Recently, the mother of a dear friend lost her house to a nasty fire. Thankfully she wasn’t hurt, but she did lose everything she owned. Sigh. Now she’s faced with started over completely, and filling a new house with everything from soap to sofas. As her mom is understandably overwhelmed, my friend decided to take on this HUGE project pretty much on her own, and reached out to me for a tiny bit of help. Through a series of questions (“if you were a chair, what kind of chair would you be” type stuff), we were able to determine that her mom gravitated towards traditional/coastal with a splash of contemporary. Better yet, she gave me a great place to start by falling in love with a bedroom set from Restoration Hardware. Anywho, just thought you’d be interested in seeing my thoughts and ideas. Hopefully they don’t suck. Oh, and the sentence about the lamps keeping the space "like and airy"? Yeah, that should be light. Bah.
Sources:
1. hathaway swivel glider from Crate and Barrel; 2. elise floor mirror from Pottery Barn; 3. Benjamin Moore paint in elmira white; 4. lancaster whitewash; 5. white dove; 6. "fragmented fields" giclee at Neiman Marcus; 7. creamsicles print from Crate and Barrel; 8. seaglass french ring sheets by Serena and Lily; 9. aqua border frame duvet; 10. aqua border frame shame; 11. aqua diamond quilt euro sham; 12. white introspect frames from Z Gallerie; 13. zak table lamp at Crate and Barrel; 14. bacchus table bedside lamp from Pottery Barn; 15. horsebit large silver tray from Haus Interior; 16. empire rosette sleigh bed from Restoration Hardware; 17. empire rosette closed nightstand; 18. empire rosette 8-drawer dresser
Kate from San Francisco sent me a super sweet email this weekend asking if I could create an inspiration board for her new space. Well, duh! I love this stuff almost as much as frosting right outta the tub (don't judge, I'm all kinds of pregnant these days). Annnnyway, Kate is having a tough time incorporating her southern Cali roots with her current northern Cali digs, and on top of it feels like her style may be too girly for her new hubs. I could totally relate to her worries, as right after my honeymoon I tried to introduce pale pink pillowcases into our boudoir. Uh yeah, that wasn't a hit. The bottom line is that no matter HOW many times the men in our lives tell us they don't care what we do, they're still not down with rainbows, potpourri and stuffed animals on the bed. Brew no. So, Kate, here's a plan I'm thinking might work to keep you both happy, and above all, unicorn-free.
Even though I'm not a huge fan of red, I've always loved this photograph by Slim Aarons. It reminds me of Palm Springs and of my grandparents and their super stylish friends. Instead of beers and brats by the pool as is expected these days, I picture champagne punch and tiny fruit plates. Oh, and swim caps. I mean, who doesn't love a swim cap?? I have a BBQ coming up in a couple weeks...I'll let you know who doesn't love them.
(arctic pear wall light from Ochre, suzanne kasler sunburst mirror #4 at Ballard Design, sip of gold champagne cups from William and Son, penthouse pool by Slim Aarons, caster table from Mjolk, the theodore sofa at Jayson Home and Garden)
I have a thing for this color. I'm not talking about a one-night stand kind of thing, but rather a full fledged "let's make this legal" love affair. It reminds me of the ocean - of salt spray, sunshine and turquoise water. It makes me want to uncork a bottle of champagne, hop a yacht for St. Barts and show off my tan legs and bright pink toenails. Oh, and my tiny white bikini. (That's right, this is the kind of day dream I'm having so just give it to me, okay?) Ahhhh, sea foam, I love you - you make me want to be a better person. Or at least a tanner, thinner one. Sigh.
(image via Design Sponge, lamp by vij5, icelandic silk velvet appliqué pillows from Mjolk, duvet cover in mint and gold by Karen Barbe, splash table at Lannone, marais a chair in mint from DWR)
The hunt is on for the perfect sandal as it’s already feeling like spring in my hood. While putting about 113 things in my cart at J.Crew, I decided I would die without this tunic. Then I remembered my belly would prooobably not fit into it until next spring. Bah. So yeah, instead of spending my hard-earned cash on things that would surely make me cry, I thought a board in its honor was in order. Enter the perfectly relaxed living room. Where nothing feels contrived, shoes are never allowed and everyone looks smokin’ hot in that tunic.
