Graceful Elegance

HAPPY FRIDAY

2010-03-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Enjoy your weekend. Pick up some fresh flowers...have a pie....just enjoy and be merry ! :-)

Spring has sprung!!!

2010-03-18T09:24:00.004-04:00

I have been traveling for work this week, apologies for my absence. But I returned to NYC last night to the most glorious weather ever! This weekend is actually going to be in the low 70's - HOORAY!!! I am actually excited to do some spring cleaning, run outside and of course enjoying the beautiful weather at some outside restaurant/bar is on the list of things to do. How can you not when it's so nice out!? Enjoy these beautiful images that remind me of spring :-)

Images from Girly Me

A little bit of this...a little bit of that !

2010-03-15T10:29:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday! This weekend was a wet one here in NYC - but VERY productive! We got done tons of stuff around the house and even had some fun nights out in the city and Hoboken. Went to a fabulous Mexican dinner in Nolita, Cafe el Portal. Looks like a whole in the wall from the outside but is so charming on the interior and more importantly, the food is to die for! If you're ever in the area...check it out :-) And just as an fyi - the margs are tasty and strong!

Also, we finally got decor for the massive brick "foe" fireplace in our dining room. It was screaming for something but I just didn't want to put anything up. So I had been searching for a sunburst mirror and finally found it! Two's Company came to our rescue. We got it at the cutest little home store in Hoboken, which I am blanking on the name of now...but the manufacturer is Two's company. Anywho - we also picked up our Arte Italica MAGNIFICENT wine bar (pictures to come later but you can kind of see it to the right). It was a bohemuth getting it up the four flights of stairs. I proved useless so Steve asked a guy who was moving down the street.... he's a trooper and made it work! Thanks my love!!!

Hope you all had a nice weekend too!

Happy Friday Chicitas!!

2010-03-12T09:32:00.003-05:00

Now I know I already have my dress for the wedding....but if I were cool enough to wear a pink dress on our wedding day....this would be it. What a beauty - so elegant, classy and pretty!!!!

Have a good weekend!

Dress by carolina herrara via coco+kelley

Happy

2010-03-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

I couldn't help but smile when I stumbled upon these pictures on Girly Me today. So be happy - it's almost the weekend!

How FABULOUS!!!

How I wish I was the one reading this book...

yummy...but so pretty at the same time :)

Absolutely adore this room! So feminine... looks like you would find this room in an enchanted cottage in the woods

Spring reminds me of...

2010-03-10T09:50:00.002-05:00

Barn doors. I love them. Let the top half stay open and feel the cool breezes of the Spring entering the house - feels good!

This image from the fabulously talented Amy Morris

Lovin' India Rose

2010-03-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

I stumbled upon this website, India Rose, and I have fallen smitten! Such feminine designs with ruffles, stripes, polka dots - just "ever so"! I love it all...so precious.

How beautiful!! I am trying to think how I could incorporate any of these into the wedding

Bath essentials?

Match made in snail-mail heaven!

2010-03-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Last week I attended the Dempsey & Carroll launch for their new partnership with Shumacher. What a great idea to pair a fabric line with a collection of stationary - brings the fun back into hand written notes (which I always love)! And of course, your personal stationary can match your living room - for those who just loooooove coordinating! :-)

Such colorful and fun designs..check it out

Cocktail Anyone?

2010-03-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

What perfect timing. I am headed to Vegas tomorrow for the first of MANY bachelorette parties of the season! I am going with a fantastic group of gals and I am pretty positive we'll find ourselves some trouble and come back with some pretty funny stories.

So enjoy your weekend ladies and gents...I know I sure will! But before you sign off for the weekend, check out Everything LEB - an amazing blog (and also fellow Bostonian). I have been reading her blog now for a few months and I ALWAYS find inspiration when stopping over at LEB - I just LOVE it! If I haven't convinced you already, maybe the fact that she has a fabulous give-away will! Everything LEB is giving away some pretty rockin' bar accessories to make hosting a cocktail party "oh so stylish"! Check it out here!

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAITLIN!!!

One room at a time...

2010-03-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

While condo renovations are done, we are still slowly but surely going through each room and decorating! I know...I know....this is a slow process (and should be) so that you can find special pieces and truly fall in love with the rooms you create. With that said, I am getting so antsy! I hate walking into the bedroom and living room and it looking so blah... I mean, don't get me wrong - we have done A LOT. But now we have come to a road bump (need to concentrate funds on the wedding) and I am dying to just get it all done! One thing that I really want to do with one wall in our living room is create bookshelves. We want to try and do this ourselves (aka Steve the handyman)....has anyone made bookshelves before across a whole wall?? If so, how did it come out?

images courtesy of trad home

Because it's only Tuesday...

2010-03-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Here are some fun images to help us all through the week! I have to believe that whomever lives in these homes must leave the house every day with an extra skip in their step - so fun!

Love all the color combinations!!

images courtesy of Trad Home

Beach bum...

2010-03-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know we had a blizzard last week....and maybe it's the 40 degree weather, the sun staying out just a little bit longer or the fact that Steve and I ran outside this weekend without freezing our buns off..... but whatever it is - I feel the winds of change slowly but surely creeping into the NE corridor!

