Inspiration from Foreigners

My (lucky) parents just got back from a trip to the south of France, drinking fabulous wine, seeing the Caves of Lascaux (swoon), and bringing us girls presents from afar! My favorite gift (aside from knowing that my parents had a much deserved amazing time abroad) was a design magazine, Maison & Travaux my mother picked up for me at a tabac! Even if this isn't a great magazine in France (I have no idea, really), it is GOLD to me right now. I love to see what the other part of the world is doing and much of this was crazy interesting to see! Take a look.

Lyon? Don't mind if I do. There was a whole spread on old stone houses like this one many of them dilapidated. AMAZING.

They had a whole faux bois section too which was VERY cool. After that...things got weird.
See below:

This spread was a home with lots of modern, cool architecture and amazing rooms but...there was this very sinister paint dripping from different corners of each room.

Here is the kitchen...

And a paint murder/accident in the bedroom.

More dripping paint in the bedroom. I think the idea is cool and VERY original but in some cases it looked like the painter forgot to cover up a mistake or something very horrible happened on the floor above and it was seeping down.

What do you guys think? There was LOTS more amazing French design wisdom, but this spread realllly stuck out for me as you can imagine. I'd actually love to see more of this. I think paint drip wall paper might be really incredible, no? Oui? Mais oui! Check out more from this really cool magazine Maison & Travaux HERE.

Alicia B.

I'm LOVING the new Arch Dig

The cover of the latest AD. BTW some lunatic is trying to sell this for 5.99 on ebay...Bid here.


I knew Margaret Russell would be just the one to whip Architectural Digest back into shape as it was the most boring yet well respected shelter mag out there. I just picked up the latest copy because it wasn't desperately trying to attract me with a celebrity on the cover but a beautiful looking interior instead.The spreads inside were colorful and different, not monotone bad modern homes that nobody could relate to or overly done overly traditional messes (Gerard Butler's home).

My favorite spread in the December issue is a tiny 12,000 square foot home by Stephen Sills. It's. Major. The home is in CT, the facade traditional, but the interior is fresh and interesting. Also if you look on the lawn there is the CUTEST little dog.

The large library is filled with beautiful antiques and fabulously faded wallpaper; "burlap hand-painted in a faded ottoman design" by Patricia Arnillas. I mean it looks just A-MAZING. There are little wooden mushrooms crowding around the coffee table, books galore, a library table that looks like it's propped up on frames, a small niche by the fireplace, and a gorgeous lantern. All that's missing is an invitation for me!

The living room is just as large, with tall windows and more beautiful antiques and soft calming colors. I'm still waiting for my invitation...

The study, a slightly more modern looking room looks cozy, don't you think? The white cut-out screen (LOVE) is surrounded by paintings of Islamic pottery. Love the shape of the bookcases--these people like to read.

An antique pineapple hangs over the breakfast table--why wouldn't it? The view from this room is incredible don't you think? I'd never tire of looking at all the beautiful objects and textiles though.

The bedroom is so surprising. There is hardly any real furniture here--I was expecting some upholstered club chairs--but I love the addition of the two modern hanging chairs and how they contrast the ornate frames above them. The large oriental rug and the dog bedside table are exquisite.

I've always loved Stephen Sills' design work--he's SO talented. You must must must go pick up or resubscribe to Arch Dig right away. This spread is one of many in this months magazine.

Paige Rense will always be the "legend" at Architectural Digest but let's face it--we were all pretty bored by the magazine. Margaret Russell has already made this into an interesting and UBER dynamic mag and I'll be hoarding my parents' copies once again.

Alicia B.

Welcome back, ME.

Sun Drenched Leaves

Last May, I said goodbye to you all but after much (MUCH) thought, I've decided that I'm ready to come back. I felt stressed and blogging lost its fulfilling quality, but I'm doing this because I love to do it. I missed blogging, design discussions, and sharing my design adventures with everyone.

Wish I didn't have to sell this, but you can buy it HERE.

What have I been up to since I left? SO MUCH. I left my job in the fabulous lighting showroom in the D & D Building, and I started a new job working for an architect in early October. It's very fast paced, no two days are the same, and I'm seeing through the stress and loving it. I've been expanding my own business, and making so many gorgeous pillows that it's silly.



