Harmony And Home

Product of the Week: Suzani Ceramic!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:32:10 PST

Just when you think things couldn’t get any cooler, Boston-based ceramicist Jill Rosenwald created this ultra-cool suzani-inspired ceramic bowl.

The piece measures 10"wide by 10.25" high and it is dishwasher safe and meant to be used all the time.

Jill has many other very cool ceramic designs at her etsy site here.

There are more products of the week in store. Stay tuned!

Becky

Room Re-Do’s

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:55:46 PST

I’ve been busy busy with this staging business. And let me tell you… it’s hard work! I come home exhausted from my jobs! Staging requires a lot of physical work. And while I consider myself in good shape, it’s a different thing to haul boxes and go up and down stairs all day long. It’s a good thing that I like design and decorating, otherwise, this would be torture! Luckily I love the people/friends that I work with and I show up everyday with a smile on my face, grateful for the work.

I just finished up a beautiful $1.75 million home in beautiful Los Gatos, California. I thought I would share the pictures with you.

This is the entry into the home. It has a beautiful courtyard to sit and read your morning paper. This picture is the before and unfortunately I didn’t take a picture of the after, which included a cute lantern and flowers in the hanging baskets.

This is the living room before the staging…

and after… The cut-outs on the wall matched perfectly with the pillows. We didn’t plan it, it just happened to come together.

The other side of the room. The contemporary chairs are a fun metallic silvery blue.

Dining room before…

Dining room after. It’s hard to see from this angle, but the base of this table was very intricate and went very well with the chandelier. I was so tempted to sit down and open that bottle of wine after spending the day staging the home!

Another angle of the dining room.

Kitchen before….

Kitchen after. With the lighting you can’t see the asian barstools, which looked very cute at the counter.

Family room before…

Family room after. The sisal rug didn’t want to lay down flat for us yet. With a few hours we are hoping it will cooperate! So much more homey, don’t you think?

Master bedroom before…

Master bedroom after! We have a little “under the sea” theme going in here.

Master bathroom before…

Master bathroom after. Cute accessories make all the difference.

Hope you enjoyed my little tour. If you are in the Silicon Valley area and want to see the home, there is an open house this weekend. Feel free to contact realtor Gaylene Wyatt at (408) 741-8237 for more information. Or you can email her at gwyatt@serenogroup.com.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Becky

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.

~Richard Bach

NKBA 2011: Design Finalists for Bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:07:13 PST

Have you checked out the National Kitchen and Baths design finalists in the bathroom category? If not, swing on over to this link now and check them out!
There are a couple of really inspiring bathroom designs like these;

Designer Holly Rickert got it right on the money with this bathroom. River rock surrounds the free-standing tub giving this bathroom a relaxing spa feel. Coupled with the dark cabinetry and flooring, this space feels modern and timeless.

Designer Christine Salas also had a hit with this tiny, but uber-chic bathroom. Cool bathtub + cool fireplace right next to it is a winning combination for me! The color of the tile works in the room, the sconces are unassuming and perfect and the artwork right on.
But there are also a few that I just don’t get!

Designer Ellie Baker can put a bathroom together, but I am not so fond of the color scheme in here (the white tile is too stark for those warm cabinets), the bowl glass sink (are they even still in style anymore?) and that hardware on the cabinets! Sorry… this one misses the mark in my book.

Designer Lori Carroll did some things right here. The oil-rubbed bronze faucet is trendy and in style right now and the pendant lighting adds a cool vibe to the space as well, but overall, it feels very 80’s to me for some reason? I think it is the color of the floating cast stone sink as well as the corrugation tiles on the wall. She tried something unique and different with marble slabs embedded with fossils behind the sink, but again, this one misses for me as well. What’s your opinion?
Becky
---------------------------------------------------------------
It isn’t the size of the gift that matters, it’s the size of the heart…

Super Cute Homegoods

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:25:28 PST

Soft Surroundings, which is mainly a clothing catalog, has their Spring line out. And, with it, they have featured a couple really cute home goods that I have to show you!

Fountainbleu Quilt.

From $189 to $269, this super romantic, fluffy quilt is so dreamy, I just want to plop down in it and sleep in!

The Fountainbleu Euro Shams.

dreamy.lovely.renoir-ish….. $59.00.

Marrakesh Express Quilt

From $139 to $199, this Indian-inspired quilt is very zen-like. The blues and greens are calming and the pattern is beautiful.

Haiku Garden Stool

$251.00. This garden stool/side table is so unique. I love to put different pieces into rooms. What I don’t like is cookie-cutter décor. So, when something like this comes along and screams “original!”, “beautiful!” and “unique!”… I’m all over it!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy!

Becky

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

~Aristotle

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

~ Aristotle

Extraordinary Lighting

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:50:33 PST

We’re almost at the end of January. It’s the new year! Have you made changes for the better? Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? Have you lit up your life yet? No? Well, let me give you some inspiration. Let me flood your life with beauty and light!

Here are some beautiful, extraordinary lighting fixtures that are so gorgeous, so inspiring, that songs should be written about them… poems should be penned and definitely… rooms should have to be designed around them!

From Hudson Furniture Inc.

MOTHER
Design by Baran Baylar
Gloss Nickel Plated Laser Cut Rings and Chains
How gorgeous is this lighting fixture? It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady”. So elegant and regal. This chandelier screams dinner party!

From Hudson Furniture Inc.

LYCC70BL
love you love you not
chandelier, conical
steel, swarovski crystals
This fixtur, on the other hand, reminds me of Edward Scissorhands and War of the Roses. It’s beautiful, but in a very dark, ominous way. I would love to see this chandelier lit. The tiny crystals interspersed between those gorgeous black roses probably reflect beautifully. I can see designing this fixture into a very modern-styled home, or even a retro-inspired décor. It would be fun to place it in an unexpected place as well, like a front foyer or large master bath.

From Hudson Furniture Inc.

CASW30NH
iron, clear crystals
gloss nickel finish
This wall sconce was so unusual, I had to feature it. It’s so organic and beautiful. I love the little candle holder within the wirey tangled mess of iron… all topped off with beautiful crystals of course.

From Hudson Furniture Inc.

BF150
broom
floor lamp, iron
gloss nickel
These floor lamps are so fun and so unusual! I love them! But, I do want to turn them upside down and start sweeping!

From Hudson Furniture Inc.

