A Life Size Jewelry Box

So I have now seen the photos of Cameron Diaz's apartment on Extra, E!, the news, gossip websites and I'm sure you have seen it other places too.  Now, I guess, now you've seen it here too.  It's just so good I cant get enough of it.  Like THAT good. 

I know Kelly Wearstler isn't for everyone, but she is for me. I love her and her ability to put together the craziest designs that just work like nobody's business.  Even if you don't like the overall design, take the pieces in each space and look at them on their own.  I bet you'll find at least one thing you love in here. How could you not?

 

 This is what it would be like to live inside of a jewelry box filled with shiny treasures and I love it.

The kitchen might be my favorite room.  Those custom green cabinets, the unlacquered brass backsplash and the ebony cerused floor just make me I'm looking at a room filled with kittens and puppies. I just want to pet something.

There is not one surface left untouched here- its like pure eye candy in every direction.

Floor to ceiling Ann Sacks tile.  HELLO!

 

Custom brass bed in the guest room.  How do I get an invitation?

 

 

So even if this isn't for you, is there at least one thing you love here?  Look at the tiny details, because you know hours were spent thinking about each and every one.

 

 

Design by Kelly Wearstler, photos from Elle Decor by William Abranowicz

Book Review: Tom Scheerer Decorates

I often see emails for new design books coming out, some catch my interest but most don't.  I have limited bookcase space, so I only get books I can learn from and that will be valuable when I'm finished school and have clients of my own.  But when I heard that Mimi Read was coming out with Tom Scheerer Decorates I just had to get my hands on it!

 

 

 

This book is surely a new go-to on my shelf.  His ability to put together color and pattern, paired with classic shapes and forms is outstanding!  There are plenty of those bright, bold colors that I'm completely smitten with, but he uses them in a way that's totally understated. Its just the right amount of over the top without crossing that crazy line. 

That Tom Scheerer has me enamored and this book will be read over and over again. That is for sure!


(Photos The Vendome Press by Francesco Lagnese)

Lady Crush

I've got myself a serious lady crush on Ashley Whittaker and whoever lives in this Manhattan apartment.  This is what my dreams are made of.  Seriously though, when I imagine the backdrop to my past single life, this is what is in my head. Or when I imagine a movie being made about me, this is the kind of apartment they will film it in.

 

 

 

I decided I wanted to add a few of the elements of this space into my own and came up with a list of pieces I needed, here they are

 

*all photos from House Beautiful by Thomas Loof

Inspired by great

To me there is no question that Dorothy Draper was/is one of the greatest.  Some people may disagree solely based on the fact that they don't like her style.  I get that everyone is entitled to their opinion on style and hers takes a special person to appreciate that bold style.  But style aside, she paved the way for designers today and built an empire in a time where women and business didn't often go in the same sentence.  She took her passion and talent and turned it into company that is still around today. 

(These photos are all from The Greenbrier, while she did a lot more than just this hotel it is the one space of hers that is the most photographed and available in color)

I often refer to her work and love to read about her.  Her confidence inspires me.  Her ability to pair color, pattern, and a little bling is something I will always admire.  Last semester one quick homework assignment was to pick a designer that inspired me and write a quick bio, pick a color pallet and turn it into a modern day design (no budget, time schedule or specific clients needs to meet, this was solely inspiration based) Of course I picked Dorothy Draper and her eclectic style.

Here are the fabrics I pulled together

 

And here is the space I pulled together based on the inspired fabrics

 

Tell me, what inspires you?

 

 

Brush with fame

On Tuesday night my good friend & fellow blogger Stephanie and I had the opportunity to attend the newest Kohler Showroom opening here in Boston.  While I do love Kohler products, what sold me on the event was the fact that Thom Filicia would be there signing his book, American Beauty. Now I love me some design books, but I love me some Thom Filicia a little more.  I mean HELLO, look how darn cute he is

I mean, that hair. Come on! 

Once we stopped staring at Thom we enjoyed the showroom and a few of the snacks they were serving.  The tiny homemade oreos and vanilla milkshakes were delish!

It wasn't until I got home that I realized what an amazing book that Thom had written (and signed personally to only me with a Big Kiss. OK yes, I know this is how he signs all his books but I'm pretending he only did it for me. Just go with it here).  The book follows his journey of turning his once sad lake house into a serious show stopper. 

If you've been following my blog for awhile you know my obsession with lake houses and the lake I spent my summers at as a child.  So this book really struck a cord with me, I wanted to BE Thom in this book renovating and decorating my own lake house on my own lake in Maine.  Ah, one day.

I mean look at this view. I die.

If you think that view is a stunner, just look at the rest of the house


There are a lot more photos in the book , and it documents his journey from start to finish.  It really is my new favorite book and I will keep it on my coffee table as motivation to be able to have my own lake house one day.

Dream big, right?

Showstopper Bedrooms

I have no words for how awesome this bedroom is from the 2012 Traditional Home Hampton Designer Showhouse. Robert Passal hit it out of the park!  I mean those walls and that bed. In the middle of the room. In love.

Oh the details!

Again I have no words for how many ways I love this room.

The next room that comes in at a very close second, almost tie is the nursery done by House of Honey.  If it were cool that I slept in a crib for the rest of my life, consider this room mine. 

Now THIS is a nursery that can grow with the child.  Nothing about this room screams baby to me.  OK, lets not count the crib. Or the toys. Or the child size table.  But everything else is pure love.  Like that WALLPAPER! GET IN MY HOUSE NOW!

Dont get me wrong, all the the rooms in the showhouse are amazing, but these two happen to be my very favorite.

Is it too late to change the direction of my bedroom for the One Room Challenge? 

(All photos by Eric Striffler via Traditional Home. For more info on the showhouse visit Hampton Designer Showhouse webpage)