Gorgeous Set Design from Sex And The City 2!

Tomorrow night my girlfriend and I are going to see Sex and the City 2!  To say I'm excited is an understatement.  I was on Elle Decor earlier today, and had to share with you some beautiful photos of the set design from the movie.  Here's some pre-movie eye candy for all of those who are going this weekend!









{Images: Elle Decor; Photographer: Craig Blankenhorn}

A Mod Nursery At The SF Decorator Showcase

Interior designer Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt has created a modern and stylish space for little ones.  Her chic nursery, which was a part of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, shows how elegant a nursery can be.  Moving beyond the Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse themes of yesteryear, Stephanie's design firm, Marsh & Clark, shows us that even little people deserve exceptional style.



This gorgeous nursery for triplets has so many beautiful design features - locally crafted cribs that are toxin-free; a trio of custom chandeliers that float above each babies crib; and warm wood flooring that makes this powder-blue room feel nice and cozy.



Clean, sophisticated, and eco-friendly this nursery is truly a safe and stylish space.



Do you have any tips on creating a stylish nursery?  Share your ideas below.

{Images: Marsh & Clark}

Limited-Edition Lawn Chairs at Project No.8

I am desperately longing for summer to arrive.  In San Francisco it's a cool 58 degrees and raining.  Hopefully the summer weather will arrive some time soon.  Until then, I can dream of summer furniture, like these cool limited-edition lawn chairs at Project No.8. 



I am completely in love with bold prints, and the new modern take on the old-school lawn chairs our parents used to sit on. 





Each chair features a print by award-winning New York designer Salvor.  I think I'm going to need a full set for those summertime picnics in the park.

{via DailyCandy}

The PANTONE HOTEL

Pantone, the international expert on color, is moving beyond its place in the worlds of fashion and decor, and has opened a brand new hotel in Brussels.  Dedicated to all things colorful, the Pantone Hotel is one-of-a-kind, embracing bright hues that pop against clean, modern lines.  The backdrop to the hotel is the beautiful city of Brussels, with elegant mansions and modern business towers.



This unique location also offers colorful products that guests can purchase during their stay, including those popular Pantone chip mugs.



I just love the idea of being able to wake up in a space with juicy colors like lemon yellow, bright orange, and red.



And for those who would love to learn more about color and creating the perfect palette during their stay, this hotel even offers consultations and educational seminars on color theory and trends.  Wow, a designer's dream!

{Images: Pantone Hotel}

AphroChic Pillows On The Cover of Nesting Newbies!

It's not every day that you get to say that your pillows are on the cover of a magazine!  I am absolutely thrilled that the editors of my fave online magazine, Nesting Newbies, chose to feature our Haze Mimosa, Reflection Majolica Blue and Mandala Majolica Blue pillows on the cover of the May issue.  Even more exciting, both my husband and I had the opportunity to work with Editor-In-Chief, Jodi Murphy and Creative Director, Lea McIntosh, on styling this beautiful cover.  It was such an honor.


Chef Lea teaches me to make salad dressings.

If you haven't heard all of the buzz about the May issue (the design bloggers can't stop talking about it on twitter), let me tell you that this is definitely the best issue yet.  With 185 pages of beautiful design, entertainment and even DIY tips, you will definitely be spending this weekend cozied up with your laptop, I-Pad, or Kindle, perusing this issue.  And if you turn to page 18, you can even catch Chef Lea giving me some lessons on whipping up some perfect salad dressings for summer entertaining.

I am absolutely on cloud 9, and am so happy to have been featured as this month's Newbie.  Come back next week for some behind-the-scenes pictures from the photo shoot and taping of the cooking segment.  Have a happy Friday!

P.S. - AphroChic is giving 15% off any pillow purchase until June 15th.  Nesting Newbies readers, enter code "Newbies" at checkout.

{Images: Margot Hartford, Dean Birinyi}

Marjorie Skouras Design

I was catching up on my favorite blogs, and spotted the work of interior designer Marjorie Skouras on Apartment Therapy.  Marjorie's luxurious lighting and furnishings have been featured in a number of shelter mags, but it was her styling that caught my eye.



