Dalliance Design

DUTCH DOORS

2013-05-21T08:15:00.004-04:00

I've always had a soft spot for dutch doors. They remind me of my grandma's house, sipping on lemonade as a child and playing on the porch while other family members gathered in the kitchen. It's a great way to keep an eye on children and pets or even bring in a cool breeze on a spring day.

MEETING MARY MCDONALD

2013-05-16T09:28:00.001-04:00

One of the many perks of being in the D and D Building is all of the amazing people I get to meet on a daily basis and Fabric Market Week was no exception. Schumacher held an event yesterday with fabulous guest speakers Mary McDonald and Martyn Lawrence Billiard from Million Dollar Decorators. I've known about the event for weeks and tried to get a seat but of course I could not because it was fully booked within hours. That did not stop me from popping in to introduce myself to the beautiful Ms. Mary McDonald, she is just as hysterical in person as she is on her show. I tweeted my excitement on Twitter and to my surprise.. my design idol tweeted me back.

God, I love New York.

MY NEW BIG GIRL CHAIRS!!!

2013-05-14T18:07:00.001-04:00

I just got my Lillian August club chairs and I'm in love!!! I went for a chocolate brown leather with a taupe herringbone fabric for the seat cushion and kidney pillow. The platinum nail heads are playful and just the right finish to work with brass or silver fixtures and hardware. At just the right size, 28" wide by 30" deep, they are perfect for a little apartment...

URBAN ELECTRIC LIGHTING

2013-05-09T11:04:00.001-04:00

Urban Electric has quickly become one of my favorite lighting companies, the selection they have to offer is so eye catching. The new collection has an understated sleekness to it with some pieces offered in bold paint options. I just die for the electric yellow Cosy lanterns (below) with the large round bulb.

PAUL LANGE: BIG BLOOMS

2013-05-02T22:17:00.003-04:00

Our most amazing design PIC, Karen, pointed us to a fab photographer yesterday, Paul Lange. A local to New York's Hudson Valley, he made a case study of his work at the garden's of his floral enthusiast friend, Zeze. For 7 years, Lange photographed his delicate subjects without it's normal surroundings, letting these gorgeous blooms take center stage in large scale prints. My favorite is the IRIS, for sentimental purposes I guess. My mother used to cut Iris's from the side of our home and wrap the stems in tin foil to give to my teachers at school. I know, total brown-noser, right?

Lange also has a collection of birds and landscapes, but to Karen's point, the Big Blooms collection is hands down, the cream of the crop... No pun intended.

OLD BISCAYNE

2013-05-01T11:37:00.002-04:00

Old Biscayne is a high quality case goods manufacturer out of North Carolina. They sell extremely well made custom pieces and are an amazingly flexible company to work with. Not only can they customize virtually any piece in their line to your specific needs and dimensions, but they also offer well over 70 wood, paint, and metal finishes! They are pretty pricey, but if it's a big piece, it's worth the investment. Here are a few of Old Biscayne's more modern pieces I'm loving at the moment.

Amazing desk with metal doors.

Their silver finishes are beyond.

We have this Rowena Cabinet at our showroom and it's stunning in person.

Any one finish is standard, but two-tone finishing can bring up the price a bit.

I would love to put some custom knobs on this piece.

This kind of reminds me of Oly.

A few Upholstered pieces here and there.

A dining table with a lazy susan! Such a great function that needs to come back in trend.

UPHOLSTERED WALLS

2013-04-29T09:28:00.001-04:00

Living in a young, hip, loud, "always on the go" city can be an amazing and exciting experience.. except when its time to go to sleep. Even though you may be ready to pass out, relax or even enjoy some nice quiet yoga time, right outside of your walls are the cars honking, music blasting from restaurants and bars, and people celebrating in all hours of the night. The city has no "off" button. Upholstering your walls or adding fabric wall panels is an attractive way to sound proof any apartment. With the right materials and some beautiful fabric, this is a great inexpensive DIY project that can help reduce the city noise and give you that boutique hotel look.

