Currently Loving…

I’m in Los Angeles, where I’ll be speaking at the Design Bloggers Conference today. Being here has me in a “California state of mind”, so I am currently loving what I consider to be one of the most quintessentially chic California looks: Spanish architectural details, white walls, pops of colors, brilliant textiles and a fabulous mix of vintage and antique objects with a little attitude. Kathryn Ireland and Peter Dunham are masters of this style and I definitely think Schuyler Samperton’s beautifully designed rooms fit the category to a tee. Once you take a look at these gorgeous rooms designed by Samperton, I have a feeling you’ll have California on your minds, too.

{Images Courtesy of Schuyler Samperton}

This Week’s Quote

{Quote and Image via Patterson Maker}

Fabulous Room Friday 02.25.11

I am loving the open, airy, light feel of this living room in the Andalucía region of Spain. I love the clean sleek lines of the furniture and the architecture itself. The accessories add so much interest and color and I love that we get a peek into the dining room in this shot. How cool is that chandelier? 

I am heading to Los Angeles this weekend to speak at the Design Bloggers Conference and to get a little work done for High Gloss. I was hoping for sunshine, but the forecast is looking rather rainy and gloomy. Perhaps that is why this sunny room appeals to me so much today. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

{Image via Nuevo Estilo}

Clutch City

Have you seen the amazing new beaded clutches Jamie Meares of Furbish just got in her shop? They are pretty damn fabulous, are they not? I love the beading detail and ethnic prints. I’m having a hard time picking a favorite, so if this were a clutch clock, I’d take everything between one o’clock and ten o’clock. Check them all out here.

Do Tell: What is your Guilty Pleasure?

We all have them. Those little indulgences that make us feel a little bit guilty, but that we relish every moment of. My greatest guilty pleasure is reality television, specifically Bravo reality shows. I watch just about every Real Housewives franchise. I’ve seen and loved every season of Top Chef. I love watching Jeff Lewis on Flipping Out and Rachel Zoe on The Rachel Zoe Project. I watched the first season of Bethenny’s show and I plan to watch the new one as well. I even enjoy Million Dollar Listing. I’d say the only one I don’t watch is Million Dollar Matchmaker. Andy Cohen has done a fabulous job with his programming line-up and he’s reeled me right in. But enough about me! I want to know what your guilty pleasure is. Is it chocolate (I love that, too)? Weekly spa treatments? Expensive letterpress stationery? A cocktail every now and again? Inquiring minds want to know, so do tell. What is your guilty pleasure?

Everything Old is New Again

Every now and then, I like to browse the real estate listings in Houston for fun. I enjoy looking at different types of houses in various neighborhoods and every now and then, I’ll find a home that is beautifully designed. A lot of times, I also come across homes from the 1950s or 1960s which seem to be unchanged since the owners moved in decades ago. Such is the case for the home this dining room belongs in. The home was built in the 1960s, has a nice floorplan and has been very well maintained. I was initially struck by the gorgeous chioiserie-style mirror hanging in the dining room. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the ikat wallpaper and the beautiful cane back chairs. If you were to take out the blue carpet, replace the chandelier with a more modern one and do a little styling, the room would look completely current. You can see a larger version of the photo in the real estate listing for the home.

Are there any elements of this room that you would keep? It’s funny how everything old is new again, whether we’re talking about mid-century interior design or 1970s-inspired clothes and accessories.

Sponsor Spotlight: Power Up at Sundance

Renowned interior designer, Mary McGee devotes her time to creating beautiful spaces, but she also believes in nourishing the body and spirit and giving back whenever possible. This philosophy lead her to found  Power Up at Sundance, a one-of-a-kind chic escape held at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort that benefits the environment as well charities around the world. It's a unique getaway that allows you to indulge not just your mind, body and spirit but your soul as well.

How can there be so much good in a weekend getaway? Because with the purchase of every Power Up retreat, 1/3 of the package price goes directly to support children in need and the environment which will help to change lives and protect the earth. Each retreat supports a different charity. You choose the retreat that supports your cause and the donation will automatically be made to the corresponding charity. How often can you say that about a luxury getaway? It truly is a way to indulge and allow yourself some time to relax while giving back to those in need. Power Up has been featured in Vogue, C Magazine, and Shape and is a favorite retreat of many celebrities including Brooklyn Decker, Lily Aldridge and Kathy Griffin.

