Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope your day is filled with spooky surprises and lots of treats. Have a wonderful weekend!

Image 1 via Thanassis Krikis

Image 2 via Ruven Afanador

Fabulous Room Friday 10.30.09

I just found out about the extremely talented Washington, D.C. interior designer, Tricia Huntley through Michele of My Notting Hill, who posted a wonderful feature on Huntley’s work yesterday. Her aesthetic is modern mixed with classical elements and glamorous details, so naturally, I loved it!

Most of you have probably been experiencing beautiful, crisp fall weather for a while now, but here in Houston, it has just recently started to cool down into the seventies. For us, it’s ideal weather for dining al fresco which is why I absolutely loved this outdoor space designed by Huntley. The sunburst mirror is beautiful and earthy and the colors she chose are perfect for autumn. The gorgeous suzani is the perfect finishing touch as it adds just the right amount of color and interest.

Gorgeous Autumnal Colors

Happy Friday, everyone!

Images via Tricia Huntley Design

Sponsor Spotlight: Avid Home

La Dolce Vita is happy to welcome Avid Home onboard as a sponsor. President, Alana Villanueva has been a long-time reader of the blog and I have loved her store for quite some time now. Avid Home carries a wonderful array of furniture, accessories, lighting, and textiles that run the gamut from classic traditional to modern glamour. The store has been featured in such high-profile publications as House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Veranda, and Coastal Living.

The Westmoreland Console

Alana isn’t just passionate about great design, she also seeks to help the less fortunate and has teamed up with the Helping Hands organization. “AVIDHOME supports the work of Rick Whittlesey which is showcased on our website under modern/abstract art. As Executive Director of Go Nigeria, 100% of his art sales are used to support his work with orphans and widows in Nigeria. He helps run 20 Care Centers in this west African nation which provide food, water, basic medical care, and life-changing education and vocational training for needy Nigerians."

“Times They Are A’Changin” by Rick Whittlesey

“London Streets” Collage

 

Gilded Graphic Wood Screen

I love how glamorous this is!

 

The aptly named Cinchwaist Side Table features very feminine lines.

 

 

The Costello Table is a great, masculine contrast.

 

I love the shape and nailhead trim on the Casino Chair

The Industrial Wood Mirror is a great alternative to a traditional gilded starburst mirror.

 

I love the vintage quality of the Expedition Mirror

 

The Dalton Lamp features clean lines and a versatile design.

Avid Home also features some great accessories such as this fabulous Pagoda lantern which comes in various sizes.

 

If you prefer a more classic look, you might like the weathered look of the Old World Terra Cotta Pot.

Avid Home also carries wallcoverings and textiles including this fabulous geometric Archipelago fabric by Windsor Smith.

Color Crush: Peacock Blue

{Image via Southern Accents}

Peacock Blue is the it color of the season for me. Sure, people have been using it for a while now, but it has been standing out to me so much lately. It’s funny how when you have something on your mind, you see it everywhere. I don’t think it has been overdone by any means. On the other hand, I’d love to see people use more of this gorgeous blue hue! I normally gravitate more towards warm colors than cool ones, but the depth of this color keeps it from reading too cool for me. It doesn’t hurt that it can easily act as a neutral (I know that sounds crazy!) since it pairs so beautifully with other rich shades, like in the picture above.

Peacock Blue is so hot right now that it was even the color of choice for Serena Van der Woodsen’s office.

{The CW}

It pairs beautifully with muted colors…

{Domino}

or equally bold ones.

{House Beautiful}

{Domino}

It works as the main focus of a room, like in this gorgeous, traditional dining room by Suzanne Kasler…

or in Tory Burch’s modern and whimsical Arbre de Matisse covered dining room.

{Elle September 2009 }

It looks lovely in a flat finish paint…

{Domino}

{Melissa Rufty}

… and glamorous in a high gloss finish.

{Rob Southern}

For those who would prefer not to commit to an entire room swathed in peacock blue, it makes for a gorgeous accent color.

{Canadian House and Home}

How lovely is this console in Nate Berkus’ sister Marni’s apartment? I love the deep blue against the bright pink flowers and black and white accents.

{Glamour Magazine}

Painting the back of this bookshelf a rich, peacock blue adds an entire new dimension to the room.

