Lacquered Life

Apartment Vignettes

2011-12-16T11:07:00.000-05:00

So a lot of people have been asking for pictures of the apartment in NYC. Last spring I posted about how I was moving into WWB's apartment when I was finished with school, and had talked about a few of the things that I wanted to do. Well I don't think that it is quite finished yet, so I am not ready to post full pictures, but I will send along some of these teaser photos. Do you see a book theme?

Cheap and Chic of the Week: Chic Christmas

2011-12-15T10:05:00.000-05:00

Hello All! A week and a half ago, WWB and I went to get our first Christmas tree together! A big endeavor indeed, not only because we were getting our first tree together, but because it was our first tree for both of us individually. This meant that we had to go shopping for ornaments.

This silver mistletoe ornament from Crate and Barrel was quite nice. Then we went to Gracious home and picked up some filler ornaments. But it wasn't until we were walking home on the Upper East Side that we spied the absolute best ornaments at one of our favorite stores - Roberta Roller Rabbit!

You all know how much I love their home accessories, as I have mentioned them in previous posts here and here. The tablecloths, napkins, and place mats are fabulous and some of my favorite "go to" home accessories and gifts.

The pillows are also a favorite, WWB and I have two of these in the apartment.

And let's obviously not forget the thing that we all came to know and love Roberta Roller Rabbit for, her amazing beach cover ups. However, the Christmas ornaments are definitely my new favorite thing about Roberta.

And, it gets even better, they start at $8. They are hand painted papier mache cylinders with all of our favorite Roberta Roller Rabbit patterns, in two sizes. Tres chic!

The picture quality could be better, and you can't see the detail of the Roberta Roller Rabbit ornaments, but you get a sense of how the tree turned out. We couldn't find a star or other tree-topper that we loved, so we decided to buy some ribbon and tie a large bow. We got three Roberta ornaments, but honestly I'm thinking I may have to go back for more ... What do you all think?

I Need a Vacation ...

2011-12-14T10:24:00.000-05:00

Work work work! I need a vacation and some time with my blog! However, no time and no money to do so. Instead, perhaps I will take the advice of Elle Decoration UK and do this ...

Thoughts? ... A pretty good fix to a lack of vacation.

... And May All Your Christmases be White

2011-11-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry that I have been neglecting everyone! Work has been busy, and traveling, and Thanksgiving - again, no excuse. Although I usually resist decorating for Christmas early, there is one thing that I don't resist that says Christmas to me - paperwhites. Growing up, Christmas in Connecticut was always about smells: the smell of the tree, the garlands that my mother draped over the mantelpiece, bowls of clementines, and my favorite, paperwhites. Every year around Thanksgiving, my mother places these delightful bulbs all over the house, filling it with the most enchanting aroma.

For me, paperwhites smell like "home for the holidays," and purchasing my own paperwhite for my first New York apartment was almost ceremonial. The simple green and white will complement the color palate of any room--but for some additional color you can tie a ribbon around the stems of the flowers. Last year, I bought a thick chocolate brown satin ribbon from Kate's Paperie and tied it around the stems of my paperwhite--it was like putting a great necklace on over a little black dress.

One of my favorite things about paperwhites, is how inexpensive and easy to maintain they are! The most beneficial thing to do for your paperwhite is to put it outside for the evening. Don't worry about them getting cold, they like it, and the hit of cold every now and then prevents the stems from wilting. In New York, I put my paperwhite on our balconette every night, and this ensures that its stems stay straight for the duration of the holiday season! If you don't have a mini balcony like WWB and I, use your fire escape!

I bought my paperwhite last week for $8 at a market on Lex , and it is still going strong. Check out your local market or Trader Joe's, and if you don't have one in your area, typically Whole Foods or other grocery stores stock them this time of year. Merry Christmas!

Here's a tip: if the stems of your paperwhite begin to wilt, use the ribbon suggestion to tie them up. This way, you are supporting your paperwhite whilst adding some color.

A Victorian Home with a Spartan Sense of Style

2011-11-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

First off, let me say, clearly my scanner is having some difficulty. I apologize for the green lines on the photos - but I scanned these from the November 2011 issue of World of Interiors magazine, and it seems the two do not get along. That being said, below is what I believe to be an absolutely stunning home built in 1859 in London. Originally the home of a painter, the structure had bastardized over the years when used by a charitable organization for public space. Now after a painstaking restoration, by its owner and decorator Rose Uniacke, it is in full bloom again.

My motivation behind showing you this house is that herein lies a perfect example of the spartan decorating that I alluded to in last week's post, Are you a Spartan? or a Victorian? I love being a spartan in rooms where the architecture speaks for itself. Although this house is much larger and much more ornate than anything I might ever live in, Uniacke allows the architecture - the mouldings, windows, fireplaces, and staircase - to be the main focus of the experience within the house.

I can't decide which room is my favorite in all of these, although I do love the kitchen and the bathroom (to follow). Uniacke used reclaimed marble on the floor of the kitchen.

Again, I apologize for the scanner difficulty, it won't happen again - but how beautiful is this house? I really do love the understated decorating, the neutral color palate and the furniture that is clearly contemporary but references the past. What a way to bring 1859 to the 21st century.

Books and the Recipe for my Aesthetic

2011-11-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

There are those decorators who you wish that you could be a bit like. Rooms that you wish you could create, places you wish you could live. I have a list of decorators that I love; and whose style I hope that I can emulate. Combined, these decorators illustrate the way I would like my design aesthetic to appear ... Amelia Handegan, Tom Scheerer, Darryl Carter, Albert Hadley, and Jeffrey Bilhuber. Over the weekend I bought Bilhuber's new book, The Way Home - and its great. The interiors included are beautiful, but it is the stories behind the projects that are the most fun to hear about. Below are some Bilhuber rooms that I love.

Who do you wish you could emulate? Do you have a list of favorite decorators that combined, you feel best describes your style?

Are You a Spartan? or a Victorian?

2011-10-27T11:51:00.001-04:00

What kind of decorator are you? Do you like minimalism or do you like more "stuff"? I am never sure what type of decorating I like best, because I am constantly drawn to different things. As a preservationist, and lover of architecture, I find that certain spaces call for certain types of decorating. Typically, more modern architecture calls for more minimalist type decorating, and a traditional architecture calls for a busier look. However, that is not always the case.

Darryl Carter, one of my favorite decorators, typically works in spaces with more traditional architecture, but he decorates with an understated minimalism using both traditional and modern furniture. What I love about his take on traditional architecture is that many people forget that historic colonial homes had very little furniture. Drapes and carpets and wallpaper and bric a brac is something that was brought on in the 19th century, and taken to the next level during the Victorian era. So when Carter decorates either an 18th century space, or a colonial revival space, he is actually decorating the space like it would have been originally.

Here is Bunny Williams' NYC apartment. I also love this look. Stacks of books on chairs, under tables, bookcases, flowers on the mantle, and several smaller seating arrangements. For some reason, I always love this look for a New York apartment. I don't know what it is about our apartment in NYC, we have so little space, but I want our apartment to look more like this. And that is easy, because I have stacks of books everywhere and no shelves to put them on!

But this, this is the ultimate. Somehow this Copenhagen living room manages to have both a minimalist appearance, as well as having tons of stuff in it. I love the stacks of paintings on the walls and the bookshelf brimming with books. And yet the room does not feel cluttered with the minimalist furniture and doors opening to the outside ... I love it. Also helps that this house sports 12 over 12 windows, my fave. What do you think? What type of decorator are you?

Images via DarrylCarter.com, BunnyWilliams.com, and Marie Claire Maison Italia

Cheap and Chic of the Week: Coastal Living & Pier 1

2011-10-26T09:38:00.000-04:00

I can always count on my great Charleston friend Mary Beth to have a Coastal Living in her beach bag - and I always ask to take a peak. On our most recent beach mission last month, Coastal Living had a spread that lead me to find a piece of cheap furniture that I had been looking for EVERYWHERE.

The Dunmore Beach Club. Harbour Island, Bahamas. Just restored/redecorated by Caribbean local decorator Amanda Lindroth.

