Rays of Sunshine: Doris Leslie Blau Rugs

Swedish Double-Piled Rug

I woke up this morning to a very sunny day in Philadelphia.  The bright and beautiful light inspired me to share some gorgeous antique rugs by New York design firm, Doris Leslie Blau.  These sun-colored rugs were my favorite.  All sporting a modern yellow or golden hue, with designs that are rooted in ancient techniques, the result is truly beautiful.


Swedish Rya Rug


French Art Deco


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I hope you have a lovely day filled with sunshine!

{Images furnished by Doris Leslie Blau}

Delightfull.Unique Lamps

Architectural lighting - that's how I like to describe the collection at Delightfull.  Creating unique lamps that add both elegant ambience and sculptural details, each piece of lighting at Delightfull is truly a work of art.  From the over-the-top Sinatra chandelier in bright red, to the Brubeck wall sconce, these designed pieces will create a strong presence at home.

The Sinatra suspension lamp is awesome.  The red lacquer is stunning!

The Brubeck sconce is inspired by music.  Can you see the organ pipe influence?

Aretha is definitely a statement piece.  I love the fluid, feminine lines.

Simone is a clean and elegant floor lamp.  This would be a perfect fit in my living room.  

See more unique lighting at Delightfull.  

{Images furnished by Delightfull}

Style Talk: Jeff Andrews

Today I am excited to bring you my latest Style Talk interview with interior designer Jeff Andrews.  A few weeks ago Jeff and I chatted by phone about his journey to interior design, his client-driven philosophy, and his work with A-list clients, including the Odoms and Kardashians.  This absolutely down-to-earth designer, who went from dance to design (amazing!), has a truly inspirational story and design philosophy that you are going to love.



How did you begin your career as an interior designer?

This is not my first career. I was a dance choreographer for years. I did a lot of live shows, worked with corporate fashions companies like Reebok, and worked on fashion shows internationally. I started doing that at a really young age. I had to do the whole picture - the styling, the music, the set, everything.  I’ve always been a whole picture person.

Later, I started to do some set design for magazines because I had some friends who were editors. And then I met a friend, Eleanor Mondale, and started designing a whole house with her.  I am self-taught, had a lot of on the job training, and built my business through word of mouth.

The thing that helped me is that when I was choreographing I was doing things for corporations. There was always someone telling me yes and no. That taught me how to deal with clients. My work is client-driven and I really like the collaborative process. I enjoy feeling out what people want and turning it into something better than what they expected.  It’s not about my agenda as a designer but the process and people loving their home and environment.



Tell us about your interior design philosophy?

A big part of it, if i have one, is that there are really no rules; everything is a process that has to evolve.  I think it’s important to always look at every aspect of a project. I want to get into the lifestyle of the people I’m working for - how do they live, entertain - and understand their ultimate goals for their environment.



What inspires you as a designer?

The idea that I can create new things all the time.  That I don’t have to repeat anything and each time I start a project I can look at it with fresh eyes. When I choreographed I never wanted to repeat anything.  I never wanted to create a signature move. We all repeat certain things that are comfortable to us, but the idea of reinventing, that is really motivational to me.  I do what feels right to me.  I don’t get driven because "I need to do that because that’s so me".  Reinventing things over and over and the chance to create something new and special is what drives me.



You have had the opportunity to work with some amazing celebrities, including Bruce and Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, and Lamar and Khloe Odom.  Does the fact that you're designing a home that will be on TV affect your vision?

Not really. I’m not a production designer. I worked with Khloe and Lamar and just wanted their home to look really finished. It’s different than what I did with Kris’s house. Kris and I had a really different vibe. She’s pushed me in ways that have really made me grow. The renovation that we’ve done with her house, she had the idea in her mind a long time.  It was never about designing a set, but always about designing a home that fits the way they live. Viewers will see the transformation. The spaces that I’ve done with Khloe and Lamar and Kris will be seen in the upcoming seasons of their shows.



What can we expect to see next from Jeff Andrews?

I definitely have some things up my sleeve...


Jeff, thank you so much for stopping by AphroChic and sharing your journey as a designer with us.  I am really excited to see what's next, and have already spotted some beautiful decor in the new show, Khloe & Lamar.  Now I can't wait to see Bruce and Kris Jenner's renovation on the next season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.  I know it will be nothing short of amazing.

{Images furnished by Jeff Andrews Design}

Happy Earth Day!

AphroChic Brooklyn Life Organic Shower Curtain

Today, do something beautiful and kind for the earth.  Whether that means purchasing an eco-friendly product, recycling some old ones, or finding ways to reduce your carbon footprint, every little bit counts.  Have a happy Earth Day Weekend!

