feminine polish

The Erdem Resort 2013 collection is the perfect blend of tailoring, flirty pattern and feminine material. Each of these elements makes it a wonderful inspiration for a feminine and no fuss interior.

(interiors via Amie Corley and curbed)

shimmering shagreen

Honestly, a year ago I couldn't tell you what shagreen was or what it looked like. However, as of late I cannot stop thinking about it and admiring the beautiful texture it gives each and every piece it touches. I especially love the rough luxe look it creates when paired with the glimmer gold.

(odin side table from dwell studio, lorraine tray from plantation, antique bowl from lille a shop and stool from mecox gardens)

eye candy {cathedral antique show inspiration house}

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love show houses! It is so inspiring to see the creative genius of designers unbridled and unleashed. The Cathedral Antique Show Inspiration House certainly did not disappoint! No matter your personal aesthetic you are sure to find inspiration in this house, whether from the eclectic over the top color...

 

or the serenity of perfectly restrained minimalism.

(all images via Atlanta Homes + Lifestyles)

Celerie Kemble for Merida

I have to credit Celerie Kemble and her first book for helping me discover my love of interior design--so it only makes sense that I love everything she touches! I am very anxiously awaiting the line of rugs (available this summer) she has in the works with Merida. It is inspired by watercolors, chevron, the combination of black + white and ikats. From what I have seen I think the collection will be a new favorite!

And how cute does the catalyst rug look with the Gracie wallpaper in her office?

dining by {tabletop} design

Sparkling conversation and fabulous food are essential elements of a successful soiree. However, the tabletop should not be ignored in the party planning process, as it sets the tone for the evening and gives guests an instant taste of what is in store. Just pulling out a colorful tablecloth, special glassware and having the ambient lighting of tea lights makes a huge impact at a dinner party...

 (malachite tray from plantation design, kate spade accent plates, marimeko table cloth, spectra wine glasses from leif shop and handmade tealight holders from serena and lily)

Or keep the serving pieces and table top simple if the artistry of the food is something you wish to highlight...

(dvf dinnerware, lacquered cork tray from lille a shop, kim seybert brass croc placemat and tina frey resin champagne  bucket)
And it is always fun to trade everyday dinnerware and table decor with whimsical pieces for an evening just with the girls...

(feather tray from jayson home and garden, pink dinner napkins from high street market, table art eucalyptus napkin ring, jonathan adler rocks glass and bowl)

No matter your tabletop style, happy entertaining and have a lovely memorial day weekend! 

fashioning {exteriors}

 My favorite posts to put together have always been those in the fashioning interiors series and I thought why not apply the same concept to exteriors. Outdoor spaces should not be ignored and run the same creative gamut of styles as their interior counterparts, from simply chic sophistication...

to fresh floral and flirtatious...

(via Harper's Bazaar, June 2012 Traditional Home, Brava Casa and Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013)

a secret garden

The old adage has proved true, that April showers do bring May flowers. Blooms are everywhere and the sight and smell of them is such a lovely sensory treat. Maybe one day I can enjoy the flowers of May by going through rose covered garden passageways like these. Just magical!

 (via AD Germany and Veranda)

western flair {leather + turquoise}

Well, there is a big birthday on my horizon - 30! I have to say that I am actually looking forward to it, as I have planned a trip to one of my absolute favorite places for the celebration, Jackson Hole! Which means that I can embrace my love for leather and turquoise. Which leads me to a few accessories I am pondering for my birthday ensemble...

(kara ross full stick necklace, clare vivier clutch and K Jacques sandals)

setting a mood {with Nicole Kidman}

I absolutely adored the Nicole Kidman (and Clive Owen) editorial shoot in the May issue of W Magazine. The photos exuded such a dramatic and enchanting mood. The color palettes were sublime and completely inspired me to translate the palettes into interiors...

 (interior photo scanned from Be Your Own Decorator by Susanna Salk, design by Carol Bokunieicz)

(interior image scanned from Martha Stewart Living November 2011)

evening eye candy {mid-century rustic}

 This home from Nickey Kehoe Design was featured in Domino a few years ago, yet the article did not include the images of the living space (at least I don't think so). I cannot not imagine why it was not included, as whenever I run across it I think "wow, that is exactly what I want my {weekend retreat} living space to look like!" It is the perfect blend of casual comfortable chic. I cannot pick out one element that makes me love it but rather it is just the overall look and feeling, which is a wonderful compliment to the designers..

style me {eclectic palm beach}

It is amazing how aesthetic tastes evolve. I remember my first apartment in Chicago, it was straight out of a Lily Pulitzer catalog and I absolutely adored it. I had kiwi green walls and it was brimming with bright green and pink accents. I have since grown out that look but would happily recreate an ocean side vacation home with the color scheme, perhaps with an added layer of sophistication and eclecticism. My love for this preppy color combination would probably now translate into something a little bit like this...

