Decorate Your Life

Jill's Favorites

2010-12-17T13:02:00.001-05:00

Jill's Favorites by salesdesk on Polyvore.com

Happy Weekend!

2010-10-22T14:34:00.000-04:00

Frugal Friday

2010-10-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

I have been Searching for a bench to put in the Master Bath of a clients home. They don't want to spend a ton of money...it's going in the bathroom for goodness sake, a beautiful bathroom, but bathroom none the less. I've been looking EVERYWHERE! I have a certain size restraint to deal with and I have been searching FOREVER with no luck

Until....

I found this on Overstock.com for 199.00

link here

This would be perfect IF it were the right size....leather top could easily be changed, but I do love the red.

The bench I had as my concept was this iron bench.

**G-E-O-R-G-E-O-U-S**

By Kerry Joyce through Dessin Fournir the Julien bench sells for around $3,000.00.

I think for a bathroom we could settle for the O stock if only it fit!

On another note, did you happen to notice the poster above the red bench? I purchased that same poster from Ikea for if I remember around $10. Nothing special, it's a map of NYC. I wanted to get something like this

Barbara Cosgrove

and this is what I did...

I purchased 4x4 frames at Ikea, for $4.00 for a set of three. I cut the poster and fitted each cut in the frame. I'll tell you, I am NOT the handiest person in the world but it was rather easy and took about an hour. The hardest part was hanging it correctly. I cheated and used Velcro. But for a total of around $25 I love the look!

Eames Lounge

2010-10-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

I totally forgot to add my favorite photo to the last post!

Too Cute

image found here

Design Classic

2010-10-21T11:51:00.000-04:00

The Eames Lounge Chair

Do you recognize this chair? Most of us have seen it at some time in our lives. It was a fixture on the set of the television show Frazier.

In the movie Click with Adam Sandler

And that's just to mention a few.

I happen to have grown up with a knock of version of this chair in our Family Room. My brother and I were relentless in teasing my mom about how ugly it was, thankfully I have grown to appreciate the beauty ....but back then we never complained about how comfortable it sat. To learn the whole story read about it here....

Product Story by Herman Miller

web site here
Who doesn't recognize the Eames lounge chair and ottoman? It lives in museums like MoMA in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago, in stylish interiors everywhere, and as a tattoo on a devotee's arm. It has been the subject of documentary films and books. It even has its own fan website. Calling it a classic is an understatement. It's the quintessential example of mid-century design—elegant and profoundly comfortable too.
The first Eames lounge chair and ottoman was made as a gift for Billy Wilder, the director of "Some Like It Hot," "Irma La Douce," and "Sunset Blvd." The heritage of the chair goes back to the molded plywood chairs pioneered by the Eameses in the 1940s. Charles Eames said his goal for the chair was that it be "a special refuge from the strains of modern living."

When the Eames chair and ottoman was introduced in 1956, there was nothing else like it. The design was completely new. It has not only endured for more than 50 years—it has become one of the significant furniture designs of the 20th century. Instantly recognizable. And still fresh.

photos from here

Jessica Simpsons Showroom

2010-10-19T13:02:00.000-04:00

from interior design online

A wonderland of white to show off Jessica Simpson's line of handbags and accessories. The new showroom and design studio is a 5,000-square-foot floor of a 1930's building in the garment district.

Not bad!

Thought of the Day...

2010-10-19T11:33:00.000-04:00

YEAH!

Wise Words

2010-10-18T13:20:00.000-04:00

The Power of Paint

2010-10-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

What's the cheapest and easiest way to change the look of any room?

PAINT

Stripes, patterns, colors all great ways to revamp and revitalize any room.

Wow! Now this is a P-U-N-C-H of color!

By Designer Mary McDonald found on Brides.com

So crisp and fresh

This is one of mine from a decorating contest I entered. If you don't know I was one of six designers and each of us were given $5,000.00 and 30 days to decorate a model home. I didn't win, but I still like the design.

photographer Michael Partenio

Bold color set off by white.

Large two tone stripe.

This one if from the Benjamin Moore web site. Another example of a stripe wall with subtle colors.

This from the Martha Stewart web site is a great large scale pattern on an accent wall...love it!
Great ideas!

I'm Still in a New York State of Mind

2010-10-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

My NYC Shopping Destinations

I am a little sad that I have only one trip in the near future booked for the city!

But I thought I would start a list of my current GO-TO shopping destinations.

