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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Do Tell: Who would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

peonies in trad we trust

Just the other day, a friend and I were discussing who we would invite to our fantasy dinner parties if we could choose anyone in the world. It’s pretty fun to imagine and I think hearing a person’s invitee choices gives wonderful insight into their personality.

I would choose to invite the following people to my Fantasy Dinner Party:

Gwyneth Paltrow – She is my ultimate style icon.

Brian Williams – He is my favorite news anchor. He is so insightful and he can be really funny. Plus, he’d have the scoop on what’s going on around the world.

Tina Fey- Brainy, hilarious…need I say more?

Jimmy Fallon - I think it would be fun to have him and Tina there. He is so funny and I love that he doesn’t resort to being mean or snarky in his humor. He is simply hilarious and maintains some child-like wonder.

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 - He is incredibly talented and he is super funny. Can you tell I like funny people?

Diane von Furstenberg - DVF is incredibly talented and is such a positive role model for women. I find her so inspiring.

Sarah Jessica Parker – I simply adore SJP and not just because of Sex and the City. She seems like the loveliest person. She is so sweet, intelligent and well-spoken. Plus, she is a major style icon!

Jeff Lewis from Flipping Out - What’s not to love about Jeff’s fantastically sarcastic sense of humor?

Andy Cohen from Bravo - Not only do I think Andy is a creative genius, I love the way he and Jeff play off of each other, so we’d need to have both of them there.

Nate Berkus- He is so sweet and talented. I would love to pick his brain about design.

Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa- This would have had to have been before her Make A Wish Foundation scandal. She has been a huge influence in the way that I cook, so naturally she would be one of my picks. She and Jeff Lewis could also debate about who had designed the best House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year

Anthony Bourdain – What’s the Barefoot Contessa without a subversive counterpart. I love Anthony Bourdain because he is insightful and has such a no-nonsense approach to food and life. He has seen so much and I’d bet he’d have some great stories.

 

Now that I’ve given you a glimpse into my psyche (I guess I love funny people and Bravo), I’d love for you to share who you would invite to your own Fantasy Dinner Party. Do tell- who would make your list?

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

While we’re on the subject of kitchens…

cabinets grey lowers

How do you feel about lower cabinets being a different color than the upper cabinets? I am particularly interested in hearing your thoughts on having dark countertops with white upper cabinets and grey/greige lower cabinets, like in the kitchen pictured above. I like the contrast and the fact that this combination is a departure from an all-white kitchen, but something keeps me from embracing it 100%. Should I go for all white in my kitchen or should I try a white/grey combo?

cabinets grey lowers meredithheron

cabinets grey lowers

cabinets greylower

cabinets martha bedfordgray

 

 

{Images via Decorpad}

Love it or Leave it: Subway Tile

click to view full size

{House Beautiful}

We are about to remodel our kitchen- nothing too major, just new countertops, a new backsplash and a nice coat of paint on our maple cabinets. I’m thinking we’ll go with white or greige paint on the cabinets. I was really glad to see that you all still love white cabinetry. So, my next question is on subway tile. Is this another classic that just happens to have oversaturated the blog reader’s psyche or is it a trend that we need to move away from? What are your thoughts on subway tile- love it or leave it?

kitchens - Painted Cabinets Subway Tile backsplash Haskell Harris farmhouse sink  Haskell Harris kitchen  subway tiles, farmhouse sink, taupe

{Haskell Harris}

click to view full size

{Tommy Smythe}

click to view full size

{Meredith Heron}

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Help Wanted!

highglossissue2cover

We are currently looking for someone to help with Ad Sales at High Gloss Magazine. This is a commission-based position.

We are looking for someone who:

-Has a Confident, Assertive Personality

-Strong Written and Verbal Skills

-Good Phone Etiquette

- Is an Organized, Self-Starter

-Has A Background in Sales (preferred)

If this sounds like something you’d be a good fit for, please send your résumé to: paloma@highglossmagazine.com

Dream Home: Haven & Home

Today, the lovely Marianne of Haven and Home will be sharing her beautiful “Dream Home” with us. To me, this is the essence of true Southern style with a modern twist. Beautiful job, Marianne!
 
Haven and Home
 
Hi La Dolce Vita Readers! It is great to be back here! Wow, my dream house....I could do this exercise 12 times and get 12 different versions. I believe that comes with the job description Interior Decorator but here is one version I came up with.I have to laugh that I started with a picture of a house that is under construction but it shows so many elements I love-white exterior, contrast trim, double porches and shutters. Once the house was finished I would make sure the exterior had welcoming touches as well as unexpected details like this outdoor setup... Once inside the house I would like the entry to be bright and cheerful. I love that this room looks put together yet the curtains and ceiling add a bit of playfulness.
There are so many living rooms out there that would suit me just fine but I chose this one because it is unexpected. The lacquer walls add interest along with the colorful furniture and accessories. I would add a rug for some softness although with floors that pretty it may be a crime.
Oh the kitchen, the heart and soul of the house. We love to entertain and dream of the day when we will be able to do so in a spacious kitchen. Ceiling tile? Check. Marble counter tops? Check. Large Island? Check. Eating area with fabulous light? Check. The only thing I would change is either the island color or I would paint the lower cabinets a darker color.
Next would be the dining room which I would like to have a formal yet unstuffy feel. I am also a big believer in large round table when they fit (which is rare).
When it is time to retreat it is off to the bedrooms. My dream master bedroom would have a beautiful, preferably antique upholstered bed, full rich curtains, a plush rug, ample seating, a statement making light and definitely symmetry. I don't believe in symmetry everywhere but I do really like it in bedrooms.
What would a dream master bedroom be without a great bathroom to go along with it?
I chose this bathroom because I love the dark trim on the windows, the natural elements, the amazing natural light and the general laid back feel that comes with it.
While I do spend many a morning loathing my current closet dreaming of the day when I have a large closet that I can dance around in, I also dream of the day when we have a proper laundry room. Something as clean and streamlined as this one (while it lasts)...
For guests I would definitely want to keep the light and airy feel going. I want company to feel like they are on vacation and their room is a retreat that brings peace and quiet.
A peaceful yet interesting bathroom to go with the guest bedroom would look something like this. Simple in theory, but with added details like a great wallpaper and even an upholstered chair.
One more room I wanted to throw in was this boys room. We are expecting a boy in August and really when it comes to a room for little men this one is just about perfect. The color, the storage, lighting inside the bunk beds, the light in room-it all feels youthful but special at the same time.
Image Credits: 1. McAlpine/Tankersly, 2. Richard Holley/Southern Accents 3. Suzanne Kasler 4. Miles Redd 5. Segura, House Beautiful 6. Veranda Greystone Showhouse 7. Elle Decor-Grambel 8. and 9. House Beautiful - Jill Brinson 10. Source Unknown 11. Phoebe Howard 12. Pottery Barn 13. Kristen Panitch
Thank you Paloma for having join in this guest series!