I’m in Hawaii, drinking mai tais and relaxing on the beach. I can feel the sharpened daggers pointed at my back, so to avoid death by jealousy I thought I’d treat you to a little vacation of your very own.
I bring you The Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakech.
Don’t say I never got you anything.
It’s Monday. The gods in all of their infinite wisdom have decided to bless me with a filthy house, no food in the fridge, and a computer in revolt. Also we leave for Hawaii in two days. The gods be crazy, yo. I may have to take matters into my own hands.
I’m working on my serenity now pose. It looks a little something like Mike Myers’ fantasy sequences in Wayne’s World, but maybe a little more like this room.
If this is back to school day for you or your little person, then you need a steaming dose of serenity even more than me. Let’s hold hands and sing kumbaya and try to survive this day, friends. Or we could just take this post to its logical conclusion.
Happy Monday. Try not to die.
Amanda Talbot of Snoop is one lucky girl. As an editor and consultant, she’s worked for some of the biggest decor magazines and design firms on the planet, plus she gets to hob nob with the cool kids. Check out this project she worked on:
Styling an outdoor movie set at Todd Oldham‘s house for a Richard Powers photoshoot sounds totally lame, right? Ok, so it sounds awesome, especially when she talks about how fun and cool Todd and his partner Tony are.
Dammit, how do I get this job? I am for serious.
You know what I’ve been loving lately? Fringe. That’s right. I said it. Now I know y’all are probably thinking: what’s gotten into you, Erin? First you’re asking us to approve of shabby slipcovers, now this? Are you turning into a musty old cat lady who sleeps on a stack of newspapers you’ve been collecting since that nice man Roosevelt was in office?
While it is true that I find the twin odors of mothballs and urine particularly appealing, I assure you that I am still young and hip. I mean, did you see the Black Eyes Peas at the Superbowl? AWESOME. But I digress.
BOOM. How do you like me now, whippersnappers? Every single thing in this room by Pamplemousse Design is the MF bizness.
Remember the unimpeachably chic home of Marie Olsson Nylander? That’s where this lovely resides.
Oh yeah. You know you want a huge fringed chandelier in a light bright shade of red. Special bonus: that sucker would make a fantastic cat toy.
Sure, according to Encyclopedia Raina this room is from 1992, but just because I love it doesn’t make me old. Right??? It’s got squiggly lines, for Pete’s sake.
Ok, we are headed down the primrose path of waspville here, but Tory Burch does have a pretty green velvet couch with gold fringe that reminds me very much of a couch my mom had. Of course, my mom’s couch started out as a white sectional (please see yesterday’s post about the perils of white couches and children), but then she recovered it in green and gold damask with gold fringe all up in that joint. My mom also used to pick me up from school in a topless Jeep (when I was hoping for a minivan mom), and she wore flashdance sweatshirts with bare shoulders. So, now you get that fringe is not for old boring people, right? I’m sure my story made that crystal clear.
This is just a bonus picture from Richard Powers that will allow me to sing:
All the world will fly in a flurry
When I take you out in the surrey,
When I take you out in the surrey with the fringe on top!
The lyrics may come from a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, but that doesn’t make me old at all.
Does it?
There are many things that keep me awake at night: wondering if Ike will grow up “right,” trying to decide whether we should move and how much to spend on a new house, fear that the world is about to erupt in a blazing ball of apocalyptic doom, oh — and raccoons. Raise your hand if you’ve ever awoken to a big bang crash in the middle of the night, only to find a pair of masked bandits grazing on catfood in the kitchen and pirouetting across the living room.
They are cute little bastards, but they better watch it… or else. I’ve been wanting a fur blanket for a long time, and I’d planned to go faux, but I could be persuaded otherwise. Ha! Just kidding! Not really.
But for seriously, the thing that’s really making me toss and turn all night long (all niiiight, yeah, all night) is our piece of shit mattress — the mattress that we spent boatloads of cash on. I hate it.
It’s some latex pillowtop concoction by Sealy (who I will not be trading with again), and in the relatively wee span of three years (although the problem started much earlier) it looks like Mount Everest has cropped up between two valleys. I mean, the dents in this sucker are so low that if I roll any further downhill, I will be sleeping on the floor.
Elle Decor
So now we have to break out the benjamins for ANOTHER king sized mattress. And so, fine friends, my question to you is: what should we get? Karly and I have discussed the finer points of memory foam, and we both worry that it may start out the bee’s knees only to break your heart — and your back — a year later. And what about latex? It’s delightfully polyurethane free, but mine has certainly sucked. Did I just get a bum bed?
