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

UNDERSTATED

This is kind of space I'm willing my head to be in right now...


Clear of clutter, absolutely fresh, and focused on the important things. Like bold wall decor. And leafy accents (whether gilded or recently plucked from the garden).  And great seating (even in the form of a miniature stool).

*images via here, here and here.

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

HAPPY WEEKEND...

The temperatures are slowly rising around here... I think it's time for me to perfect my 'almost summer' style...

A Panama hat will be required. As will white-on-white... the jacket only necessary for the cooler evenings...

I can't wait to host my first outdoor dinner party of the season... must get the patio in entertaining mode!

And I'll definitely be adding some high shine accessories to the white-on-white look for a beachy glam vibe. What are your must haves for this summer??

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! Stay cool...

*images via malene birger, mi casa revista, and fgr

BLUE + WHITE FLORALS: GRANDMA OR GLAMOUR?

The combination of blue and white - especially come summer time - is nothing new. But this year it seems to be popping up even more, and in all sorts of patterns and trends. The most recent manifestation being of the granny-inspired variety...

Whenever I see blue and white florals, I instantly think of grandma's fine china. It's classic, but is it fresh? Can we make it modern and glamorous? I'm beginning to think it might be possible! With a heavy dose of white combined with clean lines to counteract the antiquated pattern, it could work. Would you try this trend?

*sources: bedroom via designspiration on pinterest, mirror and chaise at house of hackney dalton rose collection, lingere at topshop, bowl by maria kristofferson, paul & joe t-shirt, pyne hollyhock print at schumacher

ROOM OF THE WEEK: 4.21

Glamour. White on white. And a hit of green. Seriously - what's not to love?

I'm pretty sure my next apartment won't be as big as this bedroom, but if it were, this is exactly how I'd set it up. Well... I'd add a little more personality and punch. And hardwood floors. But let's focus on the space at hand. What do you think? Honestly, big bedrooms like this intimidate me a bit. The most I've ever had to deal with was a little space for a small seating area. But an entire living room? And desk?

Now, normally, I might say this is a little *yawn*... but isn't that what you want in a bedroom? Something simple and calming as you drift off to sleep? If anything, I'd change the paint or flooring to something a little darker... maybe the curtains as well. But the simple gold accents everywhere are putting me over the edge in love. And that green color? It's about to be everywhere. Mark my words.

Thoughts? Hate? Love? I don't know if I could honestly live with it... but I know I love it!

*room via interiors mag

WHITE BLAZERS + BFF's

So, obviously I need a white blazer for spring...

And maybe some highly reflective sunglasses that coordinate with my t-shirt too. (I'd better get a pair in every color). Also, did you get the memo? It's cool again to have twin day with you bff. Awesome.

*image via garance dore

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!

SWEET (WHITE) SERENITY

It seems like whenever life gets a little hectic, I start craving simple, white spaces to disappear to...

Preferably a space that looks like it could be tucked away on some exotic island with white sand beaches and bright blue waters...

Yup, this would pretty much do it. Don't you love the mini lofted seating area? Also digging the collection of little white chairs and that painted on 'rug'. Apparently tall people are not allowed in my tropical paradise, so all my shorty's, grab your bags and let's go. I call dibs on that bed with a view!

*photography by jerome galland

FEBRUARY LIGHT...

February may conjure up tones of pink + red for most, but for me it's all about cool winter neutrals and bright natural light...





Off to another fun day in NYC... photo shoots and more parties this evening! Happy February... here's hoping for an early spring!

*images via elle decor, pamplemousse design, nate berkus, amy neusinger, mi casa revista

FRESH START

I'm supposed to be taking a little time off today, but I couldn't resist a quick post to welcome in the new year with some images that feel like a breath of fresh air and serve as a reminder for a few goals I have for 2011...

*1. Create a new, beautiful, relaxing space for myself... After a pre-holiday breakup and move-out with the (ex) boy, I'm ready to find a lovely little apartment just for me and a space that I can call my own again... and decorate any way I like!

*2. Simplify my surroundings and my life...  So many of my boxes are packed with trinkets and treasures... it's time to purge the trinkets and hold on to the treasures so that I can refine my home and surroundings.

*3. Be happy with what I have... As a decorator, it's so easy to want to constantly be changing things up, investing in new pieces, trying new color schemes, but this year I want to create a space I love and keep it that way. For a whole year. (Ok, maybe switching out some pillows and minor decor). It's also a roundabout way of curbing some spending!

*4. Complete my closet... While going through the options for new year's attire I realize I've finally hit that point where I actually have a dress for every occasion (barring an invite to the royal wedding, of course). I want the rest of my closet to feel that way too - and it practically is. Making a list of a few more investment pieces and necessities to purchase will help keep me focused on what to spend on, and what to let go.

There are plenty of other resolutions and goals for 2011 on my plate this year, but I like these because they serve a greater purpose for me - a fresh start and living a more focused, simplified life. Here's to the new year!

*images via: skona hem, nickey kehoe, pintrest, and unknown.

DREAMING OF A WHITE... HALLOWEEN!

With the possibility of a very big Halloween party in my near future, I'm finally getting in the spirit of the season and seeking out lots of fantastic inspiration to get me in the mood! My favorite so far? Trading in the traditional autumn color palate for... all white!

Love the way it looks with these natural textures and how easy would it be to incorporate into your current decor?

Of course a dash of sparkle never hurt either...