And here it is ... the photo that solved all my apartment decor issues. Looking at this picture it might not be clear what in this photo "saved me." Bottom right hand corner, the slipper chair covered in Quadrille's "Petite Zig Zag" fabric in brown. And under the photo it read "slipper chair from Pier 1."

I have to be honest, Pier 1 may be one of the only decorating discount opportunities that I always forget about. Everything in there is always so over decorated, that I would rarely think of Pier 1 as a place to buy staples or basics. But here it is -- the Audra Slipper Chair. Just what WB and I needed in the apartment. And I got two of them for $139 each!

Now eventually the plan will be to upholster the chairs--skirted, but for now they are sitting in the apartment "naked." (sorry for the dark photo, a little cloudy in NYC this am) So to jazz them up whilst they remain white and uncovered I bought some $40 pillows from Roberta Roller Rabbit, and voila, a seating arrangement. I am thrilled with this "find," what do you all think?

photos via Coastal Living

I Know, I Know ...

2011-10-25T18:50:00.001-04:00

It's been a long few months, of both good and bad, but now I am ready to come back to you all. I missed you, I hope you missed me.

Where have I been?

NewYorkEastHamptonDarienBridgeportCharlestonandbackagain

I'm Baaaaack! With a Teaser from Charleston

2011-06-15T09:49:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone! I am so sorry about being so absentee for so long. I am finally back, moving into WWB's apartment in the city, and getting myself settled. The week at Sullivan's Island was amazing, and I spent a ton of time in my beloved Charleston; and particularly with the fabulous Janet Gregg. I am putting together a post about her wonderful cottage on Stoll's Alley that she was kind enough to let me photograph - but for now, just a teaser! Check back tomorrow for more!

No Man is an Island - But I'm Headed to One!

2011-06-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

I am sooo excited! My family has rented a beach house in Sullivan's Island, SC to celebrate my brother finishing college and my finishing graduate school. Starting Saturday, the family will be out there for a whole week. For those of you who don't know, Sullivan's Island is an island about 20 minutes outside of Charleston with a totally cool, laid back, beachy feel. However, as you can see below, there are many different styles on this little island!

I think this all white space is my favorite. Don't you just love the beachy nature of the sheet thrown over the couch? All white furniture, white walls, and those heart pine floors are a show stopper for me.

Even this mod re-interpretation of the Charleston single house on Sullivan's Island is totally cool. I cannot wait to be down there sitting on the beach for a whole week! Which Sullivan's Island look is your favorite? Stay tuned for more ...

Photos courtesy of Charleston Home Magazine and Coastal Living

2011-05-27T09:07:00.000-04:00

Been down in Charleston for the last few days, and staying through the weekend. Even though you all know that I love love NYC, Charleston is the other place with a special place in my heart. I have always told people that I only have room in my heart for two cities: NYC and Charleston. And obviously if there is any extra space, it goes to Rome. Enjoy your long weekend!

Let Me Entertain You

2011-05-25T08:30:00.000-04:00

Since I left Philadelphia, I have been all over the place--NYC, Charleston, CT, Charlottesville, and back again. The other day my mother called me a gypsy ... frankly, she's dead on. Just trying to get myself settled back into life not in graduate school and NOT in Philadelphia. To prove that I'm not a gypsy, here are some pictures of my mom's house in CT. Best of luck to my mom for the big party she's throwing tomorrow night!

Graduation Day ... Goodbye Philadelphia.

2011-05-16T11:26:00.000-04:00

Pictures from my two years in Philadelphia at UPenn getting my Masters of Science in Historic Preservation. I chose not to attend my graduation ceremonies today because I didn't want to drive down to Philadelphia in the rain, but that doesn't mean that today isn't still a big day for me. It was a long and fruitful two years, and I won't forget my experience at UPenn or in Philadelphia.

Going Green

2011-05-11T08:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts of late, moved out of my apartment in Philadelphia last week and it has been absolute chaos! Ok, so I'm moving in with WWB in NYC and we have to "feminize" his apartment. Although as you all know, blue is my favorite color, I am in a green state of mind when it comes to revitalizing the bedroom.

The bedroom walls are gentleman's gray, and WWB loves the color. I do to, I picked it after seeing it in a bedroom in a magazine and its perfect. Right now he has dark wood antique furniture and map prints on the walls, and sheets with a burgundy stripe ... not exactly feminine.

So I decided that we should accent the room with green to make it a bit of a more gender neutral and happier room! I bought these Pottery Barn sheets with green stripes, and I am getting ready to do some additional green accents. Some of the rooms below with their green accents have given me some inspiration ...

Additionally, I found this extremely cheap fabric at Calico Corners by Anne Selke that I thought I could use ...

On a cushion for this faux bamboo chair I bought on Ebay Last year ...

... or for a bedskirt, or both! This photo from Pine Cone Hill gives an idea of what the bedskirt might look like in the fabric, even though I would definitely have a more tailored bedskirt made. So what do you all think? Lime and citrus against a backdrop of navy with white furniture? Is that gender neutral enough?

Images courtesy of House Beautiful, Pine Cone Hill

My Bags are Packed, I'm Ready to Go ....

2011-05-05T07:33:00.000-04:00

Goodbye Philadelphia. My apartment does not look like this right now. Today it is filled with boxes and bags as I get ready to leave Philadelphia. Graduate School is over, I have only to come back on May 16th for the graduation ceremony to be totally done with it. Many thanks to you all and all your compliments on the apartment both here at Lacquered Life and at House of Turquoise. Time to go back to New York and start a new project at W's apartment.

First, its on to my mother's house in CT to unload a lot of stuff. I don't know if you all can tell where I get my aesthetic, but above is my mother's dining room! Her house was featured in the May 2006 issue of Connecticut Cottages & Gardens - pretty cool, huh? I'll chat with you all from the Northeast tomorrow!

Wartime Design

2011-05-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

There is never much talk about the benefits of homes built in the 1940s. Typically revival style, whether Georgian like this one, or colonial, this era of house does not draw much attention from the street. Walk through the doors, and you find yourself in a perfect family sized space with well proportioned rooms, a sensible layout and good bones.

This house, outside of Charleston, was featured in Charleston Home Magazine, with interiors by Angie Hranowsky. Although the layout of the house is sensible and proportionate, as mentioned above, the decorating helps to add some interest and fun to this young family's 1940s Georgian Revival. I especially love the Manuel Canovas wallpaper in the kitchen! What do you think?

Pillow Talk!

2011-04-29T10:51:00.001-04:00

Roberta Roller Rabbit

Good morning everyone! Thesis handed in. Katherine and William married. A great day. After my post at House of Turquoise earlier this week, a number of readers expressed interest in the assortment of blue pillows in my apartment--thanks to everyone for all their kind words. So in honor of all the "pillow talk" I thought I would share some of my favorites that are "on the market" right now. The links are embedded in the store names, enjoy!

Cb2

Pine Cone Hill

West Elm

Pine Cone Hill

Calypso Home

Jonathan Adler

Off to Charleston for the weekend and some well deserved rest ...

My Not So Lacquered Life ... and a Guest Blog Post!

2011-04-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

Hey Lacquered Lifers, sorry about my lack of posts of late. I am handing in my thesis this week, and taking finals ... at which point I will be done! So look for a post on Friday. In the meantime, I'm wishing I were looking at a similar scene to the one above, instead of at a book and my computer screen. Even though I can't promise any posts here this week, tomorrow I have a guest blog post at House of Turquoise - Tuesday, April 26! Check it out! I will see you back here on Friday.

Good Bones

2011-04-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

As a preservation student, and ardent preservationist, I am always pleased to see old homes reused. You see, I think of houses like people, and when they are ignored and not treated well, the results are not always favorable. It is especially exciting to see people bring homes into the 21st century without taking away from some of the building's original character or details. And as we have talked about before, I do love the juxtaposition between historic architecture and modern design. Enter Dinder House. Although much of the decor here is too modern for my tastes, I love how the family managed to insert their 21st century lifestyle into this grand Georgian home in the English countryside, without taking away from the home's good bones. A good preservation tactic to be sure.

