Writing Tables Galore.

I love writing tables. I also love desks, but there is something about writing tables or library tables that I just plain love. They are simple and unassuming. You can have a traditional one, or a modern glass topped one. The one that I have is very shallow and works really well for me because I live in a shoebox of an apartment.

This writing desk from Horchow is not only beautiful, but impeccably designed for a modern lifestyle with storage and easy to use with a computer or laptop.

This glass topped, X-based table fits right in to this glamorous interior by Nate Berkus.

The view from this desk would pretty much guarantee that you might not get much work done. I've always loved this relaxing looking office by Todd Romano.

Need a small one because you live in a small space? This cute rattan one looks like it belongs in a beach house. From Pottery Barn HERE.

This eclectic look is from Living Etc. I love the simplicity of the table itself, the books, and the Mac!

I hate tables with fabric over them but this is by Miles Redd, so I'll let it slide. This time. Anyway, this is a really interesting place for a desk or work area; at the end of the bed.

Joe Nye sucked me in with his glam hot animal prints and the light mocha color of the walls but the writing table by the window is gorgeous too.

I think an upright desk or secretary is wonderful. There is room for a lot of storage, and they are beautiful in their form--if you have a nice looking one. The writing table leaves most things out in the open so I think the simpler the better. I probably have too many objects and notepads on mine, but I don't have much room for storage period so BACK OFF. Anyway, which do you prefer? Desk or writing table?


Alicia B.

Too Crewel

This summery crewel pillow is from Etsy Seller, Tuttie Lou for only $45!

One of my anonymous commenters (who has yet to man up and get a real name) asked the other day what crewel was. Well, i thought it would be a great opp to show off some amazing crewelwork interiors! Crewel is a style of embroidery usually made with wool threads on cotton or linen and depicting flowers, plants, or vines (but not always). It has a traditional/country sort of connotation but came back as a trend about a year ago. Personally, I love it. I think it can be very elegant and demonstrates amazing craftsmanship.

This duvet and sham is available from Williams Sonoma Home in this nice natural color on a cream background. Maybe I need to switch up my bedspread...

This bright and lively interior is by Todd Romano and he used this incredible crewel work piece as a wall hanging. Crewel work was made a lot by women around the time of the American Revolution so there are many pieces around such as this one.

I adore this room that I found in AD by Suzanne Tucker and I think it's because of the rug but it MIGHT just be because of the crewel fabric (by Travers) used on the slipper chair. I'd just like to point out though that this fabric can be used with modern elements too such as the paintings over the bed.

Another room by Suzanne Tucker (I knew I liked her), she used Lee Jofa crewel fabric on these two chairs flanking the large white sofa. I think the only thing in this room I like are the chairs though and I nearly blacked out in horror over the mirrored wall/screen. Sorry Suzanne.

I remembered this great post that Eddie Ross did on crewel fabric HERE and this one really stood out to me because it was on a dark background. How gorgeous is this?

If I can't get a crewel duvet, I might get a throw pillow or something for my bed. I'm such a pillow lover, sometimes there are more pillows on my bed, than actual bed! HA. This YUM looking bed is from Country Living.

As I think about this more, I believe I had a rocking chair in my room growing up with crewel fabric and I used to complain that it was too scratchy for me. Well, I think I've gotten over that and I'm ready to try again. ALSO, if anyone can figure out the movie soundtrack reference of the title of this post...well, I'll be impressed. HINT: The star of the movie just had twins!

PS: GIVE AWAY CONTEST STARTS TOMORROW!!!


Alicia B.

Round Mirrors over the Mantel? I'm in!

Yesterday I was scanning through Elizabeth Dinkel's Portfolio, which I highly recommend, I'm going to have to add her to my inspirational designers folder, and I came across the picture above. I absolutely loved the round convex mirror over the fireplace mantel. It is over-scaled, and has amazing depth. I got curious about this idea of round mirrors over fireplaces; so many people put flat screens which makes me shudder. Take a look at all the different styles.

Todd Romano uses a round mirror in this large and elegant dining room. I like how it is a faded white color and blends into the wallpaper.

This mirror is quite traditional, as are many round mirrors. It is small but clearly the attention should be paid to the large chandelier in the room by Shiela Bridges.

Isn't the wallpaper in here stunning? The flat mirror and the flat fireplace look so pretty on the wallpaper. Just STUNNING. Designed by Nathan Egan.

That's right, there's a mirror there! Leta Austin Foster used a sunburst mirror. I love the dark reds in this room, it's actually calming feeling. And the apple green ceramic stools really balance it out.

This is from Eddie Ross's portfolio. This entire wall is basically mirrors and actually the traditional mirror breaks it up a bit.

