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Design Blogger Series #5: What Would You Do?

Today I am thrilled to have four more very talented interior design bloggers participate in the fifth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook, Caitlin Creer, Katie Denham of katiedid, Staci Edwards of {Inspired by Life} were asked to design a space using this Louis XVl style slipper chair:

Louis XVl style slipper chair
It’s a fabulous chair circa 1920 from France found on 1st Dibs. This classic chair could go in just about any room, so I was excited about how the designers would use it.

design blogger little green notebook

Founder of interior design firm, Pearl Street Interiors and the blog Little Green Notebook, Jenny Komenda has this to say about her design incorporating the Louis XVI slipper chair: “I have a pair of small slipper chairs that I’m considering using in my entry, flanking my console, so I thought it would be fun to pretend we have two of these gorgeous chairs and also use them in an entry or foyer. I love to mix different styles of furniture and I’m a firm believer that the key to a well-decorated room is finding balance. The slipper chairs are a bit on the delicate side, so I think I would use something bold and heavier as the console. You could find an inexpensive vintage piece to paint out black and add pretty brass hardware, but if you’re not into DIY, this (somewhat pricey) piece by Noir furniture is amazing. Trust me – it knocks your socks off in person. I’d top it off with a Frenchie/Italian looking mirror like this reasonably priced version from Horchow (if the craigslist gods are not smiling on you). Try leaning a framed piece of art against your mirror. I recently found  an old etching of our NYC neighborhood in an antique store. I have it in our entry and I love that it’s one of the first things people see in our home. Sort of an outside meets the inside kind of thing. Even if you don’t live in a big city, try searching for old maps, paintings or photographs of your town on eBay or Etsy and I think you’ll be surprised what’s there. For my Upper West Side friends, check out this pretty painting of Morningside Park. These new lamps from Robert Abbey are going to be a HIT in the blog world. Available in all sorts of colors, they feel like the rebellious granddaughter of traditional ginger jar lamps we all know and love. This spotted tray was absolutely meant to be paired with that lamp. And what entry would be complete without a fabulous rug? If you’re not interested in scouring eBay for the perfect oushak or Turkish number, this rug from Overstock is lovely. See those little bits of blue? Bring it all home with a petite electric blue silk pillows for a pop on one of the slipper chairs.”

design blogger caitlin creer

Salt Lake City, Utah designer Caitlin Creer says, “The moment I saw this chair I was instantly drawn to it’s classic elegant feeling. I don’t get to do a lot of teenage rooms but I dreamt up a stylish and sophisticated space for a teenage girl. I’d use our beautiful chair as a desk chair and pair it with this beautiful desk from World Market. Against the main wall I’d use this amazing A-Twitter wallpaper from Schumacher (it can be purchased from Decorator’s Best) for some impact. Four our bed, I’d go for something simple that will really let the wallpaper be the start of the show. I’m thinking this maison canopy bed from PB Teen should do the trick. I’ve also had my eye on these gorgeous striped panels that would play beautifully off of the wallpaper.
Just because this is a girl’s room and it needs some feminine touches, we’ll throw in a pretty floral pouf, and a sparkly lamp. Now I just wish this room was in my house!”

design blogger katie denham katiedid
Designer Katie Denham based in Sacramento, California says this about her design, “I have put together a Dining Room which combines a bit of modern with a bit of moody fantasy from times past. I love to use modern furniture in a traditional setting or traditional furnishings in a modern setting. In this case, the setting would be a traditional wood paneled room with old oak floors. I imagine one wall punctuated with large Palladian multi-paned arched windows. I took a cue from the blue velvet fabric on the chairs and expanded on a color scheme using a darker blue paint for the paneled walls from Devine Color. I wanted to create a shell of darker tones and contrast that with punches of white. So, to begin, I picked oak floors with a brushed black stain to keep the background darker. They add texture and have an aged quality. For the contrast in mood and color, I picked the white marble topped Saaranin table from DWR.  And around which would be six of the Louis chairs Cristin picked. (Lovely!) White Paper Chandelier from Moooi available  through Lumens. I think it is a witty take on a more traditional chandelier…very fun. For the walls, a large white plaster looking mirror…total fantasy….from Oly Studio. And for art, a monumental piece from Cosgrove Art. This piece is so dramatic and another nod to fantasy, ad the velvety blue colors are perfect. I also added these black and white onyx vessels from Oly Studio en masse for on top of the table. Oly Studio is available through Ruby Living or Jayson Home and Garden. There are also lots of retail stores available from the Oly Studio.
Thanks again, Cristin, for including me! It has been a pleasure.”