Or should we just get a plain old innerspring set and call it a day? I’m not getting another pillow top, but I suppose we could always add a topper for some extra squish. I like a soft bed.
Help, people! I need suggestions. What are you sleeping on? How long have you had it? Do you like it? Was it expensive? I am open to any and all suggestions regarding brands, types, etc.
I’m so tired, my mind is on the blink.
About a year ago, I went on a strict color diet of black, brown and pale gray, with a smattering of gold to add some pizazzle dazzle. I have to say this house was looking pretty svelte until Ike came along. Now it’s been fattened up by red, yellow and blue plastic, and I swear the living room alone has gained 20 pounds. Apparently babies aren’t really into drabby neutrals. Who knew? Thankfully the decorating world now says, Hey — it’s ok to binge on primary colors.
And guess what? You don’t even have to resort to building your home out of kiddie colored Legos to get the look (because if that were the case, I’d already be 50 steps ahead). Remember the slew of Roy Lichtenstein inspired interiors I presented for your consideration? Well, now get ready for a burst of Bauhaus brights.
Those crazy Bauhaus dudes were all about form, function, and screaming color — but no fussy, frilly pants color shall be allowed. Green is about as crazy as party animals Gropius, Van der Rohe and Corbusier, were willing to get, because it’s all about heading back to basics. So sit back, strap up, and put your goggles on. We’re going on a grand tour.
A Mondrian inspired kitchen from Apartment Therapy
No source, but check out that Arteluce lamp.
Well, dudes? What do you think? Are you ready to inject some hot primary color into your home? Just be careful, because Danger! It’s ok to be bold, but with such strong colors, it’s all too easy to go overboard. Like, way overboard. Simple shapes and small doses are the best bet for keeping your visual weight under control.
Don’t be a color glutton.
Interior decor is as much a part of the fashion world as clothes are — trends are born and then trends die. It’s the cycle of style. Because I’m short on time and have to work whenever I find a spare minute or two, I tend to bookmark my posts well in advance (and for my responsible nature I deserve a gold star, right?), but the downside is that I often find I’m tired of the pictures before I even get to post them. So, yeah, I’ve had this awesome black and white roundup lassoed and hogtied for weeks, but I was all sick of it because I’ve already seen a zillion (good) black and white roundups splashed all over the blogosphere. Anyhoodle, this is my long and rambling way of saying that you’re getting a (mostly) black and white post whether you like it or not, because there are some good things about black and white, and besides — it’s a classic, dammit.
Elle Decor
Did you see how many pictures I had bookmarked??? I’m nothing if not thorough, and I couldn’t exactly let all that gorgeousness go to waste.
So what do you dudes think? Is black and white itself too chilly? Does it need a pop of color or the warmth of wood to make it work? Tell me your favorite picture, and I’ll tell you mine… Inquiring minds need to know.
DC superfriend and badass interior designer/blogger Raina of If the Lampshade Fits found the silver foil lining of the clouded real estate market when she landed a sweet 70s home in Denver. In celebration of her spectacular find, I’m posting a cornucopia of 70s inspired interiors that manage a modern twist on classic geometric lines. You don’t have to import an entire Karl Springer showroom to get the feel — just a dab will do ya. But a ton of brass, gold, chrome and glass never hurts, because it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that bling.
Don’t worry if you’re a shy wallflower. See how subdued the 70s can be? No disco balls necessary. Via Richard Powers Photography.
Or you could go the other direction and bring it all on. Baughman chairs: check. Chrome and smoked glass table: check. Driftwood sculpture: check. Via Joe Serrins Studio.
Ahhh… it’s quiet again. A smoked glass chandelier and muted color palette ooze restrained elegance. I want to knock that superfluous flower pot off the table, though. Via Desire to Inspire.
Wheeeee, it’s loud again! You could apply lipstick in the reflection of that wallpaper, and the light fixtures are divine. Not loving the starburst wall clock. Via OWI.
Foil wallpaper may be the most ingenious backsplash, ever. I might have to do this in my kitchen… Via Style Files.
Of course, I would trade my entire kitchen, the house and everything in it for these cabinets. BRASS cabinets, people. Holy Jeebus Moses! Via Philippe Stuebi.
And while we’re on the gold trip, I think I want to cover something, anything in these gold mosaic tiles. Maybe a headboard…? Via Colombe Stevens.
Nina Campbell’s brass mantel is almost as delicious, but the clutter kills. Just take a mental snapshot of the brass and mirrors and close your eyes and mmmmmmmmmm. Via Domino.
If I had enough space and didn’t think I might burn my house down, you can bet your sweet ass I would have an indoor firepit. Hello fondue party! Via Jerry Samuelson Photography.
