New and Blue

Despite the fact that holiday decor is dominating the "new additions" pages on most retail sites right now, I keep noticing that blue items are making that list too. Maybe they stick out to me because blue is a favorite color of mine or perhaps the retailers have figured out that pretty much everyone likes blue! Here are some of my best new, blue-hued things I've spotted:

Mary McDonald Lamp - Shades of Light

Hampton Links Pillow - Jill Rosenwald

Updated Louis Chair, Blue - Wisteria
Houndstooth Throw by Hastings-On-Hudson, NY - NuBe Green

The Art Museum by Phaidon Press - Amazon
Inlaid Bone Console in Lapis - Sang and Serena
carnaby waves vase - Jonathan Adler

Zebra 22" Pillow in Ink - Thomas Paul - Burke Decor

Handpainted Chinese Lamp, Abstract - Wisteria

Loop De Loop Side Table - Urban Outfitters

navy louis side chair - Jonathan Adler
Blue and White Ginger Jar - Furbish Studio

Sisa Square Bean Bag by John Robshaw - Burke Decor

Are you a fellow blue lover? Anything you like best from the sets above? I am dying over the lamp by Mary McDonald (who will be doing a fabric line with Schumacher!!!), the pillow designed by Jill Rosenwald (which comes in different colors), the mini ginger jar from Furbish, and that gorgeous inlaid bone console from Sang and Serena. Lapis is their latest pigment to introduce and I'm in love with it. Here are more images that show the bone and the mother of pearls inlays...

So gorgeous, aren't they?

Inexpensive Table Solution via Nathan Turner + MDD

The space shown below has been a longtime favorite of mine. It was published in the 2009 December/January issue of Domino magazine (and yes, I still have the issue). The photo is of Nathan Turner's dining room. There are many things that I love about it (like the beautifully layered bookshelves) but the element that I love most is the custom tablecloth. Constructed with fine-wale corduroy fabric and trimmed with a thick black canvas border, it's simple yet sophisticated and alongside the coordinating ivory/black upholstered chair seats, it really makes the room look chic instead of disheveled.

Photo published in 2009 December/January issue of Domino magazine via Nathan Turner, photograph by Miguel Flores-Vianna

The table looks pretty swanky, right? Well, the amazing thing is that the table itself is actually particleboard! If you're wanting to recreate the look without spending much money, you can get the same kind of table as Nathan did and just use an off-the-shelf tablecloth instead of a pricy custom one.

Heavy-duty particleboard tables are used by restaurants, caterers, etc. so it's easy to find gently used ones on Ebay or Craigslist. Of course, there are plenty of online retailers that sell them new too. As for the tablecloth, I suggest adding some thick rayon Petersham grosgrain trim to an off-the-shelf tablecloth to give it a custom look. You can either take it to a seamstress or DIY with an iron-on adhesive like HeatnBond. Also, don't forget to have a glass top cut for the table like Nathan did...it's not expensive and it'll keep your tablecloth from getting dirty and stained. Anyhow, thanks to Domino and Nathan for the inspiration!

Speaking of Nathan Turner... have you been watching Million Dollar Decorators? Along with Jacqueline (Kathryn Ireland's housekeeper) and Mary McDonald, he's one of my favorites (partially because of how lovingly he treats his ADORABLE labs Nacho and Daisy). You can read his posts here on the Bravo blog. If you haven't watched yet, try to catch up on the reruns because it's quite interesting!

Here is Nathan with Daisy...I'm obsessed with this dog. In one of the episodes she cuddles up on a John Robshaw dog bed at Peter Dunham's fab LA shop Hollywood at Home and it completely melted my heart.

Image via katiedid 

Here's Mary McDonald pondering about taking on a potentially disastrous client. During this scene I couldn't take my eyes off of that malachite ring - LOVE it. MM has such fabulous taste...

Mary McDonald via Bravo.com

 A guest house that Mary put together on the show...

Design by Mary McDonald via Bravo.com

 And because it's Friday and I love MM's work, here are a few of her greatest hits from the past few years...

Design by Mary McDonald,  photograph by Miguel Flores-Vianna

Design by Mary McDonald, published in October/November 2008 issue of Western Interiors, photos by Karyn R. Millet

Design by Mary McDonald, published in October/November 2008 issue of Western Interiors, photos by Karyn R. Millet

Don't forget that MM has an amazing book, Mary McDonald: Interiors: The Allure of Style, that is chock full of many many more inspiring photos of her work. I have a signed copy and it's definitely one of my all-time favorite design books.

