Knight Moves

Reasonable Rug Resources

2013-05-20T16:56:00.001-05:00

Rug purchases often make people wince because high price tags aren't uncommon. And with pets and kids, many aren't willing to put anything too precious or expensive on the floor because it will surely see abuse. If the budget allows, I will always argue that high quality, hand-knotted wool rugs are amongst the toughest textiles out there...there's a reason why decades-old antique Persian/Turkish rugs are still alive and kickin'. They are tough as nails. But, those kinds of rugs can cost tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and for most folks finding something that is durable and affordable is the real key.

Well, durability is certainly a relative factor and I won't bore you with my long-winded thoughts on the matter right now. The gist of my spiel is to buy woven or knotted natural fiber rugs. As far as composition goes, avoid viscose/poly, and other synthetics and for construction, I'm not a huge fan of tufted or hooked options. Flatweaves are all the rage these days because they are so cheap, but keep in mind that they may take some time (or ironing) to lay flat and depending on the weight, you'll probably need to rig something to the corners so they don't curl up.

And with those points made, let's move on to sources for affordable rugs. Here are some of my favorites, beginning with Lulu & Georgia. L&G is a darling web boutique that carries a wide selection of fabulous and inexpensive rugs. I especially love the ones by Alix Soubiran (the first one shown below) and these other picks:

Two of my other favorite sources are actually kids' retailers! Despite their juvenile focus, both The Land of Nod and RH Baby & Child stock some rather modern and/or sophisticated looking styles. Land of Nod is definitely more punchy and fun while RH offers more muted, low-key looks...

Other good places to look include:

Shades of Light

Serena & Lily

Calypso Home

West Elm (they're having a 20% off rug sale right now!)

Capel

One Kings Lane

Any sources I'm forgetting about? Do share...

Lacquer Tray Source

2013-05-16T14:04:00.004-05:00

One of the random little items that I get tons of questions about is this mint/aqua hexagonal lacquer tray that currently resides in my master bathroom...

I snagged the piece a few years ago at Homegoods and therefore can't provide a current source for where it can be purchased. I've been pointing people to the Jonathan Adler Lacquer Hexagon Trays and Plantation's Lacquer Trays as the closest known matches, but both of those are pretty pricy. Well, I'm happy to report that C. Wonder is stocking a product that looks similar to mine (aside from the shape) and has a better price tag at $78. Behold the Lacquer White Trim Serving Tray:

The tray also comes in a super cute navy colorway. Plus, C. Wonder is also peddling matching lacquered boxes if you're into a coordinated look...

Besides the Pistachio color shown above, the Lacquer White Trim Box is available in the navy and this awesome coral color, which is called Grapefruit...

So, if you've been hunting for a tray that looks like my one-off HG find, I hope this helps a bit. Happy shopping!

Lula Fabrics from South Africa!

2013-05-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

I am newly obsessed with Lula Fabrics, a boutique South African textile company that produces super fun bright and bold prints on linen and cotton. Fabric junkie Melissa Kerkhoff started the company in 2007 and serves as its creative director and so I must say, well done Melissa - I LOVE your work!

All fabric is made in my favorite city (aside from Paris), Cape Town, and is distributed throughout Southern Africa. The line is enjoying international success as well and is currently being sold in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. I'm so hoping one of the showrooms in Dallas will pick up the line. Until then, I'll have to find it next time I'm in New York or LA or better yet, during my next trip to Africa!

Behold the beauty of Lula Fabrics...

AMAZING palm frond and graphic botanical prints from the Delicious Monster Collection

Image via Lula Fabrics

I just adore the Broken Stripe fabric on the chairs...it's from the African Mischief collection :)

Image via Lula Fabrics

Scenes from the showroom...I want to hop on a plane and go there so badly!!

Image via Lula Fabrics

And finally, this shot shows off Lula's latest collection, called Silk Road...

Image via Lula Fabrics

You can keep up with the latest from Lula Fabrics on Facebook and Twitter. And if you live in the good ol' USA and are dying to buy, get in touch with Kathryn Ireland's showroom in Lalaland or Annika Studio in Brooklyn.

Highlights from High Point Round 2

2013-05-07T15:02:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned last week, I had a very productive trip to High Point Market and found TONS of great things! I went non-stop and hit dozens of vendor booths and showrooms. I took about 1,100 photos (no joke) so you won't be able to see everything, but between a few posts, I'll share a sampling of my top picks. So here we go...

The Bernhardt showroom is a doozy and it's organized by collection, which is fantastic because it's easier to focus on individual pieces. Here's a small taste of the goodness...

Perfect lacquered vanity/desk and oversized mirror...

And I'm a sucker for bone inlay pieces and there were lots of those in the mix, including this dining table...

This bench with rolling storage baskets was a clever design...