Milo Baughman is definitely the go to designer for all things sleekly seventies. Fawn Galli breathes new life into his iconic chairs with some rockin’ fabric and more awesome foil wallpaper.
My gay boyfriend Nate Berkus’ apartment with his Baughman chair. Copious amounts of mirror action, the chrome coffee table, Arteluce lamp, and tufty time sofa complete the look. The hand chair is available here for $69. Spraypaint is the nectar of the gods. Via Elle Decor.
Cultivating a 70s vibe doesn’t mean you have to keep your original 70s bathroom. Just say no to the triple threat of fiberglass tubs, formica and linoleum and say yes to burnished golden tiles, a black (!) pedestal sink and some fresh accessories. Via Living Etc.
Finally, the bathroom we all dream of. If not, you may be reading the wrong blog. Via Joe Serrins Studio.
Whew, that was a lot of pictures, but Raina’s dreamy home score deserves nothing less. Congratulations, Raina, on your swingin’ seventies pad — can’t wait to see it shine!
Hi All! Welcome back to me! Did you have the best time ever with Raina and Designer’s Brew while I was gone? Did they let you stay up late and watch scary movies? Yes? Great!
I had a major awesome post for you today filled with pics from my vacay and other yummy design goodies, but I’ve been spending my weekend at SXSW panels in prep for my own, which was yesterday. In all the craziness, I didn’t have time to hunt down the images and links that would tempt your tummy, so, instead, today you get a glimpse at the amazing interior shots by Richard Powers. I’ll tell you all about my best trip ever on Wednesday.
Not so bad for a quick little post, huh?
Since Karly’s gone, I thought I would do my best to gold up this hizzy in her honor. Goldeness may be next to Godliness because it’s all about surface, so it only take a cheapo can of spray paint to turn even the most ordinary object into something that looks expensive and klassy. If the recession depression is getting you down, hustle out and spend $5 to give something the Midas touch. You know it’s going to make you feel better. I’m here to help you pull the paint trigger with some scintillating finds that are designed to bring the bling back into your life.
Zany Dutchman Marcel Wanders contradicts the age old aphorism that, “You can’t polish a turd.” Well, apparently you can!
Boyfriend’s big black speakers getting you down? Surely he wouldn’t mind a bit if you got after those nasty cases with some super shiny lussssster. Tip: wait until he goes out on a late night bar crawl to transform his AV equipment. Men can get a little touchy about their electronics, so best to let him booze it up a little. High Five sure to follow!
Once your golden piece de resistance is finis, you may want to protect it from his angry adoring clutches with a fabulous fence. Demakersvan makes gorgeously crocheted fences out of plastic coated wire in a variety of designs, including this golden girl.
While you’ve got the paint out, why not take a cue from these guerrilla artists and put gold back on the streets. Oh, and please start at Wall Street…
Because we surely need some gold back in our banks! This gold painted ATM is probably worth more than the “money” inside it.
Speaking of gluttony and financial ruin, Studio Job has got those bank bitches’ number with their piece, Robber Baron. Holy crackatoly, do you see the tiny guns, atomic stars, airplanes, and other symbols of technology gone horribly awry? I desperately need this as a coffee table. Since this piece costs more than a bank (which isn’t that hard these days), I’ll be busy trying to figure out how I’m going to make this myself.
While I try to reinvent the wheel, I think anyone could handle this as an at home project: whip out the paint can to emphasize va-va-volume in sculptures. Glossy surfaces always look rounder than matte ones. Let the model instruct you on how best to apply this rule to your fashion decisions.
If you accidentally get some paint on the floor, don’t worry! Just go ahead and spread it everywhere. If Dolce and Gabbana can have a solid gold bedroom, so can you.
Perhaps you’d prefer something more precious and smaller in scale, like these rings from jewelry designer Gisele Ganne’s Divorce series. Just slip on these gold knuckles and leave a lasting impression on your significant ex’s face.
I also love that Ricochet Studio isn’t afraid to take a golden shower. I really covet Accident for my little boy’s nursery because — as the designers themselves acknowledge — it happens.
Ricochet makes all kinds of oddly twisted ceramics with a golden flourish, like this Urn with an intestinal interior. Love these guys. Found via Sara Says Awesome‘s quirky blog.
For fine details like those on the Ricochet pieces, may I recommend you dispense with the spray paint and switch to Rub ‘N’ Buff, the most amazing product in the universe. No, I do not get paid to advertise their wares, but I should (wink) because I have covered everything from frames and knobs to thrift store junque to all manner of TJ Maxx and Ross’ craptacular “goods” with the Buffer. You will be amazed at how much a tiny tube will cover.
