Alicia B. Designs

Alicia B. Designs Photography Show!

2009-11-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

So I promised you an announcement on Friday but I was too busy so here it is today! Friday the 13th ( I know!) will be the opening day of my first photography show! It is going to be in a very tiny space in a bookstore in Connecticut but I am excited about it nonetheless.

The show will be at the Millrace Bookshop in Farmington, CT and I'd be honored if you went and saw my photography. If you're in or around Farmington, it's definitely worth it because of the gorgeous Farmington River views, the amazing independent bookstore, the delicious restaurant below and the CUTE town of Farmington.

Please let me know if you stop by!

Alicia B.

Friday Faves

2009-11-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

The title of my Friday special blog is now changed. Friday Faves. It will still remain as your fun inspiration to swing you through a slow Friday and land you into Saturday though! With Friday faves though, you might see my new fave fashion item...today too.

I spotted this amazing kitchen by Windsor Smith in the new Traditional Home mag, which I received yesterday in the mail. The magazine (I just started subscribing after buying it outright for countless months) is so full of fun things and such great articles that I had to admit that it was one of my faves now. Anyway, the kitchen, in brown, white and red has me staring. Normally I'm not drawn to red but this is so pretty--the light fixture over the island is especially captivating. The details are all attended to, which makes me love Windsor Smith even more.

OH. Here's the fashion part of the post! These yummy preppy little slippers are from Boden and look like a little polka dotted sweater about to wrap itself around my feet!

How nice would it be to come home on a Friday evening to this bathtub? SO NICE. I bet that towel rack is a towel warmer too. Ugh, delish. By uber talented Caroline Paterson.

I hope you all have amazing Fridays and even better weekends. I have plans to go to Philly to see my friend and former coworker and her new baby! I'm never around babies so I'm so excited to meet her!

ALSO, I'll let you know about something special later on today. I know you're all holding your breath in anticipation for it.

Alicia B.

Narrow Moments

2009-11-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

In my last project for school one of the biggest issues I had was the fact that when you walk into the townhouse, all you see is a narrow hall and then a view into the kitchen. I ended up opening the whole space up completely but it got me thinking about living in a townhouse and the fact that things are quite narrow. If you can't change the wall, what do you do? Here are some cute pictures of entering a home in a narrow space.

The black and white tiled floor is leading you into the rest of the house here. via Simplified Bee.

Again, the flooring here is so pretty that besides the light at the top of the stair, that's what I noticed the most. Light is really important in a town house too because you only get it from two sides unless you have a skylight. This is Miles Redd's hot townhouse.

Keeping the area clean and simple is quite appealing. Those stairs are so fun looking. Living Etc.

Architectural detailing here is really setting a nice scene and the super inviting half open door is QUITE intriguing. Whats behind the door?? Living etc.

I think the idea of a focal point or something to lead you into the space is especially important. You don't have to enter a narrow space and be bombarded with things, furniture, or a wall. It's interesting how most of these pics have a fun or different floor pattern going on, isn't it? In other news, for my next project in school the style that my prof chose for me was...you guessed it! Modern! It's cool though, I'm going to rock it. STAY TUNED for a special announcement on Friday BTW.

Alicia B.

Mercury Glass Lamp Obsession

2009-11-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

It all started with the above lamp from Lamp Work Room. It's so pretty and I fell in love with it instantly. Ever since that fateful day, I haven't been able to get it out of my head. Do you ever get stuck on something like that?? Well, I've been shopping around and I thought I'd share what I found with you. I think a lamp like this would be a great way to glam up my apartment a little bit. It's full of soft plaids, comfortable textiles and many different woods and ceramics, but nothing like this.

I've found that a mercury glass lamp comes in many different shapes and sizes. This one is more of a candlestick shape, rather than a round ball but is equally as precious. This one is from Wisteria and is super well priced at $169.

I love the urn shape to this one--so squat and cute! So perfectly antiqued, from Shades of Light for $265

I'd normally scoff at this and move on simply because it's from Room and Board, but I'm being more even handed towards modern things lately. I like it's clean shape, but I'd change the shade. The Aura Table lamp only $249.

