The Design Dreamer

Let's be social!

2012-09-26T23:42:00.002-04:00

I'm a busy gal. I'm sure a lot of you out there know what I mean! I'm a mom, an interior designer, an artist, etc. And, I always try to fit in some time to reach out to you...my readers. People who want to be inspired. By art. By architecture. By design. To see more of what I think and feel about design, follow me on FaceBook! Here's a little bit of what you're in store for...

Exposed beams are always interesting...but I really love the treatment
done to these. It looks like dental molding, but I'm pretty sure this look
was achieved by using nail-heads. Love this!!

I love a good Ikat, and this is really good! I love the colors.
Cowtan and Tout always has fabulous fabrics!!

I'm a big fan of old buildings. They have a sense of permanence.
Unfortunately, here in the states, when a building gets "too old," we
tear it down. But that doesn't have to be the case! This is a great
example of keeping the integrity of an old building, while renovating
the interior for modern use. ♥

One of my (nearly) daily quotes

"Like" me on FaceBook to see more!!!

Art in amazing places

2012-09-20T10:02:00.002-04:00

There are all sorts of things that inspire the creative side of me; architecture, nature, textiles, art... The list goes on and on! Today I'd like to share with you some really interesting art that moves me.

There's an artist named Jacqueline Lou Skaggs who painted a series called "Tondi Observations" on old copper pennies. They are amazing! In most of them you can still see the engraving on the penny...but in a few of her portraits, WOW! They're just stunning little canvases filled with soul.

The part that inspires me the most is this idea of taking one thing, often with little or no value to others, and turning it on it's head to create something that is totally unexpected and amazing. Enough talking... how about I just show you the art?

Celebrity Outdoor Spaces

2012-09-16T13:43:00.000-04:00

Last, but certainly not least, how do your favorite celebrities spend their time outdoors? While most have spectacular pools, it's often the views that stand out to me. So why only enjoy breathtaking views through panes of glass? Go outside and live!! Your outdoor spaces can be utilized for dining, relaxing, meditating, and even showering! So don't be afraid to maximize your outdoor square footage... after all, it's yours!

Indoor/Outdoor living at it's finest in Kelly Klein's Palm Beach, Fl home

Outdoor living room complete with fire place at Jenni Kayne's home

Outdoor balcony at Will and Jada Smith's home

Also at Kelly Klein's home, this outdoor shower
connects to the master bathroom

Lounging area around the pool at Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi's home

Outdoor pavilion by the pool at Jonathan Adler's home

Multiple outdoor living spaces at Adam Levine's home

(All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

Celebrity Dining Rooms

2012-09-15T10:42:00.000-04:00

We're just about done with our whirlwind tour of celebrity homes, and I hope you've had as much fun perusing them as I've had curating them. Yesterday we saw where they prepare their meals; today we get to see where they enjoy eating them. And remember, you don't need to be a celebrity to live like one. Just send me an email and we can get started in creating your very own celebrity worthy spaces!

Dining room of Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi

Dining room of Brooke Shields

Breakfast nook of Will and Jada Smith

Dining room of Nina Garcia

Dining room of Darren Star

Dining room of Diane VonFurstenburg

(All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

Celebrity Kitchens

2012-09-14T13:27:00.000-04:00

This week we've had a peek into the bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and closets of some world famous celebrities. Today it's time to take a look at the heart and soul of any home...the kitchen. Do you have any favorites? Comment below!!

Adam Levine

Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi

Brooke Shields

Will and Jada Smith

Jonathan Adler

(Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

Celebrity Living Rooms

2012-09-13T08:39:00.000-04:00

Clean, modern, transitional, traditional, or funky, celebrities live just like we do...but often on a grander scale. One of my favorite parts of peeking into the homes of celebrities is seeing their personalities reflected in the spaces they live in. I think that is the true goal of good design; to translate a persons own sense of style into a room. From color to furniture to art, each of these living rooms speak to the people who live in them.

Nina Garcia's living room in her Upper East Side apartment

Will and Jada Smith's living room in their Malibu home

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi's living room in their Beverly Hills home

Brook Shields living room in her New York townhouse

Adam Levine's living room in his Hollywood Hills home

Diane VonFurstenburg's living room in her New York apartment

Valentino Garavani's living room in his Parisian chateau

(All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

Celebrity Bathrooms

2012-09-12T16:13:00.000-04:00

This week is all about where celebrities live. Starting in the closet, we made our way to their bedrooms, so the bath seems like the next logical step in our tour!

