):

A tranquil West Village 2-bedroom:

A warm Chelsea home:

Check out Danielle's website for Before & After shots, as well as tid-bits on each project and more info about her process & philosophy.

Keep up the great work Danielle and congrats on the website!

Fabrics Galore!

I have had so much fun these past few weeks picking out paint and fabrics for a client who needed custom window treatments, bedding, and pillows for two living areas and two bedrooms (a guest and a master). It has been so great working with her because she has fantastic taste as it is, and she's not afraid of bold color or pattern!

As the process normally goes, we went through a variety of schemes initially...(some not pictured!)


Until we found the most perfect solution.

Since it is a relatively small space, she wanted all of the rooms to flow together and have similar color schemes...unfortunately, that meant having to ditch most of the raspberry/reds (that she loves) in favor of cooler colors like blues and greens (But not to worry, she also loves these!)

She has two casual and laid back living rooms (think mid century modern furniture, ebay finds, lots of goodies!)

Here is what we ended up deciding on-

Liv Room 1

Top left: Geometric pillow fabric for sofa

Top right: Dining chair fabric- leaf print (existing)

Bottom: (sorry for the crinkles!) Drapes and roman shade striped fabric

Furniture: Dark brown chair (existing); taupe couch (existing)

Paint color: Teal (nice and funky!)

Liv Room 2:

Left: Green sectional fabric (existing)

Middle: Drapes- Peacock print

Right: Sectional pillow fabric

Paint color: Creamy white

Master Bedroom:

Her master bedroom is my favorite!

Top left: Greek key fabric

Bottom left: Off white linen fabric for wall of drapes (to hide an unwanted door)

Right: Euro sham fabric

Paint color: Off white

Furniture: Deep dark wood- looks almost black (existing- Ebay find!)

Guest Bedroom:

Top left: Polka dot fabric for bedskirt

Top middle: Leaf print for roman shades

Top right: Scenery print for coverlet

Bottom: Stripe for accent pillow

Paint Color: Chartreuse

Furniture: Off white, distressed, twin iron bed

I could spend 24 hours a day selecting fabrics. It is definitely my favorite part of the design process! A bit sad that the hunt has come to an end- but hopefully I can show you photos when it all gets done!

New LuLu DK Fabrics

New LuLu Dk Fabrics!

Another Great Tara Shaw Day!

May I introduce to you...Tara Shaw, her team, and her dog, Jack. From Country French to Directoire, her antiques can be the key components to form many stylistic vignettes for your clients. Specific moods can be created using Italian, Country French, Formal French, and painted furniture- enhancing your look and minimizing your search....cuz it is all here!Tara is an "insider" in European buying circles, having spent over 10 years developing an exclusive network of people and sources. She's also a master at the subtleties of importing products into the United States. Dealers and designers come to New Orleans from Florida to California to take advantage of her incredible selection, sense of style, and price. Above image is from one of my very own Tara moments. A very happy client, indeed.
I have exhibited pieces in my client's homes from Tara Shaw for years. She is my go-to-gal for aged, elegant, and my kind of artifacts.
Lovely creams and whites. The perfect elements for modern or traditional interiors.
Jardinieres for inside or out. Antique iron..scrolled or simple. Table bases made with slate or marble tops. I am like a kid in a candy shop.
Each of her exquisite showrooms, in New Orleans and Houston are chocked full of the kind of pieces that I have been known to actually drool over...my client's know that side of me.
Colors are muted and brilliant with age old patina.
Swedish antiquities that are rare and not available anywhere else in our world.
The aesthetic is mind boggling. Tara knows how to arrange her shop to inspire desire.
Sigh...I think that it is time for a trip to New Orleans..beignets and Tara are my list...Yum!

{For more on the new Tara Shaw line, Tara Shaw Maison, which includes beautiful reproductions, head over to Willow Decor!}

A Minute too Late!

There is a huge Wisteria Outlet sale going on right now in Carrollton (Texas).

It started today and ends Saturday! Bring your U haul- you may be leaving with a bunch of stuff! Apparently it is a great sale.


So I drove all the way there today in the rain somehow thinking I could get there before 4, and I get there at 3:57! The warehouse garage door literally shuts right as I get there. This rain is a curse I swear!

But I won't give up...will be there Saturday with bells on!

Rain, rain go away...

It has been cloudy and gross as ever this week in Dallas. And just when you think the sun is coming out and here to stay, it disappears again! I was supposed to take some portfolio pics Monday of a few completed rooms, but the weather has put a damper on my plans until further notice.

Hoping for some clear and sunny skies soon. The room below from House Beautiful seems to put me in better spirits!

I love how they have the one single tropical leaf coming out of a glass vase. Gives me hope that the "sun'll come out tomorrrrrow"....

Wishful thinking!

Star-Studded Closets

We constantly see celebs looking flawless and dressed to the nines on the red carpet. But do you ever wonder where all that magic first began? Well, it starts in a "little" place I like to call, a celeb's closet.

Whose is secretly a pig sty? (think Jessica Simpson on Newlyweds) Which celeb has their jeans carefully categorized according to light, medium, and dark blues?

Well, we wish we could show you the secretly messy celeb closets....but that aint gonna happen in this lifetime! As long as there are magazines and staged photo shoots, we'll only get to see those perfectly organized closets (the ones that we yearn for)

Most of these closet photo shoots consist of stars prancing around their closet, wearing their Sunday best, carefully posing, wait, I mean pondering, which outfit they will be sporting on their next trip to the tanning bed.


Kim, you are all dressed up for us- you shouldn't have!

Singer Jewel's closet is nice and simple. Her closet looks like maybe something she maintains without an assistant's help. But you never know, this picture probably cut off half the closet!

A boa? Rollerskates? What's going on here in pop sensation Miley's dressing room? Didn't her mom teach her not to skate in the house/closet?

How could you expect anything less from miss Paris Hilton? I don't think an inch of closet space is left!

The closet everyone covets- Rachel Zoe's!

Decisions, decisions...Jamie Lynn Sigler wonders what to wear on her date with Entourage's "Turtle"!
I don't think she will have a problem finding the right shoes!

I bet baby Harlow's closet is just as big as her fashionista mom's!

Jessica trying on shoes in her closet (featured in In Style). I don't think she has enough hats?!

Kimora's closet is crammed with things! At least her closet gives off a homey vibe with a leopard print carpet, Louis side "table", and antique chaise.

I like how Nikki's closet within a closet has glass doors so you can just shove everything in and close it on up! The dark wood floors are a nice touch also.

Mariah Carey's home was on MTV Cribs a while back and she has her own room- just for shoes! She owns more than 1,000 pairs- just a leetle excessive I think! You'd have to wear about three different pairs each day to wear all of them in a year! Who has the time!

And America's cutie patootie, Eva Longoria. We'll let her have as many shoes as she wants, she's just so adorable.

I'm not sure why Paula keeps buying more clothes because she ends up on the worst dressed list in Us Weekly at least once a week. She needs Tim Gunn to come over and do some spring cleaning in that closet!

Hope you enjoyed the celeb closet tour! It definitely made me want to re-organize my whole closet now- maybe I'll add a "shoe room"...or better yet, a shoe corner!! Mariah would be so proud!

Looking At Things From Two Angles....

