December 22, 2010 by Simone
We know that this is a great time of year to scoop up some fantastic deals, and three of my favorite online resources (Anthropologie, Viva Terra, Wisteria) have some seriously chic stuff on sale right now. For fun I paired up some of my marked down favorites for you…
I’m so into this cheery color and smartly patterned Timely Tartan Rug from Anthropologie. The 9 x 12 is marked down more than 50% and is less than $500!! Layer up the color with this Memphis-movement inspired Flowing Script Chair from Viva Terra.
The high back and scalloped arms along with the warm chocolate-y linen upholstery make this Scalloped Top Slipcovered Sofa from WIsteria a winner. The beige and brown (my pick) versions are just under $900 (40% off) — an obvious steal for this lovely piece. It’s totally versatile and could work in so many scenarios, but I’d love to see it with Anthropologie’s Soren Chair. I love the way that the the color of this stunning painterly fabric plays off a subdued neutral sofa. It’s so sculptural and unique, you don’t even need a pair to create a major impact.
Here, I like the idea of carving out a chic little nook in the living room that’s great for games, casual meals or just lounging. Start with this Round Industrial Iron Coffee Table from Wisteria (it’ll look great stacked with books when not in use) and surround with Anthropologie’s Pardus Floor Cushion and there you have it, all together for less than $500 !!
Tags: anthropologie, carolyn thomas, under $500
Categories: guest bloggers •
December 15, 2010 by Simone
Sometimes my internet shopping adventures are a total bust, an endless wild goose chase where all roads lead to nada. And sometimes, I get lucky. Today was one of those lucky days as I happened upon a wonderful site, French-Brand.
“What can be more chic than decorating your home interior with authentic French designer goods?” ummm…nothing?! Yes, how can I help but to fall in love with a website that poses this very important query to its visitors?
“Committed to offering authentic designer goods,” French-Brand does not disappoint, especially in the bedding department. I was especially delighted to see that some trade-only fabric brands actually had bed linens — who knew!? There are plenty of unique designer items to be found here, many of which I’d guess would be hard to come by stateside.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Mekong by Blanc des Vosges. This has a sort of Moroccan-tile feel and I just love how graphic the pattern is. Available in either Anthracite and Marine, either color would look amazing against
pink painted walls.
Darly by Designers Guild. Well loved for such things as their bold, graphic take on traditional English florals, Designers Guild is yet another designer favorite. This color palette is undeniably cheery and is well styled in this photo alongside some naturally inpsired modern furniture.
Marble topped Saarinen side table from DWR.
Anemone by Garnier Thiebaut. I do love the 80′s paint splatter meets island paradise feeling of this set, but I’d take it down a notch with something like this warmly modern
Jacks Tray Side Table from West Elm.
Sweet Dreams!!
Tags: anemone, bedding, carolyn thomas, darly, dwr, west elm
Categories: guest bloggers, home+decor •
December 8, 2010 by Simone
I love a holiday gift guide so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to create one of my own. These selections are all too good to part with, but since they’re all priced under $150 you may be able to buy duplicates and treat yourself as well! Make sure to link back to Simone’s gift guides in the post as well – many great ideas to peruse and choose from! Happy Shopping!
City in a Bag – Paris from Muji at only $14.00, why not get the globetrotter in your life the New York, Tokyo, and London versions as well? This would create a sweet tableau on a shelf in a kids’ room, too.
How pretty…and functional is this brass color pencil set from Jayson Home and Garden? What a great way to say thank you and happy holidays to your favorite interior designer (wink wink) or creative type in your life.
Who wants to pull on an actual greasy real wishbone…I’d much prefer to make my wishes on this gold wishbone from Jayson Home and Garden! Would make a lovely paperweight or addition to a holiday table scape!
Here’s an last minute precious gift for the chic-est
hostess you know! This
Porcelain Swan Salt Cellar by L’Objet is too beautiful to ever put away, the hand-applied 24k gold accents are like icing on a delicious cake.
These hand-painted
zebra trays are wonderfully useful to have around the house, I especially like them for holding earrings and such. Pile high with foil-covered chocolates, wrap in cellophane, and tie with a bow for a glamorous presentation!!