Like, I’m pretty sure the artist responsible for this travesty could have saved himself a whole lot of money:
Yes, Mark Quinn’s solid gold Kate Moss statue has an estimated worth of $10 million pounds. It probably would have cost less to buy Miss Moss herself and coat her and her naughty bits in Rub ‘N’ Buff. After all, odds are that it would only take one tube to do the whole job.
It’s that Hallmark time of year again, time for a heart shaped box of cheap Russel Stover candies and a bouquet of overplayed red roses, perhaps even a stuffed teddy bear if Cupid has really shot your significant other square in the ass. I have to admit I sort of like the cheesiness and predictability of Valentine’s Day. It’s kind of a comforting ritual that celebrates the icky schmaltziness of luuuuuuv. So I’m here to help you get into the mood with a post on red interiors of varying intensity, from full on hotness to a little dab will do you. Crank up the Barry White and let’s get sexy with it.
There is a very naughty joke somewhere in here, but I’m going to restrain myself. You, however, are free to play, “Title That Picture” in the comments section.
Whew! Did you see how many pictures and links were in that post?! So, don’t go expecting me to write something witty under each picture. But I will say that: 1) Fuchsia and red is a hot color combination 2) The Poltergeist Mirror in the black walled picture from Light Locations is trying to eat my soul 3) A little touch of red in a room adds polish, but too much red veers towards the Redrum end of the spectrum.
What are you peeps still doing here? Step out and get your groove on!
So, I have this secret interior decorating weapon called Living Spaces. I bought the book for a buck at a Goodwill a while ago, and was amazed to find that its 1978 goodness is perfectly aligned with current interior trends, and maybe even a few upcoming trends that I will attempt to predict a la Miss Cleo. This bad boy was produced by the Whitney Library of Design, so you know it’s good. Anyhoodles, I’m starting a series based on inspiring images from the book, so let’s see if I can get this sweet puppy to fly.
Clean lines, natural surfaces, neutral backdrops — this ain’t your momma’s carpet infested house. Actually it’s a fat villa in Florence, and what I’m really digging is the colored trim against the pale background (please ignore the hideous table setting… yikes!). So I’ve done my very bestest to find some contemporary examples of trim that are not painted white or blended into the wall color. Why should all the other surfaces have all the fun, anyway?
Sorry, not sure where this picture came from, but let me just say that it takes some pretty powerful trim to distract me from the vintage card catalog in all its sexified glory.
If you’re really brave, you can dispense with the white altogether and bathe the entire room in saturated hues, like this pic from Domino. (By the way, has anyone received their January copy via mail yet? Anyone? Anyone?)
Sad story: this is NOT the picture I wanted to include. Months ago, I saw this gorgeous image of a very spare room with pale walls and maybe pale concrete floors, and the only color in the room came from the citron yellow window trim. I cannot for the life of me find the picture… I swear, I went all Captain Insano and searched for HOURS for it, and I’m really tired now. OCD sucks. If you know which picture I’m talking about, please send me the link and I’ll swap pics. Until one of you superfantastic readers can bail me out, you’ll have to make do with this pic from Apartment Therapy.
So maybe you like the idea of having non-white trim, but are looking for a little less contrast in value:
Even if you choose color for your walls, you don’t have to paint the trim white. Thoughts on this color scheme? Photo courtesy of Marie Claire Maison.
A more subdued palette of butter yellow and a pale purplish blue, courtesy of Apartment Therapy.
This twist on traditional features dark gray walls with medium gray molding, which reads as understated and sophisticated rather than cartoonish. Photo by Richard Powers.
Or perhaps you’d like to keep your Sanders-approved color on the walls, but still want to funk up the trim? Once you go black, you’ll never go back. Like, seriously — it would be a pain in the ass to paint over.
But, no pain, no gain, right?
Elle Decor UK reminds us to “Go With the Flow.” With gorgeously framed windows like those, (and a disco ball!) I’m feeling a lot more fluid.
This quirky room from Apartment Therapy might be enough to make me take the plunge. I love the Roy Lichtenstein look:
Color is fun, but there’s certainly nothing wrong with classic, clean and simple:
In these images from Bo Bedre, straight black trim sets off the crispness of the architecture and decor choices.
I love the simple black trimmed windows in this otherwise light and bright space. Image via the awesome decor blog, Roseland Greene.
Finally, I’ve been crushing over this gorgeous room since the always fabulous Door Sixteen first posted it. It’s the perfect mix of drama and breathing space, and the stunning architecture doesn’t hurt. I loooove the way the black draws attention to the windows, framing them like pictures.
White trim, eat your pale, listless heart out (but don’t worry, I still love you).