Darren Star's master bath

Bathroom in Ellen DeGeneres and Portia DeRossi's home

Shower in the master bathroom of Will and Jada Smith

Adam Levine's master bathroom

Brooke Shield's master bath

While most of these celebrities go very modern, clean and stark in their bathrooms, noone would ever call Diane VonFurstenburg's style clean or stark. Her bathroom is rather wild...but that tub is just awesome!

Diane VonFurstenburg's master bath

(Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

Celebrity Bedrooms

2012-09-11T13:09:00.000-04:00

Do you ever wonder how your favorite celebrities live? I know I do! Today I'm providing a peek into the sleeping spaces of some very well known people; from singers to actors to style makers, what do they wake up to every day? Sleek and contemporary, quiet and serene, or fun and funky...which bedroom would you like to slumber in?

Master bedroom of Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan

Master bedroom of Nina Garcia

Master bedroom of Diane VonFurstenburg

Master bedroom of Adam Levine

Master bedroom of Jenni Kayne

Master bedroom of Will and Jada Smith

Bedroom of Willow Smith

(All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

Celebrity Closets

2012-09-10T19:51:00.000-04:00

I love a great walk-in closet... one where your shoes and hats have their own special place. Not only does it make getting ready in the morning easier, but it can be relaxing too! Check out these fabulous custom celebrity closets...

Mariah Carey's closet in her Manhattan apartment

Brooke Shields closet in her Greenwich Village townhouse

Ellen DeGeneres & Portia DeRossi's shoe closet
in their Beverly Hills home

Elton John's sunglass collection in his English estate

Steve Wynn's closet in his Las Vegas villa

Ralph Lauren's closet in his Bedford, NY home

(Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

A week of Toile - Day 5

2012-09-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on my fabric posts...so I decided to take it a step further. A whole week devoted to Toile de Jouy! Oh, those wonderful patterns featuring funny little men in hats in a myriad of bucolic scenes. But, as you shall soon see, not all toile's are the same...

Today's patterns all come from Thibaut, who happens to be one of my favorite places to go for really good toile! As I've saved the 'best' for last, it seems only fair to do something a little special with these fabrics. But what? How about showing close ups of each fabric so you can see just what makes them so special? Yeah... that'll do it!! As always, sit back and enjoy...

Biltmore

Close up of Biltmore

Chateau du Loir

Close up of Chateau du Loir

La Fontaine

Close up of La Fontaine

Toile de Provence

Close up of Toile de Provence

Paysannerie

Close up of Paysannerie

Rockwood Toile

Close up of Rockwood Toile

All the patterns I'm sharing are currently available for sale; often in multiple color options. If you're interested in 2 yards (min) or a bolt, just get in touch with me. I can have your fabrics sent to you, or directly to your workroom. How easy is that?!

Thibaut is also renouned for their wallpapers...and most of these patterns are available in both fabric and wallpaper. Let me know your room size and I can tell you how many rolls of wallpaper you need. Again, it'll be shipped directly to you!

A week of Toile - Day 4

2012-09-06T12:53:00.000-04:00

Perfect View

Vevay Garden

China Journey

Leaping Horse

Blondell

Tulasi

Full Sails

All the patterns I'm sharing are currently available for sale; often in multiple color options. If you're interested in a yard or a bolt, just get in touch with me. I can have your fabrics sent to you, or directly to your workroom. How easy is that?!

A week of Toile - Day 3

2012-09-05T16:30:00.000-04:00

20898 in Toast

20989 in Springtime

41971 in Hayride

42106 in Natural Aqua

20724 in Bermuda

All the patterns I'm sharing with you are currently available for sale; often in multiple color options. If you're interested in a yard or a bolt, just get in touch with me. I can have your fabrics sent to your home, or directly to your workroom. How easy is that?!

A week of Toile - day 2

2012-09-04T11:16:00.000-04:00

African Toile

Canton

Circo

Cupido

Hunt Party

McGregor's Garden

A week of Toile - day 1

2012-09-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

Today's patterns all come from Kravet fabrics...sit back and enjoy!

Blissful

Aerogramme

Basil

Kenzo

Hinterland

Victoria

Barrymore

Laura Ashley 1201

National Geographic Photo Inspires Room

2012-08-31T16:30:00.000-04:00

National Geographic Traveler magazine recently published the winners of their 24th annual photo contest. This first-place winning photo was shot inside of a family yurt in the Kyrgyz lands of the Wahkan Corridor in Afghanistan.

