The Luck of Good Design

Crane's green willow envelope and Thank You notes HERE. Thank you notes are still important to write and having cute stationary removes all excuses!

Well, good design isn't luck really at all. It's a good eye, experience, good use of color, and all that other jazz, but you all know that. Today is St Patrick's day which means it's going to take me twice as long to walk home today because of all streets that will be crowded with inebriated post collegiates yelling things at me or falling down in front of me. Aahhh, kids these days. Though I'm not Irish, I have strawberry blonde hair and very fair skin. I do love the color green and little pots of gold!

A holiday like this one certainly isn't a reason to change your interior to add green elements (unless you're planning a party!), but the fact that green might look nice in a room IS a reason. Jamie Drake used a few different shades of green here in this bedroom. I love the tufted headboard.

This cute watercolor painting is from HERE via etsy. "In the Clover No 4"

There are plenty of amazing green toned fabrics out there. I love this one, Palermo, by Carolina Irving--it comes in a few other colors, too.

Whenever I think of a clever use of the color green, I think of Florence de Dampierre's front door of her home in Litchfield CT. It's really great looking in person, too (I did a drive by about a month ago, okay??).

Chicagoans really get into the spirit and dye the Chicago River green!!! It looks toxic, yes, but what spirit that city has! Good usage of tax dollars?? Hmmm.

I don't' think I really have much green in my apartment except for some green vases here and there, or in a plant. Green, for me, means that spring (and Summer) are here and it's time to open your windows and let some life in! I don't' have plans for St Patty's Day, except to pack my bags because I'm leaving on a small vacation tomorrow! Do you all have plans?? Anyone in Chicago ever see that river turned green?


Alicia B.

Let it Snow!

New York in the 1930's. So romantic and pretty with that horse drawn carriage disappearing behind that building. flickr straatis

It's finally snowing in New York City this morning! I've been waiting for this for weeks now so I'm going to savor it as I'm told it will turn to sleet later on in the day. I love the look of snow on some of the old buildings around New York. It's so beautiful and calm looking in a city that never stops moving. I'm so happy because my little (5 inches taller than I) sister is coming back to America after her semester abroad in London! She comes in to snowy New York this afternoon. This is just one of many awaited arrivals from a family member onto the east coast. Please enjoy these gorgeous snow scenes from cities near and dear to my heart because of who lives there.

Wow, crazy snow in Florence. I don't know anybody there right now but I just wish I were there. All the time. flickr sparafleshato

Where I'm going in Connecticut there aren't many buildings, just barns and farms. One of my design dreams is to have an old barn someday converted into a house. flickr ikonjon

This is in Millennium park in Chicago where my dear older sister and her husband live! I love that bean. They are coming to me on the east coast next week! flickr ashishnigam2002

Munich in the Snow. I love this church, so beautiful in the snow. My sister is coming in today from Munich as she spent the last week of her semester there. JEALOUS. flickr isarbar

This is the Boston Commons where my college roommate lives. I miss her so much and I'm super jealous that this is what Boston is like in the snow. I love the historical architecture here. So beautiful. flickr hogan3774

So who is up for a snow ball fight in Central Park?? Anyone? I can't wait to get out of work and take pictures of the snow before it is muddy and ruined. Have a lovely snowy (or not) Friday!


Alicia B.

Branca's New Store!

This morning I got an email from Branca announcing their new store! It is a collection of home objects from one of my favorite designers, Alessandra Branca. I'd love to show you some of my favorite things from the store but I loved them all! The blue hand blown glass vases, the regency faux bamboo cane armchair upholstered in a red wool tartan, the owl (even though I hate owls) measuring tape...to name a few. I highly recommend visiting the store in person if you live in Chicago (my lucky sister!) or visit it online HERE.


I love when designers start their own store or their own furniture/fabric line. It's like they are selling their favorite things to you! A gift to the design world!

Coming up: Things I'm thankful for !


Alicia B.