A Fire Burning...

A few months ago, when I was looking at apartments, one of them had a mini (non functional) fireplace that practically stole my heart. Unfortunately I just couldn't face living in an apartment that was just a 9' by 9' room--I have a lot of stuff so I had to move on from it (tear). Every time I see a fireplace though, I feel such incredibly envy so here's a collection of some hot hot fireplaces to ENVY.

By landscape designer Jay Griffith. *GASP* I just adore the idea of an outdoor fireplace. Eveyrthing here looks relaxing and just perfect for a quiet summer outdoor party.

Could this be more amazing looking? Are they going to bake bread in there? Or a pizza? This size fireplace reminds me of an old colonial house. By SR Gambrel.

By M Group. I love the traditional aspect of this one and the fact that it's in a dining room instead of a living room.

This little room brings out the modern (slash retro) side of me. Its like a little bubble fireplace and the setting seems like you could just come in from chopping wood, throw on a blanket and read for a little in front of the fire. From Living Etc.

Nothing gets me going like the look white washed wood! And exposed beams. By James Michael Howard.

I think based on this picture, it is going to be my life goal to have a fireplace in my bedroom. From The Daily Bed.

Another white fireplace but very different from the one above. I love how ornate the decoration is. By Eric Lysdahl.

There are so many fun things you can do with a fireplace and they don't always have to be traditional. Aside from how you decorate it, the structure itself varies in so many ways making it change the room completely, even making it the focal point. Even if it's not, it should surely grab your attention.


Alicia B.

Western Interiors, you broke my heart.

I was just literally blown out of the water when I tried to visit the Western Interiors website this morning and found THIS. Did anybody else know about this? Apparently it went down a few months ago right under my nose! I'm floored right now but curious to see if this magazine will be any good. I hold Western Interiors in such high esteem so it will be hard for this LUXE to measure up.


Alicia

Piano Forte

houzz. Isn't this glorious?

I've been accumulating a lot of images of pianos of late, for no other reason that I like the way they look. For some reason I feel like pianos are disappearing from design; I see them so rarely. I realize that not many people even know how to play the piano anymore (kids these days, what are we going to do with them!?), myself included. I was forced to take lessons and practice but to no avail; I was just terrible. Anyway, as a designer though, I think they're so beautiful. There's something about having a grand piano in your living room or hall that is so romantic.

Isn't this so glam/a tad ridiculous (in a good way) ? I love it though--how many times have you seen a fur covered piano seat? I suppose if you can't play the piano you can have one of those automatic playing ones! BNO Design.

If you have a large hall such as this one, it is a perfect spot for a piano. You also have to take acoustics into account. Who will be able to hear this? I'm sure this is a great spot though--it looks delightful. Jamie Kerns Design Theory.

I love how the light is streaming in on this corner of the room like a spotlight on the piano. It's important to choose a good light for the top of the piano as well. By Joe Lucas.

This is so tranquil looking but can't you imagine some perfectionist evil genius playing some 20 minute long piece on this piano? Somebody had to say it! By Hordon Cherry Lee Architects.

This was one of the rooms at the Kips Bay Showhouse this year that I was in charge of. Designed by Charles Pavarini. While this wasn't my favorite room at all, I found it incredibly inventive and well done. This piano off to the left was custom made for the showhouse and is a white crosshatched design. Pianos can be custom designed to pretty much anything you want, they don't always have to be white or black!

If you do have a piano, you're very lucky! There are many things to think about--space planning, situating it for acoustical reasons, and definitely don't just hide it in a corner! If you don't know how to play it anymore, just learn or hire someone to play it for you!


Alicia B.

Goodbye Smith and Hawkin

You will be greatly missed!!! Smith and Hawkin has the most amazing garden products and they are closing their stores now after 30 years!

This is what I found on their website as a tear rolled down my cheek. I suggest you go to a store immediately and take advantage of what amazing items they have left ASAP.

Alicia B.

Wastebasket Makeover

A few weeks ago on one of many successful trips to an antique store I found this lovely little gem of a wooden wastebasket for only $5! It had a sticker on the bottom that said "Made in Italy" so I knew I'd struck gold.

I love maps but this one wasn't really working for me. Something about it said, "cheese-fest."

The shape was too cute to pass up and look at the lovely curves on the top.

I have many wallpapers to choose from that were discarded from other showrooms. I chose the brown and white one from Carleton V.

After I stripped off that icky map paper with wallpaper remover, I cut templates for each side of the wastebasket.

They I took my trusty lacquer/modge podge and adhered each piece!

YAY!

This is his new little spot! Doesn't he look adorable/gorgeous!!?? (Not sure why it's a he, just go with it.) I love the contrast in my room of the dark brown against all my soft colors.

I love pretty paper more than anything (almost) and when I can actually put it to good use instead of just looking at it, I just feel good. In other news, I'm taking it easy today as it is my birthday. I've had issues with aging in the past but I'm trying to be more positive about it this year. One year older, but just another year more awesome! Right?

Plus there's always cake...and presents.

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

A Day at the Beach just because I'm in such a good mood today is 20% off today ONLY. Also 20% off all Nature Photography today!
I wish I was at the beach now...

Today's Friday Inspiration is going to be short and sweet because I don't really need it today! I'm sailing through the day because my sister and her husband are in town so I've got a lot to look forward to! I'm so excited to hang out with them and show them my new apartment!

This bathroom is by Windsor Smith. I'm really warming to the idea of hanging clothing on the wall. This ornate jacket is just so beautiful that it must be displayed!

I found this in Veranda (swooooooon) in a spread of Vicente Wolf's apartment in Manhattan (swoon again). I love how the furniture in this large room shapes the space--the screen behind the desk is IT for me.

You had me at headboard. How gorgeous is that fabric?? From House Beautiful.

I'm so jazzed for sister time in the city! We're going to hit up Treillage because I've been talking about it non stop and then go bike riding slash running in Central Park! Have a lovely amazing sunny Summer weekend everyone!

Alicia B.