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.

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!

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

ROOM OF THE WEEK 6.9

I know it's not exactly a full room...

But this is exactly where I want to be right now! This light-filled space has just enough playfulness about it (I mean, those flamingo pillows!? yes please!) mixed with fresh modern elements and plenty of white. I'd lounge all day... and wouldn't even have to close my eyes to pretend I was on vacation because this all screams beachy cool to me.

*image from living etc via the decorista

LILAC + TANGERENE

Some of you may remember that back in January I started dreaming of office space for coco+kelley. Well... the space I had in mind fell through, but I'm determined to find something this summer, and can't wait to decorate! Which - of course - means that I'm dreaming up color palettes...

Just like my home, I imagine I'll want to switch things up in the office here and there, but I do think having a color scheme that I'm drawn to, but might not want in the house, is a great possibility. Which is why I'm seriously considering a little lilac with punches of tangerine...

I really love the mix of modern with Moroccan influences, and the one piece I've had on my wish list for some time  now is the sofa from Crate & Barrel which happens to come in lilac as a stock fabric option (they also have a desk I'm drooling over). I'd love to have a corner of the office space be a sitting area where anyone can get comfy and settle in on the laptop or with coffee and magazines when we need a little break from work - and these pieces would be a fabulous start! What do you think of this scheme?

*images: via veranda, bijou and boheme, and elle decor *room inspiration: lamp by robert abbey, pillow at villa home, azure sofa at crate & barrel, white linen chair z gallerie, inlay table at horchow

POWER (PATTERN) PLAY

Have you ever found a pattern you loved but thought - there's no possible way I could use this. It's just way too busy to put in my home...

Well, my friends, this is how you do it and get away with it! Keep it simple. If you're going to do this on a traditional sofa, make it a very straight lined mid-century modern style. I love the idea of the bench seats though - the fabric almost appears to float, and all the white helps keep things light!

The fact that the pattern is small scale helps too - the further away you are, the more the pattern blends into a solid. And, did you notice how symmetrical each cushion is? They're exactly the same, helping give order to what could be total visual chaos. That's the work of a professional!  I'm also loving the color punches added to the rest of the room - especially the ceiling! Very well played.

*interior design by alexandra angle

ROOM OF THE WEEK 4.14

Every once in I while I have to indulge in a Room of the Week that is simply lustworthy. There is no way in my lifetime I will ever really be able to replicate it, as I don't foresee occupying a home in which there are so many extra rooms I can devote one to just this...

But, that's what happens when you take over large home in the English countryside. With 40 rooms. (No, I'm not kidding.) They turned the ballroom into the kitchen and dining area, devoted one room for legos, and another created a stunning space complete with Venini chandelier for ping pong tournaments. (Still not kidding.) But this space is definitely my favorite.

The room is what modern day princesses dream of for their informal drawing room. A perfect feeling of indoors and out. A place to lounge with piles of magazines for hours and hours. I love it so much, I made it the first thing I see every morning by making it my desktop image (trust me - the bigger you blow it up, the better it gets). Now, instead of looking out my window at the dreary rain when I need a break from work, I simply close all my desktop windows and stare at this for a few minutes. Then I sit back, take a deep breath, and imagine what the good life must feel like...

*for the entire article and slide show, visit t magazine

ROOM OF THE WEEK: 4.7

I'm not sure what else I can possibly say about this room but... divine...

We got to pick up a fresh copy of the May Elle Decor at High Point and I literally gasped when I saw the Tony Duquette malachite window treatment in this stunning living room belonging to Anne-Marie Midy and Jorge Alamada. Their whole home is beautiful - full of a mix of antiques punctuated with modern touches - but the lightness of this room is what makes it the most appealing to me.

Yes, it's a bit formal (you'll notice there's no sofa to flop down on), but it's soft and welcoming at the same time. I think I'd be just as content curling up in those Marquise-style chairs and enjoying the sunshine streaming in through the windows. Oh! And that small doses of citron accent? They use it throughout too and it keeps things feeling really fresh.

On a side note, I found it interesting that the theme of this May issue was 'Top Designers Redefine Glamour' after my article on the Bunny Williams space from the Feb/March Elle Decor where I literally used the same phrase and suggested similar ideas of comfort meeting sophistication. I guess that means we're all in agreement that our idea of glamour in the home is due for a shakeup!

*photography by simon upton

A RECURRING THEME...

Not that I usually recommend one color palette for an entire home (unless you have a very small space to work with) but....