 But it is really only one "angle" seen in two ways!   This modern twist on the age old "silhouette" is the work of Chicago photographer and artist, Maggie Meiners.

Maggie can be commissioned to provide you with art that will last the test of time- with a whole lot of personality.  After she snaps a photograph of your little darlings,  she quickly adds any pantone color  of your dreams for the image and background. The likeness is truly amazing! 
Now if I could only decide which colors to go with... neutral, metallic- or a bold, colorful pop......What if the children will want to hang in their homes one day.....Which colors will best stand the test of time?  

WestWeek '09!

If you live in LA, WestWeek starts tomorrow and over the course of the next two days are many events, lectures, and showroom parties! For all the event listings, visit the Pacific Design Center website.

Wall-pupper!

I saw this wallpaper at the ID Collection the other day and thought it was a hoot!

Silhouettes of various dog breeds can line your walls with Osborne & Little's Best in Show. Daschunds, poodles, and bulldogs, all represent! Available in two colourways.

Even better, is their ad for this wallcovering. This pup surely has the most stylish doghouse on the block (and not to mention, a matching ensemble too!)

Serena & Lily

What an adorable little company I came across today- Serena & Lily. This company is owned by who else? Serena AND Lily! These gals met by chance about six years ago. One, a talented textile designer and artist....the other, a baby boutique owner and knowledgeable businesswoman. They say opposites attract and perhaps that's why this pair has been so successful. Their attributes complement each other but one thing is for sure- both are on a mission to provide the most chic baby room around.

Their collections are timeless, at incredibly reasonable prices, and are loaded with style. Mom can even shop here too for her own bedding, rugs, lamps, headboards!

This duvet was featured in April's Elle Decor.

Orange is definitely the IT color of the moment! This fabric would look great paired with dark chocolate and white.

Never seen anything quite like this before- a pagoda lamp!

This floral duvet would look super cute in a girl's room. Once she gets tired of floral, just flip it over- the reverse is a sprout houndstooth!

Like we always say, it's good to mix natural, more rough materials with sleeker ones. That is why I love this lamp- the juxtaposition of texture (on the cork shade) with the sleek white base, makes it a perfect combo!

More fun fabrics...this one is their Ruby Sunshine Mosaic

So very cute!! I love the peacock print on the Marina Euro Sham

Oakland Inspiration!

I instantly fell for the living room of Interior Designer, Sheri Sheridan's Oakland home.  Her entire home is a perfect example of how to mix cool vintage pieces with new items from big box stores.  And the Dalmatian on the floor...presh!  

A vintage chair is reupholstered and paired with a CB2 "City Slicker" table.  

Love the tufting on the bench! 

You just can't go wrong with a mid-century Saarinen table!  I love it paired with the mis-matched chairs. 

Sheri mixed Crate and Barrel dinnerware with fabulous vintage Waterford china.

A phone from Pottery Barn blends perfectly with her flea market finds.

I love how she wasn't afraid to put her 19th century original Beaux-Arts illustrations in $20 frames from Michael's.  
The fabulous mirrored headboard is actually four packs of mirror tiles from Ikea at just $4.99 a pop - ingenious!  

{photos from Sunset Magazine}

Such charm...!

...encompassed the newest Traditional Home. The San Francisco home that they featured this month was really inspiring. Bright colors and bold prints throughout the space made for a very cheerful and lively setting.
Yellow and blue aren't two colors that I'd normally think to put together, but it looks really pretty and works well here. It could be the fact that they paired them with a bunch of muted cream accents. Do you think if the walls were anything but cream it would have still looked this tranquil? The rug, roman shade, accent tables, and lamp all seem to disappear into the background and let the colorful chairs, sofa, and pillows take center stage.

Yellow tables mixed in with green chairs, green lamps, and a pink sofa? Done and done! These homeowners aren't afraid of a little color and show this Victorian home who's boss!

Sleek metallic bar stools provide a modern flair.

Such a happy place to sleep!

I think if you lived here, with a touch of yellow in each room (done on purpose), you'd have no other choice but to be optimistic, as this color means joy and happiness.

You Still Could Be The Big Winner!

The MG's March Design Challenge is not over yet....this challenge will allow you, the entrants, to have the opportunity to have your shelving, of any type, considered for the ultimate prize.  This one lucky winner will receive drawings and ideas for a fully accessorized and professionally designed shelving environment.  

Bring  your shelving on over to me, Julia, via email at [email protected] with the following criteria by March 31:

- A straight on shot of all shelving or cabinetry.

- Dimensions of all shelves: width, height, and depth.

- An overall shot of the room with the shelving to see the whole space and to get a feel for your design style and taste.

Lastly, add any other tidbits of information that will allow me to build collections that will seem like you have been collecting forever.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Image above courtesy of Traditional Home Magazine featuring a Buckingham ID project.

Hamptons Getaway

This home in the Hamptons is designed by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz and was featured in Veranda magazine. Many of the rooms I enjoy seeing as there are some refreshingly new ideas, finally something a bit different - especially of a traditional Hampton home (which are all very beautiful too). While the project retains it's very "high end" look it also mixes in furnishings from some very accessible sources (which I've highlighted).
The living room with Noriega-Ortiz designed loveseats, back-to-back Room & Board sofas and daybed, Wisteria lamps.

The entry is stunning! Royale sheers, chandelier by Noriega-Ortiz, Country Swedish chair, Stone Yard table.

The dining room done in a saffron color with Crate & Barrel chairs upholstered in a Larsen fabric. The sideboard is from Room & Board.

The kitchen with plexi-craft barstools at the counter and Noriega-Ortiz designed the curtain of beads as a chandelier around the stove hood!

The kitchen eating area is a custom banquette which runs the length of the room. The tables are of black metal bases and plexi-craft white acrylic tops with Room & Board chairs.

The master bedroom.

The porch steps extend the length of the 40-foot pool.

The chaises are from West Elm with Sunbrella fabric.

All images courtesy of Veranda.

Furniture Friday: Coffee Tables

So this week begins my first installment of "Furniture Friday."  In honor of my friend, Libby, I am highlighting some of my favorite coffee table choices for all different styles at all different prices!

For the Francophile...

French Cocktail Table - $1,099

Hector Cocktail Table - $2,069

For the Glamazon...

Cosmo Cube  -$1,100/each

Cosmopolitan Coffee Table - $1,750

Lib- chrome, "x's", and glass, what more could you want??  Okay, maybe for it to be under $1,000 - ha ha. 

Gold Leaf Coffee Table - $1,950 

For the Modernist...

City Slicker Table - $179

Simple and Chic!  

Saarinen Coffee Table - $513

Classic, classic, classic - they never get old. 

Platner Coffee Table - $1,273

You never want to break the glass on this bad boy - right, Katherine??

For an Ethnic Touch...

Roost Pasha Coffee Table - $429

De Santis Hand Painted Table - $499

Okay, maybe it's not so "ethnic" if it's from Pottery Barn, but I still like it!

For the Naturalist...

Grapevine Cocktail Table - $2,895

Vintage Elm Coffee Table - $549

Bowtie Joint Coffee Table - $495

For the Bachelor...

Modern Veneer Coffee Table - $2,975

Bryce Coffee Table - $1,150

I couldn't resist this one because Bryce is my hubby's name! 

