(BAD) Blog About Design

The Family Room

http://www.kwid.com

The Family Room of your home is a great space to unwind at the end of the day. Family Room’s are an awesome space to have for those privileged with a little more square footage. Family Room’s are casual, easy going and on average, used more than living rooms. Place the TV in your Family Room. Living Room’s should be kept for more formal entertaining, a TV in your Living Room will receive much traffic. In addition, don't place your TV set in a media cabinet. Either above a fireplace, free standing, or on top of a beautiful console is the way to go. Add enough seating to your Family Room. Whether you buy a few sofas or a couple armchairs, seating is a necessity. You can add as little or as much to your Family Room as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://marymcdonaldinc.com/

Labels: Design, how to

Why I Love Living Rooms

http://www.kellywearstler.com/

The living room is where you relax. It’s where you talk with friends and family. I love living rooms because of their versatility. A living room can be a place where you kick your feet up and watch TV and it can be a place where you prohibit your children from entering. I strongly believe that living rooms should be open to everyone. Keep it inviting and innovative. Pull your sofa away from the walls. I have seen many living rooms where all the furniture hugs the walls. The center of your living room is the best place to position furniture as it is perfect for conversation. Accessorize, by adding pieces that are meaningful to you such as a book or lamp, this will turn your house into a home. Make sure your living room has the right ‘flow’, keep entrances and exists wide open. In addition, add much texture. Whether the texture is on a lamp shade, blanket or pillow, using texture allows you to add another dimension to a space. Don’t buy living room furniture sets. Having all the same furniture is boring and does not display emotion. Mix and match your furniture. Vintage, Eco, Classic and Traditional furniture can be placed in the same room and still work. Lastly, be sure to add bold lighting so that your living room has an inviting feel. You can add as little or as much to your living room as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Living-Room

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/designer-living-rooms

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Living-Room

Labels: Design, how to, living room

Finding The Perfect Sofa

http://www.jonathanadler.com/images/id/shelter01.jpg

http://www.ruemag.com/gallery/living-rooms/?nggpage=2

http://interiordesignhouses.com/kelly-wearstler-interior-design-housing-project-by-yossawat

Finding The Perfect Sofa can be a difficult undertaking. Color, style, and size is a common concern of sofa buyers. Trust your gut. When your finding a sofa to suit you and your family’s lifestyle what catches your eye can be a great buy. Choose a sofa that is good quality. Sofa’s generally don’t get the best treatment, especially in a family room or den. A better quality sofa will last longer over time and will save you money as you won’t have to buy a new one periodically. Sofa’s that are soft are a necessity. If a leather sofa is what you want then buy one, just make sure it’s comfortable. When you have finally found the right sofa don’t go overboard and buy three or four of them. Less is always more. In addition, too many sofa’s in one room leaves little room for originality. You can buy a traditional sofa for a modern room or a modern sofa for a traditional room. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://Kaboodle.com

http://www.elledecor.com/files/web/images/interior-design-MH1109-wearstler-001.jpg

Labels: Design, how to, sofa

Room Spotlight: A New York Family Room

http://www.architecturaldigest.com

How gorgeous is this Family Room designed by Delphine Krakoff? The New York townhouse is very clean and simple, a break from the hustle and bustle right outside. The art piece over the fireplace mantle was done by Frank Stella. The art piece to the right was done by Yoshimoto Nara. These two pieces really make the space. The furniture is very simple, and minimal. I love the two black arm chairs, and Benni Ourain rug. The most beautiful feature in the space is hands down the two story window overlooking the courtyard. The amount of light and nature that enters this New York townhouse from that window is amazing. What do you think of the space? Which piece is your favorite? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Labels: Design

Room Spotlight: Classic Glamour With A Twist

http://cabbagerose.tumblr.com/post/568821301/den-kelly-wearstlers-home

My heart melted when I found this fantastic space for this edition of Room Spotlight. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, this Family Room is classic with a twist. The two Terrazza DS 1025 sofas are by far my favorite. These 1970s sofas are functional as they can be joined. I love all the unique details in this space, such as the foot on the table, checkered box and orb vase. The two interesting funnel shaped lamps work beautifully with the checkered painting, accessories, and rug. The floor lamps next to each sofa are great for reading as they provide direct light. Normally I want to tear down wood paneling in a space, however, the wood paneling in this space works. It's clean, elegant, and adds a touch of classic glamour. Despite there being many unusual objects, each item in this space has its own voice. What do you love about this space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Labels: Design

