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Design Blogger Series #6: What Would You Do?

For the sixth  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?,  I invited four talented design bloggers – all of whom have up incoming careers in the design field. Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs, Kerry of First Time Fancy, Marissa of Roost, and Mackenzie of Design Darling were asked to design a space around the sleek,  white lacquer console by Jonathan Adler by incorporating four or so home décor items of their choosing.
white lacquer console table jonathan adler
Made in Vietnam using traditional, artisanal techniques, the “minimalist sparkle” Jonathan Adler console is coated in twelve layers of lacquer. It is quite a process; Every coat is allowed to dry for 48 hours and water-sanded before the next coat is applied.
gray turquoise entryway design
{Foyer by Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs}
“My style is a mix of modern and vintage, so I knew I wanted to add a touch of vintage with the juxtaposition of a few whimsical items.  I can see this console table in a foyer. I imagine the walls painted this cool shade of gray {Benjamin Moore’s Cobblestone Path} to add just the right amount of contrast between the white items and the walls. A classic zebra patterned rug in gray and ivory will cover the floors.  The curtains are consistent with the geometric shape of the console, but also point to a more vintage feel with the addition of the turquoise organic swirls. An echo of the turquoise is found in the lamp to be placed on the console. The modern white chair will sit to one side of the credenza, providing a chic place to slip on your shoes before you head out.  To brighten up the space, above the console I would layer an oil painting from Jen Ramos with an eclectic, mismatched mirrors …and let’s be honest, we all want to check our lip gloss one more time before running out the door!”

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Michaela’s design: the oil painting by Jen Ramos.

{Nursery by Kerry of First Time Fancy}
“Most of the time, if you give someone a console table, they will automatically think entryway or living room. Maybe it’s because I have some serious baby brain recently, but I put together a sweet little nursery using the lacquer console. I picked the Jennifer Delonge Glam Glider because I love the simple lines of it, and think it looks like the perfect spot to curl up with a babe in the wee hours of the night. The Aerial Crib mimics the same clean lines, while the Tiger Boo rug brings some fun and colour to the space. Then, to give the console purpose in the space, I picked the Jonathan Adler Giraffe Lamp to go on top, and some Pottery Barn canvas buckets for storing baby toys underneath. If we had, had a bigger budget for our own nursery, I am sure at least a few of these pieces would have made their way in.”

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Kerry’s design: thinking out of the box and placing the console in a nursery!

{Foyer by Marissa of Roost}
“I am usually drawn to pretty traditional design, so it was fun for me to step out of the box to use this cool modern console in my imaginary entryway design! I started with Navy Bean Grasscloth from Phillip Jeffries. Grasscloth is so classic and works well with a lot of styles.  In my imaginary entry, there is a nice big set of windows, which I would frame with Lyrical Branches Curtains from World Market. A lot of the other elements I chose for this room are very symmetrical and/or geometric, so I like the flowing, organic lines of the branch pattern. Under foot, I chose the grey Riviera Rug from Calypso St. Barth, and overhead, Troy Lighting’s amazing Sausalito Pendant. I love gold accents–so glamorous and refined. Under the console, more gold with a pair of Circe Benches with Greek key detail, which I’d reupholster in Tapdance by Stout Fabrics, available at Decorator’s Best. I love mirrors in entry ways (or anywhere, really), and I chose Horchow’s Bone Inlay Mirror as the statement piece for this entry. I can’t get over how beautiful and intricate it is! This is a pretty pricey little design, but a girl can dream. Or surf Craigslist to DIY some of it myself!”

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Marissa’s design: it’s a toss up between the bone inlay mirror and the Greek key bench.

preppy orange pink foyer design darling
{Foyer by Mackenzie of Design Darling}
“I love Jonathan Adler having interned for him last summer so this challenge was a real treat! I envision his divine lacquer console in a playfully chic foyer. My first move is to soften its straight lines with a curvy framed mirror and to-die-for vintage chairs. His traditional-with-a-twist zebra rug is a must and I love that the Quadrille Kazak pillow ties in both the orange and the hot pink. Topped with a sparkly chandelier, it’s everything a preppy foyer should be!”

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Mackenzie’s design: the pillow in Quadrille Kazak {swoon} – it pulls it all together beautifully.


Don’t you love what these gals have created? Each of these spaces has a distinct feeling, but I couldn’t help but notice the similarities: 1. Three out of the four used the lacquer console in a foyer, 2. Three out of the four coupled it with an animal print rug, 3. All paired it with a upholstered chair or bench, 4. All incorporated lighting that makes a strong statement. What similarities or differences do see?

Also, a big thank you to Michaela, Kerry, Marissa and Mackenzie for participating in this series!

xo,
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Read full story By on May 18, 2011 in design blogger series, foyers, furniture, interior design

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

And the winner is…

csn $200 giveaway discount code
csn store giveaway winner

Congratulations Lacey! Your comment {#208} was selected from random.org and you have won a $75 gift certificate to CSN Stores

Many of you may be bummed you didn’t win. But don’t worry… tomorrow morning I am announcing another fun giveaway!
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Read full story By on February 23, 2011 in furniture, Giveaways