(lulu dk bamboo wallpaper, peter dunham fig leaf fabric, osborne little belle da mai fabric, NK shop moroccan rug, jackie bergere from kristin buckingham, orbits side table and radcliff etagere from Jonathon Adler)

new + noteworthy {the core collection}

I have long loved the home wares available at Calypso (especially the incredible selection of rugs) and always wished that they carried furniture! Well, today that dream came true when I saw an email pop up on my phone saying they launched the Core Collection, which is a delightful mix of sophisticated and industrial pieces. It has a Restoration Hardware vibe with a glamorous edge.The collection includes upholstered pieces, case goods, lighting and wall decor. A few of the pieces, including my new absolute favorite chandelier...

You can see more of the collection here. What do you think? Do you have a piece you particularly like?

eye candy {fabulous fretwork}

I mentioned a few weeks ago (in this post) that I am currently going crazy for fretwork, just two more
fabulous reasons why...

 

(via AD Espana May 2012)
And seriously for a shower enclosure?! Amazing! Oh, and with antiqued glass walls -- too good to be true. 

Hanging Art

the elements {chic country kitchen}

I just finished reading the new (and amazing!) House Beautiful Kitchen's book, by Lisa Cregan, and it got my mind spinning and dreaming about my ideal kitchen. To be honest, I have an endless number of dream kitchens (don't we all?) -- from the over the top glamorous to utilitarian spaces outfitted for a professional chef. Today I was feeling a little country. What I love the most about this particular dream kitchen is that not only is it chic (it doesn't get more understated chic than a mix of stoneware + gilt tiles for a back splash} but it would be work and be impactful in any size space.

(confetti pendant from Lillian August, horn nesting bowls from Serena and Lily , Kohler Karbon faucet in polished gold, Ann Sacks stoneware elements, Michael Smith for Ann Sacks gilt glass tile, kitchen island from William Sonoma and Schmidt Brothers knife block from West Elm)

How would you describe your dream kitchen?

spring in your step

One of my favorite ways to breathe life into a room is not with paint but with a beautifully colored or patterned rug. They can easily be moved from room to room and require much less commitment than paint. These are my favorite picks for ones that will freshen up your home and surely add a spring to your step...

 

(denim carpet by Madeline Weinrib, cotton dhurrie from Serena + Lily, Udaipur Orange by the Rug Company Diamond Khaki indoor/outdoor rug from Dash & Albert)

(Vis-a-vis rug from Calypso, Ziggy rug from Patterson, Flynn and Martin, Jali rug from the Rug Company and Cameron stripe flat weave from Ralph Lauren)  

Also, I hope that you will check out my favorite pieces that embrace the current dip-dyed trend over on Chicago Home + Garden's blog, Design Dose.

more beautiful bits

While, I am on the topic a few more beautiful bits of black, both  indoors and out...

(Aerin Lauders' Mountain Home via This is glamorous, lovely outdoor sitting area via Mark Sikes, painted door via sara story design,entrance via nuevo estilo)

event inspiration {bits of black}

There should always be a little bit of black in a room - it grounds it. The same rule of thumb also holds true for a well designed event. I love the way that black mixes with parchment, pewter and copper in this palette to create a refined and unpretentious look.

(Chloe Fall 2012 RTW, invitation suite via 100 layer cake,  drink tray via Green Wedding Shoes and Saipua flowers)
Although this palette has a moody feel, black works just as well with more energetic colors.

subdued + splendid

 Do you ever wish you could have a reversible room? One where you could flip a switch and the palette of a room would instantly either be turned up a notch or just let your eyes relax in a neutral space.  This question was sparked when I came across this adorable reversible Marc by Marc Jacobs bag -- it has a classic shape and can be worn in a pewter gray or electric blue. Although the bag looks lovely either way I decided that no, I wouldn't want such a thing to exist in the world of interiors. Color is not all there is to a room. The details, amazing light fixtures and the textures that are chosen to complement a restrained palette would get lost in a sea of Tangerine Tango or whatever the "of the moment "color may be. I know I can't imagine these rooms in bold colors, can you? Pretty jaw dropping just the way they are...

 

(all images via Atlanta Homes + Lifestyles)