*sigh*...

If this isn't perfect in every way, I'm not sure what is. Dog included please.

*via apartment therapy

The Modern Beach House

I discovered the work of architecture group Piet Boon via Purple Area (always so full of inspiration!) and loved this interior from one of their modern beach houses...
Of course, the use of green always makes this girl happy, but I really love the use of raw, natural materials and the simplicity of these rooms. The shutters add such texture too!
Just like the Ibiza home I featured last week, I adore the use of cool concrete in tropical spaces, and the texture lends itself well to the raw style of the home. Notice how the table runner mimics the pattern in the pillow above? I love when there is somewhat of a 'theme' to a home...
Of course... I also love when certain rooms stand out on their own. For the spaces that don't run together (like bedrooms!) it's the perfect excuse to break away from the color scheme throughout the home and inject a little personality. How fantastic is the fresh pop of red here? And, the use of black mosquito netting vs. white adds much more drama.

Musical Rooms

Had such a lovely long weekend in Montana (minus the horrible traffic on the way home last night), where I got to meet the boy's family for the first time. One of the many things I learned? Their current home was designed around the piano room, which reminded me of these two spaces I've been filing away for a bit of quick inspiration...

I grew up with a piano in our living room, and miss it now and then. I think their lines add such beauty to a space! Not to mention the musical benefits, of course. Have any of you incorporated usable or vintage instruments into your decor?

*photography via floto+warner, domino

Grey + Stripes = Perfection (Part II)

I've got a thing for grey stripes this spring (see previous post here!), which is why these rooms are callin' my name...

They can be soft and sweet like the stripes on the bedding in the all white bedroom nook (via esseegee) or bold (but not too loud!) like this wall featured in Domino.

If the walls are a bit much, why not switch things up and stripe your floors? (photo by erik piasecki). You'll never need a throw rug again. Of course I'm loving the mix of thick and thin stripes on these pillows (via city sage) to add a mild graphic detail to any room. Especially my bedroom, which is where these lovelies would most definitely end up!

Never Say Never?

Just a week or two ago I was mentioning to a friend how I "don't do" cowhide. Can't stand it. It reminds me of bad kitchy country or attempts at mixing up ultra modern designs. Until this day, an interior containing cowhide has yet to grace the pages of coco+kelley. But... never say never my dears.

While I've been questioning some of the choices of Kelly Wearstler these days, this space is not one of them. I really like the mix of objects here. True to her style, there's a touch of glam with a vintage vibe, and she keeps it simple, which is when I like Kelly best. And, the cowhide? Well, I think it's an unexpected choice and a perfect way to compliment all the gold accents in the room - is it working for you?

And then, I stumbled upon this photo by Erik Johnson. Maybe its just because it's a detail shot done so well, but I actually like, again, the unexpected use of cowhide on the antique chair. A great contrast to the modern clean lines of the funiture (and how killer is that lucite table?). Note: Am also loving the red door and the touches of red carried into the living room.

While I'm still not convinced I'll ever make this textile my first choice in an interior design project... I guess these spaces teach us to never rule out the possibility of using materials we may not immediately be drawn to. What about you? Do you have a "never" on your list?

Designing for Two: Terra Cotta + Navy

My sweet boyfriend is out traveling abroad, and while he's been gone I've been popping into his place here and there to pick up his mail and keep house. When he left he joked that he'd come back to it fully redecorated (I told him to watch what he grants me permission to do...!). But, it did get me thinking...

The same color palette that helped inspired a bit of my home office has obviously been stuck in my head as I've been drawn to images like this...

This bedroom just so happens to look incredibly similar to his - dark grey sheets and a navy duvet. So, here's my question ladies and gents - if I add a dash of 'terra cotta' do you think this is a color scheme I might actually get away with for the both of us?

The navy and grey is such a neutral palette in need of some warmth, so the addition of a little color in a tone that appeals to my girlish senses is really calling me! Cast your vote - yay or nay? (I'm so going shopping this week...)

*room photography via sam mcadam, mark lund, roland bello, petrina tinslay

Aqua + Yellow

When I found this photo via the Sart, I had to save it for some inspiration. I'm never brave enough to combine two bright colors together without something to break them up - but obviously it works! (Note the chocolate brown clutch though - that's key!)

I had a dress this exact color that I wore to almost every wedding one summer - it's a fantastic shade that looks good on almost anyone! I'd love to recreate this style...

If there was a dress that would make me do it, it might be this one from Black Halo. I'm all over the asymmetry! Paired with a fab pair of yellow sandals (maybe not so much these Jimmy's, but something a bit more affordable) this look would be hot for a mid summer LA wedding... too bad mine are all in the Northwest!
This color combo is also daring in decor, but these are great examples of different ways to do it: elegant, retro, eclectic and with accessories.

*all rooms via domino, except the retro one... anyone know the source?

Taking Pantone's Fall Palette to the House

For some reason, I was super inspired by Pantone's Fall 2009 Fashion Color Report this year. Maybe it's because the color combinations are endless and exciting? Or perhaps it's because a few of these palettes match some of my absolute favorite interiors...

room by erinn valencich

This combination of colors has to be one of my all time favorites - in fact, it's exactly what I've been going back to in my bedroom! Earthy, warm shades with a touch of grey. Done to perfection above, and interpreted with a few other colors below...

room by jay jeffers

room via aussie vogue

I also love this unexpected grouping of a deep teal blue with an old-fashioned rose colored pink and a dash of modern olive green (more like a chartreuse if you ask me!) And, of course, a neutral cream to balance them all.

room via domino

room via domino

And, we cannot forget the red and purple hues that will continue to be strong this year. My favorite is actually to pair them together, like this room above. Such royal richness!!