Another glam desk/vanity...this one had faux shagreen drawer fronts and a brass base. I was obsessed with the chair too (which you might've seen already on my Instagram)...

Classy little hexagonal side table + chair...

There were numerous dressers and chests that I fell for including these pretties...

Finally, a pair of zebra striped cocktail cube tables constructed with bone...

Festoni goodies included lighting, mirrors, upholstery, case pieces, and objets like these...

Amongst a sea of worthless giclées, I was pleased to spot some stunning original art at Charles Harold Company....

Mixed media by Carol Hu

I liked the nail trim on this little stool by Kim Salmela...

I was thrilled to finally see the Thibaut furniture line! I loved it all (and everything was amazing to sit on) but this ottoman and the chairs below were amongst my favorites...

SUPER comfy little slipper chairs...

I stumbled across Orientalist Home which turned out to be a great source for pillows, flat weaves, and dyed rugs. This style looks amazingly similar to a design that Madeline Weinrib sells...

I was so glad to find small manufacturers like Rogue Wood, a group that produces all of their furniture in Oregon. This was a nice little chest of drawers...

Whew...you probably won't believe me but that's a majorly edited set of picks from each vendor!

Any favorites?

Architectural Admiration

2013-05-01T16:45:00.001-05:00

Today I want to share a few shots of a fantastic home designed by architect Heather A. Wilson. It was a new build and it has a great flow, a killer outdoor setup, and lots of special elements that make it a notable home. Among my favorite spaces are the outdoor bathroom and the wine room (which isn't of the cheesy builder sort that are in so many McMansions these days). The style is clean and spartan and a tad industrial, however, it still seems cozy and very livable. Have a look at Ms. Wilson's handiwork...

I love the boarded walls and the expanse of windows and doors...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

The kitchen cabinetry is quite modern...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

Pitched ceilings in the breakfast area are boarded as well...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

Here is the fabuloso wine room I referred to earlier...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

And onto the lovely back patio + pool. The deck material looks like Limestone and I am pretty obsessed with it.

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

Here's a shot of what the outdoor bathroom looks like from the exterior...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

I'm so jealous of this!!

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

This covered outdoor living area is connected to a kitchen, which you can see on Heather's site. For now, let's talk about how cool that porch bed/swing is...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

And finally, here is a shot of the front exterior...

Photo via Heather A. Wilson, Architect

Pretty great house, huh? The layout seems to be very smart and the finishes are wonderfully straightforward and perfect for the style of house. You need to click over to see the rest of the photos on Heather's site. You'll get a better sense of the flow and layout.

Highlights from High Point - Round 1

2013-04-29T12:01:00.001-05:00

Last week I ventured out to High Point Market...my husband refers to it as a "furniture festival," which is hilarious and relatively accurate. Held in High Point, North Carolina, HPMKT takes place in the epicenter of the American home furnishings industry so it draws manufacturers from its own backyard and from abroad. Designers, shop owners, and buyers descend upon the area twice a year to see, feel (and sit on), and price everything from furniture to rugs, lighting, and accessories. It's a rare opportunity to see a massive quantity of goods within a few days.

I went out to shop for a few current and upcoming projects and I found lots o' great stuff. I took nearly 1,100 pics while I was there! After pounding the pavement for four days, I noticed a few trends that popped up in multiple showrooms...

1) Faux Shagreen - aka Stringray, this faux skin was wrapped around all sorts of tables and case goods. It's a great texture and the colorways I spotted at market were most often neutrals like gray and ivory.

2) Cerused Wood - There's an example directly below via Global Views, but basically it's a type of finish that highlights the wood grain and has a modern/rustic look.

3) Lacquer - high gloss, super saturated paint finishes were everywhere...even on lamp shades.

The two chests shown next are both by Bungalow 5...

4) Natural materials used to create unique, luxe adornments.

Pebbles/rocks at Lee Industries

Glass/Mirror/Resin at Made Goods

Bone at Mr. Brown

Pyrite at Emporium Home

Resin/Teak

And aside from the "trends" (I actually hate that word), here are a few other favorite items I spotted...

Linen-covered studded chest at Mr. Brown...

Platinum and gold toned fireplace screens...

Glass pineapple light fixture via Global Views...

Well-priced ceramic gourd lamps with trimmed shades...

Brass swing-arm sconce...

This lamp looks strikingly similar to my beloved Hermès' Balcon du Guadalquivir china...

Woven stools at Palecek...

Globe chandelier with wood beads at Regina Andrew...

Stunning mirror at Arteriors...

COCOCOZY Bedding!

Chair with pull-out mini side table via COUEF

Embroidered arm chair at J. Douglas

Dining chairs + table from Made Goods

What do you think of the things I snapped? Any favorites? I want that first shapely Shagreen cocktail table for my own house!

