Saturday, January 28, 2012

Internet Discovery

I am so excited when I stumble upon a great space.  In this instance it's a fabulous kitchen designed by Benjamin Dhong feature on Decorpad.  Once spotted on Decorpad, I quickly searched for Benjamin's website, and perused his portfolio. Benjamin has a knack for mixing materials to create interiors that are as visually calming as they are interesting.  Love the taupe-gray cabinets, gorgeous light fixture and the yellow bar stools!    


The light fixture from Restoration Hardware is stunning!! 

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Ikat

Ikat fabrics can be spotted almost everywhere these days.  Ikat is a pattern textile that is derived from a dyeing technique.  A textile design that's been around for centuries, Ikat is much like tie-dye with the exception that tie-dye is dyed after the fabric is woven, while traditional Ikats are dyed before the fabric is woven.  Check out Kravet's line from Echo Home.  This pattern named "Bansuri" comes in some gorgeous colors.  I am hoping to use the Iris (navy) colorway in Sara's bedroom (Sara is my new adorable teenage client)!   But that is with her approval, of course!!! :)












Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Parsons Console Table


Want a great piece of furniture?  Buy a Parsons console table!  I love the look and versatility of these simply designed console tables.  Here's a little history behind the Parsons table (written by Mitchell Owens for The New York Times):

In the most likely version of the story the French decorator Jean-Michel Frank, the undisputed master of luxurious minimalism, was lecturing at the Paris branch of the Parsons School of Design in the 1930's. According to an oral history in the Parsons archives, Frank challenged students to design a table so basic that it would retain its integrity whether sheathed in gold leaf, mica, parchment, split straw or painted burlap, or even left robustly unvarnished. 

What grew out of Frank's sketches and the students' participation was initially called the T-square table, rigorously plain but with stylistic distinction: whatever its length or width, its square legs were always the same thickness as its top.  

Stanley Barrows, a Parsons student who became one of the school's most celebrated professors, recalled that the student creation was brought to 3-D life in New York by a handyman janitor at Parsons. Exhibited at a student show, the table, whose designer remains unknown, quickly became a favorite of tastemakers on both sides of the Atlantic. 

In America the first Parsons tables were mass-produced in 1963 by two leading furniture companies, Mount Airy and Directional. And since then the design has been knocked off at every conceivable price in every possible material, including plastic.  



Thursday, January 12, 2012

An Engagement!

I am happy to announce that my step-daughter is engaged!! We are so happy for her and our soon-to-be-son-in-law!!  They are both beaming with excitement and we couldn't be happier for them.  The engagement ring is stunning and features a gorgeous diamond flanked by sapphires. Sapphires have long symbolized truth, sincerity and faithfulness, making it the perfect engagement ring!  With blue sapphires the intensity of the blue is the most important factor.  The intensely rich hue in her ring reminds me of my latest obsession..........navy blue.  I've recently suggested the color for a few projects and have used it in both bedrooms and dining rooms.  Here are a few rooms that showcase the use of navy blue as a wall color.


Source unknown









Here are some of my favorite navy blue paint colors:

 Benjamin Moore Kensington Blue # 840


 Sherwin Williams Commodore #SW5624


Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue #HC-156


Best wishes for a Happy Engagement!!!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Daybeds

I've always loved daybeds!  They are a perfect solution in bedrooms with space limitations, but daybeds can make a statement in any room.  Often serving a dual purpose, (sofa/bed) daybeds are great to use in teen bedrooms, home offices and guest rooms.  Check out the beautiful daybeds below.......I'm hard-pressed to choose a favorite.