Happy Weekend!

I wish you all a happy design-inspired weekend! I hope to have a few photos from the shoot to share with you next week.  Wish us luck!

{Image: West Elm}

Photo Shoot No. 2

We are getting ready for our second AphroChic photo shoot over the weekend.  The excitement is bubbling over!  I thought I would give you a peek at some of the art we are using in this year's shoot to set the stage.  We really wanted to incorporate some chic fashion illustrations featuring women of color.  I emailed one of my favorite artists, Leigh Viner from JKL Design, who had some amazing prints from her collection in mind.  I just had to share them with you!


Lune


Lune 2

Our new product line launches Winter 2010/2011.  We can't wait to share the photos with you!

{Images: JKL Design}

Pretty Spaces at Robin Baron Design

New York interior designer Robin Baron creates some of the prettiest spaces.  With a career in fashion and then in interior design, Robin knows how to design luxury spaces that have a beautiful mix of color and texture.



This entryway has such beautiful contrast between the dark flooring and light blue walls.  I love the charcoal gray curtains.



A tufted headboard always makes a space look elegant and finished.



This glamorous bathroom is fit for a queen.

See more of Robin's portfolio right here.  You can also visit her series - Ask Robin.  She loves an interior design challenge.

{Images: Robin Baron Design}

Sneak Peek: Clarissa Hulse Fall Bedding Collection

Burnet Ocean

We have a sneak peek of a brand new bedding collection from UK designer, Clarissa Hulse.  This linen bed collection launches in September, and is a wonderful follow-up to Clarissa's popular bedding that was released earlier this year. 

Featuring her signature floral motifs and mix of color and texture, the deep blue Burnet Ocean pattern (above) is inspired by the Mediterranean.


Moonstone Striped Bed Linen

This Moonstone Striped Bed Linen is soft and subtle in neutral tones of white and oatmeal. 

You don't have to wait until the new bedding collection launches this Fall.  I am still so in love with Clarissa's original line that's infused with bright pops of color and beautiful plant life themes.


Klimt Multi Bedding


Fireweed Bedding

See more from Clarissa Hulse right here.

Inspiring Interior

I have been spending the past few weeks getting ready for our AphroChic photo shoot which takes place next week.  We are working on our next collection (it's so beautiful!) which comes out in Winter 2010/2011.  It's so exciting to work on a product for a year and see it come to life.  And beyond all of the product development is the fun of styling for a photo shoot!

This is one photo that has been part of my inspiration board for our next shoot.  I absolutely love the soft color palette and that stunning painting.  It's a wonderfully styled shot.  I just hope we can create something this beautiful next week.  I can't wait to see it all come together.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Burke Decor Is All New!

Online boutique Burke Decor is all new!  Sporting a brand new look and an expanded selection of items for the home, Burke Decor is definitely the go-to-place for products that will add a bit of pizazz to your space.

While visiting the new website I immediately clicked on the "What's New" link.  New items range from John Robshaw textiles to these fabulous (and affordable) doormats by India Rose.

Offering work from some of my favorite brands, including Graham & Brown, Thomas Paul and Twos Company, I am excited to see all that the new Burke Decor has to offer.

What do you think about the new site?  And please let me know if you are as in love as I am with these gorgeous doormats.

{Images: India Rose Doormats at Burke Decor}

Studio Public

I love this beach chic residence designed by UK design firm, Studio Public.  The space was designed as city getaway for a couple in search of a little bit of peace and quiet.  And oh, how I would love to get away with them.  Nestled in the UK's Northumberland Coast, this home is truly a tranquil retreat from the rest of the world.



From the wallpaper in the living room, to the completely modern bathroom tiles, this space goes beyond the typical cape code shore theme that we're used to in the United States.  Incorporating vibrant pops of teal that are reminiscent of the ocean and a relaxed neutral color scheme, this space is all about modern comfort that keeps you at ease.



My favorite part of the home has to be this sea scene that is laminated on the glass behind the walk-in shower.  Genius!

See more innovative projects by Studio Public right here.  One look at their portfolio will definitely leave you feeling inspired. 

Stylish Warehouse Living

It's always been my dream to live in a large open loft space in the big city.  This Melbourne warehouse, converted into a two-story work/live space is absolutely inspiring.



Owned by textile designer Diane Bergeron, print and pattern are a big part of this home.  From the living room, to the bedroom and the office, beautiful textiles make this space go from cold over-sized warehouse, to warm and inviting home.







See more of this stylish Melbourne warehouse at Living Etc.  It's gorgeous!

