image via pinterest

After going to DC for Mother’s Day last weekend, I tripped on a few images that would be perfect for a gallery wall for the same area. Now I’m also looking at gallery wall inspiration.

hmmm….symmetrical?

image via pinterest

Or random?

image via apartment therapy

I’m sure you’ve noticed that color is inspiring me so much right now. I think my workspace should also be an energetic, exciting place to be too.

source

Model Sera Park looks so amazing. What is it about Frida that makes her so inspiring? Her Spirit?  Her Talent? Whatever it is I’m totally down.

image via justina blakeney

If I could wallpaper my whole house I would. By the way, you must see the rest of Justina’s project here. It’s gorgeous and totally inspiring!

I find the reciprocal relationship between interior design and blogging and other social media outlets intriguing. The video is about an hour but I highly recommend a viewing.

For a lot of different reasons, last week was a little stressful so I made it a point to do very little that required high energy this weekend and spend time outside. However, one of the highlights was an appointment with the upholsterer to make over my chair.

Prior to the appointment I had told them a few specifics about what I was looking. Global prints and and accent in a rich color for the back. That formula led me right to Dwell Studio’s Global Modern Luxe and a accent in one of Robert Allen’s Showtime Cotton Velvets.

Here’s a hint: I chose one of these Dwell Studio patterns. Any guesses?

Freja in amethyst

Aravali in Amethyst

Casablanca Geo in Citrine

Batavia Ikat in Amethyst

Asha in mineral (all images via pinterest)

The best part is that in 3-4 weeks I get to reveal the chair to you! Stay tuned…

1. My Favorite Pin:

Toni Morrison is a rockstar to me. In this image circa 1985, she pretty much looks like one. When I saw this image in this article, I pinned it right into my inspiration board.

2. My Favorite Season in New York–Sample Sale Season:

No seriously, this is getting dangerous fun.

3. My Favorite Room:

image: Architectural Digest via THOS

May Daouk’s Beiruit villa will make you swoon, but this room, from the palette to the architecture , I’m pretty sure I passed out when I saw it.

Well I’m out the door, to work (and maybe another sample sale afterwards– don’t judge me).

{image via pinterest}

Of course, I constantly see deals for home; framing and cleaning services are very popular. I have passed on many of them including, painting services. However, one deal, in particular, I practically grabbed as soon as my phone alert buzzed. Upholstery services. I couldn’t help myself.  Because the craftsmanship and the understanding of furniture, is so important, I knew it was a deal because of  how expensive it can be.  I also knew the company was well-respected, so I figured it is a good way to see the company’s workmanship for myself. So with 1000 fabric options floating in my head, I made an appointment for a consultation for my chair with the sexy back.

Since I bought this upholstery deal the question that has popped into my head is, with so many sites giving access to services and home furnishing and accessories, Can a person successfully decorate by daily deal?  I’ve decided yes, because I’m incorporating daily deals into my own decorating plan especially with things I can’t and don’t want to do myself and to keep myself on budget (which is small). I also still did my home work, including working out a floor plan, and knowing the maximum scale of the furniture I would need, and researching the companies that offer services (I passed on painting services because I couldn’t find enough information on the company). Along with other decorating things, like thrifting and flea marketing, I’m finding that I’m actually have a lot of fun with this new challenge.

However, I want to know your thoughts. Can you decorate by Daily Deal? With sites like Gilt Home, Fab.com, Groupon and One Kings Lane, Have you done so already? How did it turn out? Did it keep you on budget or did you spend more than you anticipated?  I love hearing your thoughts and insights!

I think the fun with DWJ actually started on Friday, before she even got here when she told be about a sample sale at Deux Lux. It was so amazing that I almost passed out (and almost bought everything at the sale). But when they got here, the real bonding began. It was full of shopping, good food and laughter. They even brought a few things from DC that didn’t make the initial move. Who can ask for anything more?!

{my sassy deux lux bag; my vintage mirror from dc; super-high platform pumps from vince camuto}

They even brought one of my favorite chairs. Yeah, it’s the one with the sexy back. By now, you know that I believe how you exit a room is just as important as how you enter. That goes for furniture too.

Anyhoo, this post can never reflect how much I miss DWJ and her hubby, but I know that when they got here my apartment felt even more like a home. No amount of furniture or accessories (or shoes and handbags) can replicate that feeling. And even though they are 200+ miles away, it feels like there is no distance in our friendship. I am super-blessed to have them in my life.

Today’s DL post is a real joy to write as it’s about one of my favorite architects, Paul R. Williams. I first learned of him years ago when a former classmate of mine presented her thesis proposal on the Historic renovation of a home he designed in Hollywood. At the time, I was struck by his way with architectural detailing, but still felt like I didn’t know about him. After all, he was an African-American architect who created homes for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Barbara Stanwyck  as well as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. Isn’t that something to know about? Hello Design History, are you there? Fast track to the present and I have been doing my best to obsessively explore the breadth of his work, from commercial and educational to retail to residential. With that in mind, you can just imagine the sense of excitement when I found out a new tome about his Hollywood residential architecture was being released this week.

© Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style by Karen E. Hudson, Rizzoli New York, 2012. Received courtesy of Rizzoli New York.

While reading Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style, eagerly, I flipped through the pages of the book taking note of the architectural elements used in his architecture. Though he worked in different styles of architecture creating grand estates and smaller scale houses, sweeping dramatic staircases, the use of arches, ceiling details and beautiful craftsmanship connect his work from one to the other. Many of those elements that have influenced and are seen in the work of star designers today. In fact, Kelly Wearstler pays homage to him in a thoughtful forward for the book.

Author Karen E. Hudson and granddaughter of Paul R. Williams, does a wonderful job highlighting the enormous respect for her grandfather’s body of work. In fact, many of the homes featured have been restored or updated, respectfully honoring Mr. Williams original designs. My only peeve about homes featured in the book, is that sometimes the fussy decoration of the homes distracts from the beauty of the architecture. However, it is clear that the new residents of Mr. William’s Hollywood home’s understand the legacy behind the houses they lovingly inhabit.

Since receiving the book, I have barely put it down. Have you seen me? I’m the girl carrying the book like it’s my new favorite toy. Yeah that was me.  Whether you are a designer, a design historian or a design lover I highly recommend, Paul R. Williams: Classic Hollywood Style. It is a rich celebration of an important architect who shaped Hollywood sense of style and the joy his homes continue to bring.