HIGH POINT MARKET 2013

2013-04-25T20:58:00.002-04:00

It was pleasing to see vendors at this year's High Point Furniture Market doing much better than year's past. The economy is shaping up, which means good things are in tow for the interior design biz.

Here are some of the Top Trends.

COMBO Fabrics

Everywhere we turn, designers are creating interest by combining different fabrics and leathers. At Bentley Churchill (always a fave of Steph and I), they sported these gorgeous cherry tufted leather chairs with a cream linen on the interior.

LUCITE LEGS

A ton of vendors are making lucite legs an alternative to wood. It's an expensive add-on, but it can really make a piece stand out. This Bentley Churchill bed is a no brainer for my next big purchase.

VELVET CRUSH...

Velvet has always been a staple but it's more apparent than ever. With velvet blends having more polyester than before, the velvet has less of a crush. Which means less booty marks when you get off the sofa. This coral/tangerine number is from Burton James.

GREAT GATSBY

I literally stated the other day at lunch "Mark my words people, the movie The Great Gatsby is going to create a revolution in the design world." And here we are a classic shell motif based out of the Art Deco era. With modern fabrics, this Burton James chair is going to be stunning.

Celerie Kemble for Henredon

It has been no surprise that Celerie Kemble has done it once again, this time collaborating with Henredon. And of course she had to add one of her stunning chevron masterpieces from Merida.

See, even Celerie is on the Gatsby bandwagon with these knock out sconces.

Ferguson Copeland Chairs!

It's like they are reemerging from the grave. Three years ago I would have over looked them, now I can't get enough of these wonderful styles.

SWIVELS!

If it's stationary, people want to know if you can add a swivel base, and many of the more high end vendors are making it happen. I don't mind the idea but I'd prefer a "MR" which stands for Memory Return (aka so when you swivel out of place and get up the chair comes back to the original position). So what if that makes me OCD!

NAILHEADS, they just won't go away.

Dining Table from Ferguson Copeland

SHAGREEN

Still showing up everywhere! And I'm lusting over this cocktail table from Gabby Home that I saw on Pinterest.

Not much was different at the Hickory Chair showroom. Not to say it wasn't still out of control stunning, but I'm still drooling over these HABLE fabrics.

CUSTOM HARDWARE

FINALLY!! Someone is giving you the option to change up the jewelry of a piece! Thank you Hickory White!

Hickory White

A lot of BURL still hangin around.

Hickory White

GLOSSY ART

A ton of art vendors are giving the option of doing an acrylic top coat over your prints. Which can make an abstract piece that more special, or even funk up a more traditional subject.

Lillian August never does anything wrong in my opinion.

Look at this mix at Lillian August. I love all these colors and prints with this traditional chandelier turned cool with black crystals and shades.

Tritter Feefer may be the new hit line of the year! With a plethora of interesting vinyls and 200 high gloss finishes to choose from, at a mid range price point you can't beat. We ordered these chairs in a glossy navy croc vinyl! Which leads me to another trend, VINYL. It's everywhere! And it's not the same anymore. It's versatile, inexpensive and wipeable!!

Big time news flash! Vanguard picked up CR Currin's decorative glass finishes.

I may just have to save up a bit more for some nightstands...

SPRING BLOOM INDOORS

2013-04-23T08:51:00.000-04:00

I don't know about all of you, but I am ready to leave behind the dreadful winter cold and welcome the warm sunshine! I just love having fresh cut flowers at home, but with such a busy schedule and never being home, I wouldn't be able to appreciate them. Another solution to bring Spring into your home is by cutting branches and forcing them to bloom indoors.

Forsythia

White Cherry Blossom

Red Bud

Dwarf Flowering Almond

Pussy Willow

Quince

Cherry

Crab Apple

MATTHEW STUDIOS NY

2013-04-22T11:41:00.001-04:00

Good morning Dalliance followers! Hope everyone had a splendid weekend.

