Knight Moves

Lungarno Luxury

2012-01-27T12:21:00.002-06:00

On my honeymoon I was fortunate enough to stay at the Hotel Lungarno in Florence. I looked it up a few days ago when I was prepping yesterday's post on upholstered beds because I loved the headboard in the room we stayed in. Well, I got sucked into the site and ended up flipping through the photo gallery that showcases every property in the Lungarno Collection.

Here's my husband chillin' on our room's patio overlooking the Ponte Vecchio...

Located in Florence, Rome, and Tuscany, the Lungarno Collection is comprised of luxury hotels, residences and villas, and a yacht. Led by Leonardo Ferragamo (Salvatore's son), each part of the collection was created to reflect Florentine style, culture, taste, creativity, craftsmanship, and passion. Ferragamo enlisted the prowess of famed Florentine architect Michele Bönan (who also designed the J.K. Place Capri) to execute his vision. The properties are unique but they all share a consistent level of taste and comfortable ambience.

I know that when we were at the Lungarno Hotel, it felt beautiful and luxurious but also very warm and inviting, like a home. The common areas had none of the typical grand hotel vapidity or stuffiness to them. All of the details and unique accents in the decor make it seem like you're in someone's living room and that atmosphere is so refreshing when you're in a foreign country. It's one of the few hotels I've stayed in where I wanted to hang out in those areas because it felt like an extension of our room instead of "public territory."

Anyhow, here are some photos of the exquisite properties of the Lungarno Collection...

Hotel Lungarno Lobby Area

This is pretty much what our room looked like. I was crazy about the brass window hardware, the navy-bordered draperies, and the bed...

Hotel Lungarno suite

This bathroom was amazing...some of the other hotels we stayed at in Italy didn't have proper showers and this one was outstanding.

Hotel Lungarno bathroom

Borgo San Jacopo restaurant overlooking the Arno

Bönan used tons of beautifully framed works on paper throughout the Hotel Lungarno...

Lounge Bar Picteau at the Hotel Lungarno

Comfy but sleek library...

Gallery Hotel Art library

The entrance to the Portrait Suites is conveniently located right next to Ferragamo :)

Bönan obviously loves picture lights and I love him for that...

Borgo San Jacopo restaurant

I love the gray wool flannel upholstery and draperies against the creamy white paneled walls...

Borgo San Jacopo restaurant

Continentale room

Those cocktail tables are topped with clocks...

Continentale Sky Bar rooftop

Rooftop terrace at the Continentale

Yoga on the rooftop terrace...sounds amazing, right? Well, gotta say Italian yoga gear is obviously MUCH different than it is in the US! Better pack some Lululemon and a proper mat ;)

Sky bar rooftop at the Contintale

This is so incredible. I could sit out here all night long...

Gallery Hotel Art private terrace

And all day long...

Gallery Hotel Art private terrace

Portrait Suites terrace

Yet another killer view of the Arno...

Continentale Penthouse

Oh yeah, that's a view of the Duomo from the bathroom...

Continentale Penthouse

If this isn't the perfect white, then I don't know what is!

Gallery Hotel Art penthouse

Gallery Hotel Art room

Gallery Hotel Art bathroom

I love the vanity area in this room with the huge tri-panel mirror...

Portrait Suites Bedroom

Villa le Rose

Swan sailing yacht

Who wants to go to Italy now?? Have you stayed at any of the Lungarno Collection hotels? If I got to go back, it would be really hard to not stay at the Hotel Lungarno again, however, the terraces that the Continentale and the Gallery Hotel Art both have are seriously tempting. Which would you choose (pretending that money is no object, of course)?

Upholstered Bed Styles

2012-01-26T12:59:00.000-06:00

Upholstered beds are everywhere and have been en vogue for a while. Although I typically grow tired of any trend that becomes ubiquitous, I still love a good upholstered bed/headboard. I prefer that beds look comfortable and cushy and a padded headboard wrapped in fabric contributes to that effect far more effectively than a hard wood or metal one. And being a person who sleeps in a bed with a soft, tufted headboard (and footboard), I can vouch for the fact that upholstered beds are more comfortable especially when you're propped up reading or watching TV.

I've been planning to get an upholstered bed made for the guest room since we moved in and it just never rose to the top of the priority list. I'm ready to finish that room up though, so it really needs to be ordered so that I can select fabric for the chair and the curtains in the room. Besides choosing fabric, I need to decide on what shape I want to use. I want something unique but also simple and timeless because it's not going to change for a long time! Here are some styles that I like:

Channel tufted

Nailhead border trim, Tower 20 - Bolsa Chica Bed by Tim Clarke via Dering Hall

Grid tufted, Rossmore Headboard by Empiric

Tufted with brass button detail and curved edges, Nickey Kehoe - Tufted Headboard via Dering Hall

Here's another tufted one with curved edges, but it has more modern lines. Plus it's from Z Gallerie and is thus a bit cheaper (considering you get a whole bed and not just the headboard).

Simple lacquered wood frame with unholstered inset cushion with cording, designed by David Kleinberg

Moorish cut-out design accented with nailhead trim, Azure Headboard via Horchow

And finally, this one that I put together, uses a classic curved corner shape, Schumacher's Nanjing, a fun Chinoiserie print fabric, and a navy contrasting tape border.

With my budget, I'll probably go with the final option that I designed. Since I'm not the world's biggest fan of bedskirts, I'd either have an upholstered base with wood legs made or go with a ready-made (i.e. cheaper) frame from West Elm. If I use Nanjing for the headboard I'll probably upholster the wing chair with Alan Campbell's Kells II in French blue and navy (below). The curtains would be ivory bordered with the same navy tape that was used on the headboard.

