Fabulous Room Friday 07.20.12: An LDV Exclusive

{I am in love with the lambswool-covered nickel stools Sally used in her living room. Aren’t they chic? I also love the soft, feminine palette she has used this time around. The space is so beautiful and soothing.}

Much to my delight, my fabulously talented friend, Sally Wheat is always changing up the décor in her gorgeous home. It love it when she sends me new photos of a newly redecorated space in her house because it means fresh eye candy for me—and for you! In the time that I’ve known Sally, she has probably changed up her formal living room more than any other room in her home. It’s gone from Belgian-inspired, to bold and eclectic and in this most recent incarnation, feminine and glamorous. This may just be my favorite look to date!

{The room is filled with lovely details with a modern edge that work so well with the soft, pastel color palette as they keep the room from looking overly feminine.}

{I love these glass candlesticks.}

{Sally has chosen several gold accents, like the Harry Allen Piggy Bank and gilded lamp throughout the space which add some warmth to the otherwise cool color palette.}

{A Striking Abstract Painting comingles with a Vintage Chair and Gilded Wheat Sheaf Table}

{Version No. 1: This is what Sally’s living room looked like when I first met her back in 2008. It was a mix of Belgian and eclectic pieces.}

{Version No. 2: I took this blurry photo with my iPhone at Sally’s Christmas party in 2009. She kept the Imperial Trellis-covered chairs and added a fabulous pair of shagreen tables along with some Chenonceau pillows.}

{Version No. 3: I am still crazy about this incarnation of Sally’s living room. It’s bold, hip, and glamorous, filled with striking artwork, interesting lighting, an amazing mirrored coffee table, and a pair of vintage chairs upholstered in my beloved La Fiorentina by David Hicks.}

{Version No. 4: Sally kept the mirrored coffee table and loveseat she had previously reupholstered in gray velvet between versions 2 and 3, adding so many lovely items this time around. Notice the gorgeous end tables on either side of the sofa. The leopard pillow is the perfect finishing touch for the space.}

Isn’t it fun to see how Sally’s home and her style have evolved over the years? Which version of her living room is your favorite? I always find her work so inspiring. I think I will be plotting how to redecorate my home all weekend. Happy Friday!
If you love Sally’s style as much as I do and are planning to be in Houston anytime soon, be sure to visit her booth at Memorial Antiques and Interiors.

{Image Credit: Laurie Perez for Sally Wheat Interiors}

Designer Profile: Sam Allen Interiors

{Sam Allen in the Rooms with a View Cabana he designed in 2011}

I recently stumbled across the work of Sam Allen, a young, stylish designer based in Connecticut and was instantly drawn to his bold use of color and his fabulous way of accessorizing any room just perfectly. Sam is an accomplished designer, having had his work featured in numerous publications including Vogue, The New York Times, and Connecticut Cottages & Gardens. What you may find surprising is that he is only 20 years old, yet he has been designing homes for clients since he was a teenager! I admire him for finding his calling at such an early age and having the wisdom to hone his skills so early on. Sam found a mentor in Sarah Kaplan, owner of Westport, Connecticut’s Dovecote who helped him navigate the design business, even taking him on annual buying trips to Europe. Sam was also the youngest intern to ever work for Martha Stewart. There is no doubt that Sam has had enviable training in the field. His background combined with his fabulous eye and sense of style made it possible for him to land his first independent client at the age of 17 leading to the founding of Sam Allen Interiors at the sweet age of 19. I wish I had been so focused at his age. If his portfolio is any indication, we will be seeing many fabulous interiors from Sam in the years to come. 

{A Chic Living Room in Fairfield Beach—I love the Parsons-Style Coffee table. Does anyone know where I can find one like it? I also love the artfully-arranged stacks of books.}

{A Vibrant and Modern Photography Studio}

{I absolutely love the chairs, pillows, and lambswool pouf in this vignette.}

{The Living Room in this Westport residence illustrates “young traditional” style perfectly featuring a great mix of modern and classic elements.

{A Second View of the Wetsport Living Room—I always like a well-balanced, symmetrical space.}

{The color palette in this bedroom makes me long for Palm Beach or some other fabulous place by the ocean. It is very “beach chic”.}

{This fabulous, feminine room features a Philippe Stark Ghost Chair, Parsons Desk, and fun faceted table lamp.}

{I love the mix of textures and colors in this vignette. The lambswool and Kelly Wearstler Bengal Bazaar pillows are fantastic.}

{Another Fabulous Ghost Chair / Parsons Desk Combination}

{A Classic White Kitchen with Bistro Stools}

{This Boys’ Room is so Charming. I love the color palette.}

{Chic Details}

{A Stylish Gameroom with More Bengal Bazaar and an Hermes Blanket}

{Sam selected such a great color palette for this space.}

{According to the New York Times feature on Sam, this room was one of the first spaces he ever designed and prompted the homeowner to ask the then-teenager to re-design the entire house!}