design blogger staci edwards
Ontario-based interior designer, Staci Edwards explains, “As soon as I saw this beautiful slipper chair I thought: seeing as I will probably not have my dream dressing room anytime in the near future, it would be fun to create the look here! The room would have warm white cabinetry throughout, and the back wall would be a feature wall, where these items would be… First, I would get the chair refinished by painting the show wood in Farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black, and reupholster it in this stunning ikat inspired print called Peacock by Trina Turk. Keeping with the 1920’s French feel of the chair, I chose this darling Avery Bombé Chest from Crate & Barrel {a cute feature to this piece is that the drawers are lined with hand-silkscreened paper, that would make me smile each time I opened them}. This stunning fashion print by David Downtown would be hung directly above the dresser with major matting in an oversized frame. Hanging from the center of the room would be this stunning Morris Ribbon Pendant at Studio B, the diffused light will create a very feminine feel, and I like how the ribbon pattern mimics the shapes in the fabric – a perfect “tie” in {pardon the pun}. Underfoot will lay this beautiful Faux {because it’s more friendly that way} Faux Zebra Hide from Jayson Home & Garden, which would ground the look while creating visual interest. And there you have it: my dream dressing room using the slipper chair provided – I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks to Cristin for inviting me to join in the fun!”
A huge thank you hug to designers, Jenny Komenda, Caitlin Creer, Katie Denham, and Staci Edwards for participating in this series. I love what you created and all very different spaces. Brilliant!

Don’t you love all the variations in designs incorporating the same slipper chair? 

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Read full story By on April 4, 2011 in chairs, design blogger series, furniture, interior design

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am so excited to have four more talented and very crafty design bloggers participate in the fourth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Kate Riley of Centsational Girl, Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone, Megan of Honey We’re Home, and Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage {all amazing DIYers} were asked to design a look around the Bailey Bench from Jayson Home & Garden by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

chic white upholstered bench with nailhead

This chic upholstered bench with with hand-rubbed black mahogany and antique bronze nailheads is 61″W x 20.5″D x 18″H. 
centsational girl bedroom design{Kate’s from Centsational Girl}
“When Cristin asked me to design a room around the Bailey bench, I immediately began dreaming of a ‘money is no object’ serene and sophisticated bedroom space, one I would surely design just for me if I was a single gal with a large bank account!  Cool grays, crisp white, soft teals, golden hues, mixed with linen fabrics and the softest patterned textiles.  I love so many of these accessories, I may have to sneak some of them into my own shared master bedroom!”
Sources: Eclipse chandelier from Z Gallerie, Filmore headboard {mist} by Serena & Lily,   Italian sheeting by Restoration Hardware, White lacquer nightstand from Era Interiors {pair to flank the bed}, Peacock azure pillow by Dwell Studio, Capri bottle lamp {gray} by Jonathan Adler, Circle fret rug by Dash & Albert, Devon mirror from Z Gallerie.
brooklyn limestone blog dining design{Stefanie’s from Brooklyn Limestone}
“Hi everyone – its Mrs. Limestone of Brooklyn Limestone here.  As far as I’m concerned, nothing is better than imaginary shopping – all of the fun and none of the guilt!
Don’t ask me why but this lovely bench made me think of Paris.  And for a travel lover like me, there is nothing better than decorating around wonderful memories abroad.
I imagined a glamorous couple that has fabulous yet intimate dinner parties with the best food, wine and company. This space would be just off their impossibly gorgeous kitchen – a spacious eat in area with a French twist – perfect for reading the paper and eating croissant or throwing a fabulous fete.” The space would include lots of flicking candles on the flat surfaces and lots of black and white travel photography covering the walls.
Sources: Marble top dining table, Oversized clock from Restoration HardwareWindow treatments in Summer Palance Fret fabric, reclaimed herringbone floors,  Sideboard from Wisteria, a pair of Louis XVI square back side chairs from Ballard Designs, Glass pendant lighting by Pottery Barn, Paris B&W photography by Mrs. Limestone.
honey we're home blog bedroom design{Megan’s from Honey We’re Home}
“I started with the bed, feeling that the streamlined bedposts paired well with the legs of the beautiful bench.  I then added the suzani inspired rug for a graphic punch.  I’ve had my eye on those octagonal horn mirrors forever and since they are only 12 inches, thought they would look great in a pair, stacked on top of each other.  The mirrored side table and chandelier brought in the glamour.  Feeling Spring on the horizon, I wanted to add a bit of color with the pink pillows and tulips.  The aqua patterned drapes complete the look.”

