ROOM OF THE WEEK (ALL OR NOTHING)

I've recently discovered a new designer and her website is making me want more more more! Her name is Wendy Schwartz and her style is fabulous for two reasons...

This would be the first. A delightfully simple, fresh, cozy and glamorous bedroom that I would love to roll myself into at the end of a long day. In my book, one can never go wrong with white and gold, but I love the mix of styles and textures here. The plush headboard and frame, the large scale pattern on the rug, the tone on tone wallpaper pattern and lighting with serious impact are combining into a world of goodness for me here.

But then there's this...

The very opposite of the somewhat minimalist concept in the first room, the common vein in all of Wendy's designs is certainly the glamour factor. And you know we love us some glamour over here at c+k! I adore big bold design in little rooms like this. There is a lot going on, but it doesn't feel cluttered - more of a visual feast, with lots of little treasures to discover. Which is reason number two for loving her style - it's striking a perfect balance.

What do you think? Does your style go one way or the other? Or could you live in both?

*all images via wendy schwartz

RASPBERRY DREAMS

Could we all just pause for a moment in this hectic day to worship at this altar of raspberry trimmed with gold?

When I was in Las Vegas for market, I attended a panel that Tobi Fairely was speaking on. She mentioned that the best way to infuse color into a home is to do a monochromatic palette because it reads more as a neutral when you layer the same color (maybe different hues) on top of each other. I think this rule applies to this Miles Redd interior perfectly. Is it completely over the top? Sure. But the fact that it's all one shade makes it a little easier to digest.

But, let's be honest. All I really want are those walls.

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: SIMPLE SOUTHWEST

Howdy ya'll. Julie here from Chapman Interiors talking about what (I think) is going to be a a style we will see more of in the upcoming months: Southwestern. Gone are the overwrought tapestry textiles - this is Southwest fresh! A little industrial, a little indie, and always comfy and worn in... like a good pair of cowboy boots. We're even seeing a hint of pastels...

All of which is what's making this cute and colorful home in the desert an inspiring place.

Vintage and weathered pieces make bold color statements throughout the home, bringing in a sense of casual fun with this seriously eclectic style.

And if I'm not in the tub, I'll most certainly be lounging in the shade on my beautifully woven raspberry-colored blankets or antique saddle- I can't decide. (Again the modern chair here on the porch antes up the fresh-factor.)

To recreate the fun southwestern style, we started with a few fail-safe western staples like a leather butterfly chair and a woven basket. Then we layered on some modern elements with the table lamp, a parsons dining table (so fun in red!) and a linear dresser. A flat woven rug (called a Kilim) and pillows are the perfect place to bring in texture, color and pattern. Top things off with a playful polka dot bowl and a modern floor lamp and you'll be living the new Southwestern dream.  

See ya 'round folks,

xoxo

-Julie 

*images via MarieClaire Maison

APARTMENT #26: THE INSPIRATION

This weekend I got the keys to my new apartment. #26. Which is also my birthday. I think it's a sign? After walking into this big empty space all by myself I realized... this is the first time I've had my own place in four years. It's strange to not have to compromise on a design to fit a struggling budget or a boy. Strange and exhilarating!

So, naturally, I spent a little time this weekend pondering the design of the space - and here's what I've got started...

I've got all white walls, light hardwood floors and big windows (photos of it all will be coming soon!) so most of these picks play off of those elements. I know that in the dining nook I'll want a bench seat, but also some chairs that are either the dark Thonet style or upholstered in a fun fabric. I'm trying to keep things small scale as it'll help give me flexibility with the layout and keep the space feeling uncluttered as I'll have to squeeze in my desk, living, and dining area all in one room.

Now that I've got a little bit of direction, I'm working on a color scheme and sourcing actual pieces! Stay tuned my friends - this is going to be a great little project to add to the blog!

To check out my sources and inspiration as I go, follow the apartment possibilities on pinterest!

ROOM OF THE WEEK (BUT WHAT KIND OF ROOM IS IT?)

I adore the work of photographer Eric Piasecki and actually had several rooms that he's shot up for Room of the Week today, but I decided to go with this one. Why? Because I think a little conversation needs to be had...

I love this space. But what is it? Or what could it be? As I start brainstorming layout ideas for my new apartment, I keep look at this thinking that maybe it really is a great all in one space? Sofa, dining table, storage, bar... yup it's got just about everything... But does that make it highly functional or completely confusing? I actually adore every piece and detail - especially the scale and finishing details of the furniture and those warm walls... I'm just not sure it's defined enough?

What do you think? Is it a just a pretty face in a sunny spot, or does it have potential to be translated into a little apartment setup?

IN THE DETAILS...

It's been a while since I did a little 'in the details' post - I must add these to the regular rotation a bit more. Some of my favorite details right now...

I'm seriously considering this for my new bedroom - love the look of layering fabrics on the bed for that worldly 'collective' vibe. Plus it's such an easy switch-out!