Oak Thin Coffee Table - $375

Ballard's Top 15

During times like this, you gotta be frugal...at least that's what I keep telling myself!

Your home really can be stylish without you having to spend a fortune...it's all about mixing high and low. And since right now, I can't really splurge on the "high", I turn to alternate resources for the low. Low meaning less expensive (without compromising good taste)

Although Ballard Designs isn't anything new to the blogging world, I did find a few chic pieces on their website at some great prices that I had to share with you!

Here are my top 15 Ballard picks that are currently on their site (in no particular order):


I love this clean lined, elegant sofa. The neutral color on it is so nice and warm. I can see it blending in well with almost any type of interior.

This clock's unusual design was developed by an 18th century clockmaker who wanted a small clock that could be read by candlelight.

In a lot of ways, I think Ballard is comparable in style to Pottery barn; however, one thing that PB does not have is a small antique brass clock! Ballard- you win on this one.

This desk is so soft and graceful. Would look lovely in a bedroom or you could even place a mirror over it and make it a vanity table!

I have to stop posting about tufting- but I just can't stop. It's a disease! How could you not love it?

You can upholster this Camden tufted headboard in Ballard's fabrics or even send in your own!

This piece is my favorite (I told you that this list was in no particular order!) The Dunstan wing chair is a play off the traditional wing chair given its very extraordinary back. The nailhead trim on it makes it even more scrumptious! And as with the headboard, you can send in your own fabric for this one too!
Throw pillows are always a must. I haven't tired of coral just yet. The cool thing about these is that they were needle-pointed entirely by hand!

This chair was designed in the Chippendale style and is handcrafted of natural rattan. Anything lacquered, we will take! Comes in red, black, or white.

As if I didn't have enough Office Max file folders already! Ok, we'll admit, these are much much cuter than manila. Marrakesh file folders come in a set of 12 (4 of each color) Makes me think of
Maryam!

These garden suite prints are applied on a canvas and glazed. I love the colors used in this- so very soothing! Comes in a set of 2 prints.

Some of you love it, some of you hate it, but the fact of the matter is that wallpaper is back! There are some wallcoverings out there that scare me a little bit (especially when over done), but this one is so charming, I have to give it the thumbs up!

This mirror is so unique and different- it had to make the top fifteen list! I love ruffles, I love coral, and I love antiqued mirror- a win-win-(win) situation.

This lamp sure does make a statement. I can see this in an entry hall- one on each side of a console table with a bold teal wall behind it.

Such fun pendants! The Westport would look super cute in a bright and funky commercial space like a coffee shop!

The Denton Tripod Lamp would make the perfect vintage desk light. Crafted of antique silver, this beauty is adjustable too!

I think pleated silk shades on chandeliers are so pretty...couple this with crystal, and you have one glam chandy.

Eddie on Etsy!

Just discovered that Eddie Ross is on Etsy! You know how much the MG's heart Etsy (AND Eddie Ross for that matter!)

To find out that Eddie, whose own home we admire so much, is selling a unique collection of hand picked, antique tabletop on one of our favorite sites, well, let's just say that we couldn't have heard better news! Each and every piece he specially selected from his travels around the world and handled with the utmost TLC- he washed, iron, or polished every piece by hand.

Did we mention that each piece is $100 and under too?

Such classic pieces....that "E" sterling silver spoon would fit in nicely in my silverware drawer.

I need to buy some of his pieces for my own home. The good news is that he updates his finds every Wednesday so there will be some pieces leftover for our readers after I buy out his whole shop! Gorgeous!

Era. Vintage. Modern. - Glam in Houston!

{Asian Modern Low Cabinet - $1,650}

I was delighted when I discovered Era Vintage Modern, a Houston company, on 1stDibs. Here are my favorite pieces from their online store... {Pair of Lucite Lamps - $750) {Empire Revival Vitrine - $3,250}

{Large Mirror - $3,750}

{Set of Eight Dining Chairs - $5,000}

{Brass Mastercraft Dining Table - $1,250}

{Lacquered Grasscloth Drum Table - $650}

{Pair of 1940's Steamer Trunks - $1,550}

{Paul Evans "Cityscape" Dining Table - $16,000}

{Chic Chrome and Brass Trestle Desk - $3,750}

Be sure to visit their 1st Dibs Listing for more great products!

Era Vintage Modern

3223 Milam Street

Houston, Texas 77006

Pillow Talk

So I was on a search for throw pillows for a window seat in a young girl's bedroom when I came upon these great finds from PB Teen. Why is it my "last stop" is always the best find? After looking thru other sites, nothing really stood out to me - and then, of course, I leave PB Teen for last (I was honestly trying to find the more unique and different sources) - but alas, when my client is on a budget and wants to get something fast - this is the answer! I fell for these options.
For the sophisticated girl, Sparkle Medallion Pillow Cover $19.

Bon Bon Ribbon Pillow Cover $25 (my favorite).

These pillow covers are only $8.99! Look! One already has my "name on it!"

A few of these Pom Pom pillows are exactly what we need for the window seat. ($29.99)

And while you're on the site looking at pillows, check out these cute chairs:
Ooh La La Armchair $199 (sale).

Grace Vanity Chair $149.

And last, but not least, look at this steal from Overstock - love this table lamp! Only $59.99 and it's called the Celine Table Lamp. (Please don't all buy them out - my client may need to purchase one!)

Taking the Bait...Green Envy 3!

 Erin go Bragh!  I forgot to wear any green today (hoping not to be pinched) , so I decided to try and redeem myself by posting some of my favorite images using green as an accent color. This sofa is fabulously antique french yet with a strikingly modern shade of green velvet.  Love the combination!

 Below, the ottoman is a rich jewel toned green lost in a  sea of other jewel tones.  Nanette Lepore sure knows how to mix colors.  From fashion straight into her own home.  Image courtesy of Elle Decor.
Love the wall color and the hint o green in the lamp below.  The art is graceful and subtle.  Black and white always looks great on a green wall.  Image pulled from House Beautiful.

Many fun things happening here in my town this day....Have you heard that our Chicago River has turned green?  ;)

ducduc, goose!

I first stumbled upon a children's furniture maker called ducduc when I attended ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in NYC a few years ago. I was browsing for ideas and inspiration for a project I was working on; designing 3 children's bedrooms and a playroom. ducduc was the first line of children's furniture I saw with a modern aesthetic, clean lines, and bright colors. They gave me a promotional T-shirt with their adorable logo on it, a simple duck in orange on the front and it read "quack baby" on the back.

I proudly jogged around Brooklyn in that T-shirt! (And I'd like to think I drummed up some business for them!) They were previously carried only by other retailers (Design Public, 2Modern, etc.) but they now have their own showroom at 525 Broadway in NYC. I ended up purchasing this play table for my client's son.

They even have some furniture that I would gladly purchase for myself. Why should the kids get all the nice stuff?

I'm also a big fan of their complete room designs. (And everyone knows I'm OBSESSED with this wallpaper!)

Not only is the furniture manufactured right here in the USA, the people at ducduc are friends of the environment and strong supporters of several charitable organizations. I realize this look isn't for everyone but I suspect there are dozens of brownstones in Park Slope decked out in ducduc!

