First Project of 2011
Here are some shots of a project I started and completed earlier in the year – thought I’d share!
colorful ceilings! (guest post)
Hi all! I’m Jennifer and I write for†Arcadian Lighting, an e-commerce site that chronicles the work of top interior designers and home decor trends around the world.†I’ve been writing about home decor since graduating university and have loved it ever since. I’m addicted to patterned fabrics, Jonathan Adler, chaise lounges, old doors, milk glass jars, antiques, and chandeliers. Michelle Workman is one of my absolute favorite interior designers, so you can imagine my sheer delight when I was told I’d be writing a post for her amazing website – and about something I love, no less: painted ceilings!
Home decor is made up of all kinds of elements, from furniture and light fixtures to wall art and everything in-between. But one of the best tried-and-true ways to tie the look of a room together is to not only ensure there is a pre-determined colour palette but to also integrate it from bottom to top — tippy-top! Stunning rooms with painted ceilings look seamless and streamlined (not to mention super stylish)! Here are a few faves:
A touch of lavender
Simply Irresistible… Designs! via
An interior sunroom with layered window treatments (sheers and heavier curtains), manicured potted plants and a pale purple ceiling all culminate to create a calming oasis.
Mural mural on the ceiling…
decor8 via
Michelangelo may have adorned the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and this dreamy cherub mural on the ceiling of this cozy kitchen adds major visual impact to such a small space. The matching pendant light is a nice added touch — couldn’t even tell there was a light fixture up there!
Matchy matchy
My Home Ideas via
A painted ceiling helps create dimension in this whitewashed bathroom – the sky blue section above is a great home decor detail in that it “lowers” the height of the space. The mismatched ceiling lights definitely adds character to this lovely bathroom.
Sunny stripes
ChicGeek Designs via
Stunning rooms with painted ceilings don’t always have to have one solid colour – stripes are a stylish way to elongate a space, like this kid’s room.
Great grey
Minted Life via
A painted ceiling that “bleeds” onto the walls helps to change the overall depth of this bedroom. The comforter and furniture, such as the bench at the end of the bed, are also in a similar grey hue. The wooden-like light fixture in the middle of the room definitely balances the room.
Posh purple
Jordan Guide Design via
A purple ceiling looks more subdued when paired with other elements in the space, like the wall art and the table decorations – the purple print and flowers help bring the look together.
Sky blue
life-style via
A painted wood slat ceiling looks less obtrusive when criss-crossed with corresponding white beams. We also love how the fabrics are carried through from room to room.
Trendy turquoise
Studio Sweet Studio via
A home office or craft space can be more whimsical and playful than other more formal rooms in a house, so why not paint the ceiling in something unconventional, like a 50s diner turquoise?
Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!
Buy it now – design board
I recently did a design board that was created from resources available to every person – not through a designer. I had a lot of fun creating the design board and have decided to do another. All the elements of this design board are readily available for purchase – so if you like it, you can go out and get it!
Modern Out of Africa (the movie was a wonderful inspiration for me when I was young) Bedroom
We start again with the walls, in this case I decided against wallpaper (though I had a really big argument with myself about that) and went with a deep green paint on the walls: Benjamin Moore 2044-10 “Green”. This color makes me relax and think calming thoughts of oceans, forests, mountains, and a peaceful nature.
Benjamin Moore 2044-10 Green
Next is the bed which comes to us from West Elm – normally I would suggest curtains to get that Out of Africa feel but I love the way it looks open too.
Ellipse Bed
Some very crisp and clean bedding from Anthropologie.
Diamond Pleating Bedding
This dresser from Z Gallerie is just the right mix of glam and safari camp with the mirrored drawer fronts and cerused oak frame, the X shape on legs (repeating on mirror) makes one think of the campaign chairs and travel items from that time period too – only modernized.
Carlyle Dresser
A bench at the end of the bed is not only cozy but functional too – a place to sit for the on and off of shoes!
Horchow Angus Metal Bench
Bedside tables complete the furnishings – these from Anthropologie go right along with our African Safari inspiration.
Truss Side Table
a rug (or three – layering them would definitely add to the sense of being in the wild) from West Elm.
