Lounge Act

Room by Muriel Brandolini

I'm feeling a bit run-down today so, I thought, what better subject to feature than spaces meant for luxurious lounging! Wouldn't you feel like royalty, curled up under the silk canopy above? (Note how the canopy curtains are lined in a gorgeous muted lavender!)

These spots for relaxation and repose need not be traditional, though, overflowing with fabric and downy pillows. As John Barman shows us above, a modern space can still make a wonderful retreat for reading (or napping). 

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I love the use of plush bolster pillows on daybeds, and how drapery fabric (such as in the room by Eric Lysdahl below) can be used to further define the space. It acts almost as a cocoon, enveloping you and creating a sanctuary withing a space.

Hard to believe, but the picture above is actually from an office! Jay Jeffers certainly knows how to lavish comfort upon his customers (or perhaps his employees on their lunch breaks), with this lobby seating area.

Last, but certainly not least, is this fabulous living room by Eileen Boyd. I love orange, and I especially love it when paired with pink! Boyd balances these hot tones with muted neutrals, like the lovely seagrass bed and the cool white of the rug and walls.

Almost half-way through the week! Happy Wednesday!

Brilliant

Entry by Jay Jeffers

It's Monday and, as I'm sure everyone's dragging a bit, I thought I would feature some interiors that are luminous and light. Surely the radiance of these rooms can clear up even the cloudiest of Mondays!

Home of fashion designer Jill Stuart

What these rooms lack in color (most offering a strict palette of white on the walls and upholstery), they certainly make up for in style and elegance!

Room by Windsor Smith

Landing by Muriel Brandolini

Home of photographer Victoria Pearson

I love how the color white has a chameleonic property to it, working with just about all interior styles. In that way, it would seem to act as a neutral, but, to me, it is a quite potent color, defining the spaces in which it's used.

Living room by Steven Volpe

Bedroom by Suzanne Kasler

Suzanne Kasler favors white walls for many of her projects. "White defines and strengthens the architecture, so it lends itself to being the most beautiful backdrop for design."

How elegant is this living room by Eric Cohler! I love how the framing and millwork on the walls are whited out so that they are noticeable, but don't steal all the attention away from the intriguing furnishings and objets (like that amazing sculpture and crystal obelisks).

I like how Ginger Barber uses whitewashed walls and crisp bedding to give this bedroom a light and fresh feel. I love when white is paired with equally airy furnishings, such as sisal carpets or lucite furniture.

Dining area by Timothy Whealon

Darryl Carter is another designer who favors white spaces. "White generally creates an unobtrusive background, allowing your art and furniture to speak for themselves," he says.

And, in these last two rooms by Carter, they speak volumes.

Here's to a bright and happy week!

Ships ahoy!

Ship from Z Gallerie

It's mere hours away from the weekend, so I figured I'd have a little bit of fun with things today!

I enjoy a nautical theme, appreciate glitz, and especially love whimsy. So, as you can imagine, I was totally enthralled by these pirate ship chandeliers that seem to be popping up everywhere! When I walked into Z Gallerie recently and saw one in person, I was hooked. They really are fantastic!

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I love how they add fantasy to traditional interiors! Everything in the room by Alessandra Branca below says "traditional": the wallpaper, the curtains, the table, and the chairs. But, throw in that chandelier, and you've got instant charm and enchantment!

In this apartment by Muriel Brandolini, the ship only adds to the playfulness already present in the rest of the furnishings.

Room styled by Lili Diallo

I love this bathroom by Katie Ridder. The way the blue tiles stop half way up the wall has the effect of waves. It is so bright and fresh!

In fashion designer Nanette Lepore's den, a cozy moodiness is offset by the lively sparkle of the ship. I absolutely love this room. Each piece is so great: that Moroccan inlaid table, the bust, the chesterfield sofa, the gilded nesting tables, the mid-century orange chair, that rug! What a perfect blend of fun, comfort, and glamour!

And speaking of glamour..... Here is one last example of these fabulous fixtures. This one is from the home of Jennifer Nicholson, daughter of Jack Nicholson, and was featured in House and Garden magazine.

Whether modeled after schooners or Spanish galleons, these delightful chandeliers playfully convey history, but with a decided nod to rebelliousness. (Just like those pugnacious pirates!)