In case you've fallen in love with something and want to buy, keep in mind that pretty much everything at High Point is trade-only, so you'd have to buy through a retailer or a designer.

JLG Showhouse Detour at High Point

2013-04-25T01:27:00.001-05:00

I made a last minute excursion to High Point and on my way to market from the airport, I stopped by the Junior League of Greensboro Showhouse. A talented set of designers breathed new life into the historic Adamsleigh Estate, including a few of my personal design heros like Miles Redd, Eric Cohler, and Suzanne Kasler. It was a pleasure to walk through and study their handiwork and see the beautiful old manse. As with most showhomes, there were rooms I loved and others that I didn't care for...these were my favorite spaces:

This is the Suzanne Kasler-designed Den, it was a perfect blend of traditional and modern styles...

And I'm 99% sure this is Eric Cohler's Sun Porch...

This room also had a ceiling adorned with stripes

There were parts of Miles Redd's Living Room that I liked, but to be totally honest, I was really distracted and confused by the use of the not-so-luxe Dwell Studio bird fabric, especially in the same room as De Gournay wallcovering?!? The rug was a stunner though!

Another favorite was by Kara Cox and the room is one of the Daughters' Bedrooms. It's light and fresh and had a lovely, feminine color palette.

I'll take the pink sheets (I think they're Matouk) and the Michael Clement hand-painted lamps!

Besides the gorgeous Tommy Mitchell gilded flowers, this pic shows the AMAZING sculpted plaster walls...

Such a chic little vanity, isn't it?

Perhaps my number one pick of the house was this bedroom, designed by Megan Winters for Thomas & Gray. The room was defined by a bold black, white, and gold mix. I'm always drawn to black and white stripes, so the first elements I fell for were the draperies and the bed canopy...

Oh, and the striped ceiling was the jam...

This was the men's dressing area and it was designed by Traci Zeller and Lisa Mende...I LOVE the socks wallpaper, the brass sunburst light fixture, and the studded shelving.

This shot shows part of another Daughter's Room (I think), which was put together by Jack Fhillips. Lots of animal influence in here!

Here is the lady's bedroom and dressing room, which was designed by Robert Brown. Clarence House's legendary "The Vase" fabric and wallpaper was the star in here...

And finally, they called this the Maid's Room and it was pretty swanky with Quadrille fabric, Oomph tables, and lacquered walls.

And that's it...at least, those are my favorite spaces. Tell me what you think of the showhouse! I'll post more photos on Pinterest too in case you want to peek in other rooms. So far, do you have any top rooms picked out?

Mia + Finn Linens

2013-04-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

I'm newly obsessed with a line of bed and table linens called Mia + Finn. I'm especially into the bedding...the collection is full of cheery, playful, delightfully boho prints that would be perfect for casual bedrooms and kids rooms. Owner Caroline Defrance, a French women (ironic last name, right?), has the linens handmade in Rajathan and the aesthetic of Mia + Finn definitely reflects a French meets Indian sensibility. I particularly love the contrast edging that adorns many of the pieces. Here's a sampling of what they offer:

So cute, isn't it? If you're a Dallas reader, you can buy these at Mary Cates & Co. Otherwise, you can buy directly on the Mia + Finn site!

Outdoor Punch List

2013-04-17T12:24:00.001-05:00

It's been pretty gorgeous lately here in Texas and the warm weather means that it's time to put our pool and patio to good use. I didn't get to enjoy it enough last year because of the bathroom remodel...having workers around all of the time (even on weekends) kills the desire to parade around in a swimsuit!

I've been cleaning things up out there (the massive maple trees make quite a mess with all of their droppings), planting a few things (including tomatoes and herbs), and making a list of odds and ends I'd like to get to complete the set-up. One of the things that I already knocked off the list was a new umbrella for the dining table. Here's my new black and white striped beauty in action...I opted for a rectangular one with a teak pole:

Another major item on my list is wall-mount lighting. Last summer I ordered some lantern sconces from Quoizel and after having them installed, I had to take them down and return them because they were constructed so poorly (made in China, of course) and would not sit straight on the wall. The situation really irritated me because the engineer at Quoizel that I spoke to about the issue just argued with me and tried to blame my electrician for the problem. I will never source anything from them again...poor quality, bad design, bad customer service, and most (if not all) of their products are made in China. Fail.

So, I had to start over with my sourcing mission which has been an absurdly long process. Because the j box is located close to the fascia on our house, most lights won't fit so it's been a bit of a nightmare trying to find the right size, finish, and style. I've seen tons of great fixtures that I've logged on an Outdoor Lighting Pinboard for future reference and along the way I found a couple of options that suit my needs. Here are the two finalists:

Shades of Light Arched Outdoor Light - 2 Lights $200

Minka Winward Manor 3 Light Wall Mount $150

I keep going back and forth, but right now I'm slightly leaning towards #2 (Minka) because it has a black finish as opposed to the darkened copper. Since our furniture is black and I want to do polished nickel door hardware, I'm not crazy about the idea of throwing another metal finish into the mix. The fact that the backplate is mounted higher on the fixture is also swaying my vote. #1 might sit too close to the fascia.

