My Custom Geode Lamp

My love rocks started at a young age when I would make my mother buy me little pieces of pyrite (aka fool's gold) and it flourished into a full-blown obsession the second I laid eyes on Willy Daro's impressive collection of agate, crystal and coral lamps.  Oh the things I would do to own a Daro lamp but with prices between $2,000 and $10,000 on 1st Dibs I'm pretty sure that will never happen.  So inspired by Willy's lamps I set out on a mission to make my own for a fraction of the price, this is the result.  I purchased the citrine geode on ebay and then had a local shop make the ebony base and custom figurine pipe.  I am beyond thrilled with how the piece turned out!

I received several emails about the lamp after I posted a picture on Instagram and I am excited to announce that I am going to have a few more made and sell them here on the blog.  If you are interested in purchasing one or finding out more about the process and cost feel free to send me an email at kkerrdesign@gmail.com.  Because lets be honest, rocks rock.

photographs by kristin kerr luber for simply smitten

Smitten | Vintage Vanity Accessories

I was cleaning out my makeup drawer yesterday and I got to thinking that my bathroom could seriously use a little spruce up.  I started looking through some of the pictures on my Bathrooms pinterest board and realized that a lot of the bathrooms I like have vintage vanity accessories on display.  I'm a sucker for an unexpected, opulent moment and sterling and cut crystal vanity jars that were once used for powder and perfume or brightly colored opaline jewelry boxes add the perfect amount of vintage charm to a modern bath or bedroom.  I also love the idea of putting daily vitamins and other medications in vintage apothecary jars and displaying them on the counter - I figure if they're out in the open I'll be more likely to take my daily vitamins daily! Corral everything on a beautiful tray to avoid clutter and maybe add a little piece of coral and you'll have the chicest bathroom around!

So, do tell, what's on your bathroom counter?

images T Magazine / Nate Berkus / Good Things for Life

Inspired by Cy Twombly

I really loved the colors in this painting, Untitled, 2001, so last week I decided to pick up a paint brush and try my hand at reinterpreting the work of one of my favorite artists, Cy Twombly.  I'm really happy with how the piece turned out - it adds the perfect pop of color to my neutral bedroom!  Next up, creating a piece for over my sofa...yes, that canvas is still blank.  I'll share my inspiration for that project later in the week.

Design Hunter | Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques Fair

Vintage swimsuits

A vintage table very similar to one I recently purchased for my apartment.

I Married Adventure - everyone's favorite vintage book.

I have a thing for fur pillows.

A pair of Fornasetti chairs

Malachite stool and brass and lucite lamp.

I'm on a mission to find something similar for my kitchen - I plan to mount it on linen and display in a lucite box frame.

Porcupine quills mounted in lucite.

Hello!  I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  My mom and I went to the Botanic Garden Antiques Fair over the weekend and although I didn't purchase anything, I did find a ton of lovely pieces and loads of inspiration.  Some of my favorite items included a Fornasetti chair, porcupine quills mounted in a lucite block, a stunning malachite fabric bench and metal knife template that would look awesome framed in a lucite box and hung in a kitchen.

The International Antiques Fair at the Merchandise Mart opens this Friday so if you happen to be in town I suggest stopping by.  There is a keynote presentation by Charlotte Moss on Friday and a Young Collectors' presentation by Leslie Hindman on Saturday.  I plan to stop by the show on Friday so if you'll be there let me know!  Happy Monday!

images by kristin kerr luber

Why Don't You...

Why don't you hang a few panels of fabric behind your bed to add interest and height to your bedroom walls?  My friend Liz and I were recently discussing how she's having a hard time deciding what to hang over her bed. There are a medley of options available from mirrors to artwork and sculptures to nothing at all but finding the perfect piece for that awkward space can be tricky when you're on a budget because the scale has to be just right - that's why I love this option!  It's a simple and elegant way to soften the walls and is a great option is you don't have a headboard. You could easily whip up a few reversible panels for under $100 then flip them over depending on your mood or the season.

So, do tell, what's hanging above your bed?  Still on the hunt?

Image Antony Todd's Manhattan Apartment 

The Need for Tweed

Tweed: a rough woolen fabric made usually in twill weaves and used especially for suits and coats. 

I love the idea of incorporating fabrics that remind me of fashion into my designs, which is why I fell for this multi-colored tweed.  Inspired by this Jane Aldridge's killer vintage Chanel jacket collection I decided to use my fabric find to make throw pillows for my client's sofa.  I'm absolutely obsessed with how they turned out!  The colors are subtle but work oh-so-well the the Cathy Bruni Norris painting and the texture pops against the neutral sofa.  It's easy to get wrapped up in the trendy prints that walk down the runways and show up in shelter mags but I like to stick to the staples like tweed and bouclé -- they're perpetual classics that can spruce up even the most torn pair of boyfriend jeans or casual linen sofa!

I'll share more info about the space and the custom geode lamp we are having made as soon as everything is installed so stay tuned!  Happy Monday!

Images by kristin kerr luber for simply smitten

Happy Weekend.

I took an unexpected break from the blog this week because, to be honest, I wasn't feeling very inspired.  As much as I hate forced posts this is kind of one of them.  I'm just checking in to tell you that I'm feeling refreshed and looking forward to the week ahead.  I started working with a new client - 28, successful, renter with zero furniture - so I can't wait to share the 'journey' of decorating her first roommate-free apartment in a new series, Girl on a Budget!  I'll share more details about the process, which started with helping her pick the perfect bachelorette pad, in the weeks to come so stay tuned!

Have a lovely weekend and please feel free to email me if you have your own budget-friendly decorating questions!

image 

Words to Live by

Sometimes I have remind myself to live in the present and not be so concerned with the future.  I'm a planner by nature but I've realized that life is so much more enjoyable when I do the things I want now instead of pushing them off into the future.

image

Smitten.

I want everything from Emerson Fry, especially this Live Free (or Die) T, it is just brilliant • I posted about decorating with texture last week and this nubby wool pillow from Jayson Home is right up my alley • Nude sandals are a must for Spring and Jcrew got it so right with their Tybee patent flats • I'm in need of a black pair of shade and RAEN Optics has so many stylish and affordable options (it's all about the two-tone, baby) • A stunning daybed that I spotted in Christine's beautiful new nursery • I'm absolutely smitten with this new furniture line by Grand. The ingenious brass hardware on this Lock cabinet is reminiscent of the ball clasp found in old fashioned women’s handbags • My obsession with round mirrors continues, it's too bad I found this simple brass hoop mirror after my Round Mirror Round-Up • I recently inherited a vintage Cartier watch with black leather band but I'm considering purchasing this stylish number for everyday use • Words to live by, "Why Not Have a Big Life?"

01 |  02 | 03 | 04 |  05 | 06 |  07 |  08 |  09