This one seems so simple, but is quite refreshing to me. I love the way the graphic blue trim stands out and breaks up the long hallway adding a little interest to a simple area of the home.

I'm always amazed at what a little paint can do! While this certainly isn't the first time I've seen the idea of painted trim in a room, I love the height at which it's at - it brings the eye down and makes the living area extra cozy while still allowing the room to be bright!

This little detail might be the cutest! I'm not sure if it makes sense with a door that is actually in use or not, but I love the thought of hanging little pieces of art where you'd least expect it!

Do you have a favorite? Will you be stealing any of these ideas for your own?

*images via unknown, trad home, amanda nisbet for style at home, sharon mimran house & home

HAPPY (RUE) WEEKEND!

If you haven't noticed, I've been a little absent this week with the blog - I didn't realize how much traveling to LA and being a bigger part of our most recent issue of Rue would take a toll on my schedule! After a few days packed with work for the magazine, I spent a few more days running around LA with clients and meeting up with some of my favorite bloggers! I'll have a full report on that next week. Until then... some of my favorites from this issue...




Yesterday, I landed in San Francisco for the weekend and am happy to be back on my laptop and enjoying some downtime before heading to Las Vegas next week for market! Looking forward to a weekend in one of my favorite cities! What's on your agenda? I hope it includes checking out Rue Issue #6 if you haven't already! And I hope to see some of you in Vegas next week too!

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: COLORFUL COTTAGE

As the evenings stay warm and the days are filled with bbq's and the sounds of sprinklers, I can't help but imagine tiny cottages with whitewashed exteriors and an inviting courtyard... total bliss. Julie here from Chapman Interiors sharing one of the cutest little cottages ya ever did see - but with some colorful surprises.

You've gotta love a welcoming front yard... and that mini Adirondack? Too cute!

One of the best things about this entire home is the use of color, even though it'd be easy (and tempting) to stick with a lighter and whiter color scheme; the wide stripe, zebra rug and fun turquoise make take the space to fun and inviting, instead of what could have been very predictable.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, extra large art will immediately increase drama. Another notable detail is the seagrass rug (or sisal or jute.. can't quite tell)... this material is a timeless classic and is dependable in a multitude of applications. When it doubt grab an economical seagrass rug.

Would you like a muffin? Oh good, because they're fresh out of the oven. I'm loving the continued brightness in the kitchen, and I'll always prefer an antique rug in a kitchen - it's quick way to take the sterility out. Check out the cute gooseneck sconces - adorable but industrial - cha-ching!

Now, this was a fun space to be inspired by. A dash of pattern and a few bold colors (keep 'em solid!) and suddenly I'm actually loving a modern take on the classic cottage style. This look lends itself to evolving over time too, which is impossible not to like.

Time to go run in the sprinklers...

xoxo

-Julie

*Where'd we get it? Vintage floor lamp, wall art, sofa, brass cocktail table, jute rug,  turquoise throw, slim candle holders, blank and white ottoman, fretwork wingback chair.

Images via here.

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE...

Good morning lovelies!! The sun hasn't quite come up yet, but we're working away on putting the finishing touches of Rue Issue #6...

We hope you love every little piece of it. I personally think these might be the best homes we've featured yet. And some pretty darn good shopping too. Coming soon...

*image via pinterest. source unknown.

RUE ISSUE #6 SNEAK PEEK!

Following yesterday's post, this sneak peek at our next issue of Rue seems perfectly fitting! A gorgeous home shot in Mexico City by Emily Anderson, I'm pretty sure this might be my favorite home in the mag...




Are you excited for Issue #6? I know I am! Our first travel issue, there will be a plethora of international spaces to share and - of course - new trends and fun features as well. Monday, my friends! Monday!! In the meantime... it's crunch time for us, so back to work we go!

PS - If you haven't already, vote for your favorite cover for Issue #6 right here!

*photography by emily anderson

LARGER THAN LIFE

When I was last at market (in the winter!) I noticed a slight trend towards playing with scale in furnishings. We've seen this a bit in upholstered goods in the past, but this time it was all about lighting...

This room created for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House by Brad Ford reminded me of how intrigued I was by the idea of a huge pendant or chandelier in a fairly normal sized room. I think the ginormous coffee table, and low lying furniture certainly helps make the case for it working. What do you think?

I'll be in Las Vegas in a couple of weeks for market, and can't wait to see if the trend has continued... and share with you what else is new! 

PS - It happens to be Mr. Ford's birthday today. Perhaps you should tweet him some well wishes? Happy birthday Brad, from all of us at c+k!

MY MILLION-DOLLAR OFFICE

I know many of you have been following along in the drama, decor, and dahlings that are the Million-Dollar Decorators on Bravo. Well, today - to celebrate the season finale - I was asked by Bravo to put together a million-dollar challenge: an inspiration board for my dream office space worthy of these fabulous designers. Lucky for them (and me!) it's one of my most favorite spaces to fantasize about... 

