Hanging vs. Leaning.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you see a beautiful or even not so beautiful art propped up against a wall instead of hanging. To me, it takes away from the value of the art to have it casually sitting there rather than displayed up on the wall. I know it has been a big trend and I see it everywhere but finally yesterday I was validated on this sentiment by designer Keith Irvine! There was an article about him (he's 80 and still amazing!) in the New York Times yesterday and he said, "the modern habit of propping pictures against the wall. It's A, sort of pretentious and B, tentative." GOOD POINT Mr Irvine! I think the fact that it's "tentative" makes me feel unsettled and unfinished.

On the other side of this, people enjoy the temporary aspect of leaning the art. It can be seen as casual and you are able to move it about. Derek Larson says, "Leaning art feels effortless and casual. And it makes it easy to rotate pieces in your collection."

In Domino, the art is hanging and leaning. I do like the gallery style on the back wall though--look how low those pictures are!

Living etc. A framed poster (inexpensive art!) is propped on this mantle.

Adore this white washed brick but one of these pictures is being blocked!

Leaning art on the floor. I don't feel well.

Bravo on committing! From Domino.

Even if you're going for a less formal look, you can still hang the art! This is from a Robin Bell house in House Beautiful.

We all know how I feel. What are your thoughts?

Alicia B.

MY Deco File (so far)

Usually I don't jump on to the trend train on things right away. I like to make sure something has staying power before I decide to like it, like Gossip girl, or polo shirts. You know what I mean. Anyway, I had seen the domino deco files popping up trying to get me to jump on board and I'd always ignored it. I have my own little files at home. One of small things that inspire me; pretty pictures or objects, quotes by designers that inspire me etc. Then, I have a notebook when entire articles of designer spreads from magazines that I've fallen in love with. Well, I finally succumbed to Domino Deco Files. You can categorize, label, and tag all the images. Its an organizational dream! And my favorite part is that you can take images from other websites or files already saved onto your computer--not just Domino!

I love the furniture in these two pics. That's all.

As of right now I only have a few pics (above) from Ina Garten's newest spread in House Beautiful done by Robert Stilin, but I'm working on it okay?? DON'T PRESSURE ME.



Alicia B.

Domino: The Book of Decorating (GET IT NOW)

Last night I attended the book signing for the new Domino book, Domino: The Book of Decorating, at the Conran Shop on 59th street! I had the pleasure of meeting and briefly talking to editors, Dara Caponigro, Deborah Needleman, and Sara Ruffin Costello (and they all signed my book!). I think it's really amazing and inspirational that these three women are running this ultra successful magazine--an inspiration for any young person, especially a woman. It's classic but cutting edge and fun. I look forward to receiving the issue every month and I'm by accident subscribed to it until 2012! www.dominomag.com


Anyway, the book is amazing. Nothing like judging a book by its cover; look at it, its adorable! The book guides you through each room with floor plans, gorgeous pictures, furniture guides, and even helps with window treatment/ drapery styles. It's especially helpful for people just starting out such as myself. You can flip to a certain page and have your question answered (how high should I hang a light fixture over a kitchen table?) right away.

One of many helpful furniture guides.

You should def buy this book; I'm so happy that I've added it to my quickly growing library of design books. Also, I had never been to the Conran shop but I could literally spend hours there. For someone who loves shopping and then shopping for household items and organizational thing...this place is a dream. My friends should expect gifts for Christmas/ Hanukkah from there. Or the Domino book!


Alicia B.

RED THERAPY

Fine Paints of Europe # 7195.

Says Mary McDonald, "I think red is a sexy color for brunettes. We can handle strong colors that would eat up a blonde. This is more of a blue red than a tomatoey country red. It's sultry and sophisticated."

Red scares me. Is it supposed to be exciting? Am I supposed to like it because its daring? Many very famous designers have built their reputations on being able to use red well. I have decided to do a little research on the uses of red. How much is too much? Too little? Just right? What do you feel emotionally from red? Anyway, I had fun--see below.

Dorothy Draper--this look is uber dramatic (the Greenbrier). LOVE.

This is from Domino. Using Brilliant in Tulip red from Fine paints of Europe, painting all the walls definitely makes a statement.

