ROOM OF THE WEEK 6.9

I know it's not exactly a full room...

But this is exactly where I want to be right now! This light-filled space has just enough playfulness about it (I mean, those flamingo pillows!? yes please!) mixed with fresh modern elements and plenty of white. I'd lounge all day... and wouldn't even have to close my eyes to pretend I was on vacation because this all screams beachy cool to me.

*image from living etc via the decorista

LILAC + TANGERENE

Some of you may remember that back in January I started dreaming of office space for coco+kelley. Well... the space I had in mind fell through, but I'm determined to find something this summer, and can't wait to decorate! Which - of course - means that I'm dreaming up color palettes...

Just like my home, I imagine I'll want to switch things up in the office here and there, but I do think having a color scheme that I'm drawn to, but might not want in the house, is a great possibility. Which is why I'm seriously considering a little lilac with punches of tangerine...

I really love the mix of modern with Moroccan influences, and the one piece I've had on my wish list for some time  now is the sofa from Crate & Barrel which happens to come in lilac as a stock fabric option (they also have a desk I'm drooling over). I'd love to have a corner of the office space be a sitting area where anyone can get comfy and settle in on the laptop or with coffee and magazines when we need a little break from work - and these pieces would be a fabulous start! What do you think of this scheme?

*images: via veranda, bijou and boheme, and elle decor *room inspiration: lamp by robert abbey, pillow at villa home, azure sofa at crate & barrel, white linen chair z gallerie, inlay table at horchow

POWER (PATTERN) PLAY

Have you ever found a pattern you loved but thought - there's no possible way I could use this. It's just way too busy to put in my home...

Well, my friends, this is how you do it and get away with it! Keep it simple. If you're going to do this on a traditional sofa, make it a very straight lined mid-century modern style. I love the idea of the bench seats though - the fabric almost appears to float, and all the white helps keep things light!

The fact that the pattern is small scale helps too - the further away you are, the more the pattern blends into a solid. And, did you notice how symmetrical each cushion is? They're exactly the same, helping give order to what could be total visual chaos. That's the work of a professional!  I'm also loving the color punches added to the rest of the room - especially the ceiling! Very well played.

*interior design by alexandra angle

ROOM OF THE WEEK 4.14

Every once in I while I have to indulge in a Room of the Week that is simply lustworthy. There is no way in my lifetime I will ever really be able to replicate it, as I don't foresee occupying a home in which there are so many extra rooms I can devote one to just this...

But, that's what happens when you take over large home in the English countryside. With 40 rooms. (No, I'm not kidding.) They turned the ballroom into the kitchen and dining area, devoted one room for legos, and another created a stunning space complete with Venini chandelier for ping pong tournaments. (Still not kidding.) But this space is definitely my favorite.

The room is what modern day princesses dream of for their informal drawing room. A perfect feeling of indoors and out. A place to lounge with piles of magazines for hours and hours. I love it so much, I made it the first thing I see every morning by making it my desktop image (trust me - the bigger you blow it up, the better it gets). Now, instead of looking out my window at the dreary rain when I need a break from work, I simply close all my desktop windows and stare at this for a few minutes. Then I sit back, take a deep breath, and imagine what the good life must feel like...

*for the entire article and slide show, visit t magazine

ROOM OF THE WEEK: 4.7

I'm not sure what else I can possibly say about this room but... divine...

We got to pick up a fresh copy of the May Elle Decor at High Point and I literally gasped when I saw the Tony Duquette malachite window treatment in this stunning living room belonging to Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Alamada. Their whole home is beautiful - full of a mix of antiques punctuated with modern touches - but the lightness of this room is what makes it the most appealing to me.

Yes, it's a bit formal (you'll notice there's no sofa to flop down on), but it's soft and welcoming at the same time. I think I'd be just as content curling up in those Marquise-style chairs and enjoying the sunshine streaming in through the windows. Oh! And that small doses of citron accent? They use it throughout too and it keeps things feeling really fresh.