KIKI WALL LAMP
ludwig & larsen
Solid Walnut, Blackened Steel, Linen Shade (Brown shown, white also available)
I love this swing arm lamp! What a great mix of retro and modern, with the drum shade.

QUIN.MGX Chandelier

Part of the Within4Walls Collection since 2006

From Bathsheba Grossman for MGX by Materialise.

These extraordinary starfish shaped balls would be perfect party lighting. Group a bunch of these on your patio, throughout your pergola or strung across your lawn for a fun summer party.

Cibola Bone China Pendant Light by Dominic Bromley for Scabetti

Part of the Within4Walls Collection since 2007

i.love.these….. Part seashell, part planet, part teardrop. Gorgeous how the light infuses from behind the inner ball. Made of bone china.

Linz Wall Light

Part of the Within4Walls Collection since 2009

Sometimes simplicity is the best option. I love the travertine embedded in this chromed steel. Perfect for hallways, breezeways or covered porches.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Becky

In the beginning there was nothing. God said, "Let there be light!" And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better. ~Ellen DeGeneres

What is true by lamplight is not always true by sunlight. ~Joseph Joubert

When God Closes a Door….

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 23:57:38 PST

The presents are opened, the recycling bin is full of wrapping paper, the Christmas dinner, which took hours to prepare, was eaten in minutes. The wine bottles empty, the children all playing with their new games and the cats doing what they always do…. sleeping through it all. The year is winding down and what a year it has been. For my family, it has been one of major change. Whether or not it will be a good one is yet to be seen, but we are all adjusting to our new roles, the new game, the new rules. We are all going to bed unsure of the now, but hoping to wake up to a better future.

They say when God closes a door, he opens a window. For many of us, it’s so hard to see that indeed that window is open. All we see is that the door has been shut in our faces and we are left there, stunned, not knowing what to do next.

The point, I think, is to just keep moving. Keep searching. Keep looking for what you want in life. And that… putting one foot in front of the next… is the secret to getting through life. One step at a time. One moment at a time. One breath at a time.

In keeping with this blog’s theme….. Harmony and Home…. and in loving (and living in) peaceful serene homes, here is one that I’d like to share with you.

From Boston Magazine. All photos by Eric Roth. Interior Design by Gerald Pomeroy.

A sitting room with built-in glass-fronted cabinets and complimentary artwork pull this room together in a beautiful way.

Farrow & Ball wallpaper and simple artwork make this entryway seem casual, even though the furniture is formal.

This Gustavian case clock is perfectly showcased against the wall mural.

This beautiful antique Biedermeier wood table and Austrian chairs are from the same period, centered under a gilt lantern chandelier.

The beautiful cabinetry and mirror-on-mirror in this master bathroom create a very elegant atmosphere.

The master bedroom features a mirrored side table and custom headboard.

In the entry, a sunburst mirror is positioned on an antiqued mirror and x-frame chairs standout amongst the multi-colored marble tile.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If I have just one aim,
And if that aim is to be myself,
Then I am bound to discover joy,
True joy, eternal joy.

If you can create harmony
In your own life,
This harmony will enter
Into the vast world.

The transformation of life
Begins with a soulful smile
Of the heart.

At the dawn of each day,
Let us make our hopes
And promises
As sincere and powerful
As possible.

~ Sri Chinmoy

Happy New Year Everyone!

Blessings of Good Health, Prosperity and Endless Love!

Becky

Holiday Design Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:25:43 PST

With Christmas almost upon us, I thought I would write a post with some last minute Christmas gift ideas that pertain to design… for you afficionados out there. :)

So without further adieu…

HGTV’s Home Design and Remodeling Suite Software. I have this program and haven’t had the chance to really get in there and use it, but upon quick perusal and based on the reviews, it looks like a pretty decent software package. For those of you out there who would like to design, but don’t have the training, this is a fun little tool to work with. You can remodel your whole home or just change the colors of a room. The possibilities are endless.

Restoration Hardware's Heathered Stripe Throw

At just $59.00, this beautiful throw will keep you warm on the sofa or look good thrown over the corner of your arm chair. It’s oversized at 50” x 70” and the blankets from Restoration Hardware are just luxurious. I bought a chenille throw for my father a couple years ago and the weight of it and quality were impeccable.

Guinevere Bed from Horchow

Heavy gage steel in a beautifully scrolled romantic design, complete with four posts. Love. $799.00 for a Queen.

Embossed Faux Leather Journal from Leather Journals.net. Every good designer needs to record all his/her transactions. Make sure you have know where you are going with your business!

'>'>How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Redesign, Redecorating, and Home Staging Business: With Companion CD-ROM. For all of you out there that want to start up a design business, this is a good starting point. Practical tips and wisdom from those in the industry to help you get started.

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.
~Author Unknown

Becky

Peaceful Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:58:02 PST

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did. I spent the day with my children and reflected on what is really important in life. The love you give and the love you receive. I am thankful for so many friends and of course, my family and especially my children. I’m thankful to be moving on in life in baby steps and experiencing new things, making new goals, meeting new people (including some of you!), and ridding my life of the negative. As the year comes to a close, I am reflecting on the last year and what lessons I should learn from it. I am looking to the future and holding my dreams and hopes in front of me. This past year has been life-changing for me and I have struggled greatly (as has my blog…lol…), but I am looking forward to closing this year with grace and dignity and starting 2011 with hope and wonder. I wish you all blessings for a wonderful holiday season and may you be sharing it with the ones you love.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~ Maria Robinson

Better Homes and Gardens
“We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”
~Sam Keen

Some people come into our lives,
Leave footprints in our hearts,
And we are never ever the same.
- Unknown

“The most important things in life aren’t things.”
~Anthony J. DeAngelo

“Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in awhile, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again.”

“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.”
~Ashleigh Brilliant
“Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.”
~Albert Einstein

“Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.”
~Keri Russell

Suzanne Kasler kitchen
“Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.”
~Albert Einstein

“I don’t want to live. I want to love first, and live incidentally.”

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“This is my wish for you; Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”
Becky

Farmhouse Sink Love

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:47:59 PST

Everyone knows what they are and many people have pined for one when they first came back into popularity on the design front. Farmhouse sinks are gorgeous to look at, create a definite style in the kitchen and are oftentimes a statement piece.

