Tag Archives | Interior Design

Interior Design of the Day: Jennifer Lopez’s LA Home by Michelle Workman

michelle workman j lo staircase

Today I am excited to be blogging about a favorite interior design over at Staci Edward’s {inspired by life} blog.  It was really hard to narrow down my absolute favorite interior design, so I am focusing on one I am loving at the moment: current American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez’s Los Angeles home by the very talented  designer Michelle Workman which was recently featured in Veranda. {speaking of American Idol – how in the heck could Pia get voted off? Craziness.}
michelle workman jennifer lopez LA home
Originally Jennifer wanted a French inspired interior, but changed her mind and left Michelle just three months to pull the project together. Talk about pressure! The result is a glamorous, home that is fresh and inviting. “Jennifer wanted to go modern and streamlined but retain the sophistication and stylishness,” says Michelle in the Veranda article.
michelle workman jennifer lopez kitchen
Here is a peak at my favorite room, the kitchen. I  typically gravitate to all white kitchens, but I am loving the cool gray-blue cabinets with white countertops. Gorgeous. 
Michelle also designed a West Hollywood condo that I love and think you just might too.
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Read full story By on April 12, 2011 in foyers, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen

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

My Favorite Resources for Chic Baby Nursery Décor

Designing a nursery room for baby is such a pleasure because of the joy in preparing to bring home a new member of the family. A well designed nursery room needs to be high-functioning, but in doing so it doesn’t have to sacrifice on  style. And there isn’t a better time to design for baby. Today there are so many wonderful baby décor companies producing a vast range of style-savvy, multi-functional and eco-friendly products.  In addition, many of these furnishings and accessories can be easily purchased online. Here are some of my favorite nursery room décor resources:

serena & lily crib pecock nursery
For Crib Bedding

My favorite resource for classic nursery bedding is Serena & Lily. Their crisp, fresh prints are fun, yet sophisticated and several are organic. Serena & Lily sell fabric by the yard which is nice if you’d like to have some custom upholstery or window treatments. They also offer low VOC paint and accessories that coordinate beautifully with their bedding collections.
block print crib bedding nursery rikshaw
One design trend making its way into the nursery is Eastern-inspired block prints. The Rikshaw Design offers a romantic and whimsical collection of crib sets, pillows and accessories, all hand block-printed on soft Indian cotton voile. The line is easy to mix-and-match with coordinating prints, florals, stripes and motifs.
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For Nursery Furnishings

When selecting a crib, expecting parents have a lot of terrific styles and options today. Classic cribs are always in style, but many are now designed to grow with your child and transition from crib, to toddler bed, to full-sized headboard. I encourage clients to think ahead and purchase items that will represent a smart, solid investments – that will last beyond baby’s first years and become a permanent part of the home. When shopping for nursery room furnishings, I search Pottery Barn Kids, Rosenberry Rooms, and All Modern Baby. PetitNest is also a new baby & children’s décor company worth checking out.
nursery glider baby stylish
A good nursing chair is also an important piece and investment in a newborn nursery. I advise my clients to think long-term with this purchase. Will it look okay in a big boy or big girl room? Can we move it to a family or another sitting room? Serena & Lily and Restoration Hardware Baby & Child {above} carry gliders with great lines and customizable fabric options.

nursery lighting lamps children posh tots
For Lighting

Lighting is an important part of the overall design of a nursery. It can set the overall mood and provide needed task lighting. My favorite resource for lighting a nursery is Posh Tots. They have a wide variety and styles to choose from. Recently, I also found some great and economical lighting options at Target.

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For Storage

Compartmentalized storage pieces are essential to keeping a nursery organized and efficient. The MacBeth Collection {above left} offers tons of stylish storage tins that are easily tailored to the room’s color palette and best of all can be personalized with your child’s name, monogram or name of item it may be storing. Pottery Barn Kids {above right}, Ikea and Target also have fun storage options for nursery rooms. 

nursery children rugs stylish
For Rugs

An area rug might be necessary if the nursery room has wooden or tile flooring. I always visit Overstock.com first to see if they have any rugs on clearance that might work in the design. Another great resource is Rosenberry Rooms {sampling above}. 
nursery artwork children polka dot peacock

For Wall Art

There are so many great options for decorating the walls of a nursery. One trend is the use of wall decals. They are wonderful to use in nursery rooms because the can be easily removed or changed out as your child outgrows the space. I am also a huge fan of original artwork. Etsy has loads of talented artists that will personalize pieces for your little ones. Another favorite spot for art is Polka Dot Peacock where I found the artwork above.

