Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The End of an Era!


Domino is done. Didn't make it even five years....
The magazine, which attempted to demystify the interior design process has gone under.
This catchy and consumer friendly mag will be missed! Sign of the times I guess...

Bohemian Chic!

I love the layering, eclectic and cozy feel of this living room, this is interior designer Kristen Buckingham's home in LA. The gallery of art is fun and interesting...mixing different styles of art and frames, gives that "acquired" look. I am sure all these pieces were picked up on vacation or on tour with her rock star husband, Lindsey Buckingham -- of Fleetwood Mac's Fame.




ART DISPLAYS
Here are some other displays of random art that I adore...












Obviously this super glam office's art is not "random"-- love it though...

The hallway of my dream shack in the Mykonos! Love this electric blue!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Glamorous City Boudoir

My clients place on Commonwealth Ave. Here it is so far....more to come!




Hallway color, BM Bird of Paradise. Chandelier, Beacon Hill Estate Sale. Kitchen Color, Tequila Lime!


G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!

My client is very fun, vibrant and glamorous! Her bedroom is very 1930's Hollywood Glamour!
I channeled Dorothy Draper for her bedroom look...I love the custom black & white closet built out from the wall!
All the drapery, pillows and bed skirt are custom and designed by me :)! The bed is from Crate & Barrel - good example of mixing high-end with retail pieces. I am in love with this wallpaper!
More on the closet below....




What a statement!

This custom designed, floor to ceiling closet is complete with crystal knobs, interior lighting and is just loads of fun! The upper closet space, it great for storage.



...this room still has a couple pieces on the way, soft roman sheers for the windows and this....



...fun side table, great small scale for city living!

The room is a mix of Shumacher, Osbourn & Little, Old World Wears and Stark for the rug!

Also in this room, is separate accessory and shoe closet ( not photo ready, will shoot and share later) I based the design of this Kim Cattrall shoe closet.


Shoe Closet



I will share more photos, as this fabulous Comm Ave. Condo gets finished!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

All Eyes on Trina! Vintage Trina Turk Pieces ON SALE!

Trina Turk's one of a kind vintage finds, are available at the NEW Palm Springs residential store. For my California friends, I hope you take advantage of this Sale -- since you don't need to pay a ton on shipping for these pieces -- it's a NO brainier!




Shanghai love seat: VF_306 $2000, sale price $1600

3. Mosaic Chair: VF_304 $1200, sale price $960





1. Chandelier Club chairs (set of 2) : VF_307 $2200, sale price $1760



6. Arch print Chairs (set of 2):VF_201 $878, sale price $702.40!



5.Santorini Couch: $2800, sale price $2240


I know what your thinking...



Kris, are you delusional? You think these prices are great? Girlfriend we are in a recession...I want it for even less! Gotcha. Here we go...



Example below: Carolina Herrera Jr.





Bought this Sofa on ebay, for under $100.00. Then had it reupholstered for the tune of probably 700 - 900. Fabric sides were salvage left over from a larger piece. Main ground is a linen. Not expensive.





THE THRILL OF THE HUNT!




The first time Joe realized I could run (fast) with heels on was at the Alameda Flea market! antiquesbybay.com



Ever since, I have never been able to get away with walking slow with him, it's out there...he knows.



That particular day I didn't find anything, but my lovely friend Kara found a beautiful Rose Tarlow http://www.rosetarlow.com/ chair - girlfriend please post it up!



Point is, these places are hit or miss...still it is really fun to hunt!
...Because there is nothing like seeing and feeling the REAL thing (ebay can be tricky)



To find pieces you can reupholster and make your own, you need to go to estate sales, antique stores and flea markets.

Check out the below flea markets, search for vintage pieces and antiques. Then become very good friends with your local upholster! Lastly, get a fabulous designer who can help you find some amazing fabrics.

California (bay area)
antiquesbybay.com

New York

www.annexmarkets.com

Massachusetts

http://www.toddfarm.com/

Rhode Island:

http://www.brimfieldshow.com/




My most recent antique store find, was found at a random shop in Ipswich, MA.

From the Estate for Priscilla Kidder, the founder of Priscilla of Boston

http://www.priscillaofboston.com/




This was the last stop on a long day of "antiquing." I had no idea, Robert E. Driscoll's paintinhave been sold at Auctions ( http://www.eldreds.com/ ) for thousands. I just loved low big and bright this painting is!
It measures,
52W x 62"H


Here is a bit about Robert from his protoge, Mary Flaigs
Robert E. Driscoll
I have so much to thank Robert Driscoll for--he was a mentor and friend who encouraged me to pursue an artistic career. He generously shared his skills and knowledge and was always fun and inspiring to be around. Although he was recovering from serious surgery when we met, his charismatic spirit attracted all ages. His studio/gallery at the Osterville Harbor reflected his whimsical nature. When I first visited there he showed me a newspaper article written about him, in which he stated that he wanted to bring "happiness to the world through his paintings". I know he achieved this in his art, which truly expressed the person he was--playful and happy to be alive, capturing the beauty he saw in nature, through his floral and marine works...He was a truly unique individual...


GOES TO SHOW YOU NEVER CAN TELL! BUY WHAT YOU LOVE!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

My Dream Apartment NYC! Michelle Smith's Home



Milly Designer, Michelle Smith's Home -- I needed to dust off my Oct. 07 Elle Decor to Share!

How dreamy is this? Michelle renovated and designed this 1920's apartment with the help of Architect Anik Pearson and Shaun Jackson.






Cole & Sons Wallpaper






Obsorne & Little's Asuka, comes in many colorways...





Get the look:







www.adessoimports.com/



http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod46840025

Milly's Spring 2009 Collection - here are some bits and pieces of what I loved!

For Everyday....

The weekend wear....

My dress for P Diddy's 10th annual White Party in the Hampton's, naturally....

Works Dress. Love it! This is a must!

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Brilliant Ron Mann




Last summer I had the unique experience of getting a private tour of this house by Ron. Hillside, is nothing short of spectacular!

Ron is an AD 100 Designer, famous for his use of unconventional materials and taking things "off the grid," meaning whatever you would expect something to be -- he mixes it up and makes it interesting!

Ron designed everything in this home from the concrete walls to the furniture inside and out.




Yes, that is a banana! A blown up picture of a banana - as wallpaper! I wish I had a shot of his original painting of Houdini -- so wickedly awesome!
Spin me!
This is a steel table that actually turns! Look closely and you can see the built in round place settings - which also spin.

Ferrari Green

This color is custom matched to a rare 60's Ferrari color. Which Ron has coined Ferrari green! Hot! A color that is comparable is BM - tequila lime!



THE LIVING ROOM


A Den built into the side of a cave!



Entrance to Ron's Ranch!






Ahhh, if these trees could talk! Ron's outdoor parties are notorious! With outdoor areas like these people are bound to end up dancing on the tables and sleeping outdoors! While having the best margarita ever, mixed by Ron, we had a chance to walk around with my dear friend William and my husband.

Rons sprawling rustic ranch is like the western frontier meets a lounge in Spain! Tons off outdoor pavilions and with cushy woodblock and concrete framed sofas, huge ball pillows, eating areas, then hidden work spaces with panoramic views of the Napa Valley.




Ron's likes to design houses, so your not afraid to kick up your feet and put down your drink! He uses outdoors fabrics inside in all the main living areas -- he loves patterns like these colorful and ethnic prints - available at Donghia