Screen Time

Requirement for my dream home #1: Light airy spaces. Preferably with elements to keep those spaces feeling even more open, like these fantastic screens...

As you can tell just by looking at my banner, I love simple repeated designs like the screens used in this home by Philip Galanes. Much more visually interesting than a wall!

While many cultures use this concept in their own traditional styles, the funny thing is that I'm drawn to them because it's such a Southern California thing (like the entrance to the Parker in Palm Springs!). The designs remind me of the cinder block fences and entrances around the neighborhood in Venice Beach where I grew up.

So, maybe it's an element of nostalgia that makes me really love this look? What do you think? Is it too retro for you, or just as cool as ever?

Mural, Mural On the Wall...

Last week, Maryam at My Marrakesh posted a piece on the mural she had commissioned for Peacock Pavilions. It might be one of the most stunning things I have EVER seen...

Working with a team from Modello Designs, they created this amazing piece of artistry out of inspiration taken from a Jean Lavin screen. (To see the whole process, visit their blog right here.)

How perfect is the little red bird as a special detail? I can only cross my fingers and hope to actually stay in such a gorgeous guestroom someday!

So tell me readers, would you ever add an intricate mural to your own home? I'm not usually a huge fan of the idea, but I do like these options...

by m design

The mural replaces the need for any large-scale artwork in this open room, and I love how the red curtains add to the graphic lines and details going on here.

by mary mcdonald featured in western interiors

Here, the mural sets a tone for the African-inspired decor - and placing it in a corner, like you would a real plant, makes it seem a bit more natural, don't you think?

W is for Wow.

Have you ever explored the House Tours archive of W Magazine? Being such a fabulous fashion resource, I sometimes forget all the stunning spaces they've featured over the years...

Like the chic and light-filled home of interior designer Jacques Grange (photographed by Martin Morrell)...

Or the eclectic and inspire rooms of French antiques dealer Yves Gastou's Paris apartment (photographed by Ivan Terestchenko).

And who wouldn't fall in love with the Tuscan country estate of Laudomia Pucci (photographed by Stewart Shining). That fireplace alone is making my long to pack my bags...

They even feature such historic interiors as those belonging to Castel Gardena - a castle in the Alps belonging to the aristocratic Italian family, the Franchettis (photographed by Simon Watson). This tour alone is worth popping over to their pages of gorgeous homes. It makes for a fabulous Monday morning distraction.

Shine On

I'm currently swooning over the pairing of high gloss floors, sparse interiors, and decorative ceilings...

source unknown

debi treloar

via purple area

I love these open spaces with their modern style and historic character. Such a dream!

Fit For A Queen

I see absolutely nothing wrong with setting a table to include a throne for the queen of the house... do you?

photo by debi treloar

Michael Smith Tapped to Decorate White House

I just LOVE a little inside scoop, and this is a good one!

Domino has just reported that designer Michael Smith has been tapped to design the White House interiors for the Obamas. Seriously? I cannot WAIT...

His style is classic perfection, and I think he will do quite an amazing job in keeping things somewhat traditional while making some much needed updates!

Domino’s editor in chief, Deborah Needleman said of the Obamas’ choice, “It will be exciting to see Michael Smith’s great talent for making grand spaces intimate and livable at work in the White House... (he) has the right amount of reverence for the past and faith in the future that will hopefully allow the rooms to reflect both the history of our nation and the executive mansion and the change and progress that the Obamas want to bring to America.”

I mean, if the man can do this to the smallest guest room ever... just think of what he can do to the White House! (Don't you just love the oversized grey toile-inspired walls ?) Check out the full story right here on Domino.

Fresh Bouquets + White Walls

I adore how fresh these vintage bouquet paintings look in their simple frames against a bright white wall...

photo by james merrell

How easy would it be to collect a few of these paintings from garage sales, thrift stores or ebay, and paint over their dowdy frames to bring new life to such lovely subjects? Such a simple way to bring a little life to a room. Love it!

This Ship Has Sailed...

I had been saving a few rooms harboring a ship that I have an obsession with. So it's time to share...

Yes... there she is. The ship chandelier. I'm obsessed with it because every time I see it I think, how on earth can I make that fit into my decor? Is it tacky? Is it amazing? But then, when I saw it in Nanette Lepore's cozy den in Elle Decor, I decided, it's just kinda fabulous... if you an get away with it!

While I definitely prefer the ship in a darker room, I have to say if you're gonna go for it... GO for it. This room, via flickr takes gilded goodness to a whole other level. And cheetah chairs? Insane. But it certainly looks like quite the treasure trove, doesn't it? Perfectly fitting for a pirate ship.

This room provides a more simple setting for such a statement piece. A wall of maps fitting with a worldly theme, and the simple, dark decor both set the stage to highlight this over the top piece. (via desire to inspire).

So what do you think? Could you create a room around this ship? Or are you walking the plank? ;)

Freshening Up

We've had more sunshine in Seattle this fall than I can remember having in years. It's making me crave fresh white palettes and open spaces to let in all the light...

Gorgeously simple desk via emmas designblogg.

A fabulous table setting via House Beautiful.

I'll take my breakfast right here, thank you! Via Skona Hem

A clean fresh work space by Jennifer Post

A classic Domino - detail from India Hicks' amazing home.

Last Chance...

In honor of the fact that it could be the last game of of the season for my favorite team... a little inspiration in red:

awesome red couch: wary meyers

pop of red in the kitchen: michael potter

gorgeous photography and fab red mirror: lucas allen

Oh, Boston. America's first (and apparently, current favorite) city. Wish I were at Fenway tonight to cheer them on! Go Sox!