Green with Envy! Part II

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

Apparently the MG's are crazy for this holiday and the color green! Great minds think alike so I am going to follow Jill's Green Envy post with Green with Envy: Part II! Abby, Julia, and Lauren, feel free to keep up the trend and post Green with Envy: Parts III, IV, and V!

I always remember the date of St. Patty's because I am Irish and it's my half birthday!
I love this holiday because green is one of my all time favorite colors. It's not gender specific, looks great with sooo many other colors: yellow, chocolate, pink, black and white, blue, orange, camel, white/cream....the only color I really hate with green is red- it screams Christmas.

I felt it was only appropriate to show you some images of my favorite green rooms. Enjoy your day and kiss someone who is Irish! :)

Dining room by Mary McDonald

{Domino}

{Elle Decor}

{Elle Decor}

{Elle Decor}

{Western Interiors}

{Traditional Home}

{Sherrill Canet Interiors via Tobi Fairley blog}

{Kelly Wearstler}

{Tobi Fairley}

{Traditional Home}

{House Beautiful}


{Domino}

{Domino}

{Domino}

The most recognized green room of all- the White House's!

Be sure to visit my favorite green blog in the spirit of St. Pattys Day- Coco + Kelley!

After seeing all of these beautiful rooms, it makes me green with envy! What's your favorite shade of green?

Victoria Hagen High/Low

NY designer, Victoria Hagen has recently added some new pieces to her stunning high end furniture line. Victoria is infamous for her beautiful interiors as well as her line of home accents for retail giant, Tarjay.

Her furniture pieces are so extraordinary, thought you'd want to take a look!

Victoria's Target pieces are just as chic! (minus the expensive price tag)

What Victoria pieces do you have in your home, if any- the steal or the splurge?

Green Envy

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I would delight in all things green. From a room filled with shades of greens, to accent pillows in moss, to a goldish green pendant...various shades of greens work for almost every room. More bold? Try kelly green - such a fun color! It's okay to be green with envy...

Throw pillows from Design Public.


Dining chairs in green.

Paint color from Farrow & Ball.

Outdoor furniture from Smith and Hawken.
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Bedding from Pottery Barn.

Drapery panels from Smith & Noble.

Kelly Wearstler designed bathroom at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, CA.

William Sonoma Home hand woven ikat rug.

A pendant light from Y Lighting.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Less is More

I love wallpaper. I love a little coordination. Not sure if I love this:

Seems a bit over-done and reminds me a little of this:

Take a Vacation from Boring Fabrics!

Most people are on Spring Break this week (well the teachers and the students are anyways!), so I decided to fish for fabrics that are fun and tropical to substitute for the fact that I am stuck in Dallas this week!

These Thomas Paul prints for Duralee put me in the mood for summer and a tropical vacay-

Paint problems..solved!

This month's challenge was a lot of fun for me. I got to select paint for one of our reader's homes! The beautiful house belongs to Donna of Kansas City.

Her home was built in 1929 and the exterior is that of a brown/putty color- but she hopes someday to change it to yellow! She moved in about 4-1/2 years ago and initially painted every wall Benjamin Moore's Linen White. She has since decided that she is ready for some color!

When you first walk into the home, the formal Living Room is to your right. It is painted a deep gold, Benjamin Moore's Dijon 193 and contains red, off white and black accents. She wanted to keep this wall color in here and since it is visible from the entry, tv room, and dining room, she also wanted it to flow well with the new paint selections for the rest of the house. '

She had mentioned that the Entry was a possible candidate for paint; however, I think that she should just leave it Linen White since it looks straight into the Dining Room (and I chose to do a color-color for that room)

The Dining Room color was her biggest challenge by far! It's currently painted Linen White but she wanted to add some color to the room to set it apart. Her furniture is traditional cherry with shield back chairs. The chair seats are upholstered in a graphic black and white stripe, her hardwoods are fairly light and the drapes are an oatmeal linen with black grosgrain ribbon trim.

The Dining Room is adjacent to the entry, sunroom, and kitchen/tv room (all Linen White). The things that I had to consider when choosing paint for this room were her six small cartoons that she purchased in China and wishes to get framed, another colorful piece of art that she got in China and is currently hung up in the room, a simple frameless mirror, white oyster plates with minimal gray/black detail, and clear crystal pieces. Her one request was that we don't do red in the dining room since it has been done too much. I think I can handle that!

I ended up selecting Benjamin Moore's Mill Springs Blue- HC-137 for this room. Since you can see the kitchen wall tile from here, I wanted something that would complement it and not fight its colors. I also wanted a color that wasn't too shocking nor too playful. I wanted to keep with the sophisticated and elegant look that she has throughout her home.

I would paint this color from the top of the ceiling to the chair rail and then install crisp white wainscoting below so the room stays light and doesn't get too cave-like.

The Mill Springs paint would bring out the shades of blue/green in her existing framed artwork as well as coordinate well with her Chinese cartoons (which have a lot of gray/green and gray/blue in them). This color would provide a nice dramatic backdrop for the room, break up all of that white, and make the larger piece of artwork really pop!

This brings me to the next room- the Sunroom. Visible through the dining area, this room's walls are pure white paneled "worm wood". The drapes are white sheeting and upholstered pieces are off-white, black, and off-white toile. Sunny yellow pillows on the chairs and window seat bring in some color. The flooring is a beige sisal carpet that someday will be a natural stone or brick.

She recently had glass doors made for the shelves, so she could display heirloom pieces and keep them safe out of her kitty's reach! She loves the crystal hurricane lamps that belonged to her mother, but she was disappointed in how they disappear in the cabinet and wanted to know what accent color she could do to make her heirlooms stand out more!

For the back of the bookshelves, I chose Sherwin William's Haven- SW 6437 as an accent color. Normally I would never tell a client to go to two different vendors to get their paint- it's just a hassel. But out of ALL of the Benjamin Moore greens, I could not find one that matched her accessories well enough! And with paint, I always try to find the most perfect match- I become a little bit of a paint perfectionist and won't stop until I find something that I am really happy with! All of the Benjamin Moore greens either had too much yellow, too much gray, or too much blue!

This one from Sherwin was perfect. It complements the colors in her accessories nicely and also provides a perfect background for sunny yellow. No other color but green could work here. She has a few yellow accessories in the bookshelves already (so painting yellow at the back of the bookshelves wouldn't work!), light pink or purple (which would have coordinated with her floral teapots) would have clashed miserably with the yellow accessories and looked too "Easter basket". Green really is the best solution here since there is a teeny bit of green in most all of her shelf accessories and it provides a nice, fresh, citrus look coupled with the yellow.

It's always so much fun to do color consultations- virtual or in person! Thanks for sharing your home with us Donna- enjoy your new paint selections!

{For any color consultation inquiries, please email [email protected]}

Be sure to enter next month's challenge by 3/30- Julia is going to transform your bookshelves!!

French Beds

I was on a search looking for French style beds when I came upon this UK company called Frenchie Interiors that has some great collections of French style lighting, mirrors, furniture, beds, and other items.

Simply Never.....