Oh, and by the way, over the holiday weekend, here are some other places that you can find AphroChic:
- My latest HGTV.com article on Neutral Rooms That Wow.
- A lovely interview about AphroChic on Changing Spaces Design.
- And if you're looking for a new color to decorate with check out my Mood Indigo post on the HGTV Design Happens Blog.

{Photo: Melanie Acevedo for AphroChic}

High Point Part III: Lulu DK for Elite Leather

Camille Chair in Sunburst Pink Punch

There is nothing I love more than a mix of modern design and classic elements.  I love to present items that way in my own collection, and enjoyed seeing that mix throughout many of the showrooms I visited while at High Point.  Elite Leather had some striking designs that I absolutely fell in love with.  One of their new designer collaborations featured lovely, classic furniture silhouettes upholstered in bright and bold Lulu DK fabrics.


Otto in Rose

This absolutely adorable cube ottoman was on my list of favorites.  The fabric design is based upon torn pieces of paper.  The color palette is perfect for spring and summer decor.


Greenwich Chair in Plumes Rose

Feathers please?  This chair feels so light and airy in a soft, feather print.


Sanchez Chair in River Mocha

This mocha fabric print is striking on Elite's classic Sanchez Chair.  Don't you think?  A bit masculine, but with feminine lines, it would be perfect in a living room or study.

See more of the Lulu DK for Elite Leather collection on their website.

{Images furnished by Elite Leather}

Versace Home

Donatella Versace has moved into the world of home decor.  Versace, the iconic fashion house, has just released a home collection that brings the luxe and opulence of their fashions to modern interiors.

Embroidered leather and metallic touches are all a part of this gorgeous line.

The home collection includes seating, tables, and innovative lamps.

My favorite is this completely modern take on a chaise lounge.  Spectacular and with a golden hue, this collection is all about over-the-top luxury.

View more from the Versace Home collection right here.

{Images furnished by Versace Home}

High Point Part II: CYAN Design - Candy Coated Color For The Home

Cyan Design was definitely the most colorful showroom I visited while at High Point Market.  Full of candy-coated colors like hot pink, electric blue and vibrant purple, Cyan is all about decorative accessories for a vibrant interior.  They also had a fun way to bring the trade in - a cotton candy machine!



The showroom was full of some amazing show-stoppers like this modern chandelier.



Brocade wallpaper in hot pink definitely stood out.



Isn't this candelabra just gorgeous?  I love the crisp white color juxtaposed against an organic, flowing design.



This gorgeous mirror is definitely on my wish list.  Just beautiful!

Check out more from Cyan Design on their website, or you can visit their showrooms in High Point, Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas.

{Images taken by Jeanine Hays for AphroChic}

Glam Garden Decor At Gardenhouse

The weather is finally warming up and it's time to get the exteriors of our homes looking as pretty as the interiors.  I have been on the search for beautiful patio furniture, and found it one day when I stumbled upon Gardenhouse.  An absolutely glam garden furnishings site, Gardenhouse takes granmda's old vintage set and makes it super-modern in beautiful finishes and colors.  These are just a few of my favorite pieces from the site.



This outdoor sofa is just perfect in my favorite color - mimosa!



I love bistro sets, and this one in gold is glamtastic.



And the fabric cushions on these metal chairs are so fun and modern.  Love them.

Check out more at Gardenhouse.  You'll definitely be inspired to do some outdoor decorating.

{Images: Gardenhouse}

High Point Part I: The Phillips Collection - Modern Organic Design

Last week I had the opportunity to attend High Point Market in North Carolina.  It was three pretty amazing days at the world's largest furnishings industry show.  Not only did I have the opportunity to tutor some wonderful interior designers as part of The Editor At Large/ASID event, but I also got to see some of the latest trends in home furnishings design.  With just a few days to spend at High Point I couldn't hit every showroom (there are literally hundreds!), but I was able to take a few pics and had to share with you some new items that definitely caught my eye.

The Phillips Collection was one of the most unique showrooms I visited.  A diverse array of designs from around the world filled the space.  And some of the most unique home furnishings stood out, from oversized apples, to lifelike porcelain sheep and chairs woven out of seat belts.  The ultimate theme was definitely a celebration of organic forms and shapes, but all with a modern bent.



I absolutely fell in love with this little black sheep.  I'm still trying to think about how I can work it into my interior in some way.  It's definitely a new spin on old-school country design.



Seat belts never looked so good!  These seat belt chairs have a completely natural form.  They almost remind me of leaves, but weaving in an unconventional textile really makes the design fresh and new.  They also come in a range of fashion-forward colors.



Metallics were woven throughout the collection.  From oversized planters to vases and tables, metallic pieces are definitely still in, and in distinct and new forms.



You can view more from The Phillips Collection on their website.  They have some beautiful designs that you won't want to miss.