#1 And Always on the list to visit

AERO Studios

419 Broome Street

If you don't know - Thomas O'Brien is the Man! I love everything about his store - him too, but that's a different story.

#2 A recent find

Ochre

462 Broome Street

A chic (do I use that word too often??)store with all kinds of neat stuff. I purchased two giant pairs of scissors! I neglected to consider the consequences of first carrying them around the city (much heavier than you can imagine) and secondly getting them home on an airplane!

#3. Haus Interior
http://www.hausinterior.com/

A teenie tiny but well designed store with great stuff in the Bowery the hip new neighborhood to shop...

It's a job, and someone has to do it!
I will all more later...have you been to Brooklyn lately????

Back Yard Bliss....

2010-10-11T16:25:00.000-04:00

I am getting closer and closer to the end of phase one of my own house renovation...which means I am moving on to phase 1.5 - the yard! Yes there is a phase 2,3 and 4 on the list as well - one thing at a time!

I've been collecting photos of dream yards forever.... just like I collect photos of interiors. From the looks of these I think I need a fountain...hmnn something to consider. With the cooler weather I am dying to spend more time in the yard. And now I have a team in place to make my dreams...(or at least what I can afford at the moment) a reality!! Here are some of my inspiration photos.....dream on .....

Are you ready for this?

2010-10-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

I just got these photos from Southern Living and had to share.
I am headed home to start working on costumes for my dogs!

Wise Words from an AMAZING Man!

2010-10-04T12:59:00.000-04:00

These days, design is more about being unique; it’s about having rooms with personality, not rooms that look like everyone else’s.

-Thomas O'Brien

To say I have a crush on Thomas O'Brien is putting it lightly! Although I'm not at stalker level, I am completely obsessed with the guy. Not only is he too cute for words!!!! but an amazing designer to boot. I am a frequent visitor (and purchaser of all things great and TOB) of his store in NYC, Aero web site here

The Aero web site has recently been updated to include an on line store and....I die....a blog!

I met him at High Point last market, and I was completely star struck!

Love this quote from him.

And to be sure...this will not be the last time I write about him.

This is the Tiago flatware by Thomas O'Brien for Reed and Barton that I want for my self!

Here is one of my favorite pieces by TOB for Hickory Chair

I've used this beautiful armoire several times....just love it!

There is a line by TOB for waterworks

The Aero Collection

And for Target stores a bedding and furniture line.

The man is BUSY!

Can't wait to see what comes next!

Fitness for HER Miami Style

2010-10-03T10:29:00.000-04:00

Now this is a girly gym!

Iron Flower Fitness in Miami

website here

With classes with names like Booty Bounce, Stripparella, Pop Star, Cheer Fit, Belly Samba, Hoop Dancing (yes that looks like dancing with a hoola hoop), Boxercise, Pole Dancing and Hot Seat (that would be sexy dancing on a chair) just to name a few! Sounds like something for everyone....even those that hate the gym.

Gotta love the HOT pink! (??)

Wise Words

2010-10-01T16:20:00.000-04:00

Funny how you end up places. Blogging (a serious addiction of mine) got me to this great mantra.

Found this here Elements of Style Blog

from

The Holstee Manifesto Holstee

Happy Weekend!

2010-10-01T14:31:00.000-04:00

photo via flicker

Wise Words

2010-09-28T16:14:00.004-04:00

"Successful design is form and function.

You can't put a price on that.

If it works and has style, it's successful."

-Jennifer Post

Thought of the Day

2010-09-23T14:18:00.000-04:00

PEACE - LOVE & HAPPINESS

Take a tour with Chris Madden of her new book "The Soul of a House"

2010-09-22T11:02:00.000-04:00

From the Decorati web site. They have a contest to win a copy of Chris Maddens new book.

Go Here to Enter to Win

Beautiful!

London Calling...in New York

2010-09-21T20:32:00.000-04:00

I am always searching for design inspiration and have found that hotels are some of the most inspiring places. Cool, chic boutique hotels...I love, love, love them! Clean sheets and my bed made for me every day, what could be better? The Crosby Street Hotel in Soho is an amazing example of cool chic. I have not had the pleasure of staying here....yet! Thanks Rachel Zoe (yeah I watch too much tv) for sharing!! Be sure to get to the bottom of the page and go to the hotel web site to see a really cool short movie of the construction of the building.

