inspired space

inspired by yesterdays post, i thought i'd put together a little shopping list of my own to get that slimmed-down parisian style.  i think the key is to look for simple shapes and to find decorative objects that can stand to be the center of attention.  trust me, this is  not always easy.

items: sofa; three glass vases; red chair; rug; black lamps; console table; wagner woven chair

eye on: sarah lavoine

described in the new york times as a designer of "perfectly imperfect interiors".  the spaces lavoine creates are rich in contrasts, at times bare bone simple, and they are all deeply sophisticated.  she manages to create sleek, edgy interiors that welcome life and the chaos that happens along with it.  oh, and she's incredibly beautiful herself.

images: sarah lavoine; interiors magazine

flex space

so yes, i've been a bit m-i-a, buried in a couple different projects and thus neglectful of other interests, yikes! anyway, a client of mine enjoys the occasional impromptu dance party but she lives in tight quarters. this got me to thinking about pieces that you could just fold up when the dance moment arises. how fun! here are some [very quick] ideas...

images: one; four

old is new, and better

when poring over the countless design magazines out there, it's hard to ignore the significant role that vintage pieces play in modern day interiors.  some of the most interesting spaces are composed of a mix of old and new, or mostly old and some new.

i was first introduced to the world of vintage furniture as an intern working in nyc. i was constantly asked to source items from little antique shops all over the country, and for outstanding prices i might add. while some (most) of it was over-the-top, there is something to be said for "investing" in a piece that holds some greater significance in the world of design.

have a look on ebay (above), you might be surprised at what you can dig up.  try a really skeletal or structured piece to add a little contrast to upholstered furniture.

buy the frame and make your own cushions

the glass shelving above might cost an arm and a leg but try this piece also from ebay.  you might even put it on its side and...coffee table

images: one [curated]; two; three; four; five [own entity]; six

feeling blue-ish

i always seem to gravitate towards aquamarine and turquoise for spring, it's so bright and happy and it can play nice with almost any palette.

 

sources: jcrew; shopbop; som; boconcept; ylighting; westelm
images: pinterest; kelly wearstler

grey days

in stark contrast to the musings of the previous post, today is one of those days.  who doesn't love grey though? add a little pop of fresh, bright green and you're back on the sunny side.

images: one; two; three; four

palm wonderful

it's around this time of year that i start to dream of a beach get-away where i can lounge in a hammock strung from two royal palms and sip a piña colada. if only.  perhaps the banana leaves by rose cumming will do the trick for now.

images: one; two; three; four

pastel punch

after watching a bit of the golden globes last night, i was inspired by all of the dusty pinks, powdery blues, and ivories.  really loving what dvf has going on for spring...

images: dvf; hb; bm paint

what to do with those books

i absolutely love a space layered with books. not only do you end up with a treasure trove of knowledge at your fingertips, the space acquires dimension and texture. try layering your sofa or your bed up against a backdrop of books, then tack on some big bold framed images for even more interest.

images: one, two, three, four, five

warm and cozy

today is one of those days when i'd love to kick my feet up on a big old ottoman and read a book...or snooze.  nothing captures that sentiment better than desire to inspire's pets on furniture series.

images: one, two; three; four

layer it on

rethinking cushions. i love the effect of layering pillows, somehow it's more luxurious and inviting.  try stacking floor cushions to get a similar look in your home, or maybe this could be a way to revamp that old sofa?

images: one; two; three; four; five; six; seven; eight