The exterior of Dinder House, Somerset, England. Completed in 1801.

Dining Room

The Ballroom turned kitchen. Perhaps my favorite part of the house. They simply dropped the kitchen into the magnificent space with very little impact.

Living Room

Master Bedroom

Kids playroom

This mudroom has managed to maintain a lot of its original character, which I love. What do you all think?

Photos courtesy of the New York Times Magazine
A big thank you to Cara for sending me this link!

Let them Eat Cake!

2011-04-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

Which is what I feel like saying to my thesis, although perhaps not in such appropriate terms. In the vein of "let them eat cake" thought I would post some kitchens I love. You all have seen most of these, as I have posted them in the past, but they make me happy just looking at them - and I could use it. From now until a week from Friday, do not expect many involved posts from me, I am slammed at school! But hey, a week from Friday I will be a free woman, done with graduate school. April 30th, is not only my birthday, but the first day of the rest of my life. Pretty cool, huh?

Photos courtesy of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, GP Schafer Architects, Martha Stewart

Olivia's Inspiration Folder

2011-04-15T07:55:00.001-04:00

Just a sampling ... TGIF.

Images courtesy of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, G.P. Schafer Architects, Town & Country

Let's Brighten Things Up!

2011-04-13T09:06:00.000-04:00

Second day in a row of gray-ness. I know that April showers bring May flowers, but I do enjoy a day where it is sunny and warm in April. Below are some colorful photos to brighten everyone's day!

A Triomphe

2011-04-12T10:44:00.000-04:00

You know those interiors which you look at and you absolutely love, and yet perhaps you don't see yourself living in the space, or perhaps the style isn't really something you aspire to? I absolutely love interiors like this--interiors that I really really appreciate, but quite often don't see myself inhabiting. Often I find these interiors in one of my favorite magazines, Elle Decoration (UK edition). There is something about the interiors in this magazine that tend to strike this chord with me, and typically its because they're European, or better yet, Parisian. There is something about the casual, spartan, modern yet old-world, elegant interiors of Europe, which we can't quite get a handle on. Perhaps its the architectural backdrop, perhaps its the lack of perfection that actually creates perfection. Who knows, but I love staring at the photos.

Such was my feeling about Alfonso Valles and Virginie Denny's apartment, located in an old button factory outside Paris. He's an artist, she's a writer. They both work from home, and require little nooks of solitude within this vast open space. The result is industrial chic, and yet somehow cozy. And very French.

And of course, breakfast and pastry. How very chic and Parisian. The perfect complement to this wonderful apartment. Valles did most of the interior work in the apartment himself, as Denny was pregnant with their first child at the time and they couldn't afford a full scale renovation. According to Denny, "Our style is a poetic factory aesthetic with a real vintage mood." Love it.

Photos and quotations courtesy of Elle Decoration

Connoisseurs and Cocktails

2011-04-11T08:19:00.001-04:00

Saturday night WWB and I headed over the the World Collector's Night at the Philadelphia Antiques Show. Its a night of cocktails and antiques and mingling - what could be better! This year was my second year in a row, and although the antiques were beautiful, the women of Philadelphia's excitement over the ability to wear bright spring patterns was definitely the show stopper ... and the jewels ...

As the whole show is hosted at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, the "after party" is around the corner at one of the Urban Outfitters buildings. It is a great event, in a very cool space and if you are ever in Philadelphia around this time, you should definitely check it out!

These Vagabond Shoes ...

2011-04-08T21:16:00.000-04:00

Bemelman's Bar, The Carlyle Hotel, New York

... are longing to stray..." Buried under my thesis, ready to throw in the towel, and fantasizing about three weeks from now, when I'll be sitting here, a few blocks from home, $20 martini (grey goose, very dirty, three olives) in hand with a big smile on my face and thinking, "these little town blues are melting away..."

"If I can make it there, I'm gonna make it anywhere."

I Need a Night Off ... to Travel the World!

2011-04-07T08:55:00.000-04:00

So thesis mode is in full swing, so I apologize for my lack of a post in the last week. I have written so much, that it even seems like writing a few additional words is absolutely crazy. However, this weekend, I finally get a much needed break. Saturday night I am headed to The Philadelphia Antiques Show World Collectors Night! It is such a fun event, with such a fun group of people in attendance. Also, Philadelphia is the perfect place to showcase some really beautiful American Antiques, and there are some truly beautiful things. This is my second year in a row and last year was so fabulous. If you are in the Philadelphia Area, you really should consider coming ... great antiques, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. Sold!

Here are some faves from last year ...

The building at the Philadelphia Naval Yard is also absolutely totally awesome. Its the perfect space for an event like this. Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention, after all these beautiful antiques, the after party is at the Urban Outfitters Corporate Campus. Yeah, because the Antique Show is in the naval yard they can have the after party in one of the coolest buildings ever.

So get online, buy your tickets, and come on down! Its sure to be a fantastic event, maybe we'll bump into each other!

Those Rooms

2011-03-31T08:34:00.000-04:00

Last night my mother and I got to talking about "Those Rooms." You know exactly what I'm talking about. Those feats of interior design that have somehow struck you over the years and have stuck with you. Those rooms that every time you look at a picture of them you are constantly amazed by how the designer saw the relationship between two fabrics or two furniture styles that when put together in context looks absolutely perfect. And there are "those decorators" who are typically associated with the creation of "those rooms:" Sister Parish, Albert Hadley, David Hicks, Billy Baldwin, Mark Hampton, Dorothy Draper...

Brooke Astor's Red Lacquered Library, 778 Park Avenue, Albert Hadley

Victorian Writing Room, Greenbriar Inn, Dorothy Draper

The reason that my mother and I got to talking about all this is that we are pretty sure that the living room at the Lyford Cay Club designed by Tom Scheerer is going to become one of "those rooms." I know that I posted about it already, but it has literally grabbed both myself and my mother, and won't let go!

Living Room, Lyford Cay Club, Tom Scheerer

What do you think? Did you love this room? What rooms grab you and won't let go?

A Lot of Living to Do

2011-03-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

Vogue Living that is. As much as I adore the usual shelter magazines, as well as all of the wonderful online magazines that are now available, I keep coming back to the three foreigners: Vogue Living, Elle Decoration & Marie Claire Maison. I don't know if its my love of historic architecture (all three have it in bulk) or whether I just love the eclectic nature of these magazines, but I can't get enough. Trouble is, here in Philadelphia they are hard to find, and are always a few months behind. Below are some of my favorite images from Vogue Living Jan/Feb 2011 issue.

Tawlet Restaurant - Beirut, Lebanon

Lazara Rosa-Violan's Home - Barcelona, Spain

Craig Bassam & Scott Fellows' Phillip Johnson designed Home - New Canaan, CT

Neisha Crosland's Home - London, UK

... and another

Orangerie at Moet & Chandon Vineyard - Champagne region, France

What do you think? I think pretty great. These are just a sampling of some of my favorite pictures from the magazine. I love the variety of locations: Lebanon, London, France, and Connecticut! Which photo is your favorite? Do you have a favorite less than mainstream magazine?

Mother Knows Best

2011-03-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

I don't understand why these photos have not been on every single blog that I read! I have probably seen only one of these photos once, I believe at The Peak of Chic. For those of you who haven't seen them, my mother called me demanding that I go pick up the latest issue of Town & Country and see for myself what Tom Scheerer has done at the Lyford Cay Club. We all know that I am a Scheerer fan, however, this redecoration for this famous old world club may be his best stuff yet. I love every room, every photo, every choice ... and I hope you do too! (I apologize for the quality of the pics, my scanner has been acting up lately). I think these photos attest to the fact that one should always always listen to their mother--what if I had never seen these!? Love you mom! Enjoy! - and as usual, would love to hear your thoughts!

Aren't these amazing? Bamboo, pineapples, Quadrille, rattan, palm trees, and navy blue--doesn't get much better than this! I hope it entices you to go pick up the latest issue of Town & Country. Makes me wanna take a little vacation ... too bad the club is members only! And thanks again to my Mom ... what do you all think?