{Images via Sam Allen Interiors}

Global Architecture: Prague Style

http://www.startherepa.com

Hello LDV readers! Brendan here of (BAD) Blog About Design...Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. Architecture in Prague is largely in the Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Most of the buildings have been meticulously restored, as a result, one is able to admire the smallest of details. (ABOVE) This photo was taken in Mala Strana, a wonderful district in the city of Prague. In 1541, a devastating fire destroyed most of the city. As a result, most of the structures are in the Baroque style. I love the red roofs and colorful facades. The buildings I'm used to seeing are beige and not nearly as colorful. I'd love to own one of these buildings for a spring getaway! (BELOW 1) This photo was taken on the Charles Bridge of the Smetana Museum. The museum is in the Renaissance style, and is dedicated to the life and works of Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. I love the facade of the third and fourth floors as you can really admire the detailing in the stone. (BELOW 2) The Rudolfinum is a Neo-Renaissance music auditorium, situated on Jan Palach Square. Since the 1940s, the Rudolfinum has been the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Which photograph are you inspired by?

http://www.startherepa.com 1

http://www.richardwatson.me 2

(1) Dolce Vita Valentina Lace Dress, (2) Nicholas Rebecca Chantilly Lace Dress, (3) Lizzie Fortunato Jewels California Dreaming Necklace, (4) Prism Paris Sunglasses, (5) Lizzie Fortunato Jewels Case Study Necklace, (6) Adia Kibur Gold Multi Stacking Ring Set, (7) House of Harlow 1960 Kye Flats, (8) Cleobella Cantina Medium Bag

The Fashion: For the looks above, I was inspired by the intricate details of Prague's architecture. I am a huge fan of the Dolce Vita lace dress, the dress's details is similar to the details seen on the Rudolfinum. Lace is very popular at the moment and if you're a fan of the trend then these two dress's are perfect! The Jewels California necklace has an Eastern European touch to it. The necklace would look great if paired with the second lace dress. I choose the House of Harlow flats because the pattern at the tip of the shoe is similar to the different roof patterns seen throughout Prague. Which piece is your favorite?

http://www.educationaltravel.com 3

(ABOVE 3) A view of the city highlights the bridge and red roof tops. Prague is a highly traveled to city full of wonderful places to visit. Prague is often considered the most beautiful city in Europe. (THE DESIGN PIECES) Most of the pieces from above are from the Czech Republic. The 1960s Czech vase is from Art 1. When light passes through the vase a wonderful shadow is cast. The bronze chandelier is from Craig Van Den Brulle. The chandelier is designed by Jean Perzel who traveled to the Czech Republic and was inspired by the country's design. The 1920s Czech Art Deco walnut table is from Naga Antiques. I love the design of the table. Which piece is your favorite?

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Closet Confidential: Fall Trends

Hi LDV readers! It's Liz again with another installment of Closet Confidential and today I want to talk about Fall trends. I know it's scary to think about fall when the US is experiencing a ridiculous heat wave, but I have to say that I am really looking forward for whats to come when the days decide to cool off.

 

 

So I have to ask, what trends are you looking forward to this fall? I am pretty excited to swoop up a pleated leather mini and some fun new prints.

 

Until next time! Have a stylish week!

 

{image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

My Favorite Room: Lee Kleinhelter

Today, we are kicking off a new series on La Dolce Vita called “My Favorite Room”. In the past, I’ve hear from many readers that LDV’s series have been some of your favorite. After the “Dream Home” series wrapped a couple of months ago, I began developing an idea for this new series. It’s quite simple really—over the course of the next several months, some of my favorite bloggers, designers, and tastemakers will be giving us a glimpse into their favorite rooms in their homes. To get things started, the lovely and talented, Lee Kleinhelter, proprietress of the fabulous Atlanta shop, Pieces and all-around amazing tastemaker will be sharing her favorite room with us today.  From the looks of her gorgeous bedroom and accompanying patio, it’s clear to see why her knack for mixing vintage items with new ones has landed her on the pages of countless shelter publications. Enjoy as Lee shares why her bedroom is her favorite room in her home!

{Master Bedroom: This is honestly where we spend most of our time. The room is floor to ceiling windows and you almost feel on top of the world. Everything is white, natural, and mirrored, so nothing competes with the scenery. It’s such a peaceful space.}

{Master Bedroom: I custom-made an oversized headboard to really anchor the space and compliment the height of the windows.}

{Master Bedroom: I like to keep things simple. Always mixing materials and textures, but well-edited. For me, at home—less is more! Unless it’s shoes!}

{Master Bedroom: Our Eames chair gets used daily. It’s the perfect compliment to the room and easily functions to turn to see views from all angles. We actually found a mini Eames lounge chair and ottoman for our son, Holden’s room so it matches. It’s ridiculously cute!}

{Sovereign Patio: This space is fantastic to entertain and enjoy the view. The X-base table has withstood ALL types of weather elements. Being on the 33rd floor there is no way to really protect the furniture, so you have to pick wisely. This space really compliments the feel of the interior, so we can open up the sliding doors and it’s like an extension of our living room.}

 

For more on Lee and her stylish wares, please visit Pieces.