But, I love that the Shades of Light fixture is made in America (the Minka one is China). And maybe the antiqued copper will look pretty black?

Here are some quickly Photoshopped mock-ups of what each would look like:

What's your vote? I'm totally rooting for the Shades of Light one because it's made in the USA, but the finish and size are potential problems. I so wish I could see both in person! Unfortunately no showroom in Dallas has the Minka one on the floor and Shades of Light is catalog/internet only.

Affordable Fabric Sources

2013-04-10T11:44:00.003-05:00

The cost of high quality fabric can be crippling for many budgets. At $50+ per yard (not to mention minimum yardage requirements), a relatively insignificant project can become an expensive one. While I'm a pretty strong advocate for spending extra for the good stuff because it typically looks/wears much better, I understand that there are places where it just doesn't make sense. For instance, I don't often use premium textiles in kids rooms and nurseries or for accents like shower curtains or dog beds. But when sourcing fabric for a major element like a living room ottoman, then I definitely stick with textiles that are truly upholstery-weight because the cost of adding backing to a cheaper fabric often defeats the purpose.

So if you're on the hunt for well priced fabric options for a small budget project, then check out Pink Chalk Fabrics. They have a section of home decor weight fabrics that includes lots of fun prints like these...

Anna Maria Horner Field Study Linen Parenthetical Porpourri - Trenna Travis Bekko Billow Kiwi

Fab Mod Dot - Trenna Travis Bekko Tatami Slate

Trenna Travis Bekko Swell Navy - Amy Butler Alchemy Fairy Tale Sky LAMINATED

Trenna Travis Bekko Thin Stripe Kiwi - Trenna Travis Bekko Swirl Aqua

Lotta Jansdotter Glimma Kulla Slate - Trenna Travis Bekko Parquet Coral

Another good source is City Craft, which is local for me here in Dallas. Thanks to the super talented and hip owner Callie, they have an awesome selection of modern styles including neons, metallic linens, and graphic prints. Check out their Home Decor fabric if you're looking for sturdier weights for small upholstery projects. Here is a tiny sampling of what CC offers:

Ikat - Cherry Fuchsia Pink

Artemis Chartreuse - Beaded Chain Cornflower - ZigZag Coral

I love Bear Hike print or Penguins Blue for a boy's room

I hope that's helpful for some of you. If anyone out there has other recommendations, please share! I store most of my favorites fabrics on this Pinterest board and I usually put bargain options that are suited for kid spaces on this one.

Abbott's Art

2013-04-09T16:47:00.002-05:00

God bless the internet...it's such a fantastic meandering pathway to awesome discoveries, isn't it? One of my latest favorite finds is the work of artist Sophie Abbott. This UK-based painter creates some really beautiful (and well-priced) abstract pieces. I was immediately drawn to the textures, movement, and upbeat, exuberant color combinations that seem to exist in all of her works. Have a look at this small sampling of picks...

Inky Forest by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 35" square

Summer Beach by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 28x35"

Snowy Tracks by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 35" square

Dark Trees by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 35" square

Blue Pond by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas

Pink Shed by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 39" square

Dusty Tracks by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 24" square

Charcoal Sheds by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas

Sand Dune Path by Sophie Abbott, acrylic on canvas, 27x35"

Even though I'm visually delighted just by cruising through Sophie's digital portfolio, I so hope that I'll get to see some in person one day! I just love the gal's work. The paintings are such instant mood lifters and thus I totally need at least one in my life (especially in my office). If I had my pick, I'd probably want Inky Forest.

More work can be seen at SophieAbbott.net and you can stay updated with her latest news by liking Sophie's page on Facebook.

Weekend Reading: French Accents

2013-04-05T12:55:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty pumped for the weekend...we've been having a weird bout of chilly, wet weather here in Dallas and it's changing for the better as I type and it's supposed to be beautiful through Sunday. Besides the sunshine, I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with French Accents, a new book I just got.

It was penned by stylist Erin Swift and it's said to be a "celebration of Parisian decorating" and a study of how the French achieve their signature chic, sophisticated style. It looks like a wonderful resource that covers the generalities of the Parisian aesthetic as well as the nitty gritty details like framing and finishes. As a lifelong Francohpile, I'm excited to delve in! The title will be officially released on April 9 is available for pre-order. Until then, here's a sneak peek...

I'm loving it so far, what about you? Favorite room?

Bon weekend!

