Flower Power

I adore bold prints and while I usually fall for those of the geometric variety, lately I've been into florals. When it comes to floral prints, a little goes a long way so it's important to temper them with items that aren't fussy. I like to juxtapose bold floral prints with sleek modern elements so that the space doesn't end up being too feminine. There are tons of bright, floral pillows, rugs, and fabrics out there and below I've taken a few to show how florals can be used to add color and interest without looking girly (or granny)!

Anthropologie Tropically Pop and Finishing Flourish Pillows

Williams-Sonoma Home Classic Greek Key Bedding

Home Depot Roxy Lighting Euphoria Chandelier

Dwell Studio Masala Citrine Cases

Jonathan Adler Haines Chair

Carleton V Growing Wild
Jeff Lewis Doheny Pillow
ABC Carpet Color Reform Rug
Pieces Yellow Chrome Bench
Shop Ten 25 Chelsea Ceramic Garden Stool

Urban Outfitters Big Garden Print Rug
Pieces Blue Pottery Lamps
Windsor Smith Home Slim Chaise
Jonathan Adler Channing Buffet
Pieces Hide Slipper Chair
CB2 City Slicker White Tables

Etsy Extra Large Retro Floral Drum Shade Pendant
Room and Board Saarinen Table
Z Gallerie Concerto Dining Chair
Layla Grayce Dwell Studio Draper Stripe Rug

How do you feel about floral prints? Any favorites from above?

Chair Hall of Fame

I've spent lots of time shopping for chairs lately...mostly for other people, but it's hard to avoid picking favorites of my own, even if they don't fit into the project at hand. I can't help but obsess over some of them. Honestly, if I had tons of money, I'd probably become a chair hoarder!

Anyhow, seeing as there are so many fabulous chairs out there, I started tracking my favorites and now keep a file of "Top Chairs."  The file has gotten pretty full and I wanted to start sharing my picks before the list becomes unmanageable. Right now, just over 30 beauties have made the cut, so I'll dose it out to you in three installments. Enjoy!

1) Woodson & Rummerfield™ Beverlywood Chair

2) Plantation Design King Chair

3) High Fashion Home Wendy Chair

4) Pieces Tufted Arm Chair (sold as pair)

5) Z Gallerie Oscar Chair and 1/2

6) Williams-Sonoma Home Grayson Chair

7) Windsor Smith Directoire Chair

8) Williams-Sonoma Home Chelsea Wing Chair

9) High Fashion Home Roman Chair

10) Windsor Smith Samantha Scroll Arm Chair 

If someone were to give me two from these ten (without any budget restrictions, of course) then I'd have to go with #1 and #7. Do you like any of the above?

Here is more #7 Directoire Chair action...I don't usually like leather chairs, but there's something about this one that gets me. The style is perfectly balanced between being masculine and feminine.

Image via Windsor Smith

Dining Chair Round-up

I've been on the prowl for a set of dining chairs for a kitchen remodel project I'm working on. The chairs will be used in the breakfast area and need to be comfortable, stylish, and durable/cleanable. It's a tough trifecta to hit! While I haven't found the right fit for the project yet, I have seen lots of fantastic chairs during my shopping rounds. Here are my favorite picks:

1) Montecito Chair - Z Gallerie

2) Lola Arm Chair - Z Gallerie

3) Black Asian-Inspired Side Chair - Pieces

4) Colette Side Chair - Crate & Barrel

5) Gentry Chair - Ballard Designs

6) Chinese Chippendale Chair - Wisteria

7) Canvas Director's Chair - Williams-Sonoma Home

8) Waterloo Dining Chair - Z Gallerie

9) Bebe Vanity Chair - Cisco Brothers

10) Jonathan Adler Chippendale Arm Chair - Pieces

11) Louis Armchair - Jayson Home and Garden

12) Green Scroll Armchair - Horchow

Anyone out there in the market for dining chairs? What's the most important attribute for you? Comfort? Style? Practicality? Price? Speaking of price...dining chairs are EXPENSIVE, aren't they??

Lee and Lonny Love

I finally sat down and went through the latest, much clamored about issue of Lonny Magazine. It lives up to the hype and is fabulous. Kudos to all of the staff and talented photographers and designers responsible for providing such wonderful eye candy! This installment is chock-full of great design moments, so I wanted to share my favorite tidbits and lure you over to the mag in case you haven't gone there yet.

