ROUNDUP: GRAB A CHAIR!

It's the time of year when our full and happy homes may find themselves in need of some extra seating for all those out of town guests or party goers! And really, there's nothing worse than pulling out some rickety old fold-up chair that feels like it may collapse at any time. So how about investing in something stylish and sturdy this year?

Even my small apartment could easily store a pair of these in a closet or corner! The only question is... which one??

*clockwise from top left: louis folding chair, ballroom party chair, the fifi chair (in a variety of colors!), acrylic folding chair, safari folding chair, lina leather chair, terai chair, classic metal chair

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ROUNDUP: GRAB A CHAIR!

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APARTMENT #26: THE LIVING ROOM LOOK

I finally see a light at the end of my travel tunnel and that means one thing: time to get this house together! I've been putting off committing to a style and palette in the living room because I can't seem to find my focus. So I pulled a few photos yesterday that reflect some of the colors and moods I'm drawn to...



Sometimes being a designer is being a detective. The commonalities in these photos don't necessarily jump out, but they're there. Thankfully, since they're my own inspirations I know what it is I love about them. Try doing that when it's your client pulling inspiration and it's not always so easy!

The biggest challenge for me is finding the balance between fresh and uncluttered. The layers of the room have to be just right. I also need to keep my white walls, so that makes the room a little more high contrast than I'd like, but it will work. The palette will be a variety of blues with rich wood tones and greys. I'm thinking I need to add some green (especially in the office area!) but I love the soft amethyst and mustards that I'm picking up in my inspiration rooms. The key ingredient will be a strong use of black somewhere as well. Now? I just have to pull it all together!

What do you think of the looks? Not coincidentally they involve some of my favorite designers. Can you envision it?

*rooms via celerie kemble for lonny, albert hadley, nate berkus, miles redd, kelly wearstler, deborah needleman for ny mag

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APARTMENT #26: THE LIVING ROOM LOOK

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SCREENED IN

I've been playing with different layouts and furniture possibilities for my apartment (Are you ready for me to be done with it already? Yeah, me too.) and one thing I know I'm going to need for sure is a big screen in the corner...

Why? Because I'm a little bit crazy about hiding my clutter, and I'm a little bit too busy to be constantly organized, so I've decided that a screen is the best solution. When I have guests over, I certainly don't need them staring at my pile of receipts waiting to be filed, or my fabric sample explosion.

So, yes, behind the screen will be a desk. And a chair. And a lot of piles of things.

Now the question is... what kind of screen?


Do I go bold with prints or color all the way to the ceiling? 

Or, there's always mirrors. Oh, I how I love the idea of a mirror! But I'm not sure I need that much reflection in my little space while I'm trying to watch TV.

Or, do I keep things simple and integrate them into the decor a little more and create a subtle, but architectural feel?

Have any of you integrated screens into your decor? Are they decorative, or functional? Or maybe a bit of both?

*images via veranda, decor pad here and here, elle decor, house beautiful, barbara franceski shot by angie seckinger for casa claudia, sally steponkus, nuevo estilo

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SCREENED IN

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ROOM OF THE WEEK 8.25

The layout of this room in itself is enough to make it a nominee the Room of the Week. But the white walls, collection of antique, traditional and vintage furniture, and sweet little details? That pretty much sealed the deal.

It's always a challenge to put together a multifunctional space, but I think this one is setting the bar. The richer wood tones and blue accents help the room from being too washed out, and there is a perfect balance of old and new as well. Something I'm working on achieving in my own space right now - and it's more of a challenge than I thought! I also like that it's not trying too hard to appear to quirky and mismatched, but it has those elements (mostly in the artwork and the variety of lighting).

More than anything though, these are the types of spaces that make me realize how much (or should I say little?) we really need to make a space beautiful and functional. I'm taking this lesson right into my own home and keeping only the essentials this time around. I have to say... it's a fabulous feeling!

*image via here

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ROOM OF THE WEEK 8.25

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BLACK + WHITE BOUDOIR

If yesterday's post on Delfina's pied-à-terre didn't hint that this was coming, well, then someone wasn't paying attention... 

*ahem*. My current bedroom inspiration. White, black and gold. I am in love. The fabric will either be used for drapes or upholstering a chair I currently own that needs a little facelift. I want the shapes and a few acent pieces to hint at a Moroccan influence without going too over the top. I may, however, need to purchase a small authentic Moroccan wedding blanket or rug to balance all the 'new' and keep things from getting overly Hollywood Regency. And for the record - that dresser? It's a changing table. If you can point me in the direction of a dresser that looks exactly like this, I'll take it, but I'm currently fantasizing about those deep drawers...