I was browsing through Luxe magazine last week when I came across these sconces from Matthew Studios NY, to which I had to wipe the drool off my face. So simple, so elegant, but just the perfect amount of trendy. I need the malachite sconces in my life.

They are also introsucing hardware into there line! Check out the skull knobs!!!

Custom side table.

Katherine Wildt O’Brien is the owner and designer of Matthew Studios, and someone I can definitly relate to. Her eclectic aesthetic and use of natural materials make her a girl after my own heart. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

VON VONNI

2013-04-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

THE TRANSFORMER DRESS

The past couple of weeks I have been accompanying my friend Kelly to look for wedding dresses, and along the way we searched for a few bridesmaid dresses as well.
Von Vonni's "transformer dress" just seemed to be a no brainer.
Here's why...

One size fits all
Tons of Colors to choose from
Long or Short styles
And at least 100 different ways to style your dress!

Basically the perfect solution for all body types and the price tag isn't too bad either.
I've been finding these dresses all over Idelli for under $100!

The perfect solution for 5 weddings in one year! Nobody will ever know!

FLOATING AROUND

2013-04-16T10:16:00.003-04:00

I've been seeing a ton of floating furniture lately. It's contemporary and saves on visual space. Whether it's just a place to plop down your keys or a more substantial piece for media storage, by keeping it off the floor it really takes the bulk out of the room.

I'm obsessed with this last piece! All the metal straping is so funky. Very industrial.

GOODBYE NEW JERSEY: HELLO NEW YORK

2013-04-14T16:01:00.000-04:00

If someone had told me a few months ago that I would be working in New York City, the capital of the world, I would have told them they were insane. Now, here I am commuting to my new job, at Zimmer & Rodhe, in Manhattan everyday. The networking alone makes the long commute completely worth it, plus the caliber of interior designers in NYC are on a whole different playing field. Amongst our companies client list are Bunny Williams, Victoria Hagan, and Miles Redd. The pulsating energy of the city gives you a sense of endless opportunities. I'm not sure exactly where I belong in the world, or where I am destined to end up, but I am very much looking forward to this new and exciting chapter in my life. I am forever grateful to the ~~pushy~~ very insistent people who encouraged me to make this change in my life. Next on my list is to find the perfect apartment.. let the hunting begin!

MAKING THE MOST OF SMALL BALCONIES

2013-04-10T18:28:00.001-04:00

Phewwww what a long day! I feel like a zombie. Seriously, people have no idea how much detail goes in to this industry. Mistakes can be made in a split second if you don't triple check and follow up on orders.

Right about now I'm dreaming of a tiny balcony to rest on, with an alcoholic beverage of any kind of course. I'm not one for needing a ton of room, but a bit of outdoor space in tow with a small apartment is essential for my sanity.

Trust me, there's a lot you can do with 70-100 square feet.

1. Start with your floors.

Are they concrete? Can you put an outdoor rug on top. Or maybe some outdoor bamboo wood tiles in a basket weave pattern (see below). Adding this element really transforms the space and brings the indoors out.

2. Bench seating

It's hands down, the most practical and comfortable seating you can pack into a small outdoor space. And you can hide storage underneath! Add some pillows for pops of color too!

3. Plants

Of course a balcony has to have some plants to make you feel like you're really in touch with the outdoors. Add boxes to the railing and colorfully glazed pots here and there. Try lavender plants for color and aroma.

4. SHADING

If you have a bit more space than the rest of us, try adding an umbrella for those really sunny days.

5. Walls

Ugly Walls? A living wall or climbing vines can be a good solution. A friend of mine places long rectangular planters boxes on the floor of her balcony, then runs clear fishing wire up and down the wall so that flowering vines can grow up the line. It's so pretty but it does take a bit of pruning.

For the most TIGHT of spaces....

Before & After

Not ideal, but very well thought out!

Using a table top that adheres to the wall and folds up when not needed is great small space solution.

6. Paint

If your small space is screened in, try using an accent color to make things bright and cheery on a colder day.