The etching on the mercury glass on this lamp from Pottery Barn is especially charming, do you think? Hanna Etched Mercury Table Lamp for $159 and it includes the shade! WOW!

See what I mean? This room is so sweet, and soft with pretty bed linens and a sweet painted wooden night stand but the mercury glass lamp adds just a touch of glamour to this room. Designed by Gary Mcbournie.

Alicia B.

Joel Mozersky, you had me at Dixie Chicks

2009-11-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

On my borderline waste-of-time trip up to the Michael's, on the upper Upper West Side, I had a lot of time to read my Metropolitan Home mag. In particular I was most interested in the Dixie Chick, Emily Robison spread on her new loft in a former candy factory in downtown Austin. I usually don't like modern but I DO LOVE the Dixie Chicks so of course I had to read every word. I was most impressed with her designer, Joel Mozersky. He seemed creative, and really listened to his client's requests....huh, strange. Also, did I mention it was a former candy factory?? I'm SO IN.

I loved what he did with the bathroom. It's a perfect place for Emily to relax. And just as a side note, I used that same Agape bathtub in my town house design project for school! Nice choice, Joel!

This bedroom is still in keeping with the loft feeling but seems more intimate. Take a look at those fab sconces on either side of her bed.

Next I took a little trip to Joel Mozersky's website and was even more impressed and excited by his designs. He's even designed three of the Dixie Chicks' tour buses!

The ever popular green and white trellis fabric is used here on the interior of one of their tour buses! It looks so glam here.

Joel seems to be the hottest restaurant designer in all of Austin TX right now. The designs are surprising using bright colors and fun shapes. Aren't these cut outs so much fun? I hope the food is good there because it sure has a lot to compete with.

This has such a really glam tavern feel to it. The rich color of the cabinets and the red leather are super hot.

Remember what I said about fun shapes? I just love that huge circular cut out with the Greek Key detailing around it.

Joel also designs boutiques in the area. These almost make me want to go to Austin TX; especially if there's a chance of running in to the Dixie Chicks. You much check out his website HERE. Just in case you were worried, my trip to Michael's was a complete failure because I was looking for batting and they didn't know what it was and sent me to the cake decorating section BUT I stumbled upon the Martha Stewart craft section and let me just say that THAT was a complete success. She thinks of everything!

Alicia B.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T14:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished icing these scary little cookies that I'm bringing to a friend's party, put out the little dish of candy for kids in my building, and I'm putting on the finishing touches on our Edward and Bella outfits (sparkles)!

Have a safe, sugar filled and happy Halloween!

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

2009-10-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

This has been a super stressful week, to say the least, as I had my midterm presentation on Wednesday for my class. The night before I was at a Fed Ex/ Kinkos until 3AM trying to print out my presentation from my Mac and needless to say, the employees there didn't seem to care about my troubles. The presentation went well, I think, considering how tough the prof is! Now I can sit back and enjoy some good old fashioned interior design. Shall we?

Cullman & Kravis is one of my favorite design firms so I was thrilled when I heard that Ellie Cullman and Tracey Pruzan were picked for "Saturday Shopping" on 1st Dibs this week! She has impeccable taste--isn't this hall gorgeous? That archway is so inviting and from what I can see of that round fixture, I love it!

I may or may not have gone to another Margaret Russell event, but this time, she signed my new book, Style and Substance! The book (I've paged through it 4 times so far) is gorgeous and, like she said, full of timeless interiors.

This is a really cool old barn converted to a home in the Finger Lakes region of NY! Yay Finger Lakes! I wish I still knew how to play the piano because this one is beautiful. From Martha Stewart.

I have the rest of the week off from school so I can finally relax and have a fun Halloween! The beau and I are going to be Bella and Edward from Twilight! Do you guys have any fun plans? Dressing up? Tell me everything.

Alicia B.

Elle Decor: Women In Design Night!