These one-piece swimsuits from JCREW remind me of a retro-20's esque style. I can just imagine sitting beachside with a book and a fabulously floppy hat sporting these trunks!

Love these nautical stripes!

I think this one is so sweet with the floral pattern

Have a great week!!

Snowed in...

2010-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!

images unknown

WHITE OUT

2010-02-25T15:36:00.004-05:00

I am sitting at my desk and I can't see the buildings across the way. Snow is blanketing Manhattan right now....

Images courtesy of Traditional Home

Soon enough...

2010-02-24T08:10:00.002-05:00

Soon these rainy, ice-cold days will be over. And I"ll be sitting on a dock down the Cape, shading myself from the glare of the sun....soon to be married....soon...

Image courtesy of coco + kelley

Oh CANADA!

2010-02-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

An ode to Canada as we are wrapping up the last week of the Winter Olympics :-) Enjoy some photos from Canadian House & Home Best of 2009....

A modern twist with the use of typically traditional darker woods....very nice.

So inviting! Textured ratten matts are stapled to the wall to give a look of grass cloth.

LOVE all the pops of color!

Words so sweet....

2010-02-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

I fell in love with a piece that I saw over at Brooke's posting about her child's nursery on Blueprint Bliss. After doing some digging (emailing Brooke and her so kindly responding) I found out who makes this beautiful artwork - Sugarboo Designs. I googled them and of course went to their website and all I can say is WOW. I was captivated by all the beautiful words that Rebecca and her husband, Rick ,have captured and creatively displayed on SO many different types of artwork! I seriously could spend hours just sitting on their site reading all the amazingly heart felt quotes...

Not only are the pieces touching but they would look fabulous in any space! Everything from signs, handmade frames, and much much more. I want to hang them all over my apartment (ok, that might be overboard in my 1,000 sq.foot brownstone...but still) - I just love them! This is one talented duo over at Sugarboo and I will most definitely be purchasing multiple pieces in the future. Be your own judge and check them out here! And thanks again Brooke !

Love it!

How sweet in a nursery?

They have so many small frames that would make for amazing gifts!

Have a good week!

Chatham, Cape Cod - 6 months AND counting....

2010-02-19T08:20:00.016-05:00

It's Friday - Happy day! I figured I would share with you a few things that have been keeping me busy (and away from blogging these past few months). Here is a smattering of images that have inspired my vision for our wedding on 8/21/2010 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Some of these images are my own and others are from my vendors or my fave wedding blogs. 6 MONTHS AND COUNTING TO AUGUST 21st...eeeek!

Love lights...lot's and lot's of lights!!

Cute Idea for a welcome basket

Inspiration for placecards

Invitations - except ours will have indigo writing and indigo inside cover flap

Cute idea for guest book - poloroids!

Inspiration for some church decor hanging on the front doors - "S" & "C"

L-O-V-E this cake. I am really hoping the baker at CBI will be able to replicate it! Crossing fingers!!!

Love calligraphy

Our Save The Date :-)

Church

Courtesy of our wedding venue: Chatham Bars Inn

My bridesmaid dresses from Jim Hjelm

Inspiration for centerpieces.... Image from my florist

I really have to say - I have received sooo much inspiration from all the design and wedding blogs out there - I can't thank you enough! However, since it was quite a long time ago that I collected these images, I can't recall where I got all of them. I am fairly certain many are from my favorite wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty and Snippet & Ink. If you see an image here that is your's - please write to me and I will give you credit!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Amazing kitchen...

2010-02-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

I stopped by Lauren's blog, Pure Style Home, and stumbled upon this amazing kitchen story! Guest blogger, Brooke Giannetti from Velvet & Linens, told her story of a fabulous kitchen re-do. I love this kitchen "after" AND "before"! Something about the space is sooo inviting and almost whimsical (if it's even possible for a kitchen to be whimsical)! Enjoy :)

Before

So pretty!

After

Love the rustic sign above the window and the bread box

She infused an industrial look into this "oh so" traditional kitchen by adding these chairs and painting the lights silver, very cool.

Read the full story here

Our kitchen is the last thing in the condo that we will be touching. Probably not until after the wedding. I will show some pictures in the coming weeks....but I am in so much envy of these images. A girl can dream can't she!?

Happy Hump Day

2010-02-17T08:55:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Country Living

Cold days of February...

2010-02-16T08:55:00.002-05:00

In my dreams I am need of ideas for my second home in the tropics - these would all make the cut for my inspiration board (one day)... :-)

Check out these wicker lamp coverings...

Gorgeous

Um...yes please!

Bamboo chairs - to die for!

Oh to be some where warm...

Images courtesy of Coastal Living

Something blue...

2010-02-15T14:48:00.005-05:00

Today's winter sky is so icey blue....Happy Presidents Day!

So simple but beautiful

Holy Pantry

Courtesy of Country Living

I heart....

2010-02-12T13:54:00.007-05:00

Although I am sure all my readers are LONG gone...I am back and wanted to say hello. Now that things have finally settled down - home renovations are d-o-n-e and the major wedding stuff is finalized, I thought there was no better time to come back full throttle then VDAY! A time to share love with all! While I have totally been absent on this blog, I haven't stopped reading all of my faves and I figured I would share some of my favorite images out there today that are beautiful, pretty and PINK!

