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

BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: WHITE + MOD

It's official. Summer is upon us in the Northwest and I'm so ready to host a little outdoor patio dinner party! In seeking some inspiration, I rediscovered this tabletop created by JL Designs, and I'm completely smitten...

Being a California girl, I am totally drawn to this mix of succulents and white modern accents - it couldn't be more reflective of the beach-meets-desert culture of SoCal.


Of course, no party is complete without a signature drink - whether your hosting 10 or 100! I think this one sounds particularly refreshing and the the little drink card is so perfect!


I love how much candlelight Carissa used along with the cafe lights...

Heavenly! Are you as inspired as I am for a little outdoor entertaining? Even if you only have a little patio in your apartment, there are ways to make it happen (I'm going to be shooting my own example soon!) I can't wait for late summer evenings around the table with good friends.


*photography by aaron young, paper elements by wiley valentine (love them!), and complete design by jl designs

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: GLAMOUR IN SQUARES

Who woulda thought? A regular ol' square imparting so much glamour, by just by using a simple design principal - Repetition.

Hello ladies (and gents), Julie here, bringing you a space that will make you wish you were sipping a mojito in a gilded glass. Welcome delightful, airy glamour with a strong dose of graphic pop - just what the doctor ordered leading into summer.

The powerful rug anchors the space and sets the tone for high style, but won't be outshadowed by the statement-making vintage sky blue chair. You can already see the square pattern being used throughout the home, starting here.

Vintage brass and playful yellow are found scattered throughout the house, making the strong black, white and blue palette feel cheerful and easy to lounge in - reflecting the feeling of the sunny outdoors that this room opens up to! 

This is just one of several bedrooms employing more graphic pop, and I love the Missioni inspired throw and fretwork wall paper. (And proof that a headboard can reside against a window, which is personally, my fave spot.)

Jonathan Adler is the king of this style, so using a few of his pieces to recreate the look and feel of this home is the perfect starting point.

Mixing in some brass and fun vintage pieces quickly adds interest and depth.

Yellow x-benches had me at hello. And the brass silverware has long been on my wishlist!

The great thing about this style is it is absolutely reasonable to have in your own home, which is a bonus, because sometimes we know things are pretty, but just not right for us. This style, however, is easy to replicate and enjoy!

Cheers!

-Julie

*resources: Adler J Pillow, white tufted chairs, rams head coffee table, bamboo square lamp, Kagan cloud sofa, yellow X benches, three-arm lamp, lion scuplture, blue pillow, black and white trellis rug, brass serveware, smile! pillow. images via here. Interior Design by Greg Natale.

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH...

Is definetely not Disneyland. It's this...

Doesn't it feel like an abstract modern interpretation of a rainbow bursting through a sky of blue? Nix the sunflowers (and maybe those pillows - I haven't decided yet) and I'm so into this.

*design by diamond baratta

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!

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: LUXURIOUS CITY LIVING

Happy Tuesday! Julie here from over at Chapman Interiors. I hope you are ready to ohhh and ahhhh at some luscious downtown living, designed by S.R. Gambrel. The space is polished perfection - just what I'd imagine NYC life should be like. (Note throughout the entire home a circle & squares theme seems to sneak in to nearly every room!) 

Welcome to your vivid polished marble entry foyer where the walls and ceiling are done in a high-gloss finish to reinforce the über polished appeal... I can just hear the high heels clicking across the floor!

Boasting cheerful orange and industrial pewter, this console is perfect place to mix your after-work Manhattan.

The closet has me swooning! That ikat print is just the right graphic touch making the space memorable and fashionable. You could easily duplicate this idea by adding wallpaper to the center of your closet doors - voila, updated closet that shouts high-style. If your doors are flat and don't have a "center," add a touch of moulding to create your own frame. (Just be sure if you have sliding doors that they have room to pass by each other!)

This may be my favorite room of all. The detailed moulding on the ceilings and the heavy-but-light-but-industrial pendants are incredible. ( I always love paired pendants instead of a single chandelier if the spacing is right for it). The floor to ceiling built-ins are to die for, the circle detail and metal finish make them especially noteworthy.

Soft silk drapes and textured mossy accents add just the right amount of softness to the gentle gray palette that can get too cool quickly. Time to kick your feet up after a long day on Wall Street.

Get the look!


*resources: pendant light from circa, donald kaufman color in DKC-62, metal side table, orange abstract art, moss orbs, mirror and wood buffet, modern sofa, medallion wallpaper.

Styling Tips:

* Instead of a bright buffet, you could swap it for a bold, simple piece of art (make sure it's large!) just as long as you get a jolt of color.

* Large furniture pieces should be parchment or ivory colored and very clean-lined.

* Choose wood finishes in espresso or black.

* Paint walls high-gloss where you want extra sheen.

* To keep the theme consistent throughout the house, choose patterns with a circle or square motif.

* Carry your eye up by mounting drapes all the way to the ceiling.

Now make yourself a martini and have a fabulous week!

xoxo
-Julie

Images via SR Gambrel.