Fabulous Room Friday 04.25.14

Thank goodness it’s Friday! I’m happy to report that I finally pulled the trigger and hired an office administrator to handle my bookkeeping and assist with project management. It’s a huge relief and I’m happy to know that someone so competent has joined the Paloma Contreras Design team. In addition to that excitement, it’s been a whirlwind week of accounting details, client meetings, ordering and tracking (so glamorous!), and working on an exciting design project!

By the time I realized it was time for me to put together today’s post, I went into a tailspin of panic because this turned out to be one of those weeks where I hadn’t come across a “Fabulous Room” that really resonated with me. Well, thank goodness for House Beautiful! My copy arrived last night and I was delighted to see several features that gave me the boost of inspiration I needed after a long, busy week. Among those features, was the project pictured above. Lilly Bunn was tasked with creating a sophisticated New York apartment for a woman in her 20s and boy, did she ever succeed! I I love Lily’s elevated preppy, colorful aesthetic and this particular living room is no exception. Between a custom, Manhattan-sized sofa, a pair of Bamboo chairs, a grass cloth-swathed Parsons-style coffee table from Bungalow 5 and glossy brown walls in Benjamin Moore Aura Bittersweet Chocolate, Lily is a girl after my own heart. I love each element in the space individually and love them even more in this carefully curated composition. Have a wonderful weekend!

{Image Credit: Maura McEvoy for House Beautiful}

Save the Date: Jane Scott Hodges Book Signing + Leontine Linens Trunk Show

There are so many wonderful upcoming design-related events in Houston. Next, week I am very excited to attend a book signing and trunk show for the incomparable Jane Scott Hodges, founder of Leontine Linens and author of the beautiful new book, Linens at my dear friend, Betty Newton's chic boutique, A Bientot. If you are in Houston next Wednesday afternoon, I hope you will join us. 

Jet Set: Piazza di Spagna in Rome

http://cdnx.jetcdn.com

Hello LDV readers! Brendan here of B.A.D | Blog About Design. For today's Jet Set post I've decided to take us to the wonderful country of Italy. Italy is a country rich in history, culture, art, everything! It has to be one of my favorite countries to visit. The Piazza di Spagna 9 located in Rome is hands down the place to visit. The hotel prides itself on being not only a hotel, but also an art gallery. That's right folks, if you find something you like while staying here you can actually buy it. The hotel is located right in one of Rome's most famous squares. The exterior of the hotel is far more classic while the interior is more modern.

http://www.piazzadispagna9.it 

The front check in desk is very minimal. The hotel is pretty minimal in design and that's because you can purchase any piece you like. The hotel is defiantly small with only six suites. 

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com 

This lobby area if full of gorgeous pieces. I'm a huge fan of the deep suede armchairs, and retro console table.

http://www.piazzadispagna9.it 

The hotel features a small cafe area where guests and art watchers can enjoy some treats. The view from the cafe most be beautiful!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com 

This window is located in one of the six suites. Can you image opening your window to this view? What a convenient location!

http://www.piazzadispagna9.it/ 

The suites are minimal in design. Being that you're in Rome, I doubt you'll be spending much time here. I do like the small lamps on the bedside tables. I wonder if you can buy things in your suite as well? 

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com 

This large window faces out onto the city. I'd love to roll over to this view while I'm staying in Rome. What do you think of this boutique hotel? Would you stay here or have you already?

(1) M Missoni Belted Silk Dress, (2) Oliver Peoples Eyewear Ria Sunglasses, (3) Vanessa Bruno Embroidered Tulle Jacket (4) Stuart Weitzman Nudist Single Band Sandals, (5) Alice + Olivia White Madison Blouse, (6) Milan Streetstyle, (7) Mih Jeans Oslo Skinny Jeans (8) Born Free Celine Tote Bag, (9) Shashi Ombre Chain Bracelet, (10) Fallon Jewelry Swarovski Immitation Pearl Tipped Spike Necklace, (11) Sam Edelman Gigi Patent T Strap Sandals, (12) Preen By Thornton Bregazzi Phillipa Cat Eye Sunglasses

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Currently Obsessed: Emerson Fry's Chic Warm Spring 2014 Collection

I remember back when Emerson Fry was EmersonMade, a line of tabletop accessories and handmade flower pins reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw which eventually went on to launch a clothing line in 2010. Fast forward about four years and Emerson Fry has evolved into an ultra-chic contemporary line. The collection is tight, cohesive, and well-edited with a classic color palette and distinct point of view. There are so many pieces in her current collection that I absolutely adore. While I am usually more of a maximalist and love my accessories, the 2014 Warm Spring Emerson Fry Collection has inspired me to pare things back and try out a sleeker approach. This season, I especially love the shoes which have a 70s inspired vibe, especially the Italian Slappers. My friend wore them in Caramello in High Point and they were super chic. She said they were quite comfortable as well, which is always a plus. The pieces in this collection are versatile and timeless—the kind of clothes you’ll wear forever. Each piece, like the Emerson Fry girl is chic, effortless, and cool. Do you gravitate towards this sleek, chic, pared-down aesthetic?

Effortless Entertaining: Cocktails Al Fresco

Hello!  Erin from Fig + Cotton here with another installment of Effortless Entertaining.  With the weather finally taking a turn for the better, entertaining out on the patio is a must.  I love nothing more than a casual cocktail party with a signature cocktail, no-fuss florals (succulents are perfect here.), a great appetizer menu, and comfy party dress.  Here are my suggestions for your next al fresco cocktail party:

1 /  the cocktail.  For this fete, I chose a paloma.  Yes, I couldn't resist -- a paloma for Paloma -- but, honestly, this is one of my spring and summer go-to cocktails.

The Paloma (recipe found here)
1 1/2 shots of good quality blanco tequila
juice of half a ruby grape fruit
1/2 shot of agave syrup or sugar syrup
about 75ml club soda
a squirt of fresh lime juice

Instructions
Mix the grapefruit juice, tequila and sugar syrup until well mixed.  Pour over a tall glass filled with ice and top up with soda water and a squeeze of lime.

2  /  a perfect menu.  For this cocktail party menu, there is just enough variety here so 1) no one goes hungry,  and 2) you don't need to keep everything warm.  You will certainly get the most out of your get together if you can cook and plate most of your apps before guests arrive.

3  /  the dress.  I think the very best outfit for an outdoor cocktail soiree is a flowy, comfy, maxi caftan...with flats.  This orange and white number is just sublime in my book.

4  /  diy centerpieces.  Succulents are definitely overlooked as a go-to centerpiece for most hostesses.  However, many times the muted tones and interesting shapes can make a truly elegant and modern statement.  I love this succulent  DIY from Spray Paint & Chardonnay.

5  /  fun paper goods.  Minted is definitely my first stop when searching for the perfect paper goods for all of my gatherings.  I love their relatively new party decor; the options are truly endless.

6  / mood lighting.  Lighting can change the entire mood of a party.  Soft candle light or strings of cafe lights provide the perfect backdrop for fun conversations.

Pair all of this with an eclectic guest list and your favorite Pandora station, and you have an effortless cocktail party...right on your back patio!