In coming back into the blogging (my big debut), I wanted to announce my own e-design program called Alicia B. E*Design. Many people barely have time to make a great room that they love, so that's why I'm here. I'll troll the internet and a select few of my fave stores in Manhattan to create a look that's custom for you. You'd just have to give me your space measurements, general direction you want to go, and here's the fun part: one or two things that inspire you! It can be design related like a fabric you saw and fell in love with, art related, fashion related (couture!), or really anything that makes you feel happy and like you. I'll put together e-boards and exactly where to get them for just $200--instant (almost) room! I'll even do the first 5 of them for $175...!

SO, get back on board for a big bad/awesome adventure that is Alicia B. Designs. Thanks everyone, I'm back!

Alicia B.

It's Time...

The Light at Dawn.

To say goodbye.

After much thought I've decided to retire from my blog. I'm finding myself thinking of blogging as a chore; something I need to keep up with and I'm spending less time doing things that I really truly want to do. I'm going to be focusing more on my design work and my photography.

Albert Hadley.

I'm very grateful for all the friends I've made through this blog and all that I've discovered about myself design-wise. I never thought I'd have so many followers, commenters, a few give-aways, and over 300 subscribers! Many might think of this as sad, but I'm really quite happy about my decision. It's the right time for me to move on.

Bunny Williams.

Don't worry though, I'm still here at www.aliciabdesigns.com designing, making pillows and accessories, designing fabrics (that's right), and taking way too many pictures. You can email me anytime at aliciabdesigns@gmail.com. Anytime, really.

Cullman & Kravis

So, I leave you. Thank you so much to my friends and family who have supported me when I started and now, when I'm closing this chapter in my design life. Be creative, be nice (to yourselves and others), and smile.


Alicia B.

Trade Secrets Weekend!

This weekend I'll be attending Trade Secrets in Lakeville, CT for my third time! It's an annual garden event with garden vendors and the more GLORIOUS garden/house tours.

The proceeds go to benefit Women's Support Services WSS for women who might be in trouble, so it's for a good cause.

The Bunny Williams garden tour is my favorite, but they've added Robert Couturier this year and I'm DYING to go.

Curious? See last years post about it or go up (or down or over) to Lakeville CT and experience it for yourself. You might run into Martha Stewart too because she goes every year.

Martha loves gardening.

Alicia B.

Nine By Design: Episode 5

Courtney in a cute t shirt with all her kids' names on it!

Here we are the 5th episode of Nine By Design already! I love this show more and more every time. This episode shows off how much this family cares about other people. Not in a showy way, but in a way that helps people. Their family friend Jasmina is a precious 6 year old with Leukemia so they decide to throw a benefit to help her mother and her.

The design project for this episode is for their friend Dave Barry's office in Hoboken which DESPERATELY needs their help. Their main inspiration is to find some funky chipped or antique pieces to say that not everything is perfect. LOVE this idea.


There is a budget issue with Dave Barry's office project--he was NOT happy. DRAMA. He won't pay Courtney and Bob for their time but Courtney learns a valuable lesson about putting things in writing. I love the practical aspects that come up on this show, it's a helpful reminder that even already successful designers need to keep track of their spending/charges.

Bob is putting together his own benefit for Wolfie's basketball team, The City to raise money for the expenses of the team. Wolfie is REALLY good at basketball, btw. Here they are spray painting an old trophy to be used as decoration for the event. Creative and budget friendly.

The benefits were huge successes, which comes as no surprise. They are so enthusiastic and giving. They put in a ton of work into their benefits and their projects and they're incredibly creative.This is a huge wall mural they worked on for the basket ball event, too.

In the end, Dave Berry's office comes together really well. They use black and white photographs blown up to make the wallpaper for the office, a gorgeous yellow and white vintage carpet and a great mirrored coffee table, also vintage.

I love this show. It turns out that they find a bone marrow match for Jasmina which was very exciting but they dedicated the show to her as she passed away in January. It was incredibly sad, to say the least. Find out more HERE on how you can help others just like Jasmina. Next week though, they hit up London for their book signing!! I can't wait to see what they do next! Have I convinced you guys of this awesome show yet? Check out more details on Bravotv.com.

Alicia B.