Pierre's Paris Pied-à-terre

I daydream about living in Paris so the following pied-à-terre published in Nuevo Estilo makes me pretty darned jealous. It is owned by Pierre Frey, the grandson of the founder of the renowned textile and home furnishings company. The chic apartment is located in the same building in central Paris where his grandfather once had a store. Judging from the peacock blue staircase and the well-worn wood stairs and banister in the stairwell, the building exudes the historical charm that Paris is so well-loved for. I wish there was a photo of the exterior.

The interior style of the dwelling is sleek and modern, but still exudes comfort and warmth. My favorite element of the place, however, isn't modern though...I'm madly in love with the parquet floors. Juxtaposed against the modern furnishings, the flooring offers a steady note of historic French design. The kitchen is remarkable too. I adore the fact that the appliances are obscured by antique doors and millwork and then there is a simple island and a stunning brass overhead light. The mix of it all is quite lovely...

Image via Nuevo Estilo

Image via Nuevo Estilo

Image via Nuevo Estilo

Image via Nuevo Estilo

Image via Nuevo Estilo

Isn't is gorgeous? I think the aesthetic is beautifully balanced. And I always love seeing interiors of homes in other countries...French design has such a unique flavor and it's one that I'll never tire of.

The whole spread can be viewed on Nuevo Estilo's site.

Smart Smythson Style

For a while now, I've been coveting a Smythson tote to use as my work bag. Besides the sturdy construction, I love the versatile, preppy-sleek style that the label is known for. All of Smythson's leather goods effuse a straightforward, dramatic simplicity and the 125-year-old company often employs a fabulously bold color palette. The look is always polished and sophisticated, but the color adds a bit of pizazz.

I am really drawn to their style...it definitely echoes the aesthetic I'm into for interiors. It's like the clean lines and brass accents of Paul McCobb meets the classicism of Maison Jansen, all with hits of modern, colorful lacquer thrown into the mix. All in all, it's timeless and current at the same time and that's the perfect balance in my book. So, to celebrate all of the loveliness that Smythson is, here are some of my favorite Smythson pieces and colors blended with things for the home that are of the same color palette or aesthetic...

Paul McCobb Sofa - Empiric 1964-01 Vesper Coffee Table - Smythson Cooper Tote - Hand Tufted Brio Rug

Navy Louis Chair - Smythson Chameleon Cosmetic Case - Madeline Weinrib Lavender Carlotta Cotton Rug - Smythson Small Grosvenor Clutch -  Double Sconce with Shades

Empiric Eight Arm Chandelier - Mary McDonald Annika Lamp - AFK Gramercy Desk - Smythson Chameleon Camera Case - Flat Weave - Maroc - Amina Rug

Cole & Son Tweed Wallpaper - Waylande Gregory Blue Fan Peacock Small Bowl - Smythson Chameleon Medium Zip Around Wallet

Stray Dog Designs Jay Chandelier - Furbish Stripes 'n Tassels Pillow - Jaipur Flat Weave Maroc - Smythson Jackie Tote

Isn't Smythson fabulous? I love the tiny, thoughtful details and the simple, classic design aesthetic. And of course, I am crazy about their vast color palette. It's hard to pick a favorite item, but I have my sights on a Cooper Tote. And I have to tell you that I am mourning the loss of an uber-special Colorblock Cooper Tote (shown above with the turquoise Paul McCobb sofa). I found it ON SALE at Barneys this week and stupidly didn't snatch it up. Now I'm totally kicking myself for being financially responsible! If any of you bought it and want to sell it to me, let me know ;)

Exterior Paint Experimentation

Our house is in need of an exterior paint job which is both annoying because of the sizable cost, but also kind of exciting because it presents the opportunity to change the paint color! Our house is beige, which one of my least favorite colors (right up there with maroon/burgundy.  For the change, I'm thinking of going with a chalky white, with the hopes that the structure will look a little fresher. I need to pull some samples - Ben Moore's American White 2112-70  is one that's on my radar. For the windows I'll probably use a medium-toned warm gray, potentially BM's Englewood Cliffs 1607, and will keep the shutters black.