First, there's a fantastic write-up on Jayson Home and Garden which I was pumped about since I'm in awe of their collection of merchandise and was blown away by their outstanding customer service when I ordered my ottomans. 

It really doesn't get much cooler than the tufted black patent bench/ottoman below.

Secondly, another favorite store of mine, Pieces, and its amazing owner, Lee Kleinhelter, got some major props. Lee is super talented and it was a treat to read about how she thoughtfully designed the model unit of an Atlanta high-rise. Lots of great advice in the article on how to design to sell. Also included in the spread are photos of her own stunning condo in the same building and a few snapshots of her precious little baby boy. Be sure to check out his nursery on pages 96-97...it is the jam. 

Even though I've never met her, I like to think we're kindred spirits since we seem to go for the same aesthetic, share the appreciation for the colors orange and white, and finally, we both love Bravo and all the sophisticated, intellectual shows it brings us ;) Anyhow, I hope to make a trip to Atlanta one day so I can meet her and spend lots of time shopping at Pieces! Until then...on to highlights from Lonny:

One of the two chic twin beds in the guest room...headboard is in the perfect hue and with nailhead trim to boot. From the article, referring to Lee's strategic use of color: "energizing the space with the flavorful shade of orange inspired by Hermès." Music to my ears!

The striped walls are pure genius and so is the off-set mirror.

See, again we are on the same wavelength about the greatness that is a wall-mounted, white lacquered moose head!

I'm jealous of the lucky girl who sleeps under this tufted headboard. White is ultimately my favorite color too. Oh Lee, we really should be besties ;)

I could talk all day about Lee and Pieces, but alas I must move on to other goodies found in the current Lonny. Designer Elizabeth Bauer's Grammercy Park studio apartment also had a notable feature. Throughout the apartment, she used rich color and lots of patterns and textures. 

Very fun and girly effect.

I adore her bedroom. Such exquisite linens from D. Porthault. Of course, my beloved boutique Madison carries them.

If my tole chandelier wasn't black, I'd be a copycat and throw orange shades on it like this. So cute.

Finally, a bathroom from another New York apartment left me speechless. I love everything in this space, from the glossy black walls to the perfect mix of towels. I REALLY want the Greek key towels.

Ok, I must stop...don't want to share too much. If you haven't already, go check out Lonny for yourself. There is lots more to see and read, so head on over and get to it!

White Out

I love color, but simple white is my go-to shade for many things. I am drawn towards white furniture, linens (esp towels), drapes, dishes, roses, dogs, and clothes (esp t-shirts).

As far as interior decor goes, colorless items impart a fresh, crisp mood and provide a blank slate, allowing for flexibility in accessories and accents. I'm usually not a fan of an all-white room, but I do think a white foundation is a good place to start. Color restraint can definitely help those who struggle with getting a space to look cohesive. It's always easy to add color with art, paint, lamps, pillows, and rugs - but it's not so easy to take it away on the stuff that is more static like a sofa or an upholstered bed.

 Jett Desk - Z Gallerie

Lider Chair - Advanced Interior Designs

Biarritz Mirrored Console - Ballard Designs

Slipcover Sofa - High Fashion Home

White Leather Tufted Chairs - Pieces, they actually sort merch by color, here's ALL of their white goodies

Shaped Console - Brocade Home

Mercer Bedding - Z Gallerie

Despite what you might think - white textiles can be easier to clean/maintain than colored fabrics since the colorfast issue is not at play. White bath towels are the ultimate example of this...check out anyone's old towel stash and you'll find a bunch of stained and faded colored ones.

Bath linens - Restoration Hardware

Silk Drapes - Pottery Barn

Tabletop - Z Gallerie

Dogs - Russell Rescue :)

The absolute best white T - Old Navy

My favorite perfume is even called Love in White!

With all that said, there is not a single room in our house that is painted white. To me, white walls look best when there are great architectural details and/or there are really high ceilings - neither of those conditions exist in our house since we live in a 1948 ranch style home!

 

Via Cocozy

 

Via Home Design Find

Gimme

White on white, linen, tufted, they check every box...these are amazing!! I wish that Pieces was located in Dallas.