2009-10-27T07:43:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended the Elle Decor: Women In Design, a celebration of 20 years of Elle Decor and five amazing women in interior design. Among them was Charlotte Moss (who won an award!), Michelle Nussbaumer, Holly Hunt, Kelly Wearstler, and Josie Natori (who couldn't make it). It was amazingly inspiring and the panel discussion format made it a fun and interesting discussion. We were able to see each designers real personality, instead of a staged personality on a reality show (Top Design).

Margaret Russell was monitoring the discussion and she was SO gorgeous. Wearing a little black dress, four inch heels (and an ankle brace), she was graceful and so funny!

I don't know much about Michelle Nussbaumer but from what I learned about her last night she has impeccable style and amazing design. I can't wait to learn more about her.

Charlotte Moss was so feisty and hilarious but beautiful and graceful, as always. She said she keeps a little notepad (or blue leather bound Hermes notepad!) in each purse to write down ideas as they come to her. She also has a blog Tete a Tete that she updates every few weeks.

Kelly Wearstler was quite inspiring, actually. She has such a passion for art and design and beautiful things.

Holly Hunt is another successful entrepreneur and founder of Holly Hunt which started out as a tiny little shop in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and how she has a huge design empire and amazing showrooms; one in the D & D!

What was the most inspiring thing for me, as a student was that all these women followed their instincts and passions. In school, there are so many rules that often times you get bogged down and inspiration is hard to come by. These women didn't live by a set of strict rules, and though they've made their fair share of mistakes, they live just by their passions. BTW most of the pictures are from Point Click Home. There is a Margaret Russell book signing October 29th at the D&D as well! I can't wait to go.

Alicia B.

Modern Kitchen Discoveries

2009-10-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

I know I've been lagging on my posts of late and this acknowledgment doesn't mean that's going to change because I'm still just as busy. Don't worry though, I'm still here, still loving the blog and still loving design. I've been working tres hard (7 hours at school yesterday drafting) on this town house project and guess what...it's MODERN. I started out with a traditional style because that's what I naturally drift towards, and the professor told me that I needed to challenge myself more. I decided on a somewhat industrial glam look and I'm actually warming to it! The room that I've had the most trouble with is the kitchen though. It's hard to design an industrial kitchen with some Alicia B. personality in it because of all the appliances and stainless steel.

If I could have any kitchen in the world, this would be it. Designed by Joan Schindler, this kitchen has so much character and amazing details: mini tile flooring, glass door fridge, and the most beautiful pendants I've ever seen.

Here are some modern kitchens that I actually like! They have some personality in them and they're sleek as can be (in my eyes).

The different greys and blacks (and whites) add lots of interest to this kitchen though I'm not sure how that table works so close to the counter space, right? I do enjoy the appropriate seasonal accents of orange though! From Marie Claire Maison.

I kind of super like this industrial look for this loft kitchen. I love how the counter juts out of the wall with the mysterious opaque glass on the wall and rough wooden column to contrast the sleek finishes. From Marie Claire Maison.

I like the natural wood paired with the hard steel surfaces and art in the kitchen always gets me! Elle Decor.

Another kitchen with black glossy cabinetry! This one designed by Eldon Wong has open shelving under the island with pretty glass dishes which as a bit of sparkle.

If you imagine this open kitchen in a different finish than the wood as it currently is, it would be super streamlined. In the wood though, it gives off a softer more textured look. Can anybody explain the super thin sink in the island?? Designed by Ann Wolf.

I will admit, if pushed to it, some of these modern style kitchens do have their own personalities. Its hard to balance a contemporary look without it looking too much like a restaurant kitchen. I have certainly learned a lot designing one for my class and I guess I've come around! Cement counter tops, opaque glass cabinetry, and who doesn't love a brand new ultra sleek Wolf range?? I definitely do.

Alicia B.

Bookworm: Backwards Edition

2009-10-23T04:31:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a book nerd. Sometimes I don't read the most intellectual books per se (Twilight will be a classic in 50 years, mark my words), but I do love to read when I have the time. I enjoy the use of books in design. I think that a library is important when I have a house of my own and I've been known to have opinions about book arrangement. I'm referring to the color coding idea for book arrangment which I'm morally opposed to. Dramatic? Rigid? Perhaps. Anyway, the latest book trend I've seen is turning the book spines inward so that the inside is visible. Take a look at some and then we can talk about it.

