TRY THE TREND: BOLD BLACK + WHITE WALLPAPER

Hello everyone, it's Megan from MIMI+MEG here with my proposed series here on coco+kelley, Try the Trend! I was crushing over the bold wallpaper in Baily McCarthy's bathroom in the fourth issue of Rue, shown below. Give this trend a try in your home with these amazing bold, black + white wallpapers!


*Frames by Taylor & Wood, Mariemekko Kiss Kiss, Kreme Gate

 
*Zebra, Fashion from Ferm Living,  Stripes

Left to Right: Madison Humhrey Dog Flock Velvet, Marimekko Joonas, Animal Print

CHIC LITTLE ENTRYWAYS

Currently obsessing over fresh + fantastic entryways like these...

With tile like this you can hardly call it a 'mud room', but with plenty of storage for coats and shoes, this entry is the chicest definition of the term I've ever seen (plus, you know I'm loving the black + white stripes at the doorway!).

Love the depth a little black paint gives to this simple entryway, and the vintage accents give it great character. A vibrant orange door is so cheery and welcoming! I love how the collection of artwork in gold frames echoes the color against fresh white walls.

As a side note... I'm totally returning to black and white palettes these days. I realized that sometimes I'm too afraid to add a little black to a room, thinking that somehow it doesn't work with softer styles, but it really just adds a wonderful touch of drama! 


*images via cococozy, unknown and pure style home via creategirl

I LOVE...

I'm pretty sure there is no possible way this DVF bag could get any better...

The broad stripes with tan strap and red lining make it irresistible. Pairing it with this vintage Ferragamo cuff, however, might be the best mind-blowing combination ever.

Love.

HAVING A BALL: A SWANK HOUSEWARMING WITH KEVIN SHARKEY

So, the post that should have gone up on Monday, had I not hiding in bed with the flu (thank you for all your well-wishes!) would have let you know that it's just under two months until my 30th birthday. (Yikes!)  And I've decided that the only good thing about this, of course, is the the chance to put together a fabulous little soiree!

Well, as timing would have it I found my first bit of inspiration in the housewarming party Kevin Sharkey (SVP and Executive Editorial Director of Decorating for Martha Stewart Living and Executive Creative Director, Merchandising for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!) threw as a part of his big apartment reveal. What I love about Kevin's style is that it's eternally tasteful but surprisingly playful at the same time...


Kevin set a swanky mood with metallic balloons covering the ceiling and a bathtub filled with Veuve and lined with nibbles. And, if you're going to party in the bathroom, you might as well make the shower a lovely little scene of indulgence with piles of Hermes boxes, right? (I might prefer mine filled with birthday gifts, since my one lonely box may not do the job.)

The tiers of Oreo cookies literally takes the cake as one of my favorite details of the party. Topped with sparklers it's such a fun (and pretty!) way to indulge in a childhood favorite (complete with milk, of course!).

But the best part has to be the entertainment for the evening...

The most glamorous game of ping pong I think I've ever seen in my life! Keeping score on mirrors with Chanel lipstick? Yes please! (Did you notice that gorgeous reflected view?) Monogrammed orange paddles? Naturally. A dirty martini, sparkly little cocktail dress (that's Alexis Stewart, by the way!) and a killer serve completes the night.

So, what is it exactly that I'm inspired by for my own party? The ability to combine this fun and casual atmosphere with cocktail attire and glamour, of course! Sounds a little bit like my interior design style, no? Well, plans are in the works and I'm not going to give anything away just yet, but here's a little more of a peek at some ideas...

Silver straws, gold lined cupcakes, dancing the night away, maybe some balloons a la Sharkey and a decadent deco feel. Stay tuned my dears... the countdown is on!

*photography courtesy of martha stewart, straws via brook farm, cupcake photo via flickr, invitation design by hello tenfold

ROOM OF THE WEEK 5.27

The boy and I have been talking about moving this summer, and the very idea has me dreaming of new decor for our living room...

This room just found itself in first place for inspiration. I know what some of you are thinking... this is on the verge of boring. But, actually, it's just ripe for the designing. I'm dying for a fresh white couch to work off, and this room has two! Not to mention a few of those little pieces that add something special - the painting above the fireplace (is that bright gilding or just yellow in the frame? either way, i love it!), and a perfectly worn rug for warmth and color. The striped shades are perfection, but the striped pillows a bit too matchy. I'd swap those out for more pattern in soft colors. A few more decorative items and I'm right at home. Oh, and did I mention the patio...?

Indoor/outdoor at its best. Complete with ocean breezes flowing through sheer white curtains... this part of the dream will have to wait for another time (and climate).


*images via micasa revista

ENSEMBLE INSPIRATION: COCKTAILS BY THE BEACH

I've been spending the last few days pondering what to wear to Thursday night's cocktail reception launching the weekend of events surrounding Legends of La Cienega. After mulling over some options, I've decided that my inspiration must revolve around white white white, a touch of glamour, and a nod to the beach chic vibe of Los Angeles...

