Friday Faves

I took this last spring in Central Park while lying down on a blanket relaxing in the sun. www.aliciabdesigns.com

I do apologize for being a tad stingy on the postings. I've been really busy of late so thanks for understanding. I do enjoy posting the gorgeous interiors that I post, but I have to remind myself that the blog is for fun. Balance in all things, right? Now, on to the good stuff: it's Friday!

After I complete my country house in CT, I'd like to build a home out in Wyoming with a view like this (with mountains though). I love the openness of the room onto the balcony. From Living Etc.

My bf, an international man of mystery, is going to Paris and Germany this week for work. I haven't been to Paris in YEARS--since I visited my older sister when she lived there. I'd love to go back. This picture is NOT me, but was taking in the charmant Tuilerie Gardens, one of my favorite places in Paris. Via this talented fellow.

Did you hear about the amazing sale going on at the Container Store? One of my D & D friends gave me this brocade metal file bin which I really really needed to house my new Lilly Pulitzer file folders.

I won't be doing anything remotely related to any of the above activities/things. I'm going to CT, and then up to Boston to cheer on my sister in the Boston Marathon. I think she's run about 4 marathons by now and I'm so impressed/proud of her! Is anyone running in the Boston Marathon this weekend? What are your weekend plans? Perhaps some spring cleaning indoors because of all this rain? Or maybe plant a tiny garden because of the rain? Whatever you do, have a great, creative, and happy weekend!

Alicia B.

Mariu de Andreis in Paris

Over the weekend I was home chez my parents' house and as you may know, the Metro North train rides can be pretty boring. While I don't feel embarrassed to read the Twilight books on the train, a change is nice, so I picked up the latest Elle Decor UK version and loved it! There were many modern/industrial spreads which didn't super appeal to me but they were nice to look at nonetheless. One of the articles was really beautiful in particular was of Mariu de Andreis's apartment in Paris.

Mariu's father was Italian fashion photographer, Paolo Roversi, so photography is super important to her. How much do you want floor to ceiling windows with mouldings like that?

Am dying over the arrangement of the pictures over the mantle, as well as the mantle itself. I love the green blues brought into the color palette too. The fur ads softness to some of the hard modern elements in the room.

I love that table, even though it's so light, it has such a presence.

Like I said above, she has been very influenced by the idea of photographs and has created a small mural of Polaroids in the shape of a heart over her bed. She loves Polaroids because they are SO spontaneous and in the moment. What a cute idea.

Isn't the floor in this apartment incredible? They seem to have lots of books (applaud that) crammed into the shelves. I like this so much that I'm not even upset by the fact that she has leaning art on the shelf.

Close up on the art.

In an Italian household, she said that the kitchen/dining is the most important place in the house. I love this picture of her taking an espresso or a tea with her daughters. So cute (even though it's staged).

Here is Mariu. She has her own children's clothing line, Zef, which "epitomises the classic French bohemian look, born through Mariu’s eloquent natural feel for ethnic patterns with retro twists." Basically anyone who is anyone and is 6 years old in France, should be wearing Zef.

Not loving the stripped down industrial computer stand but I do love the lamp...and did I mention the floor?

Oh look, it's my least favorite piece of furniture of all time. HINT: The coffee table. It's okay though, the floor lamps and the bookcase make up for its short comings.

She has ANOTHER fireplace in this apartment? Jealous!

Now, I know it must seem weird that I would like something like this as I am a self proclaimed traditionalist but I love the eclectic look of it. It's glamorous without being pretentious and I don't even hate the mid century modern pieces! The architectural qualities of this apartment give it a good base, though. I'll certainly be getting Elle Decor UK more often.


Alicia B.