Luke Vahle was featured in this week's Decorati newsletter. The books here are turned spine inwards which works with the clean white color scheme of this desk. I like the use of stacking the books on either side like bookends.

Ms. Lauren of Pure Style Home did a similar bookcase display; hers with more interest and "objets". The top row really accents the little bust sculptures. The crates at the bottom break up the mass of books as well. Well done!

From The City Sage blog. Book spines turned inwards everywhere! I love how you can tell how old the book is by how yellowed the inside is.

From Country Living (via Dover Pl. blog), this shows that you don't need a neutral color scheme for this idea. Here, bright colors pop from the background of the books.

I decided to try it for myself on a small scale. Should I be embarrassed of my book selection? I'm not...

I thought I'd break up the monotony with two of my most gorgeous book spines off to the side. I kind of like the look of this but I'm still torn.

I have a really pretty cloth Pierre Deux journal that I included in the stack on the middle shelf. I understand the idea, and maybe when you're finished reading an embarrassing bestseller book you might want to turn it spine inwards.

What do you all think of this idea? I saw this done at the J. Crew in Westfarms mall in Farmington, CT (yeah!!), and in the store display it looked amazing! I wish I had a picture to show you. I'd love to do something interesting with my bookcases besides the mini displays I've created but I have so many design books that I love to show them off and admire them myself. I'm thinking of wallpapering the back of the bookcase or painting it a bright color.

Alicia B.

Book Signing: Celerie Kemble To Your Taste

2009-10-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, I went to a super fun book signing/panel discussion with Celerie Kemble and Thad Hayes and bought their books and got them signed! It was amazing to briefly meet each designer as they were really friendly and encouraging. I'm enjoying their books whenever I have a spare moment. Celerie's book, To Your Taste is full of amazing interiors that she's designed.

I love the use of this bell jar turned upside down to put a spot light on this sweet scene.

Amazing colors here. Light, airy, and timeless. The contrast of the dark turquoise with the chartreuse is really surprising.

So beautiful. The color on the upholstered chair to the right is so pretty!

I'm a huge sucker for painted furniture (if you've ever seen my apt you'll know what I mean.) and that chest reminds me of an old Florentine painted chest.

I highly recommend the book. It was as much an auto biography as it was a collection of gorgeous interiors. I think I was most taken by Celerie when she sniffed the Sharpie marker that she used to sign my book. At least she was honest about liking the smell--who doesn't? Did I go too far there? Whatever, go get the book. HERE. Have an amazing Wednesday!

Alicia B.

Pink Drapery Adventure

2009-10-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here are only a few of the pink fabrics that I was working with. We ended up going with a soft and sweet silk taffeta.

As I mentioned before, over the weekend I was going to visit a client's to advise them on new updated pink drapery for their bedroom. As pink is my favorite colors, the fabric shopping I did for this was incredibly fun for me. Here are some pictures of rooms with pink drapery that I think are just fantastic.

Sixx Design. This is a sweet and fun kid's room with fun flowery drapery. Also please note the wall of pink red and yellow flowers. A living wall? In a little girl's room? LOVE.

House Beautiful. I think i might have posted this before but it is true perfection for me. This guest room has the perfect relaxing shade of pink and I can't resist a Dash and Albert rug. I love how the light shines through the pink curtains.

House Beautiful. Again, pink and green had me at hello. This is a more subtle shade of pink and certainly lightens the room.

Country Living. I love nearly everything in this room except for the powdery pink cabinet on the left. Too much. I think the pink stripe drapery though is fabulous.

Bierly Drake. I saved this one for last because it's to DIE FOR. Everything in this scene is just lovely and perfect. I love how high the drapery is hung, the choice of furniture which has dark accents to counter act the light feeling in the room, and how the curtains are all cinched together at the top and flow out at the bottom.

