home ideas: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Gather Round

These pretty round tables are just perfect for small spaces.

Image 1 - Jeff McNamara Images 2,4,&5 - Unknown Image 3 - Wendell T Webber Image 6 - Michael del Piero

One Desk, Two Ways: His and Hers

Ever since my buddy and High Gloss Magazine Art Production Manager, Dabney Lee chose this gorgeous Lucite and burl wood Jonathan Adler desk from Pieces for her “Lust List” in our April/May issue, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The clean lines make the desk pretty timeless, but the fabulous combination of the wooden top with the Lucite legs make it quite the statement piece. Since it is neither overly feminine or masculine, I thought it might be fun to style it two ways: for him and for her.

{Clockwise from Top: Lizard Desk Caddy, Thomas O’Brien for Circa Lighting Kenton Desk Lamp with Metal Shade, Ace of Spades Tray, Jayson Home and Garden Rivington Chair, Wisteria Graphic Suzani-Inspired Dhurrie, Furbish Studio Jolly Roger Horn Box, Milan High-Back Espresso Chair}

For him, I chose a look that was fun and youthful, yet polished and sophisticated. This isn’t meant to be your dad’s office, but your husband might love it. I chose strong, masculine lines and a bold color palette used with restraint. I actually wish I could bring this to life for my own husband because I really like the way everything came together.

{Clockwise from Top: “Man in the Waves” Painting by Isca Greenfield-Sanders, American Cities, Taking Aim, Field Notes Notebook, Objets d’Art by Kelly Wearstler, Bronze Fretwork Bookshelf from 1960s, ABC’s of Men’s Fashion}

I am crazy about this vintage fretwork bookshelf found via 1st Dibs. It could work just about anywhere, but an office would obviously be a natural fit. The bronze finish makes it feel a bit more masculine and less flashy than if it were chrome. The deep blue hues of the painting by Isca Greenfield-Sanders are so beautiful and set such a great tone for a working space while the books and objets by Kelly Wearstler add a touch of fun.

{Clockwise from Top: Suzanne Kasler for Circa Lighting Thorton Table Lamp, Color Pencil Set with Brass Holder, Pink and Gold Lacquer Bowl, Serena and Lily Louise Chair in Night Leather, Set of 3 Ikat Notebooks, Midcentury European Carpet, Z Gallerie Eddie Chair}

For her, I decided to go with fun, bright colors, naturally! I chose pieces, such as the chairs with curvy shapes and deep colors. I also decided to use gold and brass accents for a touch of glamour. The beautiful vintage rug brings everything together and makes a big, bold statement.

{Clockwise from Top: “Modern Romance” by Yolanda Sanchez, Gold Leather Dictionary, Objets d’Art by Kelly Wearstler for Bergdorf Goodman, HUE by Kelly Wearstler, Chevron Mirrored Credenza, Dolce Vita Style, The Well-Lived Life, In the Spirit of Capri}

I am absolutely crazy about the mirrored chevron credenza from Circa Who in Palm Beach, Florida. It just may steal the show from the beautiful desk we’ve been focusing on. Along with some stylish books, a gold dictionary and some lovely objets d’art, it is the perfect piece for completing the glamorous look for “her office” (I wish it were mine!). So there you have it, my take on two completely different looks inspired by one fantastic piece of furniture. Which one is more your speed: his or hers?

Must See TV

So, the long awaited premiere of Million Dollar Decorators airs tonight on BRAVO. After meeting the cast at this years Westweek I must say I can't wait to see this show. Not just because I'm in the design industry but because I think the five designers that the show is about are really talented and fabulous. Here is a clip of the show and what you can expect for the season. I do believe Martyn Lawrence Bullard and I could be BFF's. You have to watch the show to see why (hint: margaritas)...Happy Watching Everyone!

thank heaven for little girls...

Thank heaven for little girls

for little girls get bigger every day!
Thank heaven for little girls
they grow up in the most delightful way!

Those little eyes so helpless and appealing
one day will flash and send you crashin' thru the ceilin'

Thank heaven for little girls
thank heaven for them all,
no matter where no matter who
for without them, what would little boys do?

Thank heaven... thank heaven...
Thank heaven for little girls!'