Mary McGee and the team at Power Up have generously created a special package at a discounted rate for La Dolce Vita readers.

POWER UP SUNDANCE Spring Ski and Spa Weekend
WHEN: Friday March 25th - Monday 28th , 3 nights 4 days ( Men and Women Welcome ) 
WHAT: : Power Up Retreats, the ultimate in girlfriend getaways invites you to a Spring Ski and Spa retreat held at Robert Redford's gorgeous Sundance Resort outside Park City, Utah. Join celebrity yoga sensation, Sarah Tomson Beyer for a weekend filled with a variety of yoga and cardio that will get you looking fabulous in your skinny jeans all year long! Along with yoga, enjoy pampering, fantastic dining, skiing, movie night, organic cocktails and fashion trunk shows, all while giving back. Power Up Sundance donates all profits from each retreat to charity.

PRICING: $2500.00 (based on double occupancy) special price exclusive to friends of La Dolce Vita Blog

Package includes the following per guest: 4 days/3 nights accommodation at Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort , 7 meals, 1 spa treatment, 2 ski passes, movie night in Redford's Screening Room, and 6 fun and fabulous workouts. For more information or to sign up, please call 310-775-5314.

Dream Home: Pink Wallpaper

Today, the lovely and super talented, Shannon Darby of Pink Wallpaper is sharing her beautiful Southern-inspired “Dream Home” with us. I love the warm, timeless look of everything she chose.

hummm...so i know that paloma asked us to do our "dream home" and i suppose if i dream, i really just want a house that has lots personality and charm, that works well for my family and two small kiddos.  i'm not really into massive homes w/ lots of rooms.  my dream home would probably be in a "low country style" like the homes around Charleston, SC.  and i'd love a little garage in the back that could work as an office space....

the interior of the house would be warm and welcoming....

let's flood the kitchen w/ lots of natural light, painted cabinets, and marble countertops and i will be pure heaven.

and we will need a spot for the fam to eat so let's add a banquette style seating area.

as far as hanging out, i want a comfy space but it needs to have some spunk....

the master seems like a perfect spot for relaxing after a long day of hauling the kiddos around...

but before i fall asleep, i need a nice hot bath, a good magazine, and a glass of wine...

taylor and walker will need a room....

and a bathroom....let's add a jack and jill.

since i am dreaming, i need a playroom to store all of those toys....

and a fabulous laundry room (can it come w/ someone who does the laundry?!)

lastly, we will need a place to go outside and hang: swimming pool and built in trampoline....yep this should do :)

and that my friends, is my idea of a dream home....thanks for letting me play paloma!

Sponsor Spotlight: Dolce Casa by Janette Mallory

{A Beautiful Janette Mallory-designed Dining Room}

Janette Mallory founded her Los Angeles-based interior design firm in 1996 and has since had her work featured in numerous publications. Known for her ability to mix styles, her work is fresh and inspired. She seamlessly blends pedigreed antiques with modern, eclectic touches. Though Mallory specializes in high-end residential design, she also designs commercial spaces, like the beautiful Sunset Restaurant in Malibu.

{Sunset Restaurant}

{Sunset Restaurant}

{A Lovely Table Setting Designed by Mallory}

Mallory recently started a blog, Dolce Casa in which she chronicles the progress of her client projects, shares her inspiration and gives us a little insight into her beautifully-designed world. Be sure to check it out!

 

{Images Courtesy of Janette Mallory Interior Design}

This Week’s Quote

“Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don't be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are.”

- Kristin Armstrong

 

{Image Source}

Fabulous Room Friday 02.18.11

I love all of the spaces featured in the first issue of High Gloss, but Tia Zoldan’s home holds a special place in my heart. Hers was the first photo shoot ever for High Gloss and I remember feeling so blessed that day to be shooting such an amazing space belonging to the sweetest, most gracious designer along with the most incredible, patient and kind photographer, Grey Crawford. My dear friend, Jeni of The Proper Poppy, was there with me throughout the entire day creating beautiful flower designs, providing friendly support on High Gloss’ big day, and helping with styling.