What are you favorite resources for nursery room décor?

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Read full story By on November 15, 2010 in baby and children, baby nursery room, Design Tips, furniture, interior design, Tips/Tricks

Infusing Yellow in Your Color Scheme and Interior Design by Amanda Nisbet

Yellow is the color of some of my favorite things including sunshine, lemons and bumblebees. New York-based interior designer and one of my personal favorites, Amanda Nisbet knows how to design a space with the color yellow. In some instances she uses this cheerful hue as the primary color and other times as an accent. Following Nisbet’s work as a guide, here are some ideas on how you can infuse yellow into your space’s color palette.

In this elegant sunny living room, Nisbet keeps the color scheme warm – yellows, neutrals and accents of red. She selects neutral tans and browns for the upholstered furniture and natural woven rug.

Nisbet selects a soft canary yellow like Farrow & Ball’s Dayroom Yellow for room’s walls. She coordinates the window floor-length draperies to match.

Nisbet also bring the color palette together in throw pillows and accessories. This Citrus Swirl Throw Pillow from Pieces would do the trick.

In this stunning living space Nisbet pairs golden yellow with neutrals and accents of teal and melon. Yum! Various shades of yellow are picked up in the room’s walls, console table, throw pillows, draperies and accessories.

Nisbet frames the French doors beautifully in floor length buttercup draperies. To achieve this look, consider a fabric like Peter Fasano’s Vallelunga in Dijion to add a splash of color and interest to your windows.

Picking up additional citrus hues, the sweet bench behind the sofa is upholstered in Amanda Nisbet’s own fabric collection available through Holland & Sherry. The Chip 2 pattern in Tutti Fruitti would also look fabulous on an armchair!


A linen Lemon Rope Throw Pillow available at Pieces in a neutral shade armchair would mimic Nisbet’s inspirational look nicely.

Nisbet creates an upbeat modern white and raspberry girl’s bedroom with bright accents in citron yellow, turquoise and orange. It’s darling. Notice how she consciously places bits of yellow throughout the room, but not next to each other.

To achieve this look, simply add splashes of bright yellow and repeat it in small accessories once or twice. A Garden Stoolwould pull in the yellow accent color beautifully while being multifunctional – use it as a chair or table.

 

Pair the garden stool with accessories like this handmade, glazed ceramic Double Yellow Parrots to repeat the accent color. These darling feathered friends would look fabulous atop a contrasting side table, but would get lost if near or on the garden stool in the same hue.

In this chic contemporary living area, Nisbet pairs neutral walls and upholstered furniture with black and yellow accents. She selects dramatic golden floor length drapery – similar to Durlee’s Sungold fabric below. Nisbet repeats the color in an armchair on the opposite side of the room and lamp shades placed throughout.

An upholstered chair is always a great place to add an accent color.

This romantic tufted Earl Chaisein citrus by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams would be a great choice.

Like in the Nisbet living room example, adding a table lamp like this Yellow Faux Bamboo Lampis a perfect way to pull yellow accents to your room.

In this living room, Nisbet combines yellow with deep reds and neutrals to create a warm color palette. She has the wall painted a bright yellow while placing an area rug in a more subdued, muted tone. In addition, Nisbet splashes yellow accents in the throw pillows and ottoman.

This exquisite silk and wool Marigold Tulip Rug by Galbraith & Paulwould be a lovely way to pull in a muted yellow tone into your room.

Nisbet creates a sunny breakfast nook by painting the walls and upholstering the bench and chairs in citron yellow. Love those lucite chairs!

Instead of paint, wallpaper is another option for adding color to your room’s wall. I love this sweet Bumble Bee Wallpaperfrom Farrow & Ball and think it would look great in a breakfast nook.

Which of the cheeful rooms designed by Amanda Nisbet is your favorite?

*images from Amanda Nisbet, Pieces, Tonic Home, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, Duralee, Decorati

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Read full story By on September 30, 2009 in breakfast nooks, color, girl's bedroom, home accessories, interior design, living rooms