Sometimes just using a simple accent of red will draw attention especially in a room with such contrasting colors. From Metropolitan Home.

Also from Metropolitan Home, this room has such an airy feeling and the red is a much deeper hue. Love the dark wood nightstand with the cut outs.

Martha Stewart uses this glossy red paint around the windows and cabinets in a country kitchen.

This room is by Todd Romano; he uses a more mottled texture to this wall. I like this brick color red and the way he pairs it with browns and greens.

Alex Papachristidis, who pretty much fears NOTHING when it comes to design, uses many red accessories in this living room slash study.

I guess one of the secrets is using it in moderation or go totally bold with it. Really be daring but try to pick the right one. Sometimes a red can look very modern and other times it can evoke a colonial/New England vibe. In an article I read about the psychological effect of red, it can draw out many emotions, both positive and negative. Negative: defiance, aggression and strain and Positive: passion, energy and warmth! I think I might be coming around or at least feeling better about red. Thanks for going through that with me.


Alicia B.

Feeling Blue? GREAT!

Benjamin Moore's Paddington Blue # 791

A friend of mine just moved into a new apartment and was asking me for advice! Yay! She has lots of dark wood furniture and doesn't want pink to be involved in the color scheme (I know, crazy right?). I suggested blue to her and she loved the idea of the rich dark browns and contrasting blues. Also add in some sandy browns or pale golds for accents! Here are some fun blue interiors that I found.

A tranquil bedroom from Dominio Mag.

I love this facade. LOVE.

A blue color scheme with a pale yellow wall from Domino Mag.

A Markham Roberts Dining room. Beautiful.

Blue hallway.

From Domino, Nick Olson designed this living room with bold blues and yellows.

Alicia B.

Bathroom Love

Ever since I told my friend that I loved the ultra feminine french spread from House Beautiful below and she pointed out that I liked french design, I've been very confused. Do I like fun mid century modern? Do I like English country? Regency? French? Wow. I mean I know I'm allowed to like everything but this has me really shaken up, design wise. Who am I? Whats my style? DEFINE ME! So, while I figure out who I am, here are some fun bathrooms I've found.

Domino Mag. Beautiful wallpaper and I love those plates arranged like that.

Kathy Abbott.

Saladino Group. A fire place??? How amazingly frivolous.

Scott Salvator. Wouldn't it be nice to have a Calder floating above your bathtub?

T. Keller Donovan. I wish I had enough room in my bathroom for a cute stool like that.

Bunny Williams

Joe Kremer. This is lovely but the stagnant water is a LITTTTLE creapy.

Joe Kremer.

Paul Siskin.

Which one is your favorite? I think mine is the T. Keller Donovan one. Blue and white is perfection there.

Alicia B.

Bed Bliss

Some cozy bedrooms. Thats all.

Martha Stewart. I know I know I'm obsessed. I'M SICK OKAY??

Martha Stewart. Structured comfort.

Martha Stewart. OH.

Domino Mag. I like the chair and pillow.

Domino Mag. Fun bedspread.

Living Etc. Attic bedroom.

Living Etc. Industrial Cozy.

Living Etc. Fun prints but a questionable shag rug.

Living Etc. More fun prints and colors

Alicia B.

Home Offices

A messy desk at home (in my mind) can be debilitating. Home offices have many uses, even if you are not working from home. I like to sit at my desk to read emails, chat with friends, and blog. I display postcards that remind me of people or things that I enjoy and keep letters from people. They can be very inspiring as well. I like to keep mine organized so that I can add things as my interests change as well. I love the examples with a little vase of flowers. Below are some inspiring examples:

Sara Story. Shes an amazing designer. Look out for a spotlight on her soon.

Sara Story. Grey color palette but still warm feeling.

Todd Romano. What a lovely view.

Ione Skye. Bright vibrant colors.

Sara Story. I love the orange storage boxes. SO organized.

From Domino mag. Great for someone with a small space, this desk is wall mounted.

Windsor Smith. This one looks so cozy.

This one is my fave from Living, etc. www.livingetc.com The desk is an antique and I'm in love.

Alicia B.