Luxurious, colorful, and even whimsical at times, there is no doubt that Marjorie creates beautiful spaces.



Her furnishing and lighting designs are just as luxe.  One of her newest items, this glass coffee table, is absolutely gorgeous.



You can view Marjorie's complete portfolio right here.  You are going to love her work!

Original Art: Aida Sabic

Melbourne artist Aida Sabic says that her work is inspired by people.  You can see how her inspiration comes to life in the portraits she paints.  Aida's series, "A Collection of Portraits", on wood panels is stunning.



I find myself falling in love with each piece, wondering who the woman is behind the portrait.  The unconventional wood canvas gives each piece a warm amber glow.



You can view the complete series right here.



And visit Aida's etsy shop to purchase prints of her beautiful work.

Going Bold At Home

I love a bold interior.  Strong colors and textures are a large part of my own design philosophy.  This home featured in the June 2010 issue of Elle Decor shows how splashes of color, bold shapes and texture can work together to make a modern interior pop!



A venetian mirror, striped wall art and funky floor pillows fit together beautifully in an otherwise spare living room.  A few bold accents go a long way in adding character to this space.



Black and white goes from elegant to over-the-top amazing in this modern dining room.  Glass and metallic pieces are tempered by the dark wooden hutch and dining table.



This just might be my favorite bedroom ever.  African masks, chevron print pillows, and a suzani throw are drawn together through the bits of red and black that run through the color palette in this bedroom.

Check out the latest issue of Elle Decor for more beautiful spaces that are sure to wow.

{Images: Elle Decor}

Hand-painted Wallpaper by de Gournay

The cover of the June issue of Living Etc. is an ode to pretty.  The beautiful floral wallpaper (once featured in our beloved Domino) immediately caught my attention.  You all know that I love soft, feminine details.  This paper by international company de Gournay is definitely feminine, and has a unique feel to it due to the way it's produced.  Every piece of de Gournay wallpaper is hand-painted.



de Gournay hand-paints wallpaper, fabric, and even porcelain, taking traditional 18th century Chinoiserie and 19th century French designs and reinterpreting them for the modern home.





The results are absolutely breathtaking.  Whether on a feature wall, or covering a whole room these hand-painted wallpapers make a striking impact.  Oh, how I would love an entire home filled with this beautiful paper on the walls.



Keep a look out for the June issue of Living Etc. that features this beautiful wallpaper.  You can get a little peak right here.

Modern + Traditional Style In New Orleans

I am still in New Orleans, and am having the most wonderful time!  I thought I would drop in and tell you about my first few days in this wonderful city.  The first thing that struck me when I get off the plane was the smell of jasmine in the air.  It's everywhere you walk, and takes you to a magical place.



My husband and I have explored the French Quarter, and visited Congo Square, the place where enslaved Africans would come together to dance and play drums, and likely the place where New Orleans' legendary music tradition began.  It is a diverse city, unlike any other I have been to, and the beautiful cultural mix here is intriguing.



I have been enjoying the beauty of New Orleans architecture and design - French homes built in the 17 and 1800s, large English-style manors on St. Charles Street.  Traditional architecture and furnishings reminiscent of the city's 18th and 19th Century roots sit comfortably beside modern design.

Tomorrow I hope to head out to the city's famed Magazine Street to explore the shops and then to Frenchman Street for some wonderful music.  New Orleans truly is a treasure.  If you haven't been here yet, you must come and see this amazing city.

{Images: New Orleans interior designer Jill Dupre}

Saying Goodbye To A Legend

Singer and actress Lena Horne passed away yesterday at age 92.  Lena Horne was such an inspiration.  I remember watching her on The Cosby Show as a child.  I had never seen a woman so stunningly beautiful and yet full of strength and confidence.  She showed that any stage in your life, at any age, you can do what you love.  Lena Horne had so much life in her, even well into her 80s and early 90s.  I only hope that I can live a life as half as incredible as hers.  You can read more about Ms. Horne right here.

Happy Friday!

