No Small Task

Arrangement by Brad Ford

I have been working on my small home office/study recently and am currently researching lighting options. Although I sometimes do lean toward the traditional (a classic bouillotte lamp is one of my absolute faves), I can totally see the stylistic benefit of modern pieces. 



Bedroom by Barbara Wiseley


More specifically, I am focusing on task lamps and the way that such a decidedly modern lighting fixture can be juxtaposed with more traditional, or even rustic, interiors to create the feeling of a perfectly curated space.

Bedroom by Michael S. Smith



Bedroom in beach house of West Elm creative director, Alex Bates


Although, one must admit, they're quite at home in more contemporary digs as well...

JK Place Hotel in Florence designed by Michele Bonan

Home of Monelle Totah of Williams Sonoma Home

I love the wall-mounted lamps below. What a grand statement they make! Plus, they perfectly frame the artwork and save table space!

Home of Eccola owners Kathleen and Maurizio Almanza

Anthropologie is offering a similar look with their "Robson" sconce. I love its cool, streamlined, industrial look.

Anthro "Robson" Sconce



Photo courtesy of El Sabor de lo Antiguo blog


When chrome and polished nickel versions are used, they act almost as jewelry for the room, adding just the right amount of sparkle.

Living room by Vicente Wolf

How would you use this style of lighting in your own home?

Vignette by Ryan Korban

I love the combination of elements above: the classic Louis XVI-style sidechair, the mid-century mod dresser, the classic sculpture... those fabulous lamps! (Not to mention the presentation of artwork!)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Take Home: Bernd Goeckler (cont'd)

Foyer in home of Bernd Goeckler

Alrighty, so where did we leave off?.... Ahh, accessories!

So, we need to gather some interesting accessories for the console table. First, I would find a nice little piece of framed artwork to just lean against the wall.

Framed Architectural Column Print in "Corinthian" by Pottery Barn

I love the architectural element of this print and the washed-out color of the frame. Adding subtle texture and color to a vignette is always a good idea (especially for only $47)!

Next, we need a pretty (but large) glass vase for the table.

I found this blown-glass version at Home Goods for only $20 (and it is almost a foot tall)! I like the pale amber color and irregular shape. (Again, adding another texture/color to the mix!)

A pretty vase like this is going to need some flowers and I think some in a happy, pale pink color are just the ticket!

Vignette by Joe Nye

Just as Joe Nye illustrates in his fabulous book Flair, carnations are a great option when you want lovely, but inexpensive flowers that will last forever! (Even a large bouquet of carnations will usually still be under $10!)

Table setting by Joe Nye

Or, if you prefer a totally neutral palette (and want to stick with grocery-store-flower options), you could go with a very large arrangement of baby's breath as Nye does above. I would definitely stick to his rule, though, and use this flower only by itself.

Now all we need are a few unique little doodads and our space is complete!

Roman Sandaled Foot Sculpture from the Met Store


A foot, you say? Yes, a foot. I love this. It is so different and sculptural and you are not going to see this in anyone else's house! (What a conversation starter! And right there at your front door too!) It is pricey ($125), but I think it is worth it for that "wow" factor!

Moorish Brass Pitcher from TheTonyHouse on Etsy

Here we add a little more brass into the mix, while also gaining a slightly exotic element. (Doesn't it have that genie-in-a-bottle sort of feel?) It is $42 and a perfect addition to our happy vignette.

Welding Votive Holder by Anthropologie in Lavender

This little guy (only 3 inches tall) is only $10 and adds that perfect amount of sparkle that we need to finish our table arrangment!

So, let's gather up all our [make believe] receipts and calculate the grand total for our room....

Drumroll please....

Alrighty, so for everything from the furniture and tapestry to the books and flowers (but not including paint), our total is $1330!

Not too bad considering the first tapestry we looked at was $90,000! I know it is still a significant amount, but this price is for a completed room, and most people tend to accumulate things over time, not all at once like this.

So, I hope the next time you look at a picture of a beautiful room and think, "I wish I could have that look", remind yourself that you CAN!

Here's to the idea that anything is possible and a great week ahead!

Rooms to inspire

Design by Eric Cohler


I am a bit short on time today, so I figured I would just post a few pictures that I have been pouring over recently. Whenever a photo makes me stop in my tracks, I will spend countless hours staring at every inch of the featured room, trying to figure out what exactly makes it so great.

I am a big fan of Eric Cohler. His style can range from Park Avenue ladies-who-lunch traditional to misunderstood-and-underappreciated-artist eclectic. He is a native New Yorker, and you can see his lifelong exposure to, and passion for, art in his home. (I will post more pics from his home featured in NYSD later.)

Eric Cohler's living room

I also love his perspective on a home: "I want to feel enveloped and cosseted. To me that’s the ultimate luxury: to feel not only secure in my own space but enveloped, with wonderful things around me." I totally agree.


Entry by Eileen Boyd


There is something so warm, yet modern and artsy, about this entryway. I love the pattern on the chairs and the arrangement of the artwork, but there is something else there, something that makes it not just good, but great.


Bedroom by Phoebe Howard

I love this little vignette by Howard: the delicate bamboo stool, the tiny nautical painting, the gorgeous lamp, and shimmering bud vase.   


Living room by Anthropologie's Keith Johnson


I can't even tell you how many times I have stared at this room by Keith Johnson. Cozy, layered, and elegant, this room encompasses all of what I want my home to be.

Here's to finding interiors that inspire you!

My English Country House

Entry by Eileen Boyd

You are cordially invited to...... my imaginary English country house! Yes, it is only in my dreams (and pieced together like Frankenstein from many different homes), but, if I did have a little cottage nestled among the crags and fells of Northern England, I think it would have to look something like this!


Foyer by Robert Couturier


Does it get more British than a solemn grandfather clock? I love the tidy simplicity of this beautiful foyer.

Design by Michael S. Smith



Apparently toile (and chintz) play a big part in my make-believe getaway! How precious and cozy is this bedroom by Tom Scheerer, though? I love those bird prints and the exposed beams!



Design by Tom Scheerer



Design by Todd Romano

 Of course I'd have to have a toasty fireplace to cuddle up next to! Aren't the contrasts great in this room? I love all that exposed stone paired with the bright and formal chintz. (And check out that brightly striped shade!)

In the home of Anthropologie's Keith Johnson, panels of antique toile fabric are framed and hung as artwork which, combined with the large-scale gingham on the coverlet and the stripes on the chair, create a cozy and casual feel in the room.

Our final photo of the day is the epitome of English country elegance: a sunny room by Jill Morris. Can't you just imagine the Bennet sisters stopping in this anteroom to whisper their secrets, or Darcy staring, broodingly, at himself in that fabulous mirror? (Anyone else a Pride and Prejudice fan?)

I love the globes, those huge sconces, and that patinaed green on the walls! Understated and worldly elegance at its best!

Happy Halloween! Have a wonderful weekend!