Tags: gold wishbone, jayson home and garden, L'Objet, muji, zebra trays
Categories: guest bloggers, home+decor •
December 1, 2010 by Simone
Perhaps you can relate… It’s been getting darker earlier and earlier — and it’s cold!! Fortunately, I have found ways to cope with my seasonal blues, my favorite being to make some quick and easy changes around the house. New scenery always lifts my spirits!! This year I may take a cue from fashion by injecting some of the seasons’ hottest color – red – into my life. If you’re like me and your place is relatively neutral, you know that adding pops of color makes a significant impact, and these reds seem like the perfect winter doldrum mood enhancer!
here
From ‘The Conran Shop’ a red lacquer version of Thonet’s iconic bentwood chair. For a relatively inexpensive way to change the whole character of a room, I like the idea of putting a new, freshly patterned table cloth, like one fabricated from Madeline Weinrib’s ’Poppy Ikat’, over the existing dining table and adding these chairs. It may be virtually impossible to feel down when looking at this combo!
I’ve long been obsessed with Scalamandre’s ‘Zebras’ Wallpaper, shown here in Masai Red. I feel downright giddy looking at this print!! While you may have neither the resources nor inclination to paper an entire room in this, you can do a lot with just one roll! For instance, you could wrap an artists canvas and hang as a singular piece of art, or paper an old side table or chest a la
Byronie Porter (very chic wallpapered furniture)!
Since you already have that glue gun out…I found this ‘Crocodile Decorative Paper’ at Katespaperie.com. Grab some old, ugly books and cover a shelfs’ worth for some red hot glam, or line them up on your bedside table between a pair of chic bookends. I like these from
Horchow….
Aren’t these lovely? I’d love to see them grouped together on top of a brass or darkly lacquered tray — something that really allows the color and pretty patterns to pop! Another idea is to add one or two delicate pine branches with some gold ribbon ties for some fragrant holiday decor.
I really like this little ‘Acrylic Side Table’ by Horchow. This is the type of piece that I love because it can be moved around and re-purposed throughout the house. It would be especially great at the doorway topped with a small bouquet and a pretty bowl for keys, or as side tables that spice up an all white bedroom. Topped with a pretty tray of perfume bottles and your favorite candle it could also add a sexy burst of color to the powder room.
Lastly, how dramatic is this “Diana Vreeland” print by Jeremiah from Dransfield and Ross? It will add the perfect dash of red to any room….
Tags: carolyn thomas, red
Categories: guest bloggers •
November 24, 2010 by Simone
I walk everyday through the neighborhood where I live, into and through the local park, up and down tree lined streets, and am continually charmed and inspired by the nature that I see there. As a kid, I would take little pocket sized guide books into the woods in an attempt to identify the many varieties of trees, flowers and plants that I’d encounter. These days, however, I take a far less academic approach to my love of nature — I simply shop for ways to infuse my love of flora and fauna into my everyday life! If you don’t naturally gravitate towards motifs and themes such as this, think of it as a way to infuse a warm and earthy glamour into your space.
here
Soften the hard edge of any room with this “Grace Ottoman’ from Shine by S.H.O. The raw edge detail around the top and of course the sweet hand knit flowers make this piece a real romantic little charmer! I love it in the natural linen color shown here, but it is available in a variety of other upholstery options. I’d use it as a vanity stool, or place a pair at the foot of a bed.
here
I’d probably feature this ‘Etch Candleholder’ by Tom Dixon for DWR every week if I could figure out a way to work it in…that’s how much I adore this sexy little number!! The geodesic shape of the pierced brass reminds me of a honeycomb, especially when locked together in multiples to create a larger piece. It’s not obvious, but this to me really captures the essence of organic glamour. Imagine how stunning several would be on top of a glossy white table top!
here
This here is called the ‘Sherwood Table’ — get it Sherwood Forest??!! Anyways, I love this table form Jayson Home and Garden, and not only because it looks like a tree dipped in gold. The petite size (only 14″ dia) make it a perfect choice for tight spaces; think a pair of bedside tables, or the corner of a powder room. Studio apartment dwellers might like this as tea-height dining table in front of an upholstered settee.
here
Here’s a chic way to introduce a touch of natural, laid back beach-y elegance into your home — the ‘Leeward Mirror’ from Currey & Company. Crafted of driftwood, I love all the variety of color, shape, and texture. It’s perfect for the entry way, or use a couple over a pair of twin beds in the guest bedroom.
Tags: Currey & Company, driftwood, Etch Candleholder, grace ottoman, Leeward Mirror, Nature, Sherwood Table, Shine by S.H.O, Tom dixon
Categories: guest bloggers, home+decor •
November 17, 2010 by Simone
As I sat down to write this yesterday afternoon here in L.A., it was probably darn near 100 degrees; and while distracting, it does not change the fact that Thanksgiving is a mere couple of weeks away and fall is, at least technically, in full swing.
