THINGS I LOVE

10 things that rocked my world this week...October 27

1. One secret to my domestic bliss is an ever consistent dance party in my apartment. I always have music in full swing, thank goodness my neighbors don't mind. Music is such a huge part of my life, I love the way it enhances the mood. So getting ready for my friends birthday party was just that much more fun after I finally found something to wear. My favorite vintage black sequin dress can always make for the perfect last minute costume, right?!?!

2. This quote made my week and I am desperate now for this amazing art piece. Could be so fab in a large entryway, it just says everything. "when you love what you have, you have everything you need". 
 3. This week started off with a bang and I have to give a HUGE thank you to my fabulous assistant Javier. There is really nothing better than working with quality people who get your vision and are ready to get down and dirty and pull through. So blessed by this guy. 
 4. The Palihouse hotel in LA is such an inspiring place. This polaroid artwork is now the inspiration for a client dining room piece. It is the type of thing that just steals the show. Cannot wait to make this happen.
 
 5. West Elm Market has officially launched and open in Brooklyn. It is such an amazing place filled to the brim with all domestic essentials. You must check it out. The party was rocking and we came home with the most incredible swag bag filled to the brim with domestic goodies. 
6. My dates at the event.... the NICOLES of design. On the left Nicole Cohen, my DONY partner, me (little fact: my middle name is nicole) and Nicole Gibbons. We had a blast at the West Elm Market launch, got to talk design which is always a good time for me. I love these girls. 
7. DONY: The Doors of New York. I think most of you know about my little instagram project I started a while back. I brought on my partner Nicole because she is the ultimate New Yorker and we have similar design loves. We are obsessed with our little instagram. Follow us if you haven't already @thedoorsofnewyork...we have some BIG, BIG things in store! 
 8. Kelly Wearstler's new book Rhapsody! I can not speak highly enough about the magic inside this book. Absolutely incredible things. You must get your copy ASAP.
 9. Breaking out the good china for a work at home kinda day is one of those things that just puts a smile on my face. It's never not a good idea to get a little fancy. I love this cup. 
 10. How much are those doggies in the window?  A little pricey in my personal opinion but adorable and absolutely perfect none the less. They just made my day. 

Secret of domestic bliss #67...layered art

One trick to making your home look well decorated is having plenty of collected art all around your house. It says so much about the vibe and personality of your space. However, there isn't always the space or need for a wall of art. In that case I always suggest to layer your art to make it look more full and sophisticated. There is something about that unfinished art wall look...

 I love different mediums of artwork layered on top of each other, it really lends to interest. For example, a black and white photo paired with an abstract acrylic print and maybe a watercolor or two. 
The key is keeping the color palate to a certain limit and that makes sure it still looks cohesive and put together. This black white and peach combination is too good and goes well with the furniture, too! 
all images via lonnymag & decorpad

office space of the day...Kelly Wearstler PINK RHAPSODY

Madly in love with this home office done by the one and only Kelly Wearstler herself and her intoxicatingly good new book, Rhapsody. It's so glam, I just can hardly stand it...
black and white rug + amazing artwork + gorgeous lamp + eccentric desk + hot pink croc chairs =
domestic bliss
Want to see more of the KW glamour in this months Lonny?

Like I mentioned before, this woman continues to amaze me with her pattern concoctions. It's just unbelievably good. Get in on Rhapsody here...


MILES OF COLOR

The other day somebody was asking me about my favorite designer. I have a few that pop right to mind, Kelly Wearstler obviously being right up there. It was a given to talk about how incredibly good she is at mixing patterns, she makes anything work. That's when I took a moment to think about who is good a mixing color and right then MILES REDD popped into my head. This man is just the ultimate color mixer. I think someone once told me that his design secret is that he comes from the place that
"all colors go together"...

And I do believe he is right. He really shows us how to make magic with anything. If you feel afraid of adding some color to your space, check out this guys work. He rocks it out. 

WHITE + WOOD DRESSERS

Okay everybody. I sincerely apologize for not posting yesterday. Things are getting to busy around here I can barely keep up. Yesterday I had an amazing shoot at clients house, those days are the most fun part of my job I swear. One thing I did realize, I am crushing hard on wooden furnishings. Especially when they are accented with white. Nothing is better than a wooden and white dresser...

I am loving the contrast of the finishes together. It really makes an old modern dresser really come to life and have some glamour. The best part...it works in masculine or feminine spaces and still looks so good! 


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10 things that rocked my world this week. October 20

1. I am so in love with this city in the fall. Everything you do is just that much  more beautiful. I find myself going outside just to enjoy the majestic feelings of the weather. Like this terrace, where I have been spending many afternoons...