I can't believe the weekend is already here, but I am definitely ready for it.  Hopefully the weather is warm where you are.  Here it's gorgeous.  I plan to kick my heels up, and do a few fun things this weekend:

- See Iron Man 2 on opening weekend.  I love that Don Cheadle is going to be in this one!
- Catch up on my mags.  I have the latest Vogue with Sarah Jessica Parker on the cover and can't wait to read it!
- Watch the episodes of 9 By Design on my DVR.  I love this show!  Do you know that you can also view full episodes on BRAVO?
- And finally, get some well-needed rest.

I will be traveling to wonderful New Orleans next week, so I'll be popping in and out with updates from my trip.  I hope to head over to some of the design shops I've heard about and of course eat some fantastic New Orleans food.  I can't wait!  If you have any suggestions for places to visit while in NOLA, please leave info in the comments section.

Happy weekend!

{Image: Zac Posen for Target via Refinery 29}

Kua Designs

Ghanaian-born designer Ruby Buah creates the most beautiful purses.  Her shop, Kua Designs, offers a bright and bold collection of handbags that are inspired by Buah's native country.



Kua's line of clutches are modern, stylish and absolutely fun.  And each piece is crafted in an eco-friendly manner.



Perfect for a night out with the girls, or that upcoming summer vacation, these purses are sure to be the perfect accessory.



In bright hues and the rich textures that I love, I just might have to get a couple of these purses to go along with my summer wardrobe.  See more at Kua Designs.   

{Images: Kua Designs}

Style Talk: Alex Bates, Creative Director, West Elm

I remember the first time I picked up a West Elm catalog.  I immediately fell in love with the company's unique and colorful designs.  In my home you'll see many West Elm pieces from my oversized chunky coffee table, to my Moroccan-inspired bed.  I have always gravitated to the company's philosophy - modern style at an affordable price.

Today I'm excited to bring to you our May Style Talk Interview with West Elm's Senior Vice President and Creative Director Alex Bates!  Alex is here to share the company's philosophy and news about a designer collaboration you are going to love.

We know that every season brings new collections with new visions, but can you tell us about the central philosophy that guides West Elm’s designs?

At West Elm we are focused on developing a product that is modern, simple, smart, clean, authentic, global and affordable.

You mentioned affordability, as Creative Director how do you ensure that collections continue to offer modern design at an affordable price?

I make sure to work closely with our entire team – design, sourcing, and merchandising to make sure that we’re producing products that meet our aesthetic goals but that can still be offered at a price that’s approachable to our customers. Good design doesn’t have to be expensive.  In fact, I think making something affordable is one aspect of good design.

What is the vision behind West Elm’s Summer 2010 collection?

For Summer 2010 we're focused on products that bring the outside in and items that make the outdoors feel more like home.  We're interested in pairing natural materials with various textures and colors to make the collection pop.

 

Can you tell us about the color palette for Summer 2010?

Color is a big part of each collection and when we’re thinking of collections, color is almost always our starting place. White, earth tones, patterns and textures are definitely the colors and aesthetics that inspired our Summer 2010 collection.

What are you favorite pieces from this year’s Summer collection?

I’m all about pillows – I love the PATCH NYC collection of course, our new Aid to Artisan Pillows (solid silk handloomed), and I’m obsessed with the way our Deconstructed Rose Pillow Cover turned out. I think the Weathered Wood Table and Floor Lamps are pretty amazing as well. 

Please tell us about West Elm’s collaboration with Patch NYC. How did this come about?

I knew PATCH NYC’s Don Carney and John Ross from way back.  I’ve been an admirer of their designs and art and dreamed of ways we could work together. I ran into them at a show not too long ago and the wheels started turning. It’s exciting for us to be able to bring their creations to a broader audience at a lower price point.

Can we expect more designer collaborations from West Elm in the future?

YES. Wait until you see the holiday assortment…

Our readers love learning about new design trends. Any trends for 2010 that they should incorporate into their interior?

Layers of white, a mix of textures, natural materials, and HANDCRAFTED and artisanal pieces.

Thank you so much Alex for sharing West Elm's style philosophy with us!  I definitely can't wait to see what's next.

{images: west elm}