Friday Finds

2011-03-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

So it's official, thesis panic has set in, as well as the requisite procrastination giving me plenty of time to scour the internet looking for sweet deals on good stuff. Although there are always good things at good prices to be found in the usual places ... CB2, West Elm, Wisteria, Ikea etc. etc. I love remembering a catalog that I haven't looked at in a while and finding great stuff. Case in point, the two items below from Garnet Hill and The Company Store. Thoughts?

I am loving the "Bogart Flat Weave Wool Rug" from Garnet Hill. What a find! Great colors, great prices! I don't read "O" Magazine, but apparently, Oprah thought that these were pretty great too. I thought one might look good underneath a coffee table as an little accent rug. Sadly, I am looking to replace my little zebra accent after 3 good years of service its looking a little worn. Whaddya think about getting one of these?

How chic is this rattan side table from The Company store? Guess what?--it can be yours for $89! What I love is that since it comes in all these cute colors, you can cut your DIY time in half. High gloss turquoise? Sold. What do you all think of these pieces? Had any good secret catalog finds recently?

Going Gray

2011-03-23T08:54:00.000-04:00

Today is one of those gray days. The weather is cloudy, I'm exhausted, so much work to do. Part of me wishes I could just waste away this gray day in bed with a good movie, a period drama perhaps, and let the grayness of the day envelop me. And being in a gray space would make that even cozier. I love gray spaces. What I love about gray is that rooms swathed in this color can be either extremely modern or quite classic. It is not a color that has a time period or style associated with it, it goes with every style, every shape.

House Beautiful

Marie Claire Maison

Elle Decor

Marie Claire Maison

House Beautiful

Marie Claire Maison

Which do you like best? I am extremely partial to the last picture, I especially love how the moulding in the door is painted a contrasting white. In my last apartment in NYC, my living room was painted Horizon by Benjamin Moore. If you are thinking of "going gray" I seriously recommend that as a color choice. Do you have a favorite color gray?

Juicy Juxtaposition

2011-03-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

I always like when decorators take chances with a space--when modern architecture is paired with classic interiors and vice versa. In this 419 square foot apartment, the bones of the building are classic--wide floor boards, board ceiling, beautiful paneled doors, and the kind of windows that only seem truly legitimate in France. The decor, on the other hand, is more streamlined, minimalist. What I love about it most, is that the lack of over-decorating allows the architecture and the age of this building to shine through. And as a preservationist, I definitely have a soft spot for that. In addition, it prevents this small space from feeling overcrowded. What do you all think?

Photos courtesy of Marie Claire Maison

Stairways to Heaven

2011-03-18T11:08:00.000-04:00

Hello All. So yesterday I got a brace put on my leg for some stress fractures that I have been putting off dealing with. Of course the minute it gets nice outside I am strapped into a boot! Anyway, I am now starting to realize what an issue this is going to be ... let's just start with my 4th floor walkup apartment. So with stairs on the brain, I picked out some favorites in the hope that they will motivate me to get better and to go slowly when climbing my own!

Windsor Smith - Elle Decor

Key West - Traditional Home

Victoria Hagan - Elle Decor

Sag Harbor - Elle Decor

Traditional Home

Miami Beach - Elle Decor

Greenwich Village - Elle Decor

Normandy - Elle Decor

Houghton Hall, The Great Staircase - Norfolk, UK

James Huniford - Elle Decor

Elle Decor

Steven Gambrel - Elle Decor

And saving the absolute best for last ...

Drayton Hall - Charleston, SC

Which is your favorite? And which inspires you to climb the most stairs?

Francophile or Patriot?

2011-03-17T09:08:00.000-04:00

Traditional Home

Or both? Don't you just love the combination of statue of liberty and eiffel tower statuettes on this mantel? I know I do. And then the addition of what looks like an Abraham Lincoln bust is fantastic. This mantel and its medallions is so traditional, especially coupled with the historic blue color, but the photograph above it and the slate surround give it that hit of modernity. What do you think? Are you a francophile?

A Model of Good Taste

2011-03-16T09:05:00.000-04:00

Ok. Sometimes I find myself behind the design 8 ball, and behind the latest and greatest. This year, I am allowed to blame it on my thesis. Am I the last person to know that the line of fabrics by Iman on Calico Corners it absolutely fabulous? The woman is gorgeous, and so is her taste in patterns and colors. Each fabric has an exotic flair ... not unlike Iman herself.

This is Java Moon in Luna. Love it. The colors are fantastic, and I love the stripes that act as a background for an ikat-type print. $42.39/yard.

Alexandria Scroll in Citrine. How fun is this? A little mod, a little traditional. The perfect blend. I'm thinking about it for the seat cushion of a faux bamboo cane back chair seen here. What do you think? $19.99/yard.

Sultana Lattice in Luna. This looks almost exactly like Kelly Wearstler Imperial Trellis. And its $27.99 a yard. What a find. Can't go wrong with this fabric. I would love to do a footstool in this as an accent piece.

Zahra Leaf in Radicchio. Again, somehow this fabric blends a mod with an exotic and a little bit of traditional. This fabric could look fantastically bold on a settee. It is a great alternative to zebra! $26.39/yard.

This is my absolute favorite. Alhambra Amour in Luna and in Mineral. I don't know why, but I just absolutely love this fabric. The luna color is fantastic, and the mineral is tres chic! I need to find somewhere to use it. Perhaps a chair? Perhaps upholstered walls? I love it! $23.19/yard! What do you think?

Photos courtesy of Calico Corners.com

Best Bathroom

2011-03-15T09:48:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Lacquered Lifers! Hope everyone had a nice weekend. Here in Philadelphia, I get all my shelter magazines delivered, whereas in NYC I used to buy them b/c they hit the newsstands early. Although I miss the instant gratification of buying my shelter magazines, I love the surprise when they show up at my door. Yesterday, the April issue of House Beautiful showed up ... and I am absolutely in love with the Bath of the Month. What do you think?

As you already know, I love love love shiplap walls like these. I love the fixtures and the sinks from Urban Archeology.

What I really like, is that they continued the ship lap on the tub surround. And how great is that shower head? It comes out from the wall and yet is still a rain shower head!

Even the storage matches!

And my favorite, little hidden storage spaces. The shelving is secretly hidden behind my beloved ship lap walls. Somehow this fabulous bathroom retains its 1920s roots while feeling extremely streamlined and modern. Let me know your thoughts!

Photos courtesy of House Beautiful

Steppin' Out

2011-03-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

Rainy and chilly here in Philadelphia today, and I find myself thinking summer. Which immediately gets me thinking about outdoor spaces and how to decorate them. I can't help but be completely taken in by Trina Turk's indoor/outdoor fabrics for Schumacher--outdoor space, Palm Springs style!

Trellis Print - Pool

Santorini Print - Java

Super Paradise Print - Pool

Arches Print - Orange

Soleil LA Print - Aqua

Are you all ready to lounge by the pool? I know I am! Which is your favorite?

Photos courtesy of schumacher.com

I'm Revived!

2011-03-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. Hope you all had a good weekend! I went off to Charleston on Thursday for a whirlwind trip and got back first thing this morning. Prowling through my back issues of Elle Decor for design ideas while I was there, I came across this article from last summer (July 2010 issue) about Dransfield and Ross' Georgian Revival in New Jersey. I have not included all the pictures below, only the ones that showcase the architecture of this 20th century gem. What I love most about this house is that the design connoisseurs decided to stay true to the house, and did not renovate the kitchen when they bought it. It looks fabulous, laminate countertops and all.

I absolutely love the high ceilings, dentil moulding, and fluted corinthian pilasters in this room! I also love how they chose white for both the walls and all the detail work, it helps to tone it down. The stark contrast of the black fireplace is fantastic. This view through the living room gives you a sneak peak at the conservatory ...

I gotta say, I love a house with a conservatory. The dark green paneling is so true to the period, and I love the awning details.

This is one of my favorites. The study. The simple bolection moulding of the fireplace (sans mantel) is so chic, and soooo Georgian Revival. I also love how the moulding on the wall frames a perfect space for a portrait.

Master bathroom under the eaves.

