One Desk, Two Ways: His and Hers

Ever since my buddy and High Gloss Magazine Art Production Manager, Dabney Lee chose this gorgeous Lucite and burl wood Jonathan Adler desk from Pieces for her “Lust List” in our April/May issue, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The clean lines make the desk pretty timeless, but the fabulous combination of the wooden top with the Lucite legs make it quite the statement piece. Since it is neither overly feminine or masculine, I thought it might be fun to style it two ways: for him and for her.

 

{Clockwise from Top: Lizard Desk Caddy, Thomas O’Brien for Circa Lighting Kenton Desk Lamp with Metal Shade, Ace of Spades Tray, Jayson Home and Garden Rivington Chair, Wisteria Graphic Suzani-Inspired Dhurrie, Furbish Studio Jolly Roger Horn Box, Milan High-Back Espresso Chair}

For him, I chose a look that was fun and youthful, yet polished and sophisticated. This isn’t meant to be your dad’s office, but your husband might love it. I chose strong, masculine lines and a bold color palette used with restraint. I actually wish I could bring this to life for my own husband because I really like the way everything came together.

{Clockwise from Top: “Man in the Waves” Painting by Isca Greenfield-Sanders, American Cities, Taking Aim, Field Notes Notebook, Objets d’Art by Kelly Wearstler, Bronze Fretwork Bookshelf from 1960s, ABC’s of Men’s Fashion}

I am crazy about this vintage fretwork bookshelf found via 1st Dibs. It could work just about anywhere, but an office would obviously be a natural fit. The bronze finish makes it feel a bit more masculine and less flashy than if it were chrome. The deep blue hues of the painting by Isca Greenfield-Sanders are so beautiful and set such a great tone for a working space while the books and objets by Kelly Wearstler add a touch of fun.

 

{Clockwise from Top: Suzanne Kasler for Circa Lighting Thorton Table Lamp, Color Pencil Set with Brass Holder, Pink and Gold Lacquer Bowl, Serena and Lily Louise Chair in Night Leather, Set of 3 Ikat Notebooks, Midcentury European Carpet, Z Gallerie Eddie Chair}

For her, I decided to go with fun, bright colors, naturally! I chose pieces, such as the chairs with curvy shapes and deep colors. I also decided to use gold and brass accents for a touch of glamour. The beautiful vintage rug brings everything together and makes a big, bold statement.

{Clockwise from Top: “Modern Romance” by Yolanda Sanchez, Gold Leather Dictionary, Objets d’Art by Kelly Wearstler for Bergdorf Goodman, HUE by Kelly Wearstler, Chevron Mirrored Credenza, Dolce Vita Style, The Well-Lived Life, In the Spirit of Capri}

I am absolutely crazy about the mirrored chevron credenza from Circa Who in Palm Beach, Florida. It just may steal the show from the beautiful desk we’ve been focusing on. Along with some stylish books, a gold dictionary and some lovely objets d’art, it is the perfect piece for completing the glamorous look for “her office” (I wish it were mine!). So there you have it, my take on two completely different looks inspired by one fantastic piece of furniture. Which one is more your speed: his or hers?

Dream Home: Franki Durbin

Today, the fabulous Franki Durbin of Life in a Venti Cup is sharing her “venti-sized” dream home with us. Her home is Mediterranean-inspired, traditional and elegant. Enjoy!

Showcasing my dream home is easy and impossible. On one hand I could simply show you Kim Kardashian's home and say "tada!" her monochromatic color palette, gorgeous mediterranean architecture and location are enough to make me ask her if she'd like a roomie... or three. But just because you love the home doesn't mean you love the furnishings or the finishes. So let's begin the journey of my ideal home, shall we?

