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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WHEN IN DOUBT...

Ok, kids, here's the deal. I cannot for the life of me decide on a sofa for my apartment. For a long time now, I've been dreaming of this one because I love the petite shape and how feminine it is, and it's actually quite comfortable. But then I saw this one...

And it was love at first peek! My default setting for moments of panic and confusion when it comes to my interiors (and my closet for that matter) is to go with black and white. And while it is, admittedly, a very safe choice, it's also very classic.

I adore the black trim detail and how cozy the piece looks. And, there will still be plenty of color in my own space to keep things soft and playful. While I'd be looking at doing it in a bit more modern shape, I'd keep the skirt and all. Still feminine and traditional, but a very different look from my original inclination... so what do you think? Do I go for it?

*images via hgtv.ca interior design by irene langlois

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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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ROOM OF THE WEEK 10.13

I sort of get the feeling you could throw almost any old furniture in this room and it would still look good because oh my lord,  those walls and that ceiling!!

The contrast of modern geometric with über classic is what this space is all about! The ceilings vs. the walls. The chaise lounge vs. the cocktail table. It strikes a perfect mix to me - respecting the old architecture of the home while adding in elements that bring it up to date in a way that really works. And how about that yellow band of color around the whole space? A brave, bold choice, but I do think it lends a little playfulness to the room. If you look hard enough at the reflection in that mirrored screen, you can also see a brightly painted turquoise hutch. The owner obviously isn't afraid of color!

What do you think about this fun mix and match? Is it lacking anything for you? Would you have chosen a different color for the paint? Perhaps add another layer with a rug? Discuss!

*image found via sarah catherine design

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ROOM OF THE WEEK: 9.22

This week's room is brave. Much more brave than I'll ever be. It's also quite on trend with its mix of print and pattern and glamour into a boho luxe little living room...

If someone handed me all these elements and told me to make a room out of them, I probably could. If someone gave me a blank canvas and told me they wanted a mix of print and pattern, this is so not what I would come up with! Which is why I really admire the space for working in the way it does.

Let's dissect, shall we? The chairs are the same exact style, done in two different fabrics which helps from things getting too crazy. The large scale rug on the floor grounds the space and doesn't compete with the smaller scale patterns on the chair and sofa. The chair pattern is also more of a medium scale, while the sofa is a small scale (see how even from this vantage point, you don't register it as a busy pattern?). Mixing scale in pattern is the number one key to success when executing a space like this.

The lack of clutter on the shelves (all books, no chotchkies), the use of the same brass finish on the side tables, and of course a balance of neutrals and solid colors mixed in bring it all together.

Could you live in this mix? I think I actually could!


*image via red online shot by dan duchars

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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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ROOM OF THE WEEK 9.15

As I've been hunting for inspiration for my own living room, I've realized that there's really no other way to describe my style than perfect eclectic...

Not boho eclectic. Not crazy cat-lady eclectic. It's an OCD person's version of eclectic. And this is pretty close to it. It works for me because while there is a small mix of patterns, styles and textures, everything still has its place. They are minimal layers, and bits of color, and it certainly has that feeling of being put together over time. I could, however, do without not one but two tree stumps. (Kinda over it and hello, I live in Seattle. We have enough trees.) This is also a crazy amount of seating in one area, but hey, I like to have parties and I like my guests to have somewhere to sit, so I won't complain too much. Last little note? I like some white space between my mantle and my mirror - that piece should be drawing the eye up! But what I do love is the mix of leather, wovens, bamboo, fabric, stripes, florals, and lacquer all in one space... and all working together. What do you think?

*image via elements of style

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BLUSH + JADE

Two completely different variations of this pink, grey, green and white palette...


I'm loving them both. Which would you pick if you had to? I usually opt for cleaner, but in this case, I think I'll go with the first layered look. I just love the glow the room gets from those blushing walls...

This color combination will be making an appearance in the new apartment for sure, but not quite in these tones. I'll have some peeks at my progress to share with you soon! 


*images via lonny mag and emma's design blogg

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ROOM OF THE WEEK (ALL OR NOTHING)

I've recently discovered a new designer and her website is making me want more more more! Her name is Wendy Schwartz and her style is fabulous for two reasons...