Images courtesy of : Pink Wallpaper , Absolutely Beautiful Things , High-Heeled Foot in the Door , beachbungalow8 , coco + kelley and snippet & ink

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wow..it's been too long!

2009-11-12T20:19:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to quickly check-in and say sorry for abandoning the blog! The truth is, between work, home renovations (still!) and life, I was able to write the blog in my free time. Now my free time is spent wedding planning and searching the web for ideas. And I actually LOVE it! So hopefully I will be back again...for now too-da-loo!

Wedding Bells

2009-06-15T10:20:00.003-04:00

Steve and I got engaged this weekend....so excited!!!! There will be lot's of planning to be had over the next year...but for now we are just soaking it all in!!! :-) Here is an ode to one of my all time fave movies...and really...can I please get a Frank of my own!? ha

Secret Gardens...

2009-06-12T09:41:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I attended the Greenwich Garden Education Center annual Garden Tour. It was FABULOUS!!! The homes themselves were of course GORGEOUS but the landscaping and gardens were breath taking! Some were lavish, some were understated...but they were all beautiful! I will post pictures once I get them up on-line...but in the meantime, enjoy some photos of last year's Garden Tour. I must say though...this year's tour out-did past years.

Rain rain go away...

2009-06-10T13:49:00.003-04:00

Stay dry today ladies and gents. NY can't seem to break free of these clouds....

image via the english muse

June 9th...

2009-06-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today is my 28th birthday. So close to 30...a little too far off from 25. I've got a good job, an even better family and friends and a pretty awesome guy. 28 is going to be alright :-) Enjoy with me some images from our old friend Domino Magazine....and be happy today.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOMINO & Keep Calm Gallery

Time to reflect...

2009-06-08T10:06:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! I don't know about you all (I really wish I could say y'all here b/c it fits so appropriately....but I don't want people accusing me of being from Boston and asking why I use words such as y'all. OK I digress) but I am exhausted from the weekend! The wedding was fabulous and couldn't have been more fun!!! But back to posting...

I find that I every time I move I seem to collect more mirrors. Mirrors are great for everything from giving the allusion of more space to a room or just adding a decorative accent to any space! A neat trick that we've all seen in various mags is finding antique or just plain different frames and then adding a glassed mirror to it. How do you all think mirrors fit best in a home? Any tricks you want to share...let us know! :-) Here are a few images that I liked when surfing the www.....

Last minute add...I just found this image on pink wallpaper - perfect for today's post and love this look!!!

I am in love with the mirror top row Left. I just don't know where I would use it!? I have been contemplating using a mirror like the one bottom row Right and top row Middle for my entryway when you walk in the door...is it too intrusive?

This image is from a renovation story on Southern Living. They didn't want to disrupt the window in the bathroom...so they added a vanity with surrounding mirrors. So cool and gives the feeling of yet another window and so much space - love it!

Happy Friday! Wedding # 2

2009-06-05T10:20:00.003-04:00

This wedding video is so precious that I found on Snippet & Ink! I can guarentee it will put a smile on your face to start out the weekend! Off to wedding #2 this season...so excited to celebrate Meg and Dave's big day!!

Megan & Mihir Sunday Wedding 8mm from A Bryan Photo on Vimeo.

Such a talented guy and great couple!

Jealous...

2009-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am sorry...but this is most definitely bigger than my kitchen! I love all the shelving...so organized! You never have to move things around to look for it (like I ALWAYS am doing)! And I love this ladder - very cute idea!

Sorry guys!

2009-06-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

We had a leak in our house last night so things are kind of crazy....promise I will be back soon!

And we're off....

2009-05-28T09:24:00.005-04:00

My first wedding of the season is tomorrow and it should be splendiforous! All my college pals will be in the city to celebrate our beautiful Caitlin's big day. In honor of wedding season officially beginning for me... here are a few wedding shots that I love: A wedding inspiration roll if you will. Enjoy and have a great weekend - I'll be off the blogosphere tomorrow :-)

Enlightening...

2009-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am lovin' these lamps featured on Design Sponge! I could really envision the third one in from the left on an end table in my future living with a brown rug and white couch....it's different and not necessarily my style...but something is drawing me too it.

Images from design sponge

I just love this...

2009-05-26T10:56:00.001-04:00

Always nice to be reminded....so easily we forget in this day and age.
Posted by Absolutely Beautiful Things

Mud Room...

2009-05-26T09:29:00.001-04:00

If this was my mud room, I would be home by now... heres to wishing!

Image from Design Sponge

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-22T10:27:00.006-04:00

Summer is officially (well unofficially until june 21st I guess) here!!! The weekend that starts the season of cookouts, parades, weddings, showers and of course beach time! I am heading up to Boston to go to Fenway...but years past I would be heading down to Chatham, Cape Cod to enjoy some much needed drinks at the Squire, shopping on Main Street and possibly sun if the Memorial Day weather holds out. With excitement for when I do finally get down to the Cape over the 4th...I'll settle for these beautiful images from the Cape and the Islands....and a little outfit and travel accessories I would most likely be wearing at my Mem. Day cookout on the Cape! Enjoy the weekend everyone!!

