Above sofa swag...

As I am prepping for a big photoshoot in my apartment this coming week...
I am trying to make sure that the area above my sofa looks perfect! To be sure I have the right look going on, I am seeking out some of my favorite looks and getting every possible idea lingering in my head. I know one thing for sure it must be over the top glamorous!
First things first, gold is a must. I have an amazing pair of gold candleabra scones that I adore. That's where we are starting from. Then I will put maybe some fab artwork between the stunners.
I also love this pair of mirrors and the tall black lamps...oh, it looks so good. In fact, this room makes me rethink my whole perspective...


images: 1,2,3 design crisis// 4, psilovethis 

1 black and white rug... 4 ways

This black and white rug is an oldie but such a goodie...
Lately, I have been thinking about putting this rug in my living room. I love high contrast black and white, but I want something with movement and my chevron rug bores me. I got rid of that and opened my living room up for something new. I am even considering a little color on the wall. Life is just so much more fun when you constantly change things up. It keeps your life fresh and exciting, no?
It looks good in almost every style, no?

sources: 1//2//3//4

Art + Room: Black and white abstracts

In preparation for Memorial Day, I am tying up a few loose ends here and there before I head down to Palm Beach...particularly with my clients and their accessorizing needs. Even my own apartment, which is being prepared to shoot, needs some final touches. A big something missing is perfect artwork...
 As much as I love color, my most favorite look has always been the chic paintings done in abstract black and white. There is something about it thats very modern and very chic. I don't care how traditional you want to go in your space or how boho, abstract art looks good anywhere. 
 If you are anything like me, then you believe in high contrast and its impact. Black and white make the perfect non color collision that effortlessly creates something so striking and stunning. 
 The great thing about this particular look is that it goes well in a loud colorful + oh so vibrant dining area...
 or even the most peaceful + simple bedroom.


images via lonny mag, daydreams, hellosukio.

A few decorating elements...

So as I really begin to swag out my new space I have been thinking of a few essentials that I will need for my new apartment. Not only do I shop in stores, I scour magazines for things I love and then go for the hunt. It's what I love most about being a decorista.
First off, this mirrored coffee table is ridiculous, no? I love it. 
I also really enjoy this gold screen, the plaid fabric on these perfect chairs and that green glass sculptural bowl thing sitting on the side table. Okay, thats it...I'm off to shopping.


images via nuevo estilo

White leather Chesterfield {my little love affair}


If you have been following me lately on twitter or facebook, then you know my current state of affections for chesterfield sofas. I simply cannot get enough of them right now and I am just seeing them everywhere. It's such a timeless and classic sofa with immense style, how could you not adore them? 
I have seen them in magenta and teal and even buttery tan leather, but for some reason nothing really speaks to me. Until I spotted a white leather one, it was absolutely love at first sight. I knew immediately that for my new apartment, I must have one of these beauties in delicious white leather. Oh, be still my heart. 
 Now, this one isn't white, but the look of it around all white was so calming and serene none the less.

1//2//3//4//5

The perfect grey sofa...

The perfect sofa...
It's such an intense mission to really find the right sofa for your home. There are beyond so many sizes, shapes and colors it can be so daunting. If things were my way, I would have a different sofa every other month, I just love so many different ones. When committing to the perfect for my new digs I really don't even know where to begin. When I spotted this room, I felt my heart skip a beat. The story behind this living room (I read it a few times over) and this lovely grey sofa is so fun and seriously one of the things I love so much about design and decorating. The story of how other peoples homes evolve, etc.
This sofa and pair of art deco glam chairs really had me over the edge. The homeowner really must be such a chic person.
images via cotedetexas

Fresh apartment inspiration...

All I can do is think about...
new apartment decor. It literally is an all consuming obsession, I've got no shame to my game. As you all know, I have been thinking of a warm and neutral living area but when I saw this little living room...I might have changed my mind. This adorable living room is mostly neutral with splashes of pastel color and gold. I am really into this look right now.
Look at the hardwood floors. I can't get over the beauty of all the gold fixtures in the kitchen either, thats some mighty good looking hardware. I wish my new landlord would let me have at the plain fixtures in my new kitchen. Ugh, the joys of renting...
 
I really enjoy this little office nook. Small enough for this space yet ample desk and eating area. Notice the brass pineapple figurines. Just like mine. Love those little cuties! I kinda want to create something like this in my new space.

images via achados

Finalizing new apartment paint colors...

As much as I love New York City...

 this weather is just a little too cold for my preference. Right about now I am seriously missing the sunshine, is it springtime yet? As I brave this winter weather and prepare to settle into my new digs, I can't help but think of making sure my new living room is cozy and warm. Think buttery soft warm walls and completely creamy and neutral seating pieces and then topping that off with a bit of golden glow. This look is right up my alley.

I'm thinking something like this collection from Farrow + Ball...
images via... here + here

Finding the perfect floor lamp...

Shopping for clients and the perfect lighting for these apartments in New York is an entire situation. You really can never go wrong with lighting because I truly believe lighting is the best accessory, sort of like the perfect earrings. They just make the look complete. Right now I am a little in love with three arm floor lamps. Modern, chic and extremely useful...

I love this design by Ryan Korban, he uses a Serge Mouille three arm lamp as a kiss of perfection.
The three arm look just adds an element of luxury, its almost like a really good piece of art. Well, some of them actually are! 


floor lamps:
1- Mid Century Modern Tri Light $475
2- Serge Mouille $8200
3- Jonathan Adler Havana Lamp

decor images: 1//2//3//4

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY: OBELISKS

Apologies for the lack of post yesterday, my site got hacked and I have no idea how it happened. Such a bummer. Anyway, I am preparing for styling a shoot this next week and I've been hunting for some good styling accessories. One of my most favorite decorating accessories is the ever so sophisticated OBELISK. Every glam designer uses them from Mary McDonald to Kelly Wearstler to Miles Redd. So chic, I love to use them too...

