Color Outside the Lines

LOVE ... Blue and Gold

2012-01-31T08:00:00.005-05:00

LOVE ... Burlap

2012-01-30T08:16:00.004-05:00

Designer Credit: Brooke Giannetti

Designer Credit: M.Elle Design

Dirty, Sexy, Money - Darlings!

2012-01-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

Until recently, I've not been a big television watcher. Sure, I have my must-watch shows, but for the most part I haven't expanded onto others. I just didn't have the time. But during the arduous waiting of the past couple of months of helping family afar, I've found a bit of relief from painful realities in television, and have come to adore my "fancy movie box" and the glory of Netflix.

For those of you who have Netflix, you understand this already; for those of you who do not: Netflix streaming is essentially an immediately accessible library of television, movies, and documentaries in every genre right at your finger tips, and for only $8/month! Sure, the movies aren't right off the cinema line, and the television shows are past seasons, but it's entertaining none-the-less. Another perk, they recommend new shows and movies based on your viewing ... so when Netflix suggested I watch "Dirty, Sexy, Money" after I watched every single episode of "White Collar" (both seasons 1 and 2) I thought I'd give it a go. Boy, am I glad I did - and you probably will be too!

Set in Manhattan, and based on the fictional Darling family, the premise of Dirty, Sexy, Money is simple: family lawyer (protagonist lead) rushes around during each episode fixing the problems of the Darling family, ultimately seeking clues pointing to whom in family may have killed his father. It's not half bad, but the interiors are spectacular! Designed for television by Maralee Zediker (current set decorator for Hot in Cleveland), the Darling mansion isn't what you'd think of when you put wealthy, old money, New York, and 6-story family compound together.

The main rooms of the mansion are set up enfilade, so we'll start our little tour in the family study:

The Darlings love color! You see a great deal of red throughout the interiors in the Mansion, just like these grand overscaled wingback chairs in the library/study. Shaking hands over an agreement not to share family secrets, the family chauffeur and New York Times reporter shake hands over a walnut trestle table surrounded by leather chairs with a simple, modern line. The room is wrapped in book shelves, and modern art and lighting give the room a youthful, contemporary look - while fitting in perfectly with the traditional architecture.

Same room, looking into the other rooms of the home - this time the table styled with coffee table books and glass decorative objects. Note the corner of the modern line club chair in the left corner, and the round cocktail table to the right. One of the great things about the set of Dirty, Sexy, Money is the changes you see in the set in each episode.

The round cocktail table is gone, in favor of a rolling bar cart filled with crystal decanters, and the books are placed on a floating library table for a "cleaner" look. Moving into the living room of the space:

More modern art, and a better view into the study and those gorgeous bookshelves. I love that the set decorator wasn't afraid to mix lots of color and pattern. How many of us would think to pair faded apple green with rusty red, black and white cafe stripe, and a busy, matlesse patterned sofa? I sure wouldn't, but look at how great it all looks together!

A better view of the fabric on the dueling sofas. A little Charlotte Moss influence with the furniture layout, the rooms have no shortage of furniture. Each room has multiple seating arrangements and something beautiful to admire in every corner.

Here, with the furniture removed for the family photoshoot (with lion's none-the-less), you can see the gorgeous fireplace and the patterned rug otherwise unseen throughout the show. As I said before, this decor is a study in the pairing of pattern and color - brilliantly executed. The living room opens onto the sitting room:

Furnished more simply, the sitting room is still decorated with purpose and style. Two sofas, one backless, and two club chairs with multiple tables for drinks give a nice reprieve to the chair filled living room.

The sofa, backless for a clear view to and from the adjoining foyer, upholstered in linen with silk throw pillows: divine!

What makes all of these separate seating groups and color combinations work? Traditional layouts! Lots of symmetry in these spaces keep them inspiring when they could have been a flop. Check out the bullion fringe on the sofa. Something so formal mixed in with those very clean line, nailhead trimmed wingbacks - gorgeous!

A view of the arrangement from the side looking into the dining room. Much less color in the sitting room than in the rest of the house - but I think that's because it opens onto the foyer which has that amazing staircase!

Here, yet another settee in that rust red fabric, accessorized with jewel toned purples and mustards. Isn't that blue and white collection dreamy?

