Design & Domino

It's a somewhat gloomy, yet warm Saturday morning, and all I can think about is the millions of ways I could spruce up my apartment, my room especially.  All I want are a few gallons of paint, and a few DIY supplies and I'll be good to go.  In the meantime, I'm pining for this place.

 The quirky accents and accessories that pop with color make the mass amounts of wood seem less overbearing.

 The kitchen island is a magical thing.

photos via desire to inspire

Also, if you're a New Yorker, or someone that lives in a very tiny cozy place, you MUST pick up Domino Mag's Small Spaces Issue.  It's packed with good ideas {like using cinder blocks as bed risers}.  

Studio City

The phrase "Studio apartment" always comes off as a dirty word, but I've found a few promising pieces of inspiration that don't make them seem so bad.  In fact, these pics sort of make me actually want one...    {I'm definitely not in the market for a new apartment, but just daydreaming a bit}.

 I love pretty much every piece of furniture, every throw and each rug in this place.

The green couch is something very special.

Studios seem to be done best when there's a somewhat clear definition of what separates the "bedroom" from the living area.  In the photo above it's a curtain, in the other spaces it's just the way of arranging the furniture that gives it it's own central focus.  The only scary thing for me is wondering where the closets are... ;)

Wide Open Spaces

 I haven't posted about home stuff in a while, but on this spring day {it's a magical 55º and sunny here in NY} I was so blown away by the openness of this space and the use of so many bright colors.  The home, once a studio and school, was designed by Steven Scarloff but is now the home to Kate & Andy Spade which completely makes sense with the ample use of color throughout, I love the bright, airy nature of the space so much.  

 So many floral patterns yet somehow they fit together seamlessly.

What a magical space.

 I love the change to the darker contrasting woodwork throughout different areas in the home. 

 This bathroom is bananas.  So good.

photos via desire to inspire

Homes at the Holidays

I skipped decorating for the Holidays this year due to a lack of tree space, and a lack of $$ to support a buying spree on all things festive.  But I deem this the last year that I'm willing to let it happen, there are simply too many cute ideas out there.  I found these ideas and many more on Pinterest and I have a feeling that I'll be pinning long after the Holidays are over!

 In case there's no room for a big tree, grab a mini and prop it up on a table.  This would have been the only way my roommate and I could have made a Christmas tree work.

 Love the use of neon ribbons to replace garland.

 Even without doors this beautiful, it's a super simple and easy decor idea.

 I love both of these ideas, no tree?  No mantle?  No problem, just paint one on and hang it up!

This is perfect.

Of course no Holiday season is complete without a few of your favorite Holiday movies.  I've already gotten my fill of Little Women, the Christmas scenes are my favorites from the entire movie.  And who could have Christmas without a screening of Christmas Vacation?  My family never misses it on Christmas eve!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

GANT Get Enough

The other day, after swooning over the coolness level of GANT's creative direcor, Christopher Bastin, a coworker brought to my attention the fact that his coolness has no limits.  His home decor skills {along with his artist wife's}are also pretty stellar, please enjoy the perfect-ness of his haphazard, yet wonderful Swedish home.  

Shabby {french} Chic

 Classic shabby chic can only be made better with a dash of French charm.  White walls, natural wood, and a few modern pieces of furniture for good measure, are hallmarks of the French parenting magazine {odd I know} that I was turned on to by the lovely ladies at Desire to Inspire. 

Eame-ing High

Growing up in the region of Michigan well known for their innovative furniture design, one would think I would have known the magic of the Eames designs much earlier on, especially since my dad has worked closely with Herman Miller for years.  But alas, only within the last year have my eyes been opened to the magic of the mid-century modern chairs that to this day can transform a room into the space of ones dreams.

Whether in a neutral, or a bright and cheerful hue, they always bring a room's cool factor up to 100%.

These. Colors.

A table for twelve in various shades simply makes my heart melt, lest we forget that mirror that is so perfect, it almost brings tears to my eyes.

I've never seen this one for sale, but can you imagine?? 

photos via desire to inspire, design sponge, etc.

The Dark & Light Of It

As evidenced by past posts, it's no secret that I have an affinity for two totally different types of decor styles, dark & cozy, or stark white all over.  This masterfully designed Paris apartment by Sarah Lavoine combines the two styles so effortlessly, I couldn't help but fall in love.

The dark details in the bedroom make this so interesting and cool.

The wood floors are stunning, you can tell they've been around for a while, but they're still so perfect.

Black floors in the kitchen are perfect paired with this emerald green table.

Painting the door and entry frames black give the rooms just that extra little bit of edge.  Can you imagine calling this place home, with that view from the office and Paris at your fingertips?  

photos via desire to inspire