2. I am so enamored by the little things lately. My client has these amazing New York tumbler glasses and I am just so crushing on them. They make such a statement in his bar area. 
3. Little things from Paris, like this incredible lamp for instance, make for the perfect moments of life...
4. Another thing I love about New York, the flower stand downstairs from my apartment. They always have the best pink roses...my favorite.
5. Its a little blurry but this glossy black door with feminine molding and beautiful brass knocker just stopped my in my tracks. It's just gorgeous! 
6. I spent every single day this week at some point in Central Park. So I would venture to say I am one blessed Manhattanite. 
7. I did venture to Brooklyn for a preseason Nets game. It was pretty fun, I really liked Barclays center. I can't help it I love any kind of sports arena, I get all into it. I am from Texas after all. 
8. Yes, I am the kind of girl that gets all into it and buys a tee to support. Love my new Nets shirt...even though I was swept away by the Celtics...loved their sneakers.
9. Back to decorating... I really want a bed just like this. I can imagine my sleep being so sweet. 
10. I love scouting commercial real estate. Its so fun to vision things in the mind. I couldn't help but imagine the decorista studios taking over this snazzy space. Such a little gem. 



California Home + Design Small Space, Big Style Showhouse

I am beyond floored by these photos of the C H+D magazine Small Space, Big Style Showhouse. A few of my very good friends joined in this year and their rooms were out of control good. Here are my favorites...

Bryan Patrick Flynn did an out of control good gingham themed room in teal. My favorite! Love the pink gingham desk chair. 
Erinn Valencich did this bedroom. Super modern and calming.
Christian May did this stripe-tastic bathroom. So fabulous! 
And of course, this hallway in high gloss was right up my alley too. 
(Images: Bethany Nauert)

INSPIRED: hanging light fixtures in the bedroom

Lately I am really loving hanging lights in home decor. I have a chandelier in my apartment hanging over my bed, and I absolutely love it. However, I am loving the look of hanging lamps over bedside tables. This is such a great way to eliminate cluttered tableau and give room for other essentials and really fab accessories. Black and very glamorous chandeliers would be my first choice but there are several other styles that work too...

Light blue walls in the bedroom, mirrored dresser, dripping chandelier, and extra high headboard is the perfect concoction for an ultra modern and romantic bedroom. 
While sweet and romantic looks are always good in the bedroom, I of course, always think gold is the way to go...

Monday Musings: Hollywood Glamour

Mondays for me are all about gearing up for the week and getting new ideas and inspiration to go for. As I reflect upon my apartment decor I can remember one of my inspiration images on my moodboard.  I love Hollywood Glamour and keeping things neutral and very pretty. Every part of this apartment speaks to my romantic soul...

I love an office with a mirrored desk of course and a wood chair is the perfect way to offset the shine. 
Her soft colored walls, hints of pastels and warm lighting really make the place come together with a glowing romantic vibe. 
I also love the styling in this vignette. It's very Hollywood Regency incorporated with a hint of tradition. I absolutely love it. Those chairs really make me swoon. 
To top it off, the touches of black in the dining room make it very hotel like. That chinoiserie style screen also have my complete affections. Hello Hollywood! 
{all photos via Apartment Theraphy, photographs by Bethany Nauert}

10 things that rocked my world this week...October 14

1. I don't know if its the colder weather or what but I am obsessed with browns right now. I feel like brown is just such a warm and cozy color. I am loving it on my nails, my makeup and this adorable and cozy sweater dress...

2. Chandeliers always rock my world. This gorgeous glass one I spotted on the Restoration Hardware site and I am beyond obsessed with it. I think I need one of these in my entryway...if it will even fit. 
3. I am still BEYOND excited to be quoted on the What's In/What's Out column in People Style Watch magazine. It's one of my favorite mags so you can imagine how giddy excited I got. And yes, I am kind of moving on from the chevron thing...
4. Browns. I can't help myself but these brown metallic greek key trimmings are so perfect for a project I am working on. I just want them all. 
5. Leopard really will never leave my heart and I really love when its used with a fresh and bold color. Like this gorgeous deep blue.
6. This West Elm parsons desk really blew me away when I saw it in the store. It's just exotic pattern perfection to me. I could totally imagine up the perfect office space for it. 
7. If you know me well at all then you know I kind of am obsessed with cars. My dad is a car guy and ever since I was a little girl he would tell me all about them. Lately, since I have been working in Williamsburg, I've been seeing the most awesome cars. Like this seriously chic G-Wagon. It's such a cool car, but it in this matte paint job I just really got inspired. Total decorista-mobile. 
8. I've also spent a lot of time on Decorators Way on the upper east side. I love how New York pays attention to things like that. We decoristas get a whole street. I love it. 
9. My obsession with this lipgloss never ends. Everyone always asks me what I wear on my lips and its Buxom Samantha...THIS IS THE BEST STUFF EVER!!!!! 
10. To top off my great week...I got a ride back to this city in this seriously fast Porche. I was just loving it. 
HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! xxA