{Canadian House and Home}

This room by Miles Redd is filled with peacock blue accents (wall color, chair, pillows, lamp shade) which add to the overall richness and glamour factor of the room.

{Miles Redd}

And if that is still too much for you, simply choosing one item in this gorgeous hue, like this antique setee, is sure to enhance the beauty of any room.

{Little Green Notebook}

You could paint your nightstand peacock blue…

{Apartment Therapy}

or install a gorgeous chandelier in this lovely shade.

{Massuco, Warner, Miller}

Pillows and drapes work, too.

{Ruthie Sommers}

The peacock blue cashmere throw used by Thom Filica in the gorgeous bedroom he recently designed for the Designer Visions Showhouse adds an element of lightness to the grey room.

David Jimenez chose an insanely beautiful peacock blue leather chair for this bright Palm Springs bedroom.

This bedroom, a perennial favorite by Miles Redd wouldn’t have the same charm withouth the peacock blue gourd lamps and tables.

Peacock Blue looks just gorgeous in dark, moody rooms…

{Flair Home}

and in cool, airy rooms brimming with natural light.

{Frank Roop uses peacock blue in a lot of his projects.}

It’s the ideal color for a little dresser vignette whether you choose a peacock blue lamp and white dresser…

{Lindsey Coral Harper}

or a white lamp and peacock blue dresser.

{Moises Esquenazi}

It looks beautiful when mixed with similar shades of blue…

{Steven Gambrel}

but stands perfectly on its own.

{Domino}

Personal Style, Defined: Bandelle

Kylie of Bandelle is one of the sweetest and kindest bloggers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I felt an instant kinship to her when we first met and was both sad (for me) and thrilled for her when she and her husband recently decided to move to New York so that she could attend design school. I know that she will excel in her new endeavors because she takes great care in her work, whether it is her Bandelle jewelry line, her beautiful blog, or her graphic design business. Kylie has a rather discerning eye and a style that seamlessly blends dark and moody palettes with the most feminine and glamorous touches. Enjoy!

I feel lucky to call Paloma a dear friend after meeting and getting to know her over the past 18 months. She is just as lovely as you can imagine! It's truly an honor to participate in her Personal Style, Defined series but to be honest with you I found this to be a little tough. I think it's due to the fact that I don't have one clear cut style. Perhaps after I finish up my MFA degree then I'll have it all figured out. Until then, here is how I would build my dream house -- room by room...

I would say that I am attracted to two overall base colors: either fresh, clean, sophisticated white or moody, mysterious charcoal. I cannot decide between the two neutral bases so I thought I would show you a couple of inspiration photos of each room. Starting with the kitchen, the heart of the home, I could either go for the brightest white or even dark navy cabinets. But I do feel that the kitchen should be an extension of your living or dining room and that's why the farmhouse dining table in Windsor Smith's home just makes me smile! Relaxed and intimate conversation while Sunday dinner is baking right in the oven sounds like the perfect recipe.

But even if you do have a separate dining room, I love the idea of making it as cozy as possible. And that's where a banquette comes into play. How many times do you "call" the booth? Everyone I know loves sitting in them at restaurants so one day, just one day, we'll have one in our own home. (P.S. I have been dying to go to Bobo ever since we moved to New York).

The only must-have in the bedroom is crisp, white bedding. I'm always excited about jumping into bed after laundry day because there truly isn't anything better than the feel of clean sheets. Layers of luxurious textiles in your draperies, pillows, and upholstered pieces would be on the list too.

 

A clawfoot tub and chandelier in the bathroom...yes, please! Paloma actually did a wonderful post on bathrooms earlier this year, which features many of the same elements that I adore.

With the addition of wall moldings, Fiona Barratt's living room would be absolute perfection. She has the glamour-chic style down to a tee. In my opinion, she created this with a grey color scheme and many reflective surfaces, including the stunning mirrored sculpture above the traditional fireplace with chrome and silver furniture and accessories. All of these elements are grounded by the final color in the palette: black. After all, everything looks good in black!

Thanks for letting me share my inspiration with you. Perhaps you will all be able to help me to define my style!

Image Credits: House Beautiful, Vogue Living Australia, Sarah Richardson Design, Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, Stassi Design, Twig Hutchinson, New York Magazine