{Images taken by Jeanine Hays for AphroChic}

Style Talk: Sandra Espinet

A few weeks ago I got on the phone with luxury interior designer Sandra Espinet.  Sandra is an absolutely fantastic interior designer, and a sweet and genuine person who I've loved getting to know over the past few months.  She has the absolute dream job of living and working in Cabo San Lucas, a small island off the coast of Mexico with just 40,000 inhabitants.  She also just started a brand new blog bringing all of us into her world of luxury interior design.  I am excited to bring you today's Style Talk interview with such an accomplished designer (Sandra was named Designer of the Year by California Home & Design Magazine in 2010!) who has  a unique perspective living and working in one of the most beautiful places in the world.



You are a real citizen of the world. Born in Trinidad, raised in Colombia, and educated in Boston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.  How have these different environments influenced you?

I have definitely taken things from the places I’ve lived to influence my design aesthetic. I have a mass amount of experience packing up, and getting ready to move. Editing and getting rid of stuff and making those decisions quickly comes as second nature to me.  I also have a passion for learning about local design. I like to use things that I find while traveling, items that are local. What the locals do, where and how they make their pieces is interesting to me.



Living and working in Cabo sounds like a dream. What is that experience like?

I think life chooses what you need for you. My first design firm was at a resort in Florida. It was a coincidence that i started my second design firm at a resort in Cabo. I love our seasonal design, working in a resort. I have 6 months of intense work with clients, and then 6 months of implementation while clients are away at their second home.



Your work is all about luxurious, sophisticated spaces. What tips do you have for readers looking to bring sophistication to their home?

The word “sophisticated” can be described in numerous ways. Everyone is going to conceive the answer differently. For Californians it might mean spaces that are more casual. For New Yorkers it may mean black tie. In Cabo, we tend to go out in flip flops and take our shoes off. It’s very fabulous, but not formal. People want to reflect that feel in their interiors. My designs are about marble floors that you can walk on barefoot. It’s not about being ostentatious and so expensive that things can’t be used. People want to be able to sit in their home and enjoy it. I love unique, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces that are sophisticated, accessible, and that people can relate to.



You’ve gone from sharing your design knowledge and aesthetic one room at a time to sharing it weekly on your new blog.  What has the experience been like? 

My blog is not really a how to. It is not going to Martha Stewart you through anything. But it shows what I as a luxury designer am seeing. I love to show things like the most expensive house in the world. Those are the kinds of things that i’m going to write about. It’s a lens into my view as a luxury designer, simplified in a blog format.

{Images furnished by Sandra Espinet}

And The Winner of DESIGN 100 Is....

I want to thank you all for your lovely comments about AphroChic's 4 year blogiversary.  I am so excited to give away this wonderful book in celebration of four fantastic years to LINDA WARD.  You have won!  Congratulations!!!  Please email your mailing address to aphrochic{at}me.com and a copy of Design 100 will be mailed out to you.

Thanks you to everyone who entered.  We officially had 18 entries that included an answer to the entry question.  Out of those 18, a number was chosen using random.org.  Entry number 7 was that of our lucky winner.  If you did not win, don't worry.  We'll have more giveaways coming up soon.

Happy Weekend!

PIFA: Mark Your Calendar for Gallery Night

Party Pictures: William Earle Williams

On April 15th, the city of Philadelphia will be opening the doors of its galleries for Gallery Night.  All night long, from 5pm - 9pm art galleries will be free and open to the public as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), showcasing special exhibits and serving light fare that you are sure to enjoy.  I am planning to attend the Print Center's new exhibit, Party Pictures: William Earle Williams, a photo documentary series capturing the variety in Philadelphia parties, from drag balls to society galas.  The photo above is from the exhibit.  So chic!  See a full list of galleries you can visit on Gallery Night right here.

{Image: The Print Center.  This post is brought to you with the support of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.}

PIFA: Roberto Capucci - Art Into Fashion

Are you in the mood for something gorgeous?  I definitely am.  Right now the Philadelphia Museum of Art has the most gorgeous exhibit - a look at the incredible body of work by innovative fashion designer and artist Roberto Capucci.



Capucci did to fashion what Georgia O'Keefe did to flowers - he turned each piece into an absolute work of art.  The pieces presented show his incredible ability with fabric, and his unique way of turning each piece into a wearable sculpture.



His mastery of materials is uncanny.  This silk taffeta bud dress has so much expression to it.  It really is too beautiful to wear.



Explore Capucci's amazing artistry at the Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit: Roberto Capucci: Art Into Fashion.  

This is just one of the amazing events you can see during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA).  PIFA  officially starts on April 7th so hurry to get tickets so that you don't miss this incredible exhibit!  Stay connected with PIFA on Facebook and Twitter, and download the PIFA iPhone app for more information.

{Images: Philadelphia Museum of Art.  This post is brought to you with the support of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts}