Item of the Week: Parlour Chair

This week's item is the Parlour Chair in Tangerine from CB2.  It's fun, bold, and modern.  $699.95

I think I'm on an orange kick...it's been ap"peeling" to me.  ; )





Pair the chair with some great pillows from CSN Stores:

Feminine Friday: Neutral

How amazing is this room!?  Mixing new and antiques is one of my favorite things to do when designing a room.  It creates layers of interest and character.  For example:  the two side chests are from the Malm series at IKEA and the armoire is vintage.  Throw in a cow hide rug, cream upholstery and new geometric wallpaper and the room becomes a masterpiece of old and new.  image via:  decorpad

Theatre Thursday: I've got a date with the girls...

...of Sex and the City!  I'm off with my friend V to see the much anticipated girly movie Sex and the City 2.  In addition to the plot, the interiors are also a "big" draw for me too!

Let's start off with the closet:  Dark hardwood floors, a settee bench, and a mix of white and stained wood.

HIS on the left, HERS on the right.  Gorgeous!  Jealous!

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The living room:  I'm not sure which I love more, the recessed tray coffee table or the bright yellow art.

HIS and HERs combine again with tailored lines mixed with floral accents such as the overscaled floral rug in pink.

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Cute ottoman!

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Sitting area off of the living room:  I'm hoping the lighting in the movie adds some life!

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A view from the dining room into the kitchen...now that's a backsplash!

Images via:  HGTV

Photographs by:  Craig Blankenhorn

{orange}

Orange doesn't have to be crazy or bold.  It can be warm and cozy.

Mix in some orange with your neutrals and update your space with this hot color.

Designer:  Victoria Neale

Formosa Tray Table, CB2 $49.95

X-bench, Jonathan Adler $695.00

Metal trunks, CB2 $49-69.95

Orange adds vibrancy and warmth to a modern room.

Designer:  Tobi Fairley

Sneak Peek: Give-away Winner's Kit

I recently sent design service give-away winner Robin her custom kit for her master bedroom makeover.  She wanted a retreat for her and her husband, as well as a comfortable and inviting space for the whole family to enjoy. 

Keeping most of her existing furniture while adding some new pieces, I went with chocolate and caramel tones for a warm and comfortable space.  Here's a peek into her kit by erica leblanc design. 

Robin is going to work on her makeover this summer and I hope to show you the results soon!

Manly Monday: Man's Best Friend

Textured wallpaper, nailhead, a mohair throw, black, and touches of gold...even the dog is sophisticated!

image via:  Brunch at Saks

Item of the Week: Shopping Totes

While you're out shopping for accessories for your home or food for your beautifully set table, grab one of these totes and look like a domestic diva! Availabe at  Layla Grace for $12 & $20. 

$20 - reinforced cotton canvas totes with inside zipper pocket:

$12 - printed non-woven material with outside pocket:

Designer Tip: Keep it Together

My vanity can get a little messy at times.  I've got lotions for the face, body and feet.  I've got make-up brushes, tons of make-up, hair products, curling irons... 

So I'm totally in love with this idea;  using a tray to keep all of those items together in one designated spot.  Add some towels and flowers and it's a girls' morning routine dream.

(I'd probably need 2 trays!)

image via:  house beautiful

Feminine Friday: Pink

Pink can be be sophisticated and modern while still being feminine and romantic.

In this Park Hyatt Hotel suite designer Sarah Richardson used touches of soft pink and punches of hot pink to decorate this amazing room.  A portion of the room rate goes to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

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She also designed this sweet and fun girl's room using bright stripes and bold florals.  She snuck in some modern metal touches such as the light pendant, grommet top panels and hardware, and the sleek side table near the bed.

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And then she updated this mid-century bungalow with some modern style and soft salmon touches.

I Know You Want it...

as much as I do.  Get it at my boutique here.

It's perfect for serving margaritas on a porch or patio.

This or That: Mid-Century Chair

Which do you prefer?

...a new tweed chair from Urban Outfitters for $425 or a vintage mid-century chair in it's original fabric from Center44 for $2800.

Nothin' Blue About This Room:

Doesn't this room look like a fun space?  A sectional is always a great piece of furniture for a media or family room.  To get the party started add a tray on top of the bright blue snake skin ottoman to hold some cocktails. 

Note:  Look at the extra long console housing the television.  That's a great idea to cozy up a media center by putting a pair of lamps on the console and adding some books and extra throw blankets underneath.   AND, the wrap-around window treatment softens the corner, so creative!

Designer:  Lori Dennis

There's Something About Mary...

I did it.  I think I found my all-time fave designer.  Mary Macdonald.

Classic.  Clean.  Sophisticated with a little edge.

Manly Monday: Medley

A splash of zebra spices up a tailored, masculine bedroom.

Birch panels and shelving create a masculine and zen headboard.

Scandinavian style and earthy neutrals keep this masculine space looking clean & minimal.

Blog Hop

Item of the Week: Candlesticks

I've been a fan of Rosanna, Inc for years now.  I first came across a set of 4 dessert plates with chandeliers on them at Homegoods, and I visit her website often for updates.  Her collections of dishes, tea pots, and accessories are both classic and whimsical.  She maintains a few collections, adds new ones, and even has holiday editions.

And what would be the perfect companion to a beautifully set table?  Candlesticks.  These 12" Dauphine Candlesticks are just gorgeous and intricate.  Black & White, $70 pair.  Gold, $80 pair.

Brimfield Baby!

You know when you go shopping with money in your pocket and you can't find anything you like, that fits, or that you can afford?  That was my day at Brimfield, what feels like the world's biggest flea market ever, located in Massachusetts. 
I spent the day shopping with my friend Casey over at Loft and Cottage.  After 5 hours, we decided to call it quits.  So what did I have in my bag?  A vintage cotton nightgown and a bag of kettle popcorn. 

But we did see some beautiful furniture and accessories!  I was drawn to the tents displaying shabby white painted furniture, distressed Swedish items, and a few things zebra.

Amazing black coral in rustic white frames...

and a little zebra at Marvin Gardens' tent.  They had great style and gorgeous displays.  Love the chests filled with plants! (above)

And Lone Ranger Antiques had a gigantic tent filled with Swedish Country furnishings and Swedish Mora Clocks.  We spoke with Jeff who travels to Sweden for 5 months each year and ships the furniture to Florida.  His collection was beautiful and the chairs and benches were upholstered in muslin.

I fell in love with this desk and chair.  The owner had painted them both a shiny black.  The drawer was lined with a graphic black & white wallpaper and the desk chair was upholstered with fabric that matched the drawer lining.  It was an adorable set and I loved that special detail.  (below)

The lined drawer and the matching chair (tucked behind the desk)

While I didn't come home with any amazing deals, it was a good day and I got some great ideas for future projects.