The Heart Of The Kitchen

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Dining-Room

Memories are made, laughter is heard. The breakfast nook right off the kitchen, is a place where you’ll gather with your family and friends. Why not make the breakfast nook the heart of the kitchen? Now think, is your heart going to be hard like an old wood four legged chair? Or is it going to be soft and lush like a sofa? When designing your breakfast nook, put to rest the standard table and four bland chairs. Add a sofa to your breakfast nook, don’t worry if it looks like it belongs in a living room. A sofa is a great way to bring people around the table, and add texture to a defined space, such as a kitchen. In addition, a sofa can possess much needed glamour. Choose a table that is round. A round table enhances conversation. Finally, add a great rug, pillows, and some color. The breakfast nook is the perfect escape from the upright, formal feel of a dining room. You can add as little or as much to your breakfast nook as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://www.kellywearstler.com/avalon.html

Labels: breakfast nook, Design, Home, how to

Fashion Meets Brutalist Design

Look 1

http://maciejratajski.blogspot.com/2011/08/fk-yeah-brutalism.html

The Monument, Villa-Lobos Park, Sao Paolo, Brazil is an example of Brutalist Architecture. The clean lines and raw concrete material of the structure are the core of Brutalism. What fascinates me about this structure is the large overhang. It is extremely functional as it protects the stage from the elements, yet has a remarkable form. The seating that spans the outside of the stage has built in stairs, which is a unique design element and allows for easy access to the stage.

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this Brutalist structure in your home is to bring in neutral colors, concrete, and minimal clutter. Neutral colors can be brought in through rugs, furniture and paint. Concrete can be brought in through tabletops and sculptures. Minimal clutter is all about pieces that have modern finishes, and not too much details. The 1940s Steel and Rush chair is by Colette Gueden and from Alan Moss. The Rush seat and back are in the same color family as the structure. The Steel frame has clean lines, as does the structure. The 1960s winged Brass Brutalist chandelier is by Feldman Co. and from Dolce. The chandelier’s jagged edges resemble the structures cracked surface. In addition I choose the chandelier because, it is in the true spirit of Brutalism. The 20th Century lime green glazed bowl is by Otto + Gertrud Natzler and from Archer. The simple finish and rich green color resembles both the grass and simplicity of the structure. The brown rim of the bowl is in a similar color family as the structure. The vintage 1970s abstract Ceramic bust is from Showplace Antique + Design Center. If you look at the structure’s overhang you will notice solid grayish stripes running horizontally. In between the stripes is a brownish color. I choose the Ceramic bust because, it mirrors the variation in color of the structure’s overhang. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The delicate vertical stripes mirror the structures seating and stairs.

Dress It Up This Way:

This look resembles aspects of both the structure and featured home look. The black leather and wool bomber jacket with curved shoulders is by Rick Owens. The jacket’s clean lines greatly resemble the clean lines of the structure. The knee length pleated herringbone wool skirt is by Mulberry. The skirt’s pleated design, and Yves Saint Laurent shoes resemble the structures stairs and seating. The leather Edie purse is from J. Crew. The mint colored purse and Paloma Crystal sunglasses resemble the grass.

Look 2

http://www.interiorarcade.com/

This fascinating room is designed by architect Guilherme Torres. The room is the essence of Brutalism because, it uses concrete, the furniture has angular forms and the structural materials of the building are exposed. The blue sofa has many patterned pillows on it. The patterned pillows break the clean minimalist design and give the space more color and warmth. The textured rug has a rough surface which is quite popular in Brutalist spaces. The low hanging chandelier is a smart idea because, of the high ceilings. In addition, the low hanging chandelier provides effective light which lessens the need of a table lamp.

Create This Look In Your Home:

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this Brutalist space in your home is to bring in a gray color palette with a splash of color, concrete, and texture. Gray can be brought in through tabletops, furniture and paint. Concrete can be brought in through chairs and sculptures. Texture can be brought in through rugs, pillows, and plush materials. The 1960s jeweled crystal and Chrome pendant is by Lobmeyr and from Decorum. The pendant’s beautiful crystals resemble the chandelier used above the desk. The pendant’s clean lines and simple form resemble the overall look of the space. The 1960s ribbon chairs are from Robert Dickson and Lesley Rendall. The chairs white color and form resemble the desk chair and lamp shades. The silver frame resembles the exposed building materials. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rugs striking color add an element of surprise. In addition, the rug’s texture resembles the vast array of pillows on the sofa.

Dress It Up This Way:

This look resembles aspects of both the space and featured home look. The outfit is from the Spring 2012 collection by Louis Vuitton. The bold blue color is in the same color family as the sofa, the gentle flowers resemble the patterns on the pillows. The white sunglasses with gold detail are from the Spring 2012 collection by Louis Vuitton, they resemble the rug and desk chair. The white paper box-style leather clutch bag is by Maison Martin. The simple clutch and Satin Charlotte Olympia pumps mirror the overall simplicity of the space. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Labels: Architecture, Design, Fashion