Which bed/headboard from above do you like best? Are you a fan of upholstered beds/headboards?

2012 New Releases from Made Goods

2012-01-25T17:32:00.003-06:00

I have fawned over Made Goods before and I'm going to do it again because they a) relaunched their website and it has been vastly improved, b) expanded their product line for 2012, and c) flat-out produce absolutely amazing things and should be commended for their efforts!

Made Goods has the coolest style and unparalleled quality of materials and craftsmanship. Their aesthetic blends lots of styles and is hard to categorize. You could call it funky, sophisticated, chic, exotic, natural...but definitely not boring or ordinary. In a world full of copycats (i.e. Wisteria and Ballard Designs), they really lead the pack and come up with fresh, inventive designs. Being someone that's always craving something novel, I appreciate their creative spirit and stellar execution of their vision. Here's a sampling of their creations...

I'm infatuated with Made Goods' interchangeable accent tables and tops. My favorite base is the Osten and I can't pick a top that I like best because they are all fab...

They've released new additions to their product lineup and many of them have made my covet list. there is lots of turquoise faux shagreen, inlaid bone detailing, and perfectly antiqued mirrored finishes. Have a look at some of my favorites...

I also adore the glitzy Paris mirror, which is encrusted with rhinestones. What are you lusting over? If you're itching to buy some of these lovely goodies, then head over to Clayton Gray. They carry a wide selection of the Made Goods line.

Houseplants and Their Containers

2012-01-24T15:10:00.000-06:00

Every home needs a few living things in it...other than people, of course. Pets count and are essential (at least to me), but they don't exactly contribute to the decor plan. Plants and flowers do contribute and can be used to bring some color, texture, and life to pretty much any room. They make for a quick, easy, and inexpensive accessory. I'm a big fan of fiddle leaf fig trees, succulents, and orchids because they all look good, last longer than cut flowers, and are really easy to care for. Here are a couple of examples:

I keep a cachepot with two orchids on the coffee table in my den...

The orchid arrangement is the cherry on top in Colleen McGill's entry design (one of my all-time favs)...

These individually potted succulents are a simple but lovely addition to this vignette...

Via The Decorista

And this succulent arrangement by Dallas-based Grange Hall is stunning and would look fantastic on a dining room table or a large console table...

And a towering fiddle leaf fig tree adds a punch of green to Grant K. Gibson's living room...

As far as containing these green lifeforms goes, trees obviously need large planters as I posted about before and the succulents and orchids can be placed in a wide variety of containers and vessels. With both of these plants you can use one or group many together to fill a larger planter and make a bigger statement.

Whatever the size may be, make sure that the vessel you pick is interesting and impactful. The plant and its container will serve as an accessory in the room and every accessory should contribute to the overall style. Use your imagination and have some fun with it! Here are some ideas...

Oxford Serving Bowl - Z Gallerie

Midcentury Dragon Planter - Etsy

Yellow Cachepot by Vista Allegre for Tiffany & Co. - Ebay

Milk Glass planters - Etsy

Cement Pleated Pots - Jamali Garden

Cube Planter Beveled - Layla Grayce
Spode Copeland Black Cachepot - Ebay
Vintage Chinoiserie Coalport Planter - Etsy
Silver Plated Champagne bucket - Save on Crafts
Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Planters - Etsy

As you can see from above, I often source cachepots and planters on Etsy or Ebay. I also love styles from Emilia Ceramics and there are tons of great inexpensive options at Jamali Garden and Save on Crafts (their silver plated julep cups are great for single orchids).

I'm a sucker for the Chinoiserie planters and cachepots. Which style do you like best? And do you have any plants in your home? What kinds?

Sagaponack Beach House by Sardar Design Studio

2012-01-23T09:58:00.003-06:00

As blogged on Friday, Ahmad Sardar-Afkami is the architect that led the renovation of KLJ's amazing townhouse in the West Village (which was built in 1840 and had to be resuscitated after decades of neglect). His firm, Sardar Design Studio, has completed dozens of other incredible projects all over the globe and thus their portfolio is amazing and quite diverse. My favorite project (besides the townhouse) was another New York home, but this time on the beach in Sagaponack instead of in the city.

Sardar took the house down to the studs and reinvented it. They flip-flopped the layout by putting the common areas upstairs and moved the bedrooms to the bottom floor so that each has outdoor access. The overall aesthetic is simple, understated, and relaxed. Gorgeous grey wide plank old growth pine floors, charming painted board-clad walls, and tons of natural light were blended together to set the tone. Then an eclectic mix of furnishings, fixtures, and colors were added to the mix. The end result is a really unique home with lots of personality and style. I love it...especially the kitchen. It's one of my all-time favorites! Have a look...

One of the guest bathrooms that mixes Moroccan tile in with the farmhouse aesthetic...

This kitchen is insanely beautiful...love the stainless cabinetry + brass hardware and the massive butcher block island.

Probably the coolest pantry EVER...

I adore the soaring ceilings and the painted pattern on the floors.

The sliding glass doors on this office are amazing!

What a beautiful house, right? Do you have a favorite room? Besides the kitchen, I love the bones of the main living room (even though I'm not crazy about the furnishings in there). Sardar did an incredible job with the property and they've probably done even more on the site since the photos above have been taken. I saw that there are plans for a pool house addition in their portfolio. The structure will include an outdoor dining area and kitchen, additional bedrooms, as well as a double height piano room. The owners must live a very rough life ;)

To entice you to explore the Sardar Design Studio site, here is a shot of a house in Egypt that the firm restored and finally, an example of their gorgeous bespoke rugs...