The Perfect barstool LUCITE + BRASS

A while back I spotted these amazing barstools. The perfect shaped 70's lucite and brass barstools my eyes have ever seen. Totally reminiscent of Charles Hollis Jones...I have been on a mission ever since. My Ft. Lauderdale client just might be the best one since she got to score them for her kitchen bar area. I swear we find the BEST lucite and brass items down in South Florida. Remember the brass canopy bed we found her? Agh. It's so good...

We found this perfect pair on Ebay....but it was already sold.
Little did we know, the perfect 4 were found on Craigslist with the perfect pink fabric. Hello. 
They look more than perfection, no?
 
Her pup Francois seems to agree too!

Fireplace styling decisions...

This fall weather is so cozy, I just love a chill in the air. It really makes me want to put my fireplace to use...finally. So, I really want to change things up a little bit on my fireplace mantle and switch up the decor. I have been endlessly searching for ideas and found a few looks that totally inspire me...

A mirror always works above a fireplace, right? I also am finding myself loving accents inside the actual fireplace aside from the wood, like these two brass pieces. How glam are those?
Candles and disco balls always work wonders, too. 
This one might be my favorite. A gorgeous mirror, a statue with style, two really tall lighting pieces, photos, flowers, etc. Such great styling. 
images via here. 

NEEDING. WANTING. LOVING. ORANGE CURTAINS

Every time I feel like I need some sort of revamp in my apartment, it is my natural instinct to change curtains first. It does everything to switch things up at home and give you a new look. Orange is not my first choice in decor but after seeing these collections of curtains in this  rich color, I suddenly had a change of heart...

LOVING the way they look against there lavender walls...
Even sweet light aqua blue walls works with orange like magic...
I'm thinking that I might need to do a little something in orange...no?


images:
Gerrie Bremermann designs//bellemaison23//

10 things that rocked my world this week...October 7

1. A huge thank you to Sequin jewelry for rocking out my jewelry box with such amazing bling. This fall I decided to step up my accessories game. I fell instantly for JASMINA, this beautiful hammered gold necklace, she was a huge hit for my weekend...

2. I also love anything gold, black and white. Like this gorgeous art deco cuff bracelet. So freakin' glam, I just love it. 
 3. Somebody really amazing gave me the idea of a Muhammad Ali photograph for a client's dining area. I have to say, it went over like a charm and we got it!  I am now a fan of Yellow Korner vintage photography and this place has it all, for a great price too! 
 4. I did a lot of client shopping this weekend and I found a few new vintage shops that I love. A little overpriced but extremely inspiring...
5. LOVE LOVE LOVE round wood coffee tables. 
6. I also love when I see really good street accessories, like these baby pink planters I spotted in Soho. 
7. If you want a really good lotion and you live near a trader joe's, snatch this one up. This makes my skin so ridiculously soft I am newly obsessed. 
8. Even though my trip to Paris is a month away, I have been preparing by adding red to my wardrobe bit by bit and my grandmother gave me this beautiful red bag.
9. These gorgeous red booties were another wardrobe essential too. I only have black and nude shoes in my closet. I seriously needed some color. 

10. The highlight of my week was styling on the set of a Food Network cooking show. Can't reveal details now, will come soon. I never really thought about working with food before but styling and cooking go hand in hand visually and I loved every minute of it. 

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//

BUILT-INS + BOOKS

I still haven't found a new apartment to move into. Shopping for spaces in this city really is difficult. The longer I am here, the more books I have added to my collection. Slowly but surely I am running out of space to put them. As much as I love my fireplace right now I am currently coveting built-ins to style my books. Oh, how much fun I would have with something like this next to my fireplace...

Or even just a piece like this to display books openly so they can be part of the decor...
With all the magazines I have I could make this piece work too. This is perfect home office organization right here. I also think that little shelf above the door is mighty clever too. A perfect place to display unframed artwork...
 
Stacks of books are the perfect look for fall and winter too. What's better on a rainy or cold day than lots of really good reading material?

images. verdigrisvie. zhush. isuwanne. designdarling. isuwanne.