Working on this shoot made me fall in love with styling and it made me realize that my love of ethnic textiles is very much alive and isn’t going anywhere soon! Tia’s home is filled with the most amazing fabrics, rugs, and vintage textiles. The gorgeous suzanis used on her patio created the perfect complement to a veritable oasis. The overall look of this space is lush, vibrant and very alluring.

 

{Image Credit: Grey Crawford for High Gloss Magazine}

Currently Loving…

I love the straightforward honesty of this beautiful quote.

{Image Source}

Do Tell: Who are your style icons?

I was so impressed by the number of people who answered the question in last week’s installment of “Do Tell” featuring your signature fragrance. I’m inspired to go out and try a few new perfumes! This week, we turn our focus to style icons, both past and present. Whose style do you most admire? Is there someone from a different era that you turn to for inspiration? Which present day fashionista inspires you the most?

{Classic Style Icons Clockwise from Top Left: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, Coco Chanel, Katharine Hepburn, and Rita Hayworth}

 

{Modern Style Icons Clockwise from Top Left: Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, Diane Kruger}

High Gloss Goes to DVF Home

Our New York Socialite, Dabney Lee Woglom checked out the new Diane Von Furstenberg Home Line in New York the other day and it’s as stunning as you would imagine. Check out Dabney’s review here.

Dream Home: LeSueur Interiors

The lovely Meg, of LeSueur Interiors will be sharing her lovely dream home with us today. Meg is a Southern Belle through and through, but her global travels have played a big role in shaping her design sensibility, which you’ll notice in her stunning selection of rooms. Enjoy!

Hi There! I'm Meg, this is my dream house. Follow me... Love the unsuspecting front. Nothing too flashy. Hidden behind a private garden. Behind those trees it is kinda big, but you can't really tell from the street. Pretend Mary McDonald is me. But I'd be wearing jeans and a colorful silk blouse. More my style. And heels, just not red ones. I'd also be wearing this nailpolish. And bracelets, lots of bracelets. Nice to meet you! Follow me!

Come on in! Can I fix you an iced tea, spiked ice tea or glass of wine?

Let's go to the kitchen. I have two favorites. I like them both so much. The top one I'd throw a colorful beat up Persian carpet on the floor. But love the modern cabinetry, don't even get me started on the windows. The bottom lantern and floors kill me. I have four boys (we're playing pretend remember), so they all line up at these tables and demand snacks all the time. Fine by me!

Hold on, let me get the flowers out of the laundry room, I was cut them in there after I picked them out of the back yard right before you came! I have just about as many tulips as in Holland!

Ok, now lets sit down in our formal sitting room for a chat. We entertain in here, and the boys skateboard and play soccer in here. I really don't mind them beating up these old floors, boys will be be boys! Never a dull moment in this house!

I had to throw in this great lavender sofa! This is where we like to kick our feet up.

We Lonergans have NO TV in this house. You read that correctly. So at night we read and play games in the study once everyone’s homework is finished.

Thanksgiving usually is held in here, obviously we need a bigger table, and a lot more chairs, and a huge rug, you get the gist.

This is our master bedroom. It's masculine, but soft. I have a pet peeve about overly feminine bedrooms. Hello, husbands have to sleep there too!

Master bath...we need a little rug in here too, cold feet in the winter time! See the fire place? Can you tell I have a fireplace in every single room in this house! Even though we live in the south, we need fireplaces!

I have the very same dressing room as Jenna! Can you imagine? Every girls dream! This is my office, where all designing gets done..and occasional naps...the boys know not to bother me in here!

This is our sloppy guest room..excuse the mess! And the fringey curtains that I can't wait to change.

One of the boys rooms...my husband complains all the time about this animal head, worried it's going to get broken from being 'kicked and knocked around'. We picked that up on a family safari to Namibia. Come join us for a barbecue or pool party sometime! Hope you enjoyed popping in!

Thanks so much for having me Paloma! This was a fun little escape!