Farmhouse sinks, also called apron-front, offer wide basins and exposed aprons. They are offered in lots of different materials and can be pricey. They require either a tile-in or undermount installation, which doesn’t work with some countertop materials, such as laminate. A lot of farmhouse sinks are also single-basin, which some customers don’t like.

I’ve gathered some interesting farmhouse sinks for your viewing enjoyment.

Stain Steel Mosaic Kitchen Sink from Linkasink . A gorgeous sink, don’t you think?

This weathered copper beauty also from Linkasink is also available in dark bronze here.

Natural Front Farmhouse Sink from Stone Forest. This would look great in a log cabin.

Some things to consider when purchasing a sink;

How many bowls do you need?
Is the sink deep enough for your pots?
Do you need a prep sink?
What is the care and maintenance of the material?
Size, Shape, Material.. does it go with your decor/cabinets/appliances?
Does it work with your faucets?
Cost

Shaws Original Casement Edge Front 1 1/2 Bowl Fireclay Apron Kitchen Sink here. Farmhouse sinks are usually single basin, so this double basin sink might be a good option for some.

The MHX710-36 from Franke Sinks. Stainless Steel beauty. Stainless steel can be high-maintenance though.

For Town by Michael S. Smith for Kallista can be found here. Made of solid marble, this is one of my favorites. Timeless and beautiful in any setting.

Have a great week everyone!

Becky

Life is a flow. It cannot stop, speed up, slow down or reverse. Things constantly move on. Because that is evolution. It is only by the leaving of one room that we can enter the next. And if we do not progress, we cannot grow. And if we do not grow we have no purpose. So we must accept, and make the best.

The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:05:53 PDT

It’s here again! The fabulous, oldest continuously operating international antiques show on the West Coast. Taking place this weekend at the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, the show is featuring Chinoiserie this year!

Dates/Hours

2010 Preview Party Benefit Gala
Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 7 to 9 p.m.
2010 Show

October 28 to October 31, 2010
Thursday - Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

Take a look at the who is going to be showing this year;

2010 Exhibitors

Wallpaper on canvas, handpainted with chinoiserie ornaments, from the museum Geelvinck-Hinlopen Huis.

Gracie Handpainted Wallpaper

If you’ve read my blog before, you know I’m a big fan of hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpaper. Gracie is one of the premiere companies manufacturing these beautiful pieces of art. Michael Smith, my favorite designer, uses Gracie in many of his designs.

If you’d like to be inspired by Chinoiserie design, check out the lecture series;

Chinoiserie and Japonisme in European Ceramics
Christina Prescott Walker
Thursday, October 28, 11:00 a.m.

China and World Fashion Today
John S. Major
Thursday, October 28, 2:30 p.m

Chinoiserie at Court
Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent
Friday, October 29, 11:00 a.m.

Chinoiserie in Britain, 1650-1820
David Beevers
Friday, October 29, 2:30 p.m.

Billy Baldwin: America's King Cotton Decorator
Adam Lewis
Saturday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.

Bringing the Past to Present and Beyond
Bunny Williams
Saturday, October 30, 2:30 p.m.

For a more comprehensive, wonderful post on the Antiques Show, check out Diane Dorrans Saeks blog, The Style Saloniste.

Hope to see you there!

Becky

If it is peace you want, seek to change yourself,
not other people. It is easier to protect your
feet with slippers than to carpet the whole of the earth.
- Anthony de Mello

Diane von Furstenberg does Claridge’s of London

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:15:36 PDT

Style maven Diane von Furstenberg has collaborated with Claridge’s of London to design a series of room and suites for the London hotel. Her goal for the room designs was “to respect the architecture and formality of the grand hotel room, but at the same time make it relevant to today’s life.” Of course, Diane’s “relevant to today’s life”, might be a bit different to our “relevancy”… but what I like about her, is that she is not afraid of color or pattern. Much like Kelly Wearstler, Diane is not inhibited by either. And, she has an eye for putting together these designs.

While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, her room designs are at the very least fun. Enjoy!

Here are a few snaps of the common areas…

Claridge’s Front Hall

Claridge’s Foyer

Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurant at Claridge’s. I love the light fixtures. Coupled with those purple chairs, it creates a warmth in the dining room.

Claridge’s Foyer

Claridge’s Entrance

Diane von Furstenberg’s iconic Ikat pattern in raspberry and chocolate dominates the dual aspect sitting-room, on a beautiful rug inset into a herring-bone patterned hardwood floor and on the 2 back-to-back sofas. The artwork in this suite is from von Furstenberg’s own private collection, from her travels around Europe, Africa and Asia.

The master bedroom has a soft color scheme, a pop-up 37 inch plasma TV at the foot of the bed and a beautiful canopied bed.

This bedroom takes its cue from the fashion world with attractive China Club curtains, bold patterns – including an armchair in von Furstenberg’s China Club design.

A more organic pattern, but just as effective. Bring on the DVF!!!

The design living room in this suite uses black and white as a base and then pops the room with that delicious deep purple and dark lime green.

Striking marble floors are the highlight in this master suite bathroom.

Classic elegance.

The décor is complemented by striking lighting in Murano glass.

Lalique glass sculptures throughout.

Mayfair Suite. More subdued, but nonetheless classic.

Linley Couture Suite. Art deco touches are an interesting choice compared to the other suites. Complete with mirror above the headboard. :)

Linley Classic Suite. I love the clean, classic look of this suite.

Linley Couture Suite. More art deco design.

Linley Suite.

Traditional Linley Couture Suite

Art Deco Linley Couture Suite

Piano Suite. The marble vanities are striking, but probably not an installation that a current designer would use.

Piano Suite Living Room. Feels presidential, no?

Royal Suite

Davies Penthouse. Beautiful doors.

The Davies Penthouse. Yes, please.

The Davies Penthouse

The Brook Penthouse

The Brook Penthouse. Wish I could see the view! I’m sure it’s striking.

The Brook Penthouse

And now, for their “regular” rooms :)….

Superior Queen Bedded Room

Superior King Bedded Room

Deluxe King Bedded Room

DVF Studio

Check it out for yourself at Claridges of London. And if you go… take me! :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope guides me. It is what gets me through the day and especially the night.

