{products+love} John Derian for Target

 If you have ever wandered into John Derian's shop on Second Street you will instantly recognize the wonderfully quirky, decoupage designs of Target's new limited-time-only collection of home decor & accessories.  This exciting partnership between one of New York's favorite designers and the great retailer of the masses will offer a budget friendly version of his vintage inspired products... What a treat! (line launches September 5th)

Pr news wire: John Derian returns-to-Target
la times article: John Derian

*photography via Apartment Therapy

{products+love} Galvanized Pedestals

I love these pedestals! Maybe the love stems from my roots as a visual stylist but, in my opinion, nothing looks better on a tablescape than some glorious height and interesting dimension. And how cool is the juxtaposition of aged metal with these wonderfully oversized glass cloches? I could see them gracefully nestled into a chic dining moment or sitting pretty alfresco style. Oh... imagine them piled high with holiday trim! To die!

*photography via RSH

{products+love} Orla Kiely Kitchenware

Take a peek at the fantastic new Orla Kiely kitchen range due out late summer- pitchers, pots, creamers galore! It is no secret that I love her retro patterns and color use. They are uniquely groovy, graphic and oh so much fun. Products will be available at BlissHome and John Lewis. Oh Orla, don't we just adore thee?!

*photography via Home Shopping Spy

{idea notebook} Me & My Shadow

When it comes to our favorite things and special collections I find it important to consider how we want to present them to the world. What could be more perfect for your special piece than featuring it in a charming shadow box? Not just for little girls with pig-tails, shadow boxes can be sweet or modern depending on how you treat them. And they add great dimension to our often 2-d walls. (This wonderful idea was taken from 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100, Summer 2010 issue) Simply repurpose an old drawer with a fresh coat of paint and some pretty wallpaper or decorative paper and voila, you have a timeless presentation for something you hold dear. Another thought to consider is changing out the drawer knob for an extra personal touch.

*photography via 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100

{products+love} Colin Cowie is Masterful with Coral

Leave it to Colin Cowie to make such an exquisite statement in coral. Each piece of his chic collection is bold yet delicate, providing that extra something special to help you create a perfectly appointed table or room. Such taste... Have a wonderful weekend!

(Coral Appetizer Plates Set of 8, Beaded Pearl-Style Napkin Rings & Set of 2 Decorative Pillows available for purchase at The Home Shopping Network)

*photography via Home Shopping Network

{idea notebook} Stenciled Window Shade

Transform a simple window shade with a charming stencil. I love this idea taken from Country Living's July/August 2010 issue!

"Painting this birdcage motif is a snap, thanks to a goof-proof stencil ($26; 9"Wx14"H; designerstencils.com). Simply center the stencil on the front side of a bamboo shade- ours cost $21.50 at pearlriver.com- so that the top of the design lines up with the top of the shade; secure with painter's tape. Following the stencil package directions, use a stencil brush ($1.99; joann.com) and acrylic paint to gently tamp the design onto the shade. Let dry for 30 minutes, then apply a second coat. Wait another 30 minutes before carefully removing the stencil. Allow the shade to dry for an hour before hanging.
-Laura Fenton" (Country Living July/August 2010)


*photography via Country Living

{products+love} Letter Prints

How great are these graphic, re-interpreted letter prints?! I love the use of crisp color against the textured white and black canvases. Based from original photography they bring to mind city billboards and store fronts, a bit tattered from the elements. Great for adults and kids alike....choose one or all twenty six. Have a Happy Weekend!

*product & photography via Grandinroad

{idea notebook} 3-D Chest of Drawers

What to do with your dated chest of drawers? The latest do-it-yourself project answers that question with an oh-so-cool idea... customize it with 3-D text. So super cute!

It's pretty simple too. Here's how to do it:
1. Remove the drawers and paint two coats of glossy paint on the front, sides and top of the chest & fronts and edges of the drawers.
2. For the letters there are a few options:
* Check out your local, big box D-I-Y store and choose from their selection of decorative letters. Most will require paint, 2 coats of gloss.
* Many retailers such as The Letter Boutique, Craft Cuts, and Letter and Sign Shop offer customized letters as well as stock a variety of ready to use letters.
3. Stick each letter on with wood glue.
4. Add casters for a modern, utility finish.

*photography via Living etc.

{products+love} Scents & Feel

Designer Jenny Haik founded Scents & Feel to share the beauty and traditions of her native Tunisia with the world. With her signature Fouta towels she has recreated the Hammam-style towel, traditionally used in Turkish baths, and given us an elegant alternative to everyday terry towels. They are as lovely on a bed, table or sofa as they are on the beach. I would even throw one around me on a breezy summer evening. They are simply effortless.

*photography via One Kings Lane

{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} Hip Vintage Is the Style

I am just getting back from a fantastic trip to Colorado where I am decorating a fantastically-cool 1970's ranch. The house has been scraped and basically rebuilt in the amazing vision of it's darling owners. I have been tasked to create a space that is a mix of farmhouse chic, industrial cool and mid-century hip. Hmmmm... well, I love a great challenge! So I will keep you posted along the journey but for now take a look at this great wall lantern I discovered for their reading nook by GO Home Ltd. It's a classic silhouette with hand-finished details, the perfect dynamic for a modern home.

*photography via one kings lane

{inspiration+designer} Galbraith & Paul

There is a certain something special about handmade textiles; as if their tiny imperfections make them more interesting and gives them spirit...

Galbraith & Paul is a design team based in Philadelphia that uses the wonderful art of block printing to bring playful patterns and saturated colors to life on hand-printed pillows and lampshades. "Their designs draw inspiration from diverse styles and cultures, including the bold graphics of Scandinavian textiles, the botanical silhouettes of the Arts & Crafts movement and traditional Japanese floral patterns." I have become a huge fan of their luxurious pillows and lamp shades—designed exclusively for Room & Board- they add that extra something special to any room.
*photography via Room & Board

Smart, Crisp & Clean

Like the smell of newly cut grass, I have noticed that with the change of the season I have begun to migrate towards clean, fresh decor. I am loving navy and white with pops of yellow and green. Sisal rugs and clear lucite thrown together. I like things to look lived in & relaxed but tidy. While shopping for my clients I have found a few companies that perfectly capture this mood. (One Kings Lane for skout and Magpie Lovely) A sample of their home decor offerings are these great pillows- the perfect accents for a casual living space or a guest bedroom suite. Happy Weekend!

*photography via One Kings Lane & Magpie Lovely