7. ACCENT LIGHTS

At night, all you need is a bit of mood lighting and some tunes to set the mood for a cozy evening nestled on your little balcony. I'm always a GO when it comes to twinkle lights or globe lights. Even sets of hanging lanterns will do the trick!

THE WARREN PLATNER CHAIR

2013-04-08T08:39:00.001-04:00

Architect Warren Platner started his career under famous architect Eero Saarinen. After working on several projects such as the original Windows on the World restaurant, atop the World Trade Center. He created his mid century furniture line for Knoll. He is know for using metal steel rods to create soft sculptural curves. These chairs are mostly popular in the nickel plated finish. Experts say that if you ever get your hands on these chairs, be sure to re-upholster them in a Knoll fabric to keep its value up. I would own this chair in a millisecond, that reminds me.. I am in the market for some dining chairs..

TRUTH

2013-04-04T21:23:00.000-04:00

2013-04-03T14:54:00.002-04:00

Spring has been here for awhile and I'm growing impatient. It's still cold!!

Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate living somewhere where we get to experience the 4 seasons, because you learn to appreciate those different moments in climate change. But March and April are those specific months that I yearn for color and the warm sun on my face. I'm not asking for 80 degree weather yet, but a day without a winter coat would be nice.

So now I just look to Pinterest to get me in the Spring spirit.

Dying over this Bumble Bee door knocker.

Yearning for a coral or cream leather jacket, for the transition period.

Alice + Olivia Jacket - Zipper Sleeve Biker | Bloomingdales

Aqua Jacket - Raw Edge Leather Moto | Bloomingdales

Theory Elenian Leather Jacket | Piperlime

LOVE LOVE LOVE this arrangement!

Whenever I go into Home Depot's gardening department I always wonder what the hell people do with those mini cacti plants. Now I know! How cute is this? And it will last you months, with practically zero maintence.

I can't get enough of the budding trees in spring. So why not have it year round on your wallpaper.

This is the most modern chicken coop I've ever seen. Little chicks and bunnies always remind me of warmer weather.

C'mon sun! I need you!

MATTHEW CUSICK

2013-04-01T21:13:00.003-04:00

I can appreciate many different types of art, but I get most excited when I see art that uses a different medium or technique. Artist, Matthew Cusick, creates these giant collages using old maps and bible pages!

Fiona's Wave

Using collage, an artist can really study and understand two-dimensional design, light and shadow, perspective, and negative space. In one of my college classes we actually had several assignments where we had to choose photographs to collage over.

Soooo magical, I wish I could afford a piece to stare at...

Leviathan

The Rachel's Wave

Untitled Wave (black and blue)

ANTIQUING IN CONNECTICUT

2013-03-29T11:09:00.002-04:00

My favorite part about visiting Stamford, Connecticut is most definitely the countless antique shops to scour through.. and this trip did not disappoint. I could literally spend hours rummaging through everything with the anticipation of finding that hidden treasure or perfect piece for any latest projects. I spotted many desirable items including an alligator head the size of my palm for $300! As much as I wanted to walk away with it, that price tag had one too many zeros in it. I was sad to hear that the current shops won't be around in 2 years due to the rent skyrocketing. Well.. wherever the vendors go.. I will go.

MIRACULOUS MOULDING

2013-03-28T07:46:00.004-04:00

I am a big fan of adding architectural moulding if you have blank walls, the right budget, and creative freedom. Moulding adds a certain charm to a home and gives it a more finished look. I am loving the black painted moulding over the traditional white paint in some of these photos, as well as the use of mirrors in some of these gorgeous designs.

TETE A TETE Furniture

2013-03-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

Noun

tête-à-tête (plural tête-à-têtes)

A face-to-face meeting, or private conversation between two people, usually in an intimate setting; a head-to-head.

1st Dibs

Tete a Tete Game Table

John Derian

Leeward Outdoor Tete a Tete

Edward Wormley / tete-a-tete sofa

CustomMade by

Keith Keyser

Leather Tete a Tete Sofa

Vintage Victorian Eastlake Tete A Tete Settee Chair

PAPER LANTERNS: IN OR OUT?