I like to digitally preview the color before calling the painters (which you can do too through Benjamin Moore's Personal Color Viewer preview tool), and here are the results:

Before...

After...

Before...

After...with a peacock blue door :)

Before...

After... 

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

You might notice that the windows are white in the photos above. Unfortunately, whoever remodeled the house many moons ago opted to use nice wood windows in the front and cheap vinyl windows in the back. I just got a quote from Lowe's on replacing them so that they can be gray like the doors and other windows, however, the estimate for nine Pella windows was about $10k! That was WAY over what I thought it would cost, so I might have to let go of the dream of replacing them.

What do you think of the white paint color? I wish that our roof was darker so that there would be more contrast. Too bad you can't stain a roof....or can you? Anyhow, I was worried about how the white would look with the flagstone by the pool, but I think it's ok. Thoughts?

Another Inspiring Space via Nuevo Estilo

I wrote a post a while back about a newfound obsession, Spanish shelter mag Nuevo Estilo. Sadly the Spanish language doesn't fall onto the small list of languages that I am able to read, so I just cruise the site like an illiterate child and look at the pretty photos.

Since I've been feeling a bit bored with with American design lately, NE is an especially refreshing and inspiring resource. Below is the latest inspiring home that I stumbled upon created by "interiorista" Eugenia Soler Roig. She masterfully blended styles and colors to create a dramatic, yet livable apartment. Took a look at her handiwork...

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

 Things I love in this room include: the wild sculpture behind the sofa (is it some sort of coral??), the twin coffee tables, and the dramatic floor-to-ceiling super wide mirror (also behind the sofa).

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

 Oh yeah, and I like the mix of colors...especially the peacock blue pillow on the dark sofa..

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

 Simple, stunning entry - great combination of old and new aesthetics.

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

 Dying to know more about the artwork in this shot!

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

 Pretty cool doors to the dining room, aren't they? Would love to know if they are custom or some sort of antique or salvage find.

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

  I love the soft gray wall color against the gilded bed. 

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

 Pretty linens and unexpected accent pillows. Also notice the draperies...I wish there was a better shot of those because they look pretty interesting.

Photo via Nuevo Estilo

What do you think of the space? Do you have a favorite room or element?

Although the space isn't 100% to my liking, I'm certainly intrigued by it. As you might've noticed from my comments above, I'd love to have more information on a few things. If only I could speak Spanish and read the text that goes along with the photos!

ARZU Rug in Action

The ARZU rug that I purchased through a sale at The Foundary was delivered a few days ago. As I've previously wrote about, ARZU is a “for-benefit” corporation that works to promote the success of Afghan women weavers. The delivery date of my rug was ironic because the George W. Bush Institute is hosting a conference in Dallas on advancing human rights and economic opportunity for Afghan women this week.

Anyhow, I'm happy to support ARZU and I just love the rug! Full of rich oranges and blues, the colors are really gorgeous. Here it is in our entry...

Beautiful rug, don't you think? Now I need to get the rest of the room in order. As I've mused before, an oversized full-length mirror would be an ideal addition (it would replace the gold mirror shown above). I'm also toying with the idea of painting the candlestick lamps a super dark peacock blue to add more contrast. Finally, the space needs artwork. I'll probably go with some abstract pieces since the area is looking much more traditional with the new rug.

L-O-V-I-N-G COCOCOZY!

Wow...long time, no blog! I'm so sorry for my absence lately. As previously mentioned, the first issue of High Gloss made its debut last week so I've been working away on that and I spent last week in New York for our launch party and meetings. Sadly, blogging just hasn't fit into the hectic schedule, but I'm happy to be back at it now.