Pretty Sheeting from Anthropologie

2013-04-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

Quick note to tell you about some new favorite bed linens via Anthro. Their Eyelet Embroidered Sheet Set is rocking my world. I LOVE the lineup of colors and the gorgeous embroidered detailing! And to add to the awesomeness, they are made of Egyptian cotton, which is the best in my humble opinion. Take a look...

So cute, huh?

Bath Accessories with Panache

2013-04-01T16:34:00.001-05:00

It can be tough to inject personality into a bathroom. Aside from wallpapering, there isn't much room for "decorating" aside from linens and accessories...unless you want to get into more major modifications like changing fixtures, lighting, and cabinetry. But let's stay on the quick and painless side and focus on some pretty little accessories that can change the look of a bath. It's definitely a space where the details can add up to create a style direction so choose your accoutrements wisely. You might considering using a good-looking version of some, but probably not all, of the following:

Soap (I'm pro-pump because it seems more sanitary)
Candle (be sure to include a box of matches)
Room Spray
Tissue Box Cover
Covered Jar of Mints (buy wrapped mints)
Vase of Fresh Flowers, a Succulent, or an Orchid
Decanter of Mouth Wash + Disposable Cups
Trash Can (preferably one with a lid)
Basket or Box with Extra Toilet Paper
Hand Lotion
Containers for Q-Tips and Cotton Balls

I keep a slightly different lineup in my master bath than I do in a powder or guest bath. Here's a shot of my vanity that is casually dressed with pink roses and a tray filled with a tissue box, acrylic Q-tip canister, Caldrea soap, perfume, and grape Centrum Chewable vitamins (I'm obsessed with these). I would love to add this Platinum Curved box by Waylande Gregory to the mix...

One of my favorite sources for bath goods is Pigeon & Poodle. They produce a luxe line that includes trays, tissue boxes, canisters, brush holders, pump dispensers, soap dishes, and waste baskets (unfortunately these are not lidded). They have about 20 collections that are constructed with different high-quality materials and all have their own unique vibe. My personal favorites are the Manchester Shagreen and the Rio Porcelain Trays. Here's a sampling:

Pigeon & Poodle also makes really gorgeous frames in many of the same finishes as their bath collections. I'm a big fan of the genuine snakeskin Bergen set and the faux shagreen Oxford collection.

What assortment of accessories are kept in your bathroom? It's hard to find well-made, interesting bath accessories, isn't it? Once you find a good mix, it really does make a difference though. What do you think of Pigeon & Poodle's wares? Although it's not bathroom-related, I'm planning to order a Manchester Tissue Box for my desk...unfortunately I have to keep a Kleenex within reach at all times because of allergies, so I may as well make it a pretty one, right?

Painterly Pillows

2013-03-28T12:24:00.002-05:00

I've been noticing a refreshing paradigm shift in textiles lately, especially when it comes to the fabrics being used for pillows. Free-form, painterly patterns and watercolor-esque hues are stealing some attention away from the ubiquitous graphic patterns and opaque inks that we see far too often these days.

The ones I've liked best are from Rebecca Atwood, who hand-paints and hand-screenprints her fabrics, along with Megan Adams (who does some hand-screening too), and Eskayel, a company that reproduces hand-painted patterns. I also love the one-off designs of Kindah Khalidy, but there aren't that many pillows at her shop. Here's a lineup of my top picks:

Kindah Hand Painted Canvas Pillow with Gold Leather Tassels - Eskayel Dynasty - Slate

Rebecca Atwood Diagonal Dip Dyed Stripe - Rebecca Atwood Spots

Megan Adams Baubles, Blues - Eskayel Areca Palms - Breeze

KateBatikShop Shibori - Rebecca Atwood Storm #3

Megan Adams Handprinted Pillow Drip Painting, Silver - Eskayel Bali Stripe - Indigo

And I know some of you are thinking, "These pillows are great, but they are probably too funky for my house." Well, here are a few mock-ups to show you how these semi-edgy little accents can work on rather conservative upholstered pieces...

KateBatikShop Shibori - Rebecca Atwood Storm #3 - Furbish Hadley Stripe Pillow

Room & Board Loring Sofa - Brownstone Presidio Round Table - Rug, custom dhurrie

Megan Adams Baubles, Blues - WoodyLiana Christopher Farr Cloth Pillow
Jayson Home Dalloway Sofa - Sanford Design Greek Key Throw - Vanguard Cocktail Table
Madeline Weinrib Jacqueline Cotton Flatweave

Rebecca Atwood Spots - Jonathan Adler Danner Chaise

Kindah Hand Painted Canvas Pillow with Gold Leather Tassels - Jonathan Adler Kirby Side Chair

Stark Natura Rug

Cococozy Maroc Etoile Cotton Pillow - Eskayel Dynasty - Slate - Rebecca Atwood Diagonal Dip Dyed Stripe
Jayson Home Hunter Sofa - $1,596 (on sale right now!)
Furbish Vintage Shiraz Rug - Fulton Ottomans

Thoughts on the matter? Are you loving this relatively new crop of textile designs as much as I am? My favorites out of the bunch are Megan Adams' Baubles, Blues, Rebecca Atwood's Spots, and Kindah's painted pillow (the gold tassels are just amazing). What about you?

