Shelter Mags Need to Step it Up

Is it just me or have the shelter mags been totally underwhelming lately? I can't recall the last time I saw an amazing interior spread in House Beautiful or Elle Decor and I've always loved their content. All of the homes they're featuring seem awkward, stale, and/or dated or they revolve around the now ubiquitous boho ikat/block-print/Moroccan trend that's been lingering for sometime now. The same styles and decor elements seem to be reinterpreted over and over again in these issues and frankly, I want to see something fresh and exciting.

Here's a great example from the September issue of House Beautiful. This room, designed by Mona Ross Berman, is really cute and of course, I love the orange and pink scheme. My main issue is regarding the leather Moroccan pouf, x-bench, and Flokati rug. There's nothing wrong with these elements, however, we've all seen them a million times by now. I'm definitely not getting any fresh decorating inspiration from this and therefore, the magazine has failed to serve its purpose for me since I didn't find useful fodder elsewhere in the issue.

Design by Mona Ross Berman, photo by Jonny Valiant via House Beautiful

Further, I like this powder room that is from the same home as the room above. I think the wallpaper, "Recessed" by Studio Printworks is cool. The use of the Circa Vendome sconces and the Kohler Memoirs pedestal sink, while pretty and classic, is certainly short of groundbreaking and is not what I would consider to be special and new enough for editorial.

Design by Mona Ross Berman, photo by Jonny Valiant via House Beautiful

And the Kitchen of the Month is fine but it's definitely old news. It's a kitchen from one of the chalets at The Bavarian, a quaint lodge in Taos, New Mexico (even though I can't find it now on their website). I blogged about it a year and a half ago and it looks pretty much the same aside from the photo styling.

Design by Alexandra Champalimaud, photo by Dominique Vorillon via House Beautiful

Do any of you agree with my assessment? Are you bored by the major shelter magazines too or am I just being cranky and jaded?

Inspiration from Elle Decor

Yesterday the latest issue of Elle Decor came in the mail. I flipped through it and wasn't blown away by anything in particular (maybe it's an awkward time at the mag since they recently changed editors). I did, however, notice a shot of this room...it was on the first page of a feature called Curtain Calls.

It's designed by Brian McCarthy. I love that he used black shades under white curtains. It looks chic and from a practicality standpoint, the dark shades are probably ideal for sleeping in. The print on the curtains is fantastic and I love that the motif was also subtly used on the armchair. The carpet and the black-lacquered molding are favorite elements as well. The overall effect is somewhere between exotic and sophisticated...which is a tough mix to get right!

 

These are images of the rest of the New York apartment, which was featured in a previous issue...the spread was titled The Transformers. It was beautifully photographed by William Waldron.

I've long been obsessed with this breakfast nook!

Images above via Elle Decor

I was curious to see the rest of his portfolio so I checked out some of the projects showcased on the Brian J. McCarthy, Inc. site. His work is quite varied, which I assume means that he adapts well to his clients' tastes and preferences. These are the spaces I found most interesting...

Since the portfolio was all over the place (from über modern to syrupy traditional), I'd really like to see his home to get a better idea of his personal style. Brian, if you're reading this, feel free to invite me over ;)

Black & White

I'm very into black and white. If you have a hard time making decisions or focusing on a coherent vision for your interiors, b/w is a great place to start. Then it's easy to add pops of color with accessories and the end result can be simple, chic, and timeless. I especially love patterns in black and white...when used correctly, you can get a bold, fun effect without looking tacky. Here are some examples of great rooms with b/w elements or themes.

 

Ondine Karady

  

Elle Decor

 

Madeline Weinrib

John Jacob Zwiegelaar of John Jacob Interiors

 

  

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Diane Bergeron via DecorPad 

  

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John Jacob Zwiegelaar of John Jacob Interiors

J. Crew's Upper East Side store, designed by the company's Creative Director, Jenna Lyons

via Lonny Magazine

  

mcgill design group

 

Kelly Wearstler

  

 Windsor Smith's kitchen via House Beautiful

 

Source unknown

 

Courtney Giles

  

Via DecorPad

 

 House Beautiful

  

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Design by Nathan Turner, via Domino

Domino

  

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Source unknown

 Burke Decor 

 Via Absolutely Beautiful Things 

I apologize for the lack of photo credits! I have so many unlabeled pics in my coffers so please feel free to comment with sources if you know them. I'm making a point to label my screen shots now!

My Bitches Need These

Essential Beach Collars by Mascot...water-resistant and anti-microbial, so no more mildew caused by dips in the pool or the lake. At almost $40 a pop, buying for three dogs gets a little pricey. They are super cute and functional, so probably well worth the cost! 

They got an Elle Decor mention which is pretty sweet too.