KLJ's Former Manhattan Townhouse

2012-01-20T13:26:00.002-06:00

Like many others out there, I still have issues of Domino magazine from years ago. One of the ones I kept was the issue that featured Katie Lee Joel's New York townhouse. It was renovated by architect Ahmad Sardar-Afkami and designed by Nate Berkus and it's truly incredible.

KLJ has since sold the place and I stumbled upon the real estate listing via Pinterest and was thrilled to find a massive set of photos of the property. I had no idea that it was so huge...at 4,000 square feet it's a monster especially for New York size standards. Oh, and it was listed at a cool $13 million. I'll never cease to be amazed at the cost of real estate in Manhattan! Anyhow here is the eye candy courtesy of Gotham Photo Company...

Amazing, right? I really like the style - it's very cool and young but still classic and understated. I'm curious about why KLJ decided to sell. Maybe the dining room was too small (she's a chef and probably entertains a lot)? I guess the glitterati buys, renovates, and sells real estate constantly. In any case, I love the townhouse and think Ahmad Sardar-Afkami and Nate Berkus did a fabulous job with it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Color Balance in the Guest Room

2012-01-19T15:35:00.001-06:00

A while back, my in-laws gave us a rug that I planned to use in the guest room. Lots of major changes needed to happen to accommodate the rug's color scheme and after playing with different options, I decided to nix the rug because I wasn't 100% loving any of the options. If I was working from scratch, I'd use it in a heartbeat because I love the design and think the color palette is fresh and unique. However, like I constantly tell clients, if there is something that you're jumping over hoops to work around, then it might need to be edited out.

The walls are grey (Restoration Hardware's Slate) and the bedding and rug are both neutral so after removing the most colorful accent in the room, it was important to infuse color elsewhere. As a quick fix, I shopped in my own house and assembled a new mix of colorful accessories for the space. The color balance achieved by using turquoise ceramic gourd lamps on the bedside tables, a playful Lulu DK Colorwheel, a colorful mix of books, and some lively hued artwork actually feels pretty good. What do you think?

I still desperately need to reupholster the wing chair and having an upholstered bed made is also on the to-do list. Finally, I need to get proper draperies. I've been so busy with client projects that the adage, "the cobbler's children have no shoes" definitely applies to me! With those items, I'll be adding some textiles and will probably keep the mix pretty simple because I like the current color-neutral ratio.

This is the Lulu DK Colorwheel pillow. I love it but I'm kind of wishing that the colorway was Vine which is shown below...

Photo shoot spectators...

Using flashes of color along with greys/black/whites is a really easy and fluid decorating plan. It's a foolproof way to get the color balance right in any space. You can constantly change up your colorful accents without spending much time or money so it's great for those who are fearful of commitment. Plus, those accents - art, books, pillows, lamps, and throws - are fun to buy and collect as your taste and style evolves over the years.

Do you employ this strategy in your home at all? Are there specific color combinations that you love or are you like me and pretty much like all color (burgundy/maroon is the only caveat)?

Smythe's Stunner in Canadian House & Home

2012-01-18T09:32:00.000-06:00

If you've ever watched the HGTV show Sarah's House then you probably know who Tommy Smythe is. Based on his TV persona, this guy is stylish, witty, honest, kind, and super fun! He also has impeccable taste and a flair for making a space look elegant and quirky all at the same time. All in all, I think he's fabulous and wish there were more design TV personalities like him on the air.

One of his latest projects, the makeover of a Victorian home, might be his best yet. The house obviously has great bones, but TS really took it to the next level. The aesthetic is perfectly balanced between being historical but still modern and vivacious yet still dignified. There are lacquered walls, patterned marble floors, splashes of red, period-appropriate brass hardware, vintage Deco chandeliers, ebony-stained hardwood floors, and lots of bold pattern and color mixed throughout. There is a lot of personality yet the design is really timeless and will be relevant and enjoyable for many many years.

I love all of the rooms, however, the kitchen is a standout. If you like it too then be sure to watch Tommy's video about it, because he chats about the design direction and shares information about the materials and fixtures used to create the look. Without further ado, here are some of the photos (all can be viewed on the House & Home site)...

The powerful principal of contrast is at work here...love the white against the black, the black against the brass. The toffee colored paint in the bookshelves looks amazing too. It's all neutral but the effect is so dynamic.

The dabs of green with the grey make the room feel a little more relaxed and I love that color combo!

This grey on grey looks so sleek and classic, doesn't it?

Tommy did a marvelous job, don't you think? I absolutely love this house and wouldn't change a thing about it. What is your favorite room or element? I am hardcore obsessed with the patterned floors in the kitchen! I'm crushing on the yellow Klismos chairs too...like everything else, they are just the right mix of funky and traditional.

If you have a hankering to see more of Tommy's work, then follow Tommy on Twitter and subscribe to Canadian House & Home! It's one of the best shelter magazines out there. You can also like CH&H's Facebook page and follow their latest online content there.

Etsy Obsession

2012-01-17T16:58:00.000-06:00

Etsy is the jam...seriously. You can find really unique stuff on there and the prices are generally awesome. I constantly source artwork, pillows, lighting, rugs, accessories, and vintage furniture from Etsy sellers. Trust me, if you haven't already shopped Etsy, you should! If my recommendation alone isn't enough, then here is a mélange of some of my latest favorites in a little vignette to entice you further...

