Delightful Daily: What Dreams are Made Of

Ford Modeling Agency Offices by Rafael de Cardenas / Photo: Floto+Warner

Gab Loves: 31.01.11

1. John Holt Smith Sequence Painting | 2. Rick Owens Textured-Leather Biker Jacket | 3. Fizz Sphere Pendant | 4. Perfect Shirt in Liberty Art floral | 5. Kevin O'Brien Ombre Velvet Pillow | 6. Slim Shelves in Red | 7. Linda Farrow Luxe Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses | 8. Friis Company Shopper | 9. Scroll Tray Top Accent Table | 10. Powerpuff Girls print by Amy Stein | 11. French Stripe Bench | 12. Surya Candice Olson Luminous Ivory Rug

Delightful Daily: Textured Living

Celerie Kemble

Designer Crush: A Pinch of Humor in Beverly Hills

A friend once said that humor was the only thing that mattered in interior design. That it was a deciding factor in whether or not a space became memorable. While we might not have agreed on what humor in interior design actually meant, I do agree that a certain level quirkiness makes a house stand out from the crowd. Think of Kelly Wearstler or Miles Redd who are both wildly unconventional yet completely memorable. Architect and interior designer Daniel Romualdez also understands this.

You may remember Romualdez from Aerin Lauder's Aspen Ski Condo, or from this infamous Madison Ave Tory Burch flagship store. This is his one of his latest projects, his own LA winter getaway (he also has a Manhattan apartment and a compound of weathered cedar-shingle cottages in the Hamptons). Though life eh?

The art displayed throughout the house is unmistakeably quirky and devoid of any seriousness. The INSTANT painting is by Sarah Morris.

I love the subdued classicism here. A great way to subvert the architecture's minimal character. The John Dickinson lamps contribute to the place's humoristic character.

Another work of art upon which to smile and ponder. The Richard Dupont sculpture is the perfect eye catcher in this sun-filled room.

Romualdez's fascination with interiors started with his mom's glossy shelter mags in the 70s - which were then filled with flocks of Lalanne sheeps. It comes as no surprise then that Romualdez needed one of his own...

I'm amazed at how much I love this dining room. I'm usually not a fan of clean lines and one of my biggest pet peeves is the lack of a rug. But in this space, somehow it works. It's the perfect balance between maximalism and minimalism.

The kitchen is hidden behind sliding mirrored doors. Now that's what I call brilliance. It's the perfect compromise between having an open plan living area to accommodate day to day life and having a place to hide dirty dishes when entertaining. And another thing to add to my dream house list.

The bed in the master bedroom was designed by Romualdez himself. The four posts are gilded and the headboard is cowhide. Nothing too fancy for the master bedroom... I think I even spy shagreen bedside tables.

And a shagreen desk!

We've seen art hung on bookcases, in front of window but this, to me is a first. This photo by McDermott & McGough is strategically placed between the two sinks. A "clin d'oeil" to vanity perhaps?

This room was the subject of my favorite part of the Architectural Digest interview: “I wanted one dark, cozy room where on a gray day, when the view can be oppressive, I could sit and look out at the trees.”

Yet another guest room I wouldn't mind staying in for a few days... Perhaps a bit more on the serious side but after all, it's all about accommodating guests isn't it?

The upper pool is to be turned into a hot tub while the other pool, surrounded by sago palms, contribute to the perfection of this quirky retreat.

Oh sunny California. You will never cease to impress me. View the entire article on Architectural Digest.

Delightful Daily: And the Spanish do it Again

via Nuevo Estilo

Delightful Weekend

via Real Bizarre

Worthy Links: 27.01.12

Here's to another weekend folks! Ours kicked off early on Australia Day so let's make this short and sweet.

