Book Review: Beyond Chic

Recently I was sent a copy of another fantastic decor book that was recently released. Vendome Press’  Beyond Chic: Fashion Designers at Home by Ivan Terestchenko (author & photographer) takes us on private home tours of some of the most iconic people in fashion including Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Manolo Blahnik, Azzedine Alaïa, and yes, Coco Chanel.

Beyond Chic Book Review - Simplified Bee

What struck me most about these residences was the drastic range of styles – from minimal to wildly exotic, monochromatic to fearlessly vibrant, organized to utterly chaotic. In all cases and what I love the most about the book is how each interior reflects the personal style, muses and treasures of these legendary designers. Personally I gravitated to lovely homes of Kevin Carrigan (of Calvin Klein), Reed Krakoff (of Coach) and Coco Chanel (no need to clarify!).

Here’s a peek into some of the gorgeous images…

Beyond Chic - Great Fashion Designers at Home - Book Review // Simplified BeeManolo-Blahnik-home-living-roomFranca-Sozzani-Marrakesh-homeGiorgio Armani home with stuffed polar bearStefano Pilati Paris Home

This beautiful book would make a great gift and a must for those collecting  interior design books!

 

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Read full story By on October 29, 2013 in book, book review, bookshelves, fashion, Features, interior design, Interiors, Living Room

Today’s Thought :: Positive Thinking

positive thinking #quote

I know the power of positive thinking, but sometimes I still let the negative things in life drag me down. So today’s thought is all about staying positive.

As I mentioned last week, I’m honored to have Simplified Bee has been nominated for Lamps Plus 2013 Best Home Blog Awards in the category of Interior Design. and wanted to thank you all for voting! You still have time to vote (daily if you wish) until November 15, just head to the Lamps Plus Facebook page to cast your vote. Keep in mind, each vote enters you to win a $500 shopping spree at Lamps Plus. Thank you so much for your continued support!

Also a shout out to Melissa and Chive Charities for inspiring me this week!

Keep up the amazing work!

xoxo

Cristin

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Read full story By on October 25, 2013 in charity, quote

Nesting Tables

nesting table in living room

I’m always on the lookout for multi-functional furniture, and there is nothing more versatile than a good set of nesting tables. These practical pieces work in a variety of settings from living rooms to bedrooms. I like to use them as extra drink tables for guests in our living room, while the kids like to use them as desks when playing school. However you use them, I promise: Once you have some, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Here are some of my favorite nesting tables in a variety of styles.

nesting-tables-designers-love

Top to bottom: new-trad, modern, chinoiserie, rattanminimal, contemporary, glamorous, scandinavian

To check out more stylish nesting tables, head to the Simplified Bee ideabook at Houzz!

Happy Day!

Cristin

*image source Lauren Liess

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Read full story By on October 24, 2013 in chinoiserie, contemporary decor, Features, furniture, houzz

Family Friendly Home Design by Abbe Fenimore

Recently Abbe Fenimore, the style savvy Dallas-based interior designer behind Studio Ten 25, shared a home she created for a busy family with three boys (and a dog)!  The family-friendly design combines vibrant colors, rich textures and multi-functional, durable furnishings. Here’s a peek at some of the rooms and a few questions I asked Abbe about the beautiful design. Thanks Abbe for sharing with Simplified Bee!

family-friendly living room design

Simplified Bee: What inspired the color palette? 
Abbe Fenimore: Before the redesign, this home featured what we call the “Texas Tango” color palette. Lots of dark rust, sage green, over the top floral arrangements, and bulky tapestries. The homeowners wanted a fresh, updated look that reflected their transitional style. We chose a mix of turquoise, chartreuse and white accents to brighten the space throughout. For the master bedroom, there was an added focus on glamour, which we achieved with a deep teal on the walls, mix of velvet and linen fabrics, bold graphic patterns, and black and marigold accents.

contemporary living room with turquoise accentskid-friendly living room design

SB: Which items were selected with kids in mind? 
AF: Most of the furniture was custom made, so we were able to select pieces with kids in mind. We opted for heavy duty stain treated or outdoor fabrics, both durable enough to withstand three young boys and a dog. Another critical component to the furniture selection was versatility and storage. The homeowners wanted their space to transition easily from an open play space for the kids during the day, to a pulled together adult space in the evening. Extra seating in the form of x-benches and ottomans with storage for toys were easy pieces to help in achieving both of these objectives.

turquoise tufted ottoman

SB: What is your favorite design element? 
AF: The custom tufted ottoman in the living room! It has hidden casters and a removable top with a wood tray that’s perfect for toy storage and entertaining.

stylish storage for kids toysturquoise and gold bedroom designkid-friendly dining room

And by chance something caught your eye, Abbe has a few of the decor items featured in her project for sale now at Shop Ten 25!
 
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Read full story By on October 22, 2013 in baby and children, bookshelves, contemporary decor, family rooms, interior design, Interiors, interview, Living Room, living rooms, upholstery