(Quote from “A Knight’s Tale)

Leona Helmsley’s $125 Million Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:04:33 PDT

Dubbed the “Queen of Mean” and notorious for not paying her taxes and going to jail for same, Leona Helmsley, or rather the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, has sold the “Dunnellen Hall” estate for $35 million, a $90 million dollar reduction from the original asking price of $125 million. The Helmsleys bought Dunnellen Hall in 1983 for $9 million (paying an extra $2 million for the furniture) and later picked up another 14 acres bringing the total to 40 acres. The home apparently is in a major state of disrepair and will cost millions to fix. The property taxes are rumored to be $183,000 a year.

All photos by Stephen Rossi Photography, Norwalk, CT

David Ogilvy & Associates currently has the listing on their website, where you can read, with more detail, about this palatial estate. I’m going to hit some of the highlights for you! I don’t know if this home has been occupied for years, but the decor definitely reads dated, as you will see below… (let’s have a little fun with this, shall we?)…

Located in The Great Estates in Greenwich, Connecticut, the main residence is 22,000 square feet, the property 40 acres, and the estate designed by Architect William Tubby.

Magnificent 70-foot marble reflecting pool with a three-tier fountain.

The grounds include an incredible koi pond with its own waterfall.

The entrance is very unassuming and not very impressive for such a massive estate! Topped with a limestone pediment in the Roman style. Perhaps this is a secondary entrance?

This looks to be a secondary hallway off of the entrance hall. The marble floors, ornate console table and hanging tapestry warm up this space nicely. What is on the top of this console table though? Inlaid marble? A glass insert with something underneath? Hmmmm….

Part of the entrance hall. I love the shadows on the wall from the iron doors. The urn base table looks a little cheesy though. And, I would have put the flower arrangement in a differently shaped vase… one that didn’t mimic the table base.

Entrance hall with a cove ceiling and the spectacular cross arched center hall with a Travertine marble floor, limestone walls running the 86-foot length and a double-height plaster tracery ceiling.

From another view.

The major stairway divides into two from the mid-level landing. They need some artwork on the walls!

The 45-foot living room with a massive carved stone fireplace with Ionic columns has the same tracery ceiling, gorgeous wide-board teak floors (covered mostly with the massive area rug). Ok…. Can we talk about that green coffee table for a minute though? I know the designer was going for a punch of color, but really?

The library has a 15th century fireplace mantel, paneling throughout and another lovely tapestry. What is your take on tapestries? Do they work for the typical homeowner? Leona was definitely NOT your typical homeowner!

Another view of the library.

Hallway reminds me of the cathedral ceilings in Europe. Beautiful architecture. I love the view of the fireplace in the far room.

Gorgeous landscape lighting.

The paneled dining room has a fireplace, a bay window and a tracery ceiling. Balloon shades and chair fabric could be updated. Ok, the chairs too!

Adjoining the dining room is a smaller, more intimate dining room. Another tapestry hangs in the room. This one not so nice I think.

This sitting room needs some definite updating. The emerald green walls with gold trim is very 80’s. Even the bay window and chandelier harken back to that decade. Do I spy fake topiaries in those urns in the background?

The family room has a lovely fireplace, coffered ceiling, and rather loud red velvet sofas that are competing for attention with that rug!

Where did they go wrong in this room? Let us count the ways…. One, the rug… Two, the gold tiger print chairs… Three, the sill-length drapes… Four, the lion artwork on the back wall…. Five…. Six…. Seven…. oh my…..

The 52 foot indoor pool/winter garden has marble floors, areas for sitting and a changing room and bathroom.

The lower level has a wine cellar. Nice, but could use a little more personality and chairs that are scaled more properly for the room.

Basement entrance to the wine cellar. If they were going for “dungeon decor”… they succeeded! Very drab and feels more like going through a coal mine with that ceiling all the way down the hallway.

Probably the most disappointing space of the entire estate… the kitchen. The burled wood cabinets are hideous… even back when this estate was built!

Now you get to why it sold for $35 million! Look at this property!

Beautiful landscaping.

The 75-foot outdoor swimming pool has a terrace and a cabana with a kitchen, and it adjoins the tennis court.

Beautiful estate… needing a major renovation!

All photos Stephen Rossi Photography, Norwalk, CT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

People keep repeating that the main things are love and compassion. Certainly love and compassion are the main things, but it takes knowledge to make love and compassion fruitful. ... It takes just a second to say 'love'. But to acquire knowledge for the well-being and blessing of humanity requires an eternity.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life,
your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy.

A Little Visit to Bouf Brings Surprising Finds!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:53:10 PDT

It’s been awhile since I’ve visited Bouf… but I am on their email list, so I am regularly receiving updates from them. The problem is, I usually don’t have time to look! Today I stopped by to see what was new and I was pleasantly surprised. I think you may be too!

If you are looking for accessories or other items for a home interior project, this might just be the place to find something original. And original is what I am always striving for in my designs. Hard to find in today’s copycat world.

This first find, a Petits Oiseauxs Mirror, is so charming that I instantly fell in love with it. Two little brass birds are perched on its antiqued brass frame, that has distressed, antiqued mirror glass encased.

A Gold Retro Love Sign that is something that you can see everywhere probably, but I love how this one is distressed a bit in it’s finish.

These Boho Blanc Plaster Mirrors are just the ticket when you want to create a bit of romance in a space. The different sizes and shapes are gorgeous.

And speaking of mirrors… I thought these Aviator by Cocktail Designers - Narcisse Mirrors were ingenious! If you have a fun spot to place them, they are definitely the unexpected. I think these would be very cool in a teenagers room.

These Dandelion Blowing Wall Stickers are so creative and whimsical. Great for a young couple in their entrance way or family room.

This Burlesque Chair is for those times that you just want a little something fancy in the corner of your boudoir… or perhaps are thinking about something a little naughtier? :)

This Auro light fixture is so translucent it is almost ghostly. And, I love it!

These Utzon Tivoli Pendant Lights are the perfect blend of industrial, loft and chic. Perfect for so many spaces.

And finally, if you appreciate a nod back to the good ol’ days and want a little retro in your space, try this Dreyfuss 500 Chrome Telephone. Functions just like a regular phone… but you get a little style to go along with it!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You know nothing about Hope, that immortal, delicious maiden forever courted forever propitious, whom fools have called deceitful, as if it were Hope that carried the cup of disappointment, whereas it is her deadly enemy, Certainty, whom she only escapes by transformation.

GEORGE ELIOT, Daniel Deronda

Do you Olioboard?