...would of thought of this idea!  I am seeing shelves everywhere these days as I cull through entries for our March Design Challenge.  This has to be the most intriguing yet!  Thanks to MODERnests, one of my latest design blog finds, I found this highly creative idea....on the blog you can actually find the step by step directions on how to craft your very own "bench shelf." Courtesy of Martha Stewart, d'accord.  

Makes me wonder what is on the other side of the wall :)

Don't forget to enter the MG Design Challenge of the month...A complete design plan for furnishing your very own shelving.  Check out the March 9 post and email me, Julia,  your stuff!

Downtown Chic

I loooove to read in general but I especially love reading and collecting new design books! I got word of a new one coming out on April 28th called Downtown Chic.


This book was co-written by husband and wife team Robert and Courtney Novogratz of the world renowned NYC based firm, Sixx Design. It is in fact their first book- how exciting!

Ever since their first design project in Chelsea, the duo has developed and designed gorgeous living spaces in Great Barrington, Massachusettes, Soho, and Trancoso, Brazil. Not to mention, they also have SEVEN kids! Wow- what a hard-working pair!

Their book is coming soon but you can pre-order it now on Amazon.

Elegant Lighting

My favorite pieces to select for clients are mirrors and lighting. I am always on the lookout for beautiful lamps, sconces, and chandeliers. There are just so many great light fixtures out there!

I especially love Barbara Barry's collection for Baker. So very elegant and attractive...here are a few of my favorites...


Signature Chandelier
I don't think chandeliers get much better than this!

Her sconces and lamps are equally comparable...


Hourglass Ribbon Lamp

Dressmaker's Lamp

Bauble Sconce

Draped Lamp

Bauble Lamp

Such classic pieces...you did good Barbara!

More Shelving News....

I received some more entries today....And, I was thinking....I like the idea of painting both the bookshelves and the interior an amazing color.   Something in a direct contrast to the surrounding wall color.  Give me some feedback on your favorite colors for further inspiration! Boy, the lucky challenge winner is going to have it made :)

In The First Three Days I Am Inspired

Just received this image from a design challenge contestant...They would like their bookshelves to look like this.  Even down to the retriever in the foreground.  I am ok with the shelving inspiration but does anyone have an idea about incorporating the dog into the scene?  Ceramic, faux painting?  Bring me your ideas!

An armoire...re-purposed!

I've been trying to sell this armoire on Craig's List for as long as I can remember! People just aren't in the market for armoires like they used to be now that flat screens are more prevalent....but I mean seriously how could someone NOT buy this armoire? Isn't it gorgeous? Beautiful wood finish, an antique circa 1990, large and bulky- there's just NOTHING like it out there- a true gem!!!

At least that's what I tried to tell the shoppers on Craig's List; however no one could be convinced- it truly is an eyesore.


So when I started thinking about turning my dining area into a design library, I figured I would need a big piece of furniture to hold catalogs, samples and all of the other stuff that designers need to keep handy (but also hide from the public). I didn't want the first thing people saw when they came in to be my workspace- so that's when the idea of the armoire started to look better and better (and not to mention, nice and free)

I began to think how great it would be if I revamped it...and once I have something set in my mind, there's no stopping me. I had it moved from my sister's house to my house within a day and started working on it the day after that. I wanted to make the armoire nice, but also low cost and a quick and easy project.

I ended up painting it off white (about four times) then added some crystal hardware from Anthropologie. But as the armoire became whiter, the neutral wall behind it made it disappear. So that's when I decided to go BACK to the paint store and buy some mossy green paint to lend a background to my armoire. Don't you just love how one project quickly turns into another?


The green wall color is much lighter and brighter in person- it was a really gross day today in Dallas so hence the horrible pictures! (don't worry, it's not 80's forest green!)

Then I started to think of all the different things you could do with armoires and the possibilities are endless...Within them, you could store..

Arts and crafts/scrapbooking materials, office supplies, kids toys, sewing supplies/fabric, table linens, a wet bar, clothes/accessories, movies/tv, home accents, etc etc. Whatever your fancy! So before you haul off your bulky armoire to the resale shop, here are some pretty ideas below on what to do with that mangey old armoire...

Paint it in two colors or lacquer it....make it fun like Jamie Drake's pink and black armoire!

{photo via Alkemie}

Add in some mirrored glass and paint it white for an updated crisp look
{Image via Domino}

Love this gray armoire (and the hardware) in this dining room by Hickory Chair.


I want this Windsor Smith armoire!!

Windsor Smith designed this room (one of my all time favorite rooms). A white mirrored armoire in the corner is the perfect touch to this space.

This feminine armoire featured in Country Living houses a whole bar inside! Who would have thought such a sweet looking armoire would contain so much liquor! Cute idea for those who like to entertain a lot.

This room, featured in House Beautiful contains a pretty robin's egg blue armoire. If you are thinking your armoire is hopeless, just remember that a fresh coat of paint can go a long way on an old piece of furniture.

I saw this room over at La Dolce Vita blog, and love the angular lines on this armoire piece.

This painted and distressed French armoire from French Country Living, looks right at home in this space. Aside from standing there and looking pretty, it serves a purpose too! It holds linens.

{Image via Velvet and Linen}

It wouldn't be right if I didn't show you at least one armoire image from Cote de Texas!

House Beautiful showcased the beautiful Neirmann Weeks Quatrefoil Armoire.

These glass-paned geometric, white armoires really seem to be everywhere! We keep seeing them...another House Beautiful image...they must really like their armoires!

A Mary McDonald room...a black armoire displays classic and subtle accessories in the background.

Before clicking that "Post" button on Craig's List, you might want to reconsider- armoires are really great to have handy and refinishing them can make a world of difference!

All Dogs Go to Hollywood

Ah, Hollywood. It is THE place to visit, is it not? Palm tree lined streets, sunny days, drinks by the pool, cruising the boulevard, hikes to the Hollywood sign. Who wouldn't want to come stay in Hollywood? Even your dog wants a trip to that place they call Tinseltown. So in booking your dog's next vacay, why not consider D Pet Hotels in Hollywood? The Standard, the Mondrian - so over! D Pet Hotels is a luxury resort and spa for the distinguished dog. The luxury suites include queen size beds, flat screen tvs, & extensive room decor. There is an indoor park, a spa, a boutique, and even chauffeured transportation. Heat exhaustion got ya - there's a 24 hour doc on call. I bet your dog is just scratching to go!

The lobby. Lobbies of Hollywood hotels are always sightings for celebs. Perhaps one of those tv commercial dogs might be checking in for a stay.

The rooms look spacious and accommodating. (I wonder if they provide turn down service and leave a bone on the bed?)

An on site gym for those morning workouts. Perhaps your dog prefers to skip the treadmill and opt for yoga instead - he may just have to inquire about getting a yoga mat if that's the case.

A little doggie shopping never hurt anyone. The hotel, of course, has it's own in house boutique should your dog decide to splurge:


Rooms are going fast, so book your dog's stay now at:

If you wish to accompany your dog on his trip to Hollywood, well, there is a motel up the street. For you.

Your Chance for a Bookshelf Transformation!

MG Design Challenge of the month!  Better late than never ;)  Hold on to your built-ins or to your rolled in shelving....This month's challenge will allow you, the entrants, to have the opportunity to have your shelving, of any type, considered for the ultimate prize...That is one lucky winner.....Will receive drawings and ideas for a fully accessorized and professionally designed  shelving environment.  Even the image above, from Alcatraz Prison, could be considered.  I would whip that baby into shape in no time!

