Delightful Daily: All About the Pooch

David Kleinberg

Delightful Weekend

Worthy Links: 28.09.12

I really must try harder to publish these posts at a reasonable time. Yesterday was one of my dearest friend's birthday and let's just say today's plans were slightly altered.

So, what's new this week, I'm still learning to juggle my increasing school workload and my growing work obligations... This may bring about some changes around here... How do you feel about shorter posts?

The week's biggest revelation: I genuinely started liking oysters! I've tried so hard to like them for so long... And this week something switched. I had them three times in the past week, and I fully intend on eating more this weekend. I'm also shopping for fall clothes and for client work. And catching up with friends. Yippee!

Onto the links...

Jamie shared words of wisdom

Julie took breathtaking photos at Versailles

Grace wrote a few thoughtful words on birthdays and life accomplishments (happy birthday Grace!)

Lara shared her fall bucket list. Must do my own.

I'm so excited about this launch I could burst.


Happy crisp fall weekend! Who's got exciting plans?

Delightful Daily: Dirty Pastels

Vogue Casa

Top 5: It's a Wild World

I'm talking animal prints and accents today on Damask & Dentelle. I’ve got a confession to make. I’ve had enough of cowhides and zebra hide rugs… I could even extend that to zebra in general. You’re completely allowed to disagree, but personally I’ve just seen too much of them. That being said, I don’t mind a few animal prints in a home, but it needs to be done right!

Tip #1: Tiger is the new leopard. It has been said over and over in trend reports these past few months. Unfortunately the original Le Tigre Silk Velvet by Scalamandre retails at around 1,500$ a yard in best cases. Of course there will be alternatives but will they stand a chance against this gorgeous classic fabric?

Go read the other four tips on Damask & Dentelle.

Delightful Daily: A Chesty Affair

Jay Jeffers

Gab Loves: 26.09.12

1. Big Frutti di Mare by Happy Menocal | 2. "Modern Glamour" Chandelier | 3. Blue and White Insignia Lamp | 4. Lulu Frost for J.Crew Resin and Marcasite Bracelet | 5. By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and changed the Way Millions Shop by Alexis Maybank | 6. Decorative Barnacle Cluster | 7. Dorothy Side Table | 8. Vintage Hermes Blue Royale Ardennes Leather Kelly Tote | 9. J.Crew Collection Etta Cap Toe Tweed Pumps | 10. Millinge Ikea Rug | 11. David Iatesta Butter Walnut Swedish Desk

Delightful Daily: Yellow and Leopard

Michelle Nussbaumer

Q&A With: Jordan Carlyle

I've got a special treat for you today! I was very excited to receive an email from talented artist and interior architect Jordan Carlyle a few weeks back introducing me to his latest design projects and furniture line Carlyle Collective. I was even happier when he accepted to answer a Q&A for Savvy Home.

At just 31, Carlyle has already designed many homes in Manhattan, Hollywood and the Hamptons. He's also been creating art for CB2 for the past 8 years and has a GORGEOUS furniture line.

The loft above is one of the first photos I ever saw of Carlyle's work. I immediately fell in love with his taste as I recognized the iron and leather bench that is currently sitting in my entrance hall. Seems we have similar taste!

I love how his look is glamorous, elegant and polished without being boring. I love the interesting lighting, furniture and most importantly the striking art. The office below is Carlyle's own and the favorite room in his apartment. I have to admit it wouldn't be a bad place to work from all day - it's a great place to be productive!

I could go on and on about Jordan's work, his taste or his accomplishments, but that's what a Q&A is for!

I wouldn't mind having breakfast out there every single day (in summer anyway). This has to be the most beautiful outdoor furniture I've seen in a long time.

Thank you Jordan for this great Q&A and yes, you absolutely need to visit Australia!

Shop Carlyle furniture and lighting, Jordan Carlyle art, or see his porftolio.

