The Throw:

The Pillow:

A Sophisticated Floor Lamp:

The Rug:

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been spending a lot of time doing two things, playing in the sunshine and decorating. I’ve found myself drawn to lots of  rich and intense color, which is why I loved more than a few things from this sale, including this Missoni Rug:

Yes, I’m totally in LOVE with this gorgeous rug. This adds a ton of personality to a neutral room. And here’s a few more pops of color  that I loved…

Art is a great way to add a touch color especially if you are a renter and can’t paint or are a little shy when it comes to full walls of color. I’ve been drawn to pinks lately, so you can imagine the joy this piece brings me.

Also, for me, a throw is an absolute necessity as I’m always cold. To snuggle under this bright throw would instantly bring me some warmth and happiness while reading or watching TV on the sofa.

Check out the rest of the sale ,where you will find a lot more summery brights, including more fun accents. Enjoy! And let me know if you pick up something bright from the sale!

Also, Stay Tuned: Wednesday  is all about the fellas with Man Cave Essentials!

Yeah I said it, Martha. And I totally called my mom and told her I met Martha!

Yesterday evening I had the opportunity to go to the Dialogues in Design  event at Martha Stewart Omnimedia Headquarters, featuring Nicolette Naumann, of the tradeshow Messe Frankfurt/Ambiente and Martha Stewart. It was an evening that covered the benefits of trade shows as a means to help designers market themselves and put them on equal footing with the big companies. And for the big companies, they can meet the next big thing.

{ an instagram of martha and nicolette }

I learned a few lessons too. From Nicolette, American designers don’t do international trade shows, and FYI, the international shows want to feature more American talent. You have to think of Ambiente as more than a trade show. It’s a design experience set on a campus, where as a designer, one can meet like-minded souls and interested parties. Think Networking, Marketing and Manufacturing on a international platform.

{messe frankfurt/ambiente campus}

And from Martha, I learned the importance of understanding international markets. For example, Martha’s brand has branched out  into the Japanese Market, where appliances and furnishings are made on a smaller scale. However even if the scale changes, it should not affect the brand’s integrity.

With a few ideas to think about today is already looking great compared to yesterday. Since, I am talking trade shows, I’m headed to ICFF this weekend and will recap the fun design adventures next week!

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).