This image is hauntingly beautiful. I love the layer upon layer of textiles and patterns. The deep, warm, earthy colors must be such a nice respite from the rough, rugged terrain that surrounds them outside.

The intimacy of this everyday life moment, shot inside of a family yurt, is
in total contrast with the harsh environment these nomadic tribes live in.

Here is my room concept based on the image. Everything shown here comes from one of my favorite places... Etsy!! Handwoven textiles, natural materials, and both Asian and Morrocan influences create a comfortable casual space that speaks of a globe trotting inhabitant.

A Couple Extras - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-30T17:30:00.000-04:00

While I was combing through the internet looking for fun and fantastic chandeliers for my last series of posts, I came across a few chandeliers that didn't really fit into any of the themes, but were just too good not to share! Please enjoy these 'freebies!'

Lladro Porcelain Butterfly Chandelier
Part of their Re-Cyclos collection by Bodo Sperlein

The Astro Chandelier is chrome metal with 100 lilac colored glass pieces
Sold through Metallux in Italy

This crazy huge chandelier is both traditional and kitsch with its crystals and
randomly placed letters. It's the first thing you see when walking into Nagoya in Tokyo

Kid & Kitsch - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

The word Kitsch is defined as a form of art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an extant style of art or a worthless imitation of art of recognizable value. I find kitsch to be fun and flamboyant, a little strange, and light-hearted.

While these looks are certainly not meant for everybody, I like the idea of poking fun at 'the establishment' once in awhile, and adding an unexpected pop of crazy sometimes! And, when it comes to kid spaces, shouldn't we have a little fun and take ourselves, and our interiors, a little more lightly?

Most of the lighting in this post I've not found currently available for sale. But, depending on how crafty you are, you could certainly recreate them yourself!

Birds in their Cage Chandelier

Baby doll chandelier - spotted in Portland's Nob Hill

Pink Plastic Flamingo Chandelier

Strawberry Tea Cups - found in Agnes and Muriels in Atlanta, GA

Spoons and forks and knives, oh my!

Topsy Turvy Tea Cups and Saucers

Chiquita Banana Box Chandelier by Anneke Jacobs
(Not my favorite, but if we're talking kitsch, how could I leave it out?!)

Used Party Poppers Chandelier by Stuart Haygarth

Rustic Yet Refined - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-28T10:28:00.000-04:00

Rustic often refers to things that are rural or lacking of refinement. I, however, think of rustic as being from nature, having great and interesting textures, and being charmingly simple. I think you will agree that while all these lighting fixtures are definitely rustic, they also carry a certain refinement and class.

Peeled Mountain Laurel Branch chandelier by Rustic Designs

Solid Brass Cadernal Nautical Chandelier available at Fredeco

Meyda Tiffany Twigs Chandelier available at Affordable Lamps

Rope Filament Round Chandelier available at Restoration Hardware

Artichoke Pendant Lamp in copper.
Designed by Poul Henningsen, available at DWR

Reclaimed Teak Orb Chandelier available at Domusx

Mismatched bulbs hanging from a meat hook. This one of a kind
piece is hanging in the Gjelina restaurant in LA. Click here to read more!

Unusual & Upcycled - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

When it comes to being green, there are tons of things you can do; switching to energy efficient appliances, buying local and organic produce, and recycling among many others.

The following lighting fixtures take recycling to a whole new level! From plastic spoons to wooden hangers and bike rims, these designers show how beauty can come from what many of us would think of as trash.

Created from wooden hangers, bicycle rims, and other found objects,
this 'Hangelier' is available by Organelle Design

The Light Reading Chandelier is created using old books by
British designer Lucy Norman. Available through Lula Dot

Close-up of Lula Dot's 'Light Reading' Chandelier

"Capitolina" - an ice cream spoon chandelier by Hasadna

Perforated plastic spoon chandelier by Daisuke Hirawa

Sand blasted plastic bottle bottoms create this chandelier by Sarah Turner

Mason Jar pendant lighting by Boots N Gus

Recycled wine and champagne bottle pendant lamp by Yoon Bahk

Are you crafty? Have you created any beautiful, upcycled pieces for your own home? If so, send me pictures! I would love to include them in a future post. :o)

Sleek and Modern - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-25T10:55:00.000-04:00

If you're into mid-century modern, transitional, or futuristic design, these lighting options are for you. And don't think you need to live in an ultra modern space to have one of these chandeliers in your home. Some of my favorite spaces have been old Mizner mansions with contemporary and traditional pieces mixed together... I just love to be surprised by design!!