This is the butler's pantry with views into the kitchen. See how the cabinetry goes straight to the floor? That is a true turn of the century butler's pantry. And the painted floor!

Again, I love this kitchen. Brass knobs on the drawers and cabinets are perfect, and most definitely original to the house. And a painted floor in a kitchen is a must!

Moving outside to the loggia, you can just envision time spent lounging here. It reminds me a bit of the outdoor space in Katherine Hepburn's house in The Philadelphia Story ...

And finally, the piece de resistance, have you ever seen a chicer swimming pool and pool house?

Photos courtesy of Elle Decor

New, Old, Who Cares?

2011-03-03T12:31:00.000-05:00

Designer Axel Vervoordt and his family were looking to buy a traditional, historic swiss chalet, high in the mountains. However, when they were looking there weren't any existing buildings available. So the family bought some land and decided to build a chalet in the traditional style. The outcome? Amazing.

Even though the building was built today, Vervoordt and family decided they wanted the building to have that historic quality that they had looked for. So, the house was built with salvaged materials.

The house was built entirely by local craftsmen, and as the article said, "The entire structure has been handmade by local craftsmen, pegged not nailed, waxed not varnished."

Even though its new, the house has the air of a home that has been in the mountains forever. Look at the width of the floorboards--fantastic.

Traditional bunkbeds.

I love the countertop and vanity in the bathroom.

This shot really gives a sense of the simplicity of the space, and yet the craftsmanship involved in its building.

This house appeals to me as a student of historic preservation. I know this house isn't old, but in building this house, the Vervoordts are keeping the traditional trades alive and being sustainable by reusing old materials. What's not to like? Kinda makes you want to start singing the sound of music, right?

Photos courtesy of Vogue Living Nov/Dec 2010

Sicilian Inspiration.

2011-03-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

All the colors, textures, shapes, designs ... a girl can get really inspired looking at these photos. Perhaps one day these pictures I took in Sicily will manifest themselves in a room somewhere ... preferably Italy.

Wallpaper My Life.

2011-02-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

With this wallpaper.

Elle Decor

Tom Scheerer

Coastal Living

House Beautiful - Tom Scheerer

Clearly, Tom Scheerer and I are on the same page. Two posts this week that he is featured in. This trellis wallpaper from Quadrille is a dream come true. We all know I love all things chinoiserie, but this is different. It has this casual, country/island element to it. One day, when I am a real person who has wallpaper, I will put this up--and it will be fabulous.

Luxurious Lounging

2011-02-24T08:38:00.000-05:00

Graduate school is exhausting. Especially when in the throws of midterms. And really especially when you're getting so close to the end that you have a hard time staying focused. How lovely it would be to spend a day lounging in bed, catching up on the pile of Vanity Fair and shelter magazines and just relaxing. I have to be honest though, after seeing some of these bedrooms, I don't think my bed will suffice!

Mattresses on the floor are not something that I am typically very fond of. However, in this bedroom the print vignette above the bed and the obviously well thought out bedside table, chair, and throw make the room feel a bit less like they just threw a mattress on the floor and called it a day. Thoughts?

Ship lap. Can't get enough of it. I love the juxtaposition of the old feeling building, and the extremely modern almost Danish furniture.

Greece? Pompeii? Who cares, I wanna be in this bed. One can only assume that those windows open out on to the Mediterranean.

I have always liked beds in the middle of the room, not unlike Tom Scheerer's house in the Bahamas that I posted yesterday. This has a distinctly French feel, which lends it an amazing sophistication despite the simplicity of the sheets and upholstery.

Light, airy, open. Blue and white. What's not to love?

Finally, I think in a perfect world this is where I would like to be. In the countryside, stack of books, chaise lounge and sunshine.

photos courtesy of Marie Claire Maison

Vacation - All I Ever Wanted

2011-02-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

As the Go-go's once said. And as I am feeling today. After a big test yesterday, and some big deadlines coming up, all I really want is sand, surf, sunglasses, and a tan. Oh and perhaps a tropical cocktail. One of my favorite decorators for beachy/island locales is Tom Scheerer. He actually had a house in Charleston for a while, decided it was still too "city-like" and decamped to the Bahamas. And I can't get enough of this house featured below, which I am pretty sure is his.

Sometimes we forget that much of the Caribbean was once a British colony. This house, with its saltbox shape and picket fence definitely harkens back to that era.

As you can probably tell, for a preservationist like me, this house is a little piece of heaven. In most old houses, there are funny extensions, and pieces of the building that are different sizes, as shown above. Typically this means that those parts of the house were not part of the original building campaign, but rather were added as the extra space was needed over the years.

I love the louvered door at the end of this hallway. For a beach house, I would do exactly as Scheerer seemed to do here, white walls, dove gray floors, accented with a seagrass runner and different basket weave accessories.

We all know how much I love a good tablescape, and the simplicity here is fantastic.

The low ceiling, round seagrass area rug, and louvered shutter in the stairwell are all elements that I would love to include in a beach house. There is also something about this space that is not over-thought. That is exactly how I would do a beach house--without overthinking the decorating. Just let the house be the house, and a great place to relax and enjoy time with friends--comfortable chairs and great pillows. I love the dark wood of the newel post and hand rail on the stairs.

This is in the kitchen, which is most certainly located in one of those building extensions that I mentioned above. The high beamed ceiling would have been good when large cooking fires were lit in the fireplace.

Who doesn't love an old farm sink with wall mounted fixtures and a blue and white striped skirt?

The hanging pendants as bedside table lights is fantastic, and something I wouldn't necessarily have thought of for the space. This allows for a space without chords near the bed, since the bed is floating in the middle of the room. Who wouldn't want to wake up in this space. Blue and white--never wrong.

And a detail from that room. Again the simplicity of it is fantastic. I also love this midcentury dresser in the space, its unexpected and yet works perfectly.

Bath time! Perfect. Nothing more to say.

Man, I need a vacation.

Photos courtesy of TomScheerer.com

Getting Off the Subway

2011-02-19T15:28:00.001-05:00

Hello all. I know I know, I have been quite the absentee blogger. My only excuse is my thesis, which is controlling my life these days--but I'm officially counting down to May when I am finished with graduate school and back in New York. I thought in preparation for coming back to earth, I would slowly try and bring myself back to you all and do a little blogging now and again. I can't promise more than once or twice a week while I'm writing my thesis, but that's better than nothing, right?

So I have long been a girl who loves a good subway tiled bathroom. I know its simple, and has gotten trendy, but there has always been something about it that seems so right.

House Beautiful

This is a shot of House Beautiful editor, Newell Turner's, bathroom. Love the subway tile as wainscoting. However, yesterday I was at Ann Sacks in NYC, and saw the most amazing collection of Michael S. Smith tiles, that are leading me astray from my usual affinity for the simplicity of the subway tile.

Cane

Modern Fretwork

Square Dance

How amazing are these? I can't get enough of the chinoiserie/greek key/vintage aesthetic of each. They bring so much, but are still just white. WWB says that I am very safe in many of my decorating choices. I think that these tiles are the perfect blend of safety and haute chic. However, if you can't fully commit to ditching your bathroom reno plans of subway tile, Michael Smith offers some options that will allow you to keep your subway tile and add a sexy border or detail ...

Greek Key Border

Maze Border

How amazing are these trim pieces? you could still do all subway tiles, and then add a really great looking border that can have a significant effect on the experience of the bathroom space. Just a little bit of luxe. Love it. What do you all think?

Photos courtesy of Ann Sacks.com & House Beautiful

Stately and Empty

2010-11-04T11:46:00.000-04:00

In an article in today's New York Times, enititled, "Stately Home Awaits the Return of a Political Son," newly elected NY governor Andrew Cuomo states that he plans to live at New York State's Governors' Mansion in Albany. Cuomo will be the first NY Governor to spend a considerable time at the estate since his father, Mario Cuomo was governor in the 1980s and 1990s. Unfortunately, such is the fate of many of the elaborate Governors' Mansions throughout the United States. What with technological innovation, many Governors don't need to be in the state capital all the time, and can conduct business elsewhere. Below are a sampling of Governors' Mansions from states with newly elected Governors. I wonder who will be occupying these hallowed halls?