On a side note, I found it interesting that the theme of this May issue was 'Top Designers Redefine Glamour' after my article on the Bunny Williams space from the Feb/March Elle Decor where I literally used the same phrase and suggested similar ideas of comfort meeting sophistication. I guess that means we're all in agreement that our idea of glamour in the home is due for a shakeup!

*photography by simon upton

A RECURRING THEME...

Not that I usually recommend one color palette for an entire home (unless you have a very small space to work with) but....



The mix of rich teal with pops of red has been one that just seems to stick with me! Yesterday I reported from my twitter that there is still a big surge of teal in the marketplace - we saw it in lots of leather goods in High Point - but my favorite way to use it is definitely as a base for the room - whether on the walls, cabinets or floors - with that pop of red and plenty of natural light so it doesn't feel too heavy. Do you think this a color scheme that's doable for your home?

*images via traditional home, domino and lonny

ROOM OF THE WEEK 3.17

It's time for some fresh, fun glamour for this week's Room of the Week! I'm totally swooning for these adjoining rooms and the way the bright pinks + patterns are playing off each other while traditional pieces and modern lines mix in seamlessly...


Do you recognize the fabric on the sofa? It's a fun little Josef Frank print, which I seriously covet. I love all the gilded details too (of course!) and can you ever go wrong with that simple acrylic coffee table? I think not.

I had to point out the art in the dining room because it really connects the two areas together. The designer made an obvious choice to have the rooms really compliment each other because the area definitely could have been treated separately, but by bringing them together it opens up the whole house and makes the space feel  much larger.

I never would have chosen such a pop art-inspired, bold colored piece for this traditional home, but it totally works! One word for this whole space - FUN!

*images via skona hem. ps - for a great josef frank roundup, check out this article on apartment therapy!

IN THE DETAILS: MUSIC + BRICK + MIRRORS

There's nothing like some unexpected surprise details in a home to make things feel just a little more special... but this first space is over the top in fabulousness...

On top of the gorgeous overall contrast of salvage + modern, the piano tucked under the stairs is what did me in the most. Can you imagine music magically drifting through the space?

One of my other favorite surprises is when ceilings are given a little extra attention - in this case beautifully rounded exposed brick with a glamorous chandelier makes for a stunning rustic meets traditional look.

And, finally, a perfect example of practical meets pretty with this collection of antique gilded mirrrors as an accent to the full wall mirror. A fun way to create a little playful moment in an otherwise simple space.

*rooms via tumblr and skona hem

ROOM OF THE WEEK 2.17

As much as I love a beautiful, polished space, I will readily admit that it's just not me. My favorite rooms are definitely the ones that have a little more organic character to them...

Something a bit more like this! The space still holds some glamorous gems, like the lucite coffee table and velveteen chair (how stunning are the lines in the piece, by the way?), but elements like the sisal rug, country-inspired daybed and industrial desk area bring a casual feel to the room that balances things out so nicely. And let's talk for a minute about that wall! I can't tell if it's faux or real, but the distressed finish is reminiscent of aging frescoes in Italian villas, and therefore quite fantastic, if you ask me! Not to mention a huge space dedicated to an inspiration board. Yes please!

Sadly, I have no idea where this image came from (a little help?) so can't offer much insight to the actual function of this space, but it looks like an office area to me (see the other little desk to the left?) I, however, would feel right at home making this my living room. Would you?

*update! resource found: atlanta homes & lifestyles via my new favorite tumblr the house home

BUNNY WILLIAMS + REDEFINING GLAMOUR

Recently I was asked (for the 100th time) what trend it is that I'm most sick of these days. And as I pondered the answer, I realized it's not so much a trend that I'm over, but a look. Specifically, the typical pieces used to put together what I consider to be the most generalized definition of 'glamour' to the majority. Gold or chrome finishes, zebra rugs, graphic prints (likely zig zags), lucite, at least one oversized piece that creates a bold presence in the room, and tons of accessories. Apart, I still love them all, but together they're getting quite predictable.

