Inspired by Matchook Mag...
The latest issue of Matchbook was full of the most inspirational photo shoots I just couldn't get enough. I instantly gravitated towards this black and white shoot with shots from my two loves...
My first love belongs to LA, where I have lived for the past 7 years. My heart and soul were nourished in the city of angels...and then I recently moved to New York City and everyday Manhattan gives me new, fresh feeling of love....
and then Paris, the city of love...
I think these 3 photos in black frame with white matting might make the perfect bathroom artwork.
Also, I was featured in this issue too {matchbook investigates, pg 44} alongside one of my blog besties, Cassie from coco + kelley. So fun.
HGTV & the Novogratz rock it out in my NYC neighborhood!
Have you guys been watching the Novogratz show on HGTV? First of all, I love that HGTV is taking things in a new direction with this hip and stylish design duo. I had the pleasure of meeting courtney and chatting with her about all things design, and let me tell you...she is a blast, a truly sweet person. Gotta love that...
Well, this Saturdays episode is sure to rock your socks off. They took a 2,000 square foot penthouse
apartment right in my Gramercy Park neighborhood (the best hood) with 180-degree views of NYC and did a "design blowout"! They turned it from all white + uninteresting to über-chic quickly and with a super small
budget. Using pops of color, cool art, an array of accessories, a
fireplace tower and spectacular lighting (not to mention a “Family” rug from
their upcoming home décor collection, NOVOGRATZ! Exciting things to come for this power duo.
How powerful is this space? It's the perfect summertime space.
images: matthew williams
fashion meets decor... creamy moroccan wedding blankets
pretty,creamy and delightful rachel bilson dress
meet
pretty, creamy and delightful moroccan wedding blankets...
they really do make the perfect bedspread coverlet, no? adds a little something to the room.
I also love it used as a headboard or a pretty tapestry like art for the wall...
such a stylish rug too...
images...coco+kelley/theglamlamb/apartmenttherapy/elledecor
bliss in the kitch' {wonderful unfinished wood floors}
How charming is this kitchen? Just the sight of the wood and exposed unfinished-ness of it gets me going. All day long I have been fixated on scandinavian style kitchens for inspiration on an upcoming project. Unfinished plank wood flooring is my new afternoon obsession...
The Art of Living...working at the dining table
One of the luxuries of working from home is that I get to work anywhere my little decorating heart desires. I am the first one to relish in the art of decorating your home office, but surprisingly, I have been working from the fabulousness that is my dining room table.
We have an adorable desk in our living room that is the perfect workspace. On most days, it just won't do. I need ample space to spread out paint and fabric samples, art, my belongings, stationary, etc. So, I am utterly inspired by others who work at their dining room tables as I do...
I must tell you its a gorgeous dining room table and it works!
The Decorista takes NY: Beauty and Essex
New York is just getting more exciting for me by the day. Regardless of the unimaginable heat, I keep discovering the most magical places AND the most decoratively delicious. This past weekend I got to thoroughly experience the beauty of Beauty and Essex. A fun and quirky vintage shop is the store front with the most beautiful one of a kind finds and a drool worthy guitar collection...
After gazing at the pretty trinkets you enter through chic double entryway doors and are transported into the most grand and swanky restaurant/lounge that I have yet been to. Soft and gleaming candle lights burn throughout the place and the incredible staircase is a sight for the eyes. The best part happens to lie underground, in the ladies lounge, where you are served complimentary bubbly and a yummy, leather chesterfield sofa sets as the perfect spot to gab with the girls.
The food...out of this world and The dessert...there are no words. Our favorite were these sugar coated doughnuts with chocolate nutella in the middle, it just melted in your mouth.
If you find yourself in NYC, Beauty and Essex is worth the trip...especially with your best girlfriends.
office space of the day...black and white is oh so right
This Monday morning I am noticing that in order for me to be successful, having an organized and pretty office is absolutely essential.
black lighting + stacks of pretty books + bright open window with view + pretty pink flowers =
I have a small confession. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been obsessed with school supplies. This love affair has translated over now to home office accessories. If you know me well, then you know I am addicted to black and white stripes. I recently discovered a lovely site seejanework and I have to tell you, they have incredibly chic office supplies. Any of these beauties will work perfectly in any chic home office.
Styleicious Sunday: black and white stripes
Want to make sure to add some style to your summertime occasions? Try black and white stripes, they are a definite staple in any decoristas life. They give the phrase 'effortless chic' a whole new meaning. Summertime is the perfect time to indulge in the chic look, maxi dresses, beach towels, outdoor pillows, umbrellas...all of it is absolutely essential!
10 things that rocked my world this week! july 16
1. I love it when art meets fashion. What's better than shopping at Intermix in nyc while checking out the latest art works by my girl Nicole Cohen. Brilliant idea! Her work is so colorful and fabulous, perfect for summer. (you can see some in the background on the walls. good stuff!)
I suggest every girl do this to their bathroom immediately.
9. Holy chic-ness. Found these black and white striped magazine holders at Barnes and Nobles. These are perfect for stashing all of my favorite mags. Love!
10. Bringing it back to the old school with Dorothy Draper (the coco chanel of decor, for those of you who don't know her) and Decorating is Fun! This is my ultimate summer read!
Bonus: Me sporting my new neon yellow shades. I can't get over how fun these are to wear.
Neon = happiness!
The Art of Living...poolside prettiness
NYC sure is hot these days, almost everywhere I go I have to plan my outfit accordingly. Sigh. What's on my mind...poolside lounging. I love love love really good poolside decor. The W Westwood is one of my favorite hotels in terms of poolside decor. It's so chic, bright and fabulous.