Main Street Chatham

Images from elements of style

Ahhh, Light House Beach

Splish Splash!

2009-05-21T11:07:00.004-04:00

This 86 degree weather reminds me of summer days sunning pool-side. Here are a few pools I wouldn't mind walking out to in my backyard every day for a morning swim....or an evening randeveu! :-) For those of you in the North East....enjoy the day!

So relaxing. I am in love witth this pool house!!!
Take a lap anyone?

Love infinity pools!

Do My Back Anyone??

2009-05-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

So a little random, yes. But tis the season of beach bums and pool parties....and in the name of Skin Cancer month - this product couldn't be more relevant! A fellow Hearst-y, Kate Slavin of Cosmo created this new mechanism that allows one to rub sun lotion on their own back...yes it's true! It's actually been selling like hot cakes at Henri Bendel for the last few weeks. At $22, this is a no-brainer. Plus I have to say, it makes an excellent back scratcher if you take the pad off….

Check out her interesting love story behind this product as well as see some instructional videos on how to use at the beach, pool or in the tub (ok, thats wierd...but here you go)....shop here!! :-)

Decorati...

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Access to the best of the best.... what is usually only reserved for the trade professional....enter Decorati.com. Decorati.com is a fabulous site that was created by Shane Reilly, a former Interior Designer herself. Through this amazing site she gives access to non certified design enthusiasts like myelf to purchase products that are usually only available at design centers and sold only to the trade. Readers can also ask for design help and learn about any upcoming sample sales or news in the design industry! Check it out here - I am a fan!

PS - She also has a great blog

Breathtaking....

2009-05-18T15:54:00.002-04:00

Imagine this horitcultural dream in your backyard??????? This english garden in Greenwich, CT is simply beautiful...

For more images visit veranda.com

Happy Friday!

2009-05-15T09:23:00.003-04:00

I am off to one of my best friends' bachelorette party for the weekend down Cape Cod! There will be some relaxing .... such as these photos....

AND THEN SOME PARTYING!!!!!
Enjoy your weekend everyone and sorry for the non-design related post....I am rushing off to catch my train! :-)

Tea Party

2009-05-14T09:40:00.005-04:00

Today Design Sponge featured a fabulous DIY project for your kitchen or eatery. I thought it was so cute and a great idea for all the tea lovers out there. So if you have a rainy lazy Saturday coming up in your future...maybe give this a shot!

CLICK HERE for the full instructions....

I heart these bathrooms.... <3

2009-05-13T09:37:00.003-04:00

What a transformation....

2009-05-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

While perusing CoastalLiving.com, I stumbled upon a pretty fantastic renovation story! Gives me some inspiration that my abode will one day get done and look beautiful too (well ok..not this beautiful)! :-) Wanted to share this great renovation story...enjoy:

Love everything about this beachy kitchen!

Love all the white!!

Great color on those vases

So comfy :-)

Love the green accents and OF COURSE the claw foot tub!

A little heaven on earth!

2009-05-08T08:19:00.001-04:00

Attention New Yorkers : Domino Magazine is hosting a tag sale this Saturday from 10am-5pm at Tom Delavan's townhouse. They are selling over 1500 sq feet of precious goodies from years of DOMINO Magazine photo shoots. They have also invited some of their nearest and dearest top designer friends in the city to join in the sale spectacular. The even better news - is that all products are going to be SUPER CHEAP!!! See here for more details!

Report back with all the good finds...I will be in Boston this weekend!

Rolling hills...

2009-05-06T10:51:00.007-04:00

I had meetings in New Holland, PA yesterday (Amish Country) and I was humbled and reminded of the beauty that is simple living and green green grass. Living in the city you sometimes get so accustomed to the tall buildings, traffic, hords of people, cement and pollution... it's easy to forget about good 'ol country living. Here are a few reminders:

This week has been crazy between work and not having internet yet at the new condo....I'll get back at it soon...I promise :-)

Ahhh, renovations

2009-05-04T11:26:00.007-04:00

I was traveling for work at the end of last week...sorry for being absent! I did come back however to officially sleep in the new condo and can I just say.... AHHHH!!! We have been given a stop work order b/c we didn't get the official permits and now obtaining them will take 4 - EVA!! Here is what I am living with right now, sans shower.

So to put a smile on my face - I found some pretty pictures on the blogosphere today....

enjoy :-) (and say a lil prayer to the construction gods)

Courtesy of Elements of Style

Courtesy of Pink Wallpaper

Dream Home - Courtesy of Elements of Style

Courtesy of High Heeled Foot in the Door

Going natural...

2009-04-29T09:37:00.005-04:00

As the work on the condo is slowly nearing completion, I am finalizing (in my mind of course) all the decor details. I have been thinking about the entrance hall and I have determined that I want to wallpaper the top half with a light grasscloth and paint the lower half (there will be a chail rail) a brown color...thoughts? Here are some images of grasscloth done right!

Love the flowers and all the pops of color - so fun! Both images above are from the blog Belle Vivir...an amazing blog!