Kite Kilim
West Elm Zebra Cowhide Rug
West Elm Masai Rug
Finally, some artwork to keep us inspired….
West Elm Paper Wall Art
Lourdes Sanchez Collection from West Elm
I think you get the idea….
plum tree inspired design board
This morning as I was sitting on my porch I noticed that one of my plum trees was starting to blossom and I thought how pretty the colors were. Pale pink, plum red, grey bark. That got me to thinking and well… I haven’t posted in a while so here you go!
Here is a photo of the inspiring tree.
Plum Tree Blossoms
Our walls would be papered in this lovely Silk hand-painted scenic wallpaper from Griffin and Wong
Satsuma
A rug from The Rug Company always delights, This Alexander McQueen is cashmere and divine!
Feathers by Alexander McQueen
A modern, yet plump and cozy sofa from The Collection.
Flanking the sofa these side tables with faux bois legs from Kay O’Toole
Faux Bois Leg - Marble Top
And sitting atop the tables I would put these gorgeous Foo Dog lamps from Belvedere
Foo Dog lamp with acrylic base
In front of the sofa I would use this large bench rather than a coffee table.
Pink Bench from Gustavo Olivieri
And I would refinish the legs dark and reupholster it in this metallic fabric from F. Schumacher
Shimmer Linen
Add these yummy chairs from Baker
Galerie Chair by Andre Arbus
Upholstered in this lovely plum blossom pink from Kravet
Fairmont Lattice - Blush
A dash of modern thrown in with this chair from Pieces
Ultra Modern Chrome Chair
This series of photographs is all that this space needs to be a mix of modern sumptuousness.
Southampton New York - Eric Cahan
Barra de Navidad, Mexico - Eric Cahan
Barra de Navidad, Mexico - Eric Cahan
Thanks to 1st Dibs for hosting such amazing dealers!
Guest Blog Post! By DesignShuffle.com
What ís beyond your front door? Your foyer greets your guests, friends and family each time they come to visit. What does it say? An entry or foyer is the first room encountered when entering your home and if you’ve designed it well, it will have your visitors jaws hitting the floor each and every time they come by.
The interior design ideas, principles and elements important in creating a bold and impressive entry are not hard to implement. With just a little know-how, a bundle of creative energy and some fabulous found objects and a few pieces of furniture you and your entry will welcome house guests with an impressive ìhello.î
Image Credit: www.elledecor.com
Foyer Design One:
The three principles to follow, which create some of the most beautiful entries, are balance, proportion, and symmetry. For instance, think long slender hall table topped by an ornate or unusual framed mirror to match your design style. Balance the length of the table by making sure your mirror is a smaller width than your table, but taller than it is wide. Symmetry comes into play by placing two tall buffet lamps on the table so the shades come just to the edge of the mirrors frame. Another interesting idea; add two vases with tall floral and feather arrangements on the table on either side of the mirror instead. On the wall next to the mirror place two wall sconces, wall pockets or two pieces of small metal wall art. This balances everything out.
Paint all walls or just the focal point wall a brilliant color you love. The newest color being embraced is honeysuckle, a pretty pink with a tendency towards the red spectrum. Be sure to add a rug, perhaps an animal print or fine woven floral wool rug.
Image Credit: www.elledecor.com
Foyer Design Two:
This works well in a modern or contemporary decor. Follow the principles in the first design, but drop the symmetry, hang an intriguing chandelier or floor lamp off to one side (design element: ìlightî), but keep a balance with the other furnishings, a table and two chairs. Make these pieces simplistically modern and use contrast by bringing in a white or dark wood table with chairs in an opposing finish. Modern chairs with great classic impact are the famous Tulip chair, the Egg chair, or the Panton chair in white polypropylene molded plastic. This entry just begs for wood floors left bare to show their beautiful finish.
Image Credit: http://www.thelennoxx.com/?p=5464
Foyer Design Three:
Over the top and heavily utilizing the design element ornament are more flamboyant entries with lots of texture, lots of color and lots of variety. This entry may still incorporate many of the elements and principles in the first entry, but it isn’t for the faint of heart, the modernist or traditional decor lover. It works well with a worldly interior, for examples look for Moroccan or Parisian foyer design ideas. Crystal-laden chandeliers, colorful carpets, ornately carved seating or tables and candelabras.