And here she is! Would miss Mary (and the rest of the gang) approve? I wanted the space to feel light, yet dramatic, and was inspired by the Schumacher Birds and Butterflies fabric, my obsession with malachite, and my all-time favorite desk by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair - completely customized of course. Needless to say... an unlimited budget comes in handy.

What do you think? Or better yet, what do you think they'd think?? Share your thoughts with us here or hop over to the Million Dollar Decorators fan page where they'll be posting it later today!

*resources top to bottom: desk lamp by arteriors, chandelier by tord boontje at moss,  bone inlay chair at well-appointed home, mgbw side table, asheworth campaign desk, bookcases at ballard designs, lyford diamond quadrille fabric, schumacher birds and butterflies fabric, pair of malachite lamps on 1st dibs, settee on 1st dibs, venetian screen at bellacor, rug by trina turk at layla grayce

PASTELS + BLACK

When decorating (or dressing) with certain colors I think there are little rules that we somehow place on ourselves - one of them being the use of black with softer palettes. Most people tend to shy away from the dramatic neutral when using such quiet hues of lilac, pistachio, blushing pinks or buttery yellow. When, in fact, it's exactly what they need...



Wouldn't you agree? To me having a little black accent in a room is just as necessary as having that little black dress hanging in your closet.

*top photo, balenciaga via jak&jil, dishware available at gretel home, room via house & home

GET HAPPY!

I thought we'd start the week off with something fabulously cheerful...

These chairs! I mean, really... wouldn't they put on a smile on your face every morning? I'm not one to usually insert pink into my interiors, but these Casala classics are just too good! They're making me want to snatch up this pair for my own.

This home belongs to artist Kirra Jamison, whose pieces are pretty damn perky themselves:


What do you think?


*image via the design files, shot by daniel mahon for kirra jamison.

GOLD ON THE SIDE

Loving both selections of bedside lighting in these rooms...


They each have that contrast of natural wood and gold - a combo I'll simply never get enough of.

Putting them into the inspiration file for my new apartment... which I am off to sign the lease on right now!! I can't wait to share it with you all!

*top image the home of old brand new. bottom design by amanda moore

ROOM OF THE WEEK 7.7

This week's room had me at hello with the extremely high-gloss black lacquered walls...

But, there's another reason I wanted to make it highlight it too: the layout. I've been hunting lately for an apartment large enough to also include a bit of office space. Trying to find just the right place and imagining how each empty room might possibly work as a living room, office and dining room has proven a challenge in creativity to say the least!

But this room! This could be the perfect solution! A cozy sectional sofa, a big 'ol table to work on and dine on. And, where that console is, a little desk to to stash the paperwork and office pieces. I'm picturing how that armchair could actually double as a desk chair too. While we're at it, I'll also take the huge windows (must have plenty of natural light!) the trellis-patterend rug, and drapes to separate the bedroom from the living space!

*via pinterest

A SIDE OF STYLE

Those of you who checked out the last issue of Rue may remember us doing a little martini table roundup. Well, these little babies have become a slight obsession of mine, and definitely quite the trend in the furniture industry, so I thought I'd share some of my favorites that didn't make the cut - from industrial to quirky to glam.


Which style is your favorite? Personally, I'm always a golden girl myself, but really there's not a single table here I wouldn't bring home with me!


*resources 1. modern industry: barbara cosgrove, anthropologie, urban outfitters 2. mid-century style: west elm, cb2, arteriors 3. leggy: caste design, clayton gray, baker 4. golden girls: clayton gray, made goods, worlds away, mgbw 5. orglamic: asian art imports, clayton gray, barneys

ART IN THE HOME

I've decided it's time for me to consider investing in some art. I love how it can give complete direction and focus to a room - or vignette - in the home. While I'll have to wait until I get into my new apartment to really start decorating, until then, I've been doing my research!

I'm finding so much inspiration in interiors and artists who I've had bookmarked for a while, like Sally King Benedict (top right) and talented friends like Jen Ramos of Cocoa & Hearts, and my favorite Nicole Cohen of Sketch42 (bottom left).

I'm also head over heels for pretty much every piece by Yolanda Sanchez and recently discovered Wendy Letven's 'Water, Land Air' series as well. The big question is do I go soft and let the art work with some of the pieces I already have, or do I go bold and mix things up, regardless of color scheme? That, we will have to wait and see.

For more of my favorite artists and picks, you can also follow my pinterest art board!

*rooms: kate schintzius via design sponge, interiors mag, veranda and suzanne kasler

BURL-ESQUE

Have I ever mentioned how much I love burled wood? The richness of the texture just does me right in...

I think I might need to add a few burlwood frames to my collection. It might be a good place to start until I can afford the sofa.

*frame photo via small shop studio

UNDERSTATED

This is kind of space I'm willing my head to be in right now...


Clear of clutter, absolutely fresh, and focused on the important things. Like bold wall decor. And leafy accents (whether gilded or recently plucked from the garden).  And great seating (even in the form of a miniature stool).

*images via here, here and here.