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

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: A BLACK AND WHITE DANCE

Most decor falls into a primarily feminine or masculine category, and while I've seen plenty of well-mixed spaces, none have been done quite like this...

Curvy Corinthian columns welcome us to one of the sweetest living rooms this girl has ever laid her eyes on (PS, Julie from Chapman Interiors, here!). The columns are undoubtedly a feminine architectural element, and as we examine the room we find very modern (masculine) pieces floating around, mixing with relaxed slip-covers and embroidered pillows.

 

It's not always easy to mix styles when they're on the far ends of the spectrum, so why is it working so well here? Because most of the pieces are black or white - totally neutral. Contrast offers drama but also provides an underlying rhythm. The detail that made me really fall for this space? Those chalky walls had me had hello.

A modern and traditional dance continues in the kitchen with the powerful black cabinets and classic herringbone floors.  Notice how the clean palette makes the wood details and furniture really stand out? Love that.

Let's use the cues to make our own space, and I have great news about this one, 1) Because the bones are neutral they remain super flexible over the years and 2) oh-my did we find some very well-priced pieces!

We started with a modern chair set a top a natural jute rug, then introduced an archictural side table  reminding us of the columns in the inspiration home. (I'm assuming you don't have 6' corinthian columns in your home? and if you do, well then, we're all quite jealous.) Recycled glass with oversize greenery adds a garden-feel. A modern morrocan pendant with the gold peacock mirror brings in our international flair. Don't forget a striking black dresser to mix in some of the high contrast elements (whoa good price!). A few more details ( a weathered urn, wooden bowl to evoke those herringbone floors- and soft pillow) make the space complete.

Voilà. Feminine meet Modern. Modern, this is Femme. You two play nicely now.

xoxo

-Julie

*images via ara design in Australia

SPELLED OUT IN BLACK + WHITE

One of the things I love the most about all my creative friends and design lovers...

We notice and appreciate the littlest details, the smallest threads of commonality, and the most random pieces of inspiration...

While traveling, I felt like I was seeing these places and people through quite a different eye than I did the last time around - so many beautiful details. But the one I noticed most? Black and white. Those Italians, they know how to keep in style - keep it simple.

*first two images via my pinterest, second by mikael jansson

TRY THE TREND: BOLD BLACK + WHITE WALLPAPER

Hello everyone, it's Megan from MIMI+MEG here with my proposed series here on coco+kelley, Try the Trend! I was crushing over the bold wallpaper in Baily McCarthy's bathroom in the fourth issue of Rue, shown below. Give this trend a try in your home with these amazing bold, black + white wallpapers!


*Frames by Taylor & Wood, Mariemekko Kiss Kiss, Kreme Gate

 
*Zebra, Fashion from Ferm Living,  Stripes

Left to Right: Madison Humhrey Dog Flock Velvet, Marimekko Joonas, Animal Print

CHIC LITTLE ENTRYWAYS

Currently obsessing over fresh + fantastic entryways like these...

With tile like this you can hardly call it a 'mud room', but with plenty of storage for coats and shoes, this entry is the chicest definition of the term I've ever seen (plus, you know I'm loving the black + white stripes at the doorway!).

Love the depth a little black paint gives to this simple entryway, and the vintage accents give it great character. A vibrant orange door is so cheery and welcoming! I love how the collection of artwork in gold frames echoes the color against fresh white walls.

As a side note... I'm totally returning to black and white palettes these days. I realized that sometimes I'm too afraid to add a little black to a room, thinking that somehow it doesn't work with softer styles, but it really just adds a wonderful touch of drama! 


*images via cococozy, unknown and pure style home via creategirl

I LOVE...

I'm pretty sure there is no possible way this DVF bag could get any better...

The broad stripes with tan strap and red lining make it irresistible. Pairing it with this vintage Ferragamo cuff, however, might be the best mind-blowing combination ever.

Love.

HAVING A BALL: A SWANK HOUSEWARMING WITH KEVIN SHARKEY

So, the post that should have gone up on Monday, had I not hiding in bed with the flu (thank you for all your well-wishes!) would have let you know that it's just under two months until my 30th birthday. (Yikes!)  And I've decided that the only good thing about this, of course, is the the chance to put together a fabulous little soiree!

Well, as timing would have it I found my first bit of inspiration in the housewarming party Kevin Sharkey (SVP and Executive Editorial Director of Decorating for Martha Stewart Living and Executive Creative Director, Merchandising for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!) threw as a part of his big apartment reveal. What I love about Kevin's style is that it's eternally tasteful but surprisingly playful at the same time...


Kevin set a swanky mood with metallic balloons covering the ceiling and a bathtub filled with Veuve and lined with nibbles. And, if you're going to party in the bathroom, you might as well make the shower a lovely little scene of indulgence with piles of Hermes boxes, right? (I might prefer mine filled with birthday gifts, since my one lonely box may not do the job.)

The tiers of Oreo cookies literally takes the cake as one of my favorite details of the party. Topped with sparklers it's such a fun (and pretty!) way to indulge in a childhood favorite (complete with milk, of course!).

But the best part has to be the entertainment for the evening...

The most glamorous game of ping pong I think I've ever seen in my life! Keeping score on mirrors with Chanel lipstick? Yes please! (Did you notice that gorgeous reflected view?) Monogrammed orange paddles? Naturally. A dirty martini, sparkly little cocktail dress (that's Alexis Stewart, by the way!) and a killer serve completes the night.

So, what is it exactly that I'm inspired by for my own party? The ability to combine this fun and casual atmosphere with cocktail attire and glamour, of course! Sounds a little bit like my interior design style, no? Well, plans are in the works and I'm not going to give anything away just yet, but here's a little more of a peek at some ideas...

Silver straws, gold lined cupcakes, dancing the night away, maybe some balloons a la Sharkey and a decadent deco feel. Stay tuned my dears... the countdown is on!

*photography courtesy of martha stewart, straws via brook farm, cupcake photo via flickr, invitation design by hello tenfold