Finding The Perfect Sofa

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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. 

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Hotel Design: The W Retreat & Spa Vieques

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The trendy and very glamorous bar and lobby of The W Retreat & Spa on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, is full of colorful passion. With wide open spaces and intimate seating areas, this space is at one grand, but cozy. The gray floors, allow the sofa and arm chairs to unleash their bright and colorful fury. The cluster of ceiling fixtures towards the center of the space creates interest as they add an element of surprise to the space. The pillows bring texture to the sofa. The sofa is quite interesting as each individual seat can be separated and unused individually. The blue vase and red drum extend splashes of color to another side of the bar. 

http://www.wvieques.com/

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 hotel in your home is to bring in much texture and color. Texture can be brought in through rugs, pillows or throws. Color can be brought in through vases, paint or furniture. The 21st century Italian red metal chair, with a cement base, is from Modern Artifacts. I choose this chair as it resembles those featured in the hotel. The vintage 1930s and 40s French and Belgium vases are from Jon Howell Antiques and Design. They too resemble the vases featured in the hotel. The 1960s Murano glass Italian pendant is from Pegaso Gallery Design. This pendant picks up the hints of color found in the arm chairs, sofa, and pillows. The pendant also picks up the gray stone floors and bar top. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug brings in the textures found in the pillows as well as the various color found throughout the hotel. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

The Heart Of The Kitchen

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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.

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Room Spotlight: A Touch Of The 70s

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The drawing room of designer Peter Mikic and TV producer Sebastian Scott is full of 70s touches. I love the Sciolari chandelier's mixture of metal and glass, the two materials work beautifully together. The sofa is upholstered in velvet. I love the idea of having a large sofa in a space as each person has enough room to spread out and kick up their feet. The dark wall color and white moldings are very clean and not imposing, so I find the pattern on the rug and colorful art pieces to bring a much needed kick to the space. The midcentury French cocktail table is perfect for the space as it mirrors the shape of the sofa. 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.

Spaces I'm Loving: Part III

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's eclectic mix of styles

The way the furniture is positioned adds to the space's eclectic feel. My favorite piece in this space is the Brutalist style sculpture that sits on top of the console table. The tiled stairs give the space a more Mediterranean touch, which contrasts with the Asian, modern, and contemporary pieces. What do you love about this space? 

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's traditional elegance with a modern touch

This space is full of beautiful traditional and modern pieces. The surrealist painting over the fireplace works beautifully with the ornately decorated sofa. What makes this mix of styles work in one space is the colors. The red moves from the painting to the chair, to the pillows, to the flowers. The blue moves from the painting to the chair to the sofa to the lamp shade. What do you love about this space? 

http://www.lonnymag.com/decorate/dining_spaces

Why I Love This Space: I love this space's Asian eclectic mix

The furnishings in this space are very elegant, laid back, and have a great Asian pop to them. What gives this space its laid back feel is the low seating, sofa and pillows. The deep green walls and wall murals give the space a natural earthy feel. What do you love about this space?

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's 60s style glamour

The Warren Planter furnishings are the perfect pieces for a 60s inspired space. The painting is my favorite piece in this space. Without the painting the space would not tie together. The shag rug is great because, it gives the space a dose of texture and feels great under your feet as the floors are stone. What do you love about this space?

Room Spotlight: Classic Meets Tropical Chic

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This brilliant blue and white space is designed by Ralph Lauren. I love its casual yet sophisticated feel and nautical accents. The fireplace mantle is a great natural element, it's not flat and one tone or texture. The traditional chandelier is a perfect contrast to the laid back atmosphere Lauren was going for in this space. The green plant in the white jug, in front of the curtain is a great burst of wild energy. The small chair next to the fireplace can also dual as an ottoman for one of the arm chairs. Behind the sofa is a console table. Whenever I place a sofa in the center of a space, I love to place a console table behind it, as it grounds the sofa. Playing with woods, blues, and whites in a space is a great way to create a "beachy" feel. 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. 

 

Fashion Meets Brutalist Design

Look 1

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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

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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.

Space's I'm Loving: Part XIV

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's laid back, chic feel, as well as the pottery and sculpture 

Kelly Wearstler has done it again! This time, she has waved her magic Wearstler wand to design this outdoor seating area at her California home. The seating area was actually featured in Lonny Magazine and was designed to entertain Wearstler on Mother's day. The different pillows, and chairs, are chic, but because of their difference, give the space a more laid back feel. The head sculpture on the table is fabulous, the Mow Hawk hair crystals look like jewelry. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's 1920s/ 1960s feel. It's the perfect mix of old glamour meets modern glamour 

This space has a fantastic 1920s/1960s vibe. The architecture of the space is clearly very turn of the century. Gold leafing, highly decorated moldings, and fireplace with columns. The actual pieces in the space are very 60s. Take for example, the scones, sofa, and arm chairs. The flooring in the space is dark, to allow for the architecture and furniture pieces to speak without competition. You can really see how all the gold accents move through the space. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's use of color, and unique pieces