So pretty. Image from one of my fave blogs My Little Happy Place :-)

House Beautiful image

This image is from a blog that I just found and absolutely love : Theletteredcottage

Party anyone?

2009-04-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Last week was tabletop market in NYC and ohhh the entertainment possiblities. It's so inspiring to talk to people who are SO enthusiastic about the art of entertaining. Enjoy the below smattering of photos from last week ....

Vera Wang's china by Wedgewood - what a great table setting...perfect for a garden party!!

Not so in love with Waterford's new collection....but might suit some people!

Waterford's Lismore.... one day!

Lladro teamed up with a designer (blanking on name) who designed these pieces...can you tell what each is modeled after?? A horse's leg....interesting.

Lladro's elephants....very intricate and of course accompanied with quite the price tag!

Love this pewter braided charger by Arte Italica. This could even be used as a serving piece and look magnificent.

New collection of canisters by Arte Italica. Each piece is hand painted...I fell in love and will definitely be purchasing for my new kitchen...I love the rustic look!

So sparkley....

So different but I love these wine decanters from Reidel....they would look so cool on a bar or even as an accent piece in your china cabinet....

A different take on wine glasses by Reidel

Haviland's new ribbon collection...might work well for Holiday with the gold. Also comes in silver.

Leopard anyone?

We loved the unique shape of this soup bowl. Could also be used as a candy dish... by Mottahedah

Simple blue and white but the texture on the china makes it unique.

Missoni by Richard Ginori's new collectio. I LOVE this table setting for a resort in Mexico or your second home (that I don't have) in a tropical local! :-) The colors are so fun!

More fun colors from Richard Ginori

I like the cuts in this Kate Spade crystal

So whimsical :-)

Kelly Wearstler's new line by Pickard. Another fun Holiday piece with the gold accents...

I love these yellows colors for a casual summer day!

William Yeoward's new collection of vases. They were telling us that one designer actually made these into lamps....so cool!

Classic Hermes...

Moving on up....

2009-04-24T09:08:00.003-04:00

Moving weekend is here!! Happy Friday everyone and I promise to post the tabletop pics on Monday...wish us luck!! :-)

Open Door Policy....

2009-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

The door is the gateway to your home and the home is where the heart is....so your door better be picture perfect then! :-) Moving day is quickly approaching and while the contractor is busily renovating the condo in time for move-in day, Steve and I have been tasked with taking a trip to Home Depot to choose a front door. Who would have thought there is so much to think about when picking out a door!? Do we want a solid face or maybe a half-moon window look at the top? And most importantly...what color?? Steve and I are leaning towards painting the door a bold color...hmmmmm, oh the choices! Take a gander at some cools doors that most certainly stand out to passerbyers as they take a stroll....And we'll keep you posted with our decisions!
(and don't worry...pics from tabeltop will be coming)

We are leaning towards a red door...

Two images above courtesy of Elements of Style

Tabletop Week

2009-04-21T19:10:00.003-04:00

Sorry guys...it's tabletop market week in NYC so I am in all day meetings for the next few days. But the good news is that I am getting a preview of all the new collections and lines and will have lot's to chat about by the end of the week. So many beautiful tablescapes!!!

KIPS BAY 2009

2009-04-20T11:03:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to attend the Opening Night Gala for Kips Bay 2009. This year's show-house pulled out all the stops and left not one detailed unturned! Each room , like each designer different in their own ways, looks truly amazing and the house was simply breath-taking. It seemed like the house went on for ever...the rooms just kept going, not to mention the floors! You would never guess you were in a brownstone in Manhattan. And might I add...the house is on the market for $75 Million :-) While I was not able to take pictures at the event...I snagged a bunch of images from House Beautiful. Check them out...

Eileen Kathryn Boyd's "Color Vibe" Living Room

Garrow Kedigian's "Sitting Room"

"Grand Living Room" by Charles Pavarini

Joel Woodard's "Cozy Bedroom"

I wish I had more images from the night, as there are so many more spectacular rooms!!

Happy Friday & Happy Spring

2009-04-17T10:09:00.003-04:00

Spring is finally in the air and I actually walked to worked today! It took just about an hour but it was well worth the time to be able to properly take in the first "real" warm day in awhile! There was lot's of people watching to be had on my walk...the most fun was defintely checking out all the different outfits people were sportin in the streets of NYC. And might I add - I snagged a few ideas for my spring wardrobe! I was inpsired by one women I saw around Union Square....she was definitely bringing back the oh so chic 70's look and I loved it! Bring it on Spring...I am going shopping! :-) Here is my idea of a "Casual Friday Spring Fling - not yet 75...but not dreary 40's anymore" rockin' outfit.....

Spring by Cal0381 featuring J Crew cardigans

Some Photog Lovin...

2009-04-16T09:32:00.004-04:00

Love my fabulous friends, especially when they send me blog worthy tid bits! Meg sent me by way of this amazing photographer, Kella MacPhee. Her photography takes a different approach in capturing the emotion and beauty she is shooting. Through the different angles she uses and how the lights all come together - it's truly a masterpiece! All of the weddings she has shot look so fun...you can tell Kella was able to capture all the joy that the crowd was experiencing at that very moment. Not to mention, she also has a fab blog...check it out. :)

All photos courtesy of Kella MacPhee

Magic Carpet Ride....