Rare Waterfall Italian Beaded Chandelier c. 1920s

Reflections 5, original watercolor painting (framed in Larson-Juhl Gallery One)

Blue and White Ceramic Chinoiserie Dragon Asian Jar

Mid Century Modern Chrome and White Stripe Lamps

Dandelion Yellow Drum Shades

Vintage Credenza

New Turkish Kilim Rug

And more in a funky mod baby nursery...

Lucite Hoop Chandelier

Modern Wood Sculpture

Dinner on the Orient Express

Vintage modern upcycled white and wood herringbone dresser

Midcentury Modern Foot Stools

I'm an Etsy pusher to friends and family too. In fact, today I sent my cousin this amazing painting and she bought it. The subject looks like her black lab :) If you want a similar portrait of your beloved pooch, then contact the Etsy seller BirdDogLand and she can do a commission for $350!

Do you love Etsy too? What have you bought from there? Ever purchased any furniture? I actually haven't yet...I've only bought small, easily shippable things so far. Oh and by the way, I saw that vintage Lucite hoop chandelier from the nursery on 1stDibs for over $1,000 more than it is listed for on Etsy!

Inexpensive Rug Options

2012-01-16T15:05:00.000-06:00

Rugs can be a daunting purchase to make. When choosing a rug you have to factor in style, color, material, construction, durability, size, and of course, cost. High quality rugs are one of the best investments that you can make in terms of decor because they can literally last for decades. The problem is that premium handmade rugs are usually super expensive and most people can't afford to put one in every room of the house (if any).

So, if your budget calls for an inexpensive rug, then go with a natural fiber rug like sisal, jute, or wool in a non-traditional style. What I mean is that you should completely avoid the cheap, knock-off versions of Oriental/Persian rugs. Nearly all of them are a waste of money and just look tacky...also it's pretty likely that they'll shed like crazy.

Luckily, there are TONS of well-priced "non-traditional" rugs out there these days. Retailers like West Elm and Calypso Home and designers like Jill Rosenwald have been churning out flatweave rugs adorned with punchy geometric prints. Etsy's KilimCom is a great resource for Turkish-made styles. FLOR offers an inventive modular rug system and a wide selection of textures and styles (I'm currently obsessed with the wild and crazy Parallel Reality mix shown below). And finally a caveat to the "natural fiber" recommendation, Brita Sweden offers reversible rugs that are made from soft plastic foil and are produced in Sweden. After having a disappointing experience with an indoor/outdoor polypropylene rug purchased from Frontgate, I'm skeptical of indoor/outdoor rugs (aside from Dash & Albert ones...they are fantastic), but these are supposed to be really good.

Here are some cool, not-too-pricy rugs I've seen lately...

FLOR Parallel Reality

Etsy KilimCom Turkish Kilim Rug
Shades of Light Climbing Modern Vine Hooked Rug
Crate & Barrel Olin Grey-White Rug
DwellStudio Loop Texture Dove Rug

Williams-Sonoma Petite Block Print Rug

Crate & Barrel Zola Rug

West Elm Argyle Printed Dhurrie

Avalisa Bubble Wool Rug
Brita Sweden Helmi
Brita Sweden Anna

Brita Sweden Alma
Etsy KilimCom New Turkish Kilim
Overstock Indo Kilim Ivory/ Navy Rug

What is your rug situation like? Have you ever splurged on a luxe rug or have you focused on finding moderately priced ones? In my house, I have some nice rugs and some that are more trendy and temporary (and certainly cheaper).

Do you have a rug texture/construction preference? I hate high pile rugs, so I'm a fan of dhurries and kilims. If you buy a flatweave, you might want to get a set of these Stop the Curling Rug Corners.

Bucket List Wallpaper à la de Gournay

2012-01-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

Most of us have things that we dream about acquiring someday...when money is no object. If you're like me, home/decor items dominate that list. I suppose you could call it a bucket list...a decorating bucket list. Well, hand-painted wallcovering by de Gournay is a good candidate for that list. As exquisite as it is expensive, de Gournay's beautiful wallpaper adorns some of the finest homes in the world.

De Gournay is famous for its iconic Chinoiserie motifs its expansive Papiers Peints Panoramiques. All are historical, timeless, elegant works of art. Since each panel is painted by hand, the possibilities for pattern and color are truly endless. It's normally used in traditional spaces but I like it best when it's juxtaposed against more modern surroundings. Wherever it might be, a room swathed in de Gournay paper is seriously special...

Is de Gournay wallcovering on your decorating bucket list? If so, what color and pattern would you pick? If not, what is on your list? I probably would install de Gournay paper in one room if I had loads of money, however, there are a few things (mainly artwork and antiques) that would come before it on my bucket list. Luckily, I don't need to worry about prioritizing anything on that list at the moment!

Have a great weekend!

The Almighty Throw

2012-01-12T13:18:00.000-06:00

As I proclaimed last week in my pillow post, textiles play a major role in defining the style and personality of a room. They also impact the overall function of any space and lastly, they heavily influence the comfort level. The textile mix usually includes fabrics and floor coverings and in lounging and sleeping areas, throws or blankets can be part of the mix too.

Throws and blankets are an obsession of mine because they make for a great accent and you can really use and enjoy them. Since they are so easy to add and subtract, throws are ideal for taking risks with bold color, pattern, and texture. If you're looking to liven up your living room, try draping a punchy throw over the back of the sofa. In the bedroom, lay a colorful graphic blanket over the foot of the bed (especially if you have white bedding). You'll be amazed by how big of an impact it can have! Here are some fun styles to get your imagination going...