The contest begins today, March 9.  So, please email me, Julia, with the following criteria:

A straight on shot of all shelving or cabinetry.

Dimensions of all shelves; width, height, and depth.

An overall shot of the room with the shelving to see the whole space and to get a feel for your design style and taste.

Lastly, any other tidbits of information that you may like to add to allow me to build collections that will seem like you have been collecting for ever and that include a sense of "you."

After the first fifty entries or the last day of the month (whichever comes first,) we will post a notification that the design challenge has ended. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Recently relocated and just don't have the time to fill and display?  Ok...even if it has not been so recently.  I will NEVER tell.
Maybe you just want to expand your horizons away from exhibiting books alone.  Borrrring!
To this........
Or this.....

Spring at Leontine!

I love, love, love getting all new bedding.  The new spring designs from my favorite bedding source, Leontine Linens are making me drool!  I don't know how I would ever pick a monogram, their choices are practically endless.  Even just two shams would be a great addition to a simple white duvet. 

Colour Advice from a True Expert

I'm sure you all know by now how much time I spend with my mom- and 99.9% of that time we spend together, we end up gabbing about design. Ever since I started Material Girls, she has gotten really into design blogs. She will often call me up and tell me about a new one she discovered. Her latest blog obsession is "the color lady". She has been talking about the color lady for weeks. "Emily, this lady gives THE best paint advice! Haven't you ever heard of her? Colour me Pretty? Wait, I think it's Colour me Ecstatic? No, that's not it..." Great description mom! I'll be sure to google "colour me something".

Ends up she was talking about Colour me Happy. I have since become just as obsessed with Maria's blog as she is! Maria has been in the decorating business and specifying colors for over 10 years. She spreads her color knowledge throughout her blog and gives some really great advice...you have to read one of my favorite posts of hers here- she takes her readers on one of her color consultations and my other favorite (which rings SO true) is here

So I know I should go to sleep at some point tonight, but reading her whole blog from start to finish is too tempting. It's so refreshing to find someone else who loves color and paint as much as I do- and someone who knows what she is talking about!

Be sure to check her blog out. We loves!

McMakeover

I so despise not only fast food but the look of fast food restaurants. I am certainly one to "judge a book by it's cover" when it comes to the bright colors, bright lights, and icky interiors of any given fast food restaurant. Now that I voiced my opinion on that subject, I can actually move forward with saying someone is finally going in the right direction when it comes to fast food interiors. Thanks to NYC based Studio Gaia, the infamous McDonald's is getting that much needed McMakeover. Take a look:

A communal bar is featured with the notion that they want more people to come into the restaurant (vs. drive thru) and have a more inviting atmosphere.

The chair colors still incorporate McD's signature yellow and red.

The idea was to give the chain a more modern makeover, about making it more hip.

The concept was to use inexpensive, straightforward materials such as tile, fabric, laminate, and wood with the idea that simple materials actually look more luxurious than they really are.

Furnishings were specified from good contract sources such as Knoll, Davis Furniture, & ISI Furniture. Wall Graphics are from MDC Wallcovering, tile from Dal Tile & EuroWest.
I can name a handful of fast food restaurants who should McMakeover themselves too!

Bernhardt Interiors

The furniture company Bernhardt has introduced a new line called "Bernhardt Interiors" featuring nine settings of new classics in upholstered seating, new fabrics, tables, and accessories.

Ladies Room

A very chic public restroom.

Maggie Knows Her Stuff!

Fresh off of our meeting to discuss a new art commission, I am thrilled to share the work of Maggie Meiners.  Primarily, self trained her work focuses on documenting the beauty, complications, emotions and surprises of everyday life.
Maggie's compositions are direct, to the point of appearing minimal, while her subject matter, conversely discloses significant complexity.
Maggie is currently working on a series involving the use of color and random patterns as a way of bringing the viewer into the meditative process of making photographs.  Intentionally blurred,  these examples show magnificent color and possess a sublime presence.   All images are from her website.  Stay tuned for her modern take on the  silhouette which is a personal favorite of mine!
Part of the "Shared Elements" series....Graphic and simple...This piece is titled "Black or White"
"Simplicity"
"Misunderstood"
 Maggie has an amazing collection of Polaroid images that are refined and three dimensional.  Using  the edges of the film as the frames you can really feel the spaces. "Utah Canyon" is exquisite....
"Adobe"
"Victoria"
"Red White and Blue"
"Figure Eight"

 "Poppies" reminds me of the spring that we are craving here in Chi town.  Word on the street is that Maggie may be part of a satellite exhibit during Art Chicago in May.  If it happens, I will be posting about it here! 

Modern Kitchen Source

I thought I would take the opportunity to showcase a kitchen design product line from Germany called Uro Kitchens. The line is represented here in Los Angeles by a colleague and friend of mine, Morgan, who often assists me with kitchen design projects for clients of mine. Morgan is extremely competent when it comes to understanding kitchen design and specifications along with knowledge of appliances for kitchens having a great deal of experience both working for high end kitchen design companies along with it being a family business. On a recent kitchen remodel, I asked Morgan if she wanted to bid her product but my concern was my client being on a budget. She introduced me to a line she has acquired which features the same look for a fraction of the cost with a better lead time.


The Uro line is similar in quality and specification as some of the other high end European kitchens but it is a fraction of the price. Many of my clients who are knowledgeable of some of the other high end kitchens from Germany & Italy are concerned with the cost factor but with the Uro kitchen line, the price points are much more competitive. I've found as a designer trying to provide a good value for my clients along with the aesthetics - this is a great product to introduce to my clients. There are some limitations as far as no custom colors or sizes, but by providing specific dimensions the company will configure a kitchen layout that best incorporates the function and needs of the client along with the specifications of the product line. Production and lead time runs 4-8 weeks and that for a European product is typically unheard of. All in all, I think if going for the look of a modern high end kitchen - this is definitely a product to consider.


For more information & to receive pricing info based on your specific kitchen please email to: [email protected].

New Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Fabric!

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard is no stranger to the Design World, named one of the top 100 Designers by Architectural Digest, and published over and over again, he decided to give textiles a try.  According the latest issue of Elle Decor (which I loved), his first fabric line was sparked by travels to Turkey and Uzbekistan.  





This is my favorite one (above).
Here are a few of my favorite Martyn Lawrence-Bullard designed spaces...




I love how he mixes these ethnic/boho prints with clean-lined glamourous furnishings.  It really is all about the mix!  

Oh Lucy!

 In these times of rediscovery...have you heard of the master of the word "repurpose?"  Her name is Lucy Slivinski.   Lucy graduated from Northern Illinois University and has an MFA from Cranbrook.   She deliciously shares her art with us all.   Nothing tossed or forgotten gets by her....She is truly a renaissance woman. 

 Lucy dominates this space with color!  Salvaged steel tanks and chain wax eloquent considering their past.
Recycled felted sweaters encompassed by steel....
Amazing and brilliant...crocheted steel wire and concrete.
The "Green Moss Series."  Materials include sisal, steel, and paint. Real and organic.
This piece titled "Bundle." Magnificent!
See crocheted steel wire and concrete....  Hangers have a new life.