No matter which entry style you choose, you can rest assured knowing when someone walks in your front door, they are going to pause and utter Wow. Every home should have an entry that welcomes and gets a response back.
Content provided by Design Shuffle which is a social media site filled with interior design ideas from top tier design talent around the world. Best of all, registration is completely free.
Little Things That Fill Me With Delight!
I have been super busy as of late and haven’t had the time to put a lot of thought into a blog post – and while thinking about what I wanted to show you I realized I am in a very lighthearted mood and wanted to share a few things that make me happy just to look upon them.
I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.
Thomas Paul Greyhound Pillow
I used to have two greyhounds and they are not only the most elegant dogs but so sweet, and yes… CUDDLY. This Thomas Paul pillow reminds me of them.
Sarah Blank Studios
There is something so charming about this artists work. It takes me back to a simpler time where nature held wonder for everyone.
Homart Agnes the Sheep
little lambs
The above little lambs make me happy – I found the small grouping seen here in an antique store, Homart makes the cast iron one above.
Antique bust
Another find in an antique store on Cape Cod. I had such an emotional reaction when I saw this bust. Something about it moved me deeply.
Simrin Farm Yard Laminated Fabric Trays
Lastly these trays from Simrin are so cute and quaint, simply delightful!
I hope you had a smile on your face while looking at this post – I know I did while writing it!
Defining celebrity.
I just had brekkies with my one and only celebrity crush. Mayer Rus. You may be asking yourself “who the hell is Mayer Rus?!” Well Dear Friends, he is the Design and Culture Editor of the LA Times Magazine. He is better known as the Testy Tastemaker from House and Garden (sadly, shuttered… sob..).
For years I would receive my H&G in the mail and quickly turn to the back to read his column, sometimes I wouldn’t read the rest of the magazine for several weeks but I always read The Testy Tastemaker immediately. I have worshipped from afar, his turn of phrase, his sense of aesthetic and yes, his humor. Below is a taste for those of you who are tantalized and a second helping for those of you already in the know.
House and Garden - The Testy Tastemaker
You may be surprised that this is who I would crush on (or more appropriately “stalk”) – when I have had a host of A-list celebrities as clients. Just as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, celebrity is in the mind of the stalker. His wit and charm as a writer captivated me from the first reading and this morning much to my ultimate delight I had breakfast with him. I hope that we can become BFF’s because truly I would hate to have to keep “accidentally” running into him (it might become suspicious).
You can have a bit of him here at his blog for the LA Times Magazine, From Rus with Love – but I better not see you hanging around him, because Dear Friend… he’s MINE!
Buy it now.
I decided to do a post that showed a design that only had items that were available for immediate purchase. No trade fabrics, or custom furnishings. Everything you see below in this design board is available to the general public for purchase. In fact I found it all on the web.
We shall start with our inspiration; wallpaper from Anthropologie: A traditional look, cheery and fun.
Anthropologie Mansfield Court wallpaper
Next we find a rug from Horchow: A modern take on the zebra rug – we pull in a bit of orange and offset the traditionally leaning wallpaper.
Horchow Albino Zebra rug
A pair of chairs from Z Gallerie: a silvery gray velvet – the lack of pattern calms the busy wallpaper and rug, without being boring.
Z Gallerie Soho chair
A sofa and recamier from Horchow: Adding the charcoal gray and modern lines of this sofa keep the look fresh. The recamier adds an element of tradition and settles the blue in the room.
Horchow Haute House Velvet sofa
Horchow Azure recamier Old Hickory Tannery
Side tables from Williams Sonoma Home: This table adds a modern yet whimsical touch.
Williams Sonoma Home Hickory Chair Side Table
Some Beeeyoooutiful Murano lamps from Swank Lighting: These lamps are all about glamour and elegance. The lavender is in keeping with our blue and gray palette.
Swank Vintage Barbini Lavender Opaline Lamps
A lovely coffee table from Horchow: Tradition and elegance personified.
Horchow Mirage coffee table
Curtains from Neiman Marcus: Softens the busy-ness of the wallpaper and adds another layer to our blue and gray palette.