{sourced from Southern California MLS listing}
Let's start with the musts: coastal Southern California. I need lush landscaping, palm trees and an ocean breeze. I prefer the view from the cliffs rather than being on the sandy beach. What I really want is a great relationship - a seamless relationship - between indoors and out. I need a grand outdoor living room as plush as my indoor gathering spaces.  While we're on the subject of celebs, the above shot is of Nick & Jessica's "Newlyweds" home. Gorgeous. Looks perfect for entertaining and for privacy. That balcony up top? Yeah. That's the business, baby!

mediterranean landscape design by san francisco landscape architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

mediterranean landscape design by san francisco landscape architect Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

mediterranean pool design by los angeles landscape architect AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Next up is a plush patio. I want seclusion and an escape from the world... But also a glamorous place for guests. I love the feeling of these incredible outdoor spaces.

mediterranean bedroom design

The other necessary feature is a poolside cabana. Again Kim K has some lovely features in her home, including a full outdoor kitchen. But in my cabana I'd like some spa-like features. This raised platform bed hidden by breezy, sheer panel drapes promises stolen naps and plenty of cuddle time with the ones you love. This is a must.

traditional living room design by atlanta interior designer Dillard Design Group, LLC

traditional living room design by atlanta interior designer Dillard Design Group, LLC

Moving inside... I love the architecture of this space. This isn't how I'd doll it up, but I can certainly work with the bones of this incredible space. Coffered ceilings. Arched doorways. This is architecture that looks good no matter how it is dressed. This space is practically begging for pieces by Barbara Barry and Suzanne Kasler. And who am I to say no?

spaces design by san francisco architect Barbara Chambers

This pretty space? I'm going to need one of these. At the foot of my bed, a plush place for reading or simply appreciating the achievement of my dreams. I absolutely love this dreamy, creamy ivory space. For the closet? Kyle Richards's perfect closet. Hands down. End of story. Next. Although this one is nice too. {sourced from Southern California MLS listing}
Ahh, the bath. Doesn't every girl dream of leisurely spending her days in a bubble bath overlooking an incredible view? I do. French doors opening to a terrace, the ocean in view, the breeze blowing palm palms and creating that tranquil rustling sound, the sound of water lapping in your glistening outdoor pool. Orchids nearby. Yes, please.

Ahhh, the kitchen. I love to cook. I fancy myself an amateur Giada, and dishing up savory dishes for my family and friends in this Kraftmaid space would make me beam.

traditional bedroom design by austin architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

mediterranean living room design by photographer Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech

Speaking of guests... I love the idea of having a guest bedroom so dreamy that it's nearly impossible to get rid of your visiting friends and family. Ideally, there's even a private guesthouse out by the pool, complete with kitchen and sitting area so they can truly make themselves at home during their stay.

This may not have covered every space of the home... but it surely shared what mood my home evokes. For me, home is plush, textured and luxurious. I love creamy white furnishings and lots of natural light. More importantly, home is happy, filled with laughter and a place I'm always proud to call my own. Thank you for taking this "tour" of my future dream home!

{images without credits are either from MLS listings or my favorite way to waste time: hookedonhouses.com}

This Week’s Quote

Happy Memorial Day!

{Image Source}

Fabulous Room Friday 05.27.11

This week’s fabulous room is a chic, eclectic living space. I love that it is a relatively simple space, allowing for the items within it to really take the stage. The floors are out of this world as are the built-ins. I love the mix of traditional styles and shapes. Together, they look quite modern. I presume that the right wall is lined with windows since the room is flooded with light. I found this image via I Suwannee, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it is from one of my favorite foreign magazines, Spain’s Nuevo Estilo, judging by the book titles and general design aesthetic. Either way, it looks like a cozy and inspiring space.

What are your plans for Memorial Day? Have a wonderful, LONG weekend!

Do Tell: Do you veer towards silver or gold?

In my younger years, I always chose silver over gold, but for the past few years, I have fallen in love with gold for everything from jewelry to lighting and home accessories. While most people tend to like both silver and gold, it seems we usually have a preference for one over the other. Today’s question is simple: do you veer towards silver or gold?