This weekend I am going to be stopping by one of the chicest poolsides in NYC...
The Soho House, love these black and white striped chairs...
images...1) everythingfab 3) unkown 4) instylemag 5 & 6) elledecor
DIY decorating secrets from a beach-y bohemian pad...
Many of you know that my affections belong to southern california and that beachy lifestyle. I fell instantly for this adorable apartment. So, I took a few notes on her decor style...
1. Collect a bunch of white vases in different sizes and set atop your fireplace mantle. Fill them with bunches of the same blooms, and your mantle will pack some decorative punch!
2. Display your jewels on sidetables (not just your dresser or vanity) on pretty feminine dishes and combine with pretty trinkets and treasured magazines to make it look like a styled set. This gives you that boutique display vibe that we all know and love.
3. DIY artwork... stencils, canvas and pretty color paint. Pick a favorite quote, saying or mantra for an everyday pick-me-up.
oh and don't forget to display your prettiest shoes for more happiness...
The Art of Living: mixing mirrors and pattern
My top two obsessions right now...mirrors and fabulous patterns. Mixing these two together can be SUCH a chic looking combination. I love this red geometric patterned wallpaper mixed with an ivory finished mirror...very, very sophisticated. I don't know what it is about the mix, but the right pairing of pattern and mirrored frame can be incredibly impressive. It can give a room the perfect touch.
1/2/3/4/5/6/7
Wallcolor Wednesday {a burst of citrus orange}
Inspired by my lovely orange water bottle, I have been noticing bright orange everywhere. It could be the summertime, but I just think the pretty color is the epitome of chic. I'm sure it can be a bit much for some, but perfect for a quaint little bathroom, guest bedroom, or smack dab in the living room. Wherever you put this fancy pants color, it will be effortlessly stylish...
chic little bathrooms...
Now that I have been putting the finishing touches on my own apartment, I have a pretty boring bathroom and I am dying to spice it up a little. I love character in a bathroom, but my bathroom fixtures are so modern that it is hard to add "personality". I need to stick with the modern hotel chic vibe.
So, I am just jonesin' for some bathroom chic-ness...
hot pink and white stripes.....oh yes!
So, I am just jonesin' for some bathroom chic-ness...
hot pink and white stripes.....oh yes!
we all know my affections for toile...
office space of the day...mixing in masculine
Thanks to my girlfriend Lees, I got a new client over the weekend... a super fantastic guy. Which excites me so much because I just adore masculine decor.
black walls + very hip artwork + dark furniture + chic lighting + white pop of horns =
domestic bliss
My dream home office for BRAVO TV
I was thrilled to be asked by Bravo to create a home office space in celebration of the season finale of Million Dollar Decorators, which I have become highly addicted to. (Isn't decorating totally delicious?) So, I got to thinking what my dream home office would be like...
I instantly went for coming up with something incredibly different, a new and fresh color palate I never would have thought of before.
MY DREAM HOME OFFCE...
Dark, glossy hunter green walls with gray, black and white accents and hints of gold.
I scoured 1stdibs for the amazing vintage chandelier, drop dead gorgeous.
An oversized painting by my gorgeous friend, LA artist Lana Gomez.
High back and sexy curves, black and white striped chair so I can look official.
My favorite piece by Woodson and Rummerfield, Chasens entertainment console for perfect storage.
A large, clear glass desk. So I can see everything under and atop.
A Louis Vuitton trunk to pile books on and store unsightly items.
This would be the ultimate DOMESTIC decorista BLISS!
Art + Room: how to create the perfect collection of art
I'm always trying to convince my friends that in tiny little kitchens (thanks to nyc apartments), a surefire way to perk up a little eating area is an art wall. An art wall is a collection of photos or prints that make you smile.
I love this mix of black and white frames, with a mix of matting colors. It's a great color combo that goes perfectly with the colors of the kitchen. When creating your own art wall, make sure that the photos have a similar theme going on, or in similar color stories...you want to make it look like it was done on purpose. That is what will keep it chic and stylish...and give you domestic bliss!
style-icious Sunday:colorful exotic majesties
10 things that rocked my world this week! july 16
1. My new hot pink iphone case is the best gift I could have gotten. Thanks to the bestie paige, I am rocking out this summer with a neon "decorista-style" phone. Sometimes it is the little things that make life really bright! I think my girl Sue would agree, no????
2. My new friend who I call "lee" brought me the prettiest flowers for our housewarming party. There is nothing like pretty flowers from a dear new friend.
3. The churches in NYC are so beautiful. I love being in the gorgeous cathedrals with gorgeous stained glass windows and breathtaking architecture. It's one of the many reasons I LOVE Sundays.
4. Fell head over heels for this print in a pretty little restaurant in the city. I love love love LOVE. Totally makes me smile.
5. My Via Spiga python wedges are my new everyday obsession, I could have something python on me at all times and I'd be a happy gal.
6. Allow me to introduce you to my new best friend, mr. orange. With the heat of the summer, I need a big jug of water around me at all times. I'm so loving him.
7. My new favorite neighborhood shopping indulgence. The Gramercy Project. Soooooooooo cute.
8. How I display flowers in my bathroom, this nifty little vase fits perfectly on the toilet tank. Modern, chic and oh so stylin'.
9. This morning, a feather softly floated right out of the sky on to my little table as I was enjoying my morning coffee in the park. I believe that feathers falling on you mean good luck is coming your way. Yay!
10. This picture of my uncle and I absolutely makes me smile. A...it makes me miss all of my uncles and my amazing family back home in Texas. B. it reminds me of the many many fun Christmas memories our family has. I miss you all so much and I can't wait to see you again this holiday. MWAH!