{inspiration} My Blue and Orange Heaven

If you haven't already discovered I have two design personalities. One loves soft swaths of gray and whites. Couldn't we all live forever under layers of yummy chenille, luxurious cotton and a touch of faux fur? However, my other personality loves strong, bold colors and fantastic prints. A great stripe or incredible pattern can bring me the purist of joy.
Different as they may be, what remains consistent throughout my work is how I am drawn to the push and pull of masculine and feminine; my undying love of metallic pops, a fancy for Lucite and my desire to anchor spaces with a great rug. However it is approached, a room needs to have a strong, singular vision that inspires it dwellers. Forget creating a room that follows trends rather embrace creating balance and harmony.
So, today in celebration of the bolder side of decorating, I wanted to inspire you with the work of L.A. based Interior Designer, Molly Luetkemeyer. Her rooms are brave with extraordinary use of color and pattern. In the samples above she embraces a palette that I adore; blue + orange+ bright white+ black (and a touch of citron for fun). She is committed to her vision, she makes it work & isn't it just beautiful.
Have a wonderful week everyone!

*Photography via Coco+Kelley

{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} Upholstered Screen

What do you do when you can't find the perfect piece of art to fill a big space or create an interesting focal point? I am certain this question has crossed all of our minds more than once. For a do-it-yourself solution try upholstering a screen. It's natural triptych shape is ideal for composition; all you have to do is find a fabric that you love and choose a screen whose proportions and scale work with your wall area. A few pointers to remember: 1. Cut fabric with approximately 3-4 inches of overlap (play)- this will allow you to pull the fabric taught and staple securely to the back of the screen. 2. Iron or steam the fabric prior to affixing it to the frame to remove all wrinkles. 3. If your pattern features any horizontal or vertical images align them carefully using a level or T-Square. I love this idea!

*photography via decorating, room by Huff-Dewberry, LLC

{inspiration+designer} Lucas Studio, Inc.

Lucas Studio, Inc. is a boutique interior design firm founded by LA-based interior designers Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat. Their style is a dynamic combination of classic meets cool; refinement with an air of West Coast ease. Traditional Home magazine took note and named them as one of the "Top 20 Young Design Firms to Watch" in April 2009. What I enjoy most about this duo is how they use traditional design elements to create very pleasing rooms yet juxtapose this restraint with pops of modern, often funky, details (i.e.: the settee fabric as seen above). In addition to their design firm, the pair also owns Harbinger, a West Hollywood retail shop that showcases trend-resistant decor (think slippered chairs & pedestal tables), eclectic antiques, lighting, art and a chic selection of wallpaper and fabrics.

*photography via One Kings Lane