Sources: Oly Studio Willa bed from Layla Grace, Tuxedo chandelier from Z Gallerie, Park mirrored dresser from Pottery Barn, Octagonal horn mirrors from Wisteria, Flower bowl by Kate Spade, Drapes by Cococozy, Throw pillows by Fabricadabra & Cococozy, Rug from Wisteria.

the lettered cottage blog bedroom design{Layla’s from the Lettered Cottage}
“The bench has sort of a “yesterday-meets-today” feel. The lines are classic, but the finishes and colors are contemporary. What a great combination!  I chose a variety of items that spoke to both styles. An industrial-looking dresser from Anthropologie that says, “Hi. I’m old- but check out the big, bold graphics on my drawer fronts.” A button-tufted, but boxy-shaped, charcoal-gray suede headboard from West Elm. Smooth and shiny bedside lamps, with rough and rustic shades from Pottery Barn. Crisp, white bedding (complete with little gray pinstripes) from Restoration Hardware, paired with a vintage-washed gray quilt (also RH) and colorful, and boldy-patterned, accent pillows from Luna Bazaar. And because I love the way plants bring movement and life into a room, I threw in a few mossy terra cotta pots filled with fresh greenery. 🙂 ”
Sources: Headboard material faux suede in charcoal herringbone from West Elm, Anthropologie Dresser, Navy & white throw pillows, White and gray bedding from Restoration Hardware, Gray quilt from Restoration Hardware, Mercury glass lamps from Pottery Barn.

A big thank you and hug to Kate, Stefanie, Megan and Layla for participating in this series!
Each design is gorgeous in my book. Which one catches your eye?
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Read full story By on March 2, 2011 in blog, design blogger series, furniture, home accessories, interior design

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am thrilled to have four more talented interior design bloggers participate in the third,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Erika Ward of Blulabel Bungalow, Marianne Strong of Haven and Home,  Maria Killam of Colour Me Happy and Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School were asked to design a look around the Maynard Side Table by Worlds Away {available at Clayton Gray Home} by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

This beautiful gold leaf side table at 18″ square x 26″ high was just the beginning as each designer created a vignette reflective of their personal style and talents. Take a look at these fabulous inspiration boards:

ericka ward interiors what would you do
Erika Ward of Blulabel Bungalow, Atlanta, GA
“2011 is all about a little spontaneity. This look is inspired by Jessica Snow’s artwork, Louis the Third, which features overlapping lines in energetic hues. Affordably priced at $200 for a 17”x 22’ print, there’s still enough money in the budget to have it framed. The Brownie Sofa [with its nailhead trim] grounds the space while adding a touch of glamour. Pulling colors from the artwork, I chose a versatile peacock blue chair and a gold Greek key rug to further the modern, funky vibe. Thom Filicia’s Citysquare fabric carries the Greek motif to the windows as drapery panels and to the sofa as accent pillows. Toss a couple of solid canary yellow pillows onto the sofa to complete the look. Hovering over the room is the most gorgeous pendant light which borrows metallic cues from the side table and its shape from the artwork. I would never have a sad day in this room.”
maria killam interior design
Maria Killam of Colour Me Happy, North Vancouver, BC
“I imagine this table paired with another one in a small guest bedroom in my future 2nd or 3rd residence in New York {smile}.  I love the green diamond pattern in the Serena & Lily headboard. Every guest room needs some fabulous, decorative toss cushions, these are by designer Trina Turk. The hot pink from the pillows would be repeated with a Robert Abbey Table Lamp from Macy’s. The white barrel back chair from Williams Sonoma Home would be perfect in a guest room because no one would ever sit on it. This mirrored dresser from ZGallerie adds the perfect Hollywood glam touch for this bedroom to go with the end table.”
marianne strong interior design
Marianne Strong of Haven and Home, Birmingham, AL
As soon as I saw this table I instantly thought of a cozy reading nook.  The first thing I would add would be the Carter Chair from Mitchell & Gold.  It is large enough to be inviting, yet the nail head detail, legs and lines keep it stylish enough to compliment the side table.  I would upholster it in either a dark leather or natural linen.  Next I would add a floor lamp to make sure there was ample reading light.  I chose the Circa Bamboo floor lamp because it is sleek and adds an additional texture against the metal.  The table has a certain refinement to it, the Peshawar rug from Williams Sonoma home shares this quality while adding softness and some pattern.  Since I see the table in a reading nook I would add the Charcoal Script pillow from South of Market and the Blue Sage Ruched Throw from West Elm for added comfort.”
kirsten krason 6th street design blog
Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School, Utah
“I imagine this wonderful side table next to a comfy reading chair in an intricate batik ink print. {Slope Chair at Urban Outfitters}. A beautiful pillow found on Etsy pulls out the gold in the table and then the Pottery Barn’s Star & Flower rug has accents of gold and blue. This little reading nook would be cozy, sophisticated and colorful. The industrial iron floor lamp serves as a great reading lamp. And the butterfly art, Christopher Marley’s Form & Pheromone, Lanternflies is simple enough to work with the busy chair and rug patterns.”
A big thank you to Erika, Maria, Marianne and Kirsten for participating in this series!
There are elements in each design that I think are fabulous. Which one catches your eye?
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Read full story By on January 18, 2011 in blog, design blogger series, furniture, interior design

