Stripe Happy

Besides the change in weather, I love the fall because there are so many lines and collections making their debuts. I went to High Point Market in April and saw tons o' new and upcoming things and I'm ready for another dose of freshness, especially in the home accessories realm. I couldn't be more tired of the patterns and motifs that have been repeatedly recycled over the past four years (think ikat, quatrefoil, chevron, etc.) and I'm hoping that there will be some new ideas this season. I haven't seen anything too groundbreaking yet, however, I do find myself pinning lots of fun striped tidbits. I'm a lifelong superfan of stripes so this isn't unusual behavior, but it does seem like there are plenty of stripe-adorned goodies out there right now...

Striped Trinket Boxes, C. Wonder - Diagonal Stripes Picture Frame, Zara Home - Ish #00 Blanket, Leif - Cirque Curved Decorative Vase design by F. DeLuca for Tozai - Bolivian Frazada Rug/Blanket, Leif - Stripe Tin Boxes, Ferm Living -  Edward Nightstand, Made Goods - Indigo Inlay Picture Frame - Zinc Door

And this book actually came out last fall, but I thought it was worth mentioning given the subject matter...

 Stripes: Design Between the Lines by Linda O'Keeffe

Are you stripe-crazy too? And favorite things from the roundup above?

And do any of you have the aforementioned Stripes book? I'm intrigued. The one review on Amazon is good, but I haven't had the chance to flip through the book in person and I'm always leery to buy a design book without a preview.

New from Made Goods!

One of my absolute favorite purveyors of mirrors, lighting, furniture, and objets is Made Goods. They are always coming up with inventive new designs and they're known for using amazing materials and textures in their luxe product line.

Just yesterday, Made Goods released their latest wares, and as usual, there are plenty of lustworthy items in the mix. I'm pretty obsessed with faux shagreen because it looks amazing and wears really well, and they have some stunning new colors and pieces using that. And I've long been a fan of their Interchangeables, which is a collection of table bases and an assortment of tops that can be combined to create dozens of different table designs. In the new offering, MG has added some tops and bases to make the possibilities even more endless, so yay for that! I'm also really liking their new upholstered pieces, which are available in lots o' different finishes and fabrics/leathers.

Here are my faves from the new bunch...

Cool stuff, isn't it? If you're going to the New York International Gift Fair, be sure to stop by their booth at Pier 94 42030. Otherwise, you can shop Made Goods product at Clayton Gray.

Happy weekend!

2012 New Releases from Made Goods

I have fawned over Made Goods before and I'm going to do it again because they a) relaunched their website and it has been vastly improved, b) expanded their product line for 2012, and c) flat-out produce absolutely amazing things and should be commended for their efforts!

Made Goods has the coolest style and unparalleled quality of materials and craftsmanship. Their aesthetic blends lots of styles and is hard to categorize. You could call it funky, sophisticated, chic, exotic, natural...but definitely not boring or ordinary. In a world full of copycats (i.e. Wisteria and Ballard Designs), they really lead the pack and come up with fresh, inventive designs. Being someone that's always craving something novel, I appreciate their creative spirit and stellar execution of their vision. Here's a sampling of their creations...

I'm infatuated with Made Goods' interchangeable accent tables and tops. My favorite base is the Osten and I can't pick a top that I like best because they are all fab...

They've released new additions to their product lineup and many of them have made my covet list. there is lots of turquoise faux shagreen, inlaid bone detailing, and perfectly antiqued mirrored finishes. Have a look at some of my favorites...

I also adore the glitzy Paris mirror, which is encrusted with rhinestones. What are you lusting over? If you're itching to buy some of these lovely goodies, then head over to Clayton Gray. They carry a wide selection of the Made Goods line.

The Island Company

I got back from a family vacation to Grand Cayman last week and wow, I'm playing (and losing) a serious game of catch-up right now! Despite the fallout from being away, I'm glad we went. For the most part, my husband fished and I lounged around, ate, drank, and read Lunch in Paris (and loved it). I also got to do a tiny bit of shopping while I was there.