Paul Schneider Ceramics

2013-03-26T16:06:00.001-05:00

I feel the need to tell you all about Dallas native Paul Schneider's exquisite ceramic pieces. Just when I thought I was totally sick of all things chevron, I spotted one of Paul's pieces arranged amongst some gorgeous Waylande Gregory and Kelly Wearstler goodies at Forty Five Ten. My chevron-jadedness flew out the window and I immediately wanted one of the big gold zig-zag vases as soon as I laid eyes on it.

Like my beloved WG and KW, PS puts metallic glaze and bold graphic patterns to good use and produces some swanky yet fun lookin' vessels and objets. I would highly recommend that you consider investing in one of Paul's works if you're on the hunt for a statement-making accessory or two (and he also makes killer lamps). Each is handmade and no two are alike and they are just stunning in person. Besides Forty Five Ten, you can buy at the Paul Schneider Ceramics store. Browse now and shop later...

Photo via Forty Five Ten

And here are some of the lamps as featured on Paul's Instagram feed...

Here's an examples of one of his inlaid glass pieces...

Love these textural turquoise vases...

Pretty cool stuff, isn't it? Any favorite pieces? I'm hoping to see more lamps. Would love one in a pattern like the concentric half-circles like in the pic above. And I'm wondering if there is rose gold glaze...then my hoarding tendencies would really flare up!

Keep up with Paul's latest creations on the Paul Schneider Ceramics Facebook page and via Instagram.

Galbraith & Paul's Lovely New Prints

2013-03-22T11:27:00.002-05:00

Galbraith & Paul produces some of the most exquisite hand-printed fabrics and they've recently released some new prints and they are gorgeous. I'm really in love with the one called Lattice, it's a perfect small scale transitional pattern that would work in a wide range of spaces. It comes in plenty of fun colors too...

Cantaloupe Lattice on Cream Linen, Fawn Persian Garden on Cream Linen

And here's one of the other new prints, Persian Garden. I love that it's multicolored and it's a great floral because it isn't overly fussy...

Fawn, Kiwi, Raisin and Black Persian Garden

I'm hoping they'll add Lattice to their already stellar wallpaper lineup too.

What do you think of Galbraith & Paul's new designs? I can't wait to see the samples of these at David Sutherland!

Rosenthal Mini Vases

2013-03-21T13:30:00.001-05:00

I recently celebrated my 31st birthday and one of my favorite gifts I received was a Rosenthal mini vase. Legendary tabletop brand Rosenthal, a 130 year-old company, is staying hip and relevant with this rather new and somewhat edgy collection of mini vases, of which mine is a part. I was given the one called Surface, which is a matte white Cubist-looking little cutie. All of them are an adorable and utilitarian 3-4" tall (bud vases are fantastic for extending the life of cut flowers). Here's mine on my desk...

I totally want to collect all of them now because they'd look stunning as a collection, especially against a dark table or backdrop (I'm picturing them filled with hot pink buds on a marble mantel against black walls)!

If you're itching to collect them too, the itty bitty vases can be purchased directly from Rosenthal or at Bloomingdale's.

Mirror Hunt

2013-03-19T01:40:00.002-05:00

I've been hunting for a mirror for my bathroom and it needs to be a certain size (around 30" wide and over 40" tall) and it must be shapely (i.e. not a plain rectangle). It will go over my makeup vanity and I want it to have some personality and preferably cost less than $1,000! Here are a few that I've been eyeing...

1) Bethany Grey Mirror - 34.25"W x 48.25"H - $1,870

2 Scallop Edge Mirror - 25"W x 40"H - $187

3) Ebony Hand Carved Arche Mirror - 32"W x 52"H - $509

4) Jonathan Adler Rococo Mirror - 40"H x 28"W - $595

5) Framed Rectangular Mirror - 30"W x 40"H - $643

6) Bunny Williams for Mirror Image Home Lotus Mirror - 34"W x 60"H - $1,099

7) Venetian Arche Mirror - 29"W x 43"H - $599

8) Audrey Mirror - 30"W x 43"H - $702

Any favorites? #1, #5, and #7 are at the top of my list. Unfortunately #1 is way more than I wanted to spend!