Neiman Marcus Amity Home Silk Curtain in Greystone
Some delightful accessories: Splash of orange to help pick up the delight of the wallpaper, and a warm gold in a modern shape.
Z Gallerie Faux Coral
Jonathan Adler Gold Bird Bowl
When using a heavily patterned wallpaper it is always good to tone down the rest of the fabrics – don’t eliminate all pattern and color but layer it on with different hues that flow. Finally, put in pops of complimentary colors for some eye-feasting. Mix up periods with modern and traditional and Voila! A room you could have in a matter of weeks!
Black walls?
The results of the poll are in! Version 1 is the winner (with half of the total votes)! Thank you to all who voted! And now to some design….
I recently was able to convince a client to wallpaper their walls in the Kelly Wearstler designed Imperial Trellis (in onyx) for F. Schumacher and Co. It was not a terribly tough sell as the couple are very fashion forward and artsy. I showed a photo of the room to an editor at InStyle and she loved it but said she wasn’t sure middle America was ready for black walls. I say… GET READY!
Here are some examples and the original inspiration for my design:
Onyx Imperial Trellis Wallpaper F.Schumacher and Co.
Here is my inspiration for this room. Dorothy Draper (yet again) does it up at the Greenbriar Resort.
Greenbriar Resort Reading Room
And yes, Kelly Wearstler knows how to bring it with black too.
Viceroy Santa Monica
Here’s a great offering from Miles Redd.
Miles Redd Kitchen
Really!?! that is one sick kitchen! Lets see who else has something to show us… Oh yeah, of COURSE, Diamond Barratta Design has something black and elegant too.
Diamond Barratta Design New Jersey Seaside
Here’s a bit of lovely courtesy of Brandon Barre Photography.
Living Room
Hopefully middle America is out there reading this post and figuring out how they can use this ultra luxe, sophisticated and sexy look in their homes.
Let me know when you’re ready.
First Impressions – vote yours!
Some time ago I did a post asking for your opinion on a new logo, and you were heard! We went with the one that was most popular. Now I need your help again.
I have three different looks below and I need to know which one you like best. The images are of my website, blog, twitter page and candles – I am “re-branding” and having everything work together (sort of like interior design – not matchy-matchy but flowing one to the next) is at the top of our priorities. So please take a moment and cast your vote – it counts!
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VERSION 1
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VERSION 2
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VERSION 3
Nature or Nurture… Yellow and Purple
Here is another great color combination found in nature, purple and yellow.
Cape Cod Flowers
From Country Living, a light and sweet bathroom.
Another example of this color story in nature.
Photo by Cris Pierry
Jamie Drake is perhaps the King of Purple, and here are a few examples of his mix with yellow.
Jamie Drake
While looking for great examples of purple and yellow interiors I found that mostly I was looking at photos of weddings and childrens rooms, so I thought what do these have in common that people would use this color scheme predominantly in those places… hmmmm… HAPPINESS! Bright and happy this combo IS.
Cape Cod Flower
Pale or vibrant these colors exude vibrance, life and happiness. Last look before I wrap it up.
Living Room
A recent project of mine, purple living room with yellow accents.
Let the exuberant living begin!
Color!
I was recently going through a catalog (that shall remain nameless … but its initials are RH) and I was appalled at the lack of color. Don’t get me wrong I love neutrals such as grey and taupe but when paired with vibrant colors. Such as this shot of my showroom.
The Red House Interiors
A quote from the book Decorating Is Fun! by Dorothy Draper illustrates this philosophy exactly; “The drab age is over. Color is coming into its own again. Until very recently people were literally scared out of their wits by color. Perhaps this was a hangover from our puritan ancestors. But whatever the reason, brown, grays and neutrals were the only shades considered ‘safe’. Now we know that lovely clear colors have a vital effect on our mental happiness.”
The Greenbriar Resort
This shot of the Greenbriar Resort is from Carleton Varneys update of the delightful Drapers work.
Another design duo that uses wonderful color is Diamond Barratta Design, they are fearless and bold.
Diamond Barratta Design Long Island project
Kelly Wearstler is also unafraid of color, as witness here.
