The (Not Your Average) Library Desk

May 5, 2012
Furniture
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I got an e-mail at work the other day that caused my heart to skip a beat.  A simple announcement from the people at Maxine Snider, I could have easily overlooked it and gone on to delete the surrounding spam.  Fortunately, I paused for a moment and was introduced to the Library Desk.

Architectural, elegant and plenty of storage space for dewy decimal cards.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t recall desks like these in my neighborhood library growing up nor at my university one (yes, I did spend some time there).  I have always dreamt about having a library in my home though, so I’m glad to have found it’s foundation piece.  Now, if I only had a spare room and a lot more books…

Diving Back In

March 3, 2012
Accessories, Art
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Yikes!  Did I really not post a single thing in all of February?!  Not good.  So much for my new years resolution…but it’s never to late to give it another go, and I have the whole year to make it work right?That being said, it’s time to dive back in.  Please excuse the terrible pun given the image below…

I was instantly obsessed with these “Wall Divers” in the new Global Views catalogue the minute I turned the page.  Wall decor is something that has been bouncing around in my head since I helped with an installation of their “Flying Wall Bowls” recently at work.

Seeming to defy gravity, wall installations can instantly bring movement and rhythm to any design.  There’s always the painting or photograph route, but something  a little more sculptural really stands out!  There I go with the puns again…

Pouf!

January 26, 2012
Accessories, Color, Furniture, Pattern
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It recently occurred to me that I had been using a lot of poufs in projects at work lately (and not always using the proper spelling).  There’s something about these smushy accent pieces that I just love!  Their portable, multi-purposeness makes them the ideal addition to any space (as a chair, table, over-stuffed pillow) and you can find them in just about any style.  Personally I tend to be drawn to the more vibrant ones (in color and/or pattern) because they are already by nature such unique/fun little accents.  Allow me to share some of my current favorites:

 

I love these hand-loomed poufs from West Elm (above) and these poufs from designer Donna Wilson that are hand stuffed, upholstered calico bags (below).

 

In addition to color and pattern, you can also go big with texture!  Check out these chunky knit poufs from CB2!

Or the “poodle” pouf, also from CB2, which is close to my heart on account of a very special four-legged friend.

And while winter might be in full swing, why not bring on the blossoms early with these poufs from Arteriors Home.

Now I’m wondering why I don’t have one of these little bundles of joy in every room of my apartment.  Hmmm, I’ll have to consider that.  Pouf!

SF Sanctuary

January 16, 2012
Accessories, Art, How Can I Help?
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It is arguable that the bedroom is one of, if not the, most important rooms in anyone’s house.  The bedroom is where we go to relax, recharge and escape the rigors of daily life.  Yes, I’ve heard it said “I only sleep in there, so why bother making it look nice?”  Yet our surroundings really do effect us psychologically, and this is a room that truly matters to your sanity.

Recently, a good friend of mine sent me some pics of her new San Francisco apartment for precisely that reason.  She had been working on getting everything in order but had come to a road block that left her frustrated with an nearly, but not quite, finished master bedroom.  I was happy to help!

I have to say, I really loved the direction she was already headed and thought that she had put together a great foundation.  The monochromatic hues and elements of glamour/sparkle were the perfect jumping-off point.  I suggested that she run with this by adding even more glamour, plushness, and a few darker accents to ground the space and allow all the soft neutrals to really stand out.

In looking at these ideas, it’s important to note that it’s not just about the decorative accessories. Including elements that add to the function of the room (like a bench or lounge chair)  allow the room to become more useful, not just where you go to sleep.  For those of you who hate lying in bed all day you can still get up, read the newspaper and have a cup of tea without having to leave your sanctuary.

Collage Sources: Glam Chandelier, Abstract Art, Mood Lighting, Sparkle, Have a Seat, Plush Accents (and here), Upholstered Headboard.

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2012
Announcements
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I wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a wonderful 2012 filled with happiness, health and amazing adventures!

I know that I have been somewhat delinquent with regards to new posts as of late.  The end of 2011 proved to be quite busy! (all good things, I’m not complaining)

Now that things are leveling back out, and I’m learning some new time management skills, it’s time to get back to sharing my explorations into the world of design.

I’m not usually one for new years resolutions but, because I have been missing blogging on a regular basis, I think it’s a good excuse to set a goal and stick to it.  That being said I am publishing this new years wish with the intent of posting at least once a week in 2012!  I know you’ll forgive me if I miss a week or two, no one’s perfect.  Committing via post is, however,  the first step!

Here’s to doing more of what you love in 2012!



 

I Feel Gritty, Oh So Gritty!

November 3, 2011
Accessories, Inspiration
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On a recent sourcing excursion I found myself continually being drawn to various elements of industrial machinery turned beautiful pieces of home decor.

