Designer Spotlight: David Driscoll

One of my favorite designers, David Driscoll has recently broken out on his own! He is currently based in Manhattan but has designed interiors on Nantucket, Rhode Island, and Palm Beach. His style is sophisticated, but simple and chic. He uses a lot of neutral colors which makes his interiors very cozy and livable. As he is very innovative, he also offers a redesign service! He will take your space and basically give it a chic makeover but keep your original pieces--just make them better. David also believes in being "green"--by using antiques! Enjoy the pics from his website below!

This is the before shot with dowdy fabric and low to the ground accessories.

After shot with lighter fabrics, a beautiful gourd lamp on the side table and more life in the room (literally).

I love the fabric for the drapery here.

Same for the throw pillows.

I notice that he uses a lot of plants in his rooms which I really like.

The small painting next to the bed ads a real feeling of intimacy.

I believe this is from an apartment in Manhattan.

You know, I of course love these framed drawings over the sofa.

Double candles also keep popping up in his designs.

Check out his website www.davidmdriscoll.com


Alicia B.

Am I Getting Into Flowers?

This is a very new thing for me as usually I cannot be bothered to spend a TON of money on flowers. As I was buying them for my sister's arrival I found they weren't that expensive and they were so beautiful. Simple and beautiful. They add so much color! The most fun thing is that once they wilt or die, you can get new and different ones! Fellow blogger Abbey buys gorgeous flowers about once a week...maybe I should do the same.






Above are the flowers that I chose today. They are pink Gerbera Daisies. I know, daisies are seen as very common. They are my absolute favorite, though. It is forever ingrained in my SOUL that I love daisies. I know some people who read my blog can relate. Have a beautiful Saturday (as I am in class all day)!

Alicia B.

House Guest 101...Dun Dun DUNNNN

Having a house guest forces you to look at yourself and your living space a little bit more objectively. You have to judge yourself with a sharper eye than usual. One of my beloved sisters is coming to stay with me over the weekend and though I am busy, I'd love to make her feel comfortable in my mini room and mini apartment. Through reading some great tips on having house guests, I'm going to take some steps towards making my room a bit more welcoming.

What a sweet bedroom by Annsley McAleer.

The first step I've started to take is cleaning up the clutter. Putting things where they belong whether its in a box, back in a drawer, up on the bookshelf, or I've decided to just plain throw it out. THEN I'll allow myself to clean/dust/windex. I love windex. The next thing to do is to literally make the room more comfortable (I don't have a guest room) so I've sent away for some extra pillows! I love big comfortable pillows on my bed.



After various preparations: keeping things neat, making sure I have certain snacks in my cupboard, and planning things to do to keep her entertained (shes SO high maintenance), I'd like to buy a little bouquet of flowers for the room. I think it makes it more intimate and adds actual life to the space! It doesn't have to be anything big (the smaller and sweeter the better).

As for the bathroom, obviously make sure it is nice and clean but make sure you have extra toiletries: toothbrush, soaps, and extra towels. Real Simple has some other great tips.

You can read more tips on, you guessed it, Martha's website. They're very helpful too if you actually HAVE a guest room. HA.


Alicia B.

I met Barry Dixon...I KNOW

Last night I went to a book signing at Rizzoli Bookstore for Barry Dixon's new book. Barry Dixon is a southern interior designer (and sweetheart). He told me about the importance of good traditional design. Traditional design lasts through decades, trends etc. He said when he went back to clients' homes to photograph his new book, Barry Dixon Interiors, he found that virtually nothing in the homes had changed! This just goes to show that traditional is timeless.

The main thing that struck me about Barry was how genuine he was. He seemed like he just wants to share his ideas and thoughts about design and life! At the book signing I also met the photographer, Edward Addeo, and the author of the book, Brian Coleman. Take a look below at some pics from his website.

I love architectural detailing like this in bathrooms.

This is one of the most gorgeous libraries I've seen in a while. Amazing color scheme.

I love this little "tablescape" of interesting perfume bottles on top of the chest.

Long hallways like this one are accentuated by the repeating lanterns.

The brown shade of this wall is super successful. Also check out the nailhead detailing on the baseboard molding!

Even with a bright color like orange, this room appears soft.

Dramatic.

Beautiful scene.

The wallpaper in this small room is so unique. Love it.

In his book, Barry Dixon says to put a round carpet in a room to make it look larger.

The traditional look can often come across as too formal, but I've found that Dixon's interiors are comfortable and elegant at the same time. He also has his own furniture line which is available to the trade only, here. Thanks DJ!


Alicia B.

I just wanna go home and bake....

I got a daily Martha email about her new and improved (already amazing) chocolate chip recipes. These are by far the best chocolate chip cookie--even my mother (an amazing cook) uses the recipe now.

My fave are the chewy chocolate chip cookies. They are straight up amazing. Thats all.


Alicia B.

So Hot Right Now

I new trend brought to my attention (by me) is fun uber feminine hair accessories. Headbands with big bows and sequined or shiny pony tail holders. I had seen them at J crew before and loved them and thought about making some myself. Then last week I saw them again on Miss Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl (ABOVE)! They are fun, very girly and festive and remind me of headbands I used to wear as a little girl!

Found this in Marie Claire.

Nordstroms. I love how winter preppy this is.

Goody, available at Target.

Goody, again.

Hats in the Belfry

So fun and sweet from Henri Bendel

J Crew Chiffon Headband. This is one of a few of their adorable headbands.

Alicia B.