Needless to say I'm excited to see the pink drapery when it installed in a few weeks. My clients instantly loved the pink that I picked out and the fabric is on it's way! I'll show a before and after sometime soon.

Alicia B.

Random Design Inspiration Friday

2009-10-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

Even though I gave myself a four day week this week, it was jam packed with busyness. My class just kicked into high gear and I have just about everything due next week, I'll be showing drapery fabrics to my client this weekend up in CT (SO JAZZED), and I'm working on decluttering my apartment. Hopefully I'll get a moment this weekend to just breathe. Here are some pictures that are helping me do just that!

I saw this amazing series of balloon pictures on You Are My Fave. Aren't they incredible? It reminds me of the hot air balloon races that used to happen when I was younger; all of a sudden you'd look up in the backyard and there were masses of balloons floating above you. (Btw, this has nothing to do with those lunatics who lost their son yesterday in a balloon. Weird.)

I love to photograph balloons whenever I get the chance. These are my latest; taken in Central Park a few weeks ago. Picnic Balloons.

Sixx Design is one of the most intensely inventive design firms right now. I'd just DIE for the garage door opening into the space. I wonder how that would feel to be in a space that open.

Keith Scott Morton. Everyone knows I love a good Windsor chair. The color of the door is perfect for fall right now.

In a few hours I'll be off on the train up to CT in this icky rain. I haven't been home in a while so I'm really looking forward to this. Rumor has it that we'll be eating dinner HERE! SO delish. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Alicia B.

Tone on Tone Design

2009-10-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

I've been brainstorming for a client lately. They have requested new drapery in their semi new home's bedroom. The current drapery is a gorgeous chintz, but it comes from their former home and need more of an updated look. They have very pale pink walls and have requested pink drapery. Pink is my favorite color so of course I'm all for it. I think the idea of the walls being the same color but a different tone is perfect for this room. Tone on tone, if you will. Let's take a look at the merits of this idea.

Jan Showers. In this library, the dark drapery matching the dark walls makes the room cozier and adds to the enveloping feeling, but still allows a generous amount of light in.

Designed by Grant White Design. I really wish this image in the top left was larger so you could see better but the walls are a pale mottled grey and the drapery is more of a cement color.

Janet Simon's soft blues and neutrals bedroom here is made a bit edgier with these brighter window treatments. They really pop in this room and draw your eye to the gorgeous bay window.

Gary Mcbournie. I feel like here, the very vertical drapery is used to accentuate the architectural elements of this room with a high ceiling. The green he used is so elegant.

Through these pictures you can really see how the brighter tone of each color simply brings that color forward even more. It also unifies the room a bit more without it being just one shade or many colors that may work, but are floating too much in the room. This helps tie them all down. I'll be showing my fabric choices to my clients over the weekend and seeing them in the space so I'll let you know how it goes!

Alicia B.

Cowboy boots are a standard.

2009-10-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

Up here in the Northeast, cowboy boots are a trend. They are so hot right now according to the fall trend reports, but I've had a pair for a few years. Anyway, down in Nashville, any one who's anyone has at least one pair. Each one is different, black, brown, embroidered, with flowers, even wellington style! Take a look at some of my faves, y'all!

I LOVE THESE. Embellished and fabulous.

This entire wall was covered dollar bills with people's names on them! And Paul turned 50 in Nashville.

Manly.

Not a cloud in sight but these wellies were spotted and loved! Peacock feathers!!!

Clearly these bad boys get used a lot-scuffed and authentic!

I'm pretty sure these have a metal tip on them. Badass.

These are in a store that was pretty much on every corner.

I wanted to bring my own pair down to Nashville but was told that they would be "cliche" but they in fact were not. I've been a country fan since high school and have had many family trips out west so I do have my fair share of country gear. Do y'all have any boots or hats?

Alicia B.

Nashville, Y'all: Part One

2009-10-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I took a three day weekend for a girls weekend with a friend from college. We decided on Nashville as neither of us had been there and had heard many good things. We ended up having a rockin fun time and learned a lot about the small city. There were cowboy hats, cowboy boots, honky tonks (still trying to figure out what that REALLY means), southern accents galore, and music on every corner. We stayed at the super fabulous Loews hotel and I thought y'all might be interested to see how the hotel was designed. I was mighty pleased, myself.