The Beehive Chandelier by Jessica Kay Bodner, available through Bodner Chandeliers

Brown Glass Globe chandelier by Bocci

Ice Chandeliers available in 6 individual colors, or color changing.
Available in single drop, or multi-drop as shown here. Sold by CCC

Meri Drum Chandelier by Oly Studio

One of a kind, Hand-blown glass chandelier
You can custom order your own at Venetian Glass Studios

Another one of a kind, Hand-blown glass chandelier
from the artisans at Venetian Glass Studios

Vintage mid-century modern Sputnik chandelier

Coastal and Beachy - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

Do you love the beach? Whether you live on a coast, or just wish you did, these interesting chandeliers will take you there!

Modern ceramic fish lighting designed by BENCHER

Shell Pendant Lamp by Currey and Company, available at Lighting Direct

Driftwood Orb pendant lamp - currently available on Ebay

One in a series of Octopus Chandeliers designed by Adam Wallacavage

Full disclosure, these next pieces are by me! While working with a client a few years back, I couldn't find curtain rings that had the coastal look and feel that I was looking for, so I covered wrought iron rings with jute. I loved the look and feel so much, that I started up-cycling old lamps and chandeliers with jute and shells!

Shell and Jute Chandelier designed by Vanessa Prieto, The Design Dreamer

Close up detail of my Shell and Jute Chandelier
These starfish are removable!

Shell and Jute hanging pendant lamp by Vanessa Prieto, The Design Dreamer
Currently available at my Etsy shop

Another Shell and Jute hanging pendant lamp by Vanessa Prieto, The Design Dreamer
Currently available at my Etsy shop

Preview - Unusual and Unique Chandelier Lighting

2012-08-23T11:05:00.001-04:00

I had planned on doing a post on chandelier lighting... unique and unusual lighting to be specific. But there's just too much to choose from!!

So, I've decided to do a series, each post focusing on a different theme:

Check back in to see the different collections... Hopefully you'll find inspiration for your own home!!

---> In the end, there were so many great chandeliers, that I threw in an extra post!

a couple extras!

Fantastic and Fantastical Fans

2012-08-22T12:23:00.000-04:00

While researching my last post on picking the right ceiling fan for you, I came across some really weird and wild fans that I just had to share! Do you have a favorite? Please feel free to leave you comments below!

For the kiddies

Bat wing ceiling fan blades sold on Esty by The Atomic Lounge

Fantasy Flyer ceiling fan by Hunter

Dual Speed Flying ceiling fan available through 1st Dibs

Weird and Wild

Brisa 2000 ceiling fan available at Lightology

Ribbon Fan by Benjamin McMahon - patent pending

Minka Aire Cirque George Kovacs ceiling fan available at Ceiling Fan Universe

Cumulos ceiling fan (Yes, it really is a fan!) available through Fanimation

Air Shadow retracting blade fan by Fanimation

Modern and Unique

Marea ceiling fan available at Fanimation

Artemis translucent ceiling fan available at Euro Style Lighting

Minka Aire Uchiwa Ceiling Fan

Sycamore Ceiling Fan by Sycamore Fans

The Philippe Malouin Dervish Ceiling Fan by Philippe Malouin

Did you pick a favorite? Mine is the Dervish fan by Philippe Malouin. He got the idea from the car wash brushes at his local automatic car wash! How cool is that? I love seeing what inspires designers, and how they reinterpret that inspiration into their creations. If you'd like to read more about this fan, check out Philippe's interview at Dornob.

Picking the right ceiling fan for you

2012-08-21T23:11:00.000-04:00

Living in South Florida, it's pretty much always hot. As we near the end of a Summer marked by record breaking heat across the country, I thought a post about ceiling fans would be appropriate!

When it comes to choosing the right ceiling fan for you, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. While the aesthetic of your fan is important, even more important is fan size and its features.

Let's start with size first. You'll need to consider both the size of the room, as well as the height of the ceilings. While the size of the room will help you to determine the size of the fan (fan blades), the height of the room will help you determine whether your fan can have lighting, as well as if it needs to be flush mounted or with an extender.