Ripple Throw - Kelly Wearstler for SFERRA $284

Chelsea Stripe Throw - DwellStudio $175

Latzu Box Throw - Barney's $260

Gucci Luxury Throw Blanket - Brown - Amazon $210

Gunnel Blanket - Brita Sweden

Plaid Solid Throw - COCOCOZY $333

Houndstooth Alpaca Day Blanket - Brahms Mount $416

Cotton Herringbone Throw (available in 18 colors) - Brahms Mount $236

Faux Fur Throw - Calypso Home $350

Broad Stripe Throw - CB2 $59.95

Favorite Throw - West Elm $29

Chevron Throw - Jonathan Adler $595

Cubes Throw - Nest $295

Armand Diradourian Circus Stripe Throw - Barney's $795.00

Eleanor Pritchard Throw - Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. $325

Lima Alpaca Amethyst Throw - Crate & Barrel $169

Are you throw-obsessed like I am? Do you use them in your home? Where do you put them?

Besides the ones above, I also always find lovely, high-quality throw options at:
Ralph Lauren
ABC Home
SFERRA
Barney's

Matouk
Gilt Home

From a designer perspective, Jonathan Adler's Design Your Own throw is AMAZING because you get to customize the whole shebang...you choose the design and colors. I threw this one together to illustrate...

And finally, don't forget that you can personalize any throw with your monogram. I especially like this look on classic solid colored throws. West Elm has a really pretty (and well-priced) herringbone throw that they'll actually monogram for you. If you have bigger bucks to throw around, order über luxe cashmere throws from Julia B. or Leontine Linens.

Schoolhouse Cool

2012-01-10T12:40:00.001-06:00

Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. has been on my radar for a while, but a few months had gone by since I'd last seen their catalog or visited their website. Well I recently found my way back to them and I'm loving their updated branding and website. The Schoolhouse product line is all about "vintage modern" and whoever led the rebranding charge totally nailed that aesthetic. Here's the latest catalog cover, and it sums up the new vibe...

Besides re-articulating their brand, Schoolhouse has also broadened their horizons and added new things to their product mix. The company has been known as a resource for high quality period lighting for about a decade and it's great to see that they now offer furniture, textiles, and an array of other accents for the home and office. Teaming up with artisans and local craftspeople, Schoolhouse designs, produces, and sources everything you might need to bring a bit of hip/nostalgic/authentic personality to your abode.

Here are some examples of the period light fixtures and shades that Schoolhouse has become known for. Many of the shades are made with antique cast iron molds...

And here are some examples of their new crop, including the manly-chic Equestrian Loveseat...

Here are some picks from the furniture collection. I am obsessed with the Morgan Bed...it's just beautiful, isn't it? The Carlson Chair Slipcover, shown bottom right, features fabric designed at the Egg Press studio in Portland, which is then hand-silkscreened in San Francisco. Schoolhouse enlisted designer Adam Arnold to tailor each slipcover to ensure a neat fit.

More textiles by Egg Press...

This clock is pretty awesome and it's built in Portland, not China!

Like this Ion lamp, most (if not all) of the Schoolhouse lamps are finished off with a twisted cloth cord and a vintage-style wall plug...

The Mulberry Tripod lamp has a fab mid-century look...

Their bedding is really cozy looking and I'm especially drawn to the blankets. Two of my favorites, the Camp Blanket and the Llama Check Throw, are shown in this photo,

Another good one - the Llama Stripe Throw...

True to form, even the Schoolhouse headquarters building has loads of style and character...

What are your thoughts on Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.? Do you like their style? See anything you'd like to buy?

Besides loving their merchandise, I think it's a really cool company. I appreciate that they've created their own unique aesthetic that has a strong sense of history but also a modern influence. Plus, Schoolhouse designs and manufactures their goods in the US, mostly at their fabulous factory in Portland. Owner Brian Faherty has tested and succeeded with a micro manufacturing model and I applaud him for his efforts. We need more business people like this in American, and really, we need more consumers that are willing to spend a bit more to get higher quality. I won't get on that soapbox right now, but if you have some time, check out the Schoolhouse Journal to learn more about the business and its history. It's very inspiring!

Shopping C. Wonder

2012-01-09T16:26:00.000-06:00

A while back, I posted about the opening of C. Wonder, a store (now there are multiple stores) in New York that carries private label clothing, jewelry and accessories, shoes, bags, and last but not least, items for the home.

Like most modern retailers, C. Wonder sells their wares online and I've been doing some browsing. I like their vibe...the brand has a lot of personality. Most of the items for sale are fun, trendy, and a bit sassy. It's an awesome place to buy gifts and also keep it in mind when you are hunting for basics like solid colored pillows or silver photo frames. The prices are super low...in fact, the super low prices have me wondering about the quality of the merch and whether or not it's all made in China. I suppose I'll have to hold judgement on those aspects until I order something or make my way to NYC!

Here are some of the items I liked best from the Home & Decor section of the site:

Small Lacquer Jewelry Box - $78

Ginger Jars - $38-78

Wave Lacquer Tray - $68

Tortoise Glass Nut Bowl - $24

Faux Shagreen Frame - $38

Beveled Horn Resin Frame - $44

Dot Glass Votive - $4

Diamond Pillow - $23

Multi Stripe Ceramic Dinnerware - $8-58

What do you think of C. Wonder's style? Have any of you shopped there yet? Any feedback on the quality? I'm dying to go check it out!

