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

GET THE LOOK: WHITE OUT

Summer is the most difficult time of year to get dressed. It's hot, it's humid, and comfort is top priority. Let's be honest, Scott Schuman would not want to photograph us in our tank top and flip flops ensemble. So how do we make ourselves presentable? Cristina from Fuji Files here with your sartorial survival guide to hot summer days.

White is the coolest of colors for summer, literally! The color white reflects sunlight and heat more than any other color, making it your best option for keeping cool. But if the thought of an entirely white outfit is slightly terrifying (it certainly is for me!) then mix in some creams and nudes.

The key to this look is keeping it light and airy, not too structured. A loose collared shirt is an easy breezy choice for summer, pair it with textured shorts or skirt in a neutral shade and you've got instant style. Add a few accessories such as cute sandals and a tote, and you're done! An easy summer ensemble that is both cool and stylish.

*resources: shirt Topshop, shorts Anna Sui, shoes Swedish Hasbeens, necklace Kenneth Jay Lane, tote Fleabags, sunglass case Kenton Sorenson, sunglasses Ray-Ban



*images via thesartorialist, stockholmstreetstyle, vanessajackman, netaporter, swedishhasbeens, needsupply   

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

FRESH RIVIERA

The resort collection from Roksanda Ilincic has me wishing I were boating on the Riviera in the 30's...


Turban in full effect, of course! The simple combinations of color throughout the entire collection make it cohesive and wonderfully fresh...

Tangerine, acid mint green, navy and white. The only pattern was a hit of large-scale gingham here and there. Absolute perfection, and lovely little dresses...


*images via style.com

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

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.

BACKYARD ENTERTAINING: WHITE + MOD

It's official. Summer is upon us in the Northwest and I'm so ready to host a little outdoor patio dinner party! In seeking some inspiration, I rediscovered this tabletop created by JL Designs, and I'm completely smitten...

Being a California girl, I am totally drawn to this mix of succulents and white modern accents - it couldn't be more reflective of the beach-meets-desert culture of SoCal.


Of course, no party is complete without a signature drink - whether your hosting 10 or 100! I think this one sounds particularly refreshing and the the little drink card is so perfect!


I love how much candlelight Carissa used along with the cafe lights...

Heavenly! Are you as inspired as I am for a little outdoor entertaining? Even if you only have a little patio in your apartment, there are ways to make it happen (I'm going to be shooting my own example soon!) I can't wait for late summer evenings around the table with good friends.


*photography by aaron young, paper elements by wiley valentine (love them!), and complete design by jl designs

HAPPY WEEKEND...

The temperatures are slowly rising around here... I think it's time for me to perfect my 'almost summer' style...

A Panama hat will be required. As will white-on-white... the jacket only necessary for the cooler evenings...

I can't wait to host my first outdoor dinner party of the season... must get the patio in entertaining mode!

And I'll definitely be adding some high shine accessories to the white-on-white look for a beachy glam vibe. What are your must haves for this summer??

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! Stay cool...

*images via malene birger, mi casa revista, and fgr

BLUE + WHITE FLORALS: GRANDMA OR GLAMOUR?

The combination of blue and white - especially come summer time - is nothing new. But this year it seems to be popping up even more, and in all sorts of patterns and trends. The most recent manifestation being of the granny-inspired variety...

Whenever I see blue and white florals, I instantly think of grandma's fine china. It's classic, but is it fresh? Can we make it modern and glamorous? I'm beginning to think it might be possible! With a heavy dose of white combined with clean lines to counteract the antiquated pattern, it could work. Would you try this trend?

*sources: bedroom via designspiration on pinterest, mirror and chaise at house of hackney dalton rose collection, lingere at topshop, bowl by maria kristofferson, paul & joe t-shirt, pyne hollyhock print at schumacher

ROOM OF THE WEEK: 4.21

Glamour. White on white. And a hit of green. Seriously - what's not to love?

I'm pretty sure my next apartment won't be as big as this bedroom, but if it were, this is exactly how I'd set it up. Well... I'd add a little more personality and punch. And hardwood floors. But let's focus on the space at hand. What do you think? Honestly, big bedrooms like this intimidate me a bit. The most I've ever had to deal with was a little space for a small seating area. But an entire living room? And desk?

