THE PAINTED PALETTE

One of my focuses for my new apartment is art. I feel like I've reached the point in my life where my taste level and aesthetic is clear enough that I can start investing in some pieces that I'll carry with me for years to come. So, I was over the moon ecstatic when contacted by painter Rachel Wright asking if I'd like to select some art from her site for my new place! This is the one I fell in love with...

There's an amazing story behind it, too. Rachel painted this back in April when there was that crazy outbreak of tornadoes passing through Alabama.

As she wrote to me, "It's a lot busier than most of my paintings because I was nervous all night. The weather was so scary. To calm myself down and to try not to think of a tornado hitting my home I started painting. I had almost finished it when the tornado siren went off, power went out and I quickly had to put my painting in a safe location and get in the hallway. When the night was over and we hadn't been hit I came back the next day to the painting and noticed that it had sort of changed form from the night before because of the way I propped it. I went with it and decided not to paint over some of the really elaborate drips and movements that it had formed. I normally never let a painting take its own shape and always hand-work it until I'm happy with it. But with this one I couldn't do anything about, and it ended up very beautiful - as if it were telling me to not worry, life happens, and everything is going to be ok."

I know that every time I look at this painting it will remind me of this story - significant in so many aspects. As a reassurance that beauty finds its way to us in many different ways. That we don't always get to shape things into our own idea of perfection, but sometimes they end up the way they should be. And that we can weather any 'storms' that life brings our way.

Of course, I'm also inspired by the palette of this painting, and can't wait to find a perfect spot for it. I had already planned on having some aquas and greens in the living area, but that addition of a soft peachy pink is perfect for a feminine touch...

While I don't want things to get too girly, I do think a dose of these bright feminine colors balanced by black and white, and maybe even a bit of red, will play perfectly into my plans! I absolutely can't wait to receive my painting and see how it looks in my new home. Thank you so much Rachel - for the painting and the story that goes with it. I'll value it always!

*house images via here, here, here and here

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!

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

ROCK THE (OFFICE) CASBAH

Yesterday I hauled booty up to Target on the hunt for an iPad (the model I wanted is sold out everywhere!), and practically ran over the poor guy who was eyeing the very last one they had to get my hot little hands on it (success!). After promptly purchasing I of course had to roam the store... you know, just to see what deals might be calling my name...

And what did I find? Not one, but two of the Calypso for Target poufs that I have been coveting! So, I've decided to continue my Modern Moroccan fantasy for the office with some Arabian decor, adding in some more whimsical ideas with a caravan of camels rug, a perfectly appropriate pendant, and kaleidoscopic pillows. I can see them all surrounded by billowing sheer curtains...

And of course, you'll find me perched on my pouf in this ensemble. A glamorous little romper, elephant ring, and jutti slippers. Perfect for summer workdays! Who wants to come over and lounge??

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

INSPIRATION + DIMENSION

I just added another inspiration board to the office today. It's completely empty and waiting to be dressed...

I've decided I need to get more three-dimensional with my inspiration - à la this inspiration board from the j.crew tumblr (have you seen it yet? SO fantastic.) She's gonna be covered in sparkles and prints in no time! I might even rummage through some costume jewelry and clothes I've saved simply because I love the fabric so much (that's totally normal, right?). Then take a trip to the fabric and vintage stores...

Oh, how I love a fun little project! Who knows how many ideas will be born from it!

MOODBOARDS + MONDAYS

Well, a few things didn't happen this weekend. *1. I didn't get to go off on my little weekend getaway (due to a hacking cough and sudden loss of voice) and *2. I also didn't spend the entire weekend working (which is quite a miracle). Instead, I took the time to do some things I haven't done in a while... say, since last summer?

This is one of two bulletin boards above my desk - one serves for inspiration and the other organization - and this weekend I was looking at it and realized... I have rebuilt my inspiration since last August. How did I know? Because the calendar (to the right below) told me so...  


"Ridiculous," I thought to myself and immediately began pulling the tear sheets down. But, not before I snapped a few pics to share - after all, that's what inspiration is for, right? The board was during my citron color trend obsession last summer, and I loved the way it looked paired with a strong coral/pink and unexpected black. My goal for this week? Some new inspiration to freshen things up around here and share with you all as soon as I can!

Happy Monday lovelies! Let's make it a fantastic week, shall we?

COCO+KELLEY OFFICE INSPIRATION: A GARDEN PARTY

When you make your home in a city that rains 85% of the year, creating an indoor environment that chases the grey away is incredibly important for a girl like me. So, when scheming some ideas for my new office space, my thoughts immediately turned to decor that would help bring in some sunshine!

This cheerful citron settee is the one piece I'm sure I'm going to want for the space, so I'm building my design ideas around it! The first one centers on the thought of creating a bright little garden inspired space that combines casual pieces like the jute rug and garden stool with a hit of glamour and drama by adding the black crystal chandelier. A pop art rose pillow adds the finishing touch! I could easily see pulling out some of the pinks and reds in the pillow into the rest of the room too, but keeping the remaining furniture (desk, shelving, etc) in clean lined whites. What do you think my friends??

THE C+K PORTFOLIO: INSPIRATION BOARDS

It's been quite some time since I last shared any projects I've been working on outside of the blog, so I thought it appropriate that on a week where my schedule is packed with client deadlines and photo shoots you would get a little peek at what I've been working on!

Starting from scratch in this Seattle condo, we wanted to mix a little bit of glamour into a whole lot of midcentury and contemporary modern style. While I'm currently working on interior design for the entire condo, this is the board for the dining room, which may end up being my favorite part of the home...

This moodboard was for a client I worked on over the summer where I wanted to bring in some more character by adding layers of texture and pattern to their neutral furnishings. I loved how these spaces felt light and cozy at the same time, like you wouldn't be afraid to plop right down on the sofa and make yourself at home...

And finally, a really fun space to bring some inspiration to, this board was for a client in Montana who needed a little direction with using some of her current furniture but changing around the layout, and adding additional pieces to complete the room...

I'm never quite sure if these type of posts are at all interesting when you're not the client, but I hope that these boards can maybe serve as some inspiration for those of you looking for tips on renewing your home as we all start nesting for fall! And, of course, if you're at all interested in my interior or event design services, I'm always ready for new clients. Just an email away!


*boards created by cassandra lavalle of coco+kelley. all rights reserved. please do not distribute without permission.

CLASSIN' IT UP

Just in case you needed a little refresher on what we're all about here at coco+kelley... we thought we'd let some of our current favorite pieces do the talking for us...

Nothing short of serious glamour, but always with a classic style at the root of it all. At least that's how we'd like to think of it. What does it say to you??


*tess side table from clayton gray home, boots by jimmy choo, bracelet at kate spade, mcfarland table lamp by arteriors home, dress by carven