My favorite discovery was a store called the Island Company. They have a fabulous line of clothing and swimwear along with other miscellaneous merch. I bought a shirtdress in an aqua color that I'm pretty obsessed with. Besides being instantly attracted to their simple, classic clothes, I also loved how their store looked and felt. They captured the spirit of the island lifestyle without getting theme-y and hokey. Here's a shot of one of their stores...

Via IslandVintage.com

Their look is is cool, casual, and a bit colonial. The colonial aspects balance with the beachy ones and the tone is rich and sophisticated. You can achieve this look by working with some signature elements that include:

• Dark wood floors
• Crisp white walls (try Ben Moore's Decorators White)
• Glossy beadboard ceilings
• Natural fiber rugs (jute, sisal, etc.)
• White or ivory upholstery
• Rich wood furniture (should look handmade and a bit exotic)
• Tropical plants (I saw Fiddle-Leaf Figs all over Cayman, but there are lots of other options)
• Hand-woven baskets
• Bold cabana striped pillows

Agnes Sea Urchin Mirror - Made Goods

Nesting Baskets - Wisteria

Weathered Outdoor Bench in Weathered Black - Grandin Road

Painterly Blackfin Triggerfish - Williams-Sonoma Home

Architect Table Lamp - Lauren Home by Ralph Lauren

Carlisle Upholstered Sofa - Pottery Barn

Painted Ceramic Parrot - Williams-Sonoma Home

Heidi Merrick Cabana Stripe Pillows - Calypso Home

Steamer Trunk Cocktail Table - World Market

Jute Chenille Herringbone Rug - West Elm

Minwax 2718 Ebony Stain

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree

Han Blue Pillow - John Robshaw
Minwax Wood Finish in Ebony 2718

Samar Rattan Chair - World Market

Here are more photos of their stores:

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

Via IslandVintage.com

My husband and I...and my new dress!

What are your thoughts on the Island Company's decor style? I typically hate beach-themed decor but I really do love their look. It reminds me of India Hicks and her Bahamian properties as seen here:

Via Hibiscus Hill

Although I wouldn't ever go super "island colonial" in my home in Dallas, I would certainly use some of  the elements that go into creating the look...especially the glossy white beadboard ceilings!

Lamps to Love

I have a hard-core obsession with lighting, especially lamps. Table lamps are an essential element to almost every room in the house since they provide forgiving, low-level light and can be a game-changer in terms of aesthetics. Basically, lamps can make a huge difference in how a space looks and feels so it's important to choose wisely. Or you can become a lamp hoarder like me and change the ones in your home constantly (I don't recommend falling down that rabbit hole though).

With thousands of colors and styles out there, it can be hard to narrow down the possibilities. So, I've compiled a list of some of my recent favorites...

1) Prout's Medium Ball Lamp - Jill Rosenwald

2) Poston Cool Grey Faux Shagreen Lamp - Made Goods

3) Turquoise Foo Dog Lamp - Shades of Light

4) Maura Daniel Aladin Milk Glass Base - Layla Grayce

5) Arteriors Naomi Aqua Fluted Glass/Acrylic Lamp - Layla Grayce

6) Carnaby Talitha Lamp - Jonathan Adler

7) Gabrielle Table Lamp - Z Gallerie

8) Hayley Table Lamp - Crate & Barrel

9) Newport Teardrop Lamp - Jill Rosenwald

10) Jill's Key Lamp - Jill Rosenwald

11) Arteriors Vance Polished Nickel Candlestick Table Lamp - Layla Grayce

12) Marrakech Round Lamp - Horchow

13) Tomorrow Table Lamp - Currey & Company

14) Chocolate Cane Table Lamp - Horchow

15) Timeless Table Lamp in Blue - Currey & Company

16) Hampton Links Lamp - Jill Rosenwald

17) Hutton Table Lamp - Crate & Barrel

18) Kikar Balestro Lamp - Williams-Sonoma Home

19) Agate Table Lamp with Nightlight - Shades of Light

20) Lydia Gold - Made Goods

21) Glass Jug Lamp - West Elm

22) Modern Spindle Lamp Base - Shades of Light

23) Rock Crystal Lamp - Shades of Light

24) Square Vase Blue and White Lamp - Shades of Light

25) Turquoise Lamp - Dunes & Duchess

26) Miles Lamp - Jan Showers Collection

27) Contemporary Murano Robin's Egg Blue Lamp - Swank

Unfortunately most couldn't be categorized as bargains. I'm pretty good at finding deals, but it's really tough to get well-made, beautiful lamps at good prices. I've had great luck at HomeGoods where many are under $50. I've also seen some good deals at World Market and sometimes at Target. If you have any sources for more affordable lamps, please share!