Now, normally, I might say this is a little *yawn*... but isn't that what you want in a bedroom? Something simple and calming as you drift off to sleep? If anything, I'd change the paint or flooring to something a little darker... maybe the curtains as well. But the simple gold accents everywhere are putting me over the edge in love. And that green color? It's about to be everywhere. Mark my words.

Thoughts? Hate? Love? I don't know if I could honestly live with it... but I know I love it!

*room via interiors mag

WHITE BLAZERS + BFF's

So, obviously I need a white blazer for spring...

And maybe some highly reflective sunglasses that coordinate with my t-shirt too. (I'd better get a pair in every color). Also, did you get the memo? It's cool again to have twin day with you bff. Awesome.

*image via garance dore

ROOM OF THE WEEK 3.17

It's time for some fresh, fun glamour for this week's Room of the Week! I'm totally swooning for these adjoining rooms and the way the bright pinks + patterns are playing off each other while traditional pieces and modern lines mix in seamlessly...


Do you recognize the fabric on the sofa? It's a fun little Josef Frank print, which I seriously covet. I love all the gilded details too (of course!) and can you ever go wrong with that simple acrylic coffee table? I think not.

I had to point out the art in the dining room because it really connects the two areas together. The designer made an obvious choice to have the rooms really compliment each other because the area definitely could have been treated separately, but by bringing them together it opens up the whole house and makes the space feel  much larger.

I never would have chosen such a pop art-inspired, bold colored piece for this traditional home, but it totally works! One word for this whole space - FUN!

*images via skona hem. ps - for a great josef frank roundup, check out this article on apartment therapy!

SWEET (WHITE) SERENITY

It seems like whenever life gets a little hectic, I start craving simple, white spaces to disappear to...

Preferably a space that looks like it could be tucked away on some exotic island with white sand beaches and bright blue waters...

Yup, this would pretty much do it. Don't you love the mini lofted seating area? Also digging the collection of little white chairs and that painted on 'rug'. Apparently tall people are not allowed in my tropical paradise, so all my shorty's, grab your bags and let's go. I call dibs on that bed with a view!

*photography by jerome galland

FEBRUARY LIGHT...

February may conjure up tones of pink + red for most, but for me it's all about cool winter neutrals and bright natural light...





Off to another fun day in NYC... photo shoots and more parties this evening! Happy February... here's hoping for an early spring!

*images via elle decor, pamplemousse design, nate berkus, amy neusinger, mi casa revista

FRESH START

I'm supposed to be taking a little time off today, but I couldn't resist a quick post to welcome in the new year with some images that feel like a breath of fresh air and serve as a reminder for a few goals I have for 2011...

*1. Create a new, beautiful, relaxing space for myself... After a pre-holiday breakup and move-out with the (ex) boy, I'm ready to find a lovely little apartment just for me and a space that I can call my own again... and decorate any way I like!

*2. Simplify my surroundings and my life...  So many of my boxes are packed with trinkets and treasures... it's time to purge the trinkets and hold on to the treasures so that I can refine my home and surroundings.

*3. Be happy with what I have... As a decorator, it's so easy to want to constantly be changing things up, investing in new pieces, trying new color schemes, but this year I want to create a space I love and keep it that way. For a whole year. (Ok, maybe switching out some pillows and minor decor). It's also a roundabout way of curbing some spending!

*4. Complete my closet... While going through the options for new year's attire I realize I've finally hit that point where I actually have a dress for every occasion (barring an invite to the royal wedding, of course). I want the rest of my closet to feel that way too - and it practically is. Making a list of a few more investment pieces and necessities to purchase will help keep me focused on what to spend on, and what to let go.

There are plenty of other resolutions and goals for 2011 on my plate this year, but I like these because they serve a greater purpose for me - a fresh start and living a more focused, simplified life. Here's to the new year!

*images via: skona hem, nickey kehoe, pintrest, and unknown.

DREAMING OF A WHITE... HALLOWEEN!

With the possibility of a very big Halloween party in my near future, I'm finally getting in the spirit of the season and seeking out lots of fantastic inspiration to get me in the mood! My favorite so far? Trading in the traditional autumn color palate for... all white!

Love the way it looks with these natural textures and how easy would it be to incorporate into your current decor?

Of course a dash of sparkle never hurt either...

All this white has motivated me to rethink my costume choices as well...

A chic deconstructed mummy perhaps? I like...

*halloween decor images via sweet paul. editorial unknown.