Photos from Crosby Street Hotel Web Site

Crosby Street Hotel Link

I feel like I am in London when I see these rooms.....ah, memories of my favorite city...

This is a very cool short film they have on the site that shows the 2 years of construction of the hotel.

Click Here to See the 2 Year Construction Project Crosby Street Hotel NYC

Enjoy!!

Design Magazines On Line

2010-09-21T11:47:00.000-04:00

Do you miss Domino and all the other great design and decorating magazines? There are now new online versions that are amazing. See something you like and a link takes you directly to the vendor. If you haven't seen them check them out....

LONNY MAGAZINE click here

Lonny Mag

A lifestyle and design magazine filled with great stuff.

RUE MAGAZINE just launched click here

Rue Mag

Read On Inspired!

MARTHA'S RULES!

2010-09-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

One of the designers / business woman I am a big fan of is Martha Stewart!
OK... honestly I think the perfect business woman to be would be a cross between Martha and Madonna! Not for everyone agreed, but I find both of these women inspirational and interesting, each in their own way.
If you haven' t seen her book "The Martha Rules" 10 Essentials for Achieving Success as you Start, Build or Manage a Business
Here they are... The book is worth the read!

Rule #1:

Build your business success around something that you love- Something that is inherently and endlessly interesting to you.

Rule #2:

Focus your attention and creativity on basic things, things that people need and want. Then look for ways to enlarge, improve, and enhance your big idea.

Rule #3:

Create a business plan that allows you to stay true to your big idea but helps you focus on the details. Then remain flexible enough to zoom in or out on the vital aspects of your enterprise as your business grows.

Rule #4:

By sharing your knowledge about your product or service with your customers, you create a deep connection that will help you learn how best to build and manage your business.

Rule #5:

Use smart, cost-effective promotional techniques that will arrest the eye, tug at the heart, and convey what is unique and special about your business or service.

Rule #6:

Quality should be placed at the top of your list of priorities, and it should remain there. Quality is something you should strive for in every decision, everyday.

Rule #7:

Seek out and hire employees who are brimming with talent, energy, integrity, optimism, and generosity. Search for advisors and partners who complement your skills and understand your ideals.

Rule #8:

When faced with a business challenge, evaluate or assess the situation, gather the good things in sight, abandon the bad, clear your mind, and move on. Focus on the positive. Stay in control, and never panic

Rule #9:

In business, there’s a difference between a risk and chance. A well-calculated risk may very well end up as an investment in your business. A careless chance can cause it to crumble. And when an opportunity presents itself, never assume it will be your last.

Rule #10:

Listen intently, learn new things every day. Be willing to innovate, and become an authority your customers will trust. As an entrepreneur, you will find great joy and satisfaction in making your customers’ lives easier, more meaningful, and more beautiful.

HGTV Urban Oasis Contest Give AWAY!

2010-09-19T12:20:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the contest on HGTV? They are giving away a fully furnished pad in NYC at the W residences downtown.

Photos from HGTV website

Enter for your chance to win here

Urban Oasis Giveaway

I am not a big fan Vern Yip's decorating. I give major props to Vern for his architectural work, but the decorating here leaves something to be desired. It's a bit manish. With the location and opportunity I would have hoped to see something urban and edgy.

So here are additional photos of the space...

I am entering to win!

Bedroom

Kitchen

Bathroom

I have to say I have shopped in all of the stores he shopped and they have awesome things! I am sure with budget and time constraints he could only select a few NYC shopping haunts, but he did miss some of the best NYC stores! Look for my favorite NYC shopping spots in future posts.

Wise Words

2010-09-02T19:08:00.000-04:00

"The details are not the details. The details make the product."

-Charles Eames

Furniture Designer

Crate and Barrel

2010-08-29T12:46:00.001-04:00

I have been a long time fan of Crate and Barrel. It seems when it comes to the end of a job, or even a job on a budget Crate and Barrel will have something to fill in the gaps. I have used the Montclaire Chandelier several times and I still love it. Allot of bang for the buck!

Montclaire Chandelier

These are a few Crate and Barrel items I recently used. I just got the photos of the job and can post the pics in place soon.

Strut Table

Bold Stripe Pillow -CB2

Vapor Bar Stool - CB2

These are some of the newest items I've seen on the web site that I am ready to use! The inspiration photos are amazing too.

La La La LOVE this look!

davao-centerpiece-basket

Driftwood End Table

This table is amazing! A great piece for the beach.

Really can't wait to see more from them.