Must See TV.

I'm anxiously awaiting the premiere of "Secrets from a Stylist", on Saturday! I don't know about many of you, but I sort of gave up on design on television a few years ago. Compared to what goes on in the blog world, decorating shows really fall flat. That's why I'm ready to see Emily Henderson (winner of Design Star) at work. Her work is modern, fun, and aesthetically pleasing...woohoo!

 After seeing Emily's portfolio, this design nerd is waiting for more!!

Lighting Lust

I'm anxious to share some amazing light fixtures I've been admiring for the last week. Actually, more than admiring, lusting! I really want these!!!

A single bulb and a collection of wire spheres, so simple and so beautiful. I can't tell you where this fixture came from but you can find more photos of this incredible place here.

The newest source for lighting lust, comes from Wo and We Collection. These unique fixtures are an industrial dream. 

Not only is this fixture to die for, but so is every detail in this room! The black walls are perfectly complemented by the white bedding with red trim. Ahhh, feels like home:)

Industrial Beauty

(Via Rue Magazine)

This morning I was drooling over these photos from Sfgirlbybay. Finding metal lockers like these, is the sort of thing I dream about. What is even more beautiful is the harmonious way this industrial furniture fits into a soft and serene room.

Love all the small details!!

The top photos reminded me of this photo of Sarah Jessica Parker's home in Elle Decor. That little blue cabinet takes away any feeling of generic design. Its such a unique touch.

Some of the most fantastic industrial pieces I have seen are from Obsolete. If you have never seen their website, go immediately! I'll wait for you:)

1 Objet En 1 Minute

EPISODE 1 à 8 / 1 OBJET EN 1 MINUTE / PIERRE LOTA
Uploaded by LOTA-DESIGN. - Arts and animation videos.
Here's hoping this inspires you to add some creativity to your day!

Death of the McMansion: Could it be true?

(Photos via Cote de Texas, read her hilarious post!)

Wine rooms, media rooms, swimming pools, water fountains, tennis courts, children living two floors away from their parents, and adults constantly giving themselves away in body, mind and spirit to maintain the facade. All the while "family" turns into a thing of the past.

(More info here)

If the death of the McMansion allows children to know their parents and parents to enjoy their children and if it allows people to nourish their souls again.... then this demise can't happen soon enough for me.

This is just my

opinion of course:)

Carolina

Green Day 2!

Funny, I wasn't even feeling green until I saw this photo! I may also be feeling a little green with envy.

Blog Crush

You've heard of girls having a "girl crush" and guys having a "guy crush", well bloggers often have blog crushes. My new infatuation is with Maize written by Virginie Sannier. It consists of an amazing collection of textures, colors and the capturing of small moments. Ohhh, my heart flutters!

I love these delicate cut paper creations. They remind me of little butterflies fluttering through the air. Some of Virginie's creations can be found here, but I hope you speak French.

I knew love was meant to be when I saw this photo because I have this bedding too!

On The Quirky Side

Hello everyone! For those of you who may wonder where I've been, I apologize for the long silence. Life's been kind of crazy lately and my blogging has been paying the price. Well, I did want to post this unique and quirky loft in New York. Designed by Bohl Architects, it uses plenty of fun and off-beat details.

Ha, ha! This detail really cracks me up. I mean, if you want a random blue eye staring at you; why not have one, right?
(I have a feeling this photo may cause some controversy amongst readers)

As a designer, I've always found it frustrating that so many people will only live with things that others approve of! I can't say how many times I've heard the words, "I need to know if my sister likes it" or "My mother", "My neighbors"...etc. Why?! If its your home and your place to live and rest, why can't it just mean something to you? I look as a home as a sanctuary and as a place that feeds your inner self. So shouldn't it be a true representation of yourself? Ahhh, this has been my soapbox for many years. I hope at least a few people will stop and consider my words and take true ownership of their environment.
Don't know why I seem so bossy today.

Here's To An Organic New Year!

Hello, I'm back!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was a bit tumultuous, but more on that later. For now, lets talk about what we want more of in the new year! For me, organic and beautiful design sits high on the list:)

Baby, Its Cold Outside

I'm still adjusting to the cold weather! I prefer to be warm, but I'm dealing. Reading Veranda, I found a Wyoming home that makes winter a lot more palatable:) I just want to curl up by the fireplace in a beautiful wool blanket. If you're wondering, the design is by Barbara Barry. Her amazing eye definitely shows.

Friday Favorite: The Stagers

Have you watched The Stagers on HGTV? I really love this show! Unfortunately, since I like it, it must mean that its not a very popular show. I'm not sure why any time I like an HGTV show, it always seems to bomb. Perhaps I need to move to Canada. My favorite shows are Canadian and they do well there. Oh well!
I'm addicted to this show, because I think their designs are great and its just fun to watch. Home staging is different than interior design, because of its unique approach. In order to stage a home must be attractive w/out being too personal. I think it can be a challenge for homeowners to separate themselves from their own homes, so I agree w/ bringing in professionals to help. Also, with the current market being what it is, making your home as attractive as possible has to be a good thing!

(From the Dekora website)

The stagers are part of a Canadian company called Dekora. It looks like an amazing place that stores a massive amount of furniture, art and accessories available for staging. Personally, I have never run across a place quite like this, but would kill to do so!

Yikes!!!
If I were walking through this house, I would be tempted to runaway as fast as I could.

Ahhh! When can I move in?
P.S.
I would love to get opinions of any designers reading this article about your feelings on staging.
Worthy cause, or passing fad?

Happy Halloween!

Hope you and all the little ones have a fun Halloween!
Before I sign off, I wanted to share this great idea from a client's house. She purchased a cool, vintage "Skeletal System" poster from Etsy. We then installed it in her entry as a spooky welcome for all those trick-or-treaters. I also couldn't resist posting this little cutie in such an adorable dress:)

War Of The Worlds

Did you ever see that movie? The original one I mean, (don't get me started on my negative feelings about Tom Cruise!) These incredible light fixtures remind me of the alien spaceships, attacking the Earth. Remember that creepy sound they made? That movie was a family favorite at my house :)

See more of this Parisian restaurant on Dezeen.
P.S. I'm on my way to Round Top! More info later:)

Are You Reading...

All The Best's "Best Bedroom" contest? Ooh, its so inspiring and the cast of judges is INSANE!! In fact they are a little intimidating, I think. Anyway, check it out here!

I can't decide which I love more...a more traditional approach or a funkier one? They are all gorgeous!

A Little Confession

From Domino and Sarahleeab

Those of you who read regularly know how I love to go on and on about simplicity and minimalism. Well, all that is true; but I do have a confession to make. I love, LOVE paisley patterns! Yeah! I mean paisley is about as opposite from minimalism as one can get, right? Just the word brings up images of stuffy British libraries or something. I know, but I still love it. The intricate patterns and color combinations have always intrigued me. They are sort of an optical illusion. Some of you are probably skeptical, so I found a few examples of modern ways to use such a traditional pattern. With large scale and modern colors, these paisleys are anything but stuffy:)

From Becky Barreto

Don't you just love this chair? I mean no one can object to paisley, when its coming from Anthropologie! This is just so yummy!