HUMOR IN DESIGN

It's a gloomy, 18 degrees out, we have a million deadlines and my little munchkin is sick.  To say I am stressed out is an understatement.  However, there was a glimpse of something today that definitely brought a smile to my face.  We are re-vamping our website and while looking through old client photo's this afternoon I found the first photo... the pineapple photo.  Denise and I create each job with the motto "don't take yourself too seriously".  Every home is personal and we always try to add humor where you least expect it.  In a New Canaan, CT job these adorable, preppy chic pineapple lamps perfectly perched on their lucite pedestal did the trick.   Whether it be through accessories, unexpected fabric choices, artwork or just a certain color on the wall... humor is a simple way to add personality to any room.  Below it are some other design moments that definitely make me happy.  I hope they do the same for you. 

1.  Our room in a New Canaan, CT job

2.  Sarah Bartholemew | Miles Redd

3.  Mark Sikes

AN INTERESTING ART SOURCE

I am contacted daily by vendors promoting their products or wanting us to check out their websites.  I always take the time to do so because it's so fun to use something new in whatever projects we are working on.  Using the same thing over and over gets old.

Recently, I received an email from ArtStar.  A website that was created to make contemporary prints accessible to everyone.  Coincidentally I was searching for prints to use in our Nantucket staging job so it was perfect timing.  I was immediately obsessed with their Slim Aarons esq take on photography, their adorable trendy fashion items and their section on prints for kids.

Unfortunately we were on a deadline for Nantucket so we did not use the above, but I intend on revisiting them very soon for a new project.

WHAT I'M NOT LOVING WEDNESDAY

So, there is this yellow thing happening and I can't get on board.  I almost fell pray to it last week when a sales woman tried to convince me that I "haaaad to have" this shocking yellow, cut out, low back dress for a wedding.  Sorry. But. No.  I think yellow is truly the hardest color to pull off and it just doesn't do a whole lot for anyone or anything in both interiors and also in fashion.

The one and only time I thought it not only worked, but I loved it was below.  A small part of that could be because I have a small obsession with the chair's owner, Nicole Hanley Mellon.  One of the chicest women on the planet.

SPRING SHOW HOUSE PREVIEW

We're so excited to be participating in another "Home is Where the Heart is" show house on Long Island.  It's such a terrific cause benefiting the American Heart Association.  Dee & I have taken on a fun challenge.  We are doing the library which Denise actually did 15 years ago! 

This is our rendering for the new space which is a great mix of our styles.  I can't wait to see the finished room.

HIGH POINT ENVY

So, Dee & I have been extra busy and were unable to attend High Point this year.  I've been stalking instagram & facebook for constant updates from my favorite vendors/designers.  

Here are my favorites thus far.

Obsessed with everything going on here.

A FEMININE DINING VIGNETTE

One of our current projects is an amazing studio on the west side in NYC.  It is in a really cool, modern building and the client has a definite feminine, french aesthetic.  Here is a preview of our thought process for her dining area.  A banquette works really nicely in a small apartment because it adds a ton of seating.  We will add some modern art on the left wall as well.  The art work is by Christina Baker - it hasn't been picked yet, but I love her work and think it goes beautifully here to modernize the space a bit.  The picture below does not do the table justice. It has a gorgeous quatrefoil top and these really delicate scroll legs.  We still need to work on lighting and a few finishing touches, but I love how it is all coming together.

CHAIRISH INSPIRATION

Dee & I were thrilled to be asked to do an inspiration board collaborating with the lovely online, home boutique, Chairish.  Our inspiration was a masculine, yet fun library perfect for a newly wed couple trying to combine their aesthetic.  It is a great representation of both of our styles- traditional, yet young & modern.

Chairish is an unbelievably cool website filled with such unique pieces.

Check them out!

INSPIRED BY THE LITTLE DUDE

I found this adorable little boys room on pinterest by interior designer, Liz Caan. I think it's the cutest thing I have ever seen. A ton of my friends have kids & I thought this would be the best transitional toddler room ever. Don't you agree? With my look for less breakdown it can be done for under $400! Don't you guys just love it? Hope so!

THE COLOR OF SUMMER

{images courtesy of pinterest}

50 SHADES

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Mid-Week Picture Pause

Decorating our Entry

I felt like this week went on forever, but Friday is finally here and I'm so ready for date night.  My favorites this week are going to be design oriented, again, since we officially move 2 weeks from tomorrow.  Last week was window treatments and this week I've been inspired by chic foyers.  We actually have a very grown up entry in our new apartment and I'm so excited to decorate it.  Here are a few that I am loving...

Heart the rug & the french inspired decor

Tiny, but chic. 

Love the runner.

image courtesy of ab home

This painted floor remind me of our entry in Manhasset.

Wish I had photos moms

image courtesy of house beautiful

Great use of color.

Love the modern art against the grey wall.

I love the orange door.

image courtesy of coco + kelley

Happy weekend everyone!

The Color Purple

As always, I'm super excited that it's Friday.  Date night with my babe, followed by some relaxation, maybe brunch with the girlfriends and then watching my NY Jets on Sunday.  It's going to be a low key weekend and I love it.  My bedroom was lavender growing up and I get a tad nostalgic whenever I see the color. It inspired today's Favorites.

Happy & Healthy at FNO

image courtesy of people

the perfect, purple party.

image courtesy of notable inspirations

a daring bed.

image courtesy of shop grammercy

the perfect pop.

image courtesy of elizabeth anne

an anything but simple clutch.

image courtesy of novafm

a fantastic wall.

image courtesy of home to life.

  Happy Weekend!