This would be the first. A delightfully simple, fresh, cozy and glamorous bedroom that I would love to roll myself into at the end of a long day. In my book, one can never go wrong with white and gold, but I love the mix of styles and textures here. The plush headboard and frame, the large scale pattern on the rug, the tone on tone wallpaper pattern and lighting with serious impact are combining into a world of goodness for me here.

But then there's this...

The very opposite of the somewhat minimalist concept in the first room, the common vein in all of Wendy's designs is certainly the glamour factor. And you know we love us some glamour over here at c+k! I adore big bold design in little rooms like this. There is a lot going on, but it doesn't feel cluttered - more of a visual feast, with lots of little treasures to discover. Which is reason number two for loving her style - it's striking a perfect balance.

What do you think? Does your style go one way or the other? Or could you live in both?

*all images via wendy schwartz

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RASPBERRY DREAMS

Could we all just pause for a moment in this hectic day to worship at this altar of raspberry trimmed with gold?

When I was in Las Vegas for market, I attended a panel that Tobi Fairely was speaking on. She mentioned that the best way to infuse color into a home is to do a monochromatic palette because it reads more as a neutral when you layer the same color (maybe different hues) on top of each other. I think this rule applies to this Miles Redd interior perfectly. Is it completely over the top? Sure. But the fact that it's all one shade makes it a little easier to digest.

But, let's be honest. All I really want are those walls.

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LARGER THAN LIFE

When I was last at market (in the winter!) I noticed a slight trend towards playing with scale in furnishings. We've seen this a bit in upholstered goods in the past, but this time it was all about lighting...

This room created for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House by Brad Ford reminded me of how intrigued I was by the idea of a huge pendant or chandelier in a fairly normal sized room. I think the ginormous coffee table, and low lying furniture certainly helps make the case for it working. What do you think?

I'll be in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks for market, and can't wait to see if the trend has continued... and share with you what else is new! 

PS - It happens to be Mr. Ford's birthday today. Perhaps you should tweet him some well wishes? Happy birthday Brad, from all of us at c+k!

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LARGER THAN LIFE

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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 6.9

I know it's not exactly a full room...

But this is exactly where I want to be right now! This light-filled space has just enough playfulness about it (I mean, those flamingo pillows!? yes please!) mixed with fresh modern elements and plenty of white. I'd lounge all day... and wouldn't even have to close my eyes to pretend I was on vacation because this all screams beachy cool to me.

*image from living etc via the decorista

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LILAC + TANGERENE

Some of you may remember that back in January I started dreaming of office space for coco+kelley. Well... the space I had in mind fell through, but I'm determined to find something this summer, and can't wait to decorate! Which - of course - means that I'm dreaming up color palettes...

Just like my home, I imagine I'll want to switch things up in the office here and there, but I do think having a color scheme that I'm drawn to, but might not want in the house, is a great possibility. Which is why I'm seriously considering a little lilac with punches of tangerine...

I really love the mix of modern with Moroccan influences, and the one piece I've had on my wish list for some time  now is the sofa from Crate & Barrel which happens to come in lilac as a stock fabric option (they also have a desk I'm drooling over). I'd love to have a corner of the office space be a sitting area where anyone can get comfy and settle in on the laptop or with coffee and magazines when we need a little break from work - and these pieces would be a fabulous start! What do you think of this scheme?

*images: via veranda, bijou and boheme, and elle decor *room inspiration: lamp by robert abbey, pillow at villa home, azure sofa at crate & barrel, white linen chair z gallerie, inlay table at horchow

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POWER (PATTERN) PLAY

Have you ever found a pattern you loved but thought - there's no possible way I could use this. It's just way too busy to put in my home...

Well, my friends, this is how you do it and get away with it! Keep it simple. If you're going to do this on a traditional sofa, make it a very straight lined mid-century modern style. I love the idea of the bench seats though - the fabric almost appears to float, and all the white helps keep things light!

The fact that the pattern is small scale helps too - the further away you are, the more the pattern blends into a solid. And, did you notice how symmetrical each cushion is? They're exactly the same, helping give order to what could be total visual chaos. That's the work of a professional!  I'm also loving the color punches added to the rest of the room - especially the ceiling! Very well played.