Kelly Wearstler
My theory is, people don’t want to be laughed at or ridiculed and therefore go with what is safe and acceptable, However, it is also bland and boring and doesn’t show any personality. Personally, I’d rather be laughed at and ridiculed than considered hum drum. What’s that old adage… laughter is the best medicine?
Be someones medicine.
POLL: Deciding on a New Design Logo… I Want Your Input!
Design Board: For Belle and Alexandra
My Associate Designer Belle and my Personal Assistant Alexandra recently became roomies when they moved in together into a two bedroom apartment. Today I visited it for the first time and I was inspired to do a design for them.
I was inspired by their personalities; both girls are bubbly and happy, both are sophisticated. Belle leans toward modern design and Alex toward something more traditional and romantic.
I start with paint color… what could be more appropriate than pink for happy, bubbly girls? Nothing.
Benjamin Moore Pacific Grove Pink
Pink curtains.
Duralee Pattern 800132H-198
Window seat cushion.
Duralee Pattern 14547-299
A vintage Danish Modern sofa (from Belle’s grandmother) re-upholstered in turquoise.
F. Schumacher & Co.
A side chair – reupholstered in pink cheetah from Quadrille.
Side Chair
Quadrille Conga Line
A white upright piano.
An acrylic coffee table.
A small bubbly chandelier for their bay window and built in bench area.
Possini Bubbles Chandelier
A pair of Gorgeous lamps from Swank Lighting.
Swank Lighting Vintage Seguso Murano Glass Lamps
This is the rug that they already have.
Morocco Rug West Elm
Finally a bit of art for the walls.
Patrick Demarchelier
Patrick Demarchelier
A fun, young and happy space – for fun, young, happy girls!
Design Board… Victorian Rock and Roll?
I recently used this wallpaper from Osbourne and Little – it’s called Teatro Goldoni and it is Delicious! According to the showroom I am the first designer in the the U.S. to use it (heh…heh).
I decided to go a different direction with this design/post than how I originally used it (the wallpaper) in a clients house. I decided to create a Victorian Rock and Roll design – here you go!
Osbourne and Little Teatro Goldoni
and snug up against this sexy wallpaper would be this equally sexy bench from Downtown.
Downtown Muirfield Bench
The Victorians were collectors, they loved stuffing cabinets full of curiosities – specimens of the natural world. Some people are repulsed by this but I find it to be a celebration of nature.
Deyrolles Taxidermy
They also loved to mix periods and I find their furnishings to be a real hodge-podge of styles and periods. This a great example of a room with mixed periods – this is the room we are putting all of our elements into.
Campbell Home - Wichita KS - circa 1890
D.L. and Company makes beautiful candles but they also create morbid accessories – these dessert plates and place-card holders would be perfect in this design.
Seven Deadly Sins Dessert Plates
Skull Place-card Holder
I found this great photographer Charlotte Cory – who’s work makes me chuckle and reminds me of a Victorian Hodge-Podge.
Photographer Charlotte Cory
Finally some sexy drapes are a must. This is Glimmer from Osbourne and Little, I would use the gold colorway seen here.
Osbourne & Little Glimmer
Bedrooms I want to live in.
Here are a few bedrooms that have inspired me over the years.
One of my favorite design teams is Diamond and Baratta, and this bedroom in particular I have felt was ahead of its time. This design was featured in House and Garden (awwww… I MISS H&G!) many years back and had such a joie de vie that I became an instant and faithful fan of their work.
This is another example of their work, a wonderful mix of bold color and pattern on traditional forms.
Diamond and Baratta Florida Bedroom
Alessandra Branca is another designer whose work has inspired me.
Alessandra Branca
And here is some genius by Miles Redd.
Miles Redd
One of my earliest influences as a designer was Parish-Hadley — the mix of uber traditional with dashes of modern, and copious use of Chinoiserie have always been delightful to me. Below is a bedroom they did for one of the Astors in Manhattan.
Parish-Hadley Bedroom
The common denominator in these rooms is that they are colorful and alive – they make me want to live and lounge in them.
“I like sexy rooms, and I don’t think all-beige is very sexy.” Albert Hadley
Nature or Nurture (Yellow and Black)
I did an earlier post about color combinations found in nature. This one is on Yellow and Black and how this color combination excites the mind and spirit.
