Wednesday, August 5, 2009

WALLCOVERING WITH WIT

An artist's hand on a fabric or wallpaper often adds that extra element of humor, charm or painterly allure.

HAVE WALLPAPER, WILL TRAVEL TO THE BIG CITY

Brit Lizzie Allen was a discovery I made at ICFF in New York. It seems at every ICFF show there is a new Anglo sensation doing wallpaper that is second to none. Allen won funding from the Crafts Council in 2005, a government funding that allows small design businesses a chance to grow. Her hand screened printed papers are custom made in England, and her style is straight out of a children's book. Her work brings back memories of pouring over Madeleine, Babar and Dr.Seuss.


Red Buses and Black Cabs are a quintessential part of daily London life. Allen captures street typical scene with 1950's nostalgia.

Changing Guards at Buckingham Palace, another staple.


The life size Telephone Box, great for a playroom or boys bedroom.


London City Gents would be a conversation starter in a powder room.


A detail of London City Gents. That expression is so Seussical!

Schumacher has organized their designs by core categories, and the whimsical selection below is from Schumacher Modern, called Avante Guard.


Views of Paris captures the great landmarks from the City of Light in a naive, two dimensional realm.


New York, New York depicts how soaring the buildings and bridges of the city really are. The hustle and bustle is captured on the busy fabric's surface.


Opera has a staggered repeat of the famous Paris Opera House and its giant dome that can be seen from a distance.


A detail of Opera has light architectural references. The swags and arches seem to be made of piped icing.


Pierre Frey caused a buzz when they introduced their Hong Kong Toile several years back. They reinvented the classic pastoral French print scene with graffiti style artwork and a global locale.

Monday, August 3, 2009

GET YOURSELF SOME GLAM JEWELS

If you love gutsy big jewelery like I do, than you are in for a treat. Jewelry designer Bounkit uses giant gems in classic cuts with inventive settings. Designer Hassan Bounkit hails from Morocco, and after switching careers (he was a fashion designer) he found his true calling. His designs are inspired by pieces from the 1940's, and are like wearing rock candy. Plus, the prices are surprisingly fair.

Photos Courtesy of Bounkit
Ring with Fluorite, Emerald and Amethyst on the sides


A cuff of Lemon Quartz


A cuff of multi leaves with Citrine, Turquoise and Amethyst


Earrings with an Oval Amethyst and Smoky Topaz


Drop Earrings with Green Onyx


Drop Earrings with Amethyst and Green Cats Eye


Drop Earrings with Citrine, Smoky Topaz and Lapis


A summer must! Necklace with Fresh Water Pearls and Citrine with a removable mother of pearl flower brooch

Friday, July 31, 2009

THE BEST BEACH TOWELS FROM DEBORAH SHARPE LINENS

Maybe it is because she lives in California. Deborah Sharpe has the most beautiful beach towels. Thick and absorbent, their generous size makes them the ultra luxury. Their wide border is a chic touch-- and the saturated colors are oh so summery. Call Deborah Sharpe Linens to order or customize, and make sure you look at her sumptuous bedding and bath towels with endless embroidery options.

Coral


Sea Life in navy


Sea Life in chocolate


Scrolls in turquoise

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

HAVE A FERVOR FOR EVERYTHING FLORAL?

If you are always in search of floral prints, patterns and accessories, than Anthropologie is just the place for you. I always try to swing by the Rockefeller Center store when I get the chance. Their incredible window displays vary from store to store so you never know what kind of artful creations you will encounter.
I recently perused their website and came up with some madcap floral finds for fall. For those that want to bring nature inside, this is the perfect low maintenance indoor garden.



The crazy colors and pixelated flower pattern in the Dotswold wallpaper, are named after blooms found in the Cotswolds.


Gloria's Garden, a tufted wool rug, is almost to pretty to walk on. The British have understood the power of classic flower pattern for wallpaper and chintz for years, and this one is as good as the originals.


The Conservatory Chair is charming, embroidered with floral sprigs. The randomness of the flowers in the pattern gives it a look all its own.


If a European, more Kenzo sort of floral strikes your fancy, there is the Antwerp Chair.


Set your table with Verdant Acres dinnerware, a pattern I have been coveting all summer!


The Lorraine Headboard, and Anthropologie signature, is updated seasonally with an ikat floral print.

The Joyeux Garden Chandelier combines tole and blown glass for a charming fixture. And it's on sale!


Seed Packet Pillows with a black ground has a subtle sophistication.


