Each Piece Matters

I love when you see a space and each single piece plays such a key part. It's like each piece in this room really matters, and is full of thought. From the placement of the piece to its size, scale, color, and purpose. I am loving those two floor cushions (Pucci?). All very cool.

image via Elle Decor

An Adler-ific Dining Room

If this dining room doesn't scream Spring Entertaining... I don't know what does.

Image via Elle Decor, designed by Jonathan Adler.

Soft Spot for Ikat.... From the Personal File....

This image has been around for a while now, but I just had to post it because I love, love, love it! It has that boho-glam vibe that I am trying to achieve with my own place - and I just adore anything that has an ikat/Moroccan vibe to it. The side by side mirror tables are great too. I just think this space is perfect!

The New Elle Decor Coffee Table Book

As everyone knows, Elle Decor is a fantastic magazine. I have just learned that they have a new coffee table book that has just hit stores. This will definitely be my next book purchase. If you have seen it or already made the purchase - I'd love to hear what you think!

Fashion Designer, Jill Stuart's New York Home

If you know fashion, then you know Jill Stuart - the women's contemporary fashion label that is always on point with trend with modern yet romantic styles that can be found at hot shopping spots such as Neiman Marcus and Shopbop. So, would you expect anything less for her home. Well, her style is dictated throughout her home with modern, clean lines with romantic touches such as crystal chandeliers, and accent pieces. Here, she is featured in the October 2009 issue of Elle Decor.

I love how modern this bathroom is, and yet there is this dainty, crystal chandelier on top.

Clean, modern, yet still soft. I love when this can be pulled off so effortlessly.

Love those pendant lights.

www.shopbop.com

www.shopbop.com

Lacquered Walls

How cool does it sound to have a high-gloss, lacquered look --- on your walls. My best friend is in the process of having her dresser lacquered in a high-gloss, like shellacked, and oh has it been a process for us all! But how insane would it be to give that slick, car-like texture to your walls!? I think it would be brilliant, stunning, super glamorous, forward, and chic. Here are some great examples for you to enjoy, let me know what you think!

via www.housebeautiful.com I love this. Those walls are so dramatic.

via stylecourt.blogspot.com I love that mirror.... but back to lacquered walls.... the way the light hits the wall is magnificent.

Phillip Gorivan Interior Design. The ceiling is lacquered, and its beautiful. It does such an empowering effect for the chandelier.

Jamie Drake Interior Design for Kips Bay Showhouse 2007

via Elle Decor. Divine, Love everything from the furniture to the walls...

Bone In-lay Furniture

I have discussed in the posts before, about show stopping pieces. Pieces that stand on their own, are dramatic and stunning. Bone In-lay furniture is such.

Bone In-lay furniture usually comes from India, and has the worldly - boho chic vibe that I absolutely adore. It really has so much charm and character, and the detailing on these pieces are gorgeous and intricate. It's also one of those styles when mixed, adds a really cool layer. For instance, if you put it in a super modern space - it will soften the edges and make it that much cooler. Or if you put it in a more traditional setting, it will funk it up a bit. Coffee table - From H.D. Buttercup in Culver City, CA

Moorish Chest from www.wisteria.com Wouldn't this be a stunning bedroom piece?!

www.grahamandgreen.co.uk I love these. The bright blue and white color combo is stunning.

via www.fourwallsandaroof.com

www.wisteria.com

From Elle Decor. I love this room for a million reasons!!!

Interior Designer - Carlton Varney

My Inspirations

I was asked the other day, where do I get inspiration from. I have so, so many sources, Its so hard for me to narrow it down. But, I thought I'd share my top 10 (not in any specific order)with you, and hope that they will bring inspiration to you as well.


1. Canadian House & Home is pretty awesome. They have fantastic on-line photo galleries where you can get a ton of ideas. http://www.canadianhouseandhome.com/
2. Domicilium Decoratus - Kelly Wearstler. This book features her previous Beverly Hills residence. I am completely fascinated, and if you look at this book properly and take ideas from it, and not entire rooms - you can be 100% inspired. Her layering techniques and pairings are awesome.
3. Modern Glamour - Kelly Wearstler. Another KWID book. I love Kelly Wearstler. I think she is brilliant and no one does Interior Designing the way she does. This book shows some of her most creative works from hotels to private residences.

4. House of Turquoise - My favorite color is Turquoise and this blog by a chic named Erin is one of my favorites. http://www.houseofturquoise.com/

5. Long Beach Flea Market at Veterans Stadium - This place kicks a**! The prices are great, the selection is awesome and, its a lot more manageable than the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

6. Domino: The Book of Decorating: I probably look at this book at least once a week. It truly is a favorite - and with the magazine being put to rest, this is the closest thing there is. I love how it shows all different types of furniture, and gives examples and breakdowns on hot to get certain looks. It's brilliant and I suggest everyone picking up a copy. http://www.amazon.com/

7. Antique Malls - Yes, I am a serious nerd who loves walking thru an enormous Antique Mall. There is such a collection of so many different things from so many different vendors -- you never know what you are going to find. Wandering thru an Antique Mall is one of my favorite things to do. The best thing to do is google searches. Example: Miami, Florida Antique Mall

8. Material Girls Blog - This is such a fun blog - I can't tell you how much I enjoy getting their daily emails. They always keep you posted on the most up to date Interior Design trends. http://www.materialgirlsblog.com/

9. Elle Decor Magazine. There isn't much to say, everyone reads this! It's beautiful. It's hasn't replaced Domino, but its close. http://www.elledecor.com/

10. Design Wonderland. Another fantastic blog that I loooove! This blog has fantastic ideas, and very innovative and inspiring. www.designwonderland.com/blog

Elle Decor - March 2008 Edition

I know its a little late to be having a blog entry on an Elle Decor issue from March 2008, but its one of my favorites and has been for quite a while. Its forward classic and an issue I will always be able to follow back to.

The living room cover is designed by Interior Designer - Katie Ridder. I especially love this room because its boho-chic, which is more my style. I love Hollywood Glam, mixed with 70's boho-jet set. The wall color is light and airy, and unexpected. I adore the accent chair and the plush magenta orange fabric. The matching end-tables replacing a coffee table, is functional, yet chic. It all works with some glamour and some ethnic. I also like how every single piece acts as a show-stopper, and can stand on its own, yet completely coincides properly with the other pieces. Ridder rocked it!

Katie Ridder lives in New York City - she is a former editor of House Beautiful and Home & Garden magazines,

This room (above!) is one of my favorite rooms of all time.

Love how the chocolate walls really make the turquoise Murano glass chandelier really pop.

This paint color is pretty smart. Imagine this room painted beige. It just wouldn't pop properly. This look would also have been fantastic in magenta or purple...

Love the symmetry, love the head board, love the end tables, love the lamps!!!