Cape Cod Black Eyed Susans
Black-Eyed Susans engender thoughts of hot summer days, and dark cool nights.
Discontinued Scalamandre Fabric
This fabric from Scalamandre was spotted in an antique store – it is discontinued but hopefully they will pick it back up again as it is as chic and beautiful for todays interiors as it once was.
Kelly Wearstler kwid.com
Kelly Wearstler uses this color combination to stunning affect in many of her Viceroy Hotel projects.
Black and Yellow Hooded Oriole
This stunning Oriole justifies the love of Yellow and Black.
Christian May L.A. Designer
L.A. Designer Christian May creates a beautiful juxtaposition with yellow Chinoiserie and Zebra stripe stools.
Bumblebee
I must also include nature’s perfection… the Bumblebee!
Black and Yellow Dining Room
My own foray into the delicious world of Black and Yellow… Schumacher wallpaper, and Duralee fabric on the seat cushions.
Summer in Cape Cod
Last Summer I posted to my blog for the first time. It was during a family vacation in Cape Cod, which I still reminisce about on a regular basis. I never posted all the pictures from that trip and thought I would share some of the beauty that was captured on our walks and while antiqueing.
White Hydrangea?
Little Lambs
Barn-side Advertising
Fence and Post
Silver Silver Silver
Crab Traps
Cape Cod House
Thanks to my Sister-In-Law Jessica Kimen Schofield for joining me on my wanderings and taking such gorgeous photos. You can find more of her beautiful work at: www.jessicakphotos.com
Hope you enjoyed the brief walk through my Cape Cod summer.
Design Board LA Sunset
Tonite I was driving home, and was struck by the gorgeous sunset. I tried to take some pictures with my phone but while pretty, they didn’t really capture the gorgeous colors that were present. This sunset inspired me to do a design board based on the colors of the sky.
L.A. Sunset photo from www.popandpolitics.com
Let’s set the tone with the wallpaper…
Osbourne and Little Chinese Dragon
Fabrics and upholstered pieces to put them on…
Osbourne and Little Villeray
Downtown Highback Chairs
Downtown 1960's Settee
Downtown Maurice Bailey Chairs
A pair of Faux Croc Side tables side by side make a perfect coffee table.
Downtown Parsons Side Tables
Curtains…
Osbourne and Little Kediri Silk
Lighting…
Downtown Murano Chandelier
Artwork…
Eyes of Poesia - Sophie Robyn Campbell
Jimi - SophieRobynCampbell
Inundated….
In my last post I talked about a previous client that had sold their house with all furniture included in the sale. Prior to that post I had become extremely busy with two other jobs, and now that previous client has purchased a new house and I have started that. The home is very large and we are gutting the kitchen and master bath. The client wants to move in, in 6 weeks! (Yikes!!!!!!)
So to say the least I have been a wee bit busy. I haven’t been tweeting or blogging, and I barely see my babies. I thought maybe for a few minutes I would take a break from the stress and hectic schedule and blog. Now what should I blog about? I would blog about the three projects I am on but unfortunately I don’t have any photos to share at this time… So that will have to be a later post.
Hmmm… how about I take a trip down Wishful Thinking Lane?
I have always wanted to buy a Chateau in France… Here is an old Abbey that makes me want to give up everything and live a more simple life.
Oooh La La!
The interior needs work but good gawd – I would be happy to be “working” with this!
Entry Hall and Staircase
And finally a moment of pure pleasure – watching “my” sheep mow the lawn.
A Little Wool Anyone?
And lastly my color palette for the interior… something exuberant and joyous!
Griffin and Wong Du Paquier Handpainted Silk Wallpaper
Quadrille Bagatelle Plum/Denim
Quadrille Aga Reverse Tomato
Quadrille Henriot Floral Pinks
Quadrille Tashkent 1 Royal Blue
There would of course be some solids in those colors as well, this is just a taste.
Oh! I almost forgot the accessories!
The Perfect Accessories
Hopefully I will have a chance to post more to my blog in the coming weeks – and I promise to try and tweet more too!