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

white lacquer X desk with lucite pulls
After a fun and well received first Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do? , today I have invited four more fabulous interior design bloggers to participate in the second version.  Laura Casey of Laura Casey Interiors, Emily A. Clark,  Janell Beals of Isabella and Max Rooms, and Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8 were each asked to design a look around the White Lacquer  Desk from Pieces by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing. This chic  desk features X base legs, lucite pulls and two drawers for great storage was simply a starting point as each designer created a unique vignette giving us a glimpse into their personal style.

laura casey interiors blog designer series
Charlotte, North Carolina-based designer, Laura Casey of Laura Casey Interiors chose to use the desk as a vanity for a sophisticated and classic dressing area off of a master bedroom. Laura said, “It’s just the spot where a woman would want to get ready in the morning.” As a backdrop Laura covers the walls in Bamboo Flower wallpaper by Colefax & Fowler. A fresh Matisse Armchair by Bungalow 5 is selected for the vanity; The leaf patterned back is a beautiful compliment to the Chinoiserie wallpaper. Laura places a glamorous  round crushed Kabibi shell mirror from Made Goods with a soft ruffle over vanity.  The Crackled Fishtail Vase Lamp by Vaughan add just the right pop of color and additional task lighting to the space. An elegant Waterford crystal ring holder and perfume bottle are the perfect finishing pieces.
emily a clark design blogger series
Emily A. Clark {with a blog under the same name} is also based in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she first saw this desk, she immediately envisioned her dream office–a really glam design studio in the big city. Emily paired the desk with modern pieces that are both sophisticated and feminine.  “I love a bold, graphic rug {Moresque Coral} and would soften it a bit by using an updated damask fabric in black {Calico Corners}, white and gray for ceiling-to-floor curtain panels” she explained.  Emily selected a really sleek Colin Cowie chair in a shantung fabric and top off the look with a sparkly drum pendant found at Lamps Plus.

isabella and max rooms blog designer series
Portland, Oregon-based designer, Janell Beals from Isabella and Max Rooms created an office using bold patterns and a bit of bright color. She started with a  strong graphic wallpaper, Leaves in Graphite by Schumacher because it’s traditional, yet modern. “Its gray and white color palette grounds the space.” said Janell. A Hot Pink Versa Rug by Madeline Weinrib brings in another bold pattern to the space and works because the scale is larger than the print on the wallpaper. The Nickel Plated Urn Lamp is classic, providing wonderful task and ambient lighting, while the black wrap chair from West Elm brings in a strong accent. Finally, Janell adds a fun punch of color with an orange lacquer tray by Jonathan Adler.
beach bungalow 8 design blog series
Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8, based in Southern California created a Chinoiserie chic office with the white lacquer desk. To Megan the desk is utilitarian, retro glam and therefore she selected a feminine backdrop – hand painted Chinoiserie wallpaper by Gracie Studio. “ I’ve been dying to use the Gracie wallpaper for awhile, and I love the way those organic lines look juxtaposed to the angular lines of the desk” said Megan. She repeated the juxtaposition in the lines of the faux bamboo regency mirror {eBay find} and the Frances Elkins Loop Chair from Todd Merrill Antiques.  The fabulous Antelope Ax  Carpet from Stark was selected because Megan said, “it’s a bit more subtle than the leopard.” The Chris Spitzmiller lamps add the perfect punch of color to the overall scheme.
Did you notice all designers used strong graphic wallpaper or rugs? The four chairs selected are wonderfully different too and seem to set the tone of each vignette. What elements do you like?
Thanks again to the four fabulous designers who participated today!
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Read full story By on December 1, 2010 in design blogger series, furniture, interior design, office/study