As someone who likes to define my own spaces with the word glamour, I feel ready for a redefinition of the term...

Which is why when I saw this simple but (yes!) glamorously inspired space by Bunny Williams in the latest Elle Decor, I was struck with the thought that perhaps this is what I'm leaning towards? It's a somewhat odd but cohesive mix of styles, with a completely practical sofa paired alongside statement chairs and a very noticeable lack of clutter. The coffee table definitely takes the prize for most glam piece in the room, and the high gloss finishes certainly help support it, but the overall feel is modern glamour... simplified. Even the pairing of pillows on the sofa with that unexpected leopard lend themselves to this more relaxed, effortless idea of glamorous style. There's no bold graphic rug, dripping chandelier or gilded mirror. It's soft, welcoming and livable.

So, what do you think? Is it boring and blah? Or refreshing? Are there elements missing that you would add to help define it as a glamorous space? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

GREEN LEATHER GETS FRESH

There are very few circumstances in life where the idea of a green leather living room set would be even remotely close to a genius design concept. This is one of them:

Leaving the rest of the space fresh, white and modern makes this incredibly appealing to me! Of course, it helps the the chesterfield sofa and chairs have fantastic style. It reminds me of this ensemble that I blogged about a couple years back...

Still dying to find the just-right vintage green leather jacket to top my white dresses and t's in.

*images via unknown (help!) and the sartorialist 

ROOM OF THE WEEK 10.14

I'm sure many of you have already seen the Celerie Kemble feature from the latest issue of Lonny this week, but I couldn't help myself from featuring it at the Room of the Week here...

The palette alone is speaking so much to my sensibilties right now, but each piece of this room is so perfectly ensembled, I don't even know where to start. The iron gate pattern of the rug? The softness of those tufted ottomans in the perfect shade of teal? Don't even get me started on the peacock (someday, my friends... someday). Even the lightly cluttered desk lends to the coziness instead of overwhelming the room. And remember when I was singing the praises of mauve back in May? Well, this is why. I adore the accent color in this space. Yes... I would love to cozy right into this gorgeous room, with all its beautiful natural light and inviting textures and never leave home until spring! Celerie... if you ever need a housesitter...

*image via lonny magazine

ROOM OF THE WEEK 9.16

Sunny, fresh, eclectic and just the right dose of classic femininity...

I've adored this interior shot since first setting eyes on it. There's a certain amount of quirk (the unexpected midcentury lamp and wire dog art piece that show off the owner's personality) combined with cheery but refined color on traditional pieces like the dining chairs and chesterfield sofa. The art pieces are divine and so are those huge windows! I also really love the soft grey walls and the way they bring a sense of calm to a space where it could feel like there's a lot going on. Most importantly, I could absolutely see my self living in this room... could you?


*interior via elle decor

ROOM OF THE WEEK 9.2

In the last year I've developed a serious crush on two things. Mini settees and trim lined upholstery. Well darlings... take a gander at this gorgeousness...

Yes, please, and thank you! I wonder how comfy those petite pieces are... No matter, they look good enough to eat in my book, so they'll serve perfectly as pretty little perches by the fire. And my 5'2" frame will curl up in them nicely either way. Preferably with a pile of decor mags and a roaring fire! And speaking of which... how about that fireplace? So classically stunning. I might replace the coffee table with something round and less cold, but that mirror can definitely stay, and so can the huge crystal obelisks. The green chandelier adds just that perfect sea glass glow and a little casual style. And the rug...? Hmmm... she might just grow on me.

*interior via vogue

ROOM OF THE WEEK 8.5

Being a pretty glammy girl, I have a feeling I would be challenged quite a bit as a designer if I were ever requested to decorate a bachelor pad. So, I've been focusing lately on studying decor that I think appeals to the boys in the bunch - and this room by Tommy Smythe happens to be one of my favorites...