Delightful Daily: Moody Jewels

Carter Smith's apartment

Shop Love: Kelly Wearstler's New 1st Dibs Store Front

I got an email last week announcing Kelly Wearstler's new shop front on 1st Dibs and aren't I glad I did. After perusing the wildly expensive items on 1st Dibs I headed over to KW's website to find these... Am I the only person in the world to have not seen these?

I think I'm finally starting to come around to the whole Souffle look. How about you? Do you still find it odd? The living room below is pretty amazing too. The floors, the chandelier, the window treatments... 

I think I may have seen this dining room before. Or at least I've seen these pendant lamps many times. I really love what she did with the brass tables and I love the chairs. And look at those floors. Drool.

I'm loving this bedroom. It's a little less eccentric than Kelly's regular work, but it totally works! Besides I'm loving the rug and the accent furniture by the windows is totally Wearstleresque.

Here are a few of my favorite picks from the KW 1st Dibs store front. Not that I'd have the budget for any of it (in case you're curious, the most affordable piece is the marble bust priced at $595). That being said, if I win the lotto you bet the first thing I'll be purchasing is some KW original furniture.

1. Bronze Legs | 2. Elliott Chair | 3. Serpent Stool | 4. Pair of "Cab" Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina | 5. Marble Bust | 6. Brass Knot | 7.  Souffle Chair

Which is your favorite item?

Delightful Daily: Dark & Light

Cecile Starin

Delightful (Fall) Weekend

Worthy Links: 21.09.12

So here we are, first day of Fall tomorrow. My first proper Fall season since 2008. Yep, pretty excited. I fully intend to go pick apples, go see the fallen leaves, drink many chai lattes, take a walk in the forest, hit the museums, get back into red wine and cozy restaurants... What do you like to do when Autumn comes?

Now onto the links:

In the "uhm what?" category: living in a 35,000sq. ft. former bank building in the Bowery. Thanks Nicole!

Yesssss. I've been waiting for this moment! Only two months to go... Thanks Paloma!

Sarah wrote a pretty fantastic new about section. Never give up people!

Katie shared the mother of all photoshoots. Feast your eyes.

Guilty as charged. Jenny speaks out about blogs.

Happy First Fall Weekend!

Delightful Daily: Simple High Impact

Rita Konig

Top 5: My favorite Color Combinations

A wise woman (named Kelly Wearstler) once said: “Pink all by itself can be perceived as feminine, but what you pair it with makes all the difference. Think of a man in a black suit with a pink shirt and tie”. Word Kelly.  

To me, any color combo works the same way, which is why I'm talking about my favorite color combinations today on Damask & Dentelle. 

Color combo #1: Mauve on Lavender. Not only are all shades of purple huge this year, but shades of purple put together are even more popular. Whether you’re pairing a plum with a lavender or an aubergine with a deep burgundy, it’ll always look fantastic and dramatic. 

Read the other four on Damask & Dentelle.

Delightful Daily: The Perfect Shade of Grey

Steven Gambrel

Gab Loves (Birthday Edition): 19.09.12

We're now less than a month away from my birthday, which makes this a great time to share my birthday wish list. The list includes a few winter essentials, home accessories and items I've been obsessing over since my last trip to NYC like the Tory Burch Horse Head Necklace and the Michael Kors Hamilton Tote.

I'm a firm believer that things you love but never get around to buying make the best gifts. In my case, things like pajamas, coffee table books and candles are great options! What do you love to receive on your birthday?

1. 'Chateau' by Jeremy Kohm Print | 2. Tory Burch Tilsim Horse Head Rosary Necklace (on sale!) | 3. J.Crew Vintage Pajama Set | 4. Michael Kors Hamilton Tote | 5. Diptyque 'Figuier' Scented Green Candle | 6. 'Rhapsody' by Kelly Wearstler (in pre-order) | 7. Blue and White Garden Stool | 8. L'artisan Parfumeur Mure et Musc Extreme Eau de Parfum | 9. 'The Big Book of Chic' by Miles Redd (in pre-order) | 10. Monogrammed Pearl Embroidered Bath Towels in Honeycomb | 11. Tory Burch 'Foxy' iPhone Case | 12. J.Brand Coated 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jeans

Delightful Daily: All Time Favorite

Kate Spade's Kitchen via The Selby

Real Estate: Celebrity Showdown

Both  of these gorgeous celebrity homes were put on the market this week. If money was no object, between Reese Witherspoon's Ojai home and Candace Bushnell's Manhattan apartment, which one would you choose?