As such, I always like to do little things to keep a house seasonal and there are indeed plenty of little things to do: switching out pillows, throws and bedding; dressing tables with seasonal flower arrangements and spicy scented candles; basically adding touches of warmth and sparkle make me feel cozy and ready for the coming months.
This week I’d like to offer a few simple ways to create some seasonal magic in your own home!
I can practically hear the jingle bells in my head as I swoon over these Gold Plated Pinecone Shakers with Crystals by L’Objet. At $395.00 for the pair they’re not cheap, but what chic conversation pieces to adorn a Thanksgiving table! When not in use, I’d display them on a floral patterned vintage piece of china. A thought: If you’re feeling crafty and or bored, you could buy some gold leaf paper from the art store and create your own diy version with the real thing gathered up at your local park. A half a dozen or so arranged on a platter with some tall white taper candles would make a lovely centerpiece!
Since I’m speaking of creating centerpieces, I wanted to include these sweet Wire Spheres from Chiasso. They’re teeny -tiny (only 3″ diameter) and at $28 for a set a of three you could fill a glass vase or jewel toned ceramic bowl to add some instant glamour to your tables. Wouldn’t they also be sweet tied on emerald green silk ribbon as tree ornaments?!
You may be getting the idea that I really like all things golden — and I do — year round in fact, but there is something especially appealing about it’s warmth as the temperature drops. This Gold Suzani Pillow from Jayson Home and Garden is beyond chic. I am picturing it on top of a ruby-red or sapphire-blue mohair or velvet upholstered club chair in front of a crackling fire, but you can warm up any of your existing pieces with the addition of this and a winter-y throw.
Lastly, this Rhusset Printed Dhurrie Rug by John Robshaw is a tactile treat that will instantly warm up any room in your home. I know that this rich, deep hue and graphic pattern will make your furnishings pop! It comes in a variety of sizes so you could even try it in the entry, powder room or as a hall runner. T’is the season to warm it up!
Tags: gold pinecones, jayson home and garden, john robshaw, vivre, warm, wire spheres
Categories: guest bloggers, home+decor •
November 10, 2010 by carolyn
When I look around my place it’s like a virtual zoo for inanimate objects. An earthenware horse here, a painted wooden dove there, a glazed porcelain koi fish vase, a pierced brass bull (my prized possession), some classic aviary prints on the wall…you get the picture. I do love animals and so naturally I gravitate towards their decorative likenesses in any form! So this week, my fellow animal lovers, I’ve done some shopping for your own decorative zoo!
Let’s start with this Swarovski Crystal Sailfish from Vivre. It’s huge!! At over 5 feet long this thing is taller than me, and should be with a price tag of $5,000.00!! I realize that this is an unlikely purchase for 99.999% of the population but I had to include it, for inspiration and for fun, and it’s good to aspire, no?? If I did have this in a room, it’d be the only thing on the wall, so maybe we can somehow call it a bargain?
I’m completely enamored with this Thoroughbred baby alpaca throw by Thomas Paul! Classic, cozy and soft, it’s reversible and also available in camel and charcoal. For my money, however, this pumpkin color (called Alcazar) is beyond perfect for the fall. It’s far too pretty to be folded, so drape this over the foot of the bed or the back of the sofa. A touch Hermes, no?
I’m a real fan of the highly stylized wildlife depictions by the artist Charley Harper. Did you know that many of these beauties are available as limited and open edition serigraphs and lithographs at charleyharperprints.com for less than the price of a new pair of boots? I love this ‘Heath Hen’ but do check out the site for your own favorites. These will add a sweet touch of whimsy to any room, but I do love the thought of these in a nursery.
I adore these ‘White Tang Horses‘ from Gumps — especially loving the chalky white, glazed terra cotta finish. So classic and chic! They are really nice and tall and would look completely stunning on top of an ebony, or otherwise darkly-colored, hall chest or credenza.
For all of my animal-object collecting, I’m sad to say that I do not have anything like this!! How precious is this Curly Horn Ram’s Head from Wisteria?? Hang surrounded by some related prints, or small-scale gilt frames picked up at a swap meet to build up it’s presence on a wall; or hang it alone on a chocolate brown or navy blue lacquered wall to let it really pop on its own! What an awesome idea for a powder room, entry-way, or landing. Animal planet for sure!
Tags: carolyn thomas, charley harper prints, jayson home and garden, ram's head, throw, vivre
Categories: guest bloggers, home+decor •
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