Monday, April 30, 2012
Closet Confidential: Sandals
Friday, April 27, 2012
Fabulous Room Friday 04.27.12
This week’s fabulous room was designed by Christina Murphy, one of my favorite young designers. I love the modern traditional approach she used in this New York apartment. A neutral palette is dotted with kelly green accents. I love the chairs pictured above—finished off with vibrant green lacquer and nailhead trim. The Vendome Triple Sconce from Circa Lighting abstract paintings, and Barcelona-style bench dressed in Windsor Smith fabric add a modern influx of style.
I always love to see rooms in which the use of seating is maximized. The layout of this room is just as ideal for an intimate conversation between friends as it is for a cocktail party as it has plenty of seating options. I especially love the rich chocolate sofa with its contrasting white base and the beautiful kelly green ikat pillows and vintage lamps in this shot. What do you love most about this room? If you could have one item from this space, which would you choose?
{Images via Trad Home}
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Color Dose: Neon Yellow
Inspiration image by Lucas Allen |
Global Architecture: Connecticut Classic
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0064465# 1 |
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065641# 2 |
Home II: This wonderful estate is set on eleven acres of well landscaped grounds. The estate looks as if it is set in the European Country side. What fascinates me about this home is the large windows. I love home's with much natural light. The home is very stately and speaks volumes on its own, therefore, I like how simple the landscaping is. |
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065761# 3 |
Home III: This 1930s Georgian colonial is set on over eight acres of land. Whenever I think of estates in the Northeast I always think of home's that look like this, classic, with beautiful detailing. The estate has a very warm and inviting look, despite being so large. To achieve this, the landscape architect applied much greenery both on and around the home. This estate also features a wonderful pool and tennis court, I wish I knew the owners so I could invite myself over! |
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065727# 4 |
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/greenwich/sales/0065641# 5 |
http://www.sothebyshomes.com/San-Francisco-Real-Estate/sales/0085650# 6 |
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Dream Home: Jessica Amento of The Zoe Report
Today’s bohemian chic “Dream Home” comes to us from Jessica Amento, the Editorial Director of Rachel Zoe’s wildly popular, The Zoe Report. Jessica’s fabulous style is definitely reflected in her dream home. Enjoy!
Hi La Dolce Vita readers! As a daily devotee of Paloma’s blog for over a year now (I was a late bloomer!), it is beyond a pleasure to partake in the Dream Home series. I will say that it was much more challenging than I anticipated, but in the best possible way…a crash course on what I would love to do for real some day! Without further adieu, please take a tour of my humble abode. Being that I am a West Coast girl through and through (disclaimer: I am truly a Midwest transplant), my ideal residence would definitely be nestled somewhere in East LA or the Hollywood Hills. Something Spanish style with plenty of greenery and a palm tree or two.
Photo: Cococozy.com
I am always drawn to bold entryways in the homes that I visit—I think it is such a great opportunity to make a memorable first impression. I envision my foyer to look a little something like this (how cool is the giant sunburst mirror?), though with a console table instead of built-in drawers, and an added fresh vase of peonies, please!
Photo: Decorpad.com
Next, we will step into the living room, which is the prime spot for reading, lounging, and hosting game night with friends. I love the variety of prints and textures in this space from the floral print pillows to the horizontal striped rug and wood coffee table piled high with inspiring tomes, just how I like it.
Photo: Domino
Of course, game nights inevitably turn into movie nights (cue the popcorn!), so my home theater would be just a few steps away…this is also where I’d watch all episodes of Mad Men and Lakers Games. While my guests are getting cozy, I would right away conjure up some delicious eats for them to devour, which brings us to my favorite room of all, the kitchen!
Photo: Houzz.com
The pièce de résistance in any home, the kitchen is where the magic happens. While I am still a very beginner cook, I think a workspace like this would be all the motivation I needed to get into my apron. It reminds me of a Nancy Meyers set—and that woman knows her kitchens! I love every last thing about it, including the giant island, marble countertops, subway tile detailing, long wood table with varied seating, and splash of chalk paint.
Photo: Commune Design
And the only thing better than dinner with friends is an outdoor dinner with friends! Living in beautiful California, this is something to take advantage of year-round, so an open-air setup is a must! Al fresco dining, coming right up….
Once the sun goes down, getting toasty by the outdoor fire and roasting marshmallows seems like the perfect dessert plan. You’re never too old for S’mores, right?