(harbor paisley silk tunic from J.Crew, vintage belgian sign at Jayson Home and Garden, beige stitch pillow from Haus Interior, raleigh armchair from Design Within Reach, architect’s boom floor lamp at Jayson Home and Garden, jacks tray side table from West Elm)
Our New Year’s celebrations usually consist of pizza and primetime, but I’d be happy to throw a big bash if it meant rocking these shoes. I mean honestly, when else could I get away with it?? The earrings on the other hand, I somehow think I’d be okay wearing every day. Flip flops and all.
(twirl carolina heels from Kate Spade, diamond satellite earclips at 1st Dibs, dusted caramel truffles from Charbonnel, snowflake crackers from Sur la Table, ticker tape tidbit plates from Kate Spade, hungry bowls from DWR, edge flutes at Crate and Barrel, burlap wrapped vase floral arrangement at Jayson Home and Garden)
Some of my favorite holiday memories have stemmed from cocktail parties with friends. They're where nobody takes themselves too seriously, high heels are always banned, and gifts like the fish bag are a welcome addition. As much as I love getting dressed up for a beautiful dinner this time of year, there's also something to be said for consuming cheap wine and frozen appetizers while wearing elastic pants. Don't judge, you know you love it.
(massimo giacon & alessi's nativity at A+R Store, handlebar mustache corkscrew from Fred Flare, lacquer bar cart by Jonathan Adler, vino wine glasses from Crate and Barrel, eno’s blow bowls from A+R Store, ice buckets by Iomoi, elf candleholder from CB2)
I have a thing for industrial design. Maybe it stems from my dream of someday living in a loft with exposed pipes and floor to ceiling windows, or maybe it’s the thrill of never having to Windex a glass-top again. Regardless, I heart it…enough to even throw in a pop of red.
(flowers by Birch San Francisco, flock bone china pattern at Designed in England – platter, bowl, mug, zinc top dining table on wheels from Balsamo, big block lamp with red cord from SF Moma, marais A chair at Design Within Reach)
Friends, see all this fabulousness happening? It's ALL from CSN and it's all about $50 (ish). I'm happy to report that they want to give you another chance to win $4o, so yea, this stuff would practically be free. Woot! Question is, what would you spend it on? As much as I love everything here, I think I'd have to put it towards new counter stools. I mean, since mine require a height minimum of six feet in order to properly see the person in the kitchen.
If you're interested in entering, just leave a comment telling me what your crib needs and I'll pick a winner at random on Monday. Yay, Monday! Well, you know.
As huge a place in my heart as I have for lacquer, I still have a crush on wood. Especially when coupled with beautiful, classic lines. I think, for example, that this table is all kinds of awesome. At first glance I thought the legs were steel but oohhhhh no - WOOD. I love how modern it feels while still being organic, and I can practically taste the amazing meal that deserves to be had here. Oh and the freshly made wine…from the vineyard where this entire setup would surely reside. Duh.
(brushstroke branches mural from Anthropologie, fillsta pendant lamp from Ikea, washed linen napkins from Toast, porcelain paper plates from Haus Interior, navy armchair w/wood seat designed by emeco from DWR, conrad dining table from WS Home)
I’ll admit it; I’ve never been a real girly girl. Don’t get me wrong, I love a luxurious purse and even a gorgeous black heel every now and then, but I’ve never been known to work, say, anything with bows (gag). I like my pink on my cupcakes, my grandfather’s vintage Cartier watch and a ponytail over a flat-iron any day of the week. If that makes my taste a little masculine than so be it – just promise to talk me down from the ledge if I ever start browsing for urinals.
(Image, lawson sconce and easton classic shower rose and lever handles from Waterworks, vintage clock via Tea Works Cottage, kontextür VIKTOR toothbrush and razor holders at Design Public, sport soap set from Jayson Home & Garden)
Grasscloth, that is. Or raffia as in this raffia wrapped nightstand. I'll take it all. Texture, nailheads, neutral color? Heavenly.
