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Perfect Function – Mick de Giulio Kitchen Design

August 5, 2009 · Comments { 10 }

Chicago-based designer, Mick de Giulio founded de Giulio Kitchen Design in 1984. His firm’s innovative and acclaimed kitchen designs are in homes all over the world. de Giulio’s detailed creations seamlessly combine modern and classical styles while focusing on ergonomics.

This gorgeous kitchen in a neutral palette was exquisitely designed by de Giulio and is an excellent example of how he effortlessly fusses beautiful form and high function. The stunningly clean-lined marble backsplash behind the range slides open. The sliding backsplash has become one of de Giulio’s design trademarks.

When the backsplash is open it reveals wooden shelves stocked with cooking spices and oils within an arms reach. I love how the shelves complement the wooden floor. Combining contemporary and traditional design elements such as the modern elongated stainless steel hood and classic nickel hardware on the simple cabinetry give this kitchen a timeless feel.

Because the majority of kitchen tasks occur at the sink, de Giulio focuses on designing multi-task sinks. The ergonomic workstation was made to work left to right. It includes built-in colanders, sliding cutting boards, drainage boards and knife block storage. The system brilliantly interlocks and creates a hole so that the faucet can run while food is being prepared.

Have I mentioned this is my new dream kitchen? I’m loving the sophisticated modern lines, use of traditional materials and high function design. The best.

*images from decorati
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Read full story By on August 5, 2009 in interior design, kitchens

Style and Grace – Gorgeous Home Furnishings

August 4, 2009 · Comments { 7 }

My sweet blogger friend, Brooke Giannetti at Velvet & Linen introduced me to Grace Home Furnishings out of Los Angeles. Simply gorgeous high-end furnishings and accessories. Their current collection features a fresh color palette that I love – blues, whites, and brown.

I love the mix of styles and textures. Check out those beautiful Chippendale fretwork back chairs around the dining room table. Speaking of the table, it’s on my wish list:

This stunning Dakota Dining Table has a polished nickel base and Santos rosewood top.

Hello Hollywood! Next on my wish list is this romantic Garbo Chest with hand beveled mirror, etched design detail and glass hardware.

Last but not least, this beautifully designed Hanover Entertainment Cabinet is perfect for displaying artwork and stylishly hiding your flat screen TV.

What’s on your wish list?

*all images from Grace Home Furnishings

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Read full story By on August 4, 2009 in bedrooms, chairs, entertainment cabinet, interior design, living rooms

Oh Boy! – Nursery Rooms

August 3, 2009 · Comments { 10 }

A prego friend of mine hasn’t settled on a design for her baby boy-to-be and so this post’s for her.

The design of the beautiful modern nursery above was inspired by the Alphabet crib bedding by Dwell and created by the homeowners. The walls were painted in soft shades of blue – BEHR’s Cumberland Fog, Little Dipper and Silver Strand. My favorite element in the room is the wall mural. It was created on the computer, projected on the wall and then hand painted. The white & espresso crib and dresser are by Babi Italia Scandi style. The chocolate brown rocker and ottoman are by Wendy Bellissimo.

Trista and Ryan Sutter – yep, the couple from the Bachelorette reality TV show – worked with Greennest.com to help them create an eco-friendly nursery for their baby boy. They selected no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, carpet, furniture and bedding. The large vertical striped wall with baby blue horizontal accent is really striking.

This darling beach inspired nursery for twin boys was designed by Little Crown Interiors out of Southern California. Custom Serena & Lily bedding was created for the two white cribs. The chocolate brown double-width rocking chair by Little Castle Furniture is perfect for a mom with multiples! It also coordinates nicely with the custom drapes and changing table by Newport Cottages. I love the collection of colorful sand shovels and starfish pillow – perfectly beachy, but not over the top.

Typically I don’t pull inspiration from Pottery Barn Kids, but this sheep nursery was just too sweet to pass up. It’s a wonderful neutral color scheme that would work for either gender. I particularly like the PBK Larkin Fixed Gate Sleigh Crib that was inspired by the beautifully carved beds of French royalty. The whimsical Camilla Goldleaf Chandelier adds another natural element and warm light to the room. The appliqued Sweet Lambie Nursery Bedding is not only cute, it’s made of organic cotton. Love that.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that my friend found some inspiration in one of these rooms.
Update: Here is the nursery room that my friend designed for her baby boy.

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Read full story By on August 3, 2009 in baby and children, baby nursery room, furniture, interior design, upholstery

Punchy Pink and Blue – Tween Girl’s Bedroom

July 31, 2009 · Comments { 16 }

I’ve been designing a bedroom for a darling eight year old girl and wanted to share my presentation boards with you.

She loves the color blue and wanted her walls in that tranquil color. Another prerequisite was to use the existing wooden furniture – bed, sidetable and dresser – all painted in a soft ivory. She also has a fun, modern hot pink fury chair she enjoys reading in that will be incorporated in the room’s design. The room’s window has classic white wooden plantation shutters that will also remain.

Here are the paint colors suggested for the room. All have zero VOC options which is great.

Because the little girl is eight, we wanted to design a the room that will grow with her. The bedding selected is from Serena & Lily and it’s perfect for a tween room. The sophisticated Aqua Trellis and Aqua Melon Mosaic Sheet Sets will be mixed & matched and established the split complementary color scheme of blues, pinks and melon. The sweet Pink Diamond Quilt will help break up all the blue elements and add texture.

We haven’t determined which of the lovely Serena & Lily decorative pillows will go on the bed, but are leaning toward this hand-appliqued floral design Bloom Punch pillow.

The wooden floors will be covered with a beautiful cut and looped wool Trellis Rug in blue from Pottery Barn Kids. The trellis pattern will repeat the pattern on the bed’s quilt.

Most of the artwork in the room will be the little girl’s own creations. Several of her favorite works will be framed and we’ll create an art-wall. Another option for wall art, is this beautiful Cherry Blossom Birdies Canvas Reproduction available at Posh Tots. It pulls the color palette together nicely and the adds a bit of nature to the room.


I like chandeliers in little girls’ rooms and fell in love with this striking Gabrielle Pendant ceiling light fixture – the silk flower shade is feminine and sophisticated. The sweet Early Bird antiqued table lamp by Land of Nod is also being considered for her bedside table. Aren’t those perched feathered friends just too cute!

It warmed my heart to see the little girl’s giant smile when I showed her the images of her new room. She loved it – and I love that!

*images from Serena & Lily, Pottery Barn Kids, Posh Tots and Land of Nod

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Read full story By on July 31, 2009 in baby and children, girl's bedroom, interior design, lighting, rugs, simplified bee portfolio
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