They really are great because they come in different heights and colors and finishes, so naturally they work well in any situation. Consoles in the entryway, coffee tables in the living, dining tables in the parlor, etc. 
I can not get enough of the beautiful things. If you are looking for some, ebay has all kinds. I've also found them at Target, Home Goods and my local thrift stores. We got one client of mine one for about $25 at home goods and her guests are always asking her about it, its that gorgeous! 

atlanta showhouse//decorpad//KK//belgianpearls//atlantamagazine//sketch42//elledecor//domino//

Elements of Eclectic Glamour

When people ask me to define my style, I always say "eclectic glamour". I think because I love so many looks and styles, its so hard for me to really define. The one thing I know is that I love glamorous things and I love the finer things. Perhaps thats why I love vintage + antiques so much, most of the time these things are made with such care and high quality. I rarely find an interior that really does eclectic quite like I like but Nicole Hanley's apartment featured in vogue did something I am completely into...

White I am not the biggest fan of yellow, I can't help but love the little touches of yellow throughout her space. It adds vibrancy and color to the mix. I've been seeing neon in acrylic so much lately and that adorable ashtray on her coffee table is probably my favorite thing in the space, aside from the glamorous kitten artwork. 
These black doors with yellow insets are oh so rad. Very "outside the box". Which brings out an eclectic edge. Her abounding art collection also nods to modern and the eclectic mix gives you that sophisticated feeling. To top off the look that golden obelisk paired with the marble eggs adds style, swagger and keeps it very glamorous! 
images via Vogue.com

PERFECTLY PEACH

 Over the weekend I splurged on a few beauty products, my favorite indulgence aside from bedding, and I found myself drawn to peach flavors. So all weekend long I smelled like a peach and I'm big on smells and seasons so peach is the perfect compliment to the end of summer. Which had me thinking that I should incorporate more pretty peachiness into my home...

 When I found some incredible images of peach spaces, I realized just how beautiful and non feminine the color can really go. It has such a sophisticated feel and complements a more exotic color palate, but you can really work with any style of your choice.
 I love the feel of these richly colored rooms, it makes me instantly want to "I dream of Jeanie" myself to India or Morocco and come back with vintage treasures...

 Since I have a little too much going on and no time for travel, I'll stick to shopping online...




decor images via: elle decor, house beautiful, molly lutkemeyer, cotedetexas, bellevivir, dominomag

WHITE DONE RIGHT

Whoever said white rooms are boring definitely don't know what they are missing. White rooms have swag too. You just have to know how to work with it. Believe me, I think white walls would drive me nuts but sometimes I find certain rooms that still my heart...

White walls + lots of natural light are such a killer combination. What i'm realizing is that you can't just throw any kind of decor in the mix. It's got to be authentic, real and distinct pieces that look purposed. In other words, don't go shopping from the catalog to accompany these white walls. 
Cultured pieces like antique mirrors, curved seating, lots of unfinished woods, hints of leather and maybe even a little velvet work wonders. It helps to have only one or two modern pieces. Oh, and don't forget a very impressive chandelier that looks like you brought it back from over seas. 


1/2/3/4/5/6

INTERESTING + EXOTIC CHAIRS

This summer, its the exotic things that call out my attention and chairs just happen to be one of my favorite parts of decor. Chairs in exposed or exotic woods, wicker, bone inlay, and even those with incredibly chic exotic fabrics are essential items for the home right now...

While my apartment is on the more hollywood glamour side, I think a nice and cozy chair like this would be such a cute addition to my space. I could throw on a little exotic pillow and call it a day. 
Something like this cute wicker guy with a cozy shape and that open and airy feeling could be the perfect fit. 
Even as I daydream about my future huge NYC apartment, I can totally see something like these gorgeous bone inlay chairs for my white dining room...perfection, no?
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CALIFORNIA COOL...

The laid back style of California is everything I am into this summer. When I spotted this adorable couple's home on apartment therapy I knew I had to share it with you guys. The style in this home is just beyond words. Take a cue from this super cute spread  to build a stylish home...


I love the pop of green in this kitchen. It really makes this look work.
How charming is this office space? The navy and white works so beautifully together. 
I am always a fan of a metallic ceiling, especially gold! 
How cute are they???

TEXTURES + LAYERS

This incredibly gorgeous room by Ruthie Sommers reminded me that layers and textures are what makes a room look cozy, lived in and so well decorated. Much like in fashion, any style looks so much more pulled together when layered correctly...

I think the key is to keep things organized looking so everything has its place. Different styles and finishes on furniture is such a great mixed look. I don't appreciate it when things are too matchy-matchy. I am such a believer in layering rugs, they are a perfect way to add texture, color and ultimately...serious style. 
In this room by Suzanne Kasler, I love how she put the drape in the corner of the room off to the side of the window. Fabric over a corner just completely softens the look of the room. 

1/2/3/4/

NEEDING. WANTING. LOVING. shapely sofas

My latest project is a beautiful penthouse with an oversized living room area and my creative brain is going wild with imagination. So, I have been dying to use something different and my heart is upon these incredibly attractive sofas that are anything but standard...

This sofa below is what first started off my love affair...I love the shape and it just felt so right to have in this particular living room and now I just want to put one everywhere.
I do also like the geometric shape of this sofa too. Very chic.