And taken from the staircase toward the sitting room and enfilade hallways - you get an idea of how truly large these rooms are. Given that most apartments in Manhattan are smaller than one room in this "house", you can definitely feel the wealth. And if the size wasn't enough - take a look at the maids found in almost every frame:

Another patterned rug under the round dining table, oversized to seat 12 comfortably, the dining room is my favorite with its red chairs, double chandelier, and wall of doors onto the patio overlooking Manhattan's Central Park.

As I said before, red is a favorite color in this space, and it's found in both small and large ways throughout every room:

Trip, the patriarch, behind the desk of his home office - painted red. So old-money, don't you think?

Opposite the desk (with a view to yet another patio) the office has a very eclectic, leather conversation area.

And to keep that modern, contemporary flair throughout the house - the rug here, is patterned and modern. Far different than the tabriz or oriental you'd expect, right?

The master bedroom - elegantly appointed with a four poster bed and two separate seating areas and an office. This room, beyond all others is definitely the most traditional of the rooms we see throughout the series.

Case in point, here in the youngest daughter's bedroom - a mix of avocado and pink - who'da thunk it! I absolutely love the size of these rooms, and the sconces they used in this room - so perfect for this sorta modern nod to the princess suite.

One of the most beautiful rooms though, is the bedroom we see only once, in the family's home in Italy:

I mean - really? Anyone know what this really is? What a stunning estate - definitely the proper exterior for the set of this bedroom:

Gorgeous right? Even those of you who are into the all white, Belgian look can't deny the beauty of this space. Gilded chairs, rich, warm colors, and architecture that will make you sing - this room is by far my favorite.

Another view, catching the corner of the knoll sofa - which we also see in the office of Patrick Darling, New York Senator.

And that fireplace, and screen!? I could move right in!

If I don't stop somewhere this post will continue to go on and on and on and ... you get the point. So for now, that's where we'll call it a day. I hope you enjoyed the photos - and for those of you who've missed my voice here on the blog, thanks for giving me a reason to write again!

LOVE ... Back To Back Sofas

2012-01-29T08:51:00.003-05:00

Designer Credit: Jeffrey Bilhuber

LOVE ... Large Mirrors

2012-01-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

Designer Credit: James Michael Howard

Designer Credit: Jan Showers

Designer Credit: Bunny Williams

Designer Credit: Sarah Richardson

Designer Credit: Paul Corrie

Designer Credit: Sarah Richardson

LOVE ... Nested Tables

2012-01-27T08:40:00.003-05:00

Like the bells? Remember - I have them for sale here: http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2012/01/few-great-things-for-sale.html

Designer Credit: Michael S. Smith

LOVE ... Window Seats

2012-01-26T08:44:00.000-05:00

LOVE ... White Painted Floors

2012-01-25T05:52:00.004-05:00

Designer Credit: Mark D Sikes

Designer Credit: Darryl Carter

Designer Credit: Thomas O'Brien

There's nowhere in my house to have white floors, and even if there were, Scott would kill me! Even so - I do have a plan for white floors in the future ... just where, we shall see!!

LOVE ... Antiqued Mirrors

2012-01-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

Whether a genuine antique or just fauxed to look like one - I'm in love with antiqued mirrors! The perfect addition to any room, wouldn't you agree?

LOVE ... Trophys

2012-01-23T06:31:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I like getting them, too! But it's been a very long time since I've done anything that resulted in a trophy. Even so, they're fun to look at aren't they?

LOVE ... Demi John Jars

2012-01-22T07:20:00.004-05:00

LOVE ... Palamino Cowhides

2012-01-21T07:10:00.005-05:00

Designer Credit: Darryl Carter

Designer Credit: Ashley Goforth

Designer Credit: Joni Webb - Cote de Texas

Designer Credit: Sally Wheat

Designer Credit: Phoebe Howard

LOVE ... Lanterns

2012-01-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

Designer Credit: Michael S. Smith

Designer Credit: Windsor Smith

Designer Credit: Michael S. Smith

Designer Credit: Michael Howard

Designer Credit: Phoebe Howard

LOVE ... Herringbone Floors

2012-01-19T06:53:00.004-05:00

LOVE ... Two of a Kind

2012-01-18T06:49:00.003-05:00

Designer Credit: Michael Howard

Whether it's mirrors, chests, sofas, accessories, lamps, side chairs, or framed prints ... I'm a sucker for matched pairs ...

Designer Credit: Mary McDonald

Designer Credit: Dan Marty

Designer Credit: Ryan Brown

Restoration Hardware San Francisco Store

Designer Credit: Paul Corrie

I could go on and on ... but while we're talkin' about Two of a Kind, I have to send out a big Happy Birthday to Scott, I love you.