California

Maine

New Mexico

South Carolina

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Seeing Red

2010-11-03T11:04:00.000-04:00

I thought it only fitting that after last night/yesterday's election results I show you a few of my favorite red accented rooms.

Of course we all know Brooke Astor's Albert Hadley designed red lacquer library in her Park Avenue apartment ... and we all know how I love a good lacquer job.

And Diana Vreeland in the famous pose from her apartment.

Decor Pad

Chinoiserie Chic!--I love this red lacquered bamboo chair, with the red desk accessories.

Decor Pad

The red accents are a nice addition to this otherwise white kitchen.

Decor Pad

Again, red desk accessories add a bright touch to this white office. I am very jealous of this person's organizational abilities!

Decor Pad

And I just love these headboards. And this picture might be the most representative of the current political climate--strong hits of red, on a light blue background.

Divine Intervention

2010-11-02T07:59:00.000-04:00

I don't think that I can go on and on enough about Marie Claire Maison! You all know how much I adore this French decor magazine ... and this feature below is no exception!--Just wish I could read some French ... What I gathered from my limited French is that this church below is in Cape Town, South Africa and was renovated by an Italian couple.

It is very exciting that I came across this church, as my historic preservation studio project this fall involves coming up with a reuse of an historic chapel building here in Philadelphia. Churches can often be hard buildings to reuse, as their massing is very specific to their original use, and there are those who are superstitious enough to believe that sleeping in a church might be sacreligious. Not when the church is as fab as this one!

All you lacquered lifers know how much I love the simplicity of an all white interior. Especially in a location such as Cape Town. In this space, the white interior allows you to appreciate the wonderful patina of the floors.

Look at the rustic chic kitchen cabinets. The way that they extend all the way to the floor, instead of having a base, is very unusual--I love it. Makes it seem as though the cabinets really are part of the architecture, instead of an installed piece of furniture.

How cool is that screen that divides the kitchen space from the eating space? What this does is allow for the delineation of spaces without disrupting the experience of the architecture of the building. Oh how I adore these beams!

How would you like to sleep up in the rafters of this reused church? I am sure the view of the space and the experience of the architecture are absolutely divine.

photos courtesy of Marie Claire Maison http://www.marieclairemaison.com

Surf's Up!

2010-11-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

Hey all! Sorry for the delay in posting these last few weeks, I had midterms last week and my first presentation of my thesis proposal (yikes!) No worries, all is well--missing all of you though!

This new "Hamptons" home listing was just brought to my attention this morning. Its located in the Amagansett Dunes, and for those of you who aren't familiar with things "Out East," the Amagansett Dunes are located in the town of East Hampton, in between the village of Amagansett and Napeague Harbor. Although it is officially fall here in Philadelphia, these photos get me thinking a little bit about summer.

Brady Bunch meets danish meets mid-century modern meets surfer chic. Love it. What a happy little house. And it can be yours for just over $1 mil! Obviously I don't have that kind of money, but I do think its a steal at that price. I wonder if they would throw in some of the furniture ...

A girl can dream though, can't she? Until tomorrow Lacquered Lifers ...

Board to Tears

2010-10-18T09:17:00.000-04:00

House Beautiful

Recently I have been obsessing about fineline tongue and groove boards on interior walls. And more specifically, tongue and groove boards mounted horizontally. In my opinion, there is something both extremely traditional and modern about this interior architectural feature.

House Beautiful

Without any bright colored paint, instant interest is added to these walls!

House Beautiful

They also make rooms appear larger, as seen is this hallway.

House Beautiful

One part rustic and one part modern, I love these tongue and groove boards!

For the Love of Orange

2010-10-13T23:47:00.000-04:00

What is it about fall and the color orange? I love orange all year round for the great hit of color that it can add to any space, however, in the fall I am especially keen on it. I think it has something to do with the changing leaves, pumpkins, and the desire to shed the corals and the salmons of summer for something a little edgier.

First thing a girl always thinks about when talking about a good color orange ... Hermes gift boxes. I'm not exactly sure whether that is because the gifts that come in these boxes are so fabulous, or whether the orange color of the box is really the chicest orange. In any case, the chicken or the egg syndrome. Whenever I hear someone describing something they purchased that was orange or something orange that they are planning on wearing, it always seems that they try to justify it by describing it as "Hermes Orange." No need to justify, orange is ahhmazing.

Martha Stewart

Ahh pumpkins. It really brings back memories doesn't it? Although I absolutely love an orange pumpkin (obviously)--check out what Eddie Ross did to the pumpkins in his table setting for Lonny.

Lonny

Instead of simply using predictable pink in her daughters' bedroom, interior decorator Palmer Weiss jazzes it up with orange headboards.

Apartment Therapy

Why not paint the floor orange? Terrific idea. You lacquered lifers know how I am a sucker for a good lacquer job.

Pure Patina

In the office of my friend, and Charlotte-based interior decorator Kristen Cone, she used orange as a contrast against her industrial bookshelves and gray walls. Check out more photos on her blog here!

Time to add some orange into your life, don't you think? JCrew sail bag, $198.

Urban Outfitters Velvet Pintuck Pillow, $32.

And for the "Cheap and Chic of the Week," Urban Outfitters 2x3 rag rug, $14.

Transitions

2010-10-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

This year, the beginning of fall has me thinking about the beginning of summer, and the similarities between them. I took these pictures on the beach in mid-May, before Memorial Day and the official beginning of summer. The Beach was empty, and I was wearing a sweatshirt. On a sunny fall day like today, I'm sure the feeling wouldn't be much different. However, now instead of being on the beach in Long Island, I'm back at school in Philadelphia ... and that's why these pictures fill me with a sense of longing for the summer that went by so fast ...

I'll be back later today with a decor related post, I promise! I just wanted to share these pictures (and my mood) with you all. xo

Clean Crisp White

2010-10-07T20:03:00.000-04:00

Since I got back to Philadelphia this fall I have been feeling as though my life is extremely cluttered. You all know I love my little apartment, but trying to keep it neat with all of my things in their places is harder than you can imagine. I am fantasizing about clean, sleek spaces where everything is in its place and there is absolutely no clutter. I want to cast off all of my decorative objets and feel as though I have absolutely nothing weighing me down! (only for a day or so though ... you know how I love a good objet)

Elle Decor

Ralph and Ricky Lauren's apartment over looking the Reservoir in Central Park. For the man who loves to fill his stores with things ... he is pretty simple here in NYC.

Elle Decor

Their kitchen ... no clutter. Isn't it heavenly. So strange since modern kitchen is typically not my style!

Marie Claire Maison

I absolutely love the simple hits of green with their potted plants--the bare floor and the white slipcovers are tres chic!

Dwell Magazine

This architect designed her apartment with storage in mind ... an avid sailor, she treated this project like a ship, where everything has its place.

Marie Claire Maison

Check out that view. The room's white interior allows it to simply melt away, and one's eyes are drawn straight out the windows.

Darryl Carter

One of the things that I love about Darryl Carter is his ability to mix modern minimalism with historic architecture and great antiques. The fireplace is so modern, and yet the house is an old farmhouse. Antique doesn't always have to mean clutter ... clutter is simply victorian.

Darryl Carter

I wish my bathroom were this neat.

Whilst I am in graduate school, I don't see the clutter subsiding. What with text books and notebooks, calendars and post it notes, my life these days is essentially a massive paper trail. So for now I will simply light a Votivo Clean Crisp White candle, WWB's favorite, and close my eyes and envision myself in a minimalist, clutter free, and chic apartment.

"I Love Your Funny Face ..."

2010-10-06T21:26:00.000-04:00

"Your sunny funny face." And I absolutely adore Audrey Hepburn, and Funny Face in particular. If you haven't seen it, I hope you are adding it to your Netflix queue this instant. This month, Vanity Fair has recreated some of the iconic scenes from Funny Face with present day haute couture. Just seeing those pictures makes me want to pop in the dvd (of course I own it) and curl up with a glass of sauv. When one is feeling a bit down, Funny Face has just the right formula to cheer you up--singing, dancing, Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, & Paris!

