Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Currently Coveting

Lulu Frost CODE rings.  Thank you J.Crew for introducing me to Lisa Salzer’s new jewelry line, CODE, which was inspired by the room numbers from New York's iconic Plaza Hotel.  I don't usually buy myself expensive jewelry but I may have to make an exception.  After all, I strongly believe that every accessory counts!

CODE 14K gold numeral rings are available at the J.Crew 1035 Madison and 769 Madison Avenue stores.

Saarinen in Milan

I was searching for more apartment inspiration when I stumbled across this amazing kitchen designed by Dimore Studio in Milan. Obviously I initially obsessed over the white marble Saarinen Tulip Table however what caught my eye was the beautiful time-warn brass island.  I mean, look at it, isn't it just beautiful?  The patina of the oxidized brass plays off the muted grey walls and the green and mustard accents creating the perfect color palette.  And doesn't it look gorgeous against the worn out rust-colored cupboard?  All the elements - the fabrics, styles, furniture and colors - are layered creating a room that is truly original.  This is the feel I hope to create in my new apartment - a space where everything was chosen for a reason and has meaning...I'm a sucker for anything that shows age.

(Images: Emanuele Zamponi for Yatzer.com)

Monday, June 27, 2011

It's Mine...All Mine!

Please forgive me if my posts are few and far between for the rest of the week — I’m moving on Friday and am feeling a little overwhelmed trying to balance work, freelance projects, packing and blogging!  I plan to take lots of pictures of my new place so stay tuned, I will return next week with a vengeance.  And now on the inspiration, I did it...I pulled the trigger and bought a Saarinen tulip table! Yesterday while trying to find a picture of the table to send to my boyfriend I came across this darling kitchen on Southern Living.  I love every little detail — from the table to the antlers and inexpensive art from Etsy, this is the kind of eclectic mix of furniture, textiles and art I want in my new home.
Suzanne Kasler Antlers | Rosie and her Bee | Flamingo

Friday, June 24, 2011

Happy 1st Birthday, Liam!

In honor of my favorite little man's big day I thought I would update this nursery concept board I made last year to include his Birthday gift - a teepee!  As a kid I loved building forts and having my own place to hide, in fact, some of my fondest childhood memories are of time spent hanging out in my sister's She-Ra: Princess of Power tent.  So with that, I want to wish Liam loads of fun and many lovely memories in his new teepee...I also want to remind his mom that although my gift is large, it folds up AND looks good just about anywhere...    
(Images: Unknow and Deborah Kneedleman's dining room via Domino)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Summer + Slim Aarons

Slim Aarons Family Pool
Summer is finally here and I’m locked up in my cold office longing for summer afternoons spent luxuriously lounging about at the pool, with a cocktail or two.  In other words, I want to live in the world captured by famed American photographer Slim Aarons.  Rich, technicolor and saturated, Aaron’s photographs evoke the over-the-top all American spirit that I love. The photo above is my absolute favorite. Shot at the Schweppe Mansion in Lake Forest, IL, it features Mrs A Watson Armour III (Jean Schweppe), a glamorous Chicago socialite and the granddaughter of John G. Shedd, basking in the sun with family and friends. Doesn’t everyone just looks like they are having so much fun being fabulous?

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Currently Coveting

062111_Design-Hunter_Lars-Bolander-Pita-Fibre-Stool2
The Pita Fibre stool.  Isn't it striking?  I first spotted it in Met Home, then in Jeffrey Alan Mark's kitchen (pictured above), then yesterday on the lovely blog Design Manifest - I swear it was taunting me.  After yesterday's sighting I had enough and mustered up the courage to email Traci Alleman of Atelier ATA to ask where she purchase the stool (above right).  Within minutes Traci kindly responded telling me my coveted stool is available at Lars Bolander in NYC.  I couldn't find it on the Lars' site so I called the shop this morning and left a message. If all goes well, three of these stools, made from South American macawood and pita fiber, will be adding warmth and texture to my new kitchen! Yippee!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Another Reason I Like the Internet