How ever does the old tried and true aluminum lawn chair become this stellar sculpture?  Only in the hands of Lucy Slivinski!  I am proud to be a fan.  Again,  I would like to share another Chicago artiste with the rest of the material girls consortium.  Enjoy!

Bloggers' Homes- UNVEILED!

Reading design blogs has become a daily ritual of mine (and I'm sure most of you out there can identify with that statement!) Well, maybe not so much of a daily ritual, since I am up at all hours of the night trying to squeeze in some more time on the computer catching up on my favorite blogs.

{This tech-savvy dog and I must have been separated at birth...}

A lot of these bloggers, I have come to know pretty well- even though we've never met in person. My family likes to poke fun at me for having a lot of "virtual" friends. Ok, maybe I need to get out more!

But I honestly feel that my day wouldn't be complete without checking up on my favorite design blogs and the bloggers themselves! I find myself having conversations with my mom about the latest Cote de Texas post or using words like "blogosphere" in normal conversation when out to dinner. Although, I usually get the "deer in a headlight" look from friends, there is a group out there who knows what I'm talking about. They've got endless style, creativity, and loads of inspiration on their blogs. They are my partners in procrastination- the design bloggers.

These 9 guys and gals were kind enough to invite me into their homes (virtually) and give me a peek at some of their favorite rooms. (and if their rooms are just as fun as their blog posts, then we are surely in for a treat!)

One of my favorite blogs that I read religiously is Elements of Style. Not only does she have great posts about interior design (and she is in fact, a designer), this girl knows her fashion too.

My favorite is the "art" above her bed- she framed two pieces of vintage Schumacher wallpaper.

Erin has even been featured in the Boston Globe! What I love about her condo is that it's chic yet practical. She knows a good steal when she sees it but she's also not afraid to splurge on something that she loves and has had her eye on. She uses her home as her design laboratory and tends to mix high/low and traditional pieces with modern.

Her blog certainly keeps me entertained and on top of the latest fashion/design news day in and day out.

*VISUAL * VAMP*

There aren't enough good things that I can say about our next blogstress...she's a hoot. She lives in New Orleans and on top of being a designer, she is also a writer, and currently Director of Marketing for Julie Neill. It doesn't stop there- she also teaches tango lessons and writes for her own blog, Visual Vamp. She is one of those people that you wonder- what can't she do?

{Cue Magazine- Oct 08)

She is always revamping her home. But no matter how busy, Valorie is always accepting new gigs- writing, marketing and design projects.

PVE captured her walk in closet, dressing room and even her little dog Chloe, in a fun illustration.


Master Bedroom with a fabric wall behind her headboard

Joni of Cote de Texas had a solution for her shutters- hang a wall clock!

Another must-read blog is Things that Inspire. Her blog has been featured on the Washington Post's Blog Watch more times than you can count! The beautiful images that she presents on her blog really do serve to "inspire" readers- those that have a fascination and love for interiors.

Here is her gorgeous front entry hall- light and airy, it pretty much makes me want to redo my entire house in creams, golds, and neutrals.

She's an interior decorator who resides in Idaho and owner/writer of the Simply Grove blog. Kirsten definitely knows how to put the fun in funky.

Her home has just as much personality as her blog does and you can definitely tell that a design enthusiast lives here!

Her colorful wall of letters is so much fun!

Her dining room is very retro glam. A splash of red brings in a touch of color to the room and a pretty tone on tone wallpaper give the walls a little bit of a sheen.

I am so completely obsessed with glass tiles and the black, white and gray of hers provide the backsplash with a nice graphic punch. What a perfect backdrop for yellow and white salt and pepper shakers!

Decorative but not serious, this next blogger often has me LOL- ing at his every post. Yep, I literally laugh out loud at Maison 21's posts. On top of being hi-larious, Maison tends to lend sophisticated glamour to his designs (a huge plus in our book) He is an interior designer in "real life" and often shows his readers the rooms he is working on- which are nothing short of gorgeous!

My funniest encounter with "Maison" was when I heard his real name for the first time. It felt like the last episode of Sex and The City where Carrie reveals to all that Mr. Big's name is actually JOHN! It was a crazy moment for me to hear that Maison is actually not referred to as Maison in the real world- he has a real name!

His house is just as real. "100% recycled" as he likes to call it, everything outside of a few accessories purchased new from Target, was once owned by someone else. Some things were inherited from his family but most were purchased through antique shops, flea markets, yard sales, ebay, etc. And at least one item was pulled out of a trash can!

He is always rapidly changing things around his home too (like most other design bloggers). We can't just seem to keep things in one place, can we? I, too, am very design A.D.D.

"Le Garage"- once a plain ordinary garage, now the beautiful M21 showroom!

The next blog belongs to Canadian Jessica Claire. That name might ring a bell as her well known lifestyle blog is called The World According to Jessica Claire. Jessica is so very creative and her daily musings serve to inspire us all.

Where do bloggers spend 90% of their time? Their desk! Jessica showed us pics of her work space/bedroom area. (Having them be one and the same makes it just that much easier to wake up in the middle of the night and check your email! Yes, I do that)

I spy a ghost chair!! Jessica's graphic and continuous color scheme of black and white gives the room some edge while punches of orange provide a nice colorful accent to the room. I love the sloped ceiling- makes the room look so cozy.

We love Desire to Inspire's blog. Jo and Kim (an Australian and a Canadian) started this delightful design blog. It was first brought to my attention by a designer friend of mine who claimed it was one of her favorites. It has since then become a Material Girls' favorite as well!

Kim shared photos of her home which has undergone a huge transformation (especially her kitchen!)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I am such a color-lover so I truly admire her bold color choices in her home. A pink kitchen? You know I loves! Would my apartment leasing company ever let me paint my cabinets pink? Probably not so I have to live vicariously through others who can.

The hot red chair really pops against the cool turquoise walls.

A few of her living spaces....

How much fun would a room like this be for parties and gatherings?

Another friend of ours in the blogosphere is Joni of Cote de Texas, a Houston designer who is as funny as she is gracious. Her blog posts will keep you at your computer for hours and you can always count on her to be just an email away to answer your question or provide some designer insight (and she's a night owl like myself!)

When I asked her to send photos of her home, she sent me her bedroom and said "I don't know why you'd want it- yuk"...is she crazy? It's beautiful! I love the color of her bedroom- it's so soothing.

Joni loves her electric sconces! And they must always be on too! Her little desk area is so quaint. Her guest bedroom and daughter's bedrooms are just as pretty too- I have a feeling her guests feel right at home when they visit!

She's a huge fan of slipcovers too!

Joni is truly one of the most influential designers in our little network of design bloggers. If I had to nominate a blogging president, it would probably be her! She's a great mentor and if you haven't read Cote yet, you need to- the best advice on French design (on the Texas coast) around!

Ronda, founder/editor of All the Best blog created this online guide to stylish living. Aside from design, she covers all sorts of topics- travel, shopping, fashion, food, wine and art. There really is something for everyone at All the Best. Not only is Ronda talented, she's also incredibly sweet.

I love her idea here of putting art above doors- it draws the eye upwards and gives the visitor something interesting to look at- most people would have left it blank- but Ronda's house is all about the details.