A Fun, Feathered Chandelier

Last week I got Jayson Home & Garden's catalog and my jaw dropped when I saw their new Emma Feather Pendant. I've never seen anything quite like it and I couldn't decide if I thought it was the most fabulous thing ever or a little too kooky. To sort out my thoughts I started dreaming up a design scheme that would complement the feathery fixture. To me, it seems perfect for a bedroom...especially a dreamy girly one, so here is what I put together to create that scenario:

Emma Feather Pendant - Jayson Home & Garden
Aleppo Inlay Table - Serena & Lily
Gabrielle Lamp - Z Gallerie
Diana Delgado original oil - Ugallery
Octavia Headboard - Serena & Lily
Eileen Fisher Bedding - Garnet Hill
Mid-Century Chair - Ceylon et Cie
Roger Single Bench - Made Goods
Safari Rug - West Elm

What are your thoughts? Would you ever use a feathered chandelier? I'm still on the fence but I'm dying to see it in person!

Dream Dining Room

Yesterday I gushed about Made Goods and their wonderful wares. I professed my love for the malachite Vivian mirror and today, that mirror is still in my head. I can't stop thinking about how good it would look here, there, everywhere. To appease my need to put it to use, I went ahead and built a mood board around it.  Along with a few worthy accompanists, here is Ms. Vivan in action.

Chandelier, lamps, and malachite mirror - Made Goods
Macassar Ebony Console - 1st Dibs - Sentimento Antiques
Tufted Chairs - Windsor Smith - Shoshana Dining Chair
Dining Table - Jonathan Adler - Nixon Dining Table
Rug - Madeline Weinrib - Black Buche

Besides the fact that it revolves around the Vivian malachite mirror, I call this my dream dining room because most of the pieces in the space are out of my price range. Oh well, it's fun to throw the idea of a budget out the window sometimes, isn't it?

Have a great weekend!

Made Goods Magic

Oh how I am coveting the goodies from Made Goods. This small company produces wonderfully unique products including furniture, lighting, mirrors, and accessories. I am especially smitten with their mirrors...there are tons of amazing styles and many are handcrafted with ultra luxe materials like lapis and malachite. The whole product line is certainly worth ogling over, but to give you a taste of their style, I've picked a few favorites...

This shapely teak table is gorgeous and it's super versatile given the options that are available for the top.

Here are the various options for the top...

Lovely horn and bone stool

Bright bone boxes 

Accent table...stunning combination of materials, don't you think? I love the gold. 

While they only sell to the trade, many retailers carry their exquisite product line. If you're dying for something that you see on the Made Goods site, contact them and I'm sure they can help you find a way to purchase.

If you could have one item from Made Goods which one would you choose? I think mine would have to be the malachite mirror!

Bone Inlay Obsession

I'm really into the look of bone inlay goods...whether it be on a mirror or on furniture, it's such a dynamic adornment. The craftsmanship blows me away, especially on the high end pieces. In a perfect world, my dining room buffet/console table would be black and white inlaid bone...if I take enough crazy pills one day, maybe I'll get one custom made in India via Alibaba!

Ximon Mirror by Made Goods

This comes in a 36"H x 79"W size...that's my kind of full-length dressing mirror!

Wisteria also has its fair share of inlaid bone wares...besides what is on their website, I've seen lots of neat pieces in their outlet such as a huge desk and chests in fun colors like pink, orange, and blue.

I would like to get my hands on this tray

 

What a fabulous chest for an entryway!

And this mirror, which I bought two of at the outlet...

  

They used to have this bench that I would trade a kidney for...hopefully they bring it back into the product line-up!

While scouring the interwebs for an alternate source for the bench above, I ran across this AMAZING settee and the blue chair. Too bad the site doesn't seem to offer any purchasing options.

 

Finally, here's a coffee table I saw at H.D. Buttercup a while back...I loved it but didn't really have the right place for it. The pattern is awesome.