Chair of the Week: Italian Chic

This room is spectacular for many reasons. First off, it’s round and the white trim against the powder blue walls is a surprisingly bold choice. The hardwood floor’s gleaming circular pattern mimics the rounded walls, creating a daring and dizzyling effect.  And of course, that coral chandelier is show-stopping. But we haven’t even gotten to my favorite part: those fabulous chairs, once owned by Italian socialite Gloria Guinness, AKA me in a past life. Even with their sturdy backs and opulent hardware, they still manage to look delicate and regal. What can I say, Italian socialites have exquisite taste. Well done, Gloria.

Thanks to Elle Décor for the image.

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Topiary Treasures

Why not? Often my answer to many big life questions regarding one’s journey, or a decision to take on a huge, risky endeavor is exactly that: why not? So naturally, to the question of, “Why have a life-sized elephant family in your front yard?”  My answer is, “Why not?” This is one of the best topiaries I’ve seen, and yes, I want it.  Sure it may be hard to replicate this in the good ol’ BH, but when it comes to my “dream house” something like this will certainly find a place.

And here’s another take…I love the way these elephants meld into each other as they march around the yard. They’re abstract and whimsical all at once!

Speaking of abstract, these topiaries are stunningly unique, and as refined as modern sculpture. The combo of stout bases and delicate tops is so striking; it reminds me of the little piles of rocks, called cairns, which hikers build to mark trails.

And here we have a real-life Alice in Wonderland.  I’m just waiting for the Queen of Hearts to come out from behind one of the bushes!

Images via Vancouver Sun, Folly Fancier, Share Good Stuffs, Mateo and Tobias

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Chair of the Week: Creamy Perfection

Ah, serenity. I love this room. I love the hammered metallic candelier by Herve van der Straeten, the crisp lithograph artwork, the way the chic cream walls and linens play agaist the well-placed black accents. But mostly, I adore that luxurious armchair. Delicate structure belies the sturdy, cozy nature of the seat, while flawlessly complimenting the sleek deisgn and classic palette. Perfection!

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A Desk for Days…

It’s round, it’s shapely, it’s sleek and smooth. In short, this desk’s got major sex appeal and I want one! Anyone know who it’s by or where I can find it?

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Make Your Phone Uncommon

Maybe it’s because my birthday’s coming up (hint hint) but I couldn’t stay away from this hip gift idea: customizable iPhone cases by Uncommon! How super-fab to be able to personalize your own iPhone, iPod, iPad or iWhatever case! Whether you use your own drawing, photo or one of Uncommon’s great stock artwork, anything’s better than boring black! This would make a great gift with a picture of you and your honey for that special someone…and it would keep ladies away from your man—bonus! :)

Thanks to Uncommon for the photo

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Dive In!

los angeles interior designer

I found this tour of a Chelsea duplex designed by William Diamond and Anthony Baratta in NY Spaces Magazine, and am completely struck by the lovely harmony that exists between the watery tones, organic shapes and clean modern lines used throughout. Note how the bubble artwork mimics the spherical shapes in that gorgeous Lindsey Adelman chandelier, which compliments the elegant white dining room chairs…stunning!

I’m usually not a fan of a home wherein each room has the same color palette—to me it feels a bit bland and like living in a hotel, but for some reason, this home seems to have done it well.  Or maybe it’s that I wouldn’t mind living in a hotel that reminds me of the good ol’ days of art deco-inspired Miami. I love this graphic, shimmery blue carpet, and the sleek lines of the deco chairs in white. White chairs are always great, that or a cream linen, in any space all the time.  When in doubt, upholster in white.

And here we have a uniquely shaped console, accessorized beautifully with aquamarine pottery and toped off with a crisp Slim Aarons photo. Any one of Slim’s pieces, chosen from his vast portfolio documenting the fabulous life of 1960′s socialites (often poolside) gives any room instant vintage chic.

los angeles interior designer

Finally, the photo applied to these folding doors is tremendously fun! All in all, this house makes me want to dive into life—not to mention a cool blue swimming pool—with abandon.

Thanks to NY Spaces Magazine for the images.

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Plum Perfection

los angeles interior designer

Besides the fact that this light-filled living room is utterly inviting and chic, there are two things I really love about it: that deep purple couch and the abstract artwork behind it. Turns out the room was designed by Penelope Irwin for publicist to the stars Marcy Engelman, the sectional is a Montauk Sofa covered in J. Robert Scott silk, and the painting, called Center Weight, is by Michael Jensen. Talk about a room full of heavy hitters! And it’s also a good example of how large, sculptural furniture in a unique color can make an understated splash in any room. Don’t be afraid to employ this technique in your own home!

Thanks to Elle Décor for the images

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Happy Spring! Ready, Set, Plant!

It’s spring, which means lots of things (patio happy hours, anyone?) but if you’re into urban gardening like I am, it means it’s planting time! At my North Hollywood home, I built my own herb garden in my backyard. It was absolute heaven having fresh herbs and veggies on hand—I can’t wait to build one at my current place in Beverly Hills. And if you don’t have time to do it yourself, Amy Pennington, pictured above, runs an urban garden installation company called Go Go Green–she can come do it for you! With food quality being so poor, and GMO veggies actually killing people and animals, it’s a relief to know that tomatoes grown in your own garden are actually tomatoes, and not chemical bombs.

On that note, I want to share a lovely compilation of summer cookbooks and culinary tips, put together by the goddess of the silver screen herself, Gwyneth Paltrow, for her blog, GOOP. I learned about Go Go Green here, and besides that, there are loads of fabulous tips, from creating your own windowsill herb garden to making your own veggie stock from homegrown scraps and water-bath canning. Check it out, and here’s to a healthy, happy and veggie-filled summer!

Thanks to Della Chen for the photos.

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Fashion Forward Walls

There is something to be said for getting what you pay for, and with Ann Sacks Tile, that is always the case. They carry an amazing array of exquisite glass mosaics in their Beau Monde line that look good enough to wear.  True fashion for your walls…

Thanks to Ann Sacks for the images.

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Designers I Love: Michael Taylor

california designer

The late Michael Taylor had a timeless sense of composition, and nothing shows it off so well as this family room he designed for his Beverly Hills home in 1978 (left). (My apologies for the low-res image, I couldn’t find a better one!) That’s right, folks. He knew then to steer clear of some of the treacherous hallmarks of that decade, like heavy earth tones and super long shag carpeting. Instead, he opted a classic palette, the ever-chic large, white furniture, modern, minimalist artworks and for accessories? Plants, antiques and lots and lots of light. Taylor is often referred to as the inventor of the “California Look,” and these bright, airy spaces are a perfect example of the design chops that earned him that title. It’s the mark of a truly talented designer: room designed decades ago that are well loved today and will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Thanks to Luxury for the Home and DCBY Design for the images.


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