Talk about a space with a lot of energy. The bright blue arm chairs, sculptural silver sofa, clear standing lamps are all unique pieces that work well together. The bright blue arm chairs have a very 20s feel. My favorite piece in the space would have to be the two clear standing lamps. They have both a vintage feel, but also a futuristic-like feel. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's architecture 

This entry way and Dining area are all about the architecture. The archways, and slightly bending staircase in the entry way, and built in cabinets and old windows in the Dining area are very impressive. These space's feel inviting, simple, and do not compete, rather enhance the architecture. The archways allow for added height, the staircase has a feeling of being grand, but not too over the top. The built in cabinet allows for more square footage, and the original windows make one feel like they are dining in a home with much history. Do you like the space? You can add as little or as much to your home as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

The Color Of October

1.  Templeton Apartment Sofa by Jonathan Adler

2. Boomerang Vintage 1960’s Desk by Maurice Calka

3. Canning Lattice Overlay Pillow by Dransfield & Ross

4. Funky Classic Cone Chair by Vintage Looks

5. Orange Ceramic Lamp 1970 by Benjamin Wilson

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The color orange is one of my favorites. It’s bright, filled with energy and the color of October. As you take your kids out tonight and fill their trick or treat bags as well as yours, take note of some colorful inspiration. Bring any orange element into your home. Above, you'll find some of my favorite orange pieces.

1.  Absolutely, love the white base. Gives the sofa a fresh feel. 2. How could you not love a desk with such curves? 3. It works with any space. Plus it reminds of pumpkins. 4. Stick it in a gothic mansion and it will still look awesome. 5. I'm in love with 1970's French vintage. 

You can add as little or as much orange to your home as you want. Don’t follow rules, just do.

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Spaces I'm Loving: Part VII

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's deep wood walls and coffered ceilings. 

This space has all the right elements to give it a classic, elegant vibe. I'm a huge fan of the deep wood walls, against the white furniture, the walls have a glamourous 20s vibe. The oversized sofa's are perfect for such a large space, they give the space a cozy feel. When decorating in larger spaces be sure to use large sized furniture so that the space has an intimate feel. Coffered ceilings are the right choice for any home. They make the space feel taller and add much architectural detail. 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.

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Why I Love This Space: I love the use of stone in this space

The mix in stones looks gorgeous in this space. The bathroom feels elegant and has a great energy. Don't be afraid of mixing different stones, just be sure to use the same colored stones, so that the space feels cohesive. The wall stone extends onto the ceiling, this look gives the ceiling a unique architecture. The ceiling fixture is soft and simple, it contrasts from the busy feel of the space. 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.

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Why I Love This Space: I love that this space is filled with mixed-period furniture

The space is full of great furniture. From classic artwork to 70s sofas and lamps, this space has something for everyone. The rounded sofa is great for conversations. In a large space like this, it's the right choice. The different platform levels gives the space a "theater" feel. The floors and platforms are carpeted which allows for one to sit and relax wherever they please. 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. 

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Why I Love This Space: I love this space's simple clean design and darker Middle Eastern furniture

The clean white walls and deeper colored Middle Eastern furnishings, such as the arm chair next to the column, fireplace screen, and chaise lounge, look beautiful. The fireplace has a commanding place in perspective of the room. The more lighter, traditional style furniture give the space a casual, relaxed elegance. Mixing lighter and darker furniture is always a smart choice. 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.  

French Elegance With A Contemporary Edge

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Designer and Architect Robert Couturier, designed this 9,000 square foot Manhattan penthouse to suite the needs of a couple that craved French interiors. The penthouse, a 1920s gem overlooking Central Park, had not been updated since the 1970s. Courtier stripped the home of its dark wood paneling and gave it energy, with a home that is French, yet does not feel stuck in the past. (ABOVE) In the Study, Louis XVI arm chairs upholstered in silk velvet, gives the space its French feel. What gives this space its contemporary edge is the sofa, coffee table, and standing lamp. If you find yourself a French interior design lover, try contrasting your antique French pieces with modern ones to give your space a more current look. (BELOW) The way in which Courtier planned the Living Room, allows for multiple conversation areas, as well as the ability to move and reconfigure its layout. The sofa, 1970s French Plexiglas arm chairs, and upholstery of the Louis XV duchesse en bateau, give the space its contemporary edge. However, the wall treatment, and Louis XVI mahogany cabinet are uniquely 17th century French. 

http://www.elledecor.com/decorating/articles/francophile-fantasy-new-york

Create This Look In Your Home:

These pieces are both Traditional and Contemporary French. The 1820s French Empire Mahogany Chest is from Jean-Marc Fray. The 1930s French Chandelier is from Artisan. The 1970s Pierre Folie Fauteuil is from Miguel Saco Gallery. By incorporating these pieces or similar ones in your space, you will achieve the look of "French Elegance with a Contemporary Edge". You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.