Photo: Domino
Post-mallows, I would invite my guests back inside to check out the bedrooms. Follow me upstairs, but please take your time to admire the cool photo gallery full of snapshots from my travels.
Photo: Decorpad.com
Now, let’s take a peek into my room…how bohemian chic is it? I love the minimalist feel with thoughtfully placed details, like the canopy over the bed, statement yellow wall and single multicolored artwork. Pretty close to perfect!
Photo: Decorativehomeinterior.com
If you’re sleeping over, you’re of course allowed to borrow whatever you want (I hope you wear a size 9!)—mi closet es su closet! I think closets are a perfect place to make some bold choices, especially if you are weary about doing so in other areas. The one shown here demonstrates this concept beautifully with a patterned rug, sheeny curtains and metallic trunks, which I am obsessed with.
Photo: Elledecor.com
Now, my dream bathroom truly has only three requirements: 1. A free standing tub. 2. A waterfall shower. And 3. Plenty of counter space to hold the cornucopia of beauty products I hoard. This bathroom meets all of those things and then some with cool tile flooring and lots of natural light.
Photo: Elledecor.com
On the way to the guest room, we’ll pass by my office space, which you can make yourself right at home in too. Clearly, every nook of the Amento residence is wi-fi friendly! Notable mentions in this room are the bulletin backdrop and printed seat cushions—I could definitely see myself spending focused hours writing in here.
Photo: Pinterest.com
Finally, we have arrived at the guest bedroom. I chose this one because it felt cohesive with the rest of the house and equally cozy with the added bonus of a fireplace.
The guest bathroom of course connects and also comes complete with its own free standing tub. I love the natural wood shelving and striking chandelier, but think this room would benefit from a little color, so I’d add a vibrant printed rug or hand towels to the mix.
Before you go, there is one more room I want to show you on your way out…a sound studio! Surprised? I have been learning to play piano and would love to practice in a sound-proof spot like this. Plus, I have plenty of musician friends who would take total advantage of a backup rehearsal space. Rock on!
Well, that is all for now! Thank you very much, Paloma for having me—the La Dolce Vita community is truly a special one to be a part of. Next time, I’ll showcase my Venice beachfront digs…and New York City townhome…and Midwest farm haven. Sigh, a girl can dream!
Beautifully Organized: Glasses
Or you can attach a chain to the back of a door, like in the photo below left:
Or you can create a DIY organizer (above right and below) using a frame and wire. Find out how to make your own here and here!
Til next time my dears!
-Arianna
image credits: 1- photography by tinywater via the glitter guide; 2- via lonny blog, 3- photography by anh sunstrom via the glitter guide; 4- via apartment therapy, 5-via pretty stuff tumblr, 6-photography by Kim Jeffery for covet garden, 7-cupcakes and cashmere, 8-gomming.com
Monday, April 23, 2012
Photo of the Day 04.23.12
I saw this image on Pinterest and unfortunately, I could not find the original source. All I know is that this is a Parisian hotel room, so if anyone knows the provenance of the image, I would sure love to know! Anyhow, let’s get down to business. The bones of this room are stunning—classic Parisian mouldings, high ceilings, a balcony overlooking a glamorous boulevard perhaps. I love the mirrored bed and the screen behind it. It’s such a fresh take on styles we’ve seen before. The classic linens are gorgeous and would look beautiful in any bedroom or hotel room. But can we talk about the elephant, or in this case, giant lamp in the room? The enormous floor lamp definitely makes a huge statement! I think the only place something like this could work might just be in a glamorous hotel room with very high ceilings, but I’m still not 100% sold on the idea. Is this essentially the same as some of what we see during Fashion Week every February and September—fabulous on the runway, but doesn’t quite work in real life? Is this a case of style over substance? Is this over the top fabulous or just plain over the top? Let’s hear it!
Friday, April 20, 2012
A Vintage Remix Fete
Fabulous Room Friday 04.20.2012
This week, I am loving this beautiful bedroom featured in Better Homes & Gardens. It feels like such a serene respite which is exactly what I’m craving after a busy, busy week. The color palette and gold is accented with pale blue. If you look closely, you’ll notice the blue canopy on the bed is lined with pale pink chevron fabric—a fun and unexpected touch. The pink piping on the trim of the chair in the foreground makes for a nice surprise as well. The mid-century bubble lamps and Lucite table add a fresh, modern air to an otherwise traditional space. Could you see yourself in this room?
Have a wonderful weekend! I will be in High Point for Market until Tuesday, so I’ll “see” you soon!
{Image via BHG.com}