This was the huge hotel lobby. I don't remember those stars being there but there were little patches of grass growing all around. You can see some growing around the base of that column!

This is what our room looked like. All the walls were grass cloth walls and one was an accent wall--also grass cloth. It made the room seem softer and less hotel-like. I was loving the orange lamp that they chose on the bedside table.

Another super gorgeous room, this time with a blue accent wall.

This is the inside of the elevator which always had a country song playing in it. It was gorgeous wood paneled and had damask fabric panels on each side and a mirror on the back wall. And a super high ceiling.

Rumor had it that Dierks Bentley, the country star, was staying there at the same time because he had a benefit concert (that we attended) that Sunday afternoon. We MIGHT have started this rumor but there was someone famous staying there and the concierge was super tight lipped about it. INTRIGUE. Can't wait to show you more pictures from our trip! We did so much more than hang out with Dierks Bentley...

Oh, and FYI all these images were from the Loews website except for the one of the elevator. I took that.

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

2009-10-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

This has been an extremely busy week for me as you can see by the lack of posting. Busy is great though. I've been working on a school project of a town house, work is buzzing again, it's Fall Market in the D & D building and I'm helping a client select fabric for bedroom window treatments! Here are some lovely pictures for you to enjoy.

This little scene is from an interior by Sara Bengur. Isn't the fabric on this chair gorgeous? Faded salmon color? Pinky oranges are everywhere I look lately.

Nate Berkus. I love the surprise pop of blue from these ceramic vases in this beautiful but neutral dining room.

Ready for the close up? What a wonderful display cabinet for these great white platters. If you read this blog you know I love the wire in the cabinets. Bierly Drake.

I'll update you on my drapery project soon. I'm busy collecting fabrics to see in the space and to show the clients! I also attended a book signing in the D & D building yesterday and will let you know about that soon as well! Have a wonderful and creative weekend.

Alicia B.

Le Corbusier liked it...

2009-10-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

La Lampe Gras! Brook Farm General Store in Brooklyn is apparently the ONLY store on the east coast to sell this gorgeous original architect's lamp designed by Bernard Albin Gras. Many repros have been made, which are gorgeous too, but this lamp is the only one of it's kind on this side of the country! I'd love to have one to attach to my drafting table while I toil away at floor plans and elevations. Rumor has it that Le Corbusier loved this lamp. Was it the secret to his success?? Something to think about... Anyway, I was drawn in to Brook Farm by this lamp but then discovered that it had SO much more to offer! Take a look at my favorite things. Ever.

Friend and fellow designer, Amie of Cafiero Lighting Design, just had a baby girl and this little ticking stripe blanket, $85, would make the snuggliest gift for her!

If I had this watering can maybe I would remember to water my plants! ...YUP, just bought it online for only $25.

Baking could never get more fun, but could it get better looking with these porcelain measuring spoons? I think so. HERE only $15.

I think my heart stopped when I saw these gorgeous colored pencils. I MUST have them. NOW.

And last but not least, an antique level. Have you ever seen anything more gorgeous? It's mahogany with brass inlay. I think you know what I mean.

I'd love to go check this store out in person. It looks like tons of home-store fun and I guess I could go shopping a little more often...you don't have to force me. Speaking of drafting and floor plans, I've been super busy lately with school so I just wanted to thank you all for being patient as the posting has taken a bit of a hit. Thanks for reading, following the blog, and following me on twitter! You guys are great!

Alicia B.

In Honor of Randall Ridless

2009-10-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Very sad news in the interior design world today: Randall Ridless passed away on Friday. He was an amazing and revered designer. Though I've never met him, I greatly admired him and thought he had incredible style. Here are a few of his interiors:

Via The Devine Life. This white interior is so serene and the painting over the sofa is so fabulous. I'd love to work in an interior with such high ceilings--notice the very large shade over the whole space.

