{inspiration} gold velvet is pure lux

Oh, another Monday is here and the beautiful weekend has come and gone. So how better to ease into a new week than by admiring a simple yet luxurious space. Sure, gold velvet can be a bit "Viva Las Vegas" if done wrong but here against white paneled walls it simply sings. With it's deep, stream-lined structure and sheer lack of ornamentation the sofa breaks tradition and moves the room into modern day. Love, love, love the industrial pendants in bronze-gold hanging in the adjacent dining room. Hmm..... just lovely. 


*photography via elle decoration uk via {this is glamorous}

West Elm 2010 Fall Relaunch

I am excited to announce that West Elm is relaunching its brand this Fall with a distinct new look and decorating strategy. To loyalists, do not dismay, the brand will continue to build upon their familiar looks (the Modernist and the Naturalist) while adding a third and fourth decorating style to the mix. The new identities will be focused on a modern interpretation of vintage-industrial and an eclectic, bohemian, style they term the Globalist. Overall you can expect a warmer West Elm, less stark with more feminine touches. I can't wait!

*photography via West Elm

A Restored Inspiration

Restoration Hardware is known as a great source or traditional decor with a vintage reference; stream-lined hardware, crisp linens, classical silhouettes. They know what they do and they do it really well. So, I have to admit that upon my recent review of their site I had some very unexpected "wow" moments. In a new web section entitled "Design Gallery" they offer an array of vignette inspirations for their viewers. Bedrooms, Living Rooms, one after the other, gorgeous living spaces filled with interest, drama, richness and beauty. (All things that are so vital to the success of a room.) Yes, I could still feel the Restoration aesthetic abounding in each shot but the heartbeat was much more intense then I have ever seen. Just take a look above at the piled rope coffee table lit by that fabulous pair of chandeliers. Bravo to this new life and wonderfully inspired direction!

*photography via Restoration Hardware website

{products+love} Happy Memorial Day!

The official beginning of Summer is here! With a raised glass of lemonade and the sound of the waves hitting the sand take a relaxing minute & check out this great moment from Wisteria, one of my favorite shopping destinations. They offer the perfect decor for summertime living; slightly quirky mixed with a great globe trotting, flea-market vibe. Here's to the long, happy days of summer!

French Country Dining Table $1999
Cooper's Small Colored Stools: $159
French Folding Chair $179
Pendant Cage Lamp $129
Striped Cushion for French Folding Chair $24
Starfish Garland $24
Red Rim Metal Wire Basket $79
Iron Wine Bottle Holder $69
Multi-purpose Wooden Box $39

*photography via Wisteria.com

{product+love} Graham and Green

Across the pond there is a lovely company call Graham and Green. They opened their doors in 1974 but are as relevant today as anything I have come across. With a style that oozes with glamor, quirk and global appeal they add that extra special something to any room. I simply adore the pink mercury lamp and the black & bone inlay ram's head chair. A contemporary mix of old and new- which I personally think is simply fantastic. And if you are not in the market for furniture or lighting they also carry a deep selection of mirrors, home accents, kitchen wear & kids decor. Why not bring a bit of Parisian flair or Moroccan chic into your life via our friends from the UK? Now that's global!

*photography via grahamandgreen

Very Cool

I am currently working on a home in Colorado whose owner adores mid-century modern furniture. I have to admit that it is a fun era; playful lines & bold colors countered by sleek lucite, metal or wood . It is easy on the eyes and a modern way to make a space sophisticated. Personally, I like using mid-century chairs to narrate a room's color palette or to add a wonderful point of interest in any living space.

To find fantastic pieces to accent your own home I would recommend visiting Spruce. (also found at sprucehome.etsy.com) They are a wonderful custom upholstery company based in Austin ,TX whose passion is updating vintage decor to make it hip & MODERN. Very cool!

* Photography via Spruce. Featured Chairs: Vintage Arrowhead Chair, Mid-Century Lemonade Chair & Laser Light Show Lucite Chair

Hardware: a Refurbishers face-lift

Hardware, hardware, hardware! I can't say it enough times how a simple piece of hardware can literally be a quick and easy face-lift for a piece of furniture, door, or cabinet. In today's market it is fairly easy to find interesting hardware at many local, big box, d-i-y stores, flea markets or salvage yards. Knobs, drawer pulls, hooks and hinges are all possible options for a quick swap.

A tip to keep in mind when shopping is to know what style you want to convey with your hardware change. Pick a specific color story or theme to guide your choices and most of all, be open to all of your options. Take paint samples, wood samples or a picture of your piece along with you- lay them out together and see what looks most cohesive when pieced together.

I recently checked out Anthropologie.com and pulled a sampling for you of my favorite things. As I have a long history with Anthropologie, they continue to be my favorite place to shop for gorgeous hardware. Their styles are imaginative, bold, often quirky, timelessly romantic and usually pretty perfect.

The Paula Deen Home Collection: Southern-Inspired Furniture Design

Paula Deen has collaborated with Universal Furniture to produce a line of beautiful southern-inspired furniture. Visit PaulaDeenHome.com to see the entire collection and find a dealer near you.

The Kitchen Gathering Table (shown above) is a great substitute for an island in a tight space. The shelves below the table-top feature fabulous wicker baskets -- perfect for storage and a convenient way to manage clutter.

The lovely ladder-back chairs above add a sense of warmth in the dining room.

The round pedestal table creates the perfect intimate setting.

Like most of the pieces in the Paula Deen Home Collection, the Hall Table comes in both light and dark finishes.