One of my all time favorite wedding dresses.

And I forgot to mention couture! Audrey in Givenchy Haute Couture coming down the steps of the Louvre in front of the winged victory ... now if that doesn't make you smile ...

Oh How the Time Flies ...

2010-10-04T21:34:00.000-04:00

I know, I know ... you were probably all worried sick about me when you didn't hear from me for four months. And then that worry probably turned to anger ... or at least that is the sense I am getting from a few dedicated readers. I am sorry that Lacquered Life took a loooong hiatus over the summer ... there was the required internship in New York, and then September came and it took me a while to settle back in here in Philadelphia. Oh how I miss New York--and oh how I miss all of you who read this blog of mine and who indulge me by commenting once and a while. So I am back. I guarantee you there will be tardiness throughout this year as I attempt to plough through my thesis ... but I need this blog ... I need all of you. So for today I have some pictures of my summer job ... eye candy for preservationists, antiquarians, or simply lovers of old buildings.

My summer at New York City Hall ...

So you see? I wasn't abandoning you for no good reason! Over the next few days, I will post more photos (and anecdotes) of my summer doing a survey of NY City Hall, and then get back to the business of leading a Lacquered Life! Thanks to all my Lacquered Lifers who are sticking by me, I know how frustrating it is when your favorite bloggers desert you.

xoxo

Royal Tubs

2010-06-03T13:26:00.001-04:00

As a New Yorker, I am constantly blown away by bathrooms that resemble rooms other than the practical spaces that they are. Here in the city, and in Philadelphia for those of you who have seen the pictures of my teeny studio, a bathroom is a tiny closet with a small sink, shower, and toilet--without room for much else. For whatever reason, I feel that the ultimate in luxury would be to have a bathroom which feels less like a practical space, and more like a room you would want to spend time in.

This bathroom, although not my taste, even has a comfy sitting chair. It seems like the perfect perch for someone who wants to chat with you while you're in the bath. Remind me, who has time for baths anymore?

I love the juxtaposition of old and new in this bathroom, which could easily be a sitting room with the way it opens into the next room. The wall treatment, coupled with antique mirrors and paintings looks great against the more modern room that it opens into. Additionally, while the tub is footed, the fixtures are mounted in a modern way and have a contemporary feel.

A significant aspect of the "bathroom as an actual room" approach is locating the tub in the center of the room. By having space to move around the bath, it makes it seem as though it is a piece of furniture, rather than a practical fixture.

Finally, creating a bathroom in a room that includes a fireplace, always makes the room feel more like a sitting room. In the case of this picture, the fireplace was most likely extant, however, if you are designing a modern bathroom, installing a fireplace with a traditional mantelpiece would achieve a similar result. This bathroom is so formal and fabulous it might be fun to host cocktails in it! Cocktails in the bathtub? Reminds me of a children's book called King Bidgood's in the Bathtub that I used to love as a child. Its about a king who wont get out of the bath so he makes everyone do everything (go to war, have masquerade balls, eat feasts) in the tub with him! This bathroom is certainly fit for royalty ... but after all ... we are still talking about bathrooms.

photos courtesy of Marie Claire Maison

Tel Aviv Chic

2010-06-02T09:21:00.001-04:00

For those of you who aren't as obsessed with shelter magazines as I am, you may not have come across this spread in Marie Claire Maison, which is Marie Claire's French shelter magazine. (by the way, its amazing). So, I thought I would share it with you!

Psst ... similar chairs can be found at Wisteria and Restoration Hardware

What I love about these rooms is that the decor is totally paired down so that the architecture, and namely the beautiful tile floors, speak for themselves. There are very few pieces of furniture in each room, and there are very few pieces of art on the walls--because the tile floors are all the color and interest that the rooms need. Additionally, I love the idea of painting walls white, and painting the trim a contrasting color. So often we see colored, upholstered or painted walls and glossy white trim, and I love the historic nature of painted trim and white walls.

Photos courtesy of Marie Claire Maison

Fun and Festive Weekend Finds!

2010-06-01T18:51:00.000-04:00

Had a very productive weekend, sitting on the beach, eating lots of food, you know--typical Memorial Day Weekend. However, I did fall in love with a chair over the weekend, and last week I had some great finds in the village, so I thought I would share!

I know, I know ... its bamboo and cane! My favorite! I am so predictable. I found this at JED, an amazing shop in Sag Harbor that you all should stop in if you're ever in town. If you can't make it out to the east end, you should check out their shop on 1st Dibs here. There is absolutely nothing that I can afford in this shop, but the aesthetic is wonderful, and as a result, there are definitely some great inspirational items.

Now here is a set of four chairs that I happened upon in the Village last week. $600 for a set of four. A great deal. All they need is re-upholstering and a new paint color and they will be in great shape. I am hesitating because $600 is still $600, and I don't necessarily have a place to put them right now ... I wonder though if they are the type of chairs that two years from now I will be lamenting the loss of ... hmmm. Thoughts?

This is another great piece that W and I came across in Sag Harbor at one of our favorite little antique shops. I just love these apothecary cabinets--all those little drawers to fill with treasures! I think a piece like this would be fabulous in a kitchen if it could be incorporated into an island. Don't you think?

Think Pink!

2010-05-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Everywhere I look I see pale pink peonies!--and I absolutely adore them. Not the dark pink, not any other color, simply the pale pink, almost white, peonies. At the wedding I attended in Charleston two weeks ago, peonies were the flower in the table arrangements, and they looked so beautiful.

Peonies say spring and early summer to me, part of the reason I love them is probably the time of year that they are in season! You have heard me talk about flowers that I love in previous posts ... hyacinths, paperwhites ... but peonies are right up there with those two flowers. I love how big and free form they are.

I love putting peonies together in short arrangements (as seen here). The beautiful blossoms create gorgeous mounds of that pale pale pink that is absolutely to die for! Over the weekend I bought some peonies and arranged them in a Ball jar, and I love how the short arrangement looks! They are great for a bedside table.

House Beautiful

So go out and get some peonies for your home and let them brighten up your day ... I bought a beautiful bouquet for only $10 at the deli around the corner, and they are great. I am pretty sure that I have said it before, but decorating with flowers is really cheap and easy and they can make such a huge difference in a space.

Put on a Skirt!

2010-05-25T07:40:00.002-04:00

I am so sorry that I have been so lax in my posting. I think I finally have the hang of the internship after this first week ... so look forward to tons of posts to come!

I would say that much of the chaos that has lead to me not posting has been trying to get myself moved in at W's apt. Where as I am not one of those girls with loads of clothes and shoes, W is (well, a boy that is). We have had quite the struggle getting my things to fit into his apartment. And then last night, while I was cursing the depth of the drawers in his antique dresser, it dawned on me ... the man has absolutely no storage. Well, yes, he has a closet, and of course one small dresser and a desk ... but there isn't a single bookshelf in the whole apartment! It's not so much that I am struggling to find a place to put clothes, its that I'm struggling to find a place to put "things." Like a jewelry box, my second pair of sunglasses, the little box filled with my business cards, my camera. You know, all those "things" that need little drawers and little shelves so that they can be put away!?! Well I am struggling for that space ... however, I may have solved the problem.

Now, now, now, I know what you all are thinking... ugh lacquered life!--that girl has had too much time off ... but please, you all know me better than that. This All Purpose Shelf Table from Wisteria is $149, and has a great little nook for putting "stuff."

This beveled glass top, also at Wisteria, is $79.

Add this chic $99 belgian linen table cloth, and voila!

A cute table that can be used to store all of those really annoying little things that have nowhere to go! Now I know what you're thinking ... $149 +$79 + $99 = $327. I have not struck it rich either, do not worry. But I have a thought ...

Hayden bookshelf from Staples = $39.99

Jefferson Driftwood linen at Calico Corners, $23.99/yard = $48

Arrow Fastener Mini Glue Gun at Home Depot = $4.97 ... which brings the grand total to $93, to have a chic entry way table! Now, granted I did not factor in a beveled glass top, b/c I don't think you need it, and you will have to hem the edges of the fabric, but other than that, you should be able to make an amazing little side table or entry way table for storing all sorts of good stuff!