A Home With Heart ... and STYLE!!

2012-01-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

One of my very favorite parts about blogging is meeting new and creative people, many of them also bloggers, who share a passion for creating inspiring interiors in their own homes. Very recently, I had the pleasure of being introduced to James and his blog, "thecavenderdiary" which chronicles the work he and his partner Jamie have done on their Dallas, Texas ranch located on Cavender Street.

The Den - The Cavender Diary Blog

James and Jamie have a Masculine-Eclectic aesthetic, creating a modern lodge feel with touches of animal hide, navaho, leather, and hudson bay blankets mixed with a modern line sectional with chrome legs, danish modern benches, glass tables, and vintage school house lockers. Very Ralph Lauren, Dan Marty-esque, don't you think? It's a warm and comfortable home, with every room, every corner, every vignette more inspiring than the first.

James and Jamie use this small bench top vintage toolbox for magazine cuttings for inspiration, recipes, etc., such a good idea!

James works as creative director for a retail store, so the vignettes throughout his home are expertly crafted. Each of them include the staples: books, vintage, height, and bling. I know my readers, and I know how you all love homes with unique flare, and blogs chock full of great tips and ideas to implement in your own home. So, I'm so happy to introduce you to James and Jamie, because you'll find plenty of both here.

Though the den of their home certainly inspires me, when I saw the post of their master bedroom, I knew exactly my guest room was missing!

Look at how cozy that bed looks! James already knows I'm gonna be copying elements of this room - but I'll leave the details until I reveal the guest room in the coming weeks.

James and Jamie promise to have even more photos of the rooms of their home up on the blog in the next few weeks, and I hope you'll hop over and follow him (as I have) to make sure you don't miss out on more inspiration!

http://www.thecavenderdiary.com/

Tell them I sent ya!

LOVE ... Corals and Shells

2012-01-16T06:16:00.004-05:00

Designer Credit: Mark D. Sikes and Michael Griffin

Designer Credit: Mark D Sikes and Michael Griffin

LOVE ... Hermes Blankets and Pillows

2012-01-15T06:58:00.001-05:00

Designer Credit: Mark D. Sikes and Michael Griffin

Designer Credit: Ashley Goforth

Designer Credit: M Elle Design

Designer Credit: Tommy Smythe

I could go on and on with these pictures! Why is the Hermes Avalon blanket such a popular shelter magazine styling item? Is it the high end luxury of it, the instant name recognition? Either way - they're lovely and popular ... but a little too expensive for my taste. If you have $2575 to spend on a wool and cashmere blanket you can buy it right here.

LOVE ... Folding Screens

2012-01-14T07:12:00.001-05:00

Designer Credit: Pheobe Howard

Congratulations Scott!

2012-01-13T09:17:00.002-05:00

Scott had the great honor of being named Buffalo's "Cook of the Month" by the Buffalo News for the month of January.

Focusing on the time he spent in Adana, Turkey, Scott prepared a beautiful turkish menu for the editor of the column, Andrew Galarneau, and photographer Robert Kirkham last Wednesday morning.

Scott made a fried zucchini pancake topped with Istanbul pilaf, and pomengranate cumin dressing.

Served along side pita rubbed with bloomed mediterranean spices.

Dates, feta cheese, cream cheese, and walnuts are wrapped in filo dough to make a wonderful appetizer.

And cinnamon yogurt served with cognac glazed apricots garnished with mint, pistachio and slivered almonds. It was delicious, and entertaining. Both Andrew and Robert are brilliantly witty and as you can tell from the photos and article here, very good at their job. Take a look at more photos and recipes online at the Buffalo News, here, and congrats to my Scott - you deserve it!

LOVE ... Asian Chests and Cabinets

2012-01-12T05:51:00.007-05:00

LOVE ... Blue Velvet

2012-01-11T06:19:00.019-05:00

There's little that gives the feeling of softness and luxury like velvet ... and who doesn't love blue? Happy day to you all!

LOVE ... Canopy Beds

2012-01-10T06:19:00.006-05:00

I hope you all enjoyed the beginning of my "Check it Out" series, focused on check fabrics. Onto more loves ...

I have always loved canopy beds, and have even had a few over the past years. Somehow though, they never seem to look as lovely as these.

Check it Out ... Red

2012-01-09T07:58:00.001-05:00

Check it Out ... Yellow

2012-01-08T06:13:00.001-05:00