Monday, July 27, 2009

STYLEBEAT REVISITS INTERIOR DESIGNER LINDSEY HARPER AND HER NY APARTMENT

Richard Keith Langham's design office could be in Atlanta, based on how many southerners have worked there. Lindsey Harper is one of them. She hails from Georgia, and spent eight years working for Keith in his New York city office, learning the trade and honing in on her sense of style. His use of color, stripes, textural mix and classic techniques rubbed off on Lindsey. Her fabulous New York lair was recently photographed by Quentin Bacon, capturing her love of zebra, sharp color combinations, glamour and artful arrangements. I also show the office she works in, which incorporates a desk with a table skirt, fun accessories, and inspiration galore. It just proves, it does not take a lot of room to live large.
To see more of Lindsey's work and check out her new table collection,check out LCH Interiors.

Photos by Quentin Bacon
Lindsey's fashion sense mirrors her interiors: bright, fun and classic. Here, she leans against a drop leaf table that pulls out easily to seat 4 at a dinner, and multi-functions as a desk.


China Seas wallpaper welcomes visitors with a graphic punch. A console is a great space saving idea for a narrow area, since it will hold a lamp, key tray and the mail.


Why should bookcases be basic and boring? Book storage is given an opulent dose with mirror-backed etageres. Covering a wall in mirror is an easy trick to open up a room, and arrange furniture so it is easy to live with and ulitized.


An oxblood Lamshop lacquer cocktail table mixes well with Muriel Brandolini throw pillows. A clean surface with a few statement pieces is all you need for a compelling tablescape.


The teal and red color scheme carries through with the accessories, while a punchy abstract painting adds an unexpected bright blast. Design details can elevate anything to give a grand feel, and Lindsey created beautiful lampshades to use throughout her space. What a difference it makes.


A zebra sits beside a stack of great vintage books, one of Lindsey's guilty pleasures. If you have that one animal you love, start collecting it and make it your own. Friends will love this--finding that critter for your birthday will lead them on a hunt to find just the right thing.


Her chocolate headboard is sophisticated and works in with the rest of the room. Solid fabric is a good choice, since the pattern around it will not overpower, and linens coordinate.


A memo board of invites, announcements, snaps with friends and inspiring photos will keep guests busy while they fix a drink.


Scalamandre's classic wallpaper, best known for lining the walls in Gino's Italian Restaurant, has leaping zebras moving across a red background. A classic New York tiled bath gets a lift from the red.


Dress up the bathroom for glamour in the everyday. Little details can do this: monogrammed tip towels, a julep cup of flowers, mouthwash in a decanter and a candle can transform a mundane space.


In her off- site office, an Antelope carpet keeps things high design . Good task lighting and a neutral palette are ideal for working with bright fabric samples and paint swatches.

Friday, July 24, 2009

STYLEBEAT DESIGN DEAL OF THE WEEK: WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME SALE

If you are having house guests over and realize you never got throw pillows for your sofa, your walls are bare and there is nowhere to place a drink, you are in luck! Make your summer rental a home and hit the WS Home sale. You should do this before it is too late and your guests think you left your style behind in the big city. Save up to 60% now online and in stores at Williams Sonoma Home.Photos Courtesy of WS Home
The Crane print is $279.99 and you will be excited to hang it in the foyer of your "real" house come fall.


Can't go wrong with caning. I am surprised this rug is still available at $399 for a 5x8.


You still like coral, it's OK to admit it. $39.99 use indoors or out.


The Printed Scroll works well with the Coral for the same price.


Maybe you prefer embroidery. Drop anchor with this Anchor Chain pillow for $49.99, and wear your yellow Lilly to match.


Drinks all around. Hapao Trays will run you $49.00 for a small, $69.00 for a large, online only. Seasonless and always needed, trays are fail safe.


You have gotten too much sun if you have not gotten these yet--steal! Wedgood's classic Blue Willow pattern to serve dessert? $24.99 for 4. Done.


A Large Crisscross Hurricane for those warm summer nights. A bit of a stretch for $98.00, but it will take you into the fall.

Monday, July 20, 2009

BRIGHTS FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Photos Courtesy of Garden House
Palm Beach is well-known for its heyday look-- snappy 1960's prints and sun soaked living, a la Lilly Pulitzer. A new shop in West Palm has great outdoor furniture that keeps the vibe alive. Garden House Decor, located at 437 Northwood Road is the place to go. Cheryl Maeder, a fine art & advertising photographer, decided to gather her vintage finds, and gives them new life with snappy colors and upholstery. Visit her website and stop by the next time you are on a buying trip in PB.


A sofa and chair in turquoise marine vinyl is trimmed with black patent leather for an indestructible surface. Spilled that Bloody Mary? No problem!



A painted aluminum loveseat in a red patent--- grrrrr.



A vintage metal lamp is kicked up a notch with a vivid green painted shade.



I want this chandelier! The pop of black against the white porcelain flowers is so sharp.



The high gloss bench is a steal.


Photo Courtesy of Target
The Pagoda Patio Umbrella from Target would work well with furniture and accessories from Garden House.


Photo Courtesy of World Market
Another bold printed option from World Market.