{Design by Caldwell Flake}

{Source Unkown}

{Sally Steponkus}

{via Santa Barbara Chic}

{via Pinterest}

 

{Courtney Giles}

{Nate Berkus}

{David Jimenez}

{The Covetuer}

{via Pinterest}

Pretty in Pink

I came across this gorgeous little girl’s room on Pinterest (of course!). It was originally posted on Apartment Therapy’s children’s division, Oh Dee Oh. The room belongs to a lucky six year old girl named Ava in New Jersey. Designed by Sissy + Marley, a boutique baby planning and design firm, the room is absolutely beautiful! What struck me most about the space is that with the exception of the twin-size bed and a few of the accessories, many of the pieces are appropriate for any age (including my own). It’s a room that looks completely age appropriate for a six year old, but features items that will stand the test of time and would look equally fabulous in a 26 year old’s room.

{The overall look of the room is described as “Bohemian Chic” and was inspired by the fabulous Madeline Weinrib “Brooke” rug.}

{I absolutely adore the simple dresser, glamorous Venetian mirrors and the fun Moroccan pouf. I am seriously filing this one away in the “If I ever have a little girl” files.}

 

For more information on this lovely space and for item sources, check out the original feature on Oh Dee Oh.

Dream Home: Covet Living

This week, we have not one, but TWO fabulous “Dream Homes”. Yesterday, we took a look at Alaina’s fabulous dream abode and today, Stephanie of Covet Living is sharing what she would want in her dream home. I think you’ll find her home very inspiring!

Hi there! Stephanie here from Covet Living. I am so geeked to be a part of the Dream Home series! A HUGE thanks to resident superwoman Paloma for being so gracious and passing me the mic for a minute.

If I had to describe my style, I would say it’s a cozy brand of traditional chic with splashes of color and whimsy. I always gravitate towards whites and weathered wood, love antiques, and herald comfort above all else. Design that’s untouchable or ostentatious literally makes my stomach hurt. To me, choosing my favorite interiors always boils down to 2 things: 1) Did I (gasp!) when I saw it? And most importantly, 2) Is it welcoming, and would people feel at home here?

My dream home looks about like this on the outside… sweet, simple and southern, with plenty of room to lounge with a cup of coffee on the front porch. But I would re-do the metal roof in a greenish-patina of copper, beef up the landscaping (think gobs of peony bushes) and add a little cobblestone walkway.

(photo via Pinterest)

Please, come in! This is the foyer. I love the funky yet refined bubble chandelier, which I swiped from Carrie & Mr. Big’s apartment.

(photo via Elle Décor)

And I extra love it against a backdrop of some gorgeous wallpaper, like this wisteria pattern from Farrow & Ball:

As soon as guests get settled in, I’d reach for the wall o’tumblers and pour them a cocktail. I have a minor obsession with these little glass wonders, and have been collecting them for years. Muffie Faith’s collection (she’s the owner and head designer at ESD Charleston) is a thing of beauty:

(photo via Charleston Home Magazine)

I almost always gravitate towards white kitchens, but this one has always struck me as absolute PERFECTION. It’s equal parts old fashioned (the primitive wood table, the pendants over the island), modern (the sleek, dark cabinetry and Viking appliances) and whimsy (the Murano glass chandelier and cement tile floors).

(photo via Elle Décor / Design by Kristen Buckingham)

In said dream house, I also have a little breakfast nook off of the kitchen that is perfect for lazy mornings when it’s raining outside. I love the floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the cream woven chairs, and the farmhouse sink. I’m also pretty sure I can hear Billy Joel or James Taylor playing in the next room.

(Katie Lee Joel’s Kitchen via Domino / Design by Nate Berkus)

When it comes to guest rooms, I know that sometimes they can be an afterthought – a place where all the misfit sheets & blah décor go to die. So I really want to make mine extra lush and comfy, with layers of texture and lots of light, like these gorgeous nuggets:

(photos via Pinterest and La Dolce Vita)

PS: if my peeps run out of linens, there’s a linen closet right outside in the hall. Help yourself!