Perhaps it’s something about the transformation/repurposing of these pieces or their modern yet gritty sensibility that called to me. Whatever the reason, it had me inspired to find more! Restoration Hardware, for example, seems to also be drawn to this industrial look. Take a look at some of their current offerings:

My search also led me to some interior spaces with an industrial twist (both residential and commercial):

There is something about these cool, crisp and airy spaces that I am totally drawn to. They are completely current, yet speak to their previous lives.

Interiors: 1) Croma Design, 2-5) Patrick Davis Design, 6) Convoy

In Living Color: Electric Tiffany

October 27, 2011
Color, In Living Color, Inspiration, Uncategorized
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It’s funny what jumps out at you when you start looking around…

In the aftermath of a fizzeled alternator (car speak), I found myself back on the train/1.5 mile walk from the station to work. Lucky for me it was one of those incredible fall days when the air is perfectly crisp and you don’t mind walking at all (I actually enjoyed it!).

I was walking along, fully immersed in my headphones, when the vibrant “Death By Chocolate” bus stop billboard caught my eye.  Thinking nothing of it, I continued to walk another half a block when yet another electric blue accent caught my eye.  At this point, I started to notice a trend and walked back to the bus stop to snap a quick pic. Maybe it was just the neighborhood, but I arrived to work with a smile on my face and a new favorite color…at least till my next walk.

Take a look at some great interior translations of my current color obsession:


Whether an overall hue or slipped in accent, this color brings a little (or a lot of) energy to a room.  A simple accessory can cause any space to perk up a bit just like I did on my walk to work.

Looking for some suggestions on incorporating this color?  Try some of these:

And yes, there’s always paint too!  Try Benjamin Moore’s Peacock Blue (2049-40), Pool Blue (2052-50), Tear Drop Blue (2053-60), Ash Blue (2057-40), Blue Flower (2057-60) or Spectra Blue ( 2049-50)  for starters!

Interior Photo Credits: 1) Elle Decor, 2) Workshop/apd, 3) Summer Thornton, 4) Apartment 48

Product: 1) Chia’sso Carly Pillow, 2) Jonathan Adler’s Claude Walnut Gossip Bench Set, 3) Flor’s “Stripe It Rich” Carpet Tile, 4) Jonathan Adler’s Ravello Lamp

Gold Moment

October 19, 2011
Accessories, Color, Inspiration

So I recently looked up from my desk and realized that is was covered in gold!  Now, I have never really thought of myself as a particularly gold oriented person however you wouldn’t guess that from the piles of magazine cut outs, fabric samples and furniture tear-sheets strewn about.  This sight clearly confirmed one thing…I am totally having a gold moment.

That being said, I still think of gold in interior design like a piece of jewelry.  Whether it be on your body or in your home, gold packs a big punch and little goes along way. Just as you would your favorite outfit, use gold to punch up the glamor, sparkle and enhance the pieces already in place.  Take a look at these great golden rooms, I love them for the restraint shown.

Then again, I also love this…

 

Collage Sources:  Wallpaper Samples, Fabrics Samples, Stump Side Table, Bottle Opener, Urn Table Lamp, Wall Mirror

Interior Photo Credits:  1) Elle Decor, 2) Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, 3) Kelly Wearstler

In Living Color: Yolk

October 11, 2011
Color, In Living Color, Inspiration

I’m often struck by the amazing colors that present themselves in my daily life.  For example, we have great friends who currently work on a farm in downstate Illinois who recently gifted us a dozen farm fresh eggs straight from the coup!  As you may or may not know, I LOVE eggs.  I eat them almost everyday.  As an egg connoisseur, I can honestly tell you that I have never seen Yolks with such brilliant color!  I have been amazed 12 times now.  The color is simply inspiring!

Deep yellow, orange and marigold tones.  Take a look at some interiors that, to me, invoke “yolk”.

As you can see, the color can be incorporated in many different ways; from fabric choices and accessories to the rich natural tones of wood.  Of course, there’s always paint too.  To spread some yolk on your walls try Benjamin Moore’s Golden Nugget (2019-20), Yellow Marigold (2155-30), Gold Mine (2155-20), Yellow Flash (2021-10), Sunflower (2019-30) or Sun Kissed Yellow (2022-20).

 

 

 

 

Photo Credits: 1) My Breakfast, 2) Richard Powers, 3) Elle Decor, 4) Brio Interior Design 

Welcome! (again)

October 3, 2011
Uncategorized

As you can probably tell, things are looking a little different around here. I’m constantly thinking about how to best present my thoughts and I thought it was time to optimize a bit. Hopefully this new set-up will allow me to do just that! I appreciate your patience as I unpack in the new space and get everything set up.  Once again, welcome.  I hope you’re enjoying the adventure!