I seriously wish I were showing up in this entire ensemble! The relaxed cocktail dress, glamorous gilded coral earrings, and the raffia clutch make this a breezy little concoction. The addition of a simple pave bangle (or three) and a more classic peep toe pump (always a favorite for me) add elegance. All in all, a perfect little mix, if you ask me!

*dress by bottega veneta, earrings valentino, bangle by lee angel, clutch and heels available at piperlime

OUTDOOR DECOR IN BLACK + WHITE

My infatuation with black+white decor in the garden has been growing lately...
Especially if the motif is fun cabana stripes mixed with worn iron or wood...
I love the indoor/outdoor look of this sunporch - the modern lamps and tribal rug bring it to a whole new level. A few lush tropical plants and it would be absolutely perfect for bathing in sunshine every day of the year.The fabulous variety of textures and patterns in black and white make this patio practically perfect in every way. The worn leather chaise just tops it off!

Last year I did my own porch in punches of color, but this year, they may have to be replaced with something more similar to this sophisticated, simple palette.

*images via domino mag, unknown, elle decor, unknown, lonny, and frank features

Michael Kors at Home

A lot of creative types who work with color and pattern all day say that they like to come home to more neutral and clean environment so I wonder if that is the reason behind why both Donna Karan and Michael Kors live in black and white apartments. There is something kind of soothing about all that open space and lack of clutter. It reminds me also of Michael's fashion style which is also clean even when it's over the top glamorous as was the case with his Fall 2010 collection! It looks like those images of Lisa Taylor and Lauren Hutton on his mood inspired a fabulous fashion show so definitely check that out too!

Photos by Douglas Friedman

What's black and white...

Someone recently told me that they asked a child, "what's black and white and read all over?" and they had no idea. I guess kids don't read the newspaper these days. For some reason, I thought about that story when I saw this black and white papered entry. Probably because I also can't answer the question of who designed it or where it's from. Some of the motifs are similar to things I've seen at the Neue Galerie so it might be Austrian or German or who knows, maybe it's in California. If anyone can identify it, please let us know. Until then, I'll be reading the news on the internet like the kids!

Photos by François Halard

Wallpaper In The Entry

The more I think about it the more I'm convinced...
Next to a Powder Room, the best place to add wallpaper is definitely the entryway. I love that it's a little surprise you see on the way out instead of on the way in... such a fun touch!
Preferably in a graphic black and white print, of course. (Zebra runner, very optional, but I do like the contrasted stairs.)

*images via skona hem, unknown

Chanel in a Chandelier?

I think I need this. No... I know I need this.
Gorgeous white porcelain flowers and dramatic black metal perfectly capture the Chanel style philosophy, don't you think? I'd hang her in my office where my black and white motif is strongest to add a perfect feminine touch.

*this and more beautiful lighting from gardenhouse

Chevron + Sparkle

I will never ever tire of black + white. And, I am beginning to thing that the rule extends to zig zags patterns as well...
I've been dying to add this necklace from Fiona Paxton for some time now... what a fantastic piece to dress up any simple tank. And that beaded pillow in a true chevron pattern? Kill me now. I want it in my office stat! And then there that little DIY rug created by Nick Olsen ... I don't actually think the paint was sparkly, but it sure photographs that way (and that's the way I want it!).

Swedish Love in Black+White

So, not only have I fallen for Stockholm designers, thanks to Rand's little shopping guide, but now I'm head over heels for this Swedish home I stumbled upon over at emma's designblogg, via Designfragment (a new favorite!).

I just swoon over the way natural wood pops in a space like this. And the houndstooth-ish textiles? So right now. Mostly, I just love how open this space is - like you can really breathe in it! And check out how cute that little dining 'nook' is...
The high ceilings and big windows are just amazing. And then there's the bedroom...
They've kept it incredibly simple in here. And, that little peek of the patio? I've always wanted that! A small one just off the master bedroom to lounge in my pj's and sip coffee while I absorb the sunshine... *sigh*...

Use Your Words

I always say that inspiration can come from anywhere. In this case, a few of my favorite prints (whose quotes should be gracing my walls) sparked these fresh mood boards...

*photo patrick demarchelier, quote keep calm ltd, flowers laura resen, fabric schumacher

*photo via vogue, quote the love shop, shoes valentino, wallpaper cole & son

*quote the love shop, room laura resen, photo via here, fabric schumacher

I've been so incredibly drawn to black+ white these days, but I have to say that red+nude? Always so classy.

India In Black+White

With all the rich color that comes from eastern cultures like Morocco and India, there's something to be said for a little inspiration in black and white...
I find these selections refreshing and bold in a way that's not too overpowering, not to mention I love the way that the patterns really take center stage.

*wallpaper by julien macdonald, bedding by amy butler, interior for aussie vogue living, via apartment therapy