Christmas, the Miles Redd way

While looking for images through my files for my earlier post I remembered this house that was designed by the glamorous Miles Redd. This house was featured in last year's December issue of Elle Decor and I love that its holiday decor is grand and festive yet easy to execute.

All images from Elle Decor. If you didn't get to see this home you can read about it here.

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Christmas eye candy

As I mentioned before we're having a tree-less Christmas this year so I'm searching high and low for inspiration of little vignettes that can be easily created around the house. I'm sure many people choose to do this when they have little children running around the house. I hope these images get you inspired to have a beautiful Christmas even when not having a Christmas tree. Enjoy

Images from my file, Country Living, Southern Living and Home Companion.

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A-la-Kelly

Kelly Wearstler's tabletop is impeccably beautiful and a great option now that we're approaching Christmas. This collection will make a drop dead fabulous Christmas table, but at more than $100 a piece it is mostly out of reach. But, I was glad to came across this new china by Crate and Barrel that creates a similar dazzling effect. I think I found an alternative tabletop for my Christmas table.

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The comfort zone

I believe that the planning of a space cannot only rely on practicality while ignoring style, nor can it be vise versa. Comfort and beauty should harmoniously coexist. Like William Morris once said "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." I am truly convinced that our surroundings influence our beings and if we put in our homes only what we love based on comfort and functionality beauty will reveal itself. After all, having a warm, comfortably functional and beautiful home to come back to at the end of a long and hectic day, is what we all covet. Don't take me wrong, if I could afford a Claude Lalanne chair I'll maybe purchase one but I'll first make sure I have enough space to enjoy it more like a displayed chic piece of furniture rather than an everyday-use one. These spaces below are chic without sacrificing comfort.

Vogue Living

This room designed by Miles Redd has lots of pillows for the owners and guests to rest their back and upholstered furniture to provide comfort as well, the lacquered walls and orange coffee table bring in that chic factor.

Robert Couturier used a very comfortable couch and a very chic cocktail table as contrast in Frederic Fekkai and wife's living room.

I just feel like cuddling in Michael Smith's yellow couch.

Living room designed by Ames Ignham

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What's in a Name?

I tend to not like to wear a lot of initials on my clothing, unless they're my own, or Chanel.  Whether it's a holiday gift, a hostess gift, or an any time of year gift, I think a monogramed something is a lovely way to say, "You're special!"

                                                                           Goyard


I can't tell you how many times I have had these made up.  You cannot go wrong with a monogrammed RL polo.

Ralph Lauren

Anything from iomoi.  I especially love the lucite trays, but they have everything from coasters to carry- ons.

Often times I will incorporate a monogramed or personalized item into a job.  Jonathan Adler has a customizing option for pillows and rugs.

William Sonoma Home has cashmere blankets in wonderfully soft, assorted colors.

LOVE this brass table lamp from Roll and Hill.  It is perfect in a cozy office.

The ultimate in personalization is painting or using decal monograms in any room of your home.  I can see it used in a nursery, master bedroom, or really graphic and large as a focal point in a living room.  The application of this easy technique could really be a "wow" factor.

Sunny's Good Time Paints has a plethora of options. 

photo via~ materialgirls

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Let the sunshine in

After spending a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and giving thanks for all the great things in our lives, we enjoyed a delicious meal and the good company and snacking around every time we go into the kitchen. Sometimes the simple fact of being in good company is the greatest reason to be grateful. I want to thank you personally for being my amazing readers and for being with me all this long. I thought that these two spaces evoke an atmosphere like the one expected on a Thanksgiving weekend. Amazing how two different spaces from two separate homes can share the same ambiance all due to the amount and position of natural light coming in. I like how these two spaces show the importance of natural light and how it can create the appropriate atmosphere, two main elements to consider when selecting materials and color to decorate a home. Usually warm colors rather than pastels work better in these types of rooms with strong afternoon sunlight.

Kara Mann

Miki Duisterhof

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Trendspotting~ Peacock Feathers

I have been seeing Peacock feathers everywhere.  The trend started over a year ago. Visionaries "create a buzz", then the trend (whatever it may be) trickles down and trickles down until the market becomes over saturated.  That is the nature of a trend.  We're just about there.

Peacock Feathers symbolize decadence and pride.  The jewel tone color combination IS timelessly beautiful.  

Ragland Hill Social

Matthew Williamson 

The Greek's believed Peacock feathers symbolize all knowing, all seeing because the Greek God Hera placed "eyes" on their feathers. The Hindu's associate Peacock feathers with the God Lakshmie.  The feathers represent kindness, patience and good fortune.  The Buddhist's believe that when the birds display their feathers, it is a sign of openness.  And because the birds can eat poisonous plants with no ill effects, that represents immortality.

Matthew Williamson

Elle Decor

Duralee

Robert Verdi for Kips Bay

Decor Arts Now

Sculpture via 1st Dibs

I will never get tired of seeing those beautiful birds or the lovely color combination of their feather display, but everything in moderation!

photos not captioned~credit unknown.  

If it's yours, tell me & I'll post it.

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Our Thanksgiving table is ready

I hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I set up a very inexpensive table setting with a quick trip to Target and my local supermarket.

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Be Thankful

Vivre

FYI... It's SNOWING in Philadelphia this morning. I was wishing for a white Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving

Here are a few images to get you inspired because I know that not only the food part of today is important to design lovers like us. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving

Martha Stewart

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A life in colors

Kids really know how to enjoy life and that usually comes across in their fondness for colors. Wouldn't kids feel in heaven having a room that has everything they usually crave? Cabin-like-bunk beds and lots of color; What else would they ask for? Maybe skipping school...

Scrapstudio

Now, this kitchen... I just love the striped sink skirt. I can't picture this kitchen without it. You know my obsession for stripes.

My Scandinavian retreat

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Tips for Thanksgiving Entertaining

Keeping it simple is the theme.  If you are like a lot of people who feel overwhelmed or just not that interested in making a big fuss, here are a few more SUBTLE, EASY ideas that your guests will notice

Zinke Design

Create a self serve bar

  Create layered lighting; from candles, sconces, table lamps, chandeliers and DIM the overheads.

Tip~ freeze your tapers a couple days ahead and it will prevent them from dripping all over.  No scented candles!

Pink lightbulbs cast a nice glow and the color looks good on everyone.

Add flowers or a plant in different parts the house, not just as the centerpiece.  They really add life to a room.

For example, the powder room, at the bar, near the entrance.

Rod Winter for Kips Bay Show House

Warm, cozy scents make people feel welcome. Cinnamon is great, pinecones work well or mulling spices on the stove.

One of my personal favorites is to turn Yule Log on the TV. I find it very relaxing and isn't that the goal when family gets together? 

If you prefer, Artscreen will turn your TV into a beautifully framed rotating art gallery.

Gather similar items and arrange them on a tray or in apothecary jars.  It elevates their importance.  The same can be said for disjointed items.  If you arrange them on a tray it immediately creates a meaningful collection. 

The point is to arouse all your guests senses.  No matter what happens they will remember the house felt inviting!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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