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:57:17 PDT

If you are used to Polyvore, you will be an expert at Olioboard. A mood board creator, where you drag and drop objects, Olioboard is loads of fun. I just discovered it today and spent WAY too much time creating the following mood boards. Just when I had a day where I could catch up with a few things… bam… gone and all I have to show for it is these cool mood boards. :) Hope you like!

My California Inspiration board…

My Modern/Asian Twist board…

and finally…

My Loft Space board. Olioboard has all of these cool room sets that you can start with and then start creating your rooms. Very fun!

Go to Olioboard to create your own mood boards. Have fun… but don’t go to their websites if you have work to get done first!!! :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.
Wayne Dyer

I cannot always control what goes on outside. But I can always control what goes on inside.
Wayne Dyer

The Redbury @ Hollywood and Vine

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:09:56 PDT

Once upon a time in a land far, far away…. oh… wait… that’s fairytale land. Well, this comes pretty close. Welcome to The Redbury @ Hollywood and Vine. Hollywood’s hottest new place to lay your head, dine and hang out. Created by Sam Nazarian, of luxe hospitality group SBE, and styled by celeb image maker Matthew Rolston, this new hotel is sure to excite a few with it’s unique vibe of old style meets chic wanderlust.

The hotel offers 57 Flats consisting of 11 Highland Flats, 19 Sunset Flats, 11 Vine Flats, 12 Hollywood Premiere Flats, and 4 Redbury Signature Flats. They offer 750 – 1020 square feet of living space, 300 thread count Italian linen and terry, plush pillow top mattress, your own in-unit washer and dryer, old-world art collection featuring hand-drawn illustrations and paintings, vintage rock and roll posters, persian rugs and private patios or balconies.

Who would not love the incredible styling of this room, with it’s collection of old-world photos, suzani throws on the beds and ikat prints throughout. With a mix of modern and traditional furniture and it’s bold pop of color, this room is warm, inviting and reminds me of home, more than a hotel. Extend my stay…. please!

Though the styling is traditional, the amenities are not. Guests will not be without in one of these flats. Amenities include; Hi-speed WIFI network, 24 hour in-flat dining service from Executive Chef Daniel Elmaleh, a fully-stocked bar, flat-screened LCD TV’s, a vinyl collection and record player (how cool is that?). You can even request hypo-allergenic bedding and custom pet amenities.

“It feels more like borrowing a friend’s cool apartment than staying in a hotel.”

The English roll-arm sofa, vintage side tables, persian rugs and paisley prints are such a great blend of traditional style. They are perfectly matched with more contemporary pieces, like the wood block tables.

Bold prints like this bring the Redbury alive. A bit of nostalgia is a very welcoming characteristic for a hotel in today’s world of ultra-sleek, contemporary, often cold hotels.

The European-styled kitchen with gas burners means you don’t have to eat out for every meal. Relax in a home atmosphere, kick back with your orange juice and home-made eggs in the morning and laze around in your comfortable living space or order in-flat yoga or pilates instruction until you are ready to go out and hit the sites of Hollywood.

This oversized walk-in rain shower is enough to make me want to book an extra day or two. The floor to ceiling tile is ultra-chic and sleek and modern. It’s contemporary, yet glamorous. They could’ve designed a more traditional bathroom in these flats, complete with claw-foot tubs, but I think they got it right with this present-day version of Hollywood.

Streetscape from Hollywood and Vine.

“I love having the best of Hollywood just outside my front door.”

“I wish I was staying at The Redbury”….

Los Angeles… Hollywood baby!

Cleo, is Redbury’s signature restaurant, featuring Executive Chef Daniel Elmaleh. They serve lunch, dinner and late-night fare from noon to midnight daily. Offering plates such as seasonal grilled Pinchos, small plates and salads, home Laffa flatbreads and vegetarian items, this restaurant is ready to impress.

Elmaleh also offers 24 hour in-flat dining service, including picnic baskets and grocery delivery.

“It’s not stuffy, it’s not intellectual, it’s just good food.”

Sam Nazarian, sbe Founder and CEO, comes from such hits as Shelter nightclub, SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, Sahara Hotel & Casino in Vegas and the Ritz Plaza in Miami’s South Beach.

Sam thought of everything. For the business professional who wants to stay for the touch of home but needs professional amenities…. ipads, laptops, printers and fax machines are available upon request. Full shipping and messenger services, as well as full printing services are also provided.

The various floor plans available for the flats. I’ll take “C”!

This was Matthew Rolston’s first foray into hospitality design. His vision was to create a “unique real-world environment for a style-focused audience” and I think he hit the nail on the head. Bravo! For Matthew’s work, go here.

For more information, visit The Redbury @ Hollywood and Vine here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remember that all things which happen

To you are raw materials

Endlessly fertile

Endlessly yielding of thoughts that could change

Your life and go on doing forever…

So fear not, my friend.

The darkness is gentler than you think.

-Nigerian poet Ben Okri

Office Space

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:34:55 PDT

Home offices should be a place unlike any other space in your home. The office should speak to your personal style, but it should also offer order, the opportunity for productivity and the feeling of calm (or excitement?) so that work can be accomplished. There should be ample storage and counter space, good lighting and proper seating.

What makes an office special to you? Is it the design of the space? Is it the fact that it is away from the rest of your family and a place where you can get work done? Is it the wall color? Below are some examples of some great office spaces that, for one reason or another, made me chose them for this post.

Let me know if any of them are on your favorites list and what you have done to make your office special!

California Home and Design Magazine, Designer Laura Rombauer, Photographer Mathew Millman.

This office space for multiple people has two features in it that I think are critical… a hard floor and lots of counter space. The color scheme of lime and tangerine give this space life. The only thing missing for me is natural lighting.

California Home and Design Magazine, Designer Barbara Scavullo, Photographer Mathew Millman.

You have to like wood to like this office design! This cozy space, even though it is wall to wall (and desk!) wood, is tempered by wonderful task and recessed lighting, as well as light accents brought in with the guest sofa, the artwork and the chair seat.

California Home and Design Magazine, Designer Steven Volpe, Photographer Mathew Millman.

More on the traditional side, this office offers elegance with it’s skirted sofa, bergere chairs and floor to ceiling drapery. This was most definitely designed for a woman in mind. I love the touch of pink in the abstract painting to coordinate with the sofa.