Another gorgeous white interior. I love every single piece of furniture here!

Clearly he's talented, but also versatile. This little boy's room is so full of character! I really love the wall paper here.

Randall Ridless was an amazing designer and he will be sorely missed.

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

2009-10-02T04:32:00.001-07:00

As always, I've been much too busy to keep up with myself this week. I apologize about my slow posting but things have been hectic. I am secretly glad that Fall is quickly approaching though; as much as I love wearing mini skirts in the summer, I LOVE plaid and wool just as much. Here is a little selection of interiors you might like.

Nate Berkus had me at this simple striped throw rug AND THEN the amazing rough looking chest of drawers there. Then the table lamp. AH.

Lonny Mag was launched yesterday as many of you all know! I am very impressed and love it so far. It seems to be a Domino/Blueprint type with fashion mixed in, which I look forward to also. Congrats to the staff and creators of Lonny! This is just one of many gorgeous vignettes you can see in the online mag.

Kyle Sheneman of Live Well Designs, is a designer who once redesigned Tyra Banks's office in LA for her. His portfolio is youthful with many classic elements mixed in. This scene makes me feel like Fall.

So many things seem to be happening in the design world lately and it's all very exciting! I'm getting set for the weekend which will involve me redesigning an entire first floor for school! Talk about exciting! What do you have planned?

Alicia B.

Old Skirt= New Clutch!

2009-10-01T18:06:00.001-07:00

I wanted to title this post: Stuff to do while watching Vampire Diaries, but it was too long and I had second thoughts. Anyway, I've been wanting to do this for a while but I made a clutch! I had a super cute skirt from Banana Republic that was not really in style anymore and I didn't end up wearing it all summer and the guilt was killing me. I needed to do something useful with it because I really did love the fabric. So...CLUTCH!

First I put little magnets under the waist of the skirt, folded it down, secured it in place and reinforced it to make it stiffer.

Then I folded it and pinned the layers in place.

Woo! Sewing time. Luckily the skirt had a nice light grey lining which became the lining of my new bag.

Then I turned it right side out and put a huge button on the top as a cute accent!

Close up.

My fave thing was the really amazing pleating in the skirt and it showed up really well in the clutch too, right? This little guy will probably make his debut Friday night!

Alicia B.

Inlaid Wood Love

2009-10-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Italian inlaid wood tea caddy from 1st Dibs. Only $1850? I'll take it!

I think inlaid wood is incredibly beautiful. You might even say exquisite. There are so many intricate patterns you can create on the floor, in a door, in a box, I could go on but it's starting to sound like a Dr Seuss book. One usually finds it it a traditional setting where it is a stunning surprise.

A large honeycomb pattern is here in this foyer using different tones of wood to make the pattern stand out. From Traditional Home.

Think you can only find inlay in a historical home? Not so! Stephanie Stokes (my kitchen idol) took the pattern of her family crest and had it inlaid into the small kitchen floor. Stunning.

If you don't have the resources for hiring a professional to do your marquetry work, this is actually a stained pattern made to look like inlaid wood. Incredibly gorgeous and I love the Greek key pattern on each side. Designed by Brown Davis Interiors.

Here is designer, Juan Montoya modeling for us next to a kicky inlaid wood door. It almost looks like parkay flooring but much prettier as it is framed out so nicely on this door.

I wish I could see the top of this table better but it has an inlaid pattern inset on it. I like the informal look of this as well. Gorgeous foyer by James Michael Howard.

I think I'm most drawn in by the craftsmanship that it must take to create these pieces. The craft of marquetry is quite rare I'm sure so it makes them even more valuable and special. I just recently selected an inlaid wood box for a client to use as a cocktail table (with legs made) and a glass top and it is going to look amazing. Have a fantastic Thursday because guess what! Tomorrow is Friday!

Alicia B.

Discoveries in a Small Kitchen in NYC

2009-09-29T07:35:00.001-07:00

Chris Welsh, the designer, had to deal with this alcove kitchen. he used light colors and maximized the light he had with that one window.