I use the following relationships as my guide for picking blade span sizes.
Rooms 6x6 or less: use a fan with a blade span from 24-36"
Rooms 10x10: use a fan with a blade span from 37-48"
Rooms 12x12: use a fan with a blade span from 49-55"
Rooms 15x15 or larger: use a fan with a blade span of 56" or larger
The reason to use different fan sizes based on the room size is really all about efficiency, in addition to its visual scale. If a fan is too small, it will be unable to properly circulate the air in the room...as well as run the risk of looking ridiculous in the space.

Ceiling heights are also very important. The last thing you want to do is have people knocking their heads on your new fan...especially if the blades are spinning! I like to leave at least 7' of height under my ceiling fixtures; 8-9' is optimal for air circulation. (One exception is with lighting above a dining room table) So, once you've measured your room height, take away 7'. The number you're left with is the maximum height I would recommend for your new fan. If you have low ceilings, look at fans with low ceiling mounts.

The next thing to consider is whether you need or want additional lighting in your space. Ceiling fans are a great way to add lighting. From very simple flush mounted lights to highly decorative lighting fixtures, there are tons of options out there to satisfy your personal aesthetic.

The last thing to consider before you run out to pick out your new fan are it's features. While lighting is certainly one of those features, there are others that are equally important, yet often overlooked. I always look for fans that are reversible. By that I mean, a fan with a motor that will turn either clockwise or counterclockwise by flicking a switch. Here in Florida, I usually have my fans set to counterclockwise, which pulls the heat up and away. However, there are one or two months a year when I flip the switch. Then the clockwise motion of the fan pushes the heat down. While Floridians may not need this feature, anyone living in seasonal climes would find it fantastic! I've seen studies that claim ceiling fans will help to reduce heating costs up to 2% for every degree the thermostat is lowered in winter. Another way to save it to look for energy efficient models.

So now that you've determined your fan size (blade span and overall height) as well as the additional features you want, it's time to pick your fan!

Low ceiling mount fan

Standard ceiling fan with 3 shade lighting and extended ceiling drop

Decorative fan with single centered lamp

Ultra modern ceiling fan

There are so many fantastic and fantastical fans out there, that I just couldn't fit them all in this post. So stay tuned... there will be another post coming soon with some really weird and wild fans!!

Fantastic (and unusual) Pedestal Sinks

2012-08-15T16:14:00.000-04:00

After my last post regarding bathroom tips for the DIY-ers, I thought why not continue the theme? So today's post is all about the pedestal sink!

Barclay 3-75 Victoria Pedestal Sink

Why choose a pedestal sink over the traditional cabinet or vanity variety? There are a number of reasons when a pedestal sink is beneficial. Firstly, if you're looking to add clean lines, or visually open up your room, a pedestal is right for you. Also, if you're working in a tight space, they take up very little space. Another great benefit is they're super easy to clean...at least you can get to all the parts. Take that Dust Bunny's!

While most pedestal sinks are made from non-porous vitreous china in traditional styles like the one shown above, I've scoured the web to bring you a few of my favorites... and I love the nontraditional!

Copper Pedestal, Frida by Thompson Traders

Available at vintagetub.com, this pedestal sink is hand crafted from copper as one piece. I love the chevron design on the inside of the sink basin.

Quiescence VAN-PD Aspen Pillar Divine Pedestal Sink

Available at fixtureuniverse.com, this hand-chiseled gold granite vanity and bowl basin set can add rustic charm, or masculine elegance to your powder room.

Contemporary Bath Oyster Pedestal Sink

Also from fixtureuniverse.com, this glass pedestal sink has a much softer and delicate feel to it. As the manufacturer puts it "This glass is designed to showcase the superlative beauty and clarity of light shining through water like no other bath products. European-inspired glass artisanship meets advanced technology to create beautiful, durable, one-of-a-kind glass designs for most discerning clients." I definitely agree. And as a side note, wouldn't this sink look fabulous set against an elegant glass bead wallpaper?!

Earthen Fantasy Braveness Pedestal Sink, Natural Boulder

Another winner from Quiescence is this natural granite boulder set, which includes a natural granite boulder pedestal, top and basin, adds the feel of nature into your home. You can find more from their line at quiescenceisd.com

Kohler Rêve™ Pedestal Sink

Lastly is this modern beauty from Kohler. Though made from the traditional non-porous vitreous china, the shape and lines are anything but! I love the clean, crisp lines of this sink. Perfect for an ultra-modern bathroom. To see Kohler's full line, browse though their online catalog.

Not that I expect you to install one of these beauties all on your own, but if you decide that you're up for the challenge, I found a great post online here that will walk you through the process, step-by-step. Have fun!!