Brassy

Brass is one of those classic finishes that never seems to go out of style. It gleams and shines when new but has the ability to create a beautiful patina with age.  Lately I've been loving it in light fixtures.  There are so many options out there, whether it's traditional or lil funky (which is more my style) like these......

Michel Contessa via 1st Dibs

Gallery L7 via 1st Dibs

One of a Kind Antiques

Snob

Negrel Antiques via 1st Dibs

Pariscope Design via 1st Dibs

Ikat

Ikat fabrics have been in fashion for quite some time but I can't get enough of them! The natural look of the weave combined with crazy bright colors is right up my alley.  Although they became super popular a few years ago I am finding the pattern everywhere these days. There are so many options to choose from - this is just a sampling of what I'm loving....

Elle Decor, April 2008

West Elm

Lonny

 

  Anthropologie

Inside Africa

If you haven't heard (or seen) about borders closing it's stores left and right...now you know.  Although I'm sad that book stores will soon be absolute I am loving the "going out of business" sales that are popping up everywhere! I recently ventured into a Borders that was closing down and scored this amazing new coffee table book - "Inside Africa, North & East." It is absolutely gorgeous and chalk full of inspiration! Not to mention the bright cover that adds a pop of color to our dull coffee table. It came out in 2006 so I'm a little late in the game, but what else is new...
Photographer Didi Von Schaewen spent several years traveling Africa and took these gorgeous pics to prove it.  The pages are 10" x 13" so you really feel transported into each image.  Now I just need to get my hands on the "South & West" version!

Naturally Beautiful

Whether it's Sisal, Seagrass, Jute, Coir or any other natural fiber....it always seems to work beautifully as floor covering.  My personal favorite is a Seagrass area rug.  Seagrass is almost never dyed but has a beautiful range of natural colors from soft green to dark camel.  It's wonderfully durable and hides dirt extremely well! A subtle, natural floor covering will allow the other items in the room to really stand out.  I hate when a carpet is too busy and your eye can't seem to focus on the furniture. So when in doubt....natural is always better! And it never goes out of style...

The Natural Carpet Co.

House Beautiful

Decor Pad

Elle Decor

Gray Skies

The weather has been super depressing over here in Lala land. Ironically, it took this dark turn on the first day of Spring! It feels like we've taken a step back into winter with this gloomy, cold weather.  I hate it. But since I can't do anything to control mother nature I figured I'd use it to my advantage and write a post on the fabulous color gray (again!). I know I've talked about my love for this color before, but I can't seem to get enough of it. It's the perfect neutral.

Country Living

 

 

 

 

Lonny

Kelly Wearstler

Mexican Coverlets

I know they've been around forever but I am currently lusting over these beautiful Mexican coverlets.  Sometimes called tenangos, Mexican suzanis & Otomoi fabrics.....they are absolutely fabulous! Hand embroidered by the otomi Indians from Hidalgo, Mexico these beauties come in an array of gorgeous colors and I WANT ONE.  I found them at these online stores: The Loaded Trunk, Table Tonic, L'aviva Home and Jacaranda (but they seem to be everywhere!).

L'aviva Home



Domino Archives

 

Coco+Kelley

 

Table Tonic



Tissue Poms

I assisted in hosting a bridal shower for my cousin yesterday and the event turned out great!  Like most family events, it was held at our Aunt's home in Hermosa Beach, CA. You just can't beat the ocean view as a backdrop.  So when it came to decorations we didn't want to over do it.  I did however take on the challenge of making tissue poms for a more festive look. I've seen them on numerous wedding sites and they look so fun and pretty!. Plus, it's a cheap alternative to flowers. They came out pretty good for my first try but I think I will do better on my next. Hint - the smaller you get, the harder it is to create soft looking circles!

 

Here are the directions I found from Miss Martha Stewart....

1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inch wide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.
2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.
3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.
4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.

Martha Stewart

Arch Digest Features Neutra Beauty

I just got done skimming through the latest issue of Architectural Digest and I can't stop drooling over this Iconic Neutra beauty!  Known as the Singleton House since Henry Singleton comissoned it in the mid 1950s, it's a timeless piece of architecture. Legendary hair stylist Vidal Sassoon and his wife Ronnie also saw the beauty in this property and purchased it in it's darkest hour. But you wouldn't know it from these photos. Just look at the amazing job they did on the place. I want to move in!

On a side note...I am loving the new look of AD - Margaret Russel is feauturing homes that are a lil more my style than those previously featured. Take a look for yourself...

Photos by Todd Eberle

Shades of Black

I can't decide how I feel about black lamp shades.  They sort of defeat the purpose of a lamp...to give off light! Black shades solely direct light up and down without lighting the room as a whole.  But on the other hand they can create great mood lighting at night and play up the sophistication in a room during the day. What do you think?

Callie Jenschke

Celerie Kemble

Kate Simpson

Photos via Lonny

Elle Decor

Kishani Perera