29 September 2010

Tim Gunn

Tim Gunn at home in Chelsea's London Terrace, NYC
Mr. Gunn is practical, down to earth and minds his budget when it comes to purchases.
The following is an excerpt from USA Today.
Only billionaires can afford real antiques these days, says Gunn, so he typically trawls less lofty places for furnishings--flea markets, family homes and catalogues. "I have to do everything on a budget, boy do I," he says.  That means a rug from Ballard Designs, a screen from Horchow and blue + white vases from Ikea. " I love all those places.  There are lots of great things, and, for the most part, they're pretty affordable.  They make things accessible," he says.  "Bravo, Pottery Barn!"
 his latest book
Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work is delightful.  Tim Gunn is an excellent storyteller and shares wisdom gained from a lifetime of experiences--personal and professional.   When I saw the first season of Project Runway, I became an instant fan.  He has great manners combined with a forthright, respectful demeanor.  Some of the events he shares made me laugh out loud.  If you enjoy him on the show, you will love his book.

28 September 2010

EAT.

totally. love. these.

great fabric collections from calico corners

menswear collection
Beautiful fabrics can really make a room and Calico Corners has some inspiring new collections.  These are my favorites.
suzani collection
asian inspired
french chic
Iman collection
equestrian collection

27 September 2010

some favorites

Two of my favorite things from Ballard Designs--I want this rug in chocolate and this zinc harvest basket from Suzanne Kasler has a gorgeous orange interior.

 I never tire of seeing a beautiful black and white checkered kitchen floor . . .

 or a brown zebra rug
 some industrial lighting above the kitchen table would be a great update, this is from Restoration Hardware
 Beautiful Frances Palmer handmade pottery, I'll take those tomatoes too!

 Fresh flowers add so much to a house.
 Stacks of books! Kevin Sharkey organizes his by color.
an orange Hermès blanket would look great just about anywhere ;)

25 September 2010

brown grey

photo from Martha Stewart Living
We have been living in our current home for just over 7 years and the day after we moved in our living room and dining room were painted.  French country has always been my favorite style but that has changed over the past year or so--now I favor a more eclectic look.  At this point, I am so over my dining room color I want to start painting it today!  A much more neutral palette would update the room nicely.  Martha Stewart's brown grey is beautiful and sophisticated.  The color would work well with our table and chandelier.  This is just one of many projects I have for our house this Fall!
current color

24 September 2010

back to school

My design classes started yesterday--I am taking Principles of Interior Design and Interior Materials, Finishes + Sources this semester.  It was a busy day--after getting both girls off to their respective schools, grabbing my Starbucks, attending 3 hours of class, running a couple errands, school pick-up and a quick appointment at the pediatrician I was wiped!  It didn't help that it was 87 degrees yesterday, that's noodledom for me.  Anyway, I am happy to be back in school with these interesting, creative women soaking it all up :)

Elle Decor

It's always fun to see Elle Decor waiting inside my mailbox.  What a great issue!
The vintage lights above the Lauren's dining room table are amazing.  Not to mention the leather chairs and beautiful frame.  The scale is perfect.
Wouldn't you love to snuggle by that fur throw and read a good book?  Very inviting!
A gorgeous view of the Central Park reservoir from the bathroom.