*interior design by alexandra angle

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ROOM OF THE WEEK 4.14

Every once in I while I have to indulge in a Room of the Week that is simply lustworthy. There is no way in my lifetime I will ever really be able to replicate it, as I don't foresee occupying a home in which there are so many extra rooms I can devote one to just this...

But, that's what happens when you take over large home in the English countryside. With 40 rooms. (No, I'm not kidding.) They turned the ballroom into the kitchen and dining area, devoted one room for legos, and another created a stunning space complete with Venini chandelier for ping pong tournaments. (Still not kidding.) But this space is definitely my favorite.

The room is what modern day princesses dream of for their informal drawing room. A perfect feeling of indoors and out. A place to lounge with piles of magazines for hours and hours. I love it so much, I made it the first thing I see every morning by making it my desktop image (trust me - the bigger you blow it up, the better it gets). Now, instead of looking out my window at the dreary rain when I need a break from work, I simply close all my desktop windows and stare at this for a few minutes. Then I sit back, take a deep breath, and imagine what the good life must feel like...

*for the entire article and slide show, visit t magazine

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ROOM OF THE WEEK: 4.7

I'm not sure what else I can possibly say about this room but... divine...

We got to pick up a fresh copy of the May Elle Decor at High Point and I literally gasped when I saw the Tony Duquette malachite window treatment in this stunning living room belonging to Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Alamada. Their whole home is beautiful - full of a mix of antiques punctuated with modern touches - but the lightness of this room is what makes it the most appealing to me.

Yes, it's a bit formal (you'll notice there's no sofa to flop down on), but it's soft and welcoming at the same time. I think I'd be just as content curling up in those Marquise-style chairs and enjoying the sunshine streaming in through the windows. Oh! And that small doses of citron accent? They use it throughout too and it keeps things feeling really fresh.

On a side note, I found it interesting that the theme of this May issue was 'Top Designers Redefine Glamour' after my article on the Bunny Williams space from the Feb/March Elle Decor where I literally used the same phrase and suggested similar ideas of comfort meeting sophistication. I guess that means we're all in agreement that our idea of glamour in the home is due for a shakeup!

*photography by simon upton

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A RECURRING THEME...

Not that I usually recommend one color palette for an entire home (unless you have a very small space to work with) but....



The mix of rich teal with pops of red has been one that just seems to stick with me! Yesterday I reported from my twitter that there is still a big surge of teal in the marketplace - we saw it in lots of leather goods in High Point - but my favorite way to use it is definitely as a base for the room - whether on the walls, cabinets or floors - with that pop of red and plenty of natural light so it doesn't feel too heavy. Do you think this a color scheme that's doable for your home?

*images via traditional home, domino and lonny

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ROOM OF THE WEEK 3.17

It's time for some fresh, fun glamour for this week's Room of the Week! I'm totally swooning for these adjoining rooms and the way the bright pinks + patterns are playing off each other while traditional pieces and modern lines mix in seamlessly...


Do you recognize the fabric on the sofa? It's a fun little Josef Frank print, which I seriously covet. I love all the gilded details too (of course!) and can you ever go wrong with that simple acrylic coffee table? I think not.

I had to point out the art in the dining room because it really connects the two areas together. The designer made an obvious choice to have the rooms really compliment each other because the area definitely could have been treated separately, but by bringing them together it opens up the whole house and makes the space feel  much larger.

I never would have chosen such a pop art-inspired, bold colored piece for this traditional home, but it totally works! One word for this whole space - FUN!

*images via skona hem. ps - for a great josef frank roundup, check out this article on apartment therapy!

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IN THE DETAILS: MUSIC + BRICK + MIRRORS

There's nothing like some unexpected surprise details in a home to make things feel just a little more special... but this first space is over the top in fabulousness...

On top of the gorgeous overall contrast of salvage + modern, the piano tucked under the stairs is what did me in the most. Can you imagine music magically drifting through the space?

One of my other favorite surprises is when ceilings are given a little extra attention - in this case beautifully rounded exposed brick with a glamorous chandelier makes for a stunning rustic meets traditional look.

And, finally, a perfect example of practical meets pretty with this collection of antique gilded mirrrors as an accent to the full wall mirror. A fun way to create a little playful moment in an otherwise simple space.

*rooms via tumblr and skona hem

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