2009-04-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

A little bit of a color...a little bit of out-of-the-box thinking, a great floral architect...and Mother Nature herself! It just goes to show the grandeur of nature and the natural beauty that is before us all everyday....

"Since 1971, it is the 16th carpet of flowers on the Grand Place in Brussels .This year, the flower carpet designed by floral architect Mark Schautteet is inspired by the tapestry of the French Savonnerie, which dates from the 17th century. 700,000 begonias form a colourfum motif on which appears the patron saint Saint-Michel and the iris of the Brussels Region. One hundred volunteers have brought flowers on the Grand Place . For the floral carpet of flowers to be perfect, the design is fully represented in size on a transparent plastic perforated to create a micro-humid climate which must keep fresh flowers and colorful. " How cool!?

Baby boop...

2009-04-14T08:00:00.003-04:00

Apologize for the lack of posts but I have been hanging with the fam in Boston over the weekend and had no time for creative thinking and/or working on my blog. But alas, I am now back to the business! While I was home, I paid a visit to Pottery Barn Kids to do some shopping for a new baby cousin and I was blown away by all the breath-takingly beautiful, cool, amazing (I could keep going)....baby furniture and paraphanalia that exists these days. This inspired me to do some searching for unique and incredible baby nurseries....enter these images I found on FLIKR ....love them!! Go figure it was for a Domino Magazine Nursery Design Contest...too cool! So for all my baby mamas out there....snag some ideas... and for the rest of us, just take note for the future (and I mean far in the future...have no fear people, it didn't inspire me THAT much)! :-) Note: After I wrote this I realized that I couldn't upload the pics to my blog...strange, but check it out here! I especially ADORE the room with the green crib, the zebra rocking chair and the built-in window seat. Also love the idea of painting the ceiling for a nursery...LOVE IT!

HAPPY EASTER....

2009-04-09T10:04:00.005-04:00

I am heading home to Boston today for the Easter Weekend so... Enjoy the Holidays!

Helpful Hints...

2009-04-08T13:57:00.002-04:00

Lauren from Pure Style Home posted this helpful piece from Sarah's Fab Day. We are actually using a lot of those tips for the new apartment. Extremely spot on advice for any home...check out, it's a good read!

Some Designer Lovin... Kat Burki

2009-04-08T09:47:00.005-04:00

Connecticut based designer, Kat Burki, epitomizes grace and elegance....so I thought what better designer products to showcase on graceful elegance! While her collection is quite out of my price range (although the accessories are reasonable), they are still fun to look at and garner ideas. For that piece of look-alike furniture you found at a flea market that needs refurbishing or that old couch sitting in your parents basements...just b/c we may not have the wallet doesn't mean we don't have the potential to create something just as beautiful!

I absolutley adore these gold leaf napkin rings (and affordable)!

Color Wheel: Grey

2009-04-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

In the midst of these grey days, sky looming so closely over the tall buildings of NYC and April showers, I had a thought...GREY! So I am really just thinking out loud here - but I am contemplating painting the new bedroom a solid grey against the white moldings. Contrary to my very instincts of light and airy blues/yellows for bedrooms... alas I just may do it. Take a look at a compilation of grey rooms.... something to ponder...

Happy Monday...

2009-04-06T09:51:00.006-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! Today is yet another dreary rainy day here in NYC and on days like today - it's hard to find inspiration. Well look no further...one of my bff's, Carolyn, created this FAB inspiration board for the Elements of Style reader contest!! Her inpiration is a guest room retreat in the country - and boy does this make me want to run away into the country. Enjoy and wish Carolyn good luck!!
I love everything in this board! The green night table is gorgeous along with that unbelievably unique/cute teapot lamp. I took a gander at that garden chair when I was in Anthropology this past weekend and then had a reality check when I saw the price tag and the fact that I don't even have a backyard yet (soon)! The bedroom in the top right looks so relaxing and the branch table mirror is to die for. Good luck CG!!

Fabulous Friday Finds...

2009-04-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

Born a new tradition: Fabulous Friday Finds. With so many deals and steals out there...I figured I would dedicate Fridays to share these great little gems that we find on the world wide web. So if you find anything worthy - send my way and I'll post on a Friday!

To begin...my oh so "in the know" friend, Carolyn, sent me the link to One Kings Lane, an amazing new website that features incredible deals (almost half off retail sometimes!) on home decor. It's been very popular on the blog circuit...but if you haven't signed up already...do so STAT! It's great...I made my first purchase today...oh la la, placemats!

The next find came across my desk by way of my ever so stylish, talented and design genious Mother: FurnitureLand South. This company is based in North Carolina and features over 1 million square feet of furniture!!! Their consultants will help you find a piece of furniture you love, match colors and help design your house with their virtual room planner (that is what I used to design my future living room in yesterday's blog). Basically, if you find a piece of furniture from any furniture manufacturer...FurnitureLand South probably has it in their warehouse and you can purchase at a value price...along with all the other services that they offer. Email Sherry at sherryneedles@furniturelandsouth.com - she is SUPER helpful and she can help with your needs.