Photos courtesy of Grant K. Gibson "the Blog"

You could even add some grosgrain trim with your glue gun, like Grant Gibson did in his San Francisco Apartment. In his apartment he uses a table and skirt to hide things underneath ... a little differently than my bookcase scheme, but in a similar vein! The moral of this story is that there is absolutely nothing that a good table skirt cannot hide. Period.

Up!

2010-05-19T08:06:00.002-04:00

I have officially started my required graduate internship and I am really enjoying it. The last two days, I have been doing a little research for the partner, on 70 Pine Street in downtown NYC. Interestingly enough, I had never heard of this building, but its Art Deco architectural features are absolutely fabulous ... you all know how I am a sucker for Art Deco.

This photo is showing one of the two grand, 4-story entrances, which have limestone reliefs, floral geometric floral patterns, and a full story high model of the building. How cool is that?

Originally built as the Cities Service Building in 1930, the top of the building is accented with Deco-style railings on all of the setbacks.

In addition, the building is topped with a solarium, meant to be part of the penthouse apartment of the Cities Services CEO and Founder, Henry Latham Doherty.

The views from the solarium are unparalleled--looking both up the East River and across the bottom of Lower Manhattan.

When it was built, it was the third tallest building in the world, behind only the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Today, as a result of 9/11, it is the tallest building in Lower Manhattan, at 950 feet. When the building was originally built, it had double-decker elevators to service its 67 floors.

What strikes me most about 70 Pine Street, is not its ornate architectural elements (although they're spectacular), its that I had never heard of this building until yesterday. This building is a reminder that there are amazing pieces of architecture all around us, and all we have to do is occasionally take a minute out of our busy days to look up ... you might be surprised what you see.

The People Ride in a Hole in the Ground ...

2010-05-17T07:58:00.000-04:00

Back from Charleston, and done in Philadelphia ... for the summer. So excited to be back in NYC, my favorite city of all, for four months of heaven. Well, I will be doing a required internship for my masters degree, but at least I'm in THE city.

Recently, my friends at Chic Coles blogged about the opening of an additional branch of HB Home here in NYC. I have loved the Westport store for many moons, and I even persuaded W to buy a couch there.

Being back in NYC for a full four months, I am really excited that the new location is on the corner of 74th and Lex, just a few blocks from W's apartment, and across the street from Vivolo ... one of my favorite UES takeout spots.

I have recently learned that their 74th and Lexington location is not the only new location that they are opening. Word on the street is that the now "chain" store will be opening an additional location on Main Street in East Hampton. Just in time for summer. This will put the store's locations up to 4--two in CT and two in NY.

Although most of the items are not in my current price range, it is a great place to check out for design inspiration. They have great upholstered furniture, as well as throw pillows and decorative accessories. If you live on the Upper East Side, or are planning a long and arduous "journey" out to "the Hamptons" this summer, I would suggest you check out HB Home--its a real treat, and worth the journey uptown, or out east.

Oh Sugar, Oh Honey Honey

2010-05-12T10:21:00.001-04:00

So as I said, over the weekend I went to a wonderful wedding here in Charleston. Although I hate to say it, one of my favorite parts of the wedding was the desserts! The yummy cakes and cupcakes were all courtesy of Sugar Bakeshop here in Charleston, which has developed quite a following.

C & K had coconut cakes, chocolate cake, lemon cake, and a whole assortment of delicious cupcakes. The dessert buffet was perfect.

Located on Cannon Street, Sugar Bakeshop is one of the cutest little bakeries I have ever seen. It has an adorable vintage bakery quality that just draws you in. Next time you're in Charleston, make sure to get up to the bake shop and try one of their delicious cookies, pies, cakes, or cupcakes. You're in for a treat.

Porch Life

2010-05-11T11:38:00.000-04:00

Hey all. I'm back! Finished with finals and my first year of graduate school. What a relief! Thanks for bearing with my while I have been studying away for the past two weeks. The minute I finished my finals on Friday, I got on an airplane to come down to Charleston--the absolute best place to decompress. Two of W and I's dearest friends were married over the weekend, and the wedding was beautiful--Congrats C & K!

As I have been in Charleston over the weekend, I have been thinking a lot about sun rooms. The weather here in Charleston has been so gorgeous over the weekend, however, sometimes when the wind is blowing from the north, the sun doesn't feel as warm. I keep thinking how great it would be to curl up with a book in a room thats wall to wall windows. I love the windows in this kitchen, can't you just see curling up on that couch in the sun?

How about a meal on a sun porch like this? I just love the banquette seating with all the pillows. What's great about this, is that you can get that outdoor feeling on sunny and rainy days.

I have shown this picture before--I just love this sun porch on Martha's Vineyard. The blue and white colors, the bamboo and rattan furniture, its beautiful. A great place to spend time on those windy Vineyard days.

I love the rustic feeling of this sun porch in Napa Valley.

This sun room in Greenwich has a really "finished" feeling, and feels less like and extension of the outdoors--more of a morning room. However, I can just feel the warmth of the sun on that banquette seating.

Another picture that you all have seen before. I think this is one of my favorite porches. I love the painted floors, french doors, and screens. The furniture is also just perfect for the space.

Finally, talk about cozy! How about a sleeping porch?

Photos courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com

Study Study Study

2010-04-27T15:59:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, I'm so sorry for not posting in the last couple days ... things have gotten really crazy here. With less than two weeks to go in the semester, I do little else but school work ... so I'm sorry if it seems that I have been lax in my posting. Unfortunately, I think this trend will continue through May 7th--so don't get upset if you only get a couple of posts between now and then! The photo above is courtesy of the UPenn Archives and Records center, I can't say that I am looking this pulled together as of now, but I am working as hard as they are!

So, if you are wondering where I will be ... it is here ... at the Fine Arts Library by Furness & Evans (1890). So look out for some UPenn architecture related posts!

In a Studying State of Mind

2010-04-23T15:59:00.000-04:00

You have to excuse some of my posting tardiness over the next two weeks, final projects are due and its kinda crazy! In the vein of all the studying I'm doing, I came across this rattan desk at Ballard Designs that I just love. You all know my love of all things bamboo, and this really fits the bill.

The perfect size for a chic little writing desk! Don't you just love the shelf at the bottom? its great for a small stack of books, or even a little printer ... just be sure to hide the cords. Ballard Designs seems to be outdoing themselves lately ... I'm really pleased because their price point is not as high as some other catalog stores, and I think they have some great traditional designs.

I really like the worn finish on the desk top. Sometimes reproduction pieces that try and achieve finishes like this can look cheap, but I think this looks really good. Although I have not seen it in person so it remains to be seen. Have a great weekend everyone!

Winging It

2010-04-22T13:09:00.002-04:00

Ever since Windsor Smith's LA home was featured in House Beautiful, I have been really obsessed with the kitchen. Most importantly, I have been obsessed with the idea of a skirted wing chair at the head of a dining table. I have always loved a good wing chair, but the idea of skirting it, and taking it out of the living room and bringing it into the dining room or kitchen has really got me excited.

Something about the latent formality in a wing chair, coupled with the casual and flirty nature of a skirt, looks perfect at the head of a table. Below are some options for skirted wing chairs.

This one is from the Windsor Smith Home Collection, and definitely the costliest one in the bunch. It is the one that is in Smith's own kitchen, and is what got me excited about this concept. I love the pleated skirt ... so feminine. Not sure how I feel about the Monogram, I get it on bags and things like that, but do you really need to identify your own chair?

Restoration Hardware. Not a traditional wing chair per se, but a skirted dining armchair nonetheless. It has the whole belgian linen aesthetic that Restoration Hardware has become so obsessed with as of late, so I worry if this is a "look" that will get dated fast. Also, not so cheap.

Finally, my fave. Ballard Designs, always a good place to stop for traditional-ish upholstered furniture at decent prices. I love the tailored traditionalism of this wing chair, and I think it would look fabulous at the head of a dining table, or maybe a few of them if you had a round table. What do you think?