Because while snooping around NYSD I stumbled upon Jennifer Post's gorgeous yellow aquatint by Robert Mangold.  I had never heard of the artist, but it was love at first sight!  So naturally I wanted to find out more. One quick google search later, I learned a little bit about his work...
"Robert Mangold was born in 1937 in upstate New York and received his MFA from Yale in 1963. His work investigates compositional relationships within each image, and the relationship between the image and its ground. In his prints, Mangold sets up opposing relationships between geometrical shapes and lines positioned against muted backgrounds."
Four Figures, 1998 Robert Mangold
....and I found these beauties.  They're modern and simple and the muted palette of soft grays, burnt orange and peach is pretty much the exact palette I plan to use for my new apartment.  I contacted the gallery hoping they'd be in my budget but unfortunately, as with most things I like, they carry a hefty price tag.  So instead of blowing my budget, I'll let the four figures above serve as inspiration to me for my very own DIY art project.  I promise to be back with updates on all the fun!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

I Like the Internet

Because oftentimes it leads me to great resources, like Factory 20....which I spent more time perusing than I care to admit.  I've been working on a design for my office/dressing room, think French industrial desk, and it seems Factory 20 has just about everything I could ever wanted and more. The site is full of unique vintage items at reasonable prices.  Here are some of the items I've been drooling over.
Vintage Brussels Chocolatiers Confectionary Work Table

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Why Don't You?

...add a modern light fixture to your home?  In my mind, Serge Mouille's fixtures are possibly the most perfect modern lighting of all time.  It’s modern yet classic and as with all classics, you really can’t go wrong with it. Expensive?  Yes but Serge Mouille lamps are as much a work of art as they are a functional source of light - a statement piece that, judging from the rooms below, really seems to work well with a just about any style.  Add one to my ultimate wish list, please. 
Serge Mouille paired with antique Belgian beds +
with a classic George Smith sofa in Christine D'Ornano's London Townhouse
 Serge Mouille in a contemporary Parisian master bedroom +
a living room designed by Pamplemousse
Serge Mouille in Jenna Lyon's master bedroom +
a modern Milanese apartment designed by DIMORESTUDIO

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Happy Birthday, P!

Happy Birthday (and Flag Day) to my adorable boyfriend!  We are finally the same age and, for the next eight months until it's my birthday, I can no longer be considered a "cougar".  Thanks for being the third pea to my pod and for watching a fair share of Bravo,  it means the world to me and pretty much makes you the most amazing boyfriend ever.  I hope you have an great day!
Image: forthy-sixth at grace

Gorgeous Greenery

Recently while looking for ways to Summerize my apartment I came across this beautiful kitchen over at Traditional Home.  I love the idea of having plants perched up on the kitchen counter.  I don't have much of a green thumb but I've always to learn how to garden (aka not kill every plant I buy) so I can one day grow my own produce.  So for now, I'll start simple and buy a bunch of my favorite fresh herbs potted in terracotta planters and display them in a cluster on my kitchen counter.  If all goes well, they'll look good, smell good, and safe me a little money at the grocery store!  Terrain has a gorgeous selection of indoor plants and accessories, below are some of my favorites:

Monday, June 13, 2011

Currently Coveting | Hydrangea

This photograph.  Yesterday my mom sent me a picture of her growing garden and I couldn't help but be reminded of this beautiful overgrown Hydrangea bush captured by artist Derek Henderson.  Hydrangea have always been one of my favorite flowers.  Growing up one whole side of my parent's house was lined with this beautiful bloom - in fact, we had so many I remember my mom sending me to school and friends' houses with bouquets for teachers and parents.  I've been eyeing Derek's Motukakaho Island print (available on 20x200 in a slew of sizes and prices) for quite some time now.  So I ask you dear readers...should I just buy it?

