Instant Room!

Remember my friend I pulled the living room inspirations for?  Based on some of the photos that she connected with I started sourcing some pieces I think she might like:

I have an obsession with throw pillows - I want them all!  Getting pillows made from custom fabric can get really pricey really quickly when you have to order a minimum of 3 or 4 yards and you only need a couple of pillows.   I really like Celerie Kemble's fabric so I did a search on Etsy and found a bunch of pillows already made!

To gain the most longevity from larger pieces of upholstered furniture I think solids or very subtle prints in classic colors are the best choice.  You can always get some pillows or throws in trendier colors and patterns and change them out as often as you like!

I am a big fan of versatility.  This piece is a buffet, but in this room I envision it serving as a catch all storage piece floating under a flat screen tv.  For entertaining add a shiny silver tray on top and set up a mini bar.  This would also be lovely repurposed later in an office, dining room or entry.

Celerie Kemble Pillows via Etsy, Hollywood Chair via Hickory Chair, Robert Abbey Turquoise Lamp, WS Home Sofa, Madeline Weinrib Brooke Rug, Viceroy Buffet Baker Studio

Dreaming of a Beach Getaway

We are experiencing some lovely spring like weather this week!  I enjoyed lunch outside on the patio and plan on dining al fresco tonight as well.  With temperatures soaring into the 70's today I am already getting in summer vacation mode.  All I can think of is long sunny days, margaritas and the beach!  In the past few years I have rented some beach chic homes on the Outer Banks.  How lucky we are to live so close to such beautiful beaches.  I must admit I do dream of what it would be like to summer in the Hamptons.  And who can blame me for dreaming when the following homes all share a Hamptons address!  Dream along with me...

Ahhh...The Hamptons - via House Beautiful, designers Kim Coleman and Michele Green

I spy Lulu DK bedding!

This chic living room and the following are via Elle Decor, designer Scott Currie

 This charming gate and the following photos are via House Beautiful, owner Leslie Klotz

In my Hamptons fantasy I am wearing something along these lines:

J Crew Handbag, Navy Blue striped sweater, Hudson Jeans, Tory Burch Sandals

Anthropolgie Bridal

When I was getting married one of the things i was most excited about was looking for a wedding dress.  I LOVE fashion, and I was so excited to try on dresses and sparkly belts and jewelry.  Well...the dress search was quite a let down.  I only had about six months between my engagement and my wedding day so a few of the bridal shop owners were rather snippy with me and told me many of the dresses just would not be available in that time frame.  I also discovered that wedding dresses, just like couture fashion, have trends and seasons so you are somewhat at the mercy for what is trendy at that given time.  The dead of winter was not the optimal time to look for a dress by the way.  I did end up with a very lovely dress and I do think of it fondly now (it still hangs in it's bag on the guest bedroom closet door).  But oh if only Anthropologie had launched their bridal line a few years ago I think my search would have been a much more delightful experience!  Recently launched, I couldn't wait to share with you some of  of my favorite pieces:)  (Even if you have already had your wedding day there are some lovely dresses for parties or other special occasions and the jewelry and accessories are exquisite!)

Check out these and more chic looks here!

Objects of My Affection

Book, The Sartorialist, based on blog of the same name - a very fashionable "man on the street" montage from around the world.  I love how similar these Anthropologie earrings are to Ippolita earrings, but at under $40 these shall be mine!

The A Chair by Edward Wormley via 1st Dibs - I think this would looks so chic with my new Jonathan Adler desk, but the price is listed as contact seller which generally means if you have to ask, you can't afford it.  

Printed Napkins via John Robshaw would make a great hostess gift or just a fun treat for yourself!  I have a bit of a scarf obsession and I think I need to add this cashmere/silk blend Chan Luu scarf in this chic, smokey hue to my collection.

 

Defining Your Style

Sounds simple, but defining your style can be difficult to articulate.  Most of us probably don't fit perfectly into one category - cottage, deco, modern, french, traditional.  Most of us probably feel comfortable with a blend of multiple different styles.  The best place to start is by checking out design magazines, books and blogs and start a collection of photos that resonate with you.  After you have spent some time gathering images take a look and you will likely see themes start to emerge.  Identify words that represent the images and start a list.  Below are some images I have collected that I keep coming back to as favorites.  I would say that they all share a neutral color palette, luxe textures such as leathers, silk and linen, patterns are used sparingly and are comprised of stripes and geometrics.  These rooms have very angular, clean lines which is associated with a more masculine feel.  Most of these rooms have an element of shine which I think adds a bit of glamour though glass, lucite, crystal, mirrors, chrome or lacquer finishes.

 Kerry Delrose

Kerry Delrose

Suzanne Kasler

 Chris Kraig via Elle Decor

SR Gambrel via Elle Decor

Aerin Lauder's Home Office in the Hamptons via Elle Decor

via Elle Decor (I would probably swap some cashmere thows for the fur)

Sourcing - Kerry Delrose tends to use a lot of Ralph Lauren furniture which I just can't get enough of.  Williams Sonoma Home has pieces with a similar feel to Ralph Lauren.  Suzanne Kasler has a line of furnishings through Hickory Chair.  

Feeding the Home Magazine Fix

For those of you who lamented the loss of Domino Magazine as I did, spirits were lifted when a former Domino editor launched Lonny the amazing online (and free!) magazine.  As other beloved interior magazines have folded (House & Garden) I am finding myself with dwindling sources for my home fashion fix.  That is when I really discovered the world of blogs dedicated to homes and interiors.  There are so many amazing bloggers out there who have been dedicated to exposing us to fresh ideas and beautiful photos.  Some of these bloggers have come together and launched a new online magazine called High Gloss.  Yet another treat for my eyes and a beautiful (and free!) way to get my home fashion fix on.  For those of you in the Raleigh area local blogger and shop owner , Jamie from Furbish, is featured in this debut issue:)

and for those of you who are magazine addicts like myself see below for some lovely storage ideas for keeping those little beauties organized:)

Magazine Butler via West Elm

I am typically drawn to anything associated with Thomas O'Brien and this lovely Rattan Tray from his Target Collection is no exception.  This tray sits on my coffee table corralling my Elle Decors, House Beautifuls and remotes.

I envision these lovelies in my office-in-progress holding anything from magazines to ribbons to stationary!