Would you be tempted to purchase this blissful spanish retreat in the heart of California's farmland?



Or would you rather lean towards this vibrant Greenwich Village apartment and become neighbor of Mr. Big?

The polls are open.

Delightful Daily: A Striped Affair

Carolina Herrera Baez's Home in Elle Decor

Designer Crush: Jean Louis Deniot

Remember last week's House Crush? Well after I published the post I went and had a look at Jean Louis Deniot's portfolio. All I have to say is: wow.

Classic, elegant, perfect. Deniot says "I aim for my interiors to be eclectic chic as well as serene". I'd say he's definitely achieved this in the living room above. That shade of grey is incredible.

I love the mix of colors, patterns and styles. Don't even get me started on the artwork he uses in his projects.

Who wouldn't want to work all day in an office like this one? Personally, I'd be the most productive person on earth and I'd never leave my desk (except for the occational nap on the gorgeous greige chesterfield).

Do you think Kelly Wearstler could count him as a source of inspiration? So many aspects of Deniot's designs are Wearstleresque to me. Yes I just invented a word.



This hotel room has got me swooning hard. From the royal blue velvet pillows to the patterns of the canopy and the headboard, not to mention the grasscloth walls... Perfect.

His portfolio is varied and an endless source of inspiration. It seems he's decorated 1001 spaces, like this gorgeous Paris apartment.

Or this rustic chic office in Touraine. Aren't those tartan walls incredible? Again, the art is perfect for the room.

He's great at creating cozy nooks where you'd curl up, read a book and forget about your crazy schedule.

Another great bedroom. I'm really not a fan of greige normally but with the warm wood, this wall color feels warm and inviting.

I suppose the fact that he designs houses like these means he's got the budgets required for creating such masterpieces. Nonetheless he's got an eye like no other. Don't you think?

Delightful Daily: Animals in the Bedroom

Miles Redd

Delightful Weekend: Cedar Shingling

Country Living Magazine

Worthy Links: 14.09.12

I truly love what I do. Ever since the big change in early 2012, I don't regret leaving my job to work for myself and go back to school. The opportunities since have been incredible and I feel like I'm just at the beginning.

I've been working from home for about six months now so I thought I'd address a tiny issue. When I first started, I read a few people joking about how six months in you basically live, work, sleep in your PJs. I'm happy to report that this hasn't been my case. At first I hated getting up and getting straight to work, but felt silly putting on makeup, doing my hair and getting into my pumps to go sit at my desk, but I found a great routine.

Every morning, I get dressed and ready and head out for coffee. I found a great little shop around the corner where the baristas know my name and my order.  Most clients there are creative professionals, and every one is chatty and smiling. It gets my morning banter out of the way and I can get back to my work feeling great.

So my question to you is: how do you motivate to work yourself at home? What is your routine?

I'm dying to see Amber's newest project come to life... Have you seen the new shipment?!

Seems I'm not the only one longing for a dark blue kitchen... Thanks Christina.

Rachel painted her house...... Hello transformation!

Kyle redesigned her backyard.... OMG.

Becka's got no trouble saying no.

Oh and I visited the lovely Kirsten this week for a dream nursery post!

I've got an action packed weekend again which involves a little work and a little fun in the sun.  I hope it's sunny wherever you are!

Happy weekend!

Delightful Daily: Fall Tones Camel and Carnation

Lonny

Top 5: Falling for Fall Trends

With New York Fashion Week coming to an end, we heard all about the fall fashion trends. But what about the interior trends? Find out what my favorite upcoming home trends are on Damask & Dentelle today.