1. Please read this great post from Ally on decluttering. I wholly agree with her point of view.

2. I loved this post by Kyle on upholstered headboard styles. Which is your favorite?

3. Kristen introduced us to an amazing source for great lighting. Nothing else will do now...

4. I was smitten by these travel photos by Montreal photographer Irene Suchocki. Thanks to Nancy for the link.

photos by Moss + Isaac

 5. If you're not Alt'ed out yet, Victoria recapped her favorite sessions here. Get ready for some great advice.

6. Meg also went all out. Check out her up and coming blog list and her sessions recap.

7. Savvy Home (finally) ventures further into the world of social media. Come visit on Facebook or Bloglovin.

Happy weekend everyone! X

Delightful Daily: Delighftully Manly

Tommy Smythe via Big Beige Box

Happy Australia Day!

For Australia Day I'm spending the morning at the beach with a few girlfriends, and then off to the other side of town in the Hills for a BBQ barbie with good friends mates. The house nestled in the hills is surrounded by gumtrees and the occasional koala, making it the perfect backdrop for this quintessentially Australian day.

Happy Australia Day everyone! Back to regular programming tomorrow. X

Gab Loves: 25.01.12

1. Becker Minty Steel Frame Wire Chair | 2. Tom Dixon Etch Light Pendant | 3. Free People Fitted with Daisies Dress | 4. Blizzard by William Wegman Print | 5. Free People Fitted with Daisies Dress | 5. Christopher Kane Pleated Stretch Wool Crepe Pleated Skirt | 6. Madewell Leather Transport Tote | 7.  UO Prismatic Post Earrings | 8. Madewell Jolie Belt | 9. Anthropologie Kitamura Cabinet | 10. Topshop Red Flat Front Short | 11. Ceylon Side Table | 12. Brita Sweden Alma Rug

Delightful Daily: Blissful Bath in Sagaponack

Sagaponack Home by Sardar Design Studio via Knight Moves

House Crush: Napa Valley Home

Rela Gleason creative director at Summer Hill Furnishings knows the good life. Think a Napa Valley architecturally designed home nestled in acres of rolling hills and vineyards; outdoor showers; blissful soak tubs with killer views; family kitchen with not one, but four island benches; delightful reading nooks; infinity pools... These are only a few of the wonders found in this gorgeous Californian homestead.

It's no wonder her house was featured in the November issue of Architectural Digest. Look at it! And you ain't seen nothing yet.

If you've followed this blog for any time at all, you know I am a sucker for cast iron* window frames. So you will quickly understand that this house is my own version of paradise.

*Note: these window frames are actually steel and they have been powder coated in Gleason's own custom color called Rela Espresso! The effect is stunning.

This kitchen blows my mind in more ways than one. Four in fact. It takes four kitchen benches to blow my mind. Not to mention these pendants need to be mine!

There is not much I wouldn't give to wake up to that view, and that fireplace...

This bathroom doesn't fall short of perfection. The mirrors, the sconces, the symmetry, the toasty fireplace. It is so perfect that I am even willing to take these fluffy rugs to a liking.

Oh please. There is not a single place in the world I'd rather be.

Gleason doesn't only hire genious architects (McAlpine Tankersley in this case), she also has impeccable taste in antiques.

And she knows how to welcome guests in style.

She even has the perfect nook for the kids in tow.

When the kids have left, I'm sure she wastes no time jumping in that blissful outdoor shower.

And she probably keeps that amazing figure by doing laps in her infinity pool. I know I would!

And at the end of a long hard day, I can only imagine that her and her husband Don would go on a long slow sunset drive through the vineyards... with the dog in the trailer of course.

Oh what a blessed life. I could only hope to be Rela Gleason in say 20-25 years... Can you blame me?

Delightful Daily: Geometrics with a View!

 via Marcus Design

Happy Chinese New Year: Chinoiserie Chic

What better way to celebrate Chinese New Year than with a dose of Chinoiserie chic?

Chinoiserie is actually a French term that can be translated as "chinese-esque". It's been a recurring theme in European decorative arts since the 17th century and was especially popular during the whimsical rococo period (thanks Wikipedia). The style itself has both European and Chinese influences. Think de Gournay wallpaper, silk fabrics, red lacquer, jade, ming vases and furniture, blue and white china. It's all very intricate and fabulous really.