If you have been watching Million Dollar Decorators, tell me what you think of it! Who are your favorite characters? Who has the best design aesthetic?

Have a great weekend!

1stDibs Photo Archive

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you might've picked up on the fact that I am a total 1stDibs junkie. Most people my age do their time-wasting on Facebook, but I do mine on 1stDibs. I LOVE looking at all of the amazing antiques, jewelry, and art but I have to set a time limit on the site. If I have to look for something for a client, it takes lots of discipline to stay on course. It's all to easy to click on an item, and then to the dealer's storefront, and then the rabbit hole just keeps going and that coffee table you were supposed to be looking for has somehow turned into a vintage Rolex!

While I certainly don't need another diversion on the site, I am happy that there now exists a 1stDibs Photo Archive. The archive is full of stunning images, both interior and exterior and the database is sortable by photographer, room, and style. The coolest thing: a "Search the Look on 1stDibs" box comes up with every photo and contains buyable items that look similar to pieces used in each space. So, if you're looking to recreate Jenna Lyons' living room as shown in the Melanie Acevedo photo below, fab yellow sofas and French empire chandeliers are just a click away...

One thing that you'll immediately notice is that the photographer, not the designer, receives top billing. In fact, designers aren't mentioned at all. Like I've said before, a great photographer can be a designer's most valuable asset, so I understand why 1stDibs wanted to pay homage to the photographers. But, I am surprised that the designers don't get any mention...especially since they are among 1st Dibs' best customers.

In any case, plowing through photos of beautifully designed spaces is a favorite activity of mine and the "get the look" feature just sends me into euphoria, so I say bravo to 1stDibs (and thanks for adding another time vampire to my life)!

Here are some of my favorite images from the 1stDibs Photo Archive:

Photo by Tim Street-Porter, design by Mary McDonald

Photo by Tim Street-Porter, design by Mary McDonald

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Photo by Tim Street-Porter

Photo by Melanie Acevedo

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Photo by Tria Giovan, design by Suzanne Kasler

Photo by Pieter Estersohn, design by Katie Stassi-Scott

Pretty amazing lineup of photographers (and designers), isn't it? Any favorite spaces among the bunch?

Be sure to click through to the 1stDibs Photo Archive to see many, many more fabulous shots!

Kips Bay Show House on Gilt

Gilt is hosting a sale of selected pieces from the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Items include sconces designed by Mary McDonald, luxe Schumacher pillows and custom banquette cushions, a Stark rug, Baccarat crystal, and a custom headboard designed by Amanda Nisbet. Here are some shots of the house via Gilt:

Designed by Celerie Kemble...

Designed by Richard Mishaan...

Bolier Console

I'm 99% sure this is Mary McDonald's room, which is the entry...

Designed by Matthew Smyth...

Amanda Nisbet's bedroom design...

While I love a dose of modern art in an otherwise traditional space, I don't like the open mouth photograph that was hung above the bed (shown in the previous photos). This shot shows the room without it and for me it's better this way.  

Photo via AND

I think these bud vases are a bit creepy (but if you don't, they're included in the sale) but I LOVE the color used on the walls/trim so I had to share!

What are your thoughts on the show house based on what you've seen so far? I'm not blown away, but I'm still super excited to see it when I'm in New York for Kravet's Blogfest!

In the Flesh: Mary McDonald

Last week I went to Mary McDonald's book signing and obviously, I came home with a signed copy of her beautiful new book, Mary McDonald: Interiors, The Allure of Style. It is beyond amazing and would make such a wonderful gift...to yourself or someone else, so you might want to order a few copies before Christmas!

  

Here is Mary signing away at the party. This photo doesn't do her justice. She is honestly one of the prettiest people I've ever met. She must sleep in a cryogenic chamber because she looks unbelievably youthful. After seeing her completely flawless skin, gorgeous hair, and fantastic figure, I'm hoping her next book will just focus on revealing her beauty secrets! Added bonus, she was also super nice and seemed like tons of fun.

Like a little kid with a new toy, I couldn't wait to open it up. I dove into it right after getting home from the event. I was also quick to find just the right spot to display the book.

The orange accents on the cover fit right into my world.

Brace yourselves...now I have it positioned vertically. Pretty exciting, huh?

Ok, I'll stop showing off my new favorite book now. I'm equally excited to tell you all more about the venue at which the book signing was held. Ceylon et Cie is incredible and it was such a pleasure to chat with the glamorous proprietor, Michelle Nussbaumer, while at the party.

Here's a snapshot of Michelle and Mary...

Tomorrow's post will be all about the wondrous place that is Ceylon et Cie, so stay tuned for that!