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.

Real Living: daydreaming in Teal

While I thought apartment shopping would be so enjoyable, truthfully, it's much harder than it seems. I am such a picky little decorista. One thing I am enjoying about it is the 'blank canvas' idea and my imagination of what I would do in the space gets to run wild. The last apartment I saw had the most adorable little kitchen breakfast nook. If I moved in, I would recreate this adorable little teal and white situation...

When I first saw this modern and glamorous apartment from Real Living, I knew that it was something I would want to replicate one day. Mint green walls in the bedroom, wild wallpaper in the living room and the deep gorgeous teal in the dining nook. Metallics abound in all colors, silver, gold and bronze (hello olympics) and it's packed with feminine edge. Remember my confession about my love for turquoise chairs? Hello.
How cute is that little gold pineapple hook? Ugh. This space just speaks to my soul. 

 scans via, photographs by chris warnes, styling by sarah ellison for real living au

FASHION FOR HOME

Since I have been apartment dreaming, I have already started shopping around for my new furnishings and my heart is leaning toward modern pieces. Of course I will always love my vintage and glamorous furnishings but throwing a little modern in the mix never hurt anybody. 
So, I was delighted to be introduced to FASHION FOR HOME, a lovely source for fabulous + fashionable furnishings. (say that a few times...) Not only do they have art, lighting, sofas, chairs but even a few traditional looking pieces, like this gorgeous secretary desk that I am seriously considering. Mix it up with a glitzy chandelier and a few modern pieces and you are set. 
or maybe a little something like this...


fashion meets decor: FEELING FLORAL

feminine + fancy floral pants 
meet
feminine and fancy floral sofas...

your charm is my perfect trend for spring! 
A floral sofa is the perfect addition to balance a cold, modern look. It's just so playful and whimsical...how could you not adore?
 
 I just adore these neon pumps with black floral pants, so charming, no?


fashion images via thefancy, lookbook.nu, chictopia
decor images all via tumblr...(if you know the source, shoot me a line and ill update)

Bliss in the kitch' {bright white and modern}

Please accept my apologies for...

the lack of posts over the weekend...I was a little distracted during the holiday festivites. 
It was perfect weather and beach/pool time in the Hamptons. Blown away by the fact that it happened in October, so very California-like and I loved everything about it. 
What was the most incredible part?
The home that I stayed in, it was enormous, modern, all glass windows and bright white with pops of pretty colors. So, today I am just jonesin' on bright white and modern spaces. 

The Art of Living...how to decorate Mid Century Modern style

I love all styles of decor, its part of being a decorista to the core. Not every style looks good though and mid century modern is one of those that can go all wrong. I particularly love this home and how they rocked the look. Lots of white really keeps it fresh and piles of colorful cushions gives a little extra kick. The best part, really good artwork and gorgeous woods, you can't have old ratty wood for this look. It will kill it and be far too retro. Take a style cue from this fabulous pad. Oh and p.s. how GORGEOUS is that light fixture? So so good! 


style at home

Home Tour: Angela Cunha's black and white stripes

This super fun + modern home tour is the home of Angela Cunha, a portugese interior designer. She sent me some lovely photos of her home so I thought they would be perfect to share with all of you. What impressed me right off the bat are the abundance of black and white stripes throughout her space. I am absolutely crazy about the black, gray and white striped wall. So clever and stylish. It's really a job well done.

to see the rest of this stripe filled pad...

images from angela's blog.

playing around with python wallpaper + accessorizing

 
Okay, so by now I am pretty sure you know how much of a fanatic I am about python right now. I mentioned that I am currently about to embark on wallpapering an entire bathroom with python, so exciting!!! Now I am looking for other places and uses for python wallpaper or even contact paper. 
I have found some inspirational ideas that I am absolutely loving...


If you are interested in python wallpaper or need a good source for where to buy, email me!
and I am completely into the python tray that I spotted on MadeByGirl
and then next up on my list is this gorgeous python console desk. oh my goodness.
AMAZING! While its no longer available, I can totally make one myself with wallpaper.

1/2/3/4/5

office space of the day... caitlin wilson designs with pink

since we are talking about pink today...
I am so in love with this playful office decorated by caitlin wilson. love her.

pink walls + geometric print curtains + black accessories + funky rug + clean white desk =
domestic bliss
to see the rest of this gorgeous space

 
 caitlin wilson design

The Art of Living...using the right light fixtures

One of the things about living in a modern building that is not my favorite thing is standard lighting. I have a client with a gorgeous condo in a beautiful uptown high rise. It's absolutely gorgeous with floor to ceiling windows. During the day, the view of the city is immaculate and the beautiful bright light just nourishes the apartment so well. Problem is, they don't have adequate light at night. (who are these architects? jk) So today. all that is on my mind is out of this world light fixtures. I'm obsessed with finding things that have major style but also will give some good light.


In my search, I have found myself fawning over gorgeously designed light fixtures. Modern, rustic, retro, vintage, glass, lucite, there are just so many. I can only express how important it is to remember that even though its gorgeous, it needs to do its job, too! 
Isn't this such a fun brass sconce? So vintage + cool.








images via headoverheels

Home Tour: Kristin Gallipolli's sophisticated retro

The minute I laid eyes on this stylish abode I knew I had to share. It's a little over the top playful + fun, but there is something different about it that really caught my eye. The orange and pink together creates a more modern vibe as opposed to a girlie one which is hard to pull off. Lots of exotic, modern and vintage pieces are paired together to create an unexpected twist on the 60's retro look. Maybe its going to for a sophisticated retro vibe, as that gorgeous lucite coffee table is completely stunning and brings the decor up a few notches. 
Its a fun and whimsical space, that's why I like it. Oh, and of course the punches of color...you guys know how I feel about the colorful couch thing.
Images: New England Home, Photos: John Gruen via Shelter

now I'm off to Austin, Texas...

My short and super sweet time in Dallas has been so lovely but now I am off to my home city, Austin.
I love Austin, it's a beautiful town, reminds me a little bit of Los Angeles (I am missing LA like crazy). The thing I love about austin & la is the gorgeous greenery throughout the city...
oh and the fantastic views to boot.

This is one reason I love LA, the beautiful modern design + gorgeous view.
However, I won't be missing out too much. Austin has gorgeous views of its own. Take for example this fabulously modern lake house designed by Kasey McCartey.
The wood walls are majorly hip,  and the views are obviously killer.