So, guys (if you're out there) what do you think? Could you live with this? Could you love this? And ladies - if this were your living room, could you relate to it? Personally, looking at all the pieces separately I can honestly say I'd be drawn to every one of them! What makes it seem a bit more on the masculine side to me is simply the lack of softness in texture, shape and color.  The chairs are my favorite for that reason - they're probably the piece I relate to the most in here. There is a certain Ralph Lauren goes to London quality here with the stronger accents and hints of Americana mingling with classic antiques. But the best part may be the amount of light pouring into this apartment! It's so incredibly fresh. What are your thoughts?

*image via habitually chic

ROOM OF THE WEEK 7.8

I suppose if I had thought about it I would have made yesterday's summery foyer the Room of the Week, but to be completely honest I've been a bit more of a minimalist lately. I think it's the warm weather that brings it out in me. Just like we shed layers in the wardrobe, during the summer all I seem to need is something like this...

An easy linen sofa, freshly striped pillows that remind me of beach blankets and a fantastic piece of art that helps keep the room feeling watery and cool.  Tile floors to beat the heat and those color block drapes certainly don't hurt either. Want to stay the weekend?

How's this sweet little guest room suit you? I'm in love with the headboards alone, and I never thought red could look so refreshing! I also happen to have a totally impractical crush on mosquito netting. Never once in my life have I found it a necessary item, but that never stopped me from having one in my bedroom for a few years! Cutest detail? The fact that the ties for the curtains are also red. Loves it.

Tucking this home away for future inspiration!

*images via mi casa revista

COCO+KELLEY LOVES ELLIE!

If you were lucky enough to find the time this weekend to dig into the latest issue of Lonny, you might have come across a familiar name...

I was so excited to discover that coco+kelley had been chosen by Editorial Assistant, Ellie Somerville - alongside some other very fabulous bloggers - as one of her Essential Reads! Even more amazing though is the apartment she put together for herself in NYC...

Loved this vignette in her living room that features some of my favorite pieces, including the ever-essential Parsons desk from West Elm in a cheery yellow that plays off the blue walls just perfectly...

The tall ceilings are stunning, and Ellie made the most of them with dramatic curtains and her DIY 'moldings' that are simply painted on! The addition of the rug in this space does volumes to cover a drab floor (always my biggest headache as a renter!).

The space in her home I loved the most, however, was definitely the bedroom. So sumptuous and classic. Her use of luxurious textiles makes me swoon!

Congrats on such a gorgeous home, Ellie, and a huge thank you!!!

*check out the latest fabulous issue of lonny right here!

ROOM OF THE WEEK 6.10

I just started collecting some inspiration for a new client last night, and this gorgeous space caught my eye...

The mix of high end glamour with a minimalist sensibility is so, so perfect. The light in the room doesn't hurt either! Those perfect pouf ottomans are insanely gorgeous!! Also loving the mirrored fireplace screen - it adds such a perfect touch, don't you think? The only suggestion I'd have is adding a few more classic or rustic touches to balance the retro-modern feel. And... perhaps a larger coffee table? What are your thoughts, my dears?? You know I always love to hear from you!

*room design by kristen hutchins

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

ROOM OF THE WEEK 5.13

Well, apparently I've declared this week my homage to preppy, feminine, and bold color statements, so I'm just going to keep the ball rolling with what might be one of the happiest rooms in my archives!

You can always count on Jamie Drake to take color to a whole other level, and in this room, he does just that. What makes it work, for me, is the way he used the lightest periwinkle blue to give the room such an airy feeling that you cant help but feel like you're floating in some dreamy bubble! I love his use of black in the rug and side tables to bring in a strong contrast but also ground the space a bit, and the addition of the striped slipper chair adds just a hint of masculinity, but also a very preppy feel. You'll notice that there's nothing really heavy about the accessories in this room - just lots of colorful glass and delicate modern artwork - which helps keep the color story while still maintaining the atmosphere. In a grander home than mine, I could definitely see a room reserved for a look like this! Could you?