Do you remember Gigi, the movie? The doe eyes of Leslie Caron, the warbling wisdom of Maurice Chevalier as he 'thanked heaven for little girls' and the suave charms of Louis Jourdan as they sang and danced their way around Paris. Based on a Colette novel, this movie directed by Vincent Minnelli, is so delightfully old fashioned and makes for a couple of hours of pure escapism...

No thinking required...a perfect holiday weekend watch.....xv

my daily click HERE

Time to get outside......

I know I'm ready !!!!

Dream Home: Franki Durbin

Today, the fabulous Franki Durbin of Life in a Venti Cup is sharing her “venti-sized” dream home with us. Her home is Mediterranean-inspired, traditional and elegant. Enjoy!

Showcasing my dream home is easy and impossible. On one hand I could simply show you Kim Kardashian's home and say "tada!" her monochromatic color palette, gorgeous mediterranean architecture and location are enough to make me ask her if she'd like a roomie... or three. But just because you love the home doesn't mean you love the furnishings or the finishes. So let's begin the journey of my ideal home, shall we?

{sourced from Southern California MLS listing}
Let's start with the musts: coastal Southern California. I need lush landscaping, palm trees and an ocean breeze. I prefer the view from the cliffs rather than being on the sandy beach. What I really want is a great relationship - a seamless relationship - between indoors and out. I need a grand outdoor living room as plush as my indoor gathering spaces. While we're on the subject of celebs, the above shot is of Nick & Jessica's "Newlyweds" home. Gorgeous. Looks perfect for entertaining and for privacy. That balcony up top? Yeah. That's the business, baby!

Avila Valley Estate Mediterranean landscape

mediterranean landscape design by san francisco landscape architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

AMS Landscape Design Studios mediterranean pool

mediterranean pool design by los angeles landscape architect AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Next up is a plush patio. I want seclusion and an escape from the world... But also a glamorous place for guests. I love the feeling of these incredible outdoor spaces.

mediterranean bedroom design

The other necessary feature is a poolside cabana. Again Kim K has some lovely features in her home, including a full outdoor kitchen. But in my cabana I'd like some spa-like features. This raised platform bed hidden by breezy, sheer panel drapes promises stolen naps and plenty of cuddle time with the ones you love. This is a must.

traditional living room design by atlanta interior designer Dillard Design Group, LLC

Moving inside... I love the architecture of this space. This isn't how I'd doll it up, but I can certainly work with the bones of this incredible space. Coffered ceilings. Arched doorways. This is architecture that looks good no matter how it is dressed. This space is practically begging for pieces by Barbara Barry and Suzanne Kasler. And who am I to say no?

spaces design by san francisco architect Barbara Chambers

This pretty space? I'm going to need one of these. At the foot of my bed, a plush place for reading or simply appreciating the achievement of my dreams. I absolutely love this dreamy, creamy ivory space. For the closet? Kyle Richards's perfect closet. Hands down. End of story. Next. Although this one is nice too. {sourced from Southern California MLS listing}
Ahh, the bath. Doesn't every girl dream of leisurely spending her days in a bubble bath overlooking an incredible view? I do. French doors opening to a terrace, the ocean in view, the breeze blowing palm palms and creating that tranquil rustling sound, the sound of water lapping in your glistening outdoor pool. Orchids nearby. Yes, please.

Ahhh, the kitchen. I love to cook. I fancy myself an amateur Giada, and dishing up savory dishes for my family and friends in this Kraftmaid space would make me beam.

Stamford Bedroom Detail traditional bedroom

traditional bedroom design by austin architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

mediterranean living room design by photographer Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech

Speaking of guests... I love the idea of having a guest bedroom so dreamy that it's nearly impossible to get rid of your visiting friends and family. Ideally, there's even a private guesthouse out by the pool, complete with kitchen and sitting area so they can truly make themselves at home during their stay.

This may not have covered every space of the home... but it surely shared what mood my home evokes. For me, home is plush, textured and luxurious. I love creamy white furnishings and lots of natural light. More importantly, home is happy, filled with laughter and a place I'm always proud to call my own. Thank you for taking this "tour" of my future dream home!

{images without credits are either from MLS listings or my favorite way to waste time: hookedonhouses.com}