2013-03-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

As we all know, wedding season is around the corner and the designer in me would like to know the popular opinion about paper lanterns. Seriously, what's not to like? They make a huge statement, they're another way to bring in some color, provide a source of light and certainly won't break the bank. But is the look overdone? I'm not sure you can beat the look for the price.

I would have loved to see how this looked at night.

Love this mixed with the wisteria, but why are people still sashing the chairs?!?! Super cheesy!

OTHER CREATIVE IDEAS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK

Giant Fringe Streamers by Oh Happy Day Blog. Genius.

This idea seriously made my jaw drop, like I stopped breathing.

Utterly freaking amazing, and I will do this for my wedding even if I have to pay a man to marry me.

It's just rolled up construction paper stuck into chicken wire as the background to the bride and groom's table. Boom!

No words!

BLACK METAL WINDOW PANES

2013-03-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

My heart fills with pure excitement when I see black metal (or painted wood) window panes used in a design. The combination of black window panes against a white painted wall reminds me of the many villas I saw in Florence, Italy. This design is best used on larger windows and/or glass doors, I will without a doubt incorporate this into my future home design.

TEMPORARY WALLPAPER

2013-03-19T08:05:00.001-04:00

We are constantly quoting and speccing lovely and luxurious wallpapers for our clients, the right wallpaper patterns or colors can be the most magnificent starting point to a space. As beautiful as this option is I panic over the people who think they can apply it themselves, one tiny mistake and you can damage a costly roll of material. So, for the clients who insist on installing wallpaper themselves, I introduce to you the temporary wallpaper by Tempaper Designs.

Tempaper is self-adhesive, "peel-and-stick", temporary wallpaper that eliminates the need for paste or water. Simply remove its backing and adhere to a smooth, primed and painted surface. Just peel off to remove. It is fun and high-impact decorating for those who do not want to make a long-term commitment to a permanent design or renters who simply can't!

A WEEKEND OF EATING

2013-03-18T08:23:00.002-04:00

I visited with a dear friend who moved to Brooklyn this weekend. A wonderful lady that loves food just as much as me. I'm pretty sure we did a few other things, a bit of shopping hear and there and some exploration, but mostly it was eating and gabbing.

Saturday night started off a bit like this. A gin and grape soda concoction at Sweet Chick on Bedford.

I sported my new Ear Cuff from Urban Outfitters. Only $20.

We had us some Chicken and Waffles, the main attraction at Sweet Chick.

But it just didn't compare to the Gruyere Mac & Cheese with Ritz breadcrumbs and the biscuits. Honestly I couldn't stop talking about the Mac & Cheese the entire weekend. Obsessed.

Sunday began with a bit of brunch at SarahBeth's. Sorry no pics, but I can't talk enough about there Four Flowers Juice, a mix of fresh orange, banana, pineapple, and pomegranate juice. INSANELY delicious.

Then we went to an indoor/outdoor flea market close to Columbus Circle, where my friend found this insane Tiger's eye box for $650. Needless to say we left that one behind, but I'm still dreaming about it.

We also saw these cool gear lamps.

A light box at Chelsea market

Some Anthropologie Stemware. Obsessed.

Metallic table runner.

Catherine Malandrino store.

Next stop, a late lunch at Giovanni Rana Pastificio & Cucina at Chelsea market. We had some insane pasta dishes.

And I had, literally, one of the best beers ever.

We were nervous about dessert, because it was called Chocolate Salame, but it turns out there was no meat involved at all. Just chocolate and a side of mascarpone.

And then some more shopping ensured, or shall I call it admiring on my end.

The Container Store

Mantiques Modern. An unreal antique shop on 22nd and 7th.

I obviously dressed like I was running the half marathon that day. And did I mention we bumped into Russell Crow?!

Can't wait to enjoy the city with my friend again when it gets a bit warmer! :)