(photo via Lonny)

I love this hall bath. It’s like Sleepless in Seattle meets Casablanca… meets my 1920’s era elementary school, because that is the last time I’ve seen a black toilet seat. I dig it.

(photo via Domino / Design by Rita Konig)

In a dining room, I would normally prefer an oversized, farmhouse or Belgian sort of table. And maybe some crazy chairs upholstered in a colorful ikat. But this dining room knocks my socks off. The turquoise chandelier, the perfectly carved marble slab atop a couple of 2x4’s screwed together with bolts, those glorious antique bronze lamps… I can’t even handle myself. The same way I claim to love tall, dark & handsome boys, yet always end up dating blonde surfer dudes an inch taller than me, this is like the dining room I never knew I always wanted.

(photo via House of Turquoise / Designer Meg Adams)

When it comes to the master bedroom, I always like to keep it super simple, and no matter how much I swoon over the gorgeously crazy bedding at Anthro, I have never been able to stray from all-white bedding; nothing looks crisper or cleaner. This room is divine – the taut white sheets, the simple antique bed, the cashmere throw, the luscious lilac pillows that pick up on the lavender wall color, and that sunburst mirror. Yum.

(photo via The Estate of Things)

In my master bath, I absolutely love this massively oversized chandelier, the clawfoot tub, the light (!!!), and the fact that an antique vitrine (the wooden cabinet) was repurposed as a linen closet. That’s sheer genius. I also love that cement tile flooring is bringing the party in an otherwise neutral and quiet room… and that this bathroom is big enough to do cartwheels in.

(photo via Roseland Green)

As for my closet, I would love to have this O&L Asuka Wallpaper (left) in THIS closet (right). I love the architecture – the moldings, the ceiling medallion, the carved stone fireplace… the settee… the sweet little oriental rug layered over the massive grey-and-white striped one… and the freestanding shoe & clothing racks. Almost makes me feel like I’m shopping at J.Crew. Which I probably am, since this is Jenna Lyons’ closet.

Since I have a few little nieces and nephews, I would definitely want them to have a place to stay when they come visit. And I DO love the white-washed, paneled walls, exposed beams, and general color palette of this kiddos’ bunk room…

(photo via Pinterest)

Except I’d probably go for something more old school and more fairy-dusty, like this. Because I remember my childhood well enough to know how much fun sleeping in these tents would be. It's like magic (!)

(photo via Absolutely Beautiful Things)

Though if those kids are anything like me and my cousins were, this is where they’ll end up…

(photo via Coco + Kelley)

My grandparents also need a room when they come to visit, and this one’s perfect for them… what grandma wouldn’t love sheets with little hearts on ‘em + that sweet vintage wallpaper? Plus, I know Bud would love a good flannel blanket that looks just like his favorite pair of britches.

(Photo via Domino)

As for my living room (shame shame), I have yet to run across one that I 100% loved. But if I could build it from scratch, I would start with a tufted sofa in some sumptuous color of velvet, like navy or powder blue… I’d add in a Friends-esque, chunky weathered coffee table… hang my favorite chandelier from the ceiling, and toss in some funky fabric somewhere:

(photos: sofa via Sara Gilbane interiors, vintage sputnik chandelier via Little Green Notebook, balustrade table via Restoration Hardware, and Rocio Moreno fabric as seen in House Beautiful)

This has GOT to be the most beautiful laundry room I’ve ever seen. Who wouldn’t want to do 14 loads a day in here?

(Photo via Little Green Notebook)

Finally, there is nothing I love more than to meander outside after the day is done…

(Photo via Pinterest)

…with a beverage in hand, preferably from a bar this pretty:

(Photo via Southern Living)

…and to hang out with some friends, with the smell of charcoal wafting through the air and a red fuzzy golden retriever at my feet. I love that this little patio has a trellis for greenery to grow around it (also perfect for hanging string lights), and not only has a little dining area, but also a fire pit or two so you can cozy up and roast marshmallows for dessert. Heavenly.

(Photo via Pinterest)