And might I add - I love this bamboo sofa!

Lastly, if you are in need of closet essentials check out The Container Store. They are having a 30%-50% off sale on all of their ELFA components. We will certainly be purchasing a boat load for our new walk-in (can't wait)!!

Happy FRIDAY and enjoy the weekend!!

Caroline "NOT" in the city....

2009-04-02T09:19:00.007-04:00

Well my days of existing as a Manhattan city dweller are dwindling. (Ok, I am being a bit dramatic...I will only be 10 minutes across the river in Hoboken and still working in the city...but still)! Lauren from Pure Style Home inspired me yesterday by her posting, asking for help on her new home that she just purchased (congrats again!) and I figured I would do an SOS of my own. We close on 4/20 but I wanted to get some ideas before we actually move in for this old pre-war brownstone . Here are some pics of the new apartment as it stands now....
This is the living room looking on to the kitchen and the entryway. The room with the french doors (love!) to the left is going to pose as an office/den for the timebeing. We are also keeping the blue back tile in the kitchen...but getting rid of the blue island tile and putting a nice wooden tabletop for that partial island. (we are not really doing anything more to the kitchen right now...that will be a project for down the road).

This is the rest of the living room if you are lookng from the kitchen. This piece of furniture should be gone by the time we move in and we are building built-in bookcases on either side of the fireplace and we are going to mount our flat screen on the fireplace (non-working). The bookcases are also going to come forward and hide the heating vent that covers the front of the brick (ugly!). It's a big open space but I need to figure out how to divide the room between a living room and little kitchenette/eating area. Since our kitchen is so small, I want to do something like this... (not properly sized but you can get the idea). Thoughts?

This picture does not include the bookcases that will be there...but you can get the jist... And I am thinking of painting the living room and very light blue (basalt from RL Paint) but I am stuck with the curtains for the living room...any advice!? Maybe a simple white like this from A Cup of Jo ?

Any ideas on colors for the kitchen curtain?? I love the exposed brick here and I am going to love to hang pots on those hooks above the oven!

Another view from the living room to the kitchen. Again, keeping the blue backtile but getting ride of the blue island tile.

Here is the view of the bedroom...I am thinking of painting the walls a light yellow and going with a light yellow/green theme in here. I love these curtains that I am 99% going to buy from Anthro for this room...like/dislike?

This hallway will not exisit anymore. We are pushing down this wall and creating another hallway from the entryway....kind of confusing but I will post pics once it's all done :-)

Our lovely backyard...lot's of potential! Any tips/advice/comments are welcome!! I'll be sure to post everything once it's complete - we move in on May 1 and it will probably not be all pulled together until at least the end of the summer. But a fun project none the less! :-) Thanks in advance!

Exposed...

2009-04-01T10:00:00.003-04:00

I love exposed wooden beams. I think it brings a rustic and cozy feeling to a home. Here are some examples of them really looking fabulous....

This picture from April's House Beautiful doesn't do it justice (need to
practice the art of scanning)! But this living room is beautiful. The wooden beams really work here with these light and purple colors....so fun!
Wow

I don't love the modern steel cabinets in this kitchen...but I do really like the beam action going on!

* Check out Elements of Style today...I just saw that she has a bunch of amazing photos (per usual), that also feature wooden beam ceilings.
Images courtesy of April's House Beautiful and the amazing designer, John Saladino

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...

2009-03-31T08:00:00.005-04:00

Sorry I have been a bit absent...but after a 5 hour delay at the airport on Sunday night - I was exhausted to say the least on Monday! I did however catch up on some of my favorite blogs and I just HAD to share these images from Pink Wallpaper. I absolutely fell in love with these twinkle lights that she posted last Friday. Done nicely, these lights can truly bring a whimsical feeling to the right room (or a garden!) - just love it!

This is a bedroom out of a fairy tale!

I think these twinkle lights could look precious in a little girls room.

Loving this garden shot and the lantern in the forefront of the image is beautiful. I might try and go for this look in our new backyard (which some may coin as just a small plot of grass - gotta love city living)!

Miami or bust...

2009-03-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well kiddies...I am off to Miami for a fun filled weekend with 12 girls, a bachelorette, lot's of sun, lot's of hot bods, drinks and of course...Art Deco everything! Not exactly my style, but I figured I would post an "ode" to Miami...

Color wheel...

2009-03-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

I just love this image from House Beautiful. What a way to use color and extra plates you have lying around the house to create such a unique look for your living room!! Not to mention the cute and colorful pillows they use to accent the couch. Lesson here = don't be afraid to use fun splashes of color to bring any room to life and this can always be done through decorative accent pillows!

Flower Power

2009-03-24T09:00:00.002-04:00

I really do believe that flowers can spruce up any room and bring a "freshness" to an otherwise dull/standard room. Drop by TJMAXX for some fake flowers or stop by your local flower shop for the real deal...but look to add flowers wherever you can... the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom...it will do wonders for your psyche until the actual sunshiny days arrive - till then!

Nice pop of a vibrant color in this white/neutral room!

Love the hydrangeas here...

I actually really like the vintage wallpaper here in this bedroom....might steal that idea, hmmmm

Spring...