The mix of rich teal with pops of red has been one that just seems to stick with me! Yesterday I reported from my twitter that there is still a big surge of teal in the marketplace - we saw it in lots of leather goods in High Point - but my favorite way to use it is definitely as a base for the room - whether on the walls, cabinets or floors - with that pop of red and plenty of natural light so it doesn't feel too heavy. Do you think this a color scheme that's doable for your home?

*images via traditional home, domino and lonny

Paddles & Paws

Hitting up Tybee Island, Georgia has been on my to-do list ever since I learned of the one and only Jane Coslick. There's just something about every one of her designs....so colorful and friendly, where you can kick-back and relax the day away. I just get the sense the whole island is like that. This cottage is Jane's most recent undertaking, she shared a peek on her blog. Isn't it delightful?! Luckily for us, it will be available to rent by late spring through Mermaid Cottages. Sign me up!! And stop the presses: Did you guys know Jane has an online shop?! Be still my heart!!

We're now officially down to two weeks!! Some of my Facebook fans got a little peek yesterday into my DIY wedding decorations. I might just keep adding fun stuff on there, so follow along if you're interested!

Have a wonderful weekend you guys!! :)

Stacey Haines

Remember that adorable coastal cottage from last week belonging to the talented photographer Stacey Haines? Well I've got more images to share from her! This story from Canadian Home & Country actually won Stacey a National Magazine Gold Award in Canada. She not only shot the story, but pitched the idea and produced the shoot. The cute cabin in Nova Scotia actually belongs to her parents and their family did the makeover together, so winning this award was super special to her! Read more about this cozy getaway here and view more amazing photography from Stacey here!

Tobi Fairley Does it Again!

I fell hard for this gorgeous kitchen and family room when I saw it on Tobi Fairley's blog (where she even shared before'n'afters!) Bless her heart because she created a whole page with details on how to give our own spaces this family-friendly look. Isn't the velvet polka-dot fabric on the back of the chairs fantastic?! (Jane Churchill for Cowtan & Tout) It's fun and elegant! If I could transport myself into this space, I would in a heartbeat! To read the story behind the cool and relaxing space, visit At Home in Arkansas. And for Tobi's tips, go here! Have a great weekend!

Andrés Jacque

Funky! This Ibiza home named "Never Never Land" designed by Madrid-based architect Andrés Jacque and featured in The New York Times was built to have as minimal an impact as possible on the surrounding landscape. No trees had to be cut down during construction, and as you can see, they were actually incorporated into the interior! That's some serious dedication! How fabulous is that infinity pool overlooking the valley?! To see just how impressive this home actually is, head to this gallery...it's insanely cool! Happy weekend everyone!

Kathryn Chaplow

A ton of new snow was just dumped on Minnesota, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about summer! I'd love to have a lake home just like this Lake Michigan cottage designed by Kathryn Chaplow. Actually I'd love to just have a home like this one, it really doesn't even need to be by a lake! That serene bedroom is a slice of heaven! Love the aqua, the ceilings, the little nook...all so pretty. What about the porch...how fun is that red animal print?! And did you notice the blue and green fabric on the pillow on the sofa in the living room? It looks a lot like the fabric from yesterday's nursery! We gotta figure out what that is, I love it! See more of Kathryn's work right on over here!

Readers' Rooms and Projects!

Katie of Katie Beth Interiors





Paige of My Oh Meyer



Judy of DIY by Design



Hooper of Birds of a Feather



Karen Clark Interior Design


Danielle R.



Gabrielle of Ruby Angel Designs


Carmen of ACHADOS DE DECORAÇÃO


Sarah of La Maison Boheme

Beth of Hip Mama B (photo by Patty at Petula Pea Photography)


Pat S.

Cecily T.

Danielle H.



Britt of A Baby, A Dog & A Blog



Morgan of C is for Coffee



Susan of In the Storm

Cathy S.

Edyta of Edyta and Co.


Cindy of Cameras and Chaos


Kathleen of Between Blue and Yellow



Lindsay and Heather of The Modern Shed



Jill of Castawayshall

Phew! I always think these posts are going to take me 20 minutes to compile, but then HOURS go by! You guys sure know how to rock your turquoise! So many inspiring rooms, thank you so much for sending them to me. I get such a blast out of seeing them. I know I've said it before, but it's seriously my favorite part of doing this blog. I get so many fantastic ideas from your eye-candy! And who doesn't love a little peek into other peoples' homes??

Have a great weekend everyone! I know I will! :D