Schumacher's New Crop of Indoor-Outdoor Fabrics

2012-01-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

Schumacher recently released a new indoor-outoor collection called Côte d’Azur and it's pretty fab. The set is full of textures and colors that don't scream spring/summer (like Trina Turk's) and the more fall-winter-centric style of the collection is refreshing and very versatile. Here are some images of the fabrics at work...

Tortola, as shown above in Oxford Grey, is a favorite of mine. I like that it's graphic pattern is interesting and impactful but still understated and timeless.

I love this umbrella in the Cannes Awning Stripe (also in Oxford Grey) and while I think the Antibes Chevron looks great on the chairs, I'm not too excited about the fabric because I think that pattern is overplayed at the moment.

Navy is so classic for outdoor spaces and most of the Côte d’Azur fabrics are available in a navy colorway.

The group includes some unconventional textures for outdoor fabrics including velvet, chenille, matelasse, and herringbone. But of course, even though all of the product photos are of exterior spaces, remember to keep the collection in mind for interiors as well. I'm excited to touch and feel them...if they're good, they could easily because some of my new favorite fabrics to use on hard-working, dog and kid friendly upholstery.

Besides the Tortola in the Oxford Grey and all of the colorways of the Cannes Awning Stripe, these are my other favorites from the bunch:

Cap Ferrat Weave in Viridian
Menton Chenille in Pool
Tortola in Marine

Are these idyllic outdoor photos torturing some of you? Here in Texas the weather is nice (for the moment), but I know that most people are suffering through cold winter temps right now. So I'm sorry to dangle warmth and sunshine in front of you! Like I said though, don't shrug these fabrics off if you're planning interior upholstery projects. Too bad Schumacher didn't get a shot of a big cozy sofa covered in the plush Monaco Velvet to keep us all from having season envy.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Online Vintage Shopping at VandM

2012-01-05T12:11:00.000-06:00

I've confessed before that I am a total 1stDibs junkie. I can spend hours plowing through the never-ending inventory of art and antiques. The main downside to this activity is that a good majority of the items sold on 1stDibs don't fit into most budgets that I work with (and certainly not my own). Well I'm happy to report that there is a somewhat similar site called Vintage + Modern, or VandM, that offers a compelling array of antique, vintage, and contemporary furnishings at a lower average price point.

Through a network of global dealers, VandM offers a huge inventory of furniture and lighting, accessories and accents, artwork, jewelry, and textiles. They also have Design Atelier and inTheMoment sales events that only run for a limited time and feature some kind of special product offering. For instance, a sale featuring Lori Dennis' bespoke collection of furnishings is going on now and there is also a sale offering prints from Stanley Kubrick's photography oeuvre.

VandM is a big world to discover and I've really only spent time looking through the decor inventory so far. There is some really fabulous merch and it's a great resource. Here are some of my favorite finds from their coffers...

Vintage abstract painting - Walking Away On The Streets of New York Limited Edition Photograph By Director Stanley Kubrick from 1946 for Look Magazine - Venetian Chandelier - Black and White Vintage Sofa - French Stripe Bench - Vintage French Marble and Brass Table

Vietnamese Ceramic Dragon Urns - Literary Classics in Blue - Opaline Glass Lamp - Regency round side table - Chinese chippendale style armchair - Malachite Composite Bookends - Lori Dennis Kaye Side Table - Wingback Chair - Gabbeh Loribaft Turkish Carpet - Blue and Silver Leaf Faux Bamboo Cabinet

I also am lusting over this killer French chandelier made of ormolu and crystal from fav dealer House of Honey...

So, have you explored Vintage + Modern yet? Their inventory includes a wide variety of styles, pedigrees, and price points so browsing is time consuming, but luckily their search function works pretty well if you're on a specific mission.

Pillows for the New Year

2012-01-04T01:44:00.000-06:00

The dawn of the new year spurs people to change things in their lives. If you're one of the many who is looking to improve your home's appearance, then consider getting some new pillows...especially if your budget is tight and the goal is to make minor changes and just freshen things up.

Textiles can make a huge impact and in living areas and bedrooms, pillows are usually a major player in the textile lineup. Changing pillows is undoubtedly one of the easiest, least binding ways to update those rooms. So, if you're considering a pillow makeover, take a look at the following relatively fresh ones...

Purple Stardust Silk and Cotton Pillow - be still homewares.
Pasha 18" Pillow - Queen of Cashmere
Leopard Pillow - Jayson Home

Geo Links Pillow - Shop Ten 25
Frizzle 16" Pillow - CB2
Rose Stripe Pure Lightweight Linen Pillow - Hable Construction

Map Pillow - My Bearded Pigeon

Sahara Ikat Hemp Pillow Cover - West Elm

Cotton Collection Birdcage Toile - COCOCOZY

Trellis Fretwork Throw Pillow - Tonic Home

Ikat Pillow - C. Wonder

Lasso 23" x 11" Pillow - CB2

Vintage Scarf Pillow - Etsy
Indigo Kyoto Pillow - Serena & LilySchumacher Nanjing 20" Pillow - Etsy seller House of Pemberley

See any that you liked? Do you ever change up your pillow assortment? I'm ready to switch a few of mine out and I have my eye on the Kyoto Pillow from Serena & Lily!

Impending Master Bathroom Remodel

2012-01-03T16:49:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful break. I had fun seeing family and definitely enjoyed some time away from my cell phone and computer! Back to business now though.

