A little sneak peak into the studio, and what goes on before meeting a client…
Selecting fabrics and paints for a presentation with a new client.
A mini assembly line is put together on foam boards to allow pieces to me moved around and played with until everything is just right. Mini boards are a great way for the clients to select color palates, and see a snapshot of what the room will become.
The assembly line- all set up and ready for clients!
Inspired by the great Dorothy Draper, I went on a search of items that added a little extra magic to a room. I like single features that enhance an otherwise traditional space. I think all of these items on my mood board add whimsy, without making you feel like you took a trip to Wonderland a la` Alice.
While perusing Pinterest I spotted the above photo and was instantly smitten. Designed by Lee Ann Thornton*, of Thornton Designs, the room is a beautiful, soft, and just the right amount of feminine. There are many elements in this room to admire, but what caught my eye is those 2 delightful gold poufs at the foot of the bed. Something about seeing those poufs in action really won me over, because I’ve been pining for gold accessories and decor ever since.
I usually like all metals equally, but I think gold may be making it’s case for a first place position!
*To see even more great spaces, check out Lee Ann’s blog.
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This picture is of a recent living room re-model, done my Miss Sabina herself! The room was created for a friend of Sabina’s who is a mid 30s professional who lives by the beach. To reflect his personality and lifestyle, she added fun graphic fabrics, lots of textures with shag rugs, velvet sofas, croc ottomans, and finished off the look with a snazzy zebra wood coffee table.
I like how the neutral color palette allows for a quick and easy update for the owner. Add a couple colored pillows, swap out the artwork, or simply add different colored floral arrangements, and you can change the entire vibe of the room.
Great room, don’t you think? What’s your favorite feature?
Rue Mag issue 6 has been released and I am blown away by the beauty and awe inspiring images Rue brings to this issue.
I could talk about every little detail I love about this issue all day, but I think it’s best to just see the loveliness yourself. View issue 6 here, then come back and tell me what you think!
After a weekend viewing of Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, I’ve been daydreaming away as I mentally plan a trip to the picturesque South of France. From what I’ve seen on film and from photos, The South of France is filled to the brim of historical grandeur and classic chic French style. It’s high on my list of future destinations, but until I’m able to book a flight, I thought I would entertain myself with a mood board inspired by the captivating scenery of le Midi
( left image / right image )
Embrace the hot (HOT!!!) days of summer by wearing this Sunburst Pendant Necklace by House of Harlow. Then, brighten up the indoors with this Sunburst On the Scene Mirror by Wisteria.
A few days ago, as I was thumbing through my latest issue of Oprah I stumbled across the flats of all flats, Tieks. Fuschia with turquoise soles and made of Italian leather, I mean, I was almost drooling on the page! I called the company and an extremely sweet woman took my order promising them in a few short days.
Three days later I received this…
Hand wrapped with a bright yellow sunflower, my delicately wrapped new flats lay hidden inside. I was in utter shock. And I had a huge smile on my face! Not only did I feel like I was the recipient of the most magnificent gift of all times, but there was surprise after surprise! Every ounce, every detail was perfectly thought out.
From the logo tissue paper to the turquoise box the matched the soles of the shoes to the hand written note addressed to me. Packaging at its finest. I mean, when was the last time you received shoes, or anything store bought for that matter, that looked like this?
And to finish it all off, a hand written note from the Tieks team. Talk about above and beyond fabulous customer service!
And here’s a quick snapshot of me trying on my new shoes in front of my vanity….
….Ok, well maybe that’s not me, but I’m hoping I look just as amazing in my new flats!
I think its safe to say that the Tieks team and all there packaging efforts made quite an impression on me. I’m sold!
XX Sabina
Good morning all! What are your plans for this weekend? I wish I was sitting patiently, waiting for a train to whisk me off to some exciting location, like the chic lady in the photo above. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
Since it’s Friday, and most of us have work to do before the weekend fun begins, how about a few favorites from around the web to keep you entertained until the work day ends? I promise I won’t tell on you for taking a little break from work : )
Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere has such a stylish kitchen! I love the Anthropologie bowls full of fruit, and think I’m going to try out her recipe for chocolate chip cookies.
I wouldn’t mind sporting these “designy” temporary tattoos from Tattly, especially the cute pipe smoking rabbit by artist Marc Johns.
Joy’s renting out her apartment, so if you are lucky enough to be in need of a new place and live in Philly, you’re in luck!
Speaking of moving, download a (free!) moving announcement from A Brooklyn Limestone.
Painting your own abstract art would be a fun way to spend your weekend. Jordan Ferney has a step-by-step tutorial to show you how!
All you ever wanted to know about great restaurant design.
Instagram magnets. Placing my order in 3…2…
What about you? What did you see that made you happy this week?
What’s your favorite color? For me it’s impossible to choose just one. My favorites change with the day, week, season and mood. I do admire those who can narrow the choice to one color, be it a single accent to an other wise neutral room, or monochromatic hues from floor to ceiling. A solitary color can work wonders in defining a space, but how’s a person to choose just one?
I find color psychology and understanding peoples reactions to certain colors to be a fascinating topic. Red is recognized as having the most associations of emotion than any other color, and is one of the most commonly used colors in design. Red is associated with love, passion, enthusiasm and energy. I like how the red in the above photo definitely gives off an energetic vibe, but remains a relaxing space thanks to the use of white and rustic features.
Orange is a color I believe is is need of more love and attention. Perhaps its over use in 70′s era flower power decor leads people to shy away from orange, but as the picture above clearly demonstrates, the right shade of orange can be beautiful and refined. I particularly like Dwell Studio’s poppy stripe duvet cover against an orange accent wall. Orange is an unexpected choice for the bedroom, and I think it’s stunning!
Yellow is the most visible color to the human eye, and because of this is used to attract attention. Perhaps yellows attention grabbing power is the reason Dana of House Tweaking has taken the internet by storm with her gorgeous master bedroom. The pops of yellow make her room a cheery and welcoming space, and the best part is – both the headboard and barn door are handmade by Dana and her husband!
Painting cabinets a bright green color (like in the above photo) would be a great way to cover up dated wood tones and modernize your kitchen.
Purple was the first color I claimed as a favorite, but it fell out of my favor around my sixth birthday. I may consider returning to my childhood favorite after seeing this monochromatic purple room. The metallics alongside the plush materials create a grown up room with an upscale feel.
This beachy blue living space is my idea of perfect summer living. My favorite feature of the room is the oversized stripe rug!
Rounding out the color spectrum is indigo. Isaac Newton identified indigo as part of the color spectrum, but modern scientists typically dismiss indigo and classify color as either “blue” or “violet”. Who knew the world of color had such controversy? I discovered the gorgeous photo above over at Martha Stewart’s site, and was tempted to label the photo as blue. However, since Martha’s people claim it’s indigo I’ll agree with them and leave the scientists to do the debating!
Browse through some gorgeous and brilliant books by true genuises that are sure to inspire.Click here to view my handpicked selection!