2009-03-23T12:19:00.004-04:00

To celebrate the beginning of Spring I would like to feature one of my favorite aspects of a home....the porch!! I have always loved a nice sprawling porch and hope to one day have one of my own to sit back, sip lemonade, and rock back and forth on an old fashion rocking chair :-) (nice mental picture)! Although it is a frigid 30 degrees here in NY, these images allow me to look forward to the not too far off days of Spring and Summer!! Enjoy...

Greystone Estate

2009-03-18T08:00:00.001-04:00

This showhouse from veranda.com is magnificent. 30 Top Designers worked to transform each room of this empty estate into a beautiful masterpiece. Here are a few of my favorite rooms...enjoy!

I am in the market for some fake flowers (like these to the right) to permanently spruce up my apartment.

What a color!

I love those windows, this room looks so relaxing.

Cookout anyone?

Can this please be in my backyard???

GREEN WITH ENVEY...

2009-03-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lackluster posts this week - but I am traveling for work. Here is a little wish list I put together for the home .... and the closet! HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!!

Find me on Polyvore

Perusing blogs...

2009-03-13T13:25:00.008-04:00

So as I have been perusing through other people's blogs (yes, I know but it's Friday...gimme a break ;0), I found such a great posting that I wanted to share. I absolutely love vintage pieces in the kitchen and this posting from pink wallpaper showcases the use of vintage bread, flour, sugar etc...boxes. Just LOVE them! I can't wait to have a large and in-charge kitchen one day....

Love the different chairs around this antiqued wood kitchen table.

I wonder if there are accent lights in those open cabinets...if so I am sure it looks amazing.

So pretty. Again, all these looks are just so fresh, clean and simple. When I look at all the cut- outs I have kept of home magazines over the years...I come to find out that those adjectives are really what defines my decorating tastes. And pretty soon I am going to be able to decorate my first real "adult" apartment...so exciting! Moving in May and just can't wait for the decorating to begin...yes,I am 27 and have lived with a number of girls until now....growing up and moving in with a boy ;-)

A picture is worth a thousand words....

2009-03-13T09:22:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday! I thought I would celebrate the end of the week with some amazing wedding photography. Ben Chrisman is a global award winning photgrapher who captures emotion like no other. The way he uses light and color is magnificent....enjoy some of these wedding photos that I grabbed from his blog....it's truly art. And hopefully everyone likes weddings as much as I do....these photos will most certainly bring a smile to your face (as you could tell...it was hard for me to choose just a few)!

For the tabletop lovers...

2009-03-12T20:45:00.001-04:00

A post yesterday from the fabulous Erin at http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/ reminded me one of my fave home brands - Arte Italica. The true Italian craftsmanship that goes into each and every piece is truly exquisite. I love that you can mix and match the different styles to give off everything from an everydayware to formalware look - whichever suits your fancy! It makes you feel like your dining in a Tuscan Villa...and who wouldn't want that?

The Lino and Splendore styles compliment each other so nicely!

For the men in your life...this masculine line of pewter barware featuring the Bull and The Bear! (and selfishly, you get to have these beautiful pewter pieces in your home)!

Lastly, these adorable canisters with Italian labels for milk, sugar, coffee etc...I would love those in my kitchen!

The power of scent...

2009-03-11T09:23:00.001-04:00

Good morning on this dreary Wednesday in NYC. I was thinking on my walk to the office about how certain scents remind you of certain people and feelings. For instance, I love the smell of old basements because it reminds me of going down and getting my height measured at my grandparents house in the Cape. I love the smell of rain on a Spring morning because it simply reminds me of my childhood and listening to the rain drops with my Mother. And for some odd reason I really like the smell of gasoline - who really knows!? One of my favorite designers, Charlotte Moss, sells a candle line "Left Bank". The smell is heavenly and when you walk in a room with this candle lit, it immediately makes you feel a sense of comfort. http://www.charlottemoss.com/store/collection_detail/index/66?category_id=51

Not to mention, I love the floral wallpaper pattern in the background!

First post....

2009-03-10T19:59:00.001-04:00

When I think of great design, I imagine it to be somewhat of an escape. An escape from my sometimes cluttered room...my coffee table crowded with magazines or my office filled with stick-it notes and files. I envision a fresh, clean palatte which evokes a feeling of calmness and beauty. My taste and style differs at times, leaning more traditional/victorian than modern... but every so often I suprise myself with a fondness for an overt mix of ages and style. I live in NYC but am a Boston girl at heart and my love for the beach and Cape Cod shape many of design tastes. I yearn for a rustic beach home and know that one day...I will have my home on the beach, my uncluttered room, my clean coffee table and an emaculate office. Until then, I can dream....

LOVE clawfoot bathtubs! I could just melt away in this serene environment! This space was featured in Coastal Living Magazine by James R Solamon - a magazine that I can go through and daydream all day long...

Boston interior desinger, Alina Apteker's, home was photographed by Eric Roth and recently featured in Elle Decor Magazine. Her dining room above gives off such a romantic and whimsical feeling...love it!

This bedroom scene featured in Coastal Living gives me a sense of calmness. I think it's important for your bedroom to be a place of serenity.