I think I love everything about this room, from my dear Domino. This looks like an over-sized pocket mirror, and is hanging on a chain (from Ballard Designs).

Also from Domino, a pair of round mirror with a pair of scones next to it. I love the asymmetrical look to this with pairs.

What a gorgeous scene from Living etc. A pretty and neutral living room livened up with a fabulous mantle display and a Venetian mirror--leaning.

I'm a traditional kind of girl and love to have a gorgeous painting over the mantle, but I think that a round mirror or regular mirror as well is a fun alternative. A mirror adds the illusion of space to a room and a round mirror in particular can add a focal point to the room. Too bad for me I don't have a fireplace in my little apartment but I will be putting a mirror in my foyer to make it look bigger!

PS-ONE DAY LEFT to enter the floor lamp give-away contest! CLICK HERE if you can't be bothered to scroll down.

Also, thank you to My Design Secrets for the guest blog yesterday!

Alicia B.

Here.

Sorry about my flaky blogging of late. I have a lot of things going on, lots of balls up in the air right now so I'll try to be better. Anyway, I came across this amazing room by one of my heroes, Todd Romano. Remember when I did a post on small spaces and how putting lots of pattern in a room actually adds space visually, rather than taking it away? Well...


Just sayin. Isn't this fun?

Anyway, more to come later on. The guilt of not posting was just weighing so heavily on me. Have a lovely Monday!

Alicia B.

Thank you, Stephen Drucker.

Designing a space often times means coming up with a new and exciting way of placing furniture and accessories throughout the room. Stephen Drucker, however, makes a very excellent point in the latest House Beautiful that sometimes trying to do something new, you can run into trouble with a difficult floor plan or something of that sort. Basically he's saying, why change something good if it already works. There's a reason that it works in the first place. For example, the living room. You have a sofa up against one of the walls for a reason; people prefer it that way. Why put a chair in the middle of the room just to be different?--it breaks up the traditional seating arrangement. Enjoy.

Despite my admiration for Windsor Smith, in actuality I don't think that this works. A trestle table in the middle of the living room with two bulky armless sofas? Not comfortable or easy to maneuver.

A sofa with its back against the window is a great idea. Easy seating arrangement and enough space to put things like drinks or books. Alex Papachristidis.

Even with a contemporary style like in Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's new home, a traditional seating arrangement works. Sofa against the wall and two chairs flanking.

Thom Filicia created this cozy arrangement with the sofa off in the little nook, double table to make one coffee table and two chairs. He worked with the space that he was given to make this work. Make it work!

Michael Smith. This idea even works in a bedroom if you have enough space (good for you).

Of course, a Todd Romano. Doesn't this look so comfortable--yet not too traditional and boring!

As Michael Smith said, "When I'm designing a living room, I naturally want to put a sofa against a wall and two chairs opposite it. Some designers might find that boring. The reality is, its soothing. Most people prefer it that way." Well said! Thoughts anyone?


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.

Dark Rooms 101

Most people, when painting a room, think of going with a light color, not a dark blue, dark brown or even black. Dark paint colors are a bold choice, and as they are unusual, we are drawn to them. They are often good for small spaces, surprisingly enough. Designer John Barman says about the room above, "You're swept away by the blue and have no sense of the size of the room."

Moises Esquenazi used Farrow and Ball Mahogany paint.

Living Etc. The furniture in the room make this look more industrial.

Todd Romano. I love this room; it looks so cozy yet sophisticated with the rich blue walls and thick mouldings.

Australian Vogue Living. What a great gallery wall--looks so organic.

Carol Prisant used contrasting mouldings that add depth to the wall in this small room.

Elle Decor. This room looks pretty large and the windows add lots of light to it. I love how the walls curve up into the ceiling.

Leta Austin Foster. The dark color used here blends so well with the different colored ethnic floral patterns.

Metropolitan Home. The walls as well as the floor are painted a dark color. Again the use of the mouldings really adds depth to the room.

Jeffrey Bilhuber uses a dark chocolate brown. The glossiness of it reflects the light coming in from the window.

House to Home UK. I like how the black shade repeats in the next room to lead you through the space. NOT loving the Christmas lights on the floor though.

Katie Ridder. I love this little room with navy blue paint.

Markham Roberts. Dark floor and dark walls!

Markham Roberts. This room looks so New England-y and He even uses the dark blue paint in the fireplace.

Jeffrey Bilhuber uses dark paint in a larger setting with natural materials like a sisal carpet and stone fireplace.

I really likes these looks--they're fun and very bold. Thoughts? Has anybody done this in their own home?


Alicia B.