1stdibs Living with Style Part II

2013-03-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

Continuing on from yesterday's post, here are the final parts of my dream living room that I've been charting on my Living with Style Pinterest board. I've been pinning to play in the Pin-to-Win Living with Style contest that my favorite-website-in-the-whole-world, 1stdibs, is hosting. I always use Pinterest to digitally hoard all of the lustworthy items I run across while sourcing and it's been nice to actually design a space with them (albeit a fictitious one)!

It's definitely an eclectic mix. I like to combine metals, woods, finishes, patterns, and colors...the goal is to keep it looking classic and sophisticated while still looking fresh and unique (I hate generic rooms). The easy part of the exercise was that there was no limiting budget in play...which means I chose purely based on what I like and of course, some things are pretty pricey (including the structure I selected which is a 4,000 square foot Parisian apartment). I can't imagine how liberating it must be to have a real life project where funds are unlimited...hopefully one day I'll get one like that! Until then, I'll just have to daydream via Pinterest. So, join me on a tour of my stunning Paris pad...

Thoughts? What pieces would you pick if you have have anything from 1stdibs? I'd go crazy buying art for sure and would be shopping for antique rugs and lighting, along with furniture by Maison Jansen, Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber, Gio Ponti, and Palladio.

1stdibs' Living with Style Fun

2013-03-11T13:05:00.003-05:00

Few things are more fun to me than designing fictional spaces that aren't saddled with pesky budgets or other restraints like room dimensions and existing furniture. So, I've been having a ball with 1stdibs' Pin-to-Win Living with Style contest because the whole thing is about putting together a dream living room!

You can see my Living with Style board on Pinterest which is full of art, furnishings, and objets that I covet on a pretty deep level. Plus I even found an insanely amazing Paris apartment in the 1stdibs Estates area to put all of my cool stuff in. Don't worry, I'll be sure to fly you all over for a big party in my imaginary jet :) Have a look at some of what I picked...

What do you think so far? Of course, there is more. My dream living room would be pretty big and would have a few sitting areas, a bar zone, a library, an area for painting, and tons o' wall space for artwork. I'll post another board with the rest tomorrow so you can see my entire vision.

Pretty fun contest, isn't it? Thanks to 1stdibs' for hosting!

Book Hoarder

2013-03-08T16:30:00.005-06:00

I have an innate desire to hoard books...especially pretty ones (so superficial, aren't I?). Well, besides art and design books, I dream of amassing a comprehensive collection of literary masterpieces. I've already started with Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcover clothbound Penguin Classics and I'm longing to get my hands on the following beautifully presented tomes as well...

Virginia Woolf Hardback Classics

Penguin Drop Caps by Jessica Hische

I love that Penguin enlists super talented, current artists and designers like Jessica Hische and Coralie Bickford-Smith to design its covers! CBS is one of my absolute favorites. Here's a great portrait of her and her now famous book designs...

The Coralie Bickford-Smith site has recently been updated so be sure to cruise over there and take a look. Lots of eye candy like this stack of the Penguin English Library that she worked on...

And I loved seeing some buyable prints like this...

The Penguin English Library distilled into pattern and colour

Besides housing a blog, the site also showcases more of her body of work including this gem...

Peckham Space - designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith

Happy weekend all!

Good Bones

2013-03-06T12:20:00.002-06:00

I always fall for classic architecture with buttoned-up, proper millwork. Good bones, as many of us like to call it, can elevate almost any set of furnishings. Context is very powerful! Which is why smart art directors often scout stately spaces for photo shoots.

Ralph Lauren Home's new Iconic Design collection looks pretty fabulous in this not-so-humble abode. I LOVE the modern black and white painted floor against the traditional paneling and mouldings...

Image via Ralph Lauren Home

I'm salivating over this Brook Street Desk...and of course, I'd love for this gorgeous, light-filled blue room to be my office :)

Image via Ralph Lauren Home

And a last one from the Iconic Design set, this faux croc Brook Street Chest looks like it deserves its $8k price tag in the luxe, perfectly trimmed out room. I'm not so sure that it would in another space!

Image via Ralph Lauren Home

And of course, the French have it easy in terms of shooting in spaces with stunning, intricate millwork. Even humble, insignificant spaces in Paris look grand thanks to the hand-applied trim and moulding that seems to be everywhere there. Textile house Lelièvre Paris takes advantage of this situation and smartly showcases their fabrics in rooms with EXCELLENT bones!

This shot showcases one of my favorite fabrics, Twist, from the Sonia Rykiel Maison collection...

Image via Lelièvre Paris

I'm not totally sure what's going on with the floor in this pic, but I think I love it...

Image via Lelièvre Paris

Couldn't resist calling out the exquisite fabric used on the draperies above...it's another fav of mine, Camondo...

And finally, Farrow & Ball chose a spot with awesome paneling and trim to show off their latest wallpapers. Here's the lovely Ocelot looking great on the wall...

And Tessella, which looks terrific in the same millwork setup...