All this white has motivated me to rethink my costume choices as well...

A chic deconstructed mummy perhaps? I like...

*halloween decor images via sweet paul. editorial unknown.

FANTASY TO FÊTE: A PICNIC IN PARIS

Bonjour mes chéries! Camille from Style Notes here, and I'm brimming with excitement over the first post in our "Fantasy to Fête" series. Not only will we be drooling over inspiring images together; we'll actually see them come to life in real parties, complete with steal-worthy ideas for stylish home entertaining.

Since I just returned from a romantic trip to France, I've been dreaming up ways to infuse the experience of a picnic along the Seine (so quintessentially Parisian!) into my next summer soirée. This inspiration board evokes the colors of the French flag in bold red and white with plenty of stripes in the mix. A wedge of creamy brie, juicy berries & tiny splits of champagne simply beg to be packed into a basket and toted to the water's edge for a lazy afternoon. So how does it translate into a soirée à la français?


Since it's not always feasible to serve dinner on a blanket in the grass, picnic tables placed end-on-end are a perfect solution to seating a larger group while maintaining a rustic-chic vibe. Simple white linens & dishes provide a clean palette, and cheery bunches of poppies, ranunculus and anemones in mason jars provide a strong dose of color. Throw in a bit of j'en sais quois by using (very affordable!) French dish towels as a casual alternative to napkins. Bottles of wine and crusty baguettes add character to the table and simplify service for the hostess.



Nothing is more French than fromage, so for this party we designed a decadent display that doubled as a hors d'oeuvres station and artful decor. When choosing cheeses for a spread like this, seek out a variety in taste and appearance. Provide labels for each so that guests can fully savor every bite, then go to town with pairings that provide color, shape and pure yumminess. Brie with macerated strawberries, blue cheese with honey, and goat cheese with golden raisins are all to-die-for combinations. Find the full menu with recipes here, and keep in mind: the key is to keep it simple...and as effortlessly elegant as the French!

*images via (row one) snippet & ink, martha stewart, 100 layer cake (row 2) style me pretty, wedding style guide, martha stewart (row 3) style me pretty, project wedding (row 4) sunday suppers, martha stewart, cynthia warren. all other event photos by camille styles events.

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 3.11

Apologies for the delayed room today! I thought I had the post all scheduled to go, but it never went. However, I do believe that this one was very worth the wait!
When I initially started collecting inspiration for my bedroom last summer, I was convinced I wanted to do shades of grey and coral... what was lacking was the warm wood tones in the bedroom to help pull it off. This living room is the exact feel I was going for! If only I had seen it back then... perhaps I would have been happier with bright white walls? Of course, I love my bedroom now and wouldn't change a thing, but this room is still incredibly inspiring to me.
I think what I love most is the eclectic but still very soothing collection of pieces in this room. A perfect balance of classic, comfortable and modern, with accent pieces that provide personality... like the oversized chess pieces??? I love! And, of course, a gorgeous wall mirror always helps the situation. Bonus points for those! I can't imagine how open it feels with the plethora of large windows and that mirror reflecting the light. Amazing!
And let's not ignore the fabulous pop of aqua provided by the kitchen behind, shall we? Very cool... although I'm not sure about the random lamp and lack of cabinets. Still... nothing that can't be fixed, right? And what do those pillows remind you of??? Maybe those Heidi Merrick pinks that I highlighted earlier this week? I think so!

So, m'dears... what do you think? A wait-worthy Room of the Week?

*images via deco love via mi casa

Lounging

You know how guys would be perfectly content to have two oversized leather chairs sitting in front of the TV? Well, I think girls should have these...
I mean... it's only fair...

*photo via homes and gardens

Freshening Up

While white spaces are still very much calling my name, I find myself being more and more attracted to those rooms that take advantage of the fresh palette to inject layers of color and pattern...
To me, these spaces refresh and calm all at once - even with layers of pattern, they allow for breathing room and an energizing atmosphere!

*images via {this is glamorous}, tobi fairley, canadian house&home, domino,

Summer Entertaining: Blue + White

How perfect would these dishes be to add to your summer dinner repertoire?


Slightly reminiscent of my favorite Hermes pattern, but obviously not the same thing. I love the addition of the greek key to mix things up a bit, and they're fairly affordable too, since they are from Z Gallerie. Perhaps for something of a nautical theme? The crisp white and blue always seem like they belong on a yacht to me...

Room(s) of the Week 4.16

Many of you may have seen the 'tag' going around asking bloggers to find a space that perfectly defines their style and aesthetic. Well, I've been tagged a few times now, and have been struggling to find the perfect room to share... so I'm submitting a few!

It shouldn't be too hard to spot the common design factors, but let's make a list, shall we?

*1: The room must have good natural light, and a neutral palette work with (to make it easy to switch out colors, of course!).

*2: The room must include an incredibly fantastic chandelier and a bit of glam (gold mirror) mixed with comfort (perfectly simple bedding that's not too fussy) and natural materials (wood flooring).

*3: The room should have pieces that pop and personal details that tell the story of its inhabitants.

*4: Most importantly, the room should be a perfect mix of genres from antique to modern to traditional, and it should be liveable!!

While I don't believe I could live in a house where every room was white, the aesthetic of these spaces is what I'm being drawn to at the moment - and each exhibit the elements that, regardless of wall color, I would love to use in every design I create... especially for myself!

*photography via domino, nuevo estillo (#2 and #4), and loftlife (#3).