All of her accessories are perfectly placed. A nice balance of taller objects with lower objects.

How quiet and peaceful does her sitting area look? Curl up with a good book (or laptop) and Ronda seems to have it made in this little nook! Lots of natural light and a nice view complete the space.

Hope you enjoyed visiting the bloggers' homes as much as I did! And thanks again to all the bloggers who took the time to make this post possible!

Without Further Ado...

I got a lot of really awesomely bad entries for my "Ugliest Bathroom Contest."  It was a tough decision, but you really can't beat big game "Out of Africa" wallpaper paired with brown plumbing fixtures.  

John-Clark Brown, the winner of the contest, said he did not attach any inspiration pictures because a prison cell would be better than what he has.  I can't say I disagree, I mean at least you'd get a stainless toilet.  

A close-up of the lively wallpaper.  

Now the Design...

{click to enlarge}

The first thing I went to for inspiration was a cheerful (not fearful) wallpaper.  It was important for me to show that wallpaper shouldn't make you feel like prey in your own bathroom.  The pattern I chose is "Damask" from Walnut Wallpaper. I kept the fixtures classic in case they are a little scarred by the current Jumanji-esque paper and the yellow and white was a little too bold.

For the floor I chose a basket weave by Michael Smith for Ann Sacks. 

I like a white tile with beveled edges for shower walls.  

.

Ballard Designs' "Bradford" Mirror ties in the black on the floor and keeps the room crisp.  

The bathroom is very small, leaving no room for sconces on both sides of the mirror, so I had to use of own my favorite lights, the Simple Scallop fixture from Circa.  

Williams Sonoma Home's Greek Key Towels keep with the "clean and classic" vibe.

I chose the Strande Faucet and Fittings on sale from Restoration Hardware because I liked the crystal levers (I gotta have my touch of glam).  

Last but not least, the vanity is the Clermont Vanity by Kohler.

Hopefully John-Clark and his wife will be pleased with my selections, I can't wait to hear! 

Scarf Chandelier

Check out this amazingly unique chandelier made from a Chanel scarf (there is also a Cartier version). It's made with 22 kt gold plated, draped with gold plated vintage beads and chain with real pearls. Measures 19" high and 15" diameter. Now who says fashion and interiors can't be friends? Dress your interiors!

Available thru the Suzan Fellman Showroom in Los Angeles.

OC Event

For any of you in the OC, there is an event at Lightopia sponsered by Riviera Interiors. (Click on image to enlarge to view invite.)

(On a side note, I am curious to know if we in fact have an "audience" in Orange County. Being that I am an OC native (but also a long time Angeleno) and that I am "bi-coastal" (ok, that's a joke but I do spend my time between OC & LA) - I would love to know if we have readers in the OC and if so, I would be happy to feature more blog posts on OC in addition to LA. Thanks in advance for any feedback!)

Focus On An Artist

A few months ago I saw a story on the local news about an artist who does his work in the subway. Ok, so a lot of artists work down there but what was special about this artist was his medium. He uses the MTA Subway maps as his canvas and sharpies and paint pens as his medium. I Googled a few combinations and found several articles and images of his work. I know I'm biased because I'm a New Yorker but his works and story are impressive. Take a look:

I found a short bio on GalleryFront.com. Enrico Miguel Thomas is this talented artist's name and he earned a BFA at my alma mater, Pratt Institute. It sounds like he had a tough childhood and hopes to one day contribute some of his earnings from art to other children who have suffered abuse.

I love you Enrico! And your art! And your cause! I'm so upset I haven't run into you on the platform. Especially while waiting for the L at 14th Street. (Lord knows I've spent a lot of time there!)

I think what I really dig about his work is it's energy. His use of the subway map is so perfect for his subject matter and style. Constant people and movement. Sometimes we lose ourselves in the chaos of life in the city. I know I have. "People are just going through their lives and they're not really paying attention to the beauty around them. It's my job as an artist to bring that to the table. To show people 'hey look you are surrounded by beauty even if you are consumed by a 9-to-5 workday.'" Well said. And even if I haven't run into you on the platform, thanks for making me stop and reflect.

You know what else I love? He's made friends with lots of MTA workers who gladly give him the free MTA maps. (Uh-oh, I probably just gave the MTA another way to increase revenue!)

Which station does this guy work in?! He looks like the friendliest MTA worker I've ever seen! (Oh, I'm kidding! You're all lovely.) You gotta love NY! It's really unbelievable the amount of talent that is just wandering around, doing their thing, living their life.

The work above is of a homeless couple Enrico came across. There is brief description of his experience drawing them and an excellent article about Enrico and his life at the Sun Sentinel. Keep up the good work Enrico! I'm keeping you on my radar! And if anyone I know happens to need a present for me (Anyone? Anyone?), this is what I want!

Photos courtesy of GalleryFront.com, newsday.com, and the Sun Sentinel.

H&M Home Collection

The Swedish based clothing store H&M is now offering a home collection line. It is debuting first in European markets and will be available by mail order. The line will be organized by different rooms in the house and also by palette (taking cue from fashion). The concept will also be on value for money - not unlike their retail clothing stores.

Silhouette Winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Vinyl Silhouette Giveaway last week. There was definitely a wide range of responses among our readers on which color of silhouette was their favorite.

Amber (whose silhouette color of choice was soft pink) said it reminded her of cotton candy.

{That color is so yummy...well maybe it's not only the color that's making my mouth water, but that big hunk of sugar above is looking pretty good too}

Amber won herself a custom silhouette from Vinyl Silhouettes. Congrats Amber- would love to see a pic of where you end up putting it!

More giveaways to come...stay tuned

The Buzz on Bunny!

Bunny Williams is getting a lot of hype lately for her new furniture collection, BeeLine Home. It seems to be in every magazine that I've come across this month, and now we know why. Her furnishings are exquisite- nothing short of spectacular.

Just went to the website to check the stylish pieces out for myself. There isn't a whole lot in terms of quantity, but according to the website, new pieces will be introduced each year.

This chair wins my vote for the most gorgeous painted chair. If you are attached to this style but want a heavier look, not to worry, she also offers it in a medium stained walnut finish.

Regale Arm Chair- Painted as seen in Western Interiors this month

Look at the beautiful detailing on her Eglomise coffee table. The pretty sea green top paired with the gilt iron base makes this table a truly unforgettable Williams piece.

I usually seem to steer away from yellow, but not in this case. Just a dollop of yellow here puts the colorful icing on a more muted cake. The cream walls and darker furnishings tone down the bright pillows. I'd honestly be afraid to step foot in this room and disrupt its symmetrical perfection!

Here's a closeup of those uplifting sunny yellow pillows...

How come no one has thought of this before? And in unlacquered brass, no less! This wastebasket with handles would make it sooo much easier to take out the trash...in style too!

And my next favorite chair on the website- the Eclipse
Pull it up to a desk or dining table...best part is, for this chair and the Regale, you can supply your own material. Now how's that for custom!

And the chair above would look striking paired with her Rosewood table.

And what's even better than sitting home at your computer sifting through Bunny's collection? Seeing it in person! I just discovered that Mecox in Dallas sells some of the BeeLine Home products- off to Knox Street I go!