So, three cheers for good bones! Unfortunately, most homes built after WWII were not graced with intricate trim and moulding so it's definitely not the norm in the US. I live in a 1950s ranch house so my world looks nothing like the spaces above. I am super jealous of that setup and one day hope to own a home that is decked out with millwork from a bygone era!

Cheap & Chic Accent Pillows

2013-03-05T11:16:00.000-06:00

Just like in fashion, there are lots of funky, daring prints for the home that are popular right now. And just like with fashion, trying out these bold trends is more palatable if the cost isn't too steep. Financial commitment often takes the fun out of things, doesn't it?!?

So, I give you a roundup of some impactful accent pillows that are all under $130 (most are under $100). If you're looking to add some life to a sofa, chair, or bed, but don't want to spend too much, one of these might work...

1) Bamboo Pink Embroidered Pillow - $70 - Zinc Door

2) Tribal Pebble Embroidered Pillow - $100 - Zinc Door

3) Emerald Green and Black Houndstooth Pillow - $46 - Etsy seller giardino

4) Doha Metallic Silver Organic Hemp Pillow Cover - $75 - Etsy seller melongings

5) Magical Thinking Crewel Ikat Pillow - $44 - Urban Outfitters

6) Custom Hand-Blocked Navy Greek Key Print on Natural Linen - $125 - Etsy seller KariFisherDesign

7) Orchid Vine Pillow Cover - $36 - Etsy seller ClothandINK

8) Kasai Cloth Lumbar Pillow - $69 - Etsy seller MarthaAndAsh

From the source list you might notice that many are from Etsy, which is one of my favorite sources for well-priced pillows. Besides sellers like WoodyLiana, who makes high quality pillows from trade-only fabrics, I tend to buy from sellers who produce hand-printed textiles or who design their own prints. I keep tabs on these makers:

skinny laminx (a Cape Town gal!)

Eastern Home Decor (good for ikats)

Missibaba Love

2013-03-04T14:24:00.002-06:00

Well hey there! As some of you know from Instagram and Twitter, I was in Africa for the better part of February and now I'm back in the USA! My trip was amazing and I can't wait to tell you all about it. Unfortunately, the obscene quantity of photos we took is still being culled through and edited. So I can't dish too much yet, however, I did want to offer up pics of one of my favorite Cape Town shops as a teaser.

The boutique is called Missibaba and it's full of inventive, handmade leather goodies. The store is on Bree Street and the entire design aesthetic is super cool...I'd say it's a combo of funky/edgy + spunky and laid-back. Here's a shot of the exterior, which is painted with a gorgeous shade of super dark navy (kinda like Prada's signature color). I had a feeling I'd like whatever was inside just based on the outside...

Missibaba's creations are dreamed up by "leather aficionado" Chloe Townsend, who paints and draws patterns for leathers and fabrics that are straight-up fabulous (you know I die for a bold, fresh print). Her design direction also involves lots of detailing like patterned contrast stitching and hand-cut leather appliqués in addition to tons of super-saturated colors, which are often juxtaposed against natural leather tones. Here are some of my favorite pieces...

Loved their neon grosgrain ribbons...

Image via Missibaba

I love a brand that perfectly executes every detail...as an example, Missibaba's bags were adorned with a few of their killer signature prints....

When I go back, I'm buying some of the huge printed canvas totes, which are called Brazzaville Beach Bags...

Here's my travel buddy, Cassandra, shoppin' it up...

I bought the Jungle Flapper 1 and LOVE it. The hot coral color is a long-time favorite of mine and I'm COMPLETELY obsessed with the serpent printed leather (I want an ottoman made out of it so badly)...

Here it is in action...while wearing it, I happened to be next to some pretty flowers of the same color :)

If you're loving this label as much as I am, you can shop Missibaba directly on their site and also on Etsy. After seeing them in person, it's hard to articulate how cool their goods are. Each piece makes its own unique style statement...and I'd say that all look handmade and special, and that's hard to come by these days!

Knight Moves

Reasonable Rug Resources

Lacquer Tray Source

Lula Fabrics from South Africa!

Highlights from High Point Round 2

Architectural Admiration

Highlights from High Point - Round 1

JLG Showhouse Detour at High Point

Mia + Finn Linens

Outdoor Punch List

Affordable Fabric Sources

Abbott's Art

Weekend Reading: French Accents

Pretty Sheeting from Anthropologie

Bath Accessories with Panache

Painterly Pillows

Paul Schneider Ceramics

Galbraith & Paul's Lovely New Prints

Rosenthal Mini Vases

Mirror Hunt

1stdibs Living with Style Part II

1stdibs' Living with Style Fun

Book Hoarder​

Good Bones

Cheap & Chic Accent Pillows

Missibaba Love

Book Hoarder