One of the best things about my involvement with High Gloss is that I get to see all of the latest and greatest in home decor. One of the most notable new lines is the brainchild of a fellow blogger, Coco of COCOCOZY. She has produced a gorgeous collection of fine linen decorative pillows, drapery, bedding, and cotton throws. It was so nice to see fresh, refined-yet-casual fabrics and I was so smitten with her designs that I included two of her pillows in the following High Gloss market spread:

Anyhow, I just adore the rest of the collection and wanted to share some of it with you. With lots of fabulous patterns and colors, it all looks perfectly comfy and chic. Kudos to Coco for producing such a fabulous, fresh line of soft goods!

Throws

Pillows

Shams

More Shams...the peacock blue Quatrefoil style is calling my name!

What is your take on the COCOCOZY collection? Any favorite styles or colorways?

Chair Hall of Fame Continued

And now for the second installment of the great Chair Hall of Fame (as deemed by yours truly). With this continuation from yesterday's post, you'll probably notice my not-so-subtle affection for tufting!

11) Jonathan Adler Regent Arm Chair

12) High Fashion Home Salon Corner Chair

13) Plantation Design Barrel Chair

14) Layla Grayce Whittier Chair

15) Canvas Mercer Club Chair

16) Plantation Classic Wing Chair Tall, with Diamond Tufting

17) Baker Round Tufted Club Chair

18) Jayson Home & Garden Greenwich Chair

19) Baker Regency Chair

20) Layla Grayce Oly Morgan Chair

Although I have a special place in my heart for all of the following, #12 and #16 are the ones that rise to top of my list.

If I had the pleasure of ordering a pair of the Salon Corner Chairs (#12) for my home, you can bet that I wouldn't get it in red leather. I'd choose a solid fabric in a color light enough to showcase all of that gorgeous tufting. A few years ago I saw a pair of chairs very similar to this at Mecox and they were upholstered in a peacock blue velvet, which was incredible. I know that Cisco Brothers made those, but I'm not sure who manufactures the ones from High Fashion Home.

I adore EVERYTHING about Plantation's Wing Chair, #16, from the tall, dramatic tufted back to the nailhead trim that so perfectly articulates the chair's curves. The ottoman (used in one of my entry boards) is the icing on the cake. I would kill to have a pair of these flanking the fireplace in my living room!

Do you have favorite picks out of this group?

Peacock and Butternut Bedroom Mood Board

It's been a while since I dosed out a mood board. So when I spotted this pretty bedding from Brocade Home, I thought it would be fun to build a little scheme around it. I love the color name...butternut.

Tier Cascade Faux Chandelier - Urban Outfitters
Sunburst Ventana Mirror - Jonathan Adler
Nailhead Bed - West Elm
Butternut Moroccan Bedding - Brocade Home
Peacock Citrine Bedding - Dwell Studio
Robert Abbey Peacock Blue Ceramic Lamp - Lamps Plus - seen on Stylish Bird :)
Coil Side Table - Urban Outfitters
Russian Medallion Rug - Urban Outfitters
Amelia Tufted Storage Ottoman - Overstock

What do you think? Any favorites items? 

I'm so in love with the coil side table from UO...it's only $78 too!

The Big Reveal...at last!

We finally got the molding up in the middle guest bedroom that I painted a while back. The blue has less green than I had originally wanted, but I really like the color as it stands. As you'll see from the photos below, I'm still playing around with lamps, accent tables, and bed placement. Once I get that issue settled, the next task will be getting the walls dressed and I'd like to get a rug. What do you think of it so far?

 

Sources:

Duvet and curtains - Walmart

Orange stool/accent table - Z Gallerie

Chrome lamp - West Elm

Trunk - Pottery Barn

Greek key pillow - Z Gallerie (Summer '09)

White quilt and shams - Peacock Alley

Black Lamp - Arteriors warehouse sale

White pedestal table - HomeGoods