California Home and Design Magazine, Designer Georgina Rice, Photographer David
Duncan Livingston

Tucked into the smallest niche, this desk found a place to be an office. Boudoir chair and balloon drapery ramp up the romance!

California Home and Design Magazine, Designer Jay Jeffers, Photographer Mathew Millman.

What a fun space with the concrete walls juxtaposed with the leopard print chairs! If you are going to go original, then go all the way!

Architectural Digest, Designer Juan Pablo Molyneux.

There is a lot going on in this office space, but that is pretty indicative of Molyneux’s style. He carries the design over the top with the busy rug, the blue leopard print fabric on the chair and that embellished astrology ceiling!

Designer Thomas Pheasant

One of my favorite designers, Pheasant keeps things neutral in this office space when he could have easily designed in much more color to add to the blond wood. Clean lines and simplicity give this space elegance and refinement.

Live while you are alive…

Learn to be what you are in the seed of your spirit

Learn to free yourself from all things that have molded you

And which limit your secret and undiscovered road…

Never forget that love

Requires that you be

The greatest person you are capable of being,

Self-generating and strong and gentle-

Your own hero and star…

Be grateful for life as you live it,

And may a wonderful light

Always guide you along the unfolding road.

New Books!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:39:34 PDT

There are a few new design books that are coming out soon that I cannot wait to see, read and spend time with stretched out on my bed with a warm cup of tea steaming by my side.

Getting a new design book anytime of the year is like Christmas for me. It’s all I need to make me happy in that moment. After all, it’s the little moments that matter, right?

So, without further adieu, I give you some titles that might interest you as well!

The Nest Home Design Handbook: Simple ways to decorate, organize, and personalize your place' target=_blank>The Nest Home Design Handbook

Simple ways to decorate, organize, and personalize your place

Written by Carley Roney, who is the woman responsible for all of “The Knot” wedding books and magazines. This book looks fresh, fun and full of ideas. The comments posted on Amazon already give it a glowing review. It’s going in my cart!

New Asian Interiors (Stylecity)' target=_blank>New Asian Interiors by Massimo Listri. This book has not yet been released, but the description says that it has over 400 beautiful color photographs of homes in Japan, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia to Singapore, Indonesia, Java, and Bali. With my growing fascination with feng shui design, this book is sure to be a winner.

Casa California: Spanish-Style Houses from Santa Barbara to San Clemente' target=_blank>Casa California: Spanish Style Houses from Santa Barbara to San Clemente

This book has actually been published for awhile, but it’s new to me. And I love the Spanish style, as you will see from the next book selection, so it made the list! :)

Spanish Interior Design' target=_blank>Spanish Interior Design by Michelle Gallindo

This is one of my favorite design styles, so this is the book that I am most looking forward to. The book features 50 designs in a variety of categories.

Living in Style: Paris' target=_blank>Living in Style Paris by Reto Guntli (photographer).

Having just returned from Paris a few months ago, it would be fascinating to see a fresh take on this style. It is interesting how the cover has a strong Asian influence.

Paula Deen's Savannah Style" target=_blank>Paula Deen's Savannah Style

Paula Deen’s Savannah Style. The queen of Southern cooking has an interior design book out! Go figure! But, I’ll be the first in line to buy it! There is something so warm and fun about this lady, that I’m sure her new venture is going to be a wild success.

By Paula Deen and Brando Branch.

Lars Bolander's Scandinavian Design

Heather Smith MacIsaac (Author), Staffa Johansson (Photographer), Ake Eson Lindman (Photographer), Lars Ranek (Photographer) and Solvi dos Santos (Photographer)

Broken down by room chapters, this style exemplifies simplicity at it’s best.

If you are interested in ordering or pre-ordering any of the titles above, you can click on the links in blue and it will take you directly to the Amazon purchase page (a page I know all too well!).

I hope you all have an amazing week!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Live while you are alive

Learn to be what you are in the seed of your spirit

Learn to free yourself from all things that have molded you

And which limit your secret and undiscovered road…

Never forget that love requires that you be

The greatest person you are capable of being

Self-generating and strong and gentle-

Your own hero and star

Be grateful for life as you live it

And may a wonderful light

Always guide you along the unfolding road.

Domes of Elounda

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:02:52 PDT

Summer has me thinking about all the warm places I’d like to visit around the world. Sooner or later, I’ll see them all, regardless of roadblocks. In searching for luxurious spas and resorts, I came across an all suites and villas spa resort called Domes of Elounda, located on a Greek island called Spinalonga.

The villa features dome structures throughout the property, giving it a unique look.

Looking like a spaceship in the middle of the sea, the Domes features several of these dome shapes throughout the villa.

The Resort. The sky glows as the sun sets, leaving the water a sheet of glass.

The view from the villa is beautiful and serene.

One of the domes with it’s alien lights.

Main Pool overlooking the Mediterranean.

Open Plan Suite Exterior. Several of the villas have a personal pool.

Private Suite Bedroom. Luxurious fabrics, fluffy pillows and warm breezes make for a very peaceful stay at the Domes.

Ultraluxe Villa Exterior. Rock retaining walls surround this villa making it seem like it’s been here 100 years.

Ultraluxe Villa Living Room. A cool contemporary vibe fills the suites. Here you see the inside of one of the domes.

Ultraluxe Villa Pool. Another private pool.

Ultraluxe Villa Bathroom. Luxury is an understatement here. The large shower and tub in the rear are big enough for a party. And, we all need a tub of rose-petal water to wash our face with.

Domes Spa. The exceptional Domes Spa draws on ancient Greek spa practices and uses the restorative benefits of the Mediterranean waters. The focal point of the spa is the black mosaic sea water pool, surrounded by tinted glass.

Domes Spa. Gold and black mosaic tiles cover the spa walls giving it a luxurious feel.

Grand Dome Bar

Definitely the place to go for a cool drink to welcome in the setting sun.

All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.

- Lao-tzu

Christina Rocks!

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:57:08 PDT

Once in awhile I will deviate from my blog purpose and today is going to be one of those days…

Did any of you catch the American Idol finale last night? Christina Aguilera sung her new song, “You Lost Me”, off of her new album “Bionic” (due out June 8 ) and it was just incredible. She is such an incredible singer and artist, not to mention beautiful.

For those of you who’ve been dumped, for those of you who have been hurt, for those of you who have a huge broken heart….