At the Knight house, pool construction continues. For those who don't already know, our old pool had to be removed because it was severely cracked. To add insult to injury, the leaking pool also caused the foundation of our house to move, which resulted in some broken tile and drywall damage in our master bathroom.

I've hated our bathroom since we bought the house and initially, we planned to redo it. As most homeowners can understand, the myriad of expenses that ensue after closing took some of the wind out of our sails and I decided to just paint the bathroom and put the remodel on the back burner until the money hemorrhaging subsided.

Well, the bloodletting has not stopped (in fact, it's at an all-time high thanks to the pool costs), but now the bathroom looks really run-down. So I'm getting bids and planning another major construction project at my own house. Just like with the pool, the expense puts me in a bad mood but the promise of an improved living environment makes me excited. It'll be nice to have our main living area reflect our aesthetic and lifestyle.

In order to maximize the space, we will be knocking down the wall between the rather small bathroom and the rather large walk-in closet. Further, the outdoor covered patio will be enclosed and that square footage will be added to the closet/bathroom space. Besides the additional space, enclosing the patio will allow us to add some much needed windows to the room as well. Here is a rough plan (click to enlarge)...

Since the closet and bathroom will be combined, we will be using wardrobe-style clothing storage. Basically, all clothes will be behind closed doors. From the master bedroom, the entry will have a similar layout to Carrie's closet in the first SATC movie (albeit hers is far more luxurious than ours will be)...

Images via Sex and the City: The Movie

These doors have mosaic mirror trim and they are bananas....

Image via Sex and the City: The Movie

I already have a sink console from Restoration Hardware and aside from the faucets shown (not using those), this image gives an idea of what the vanity area will look like...

Our house was built in 1948, so I plan to keep the style classic with modern touches. Herringbone Carrara tile will be used on the floors, white subway tile will cover the walls, and the fixtures and fittings will be polished nickel. Also, I finally broke down and bought the Waterworks Gotham towels that I've been coveting for years.

Most of the fittings for the shower and bath will be from the Waterworks Studio Highgate collection. We haven't decided on the type of shower system yet. The shower floor will be Carrara penny round tile and I'm dying to get a huge soaking tub...

Double Canopy Chandelier - Format Towel Rack - Cast Iron Soaker Tub

We are also moving our front-loading washer + dryer pair to the new space. The laundry room is currently on the other side of the house and I hate lugging everything over there and back. So, the new closet will have a laundry area with hampers, machines, and a folding area so that our clothes and linens can be used, cleaned, and put away without much hassle. The machines will be enclosed with cabinetry and I'm still tinkering with the hamper situation and folding area. Here are some ideas, although I'll probably hold off on this component until everything else is finished...

Well, what do you think so far? I still have a few elements to figure out and I need to sort through bids and estimates, start hiring people, and ordering materials. I'm not excited about our bedroom/bathroom becoming a construction zone, but at some point it has to be done and I guess it might as well be now (or rather, when the pool deck is finished)!

I'm glad that the Waterworks Studio collection has made its debut in time for me to use it! Isn't it pretty? I'll keep you posted on what I end up buying. In the meantime, you can track my shopping and recon for the project on Pinterest!

Merry Christmas + Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T12:25:00.002-06:00

In all likelihood this will be my last post of 2011. I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday break! I'll be celebrating Christmas with family and the New Year with friends and I'm really looking forward to both and to the break in general.

As a final sign-off, I give you the 2011 Knight Christmas card. It's a letterpress card with a fun striped envelope liner. I'm a huge fan of letterpressed goods...our wedding invitations were done by Missing Q Press and since then I've been hooked.

For the photo, we thought of trying to get one with just the dogs. We could get two to stay up on the car (my husband's pride and joy, an '84 Land Rover)...

During the photo shoot it started to rain...

So, we decided go the more efficient route and just hold the dogs for the final shot...

So from my family, to you and yours...merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Bed Facelift with Auto Body Paint

2011-12-22T14:00:00.000-06:00

I just got the old wooden bed back from Again & Again and it sure does look pretty now! MAJOR improvement over the old look...it used to have a cheesy rustic/distressed finish and now it's all glossy and sleek. I chose to go with an aqua auto body paint color like I mentioned in this post. It turned out great and I love that the color plays nice with the painting on the nightstand. It was painted by my grandmother in 1934.

I'm so glad that the old bed could be revamped. It's always nice to be able to use what you already have! Here are some shots of the bed...I played around a bit with different pillows and throws. I think I like the last one best with the duvet. What about you?

Here is the bed made up with my beloved COCOCOZY throw...

Then I played with some of the pillows from the living room...

Finally, here's the duvet that I've had on the bed...

What do you think of the bed? I think it's super fun and breathes new life into the room. Thanks to Again & Again for doing such a great paint job!

Divine Fabric by Michael Devine

2011-12-21T12:09:00.001-06:00

You might not know who Michael Devine is, but you've surely seen his exquisite hand-printed fabrics before. With unique designs and textures, Devine's bespoke fabric collection stands out from the rest and has been used in countless projects published in the major shelter magazines.

The following photos show a bedroom from an Atlanta showhouse from a few years back that was published in Traditional Home. This room will forever stick in my brain because of the dramatic window treatments. They are constructed with Michael Devine's Fretwork fabric and I think they look so sharp. They bring a little flair and exoticism to an otherwise sober space. To me, this room really illustrates how impactful window coverings can be.