Missing From Your Closet + Cyber Day Deals

(1) 30% off--Roberto Cavalli Printed Crepe Jersey Dress, (2) Dannijo Luna Earrings, (3) Equipment Exciter Stud Print Silk Shirt, (4) 40% off--Miu Miu Suede Platform Pumps, (5) 50% off--Jonathan Saunders Roselyn Printed Pencil Skirt, (6) Kelly Wearstler Metallic Leather Clutch, (7) Topshop Necklace, (8) Le Specs X Henry Holland - Hoodie Sunglasses, (9) 30% off--Chloe Fringed Patent Leather Loafers, (10) Closet

Happy Cyber Monday! I'm so excited to get back to blogging today after the long Thanksgiving weekend. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving I had to go into surgery to have something removed from my right side. All I can say is--I'm glad to be out of the operating room. Hopefully a full recovery is not going to take too long. How was everyone's Thanksgiving and Black Friday? I was so fortunate to have my family change their plans and come over to my place for Thanksgiving! My surgery prevented me from driving, so it was such a treat to have my family come to me AND cook! Speaking of food... check out my food board on my Pinterest.

Being Cyber Monday, there are SO many fabulous online deals. Here are a few:

Alice & Oliva: 20% off site wide

ASOS: 30% off use code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL

Bloomingdale's: $50 off $250, and 50% off a great selection of products

Charm & Chain: 35% off site wide use code LOVEIT

DVF: Additional 30% off sale items use code HOLIDAYSALE2012

French Connection: Free express delivery EXPRESS12

Henri Bendel: 30% off orders of $100 or more use code CYBER12

Intermix: 15% off regular priced merchandise use code CYBER15

Kate Spade: 75% off select merchandise and free shipping over $200

LN-CC: 20% off full priced pieces use code LNCYBERCC

Max & Chloe: 25% off site wide plus get free tote use code CYBER12

Net-A-Porter: 50% off select merchandise

Oxygen Boutique: 20% off full priced items use code CYBERMONDAY2012

Rebecca Minkoff: 50% off select merchandise

SSense: 30% off select merchandise

Shopbop: Up to 70% off select merchandise use code BIGEVENT12

Yoox: Up to 40% off select merchandise use code YOOXTHANKS

Labels: Fashion

Room Spotlight: Elegant Chic

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/style-Eclectic/keyword-William-Waldron

This Bedroom featured in Elle Decor, made me catch my breath for a split second, when I came across it on Pinterest. The plush materials, and old-fashioned mantle give the space a wonderfully elegant look. The side table with a metal base and wood sculpture give the space an element of surprise. Despite the many objects used in this space, the room does not feel cluttered, but cozy. The walls are upholstered in Heritage velvet by Ralph Lauren, they ground the space with their deep color. The lighter furniture pieces and mantle stand out against the wall color, therefore, the space does not feel dark. The fur blanket and pillows, give the space a glamorous edge. Bringing furs into a space is a great way to give your space a cozy feel. In my own home I have a decorative chair similar to the one in front of the fireplace. Decorative chairs are beautiful pieces of art, I suggest buying one for your home. What do you love about the space?

I chose these pieces as they can easily be placed into the space, because they are in the same color family, and style. The 1825 French Mahogany chest is from Jean-Marc Fray Antiques. The 1970s Cubist chandelier by Curtis Jere is from Dual. The 19th century French chair is from Jayson Home. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Labels: Design

Your Walls Are Your Canvas

http://lookbook.elledecor.com/Dining-Room-Eclectic-Design-Solutions:-A-Brighter-Beach-House/id2366

http://www.kellywearstler.com/hillcrestestate.html

With so many ways to decorate your home, people often resort to painting their walls a boring color. Your Walls Are Your Canvas. White, Beige and Gray can look equally attractive and glamorous however, done wrong these colors can create a design catastrophe. Try adding flavor to your walls. Paint is always a great inexpensive option. If you want to give your walls a little more oomph add a pattern. You can achieve a pattern by applying wallpaper, or by placing tape in which ever way you choose on your walls. Paint in between the tape. Wall molding’s are brilliant ways to divide color, add a molding and paint one room multiple colors from the same color family. You can add as little or as much to your walls as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

http://www.kellywearstler.com/piedaterre.html

Labels: Design, Home, how to, walls

Beautiful Fireplaces

http://www.lonnymag.com/issues/32-nov-dec-2011-issue/pages/1

With winter fast approaching, fireplaces are being cleaned and wood is being bought. This fall alone, I have lit my fireplace twice. Fireplaces bring the family together, they keep you warm, and if refinished the right way, fireplaces can make a space look brilliant. (ABOVE) I love old fireplaces. They add timeless elegance to a space. (BELOW 1) The stone on the inside of this fireplace has a great pattern. In addition, the height of the fireplace is beautiful. (BELOW 2) I love the pattern of the fireplace stone against the dark walls. (BELOW 3) I'm not crazy about the interior design of this room, however, the length of this fireplace is great. In addition, the black and white mantel looks brilliant against the lacquered blue panel wall of the fireplace. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.