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.

BETTER THAN THONET?

I've been on the hunt for some casual dining chairs for a client of mine, and I keep returning to the classic Thonet bentwood style.

I love them all lacquered up and shiny, and their shape is perfection... unless of course you're worried about little squirmy kiddos slipping through the open design. Which, in fact, we are. The solution?

Well, it just might be these - the new Henri dining char at Anthropologie. I don't love the design as much, but they're still pretty darn good. And I do love the option of that deep navy blue instead of black! What do you think of them? Any other suggestions from my design friends out there?

*black and white chairs from crate&barrel, green thonet chair at dwr

HUNTING: WINGBACK DINING CHAIRS

I've been working with a client to create a lovely dining room featuring light woods and an indoor/outdoor feel - ironically it's a very on-trend moment (every showroom at High Point had their version of this 'Restoration Hardware'look') featuring some very classic pieces. Which is why I'm obsessed with bringing in a pair of wingback dining chairs...

There's something so sweet in these petite versions of the traditional wingback chairs. And, I love that you can easily pull them into the living room for extra seating too.

Here are a few options I've hunted down so far. A gorgeous piece from Aiden Gray at Layla Grayce comes in at $840 (a little on the high end!). On the opposite spectrum, a seriously affordable style at (gasp!) Sears for only $230. Not a huge fan of the legs on this one, but nothing a little 'customization' can't fix! Just below, a modern wingback at SOM is surely unique, but way above budget at $2,650 for a pair. And finally we have some pretty little lines at this chair from Hooker - on sale at $650 each. (Do we have a winner?)

Which would you go with??

*top image via creamylife

RAINBOW ROUND THE TABLE...

In the latest decision concerning my next living space... I've decided that I absolutely must have colorful dining room chairs...

For a girl who can be a little shy of commitment, I think this is just enough of a pop of color that I won't regret saying "I do." And it adds so much fun to the space! Now the question remains... what color? I did a little dream browsing at 1st dibs last night to consider my options...


I'm pretty sure the yellow are my favorite... but the style of the purple are so glam... and we all know I'm a green girl... Funny how I could design so many types of rooms around these chairs, and yet I'm drawn to each of them for different reasons. What are your faves?? What color would you go with?

*rooms via (clockwise from left): william waldron, mwm, mikkel vang for aussie vogue living, jamie drake, kristin ewart for domino, and elle decor  chairs all via 1st dibs: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple

HAVE A (SWEET LITTLE) SEAT

I finally had some time to do some bloghopping over the holiday and came across these two office spaces...


Both featuring this fabulous little chair!! While I'm sure it costs an arm and a leg (and doesn't look all to comfy either) I'm scheming of DIY versions in my head using a more semi-affordable version that would likely live at my vanity. I think I have my first New Year's project start the list!

*images via french by design (a new favorite!) and the city sage

LITTLE RED CHAIRS

Love...

And adore...


*limited edition print by cartlolese letterpress (sold out) and image via decorpad

GLOBAL STYLE: LE DOME CHAIR

Love it or hate it there's no ignoring the dome chair's presence, both in a room and on the design scene. Cristina from Fuji Files here with some Global Style dating back to 18th century France. This chair is a reproduction of a French regency period chair and its dramatic dome and deep wings exude major drama and intrigue.

Chairs like this were stationed at the entrance of grand French chateaus for the porter to be seated in when admitting visitors. The canopy and deep wings were intended to block drafts. Now I don't know about you but that short history alone has my imagination running wild envisioning my own French chateau, complete with porters and such.

Even if this look is not your cup of tea (I admit they are not suited to most families' living rooms), I think we can all appreciate a piece of furniture that commands such a glamorous statement.

Design greats such as Kelly Wearstler and Ryan Korban have used them to great effect in rich hues, but the linen version below (for sale at Restoration Hardware) could be an understated option for the home that evokes its original classic lineage.

What do you think? Would you? Could you? Have you?

*images via kwid, ryankorban, restoration hardware