Image via Traditional Home, design by Robert Brown, photo by Colleen Duffley

Devine also offers interior design services and here's one of his projects where he used his Ashley (chair), Chantal (curtains), and Window Box (pillow) fabrics...

Aerin Lauder's bedroom, as featured in Vogue, is swathed in Devine's Gramercy fabric...

Image via Vogue, photo by Claiborne Swanson Frank

Here's Fretwork making a bold statement again...

Image via House Beautiful, design by Frances Schultz

The whole collection of fabrics is wonderfully versatile and all designs can be printed in custom colors. Here are some of the other prints...

I like them all, but Dottie, Ashley, Siena, and Orangerie are the ones that I like best. What about you?

Arteriors Lamps in the Entry

2011-12-20T13:25:00.003-06:00

While I was picking up some shades for a client, I spotted a killer pair of lamps at Arteriors Too, the Arteriors outlet that's located here in Dallas. Here's the thing about this pair of lamps...I've been wanting them for years now and just haven't wanted to spend the money on them. They were a steal at the outlet and I figured it was a now or never moment, so they're mine now!

Called the Vance Candlestick Table Lamp, the style is really classic. With a polished nickel finish and a height of nearly three feet, the effect is dramatic but not trendy. They are really versatile so I considered putting them in a few different places around the house, but ultimately the tired old hand-me-down lamps on the commode in the entry needed to be replaced so that's where the Vance duo will reside. The former lamps were spray painted brass with a (visible) horrible Gorilla glue repair job and cheap shades that would never sit straight and - a pretty pathetic scene. So in the spirit of the upcoming new year...out with the old, in with the new!

Dallas peeps should definitely check out Arteriors Too...it's on Lovers Lane just past Inwood. They have all kinds of lighting, furniture, and accessories and the inventory is always changing. It's also a great source for lamp shades, finials, and harps.

For those who don't have access to the outlet, you can shop Arteriors product line at tons of different online retailers. And for the next two days, you can shop One Kings Lane's Arteriors Home sale and get prices like you would at the Dallas outlet! These cool green ceramic lamps are one of my favorite styles and they're included in the sale...

A Little Bit of Christmas at Our House

2011-12-16T13:56:00.000-06:00

Not going to lie...I did not put 100% effort into decorating for Christmas this year. We aren't hosting any parties at the house and my schedule has been so full that it just wasn't a huge priority. Nonetheless, I still did a tiny bit of trimming...

In the den, I got out my mini white tree that has cute little turquoise and silver ornaments...

And a huge wreath hangs over the mirror...it was hard to get a good pic of this but it looks really pretty at night because of the reflection. I used large frosted globe lights from Target.

Close up of the little mini...

In the front, I used a lit magnolia garland and waxed pinecone wreath...

Birch spray...

The way-too-skinny tree and some cinnamon pinecones...

I'll confess that I didn't even get out all of the ornaments...such a Grinch, right?? I did put my favorites on the tree though, including this hand-blown glass one...

So there is Christmas-lite at the Knight house! Nothing too exciting or elaborate. Next year maybe I'll do better when I'm not preoccupied with pool construction drama!

What about your holiday decor...did you go all out this year? Buy anything new?

Gallery Spotlight: Kathryn Markel Fine Arts

2011-12-15T13:55:00.000-06:00

I try to keep tabs on what's going on in the art world, but it's tough because there are so many artists and galleries out there. Little by little, I discover new artists and thereby find the galleries that represent them and vice versa, sometimes I discover new galleries and come across newfound favorite artists that they represent. It's a time consuming, but fun process and curiosity is the key to success.

One the galleries I keep up with is Kathryn Markel Fine Arts, which is located in New York and Bridgehampton. I found the gallery after falling in love with a Deborah Zlotsky painting and I really like the other artists that the gallery represents too. Besides the interesting offering of artwork, I also follow KMFA's inventory because the price points aren't outrageous, which is a shallow but necessary factor to keep in mind. If you're seriously looking to buy, there's no point in shopping a gallery that sells work priced out of your budget. Anyhow, here is a sampling of my favorite pieces from Kathryn Markel Fine Arts...

All pieces can be purchased through Kathryn Markel Fine Arts

Do you like any of the pieces above? Are there any artists or galleries that you keep tabs on? What is your art shopping strategy?

William-Christopher Design on Gilt City!

2011-12-14T13:27:00.000-06:00

One of my absolute favorite shops in Dallas, William-Christopher Design, is running a 50% off offer with Gilt City Dallas and I wanted you all to know about it. They have the most fabulous selection of vintage and bespoke furnishings and with the Gilt City offer, you can get $300 worth of merch for only $150! Plus, you can even buy multiple vouchers if you're looking to buy something more expensive than $300.

At W-C, you'll find a curated collection of things that will make your home cool and special...seriously. They have the most amazing lamps, pillows, furniture, artwork, books, candles, and unique accents like vintage Waylande Gregory ceramics and bejeweled fire screens. Have a look at what's up for grabs as of yesterday...

This is my favorite vignette...I just love all of the blue and the fretwork chairs and end tables. Oh, and the bone card table is to-die-for!

Love these Loyal Loot log bowls..

Here are the vintage Waylande Gregory pieces...

The chrome x-base stools shown here are SO cool...they've been reupholstered in vintage fabric.

These brass bookends are awesome and would make a great gift!

Accessories that you won't find anywhere else...

Pillows galore!

I love this vintage secretary...

Did you see anything you can't live without? If so, the offer ends on Monday at 10am, so be sure to cash in on it before then! If you aren't a Gilt member yet, just click through on this invite link.