Friday, June 10, 2011

Shipshape

Ok, so it's not exactly a ship, but it might as well be. This chic Hamptons home, belonging to Scott Currie, is absolutely the kind of space I'd love to spend my summer weekends.  Sea Haze colored walls with Silver Dollar trim are the perfect backdrop for the nautical accessories splashed around the room.  The space has a sense of humor (note the vintage sea captains oil painting) but the Draper chest and the edgy yellow Chinese Chippendale chairs keep the room sophisticated.  This weekend I plan to use this look for inspiration as I add a touch of summer to my own apartment.  Bon Weekend!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

I Dream of Daybeds

The weather here in Chicago has been miserable the last few days - first, extreme heat, now, extreme rain.  In other words, the kind of weather that makes me want to snuggle into a little nook with a good book (currently reading The Help) and hibernate for a few days.  Doesn't this beautiful ticking covered daybed seem like the perfect summer escape?  Right now I'd give anything to cozy up with those casual French grain sack pillows and that shearling throw...Instead, I'm off to brave the elements with visions daybeds to get me through this dreary day!
photograph: eric piasecki

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Inspired By | Jeffrey Alan Marks

Yesterday I posted about Jeffrey Alan Mark's Kitchen...today I bring you the rest of his cozy Santa Monica Canyon home. With his own particular style of tailored, casual elegance, Marks has created a stunning retreat – one that epitomizes cozy California chic!  
1. Striped Rug | 2. Desk | 3. Turquoise Lamp | 4. Bench | 5. Cheese Dome | 6. Locker Cage
photos: simon upton for elle decor june 2010

Monday, June 6, 2011

Currently Coveting | Modern Campaign Furniture

This weekend, while looking for inspiration for a project I’m working on in Maine, I came across this beautiful dining room designed by Jeffrey Alan Marks.  At first, I was drawn in by the casual, coastal nature of the space but then it was the dining chairs that really made me stop and stare.  The MacLaren chairs, by Richard Wrightman designs, are a modern-day spin on the classic British Colonial Campaign furniture that I covet.  I honestly love every piece in Wrightman's 30-piece collection - which includes handcrafted chairs, tables, and beds all inspired by authentic examples of the classic travel furniture.  If you look closely you'll notice that every detail was carefully crafted right down to the use of canvas and loose mortise-and-tenon joinery, which allows the legs to adjust to uneven ground and permits quick assembly.  Safari-chic with a dash of mid-century modern - perfect for the modern nomad or casual, coastal house in Maine.  Which piece is your favorite?

Friday, June 3, 2011

Summer Staple

Jack Rogers Navajo sandals have been my summer staple for the past six years...that is until mine busted while busting a move in Mexico last week (yes I had the same pair for six years!).  I thought about replacing them with a pair of Tory Burch t-strap sandals but I just can't seem to resist this classic.  I mean, anything that Jackie O wore you really can't go wrong with.  So for now, I'll save the extra $100 that the TB's cost and buy this sparkly gold pair.  Here's to another six years, Mr. Rogers!
What's your summer staple?

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Outdoor Dining

One of my favorite things about Chicago is when warm weather finally returns, the restaurant tables overflow onto the sidewalks and people dine outdoors at all hours of the day.  As a city dweller, it is such a luxury to have my parents live just 30 minutes - I love nothing more that spending a sunny Sunday afternoon in my parent's backyard eating burgers and corn on the cob (I'm a simple girl).  While my parent's backyard is lovely, I can't help but think about the meals I'd eat if this rustic retreat was mine.  Simple, sunny and serene I love the patina of the concrete table paired with worn-in Klismo chairs.  I would say that I’m envious, except that I’m a tried-and-true city girl...maybe one day I'll have a change of heart.
image: grey crawford for elle decor

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Why Don't You?

Display your family history?  Sorting through a box of my Grandparent's memorabilia is my top priority in designing my new apartment.  A picture is worth a thousand words and showcasing meaningful family memories is what turns a house into a home.  My Grandmother recently passed away and I think displaying the pieces she so carefully preserved - like Valentine's from my Grandfather and letters my Dad sent from Vietnam - is a wonderful way to not only honor my family's legacy but add interest and original art to my new home.

* Please excuse my lack of posts last week, I just got back from the most amazing week in Mexico and I think it's safe to say I got my Grandfather's tan gene :)