*resources: mirror and lamp by made goods, fabric by p kaufmann, headboard by serena & lily, changing table by nurseryworks.

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BLACK + WHITE BOUDOIR

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HOME SWEET HOME...

I'm taking one more day off of work to attempt to get settled into my new place as much as possible. So, while I'm doing that... wouldn't you like a little tour?? I snapped some pics while the place was still empty so you can see what I'm working with. Here we go!

You enter right into a little hallway, which takes you into the living area...

A huge selling point for the apartment were the big windows and tons of natural light! Not to mention decent hardwood floors. The space to the right will be the breakfast nook area... at least that's the plan for now!


I'm still not positive on how the furniture is all going to layout - I have a few options - but I'm fairly sure my desk will go against this far wall.

Back down the hall is the bathroom...

It's the only space I don't really love - mostly because they've painted it a creamy color that I can't stand and the maroon tile isn't helping either. I'm going to go with a lot of white and grey to try and balance it out.

From the bathroom, we're back in the entryway! Another big selling point? Tons of closet space... 

The only awkward moment is the fact that the front door basically opens into the bedroom door. However, that little extra length in the bedroom? Totally worth it!


I have a feeling the bed will end up centered in front of the window once I get a headboard! For now, it's against the left wall, which is also nice as it keeps the room really open.

And now? I need some furniture! I have some small pieces that I've brought in, but I'm selling my sofa, and will still need a coffee table, dining table, chairs, desk, and dresser. Not to mention some lighting, mirrors and other accessories. And eventually a TV (preferably before baseball playoffs and college basketball season - the only reason I even want one!). But - just like I tell my clients - I'm trying not to rush into purchasing things just to purchase. First I need a stronger vision for each room and time to hunt down some great quality pieces, both new and old.

So... what do you think? Any ideas of your own you'd like to share? I'd love to hear them!

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HOME SWEET HOME...

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APARTMENT #26: THE INSPIRATION

This weekend I got the keys to my new apartment. #26. Which is also my birthday. I think it's a sign? After walking into this big empty space all by myself I realized... this is the first time I've had my own place in four years. It's strange to not have to compromise on a design to fit a struggling budget or a boy. Strange and exhilarating!

So, naturally, I spent a little time this weekend pondering the design of the space - and here's what I've got started...

I've got all white walls, light hardwood floors and big windows (photos of it all will be coming soon!) so most of these picks play off of those elements. I know that in the dining nook I'll want a bench seat, but also some chairs that are either the dark Thonet style or upholstered in a fun fabric. I'm trying to keep things small scale as it'll help give me flexibility with the layout and keep the space feeling uncluttered as I'll have to squeeze in my desk, living, and dining area all in one room.

Now that I've got a little bit of direction, I'm working on a color scheme and sourcing actual pieces! Stay tuned my friends - this is going to be a great little project to add to the blog!

To check out my sources and inspiration as I go, follow the apartment possibilities on pinterest!

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ROOM OF THE WEEK (BUT WHAT KIND OF ROOM IS IT?)

I adore the work of photographer Eric Piasecki and actually had several rooms that he's shot up for Room of the Week today, but I decided to go with this one. Why? Because I think a little conversation needs to be had...

I love this space. But what is it? Or what could it be? As I start brainstorming layout ideas for my new apartment, I keep look at this thinking that maybe it really is a great all in one space? Sofa, dining table, storage, bar... yup it's got just about everything... But does that make it highly functional or completely confusing? I actually adore every piece and detail - especially the scale and finishing details of the furniture and those warm walls... I'm just not sure it's defined enough?

What do you think? Is it a just a pretty face in a sunny spot, or does it have potential to be translated into a little apartment setup?

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ROOM OF THE WEEK 7.7

This week's room had me at hello with the extremely high-gloss black lacquered walls...

But, there's another reason I wanted to make it highlight it too: the layout. I've been hunting lately for an apartment large enough to also include a bit of office space. Trying to find just the right place and imagining how each empty room might possibly work as a living room, office and dining room has proven a challenge in creativity to say the least!

But this room! This could be the perfect solution! A cozy sectional sofa, a big 'ol table to work on and dine on. And, where that console is, a little desk to to stash the paperwork and office pieces. I'm picturing how that armchair could actually double as a desk chair too. While we're at it, I'll also take the huge windows (must have plenty of natural light!) the trellis-patterend rug, and drapes to separate the bedroom from the living space!

*via pinterest

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ROOM OF THE WEEK 7.7

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