1. Blond 19th Century Chinese Cabinet | 2. "Silhouettes" by Michael Thompson | 3. Chinoiserie Lantern | 

4. Framed de Gournay Wallpaper | 5. Red Lacquer Root Table | 6. Jade Pottery Table Lamp | 7. Antique Bronze Dragon Head Artifact | 8. Pair of Blanc de Chine Foo Dogs | 9. Cobalt Blue Chinese Antique Rug | 10. Antique Linen Chaise | 11. Blue and White Porcelain Charger | 12. Ceylon & Cie  Thebes Barstool | 13. Chinese Red Lacquer Sideboard

In other exciting news, Savvy Home is now on Facebook! Come visit! X

Delightful Daily: Bright and Happy Foyer

via Lonny

Delightful Weekend

 via Design Tripper

Worthy Links: 20.01.12

This week's Worthy Links will be short and sweet. Why? Three reasons.
1. This week has been a whirlwind and I need a break drink.
2. Most of you are probably at Alt (much to my dying envy) and have better things to do parties to attend.
3. There is only a few links that I want to share with you this week and they should keep you busy for days!

My sister-from-another-mister and blogging bestie Victoria of Vmac + Cheese put together a killer guide to blogging this week called. I was incredibly honored when Victoria asked me to be a contributor to the series! Fear not this is not just a shameless plug, I swear we all have something valuable to learn from this trusty guide! Victoria, you could have published that book and made it an international bestseller!

Here are the links you need to clicky:
1. Mini-Alt Week: Growing Your Blog Community
2. Mini-Alt Week: Photography
3. Mini-Alt Week: Curating Great Content

4. Mini-Alt Week: Design

5. Mini-Alt Week: Collaboration, Sponsorships and Giveaways

Here is a snippet of what you can expect:

And for the few who are just looking for something pretty, pay a visit Note to Self if you've enjoyed the Paris-inspired illustration above. It's by artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme who paints illustrations of his travels. He is incredibly talented (and he just might keep me off my Inslee Haynes obsession for the day).

Have a fabulous one everybody! X

Delightful Daily: Heaven?

via Simply Smitten

Trending in January

Blogs have been buzzing with trend forecasts for 2012 and frankly, I'll be more than happy to throw my two cents in. But most importantly, I would love to know what you think are the next big trends to come! I'm hoping to make this a monthly feature. Please leave a comment below and I'll include the best ideas in next month's post with credits to your blog! I'll start off with the first few and I'll wait for you all to tell me what the other big trends will be. Here is my mish-mash of trends for January.

1. Terrariums:  I've seen a lot of them around lately. The glass and iron geometric look of them falls right on trend also. Which is why I think that terrariums might just become the new way to display small plants around your home. Get yours here.

2. Pantone Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango:  There's no ignoring the Pantone color of the year, even though it might not have been my first choice. One thing is for sure, colors this year are going to be bright - think jewel tones, pastels, neons... But I'm also thinking they'll serve as accent colors more so than taking center stage this year. There is a limit to color blocking...

3. Wood Paneling: Not your granma's plywood paneling. Paneling in 2012 is curvier, features lighter shades and a roughter surface. Think Mad Men meets Hampton Cottage... I think we may finally have gotten over the over-streamlined look of minimalism...

4. Watercolor: You may say that I've managed to sneak in my obsession for Inslee Haynes in a post again, and you might be right. However, I have seen watercolor walls, fabrics, and art around enough, which makes me believe that watercolor is going to be big in 2012.

5.  Antiques: Whether you've got the budget for the real thing, or for a "brocante" version, antiques are certainly gaining in importance in our homes. I think we are over the matchy-matchy look and frankly, antiques can be a really great affordable way to furnish a house. Better yet, they are usually sturdy and don't really loose value.

6. Gingham and Plaid: It's been around in fashion like nobody's business, but it's now been popping up in interiors as well! I think preppy is definitely making a resurgence and this might just be the tip of the iceberg. Besides, wouldn't those new Stubbs & Wootton slippers look just fab in a Scottish plaid themed room? This gingham pillow is available at Svensk Tenn.
 
Your turn: Please do tell what you think are the next big trends! I'll be sure to link back to you in the February post!  X

Delightful Daily: Tangerine Tango in the Bathroom

via Burberry and Pearls