Kips Bay Decorator Show House

The New York Times released a slide show of the 2011 Kips Bay Decorator Show House to highlight the work of this year's talented design team.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Kips Bay Show House, it's a fundraiser put on in Manhattan to raise money for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.  A team of interior designers is selected and appointed one room in a Manhattan mansion.  They then use their talent to transform their space with fine furnishings, art and technology.  This year's designer line up includes Celerie Kemble, Amanda Nisbet, Matthew Patrick Smyth and more.

 

Some of the rooms were really surprising to me...your thoughts?  Any favorites?

A Nautical Moment in Fashion

Is anyone else totally uninspired by this weather?!  I try to stay positive, but last night when the weatherman said it might snow today, my mom and I just looked at each other and laughed.  Are you freaking kidding me?!  It's almost May!!!!!  I think being in Charleston last weekend really set me up for disappointment because now my summer wardrobe is officially out of storage and I want to wear sundresses and sandals.  I'm praying that next week I'll at least be able to pull off some open-toed shoes.  I'm dreaming of a little nautical get-up when that day comes...

Nautical Moment by Attention to Detail featuring strappy sandals

J Crew tunic sweater
$88 - jcrew.com

Abercrombie & Fitch distressed skinny jeans
$88 - abercrombie.com

Deena Ozzy strappy sandal
$39 - urbanoutfitters.com

BDG shoulder strap bag
$20 - urbanoutfitters.com

Cara Accessories wrap bracelet
$48 - nordstrom.com

Forever21 striped scarve
$6.80 - forever21.com

Schumacher Yumminess

I have about two seconds to share some fabric eye candy with you today.  I'm working with a client to select fabric for a settee and so far these are the top choices all from Schumacher....

High Voltage in Smoke

 Fuzz in Stone

 Imperial Trellis in Parchment/Midnight

Gabrielle Embroidery in Graphite

Any favorites?  They are all available to the trade and I'm happy to help if you're interested in ordering.  Please leave a comment and I'll be in touch!

Rugs at West Elm

I'm currently looking at some rug options for a bedroom reading nook that I am working on (mentioned here).  The rug collection from West Elm is currently the front runner for this project.  I know their rugs have been loved by the design community for a while.  The Dhurrie/Kilim styles are my favorite and will be perfect for this project.  It's comforting that I can turn to West Elm for their classic rug styles, as well as new designs that they continue to surprise me with.  Here are my favorites at the moment, which can all be found here.

Charming Charleston

I'm back!  I had the most amazing weekend in Charleston.  Have you guys ever been?  The architecture and design in downtown Charleston is to die for.  Everything is so cute, I swear I could move there in a heartbeat.  And the beach doesn't hurt either.  I took some photos I thought you would enjoy...the only downside is that the few hours that my camera had battery left were in the early morning when everything was closed, so there are a lot of window pics!

 Drool worthy trunk...

 Had to get a photo of this!

 Great vignette.

 Adorable x-bench in one of many antique shops.

 Loved these lion andirons...

 Epitome of southern decor...

Who wouldn't want to curl up in that chair?!?

 Suzani print spotted at this adorable lunch spot we hit up on the first day.

 Uttermost hanging lamp at said lunch spot.

 My favorite window display...love the gold mirror, the white accents and the orchid!

 Everyone needs a guard dog :)

 LOTS of chinoiserie!

 Charming architecture.

 Tree lined streets...

 Beach cruisers everywhere!

Beautiful landscaping.

 Our favorite house!

 I wish this photo could have captured the gas lanterns in action...gorgeous!

Want to move yet?  Ahhh, best girls weekend ever!