{Image: Living Etc.}

Gorgeous Bedding At Anthropologie

Things are busier than ever as we prepare for both a wedding and a photo shoot that will take place in New York later this month, so, please bear with my light posting schedule over the next few days.  Even with all that's going on, I couldn't stay away from the blog for too long.  Every time I spot something beautiful, like the new bedding collection at Anthropologie, I just have to share.





Inspired by far-off places, with names like Distant Voyage, Alhambra, and Yoruba, Anthropologie has definitely looked to global influences to create a bedding collection that is absolutely stunning.





As my voyage here in New York continues I also can't help but be inspired.  It's amazing when you find a place that speaks to you, that inspires, and that makes you feel at home.  Hmmm....maybe a move to the big city is somewhere in my future.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

The Birthday Girl

It's July 12th and officially my favorite day of the year - my birthday!  I take birthdays very seriously.  I believe in cards, gifts, cake, definitely candles, and a grand party.  This year I won't be having an official party, instead I'm off to New York for my sister's wedding, but if I was having one I would definitely incorporate these beautiful pieces from Confetti System. 



Wouldn't you love to wear these blindfolds for a birthday surprise?



Pale coral, lilac and gray make a lovely color combination.  A dark chocolate cake would be the perfect ending to this birthday bash.



These 32 years have been good to me.  In them I've been able to accomplish more than I ever imagined!  I can only hope that the next 32 hold even more wonderful moments, and I definitely want you all along for the ride.  You make birthdays and every day a whole lot sweeter.

{Images: Confetti System}

Clutch Magazine Feature!

I am honored to be featured in Clutch Magazine's latest series - She's So Ambitious.  The interview was a wonderful opportunity to discuss my journey and what inspired me to start AphroChic.  You can see the full interview here.  Thank you so much Arlice for asking me to participate!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead.  I will be packing for my sister's wedding that's in New York next week.  I can't wait to spend some time in the big city, and see my baby sister tie the knot.  It's going to be a wonderful week.

Happy Friday!

{Image: Clutch}

Fall at CB2!

Yes, we are right smack in the middle of summer, but it's time for the fall catalogs (east coast readers I know you are wishing for some fall weather right now).  Affordable, modern decor shop, CB2, has just released their fall catalog, and it is fun, bright and eclectic.



One thing that immediately struck me about CB2's trends for fall were the bright and bold colors.  Moving away from summer hues, CB2 is strongly embracing bold oranges and deep mustard yellow - colors just perfect for fall.



The company has also continued to ramp up their home accessories line.  With a real focus on adding interest through art and innovative flooring, the latest collection includes some fun and funky rugs that will enliven any space.



And with a host of new seating options, including sofas under $1000, CB2 is making it clear that it is the go-to place for affordable items that can transform your space.

I am loving CB2's eclectic mix for fall.  What do you think?

Graf & Lantz Felt Ottomans

Felt never looked this good.  These classic ottomans by Los Angeles-based design studio Graf & Lantz are luxurious and functional with a classic appeal.  Made from 100% merino wool each piece boasts rich texture.



With a classic shape, each ottoman is made using innovative techniques, including stitching felt panels together to create a herringbone pattern.



A little bit masculine, but also neutral enough to fit into a feminine interior, these felt ottomans would definitely warm up your feet on a cool evening.

Custom order your own from Graf & Lantz in your favorite color and design.

Tim Biksup Lamps at Poketo

This set of lamps by Southern California artist Tim Biskup has to be the coolest lighting ever!  Tim has hand-painted his signature colorful and experimental designs on vintage lamps.  The end result is two amazing and functional pieces of art.





I love the fresh mix of coral, blue, and pale yellow.



The hand-painted details are exceptional.

If you are an art collector who's looking for something special and unique, this set of lamps is for you.  Visit Poketo for these limited edition pieces.

{Images: Poketo}

Doryn Wallach Design

I love this home by New York interior designer Doryn Wallach.  This New York City townhouse is glamorous and comfy, with a lovely blend of texture, metallic accessories and bold patterns.  Contemporary and sophisticated, this home is an urban oasis in the busy city.



While this room has a neutral palette, it is full of eye-catching elements including the oversized seating and luxurious ottoman.



Metallic lighting makes this entryway come to life.



This black and white wallpaper print is classic.  The bold graphic adds a fun touch to the space.

This weekend I will be staying in to enjoy my own personal oasis.  Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend everyone!  See you back here on Tuesday, July 6th.   

{Images: David Lewis Taylor for Doryn Wallach Design}