If you find this as incredible as I did, you can preorder it here…

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Illinois Estate for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:57:22 PDT

Architectural Digest is featuring a French manor-inspired estate for sale just north of Chicago that has my absolute favorite kitchen of all time in it. The kitchen was designed by Mick DeGiulio. It encompasses everything that I dream about in a kitchen.

High ceilings tower over this mastery of this kitchen. From the professional range to the marble-topped island and breakfast table, this kitchen is the epiphany of class, French inspiration, sophistication and airiness. The open shelving next to the window beautifully displays their pottery, while the pot rack centers the room and reminds us that this is indeed a place where meals come together… not just a place of beauty to be admired.

Looking to the other side of the room, the floor-to-ceiling French doors span the length of the seating area and look out onto a patio that becomes part of this breakfast area. For chillier mornings, a fireplace can be drawn while you cozy up on the slip-covered sofa with your cup of hot steaming tea.

A closer view of the kitchen shows the glass tile backsplash, the professional range and oven and the beautiful built-in cabinetry in the background. Notice how they have the light fixtures centered in the middle of the pot rack.

Another view of the kitchen, which was taken from the real estate site. Notice the island has been changed out to white and the window casings have been painted white. Which do you like better? Blue or white?

This is the exterior of the home, which is located in Lake Forest, IL. Can you say French chateau???

Even the gate is pretty entering the estate.

I am not sure if this is the entrance or not, but it does resemble the kitchen aesthetic, with the marble floors, beamed ceiling and white walls.

The living room with the coffered ceiling is very formal. I love the pale blue chairs in the space, giving it some color.

The dining area and adjacent sitting room looks a bit sparse, but it could be because the house is so expansive.

View from the other room.

I believe this is an office area. Interesting use of the zebra rug with the more formal desk.

This home is 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms and is 9000 square feet and sits on 2.68 acres. It was built in 2004.

All this can be yours for the mere price of $7.999 million! Just pick up the June copy of Architectural Digest to be wowed!

“I used to believe in forever, but forever is too good to be true.”

-Winnie the Pooh

“Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And all you can do is go where they can find you.”

- Winnie the Pooh

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."”

Fabrics of Versailles

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:48:31 PDT

I am just fresh off of a trip to Paris, France and it was lovely. While there we ventured out to Versailles, home of King Louis XIV and the seat of the absolute monarchy from 1682 through1789.

I was so taken with the bright fabrics that were used throughout the chalet (the primary building), Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon (Marie Antoinette’s quarters), that I thought I would share them with you. The artistry of the fabrics and tapestries was beyond imagination. Here I share with you what I so loved seeing in person.

This was the bedchamber of The Empress Marie Louise. However the bed was Napoleon’s bed in the Tuileries Palace and the one in which his successor Louis XVIII, Louis XVI’s brother, died in 1825, before finally being brought here for the last occupant of the room, Queen Marie-Amelie, King Louis-Phillippe’s wife. Look at the sumptuousness of the bedding and all the draping around the bed. Do you know of anyone with a gold headboard like that? Or a gold headboard period? Maybe Donald Trump?

I loved this color combination and how bright the fabric was. Look at the tassles! The tassles alone really impressed me!

Beautiful! Again, the tassles were a piece of art. I believe this was from the bedchamber of the Queen of the Belgians.

Louis XIV’s bedchambers. Sorry…out of focus!

The top of his bedchamber. Notice the feather plumes on the four corners of his bed.

From Louis-Philippe’s family room. Beautiful shades of yellow and blue on this side chair.

I believe this was a wallpaper. Rich, vibrant colors.

This was one of my favorite materials, if not my favorite. The sheen of the blue and the wheat-green and white makes this so dainty and feminine, but classic at the same time. I would purchase this material for my home and definitely find a place for it.

Another room lined with beautiful wallpaper or material… I cannot tell which.

This was one of my favorite fabrics. Unfortunately I did not take this picture in focus! :)

Many of the rooms were color thematic. Here they copied the circle pattern onto the chair seats.

Here damask wall paper lines the room in an evergreen that works beautifully with all the gilting in the room.

Look at the tapestry of this stool. It’s just beautiful, don’t you think? To imagine this kind of craftwork in the 1800’s is amazing.

This is the stool from the side. These bead tassles were intriguing to me, so I had to reach over the rope and touch one of them (heaven forbid!). I got a quick scolding from the docent! Shame on me!

One of the rugs. Lovely.

More wallpaper or fabric covered walls. Gorgeous.

The magnificence of these tassles is unparalled.

The Dauphine’s Bedchamber. Silks were hung in the room while carved oak was placed on the lower part of the wall. The bed’s fabrics are decorated with motifs of foliage and medallions produced in petit point needlework. The needlework on the headboard depicts the sheep of the shepherd Edymion.

More beautiful stools in rich, vibrant colors.

I love the lemony vanilla color of this room with the light blue accent.

Apartments of the Dauphine… the Dauphine’s Library. The colors in this room were also fascinating to me.

Hope you enjoyed! Au revoir!

Love is patient, Love is kind,

It does not envy, it does not boast,

It is not proud, It is not rude,

It is not self-seeking,

It is not easily angered,

It keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil,

but rejoices with the truth.

Love always protects, always trusts,

always hopes, always perseveres.

Love bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.

Love never fails.

- Corinthians 13:4-8

Loving Gerard’s Place

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:23:29 PDT

If you’ve read my blog before or have followed it, you will know that it takes a LOT to impress me. I’m one of those kind of people who don’t like to have what everyone else has. I don’t like the normal, the conformed, the popular. There are exceptions of course, but for the most part, I like unusual, eclectic, foreign and different.

This month when I received my Architectural Digest in the mail I was met by the handsome Gerard Butler sitting in a chair in his Chelsea loft in New York. Although Gerard (Gerry as his friends call him I believe) looked good..honest eyes… I was not impressed by his surroundings. However, upon turning the pages and coming upon the article featuring his loft, I had one of those wow moments! Wow! This loft is different. Wow! This place has character! Wow! This is a man who isn’t afraid of inventing a new landscape. Wow! I found a new design aesthetic I really like!

The VERY handsome Gerard Butler.

This is the picture that I love! The exposed beams, the worn walls, the casual furniture, the rudimentary dining set, the crystal chandeliers! Love, love, love! It’s always been a dream to have a loft space of my own!