That title kinda sounds like a romance novel possibly involving an interior designer. Oh well, I'm keeping it. As you all know, I have a mini kitchen. Seriously, everything is lined up on one wall and the tiles stretch literally less than a foot until it hits the parkay flooring which indicates the transition to the living room. I thought I'd share a few tips for maximizing your space here.

1: Efficiency. Everything must have a place. I have very little counter space so every little inch is precious. To maximize your cabinets, don't feel bad about stacking things more than you normally would. Get cute canisters, too, for silverware or large spoons and spatulas.

In this kitchen by Chad Eisner featured in House Beautiful, he used seeded glass in many of the cabinets which makes them feel lighter. I love the look of open rack shelves in kitchens but in a practical sense, I don't think it works so this is a great alternative.

This is one of my fave kitchens on the planet. It's small but look how well each space is used. Canisters for utensils, little cook book nooks, and custom cabinets. By Stephanie Stokes

2: Wall space. A good place to store things is on the wall. Use this space for a potrack, a magnetic knife strip, or a bulletin board.

These sleek racks are from Pottery Barn. I have my own little rattan spice rack but these are nice and don't take up a lot of space. HERE.

Living Etc. Vintage canisters and a handy wall mounted pot rack.

3: Junk Drawer=NO. I had to forget about having the all purpose junk drawer (the thought scares me anyway) for anything that didn't have a space. Everything MUST have a home so make a bulletin board like I mentioned above. You can tack up invitations, reminders, lists (yay, lists!) or just notes you like that make your day a little brighter.

Here is a cool DIY bulletin board you can make with old corks and a vintage frame. Plus, it has a kitchen vibe. From Apartment Therapy HERE.

4: Color. I think you have two options here based on your space. If you have a narrow galley style kitchen you can paint it but make sure everything is the same color. If you have a monochromatic room, it makes it look bigger no matter what color you paint it (almost). I have a one walled kitchen so I painted everything a very pale yellow to bring light into the room.

Living etc. Sunny yellow kitchen. Make sure you don't use the wrong yellow though. Results could be shaky.

5: Mirrors. I don't LOVE mirrors as paneling but I've noticed a few designers using mirrors in kitchens to give the illusion of a bigger room. Here you can see it in the inset on the cabinets or the backsplash as in the one above by Stephanie Stokes

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By Jonathan Berger.

You and I can have great kitchens and be gourmet cooks too even if we have small kitchens! If you have a large one, make sure it works and it isn't just a massive waste of space. Thoughts? Do you have any tips from your kitchen you'd like to share?

Alicia B.

I want

2009-09-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

YUP. I want. I rarely go shopping (as much as I used to) in this economy so when I want something, I feel like I really have to want it. I've saved up (kinda) for these adorable and super chic pants from jcrew and I'm going to get them today after work! Thoughts?

Minnie Pants from JCrew. These are so perfect for Fall!

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday!

2009-09-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Cool art table via abccreativity

I'm approaching this weekend with a bit of trepidation. I know I have a lot to do for school when all I really want to do is go downtown and shop around and hit up a flea market or two. OH WELL, these are the sacrifices I have to make for my future/school. I'll be at school chained to a drafting table. Not like the one above--they are all white and pristine but the one above looks like fun. I am jazzed that it's Friday because I'm pretty tired so here are some relaxing nap inducing rooms. Enjoy!

I love this kind of window here with a window seat. The light streaming in looks so warm and inviting. Interior by Courtney Giles.

My new favored designer is Chad Eisner. He has amazing taste as you can see above with that fun and surprising drum shade. Check out his portfolio HERE.

This whimsical coffee table keeps the room from feeling too stuffy. I'd love to have a soft arm chair like that one by the window. From Katie Sellers.

I would just love to skip out of work right now (at 10:30 eek!) and sit in a window seat warmed by the sun and read a book. But alas, I'll be out soon enough I guess and only to start madly thinking about rearranging a mini kitchen in an inventive way so that my teacher won't yell at me. What are your plans? Outside? Inside? With family and friends?

Alicia B.