Trend #1: Burgundy. It’s THE color of the season. Purple is making a comeback as well. I’m totally on board. It looks so totally plush and beautiful and rich. Often paired with other warm tones reds, pinks, oranges or pastel colors like lavender or mint, this color is proving a lot more versatile than we initially imagined.

Read about the other four trends on Damask & Dentelle!

Delightful Daily: Not All About the Dog (But Almost)

Celerie Kemble

Guest Post: A Nursery Design for Kirsten Krason

I'm incredibly flattered to be guest posting today over on 6th Street Design School where I'm covering for Kirsten while she enjoys some well-deserved time off with her newborn bub. The theme  of the post was "dream nurseries" which is double the fun because it's a nursery AND it involves no budget.

I'm sure Kirsten needs no introduction since her blog probably gets more traffic than JFK at Christmas but if you have been living under a rock, please stay a while and enjoy the cleverness of this decorating beauty.

Here's a peek-a-boo of the room I designed, but you'll have to hop over for the full thing and sources.

Oh and if you want to have your nursery (or any other room) designed by me, yep I do offer these services. Drop me a line, I'd love to help.

Delightful Daily: The Art of Layering

Mark D. Sikes

House Crush: Jean Louis Deniot's Apartment (and a Rant)

Sorry for the disappearing act yesterday folks, it was just one of those glory days where you get to taste the joys of being self-employed. If you don't feel like reading my technological rant/philosophical debate of the day, feel free to skip straight to the pretty pictures. There's plenty more where this came from.



Yesterday was one of those days where I wished I had a dedicated IT person at my disposal. First my internet stopped working and the technician spent over two hours at my place changing everything from my two routers to the cable that connects my house to the electrical wires outside. Then, my site was down because of the GoDaddy crash. As if that wasn't enough, my printer stopped working and after an hour on the phone with Epson troubleshooting the damn thing, it ran out of ink! That's without mentioning that my phone network's been acting up and dropping calls or failing to send messages.

This got me thinking about how we (especially bloggers) are not only addicted to technology, but how dependent we are upon it. It's crazy to think how much technology affects our lives (read Victoria's post on carpel tunnel for example). What can we do to make technology work for us, not against us?

So here are my questions to you: What are your technology magic tricks to avoid the stresses of breakdowns, hacks and failures? AND more importantly, how often do you unplug and what do you do to unplug? Seriously, think about it. My answer would normally be: hang out with friends (I always have my phone handy), go for a run (with my iPod), read a book (on my iPad)... I even sleep with my phone. How do you REALLY unplug?

Ok back to prettiness. 



Seems perfectly fitted for a modern-day Don Draper wouldn't you say? Streamlined & elegant like a well-cut suit.



I guess we're not too far from Don Draper, we're talking about acclaimed French decorator Jean Louis Deniot and his 1,200 square foot apartment in Paris' 7e arrondissement. Hello there.

I guess most of you have seen his kitchen. It kind of made the rounds. Blame it on what many people called brass cupboards but are actually hammered silver. You need a serious budget to have silver cabinetry.

Though when you're well connected like Deniot, you can apparently get silver cabinetry and brass bench prototypes made by reliable craftsmen for very little budget (or Deniot's definition of little budget).



There is an art in the editing and subtlety process in Deniot's work that can be attributed to very few decorators (hello Kelly Wearstler). Every tone is more subtle than the next. Every detail more streamlined.

Deniot says he was originally looking for a bigger and higher place, but fell in love with the generous windows and the smart layout: "A series of four linked rooms runs along the front of the apartment, and there are no corridors— hence, no wasted space". I love the flow of those four rooms show in this photo.

The library has a completely different feel to the rest of the place, but the color palette is still similar. The walls are covered in oak paneling but the bark-looking wallpaper was lazer-printed on canvas.

Now THAT's a bedroom right? The bedside tables are by Deniot while the high-impact sconces are Stilnovo.

I love the striped effect and the curved-ceiling in the master bath. Every decorative object is unique yet in line with the overall design.

What do you think about this apartment? Do you love or do you hate?