(kediri curtains from Anthropologie, applied porcelain book set from Klein Reid, ferm living poof from Huset-Shop, meade nightstand from WS Home, tate bed from Crate and Barrel, arched table lamp from Pieces Inc.)
I don’t know about you, but today I feel like ditching the rat race and heading for a farm where I will write in peace, raise chickens, bake bread and grow my own vegetables. Oh, and make my own wine...that would also be lovely.
Feel free to drop by anytime. I may or may not be sober, but I'll certainly be relaxed!
(modern farm dining table at West Elm, orange salt cellar, pear salt cellar and basque wine rack from Jayson Home & Garden, vinnie cradle chairs from Overstock.com, EAT table linens by Emersonmade, flowers by Studio Choo)
I hate to bother you, but you see, I've fallen for you. Fallen hard. With your huge shiny windows and lush foliage it was love at first sight. And every time we meet I find something new to adore. Your amazing ceilings make my heart beat faster and your fantastic fixtures and interior color palette that reflects everything outdoors make me swoon. So I was just thinking we should to take this relationship to another level. Preferably the one back at your place. Oh, and to make it even more interesting? I've invited your amazing photographer Hotze Eisma. Frun. 
Though it usually wouldn't be my style, there are so many things I love about this room. Forget the fact that I could live out the rest of my days inside Pieces or Jayson Home & Garden, there's just something peaceful and chic about this space. The classic sofa and vintage rug are a great mix with the industrial(ish) stool and sconce, and well, let's be real - every room is made better with a dash of Anthropologie. Ah, so many rooms, so little time. Now I know how Sultan Brunei must feel. Did you know that guy has 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms? He also has a reported harem of well, a lot. Hmmm, maybe his harem is the reason he NEEDS so many rooms. Wow, that gives my statement above a whooooole new meaning. Sorry, tangent, but I'm just sayin'.
(collected memories mirror from Anthropologie, belgian wingback sofa from Restoration Hardware, basket sconce at Vivre, round iron side table via Pieces, vintage oushak rug at Jayson Home and Garden, hammered aluminum small rectangular tray from West Elm)
It's a sunny 60 degrees, my riding boots are perfectly worn in, my purse costs less than $1,000 and my edgy but effortless jewelry earn me hundreds of compliments. I also may or not may not be a J. Crew model. Either way I'm stoked.
(Yves Saint Laurent roady leather hobo at Saks, cashmere wrap scarf from White and Warren, J. Crew stadium cloth peacoat, leaf ring by Sarah Perlis, Steve Madden olster boots, circle and diamond leather bracelet at Zoe Chicco)
I’m obsessed with these vases that resemble tin cans. I know, I know, I’m sure they’re pricey and I could probably fake the look, but seriously? I find it hard to believe I could feel the same way about actual tin cans. Even though I’m sure nobody would ever be able to tell the difference and I would face ridicule upon revealing how much I paid for the real deal. It’s kind of how I feel about handbags, Pinot Noir and Michael Jackson impersonators. While I love a good imitation, sometimes you just can’t fake the funk.
(image via Ochre Home, nos da cushion at Magpie and Rye, Astier de Villatte vases, Sarah Perlis light blue sapphire ring, caldwell console at Jayson Home & Garden)
There are very few things in life that make me happier than a good bathtub. (Okay, that's a lie, but let's just not tell red wine, chocolate, cheese, white lacquer, flip flops and my husband that they have competition, shall we?) I feel like this particular one is more a piece of art than a fixture, and could see entire parties congregated around its beauty. Remember that "Seinfeld" where Kramer falls so deeply in love with the bath that he decides to do everything while taking one? If memory serves me right, he even prepares dinner for four in there. And hell, after laying eyes on this baby, I don't blame him. On that note, who's up for a couple hard-boiled eggs?
(bordeaux small polished nickel tray from Haus Interior, arteriors brooke small canister at Quality Bath, mirror from Frametastic, photo from Arlene Gee’s photostream, giagni wall-mount tub faucet at Plumbing Decor, freestanding oval bathtub from Waterworks)
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