A stone lion’s head from an old library was used in Butler’s theater area.

The dining area with the rustic dining set and three fabulous chandeliers lighting the area. If you can’t decide on one chandelier style, go with them all!

The theater room. The columns frame the screen and the furnishings are comfy and casual.

The kitchen’s cabinetry was made out of leftover flooring materials. Love sustainable design! The use of glamorous crystal chandeliers juxtaposed against distressed wood and worn walls is fabulous!

Another view of the kitchen, but this pic has a different center island. Perhaps this was the first go-round with Designer Elvis Restaino? I like the black island above better.

The stone-like tiles used as a black splash against stainless sink with Celtic markings is another juxtaposition that I find intriguing. It’s THIS kind of design that is interesting!

A view into Butler’s office. I love tall windows that open up to the world.

I believe this is Elvis Restaino in Butler’s loft. Restaino is an accomplished set designer, working on such sets as Star Wars and Moulin Rouge. Check out his website here. What a talented man!

Entranceway before…

and after…

and after…. ahhhh….. Note the mural on the ceiling, the crystal chandelier, the worn walls and the archway and columns separating the space from the rest of the loft. Perfect!

Now if Restaino would only come help me envision my home!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Life's not always fair. Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow. ~Terri Guillemets

Hand Painted Wallpapers

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:43:00 PDT

Interior designers who have clients with big budgets may know of a few hand-painted wallpaper manufacturers, such as Gracie, Paul Montgomery and deGournay. While definitely not cheap, these beautifully crafted wallpapers bring an elegance and refinement to any space that it inhabits. I particularly like the application in an entranceway and dining room, but as you will see from the following pictures, anywhere is nice.

This collection is from deGournay. The panels above the fireplace are my favorite of this grouping. They add so much character to the space.

More from deGournay. The sepia tones of the panels with the elephant draws my eye. I like that they placed this in a bathroom.

Even closet doors get a special treatment from deGournay here.

Available in almost every color palette, deGournay does not disappoint.

More deGournay…. The muted tones of the middle scene have such a rich and classical quality about them.

Paul Montgomery's Chinoiserie Collection, Hemmerling

Paul Montgomery's Chinoiserie Collection, Rose

Paul Montgomery's European Panoramic Collection

Gracie hand-painted Chinese scenic panel

Gracie hand-painted Chinese silver leaf panel

All very beautiful! My current house does not lend itself to this type of wallpaper panel, but if I had a classically structured house, you can bet I would have one of these panels on my wish list for my dining room.

Thanks for viewing this week and I hope you have an incredible week!

"Strength is not measured by how tightly you hold on to something,
but by how well you let it go."
- Author Unknown

Harmon and Harmon

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:27:21 PST

I’ve discovered a store in Melbourne, Australia called Harmon & Harmon. Established their brand 40 years ago, John and Barbara Hermon have put together a shop that offers homeware, furniture, lighting and interior design services. I haven’t been there, but their product line is extremely enticing!

The first thing you will probably notice about their products is that there is a heavy use of organic materials. Right up my alley!

They have clean lines on most of their furniture, which I also love. This pair of chairs is perfect!

This coffee table and stool set is beyond cool! i.want.it now!!!!

An organic chair is saddled up to a modern desk. I like the juxtaposition.

Ok. I don’t know about you. But, the minute my son would see this ad, he would be running to this bed to try this neat little gymnastics move! And, since he is 15 now, it makes me wonder if an investment in this bed would be all for nothing! Fun little cave though!

More clean, modern lines typify their dining sets.

Again, organic chairs are coupled with a table that has an Asian inspired legs.

The homewares look so cozy and wonderful. The selection of the textured grey pillows on the steel grey couch is perfect!

Now for the fun stuff. This anemone candle is beautiful. A table full of these would be such a conversation piece!

Here are the anemone shapes, but in floor lamps! OMG! Love them! These would be beautiful on a patio as well.

Their outdoor collection has some interesting pieces, such as these tables which have shapes within shapes.

And finally, their lighting collection is spectacular! The above pieces are just a glimpse of their product line. I’m in love with them all!

You can visit Hermon & Hermon here.

Let me know what you think!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

“Honor is the inner garment of the Soul;

the first thing put on by it with the flesh,

and the last it layeth down at its separation from it.”

Akhenaton, King of Egypt, 14th century BC

Lovely Bathroom Products

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:02:29 PST

What a few weeks it's been! Between all the rain that California has received and my laptop that has crashed, I'm ready to move forward into a fun, happy, problem-free Spring! :)

I’m reorganizing all of my resource binders as well and as I came to the bathroom resource binder, I ran across the most lovely products and photographs. I want to share them with you here. If you need inspiration for your bathroom, there are some very unique products for you to consider.

The Water Monopoly Copper Bath with Thick Roll

This original French double-ended copper bath is so romantic and such a statement in this bathroom. Did I just say bathroom? Does anyone have a bathroom like this in their house? This is more the size of my living room!

The Water Monopoly's Bateau Bath

A reproduction of a late 19th century French double-ended bath, individually cast in iron from recycled brake discs. I love this even more than the copper bath above. All that is missing are some French Fauteuil chairs, a glass of red wine and 100 votive candles.

Sherle Wagner's Marble Tub with Claw Feet

This tub is amazing!! I thought I loved marble countertops, but this is over the top, don’t you think? How luxurious, how grand, how incredibly ostentatious! I want one!

THG Paris' Papillon Lav Set

As part of their Lalique line, these beautiful butterfly faucet handles are more like delicate perfume bottle toppers than what they are really are. Not for the little boys room!

Ann Sack's Poly Stone Mosaic

This white and pearl stone mosaic is so beautiful. It would make a beautiful floor or backsplash tile. It would be beautiful in a shower or framing a mirror. Check out Ann Sack’s entire stone mosaic line. They are all incredible.

Short and sweet for this one folks! I’ll be back soon with more goodies now that I’ve got my computer back! (yea!)
Have an incredible week!

Directions

My life is like a sailing ship
depending on the winds
to take me where I want to go,
sometimes the winds
are in my favor.
Other times they're not.
And when the gales
of adversity blow
the winds I can't control,
but the set of the sails I can –
for that, and not the
direction of the wind,
is what takes me where
I dream and plan to go.

– Dick Innes