Take Note!

I've been busy working on my new apartment and I thought you might enjoy taking a look at the inspiration  for my home office. I don't think it's any surprise that the image is from one of the chicest designers around, Miles Redd. Enjoy!

Oh My Gold!

How amazing is this outfit worn by Olivia Palermo at London Fashion Week?  The accessories really make the outfit - her gold necklace, bracelet, ring and watch add a touch of sophistication.  Now if I could only afford that bag.... 

(via wayne tippetts)

Bruno de Caumont

How great is this Madeleine Castaing "Coppelia" wallpaper in designer Bruno de Caumont's former Paris apartment?  Mr. Caumont, a master at integrating bold patterns into living spaces, is the creative director of Edmond Petit (the company that produces the Castaing collection).  I love the bold piping on the upholstery and the way something seemingly traditional was mixed with pops of color to create a modern space. For images of Bruno's current Brussels apartment visit elle decor.

Where I'd Like to Spend My Weekend

Doesn't this bedroom look like the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend?  I'm feeling a little under the weather so I would give just about anything to spend the weekend curled up in bed with a cashmere throw reading a stack of books.

Joe Nye's bedroom via House Beautiful

The Perfect Sofa

First major purchase for my new apartment - a sofa!  I know exactly what I want: English arms with turned legs on casters aka George Sherlock's Two-Seater.

I love the classic lines of this style. It's comfortable yet tailored and works perfectly with both traditional + modern pieces. Case in point:

Unfortunately this sofa comes at a price far beyond my means.  With that said, the hunt for an alternative began.  A few google searches later I found exactly what I was looking for: Lee Industries Apartment Sofa

A pretty close match, don't you think?  I already own a chair by Lee Industries and so far I am pleased as punch.  As far as construction goes, they use 8-way, hand-tied steel coil springs, which are traditionally viewed as the best, and the frame is made from kiln-dried hardwoods with double-doweled joints.  All the handwork involved in producing upholstery of this quality inevitably adds up to a higher end price tag but do not fret my friends - according to this Garden Web forum you can get a steep discount by ordering from Alan Furgeson in North Carolina. 

Images: 1. Jenna Lyon's George Sherlock Two-Seater Sofa, 2. Unknown

Smitten | Up in the Air Somewhere

Yesterday's beautiful Saturday afternoon gave me the opportunity to check out a wonderful event in Wicker Park - the Renegade Craft Fair. Among the crafty vendors was a lovely company called Up In The Air Somewhere, a shop filled with gorgeous papier-mâché and ceramic vessels hand made by Chicago-based artist and designer Susan Dwyer. Why the obsession you ask? I love that the form of each product is unique and the texture of the delicate paper also makes Susan's pieces so appealing. The salt cellar and spoon would make a great house warming gift, don't you think?

Smitten | Neutral Silk Blouse

So simple and yet so refined.  Love it. 

Side note: Are backpacks making a comeback? 

Images: The Sartorialist, Hanneli

Mama Needs a New Pair of Shoes

For Louis Vuitton's fall collection of 1950s-inspired ladylike knits and sweeping skirts, Marc Jacobs designed one style of shoe in three different "spirits" and on varied heel heights: "the sweet, the dowdy-in a good way-and high sexy," he explains.  Guess which class this one belongs to?

Runway to Room: Camel + Chloé

The link between fashion and interiors is a strong one. The colors, fabrics and textures that are current in one of these areas of design often crossover easily to the other discipline.  That said, it's no news by now that the paler shades of brown have become fashion's mainstays of the season. It seems just as the interior design world moved away from the indistinct colour scheme of beige, beige and more beige the fashion world jumped back on the train.  Below is an example of a living room that echos recent runway looks by Chloé, so if you want to infusion a little Fall 2010 into your living room, here is a good start...  

This room, designed by architect Gil Schafer and interior designer David Netto, shows camel done right. Mixed with aubergine lacquered walls, patterns, a pop of color, a touch of gold, and brass hardware, beige never looked so good!

Image Credits: Chloé, 1st Dibs

Inspired By: Timothy Whealon

This weekend in Chicago we got a beautiful little taste of fall and it was Heaven! The windows were opened all weekend and when I was walking around looking for an apartment I noticed some leaves falling. The interiors above, designed by Timothy Whealon, remind me of this amazing time of year when summer meets fall.  I think it's safe to say I love just about every interior designed by Timothy.  His impeccable eye for color, art and antiques result in a wonderful mix of sophistication with a modern approach. His use of  rich colors and fabrics make me want to embrace the cold weather with open arms.  Time to pull out the (faux) fur throw! 

Want Timothy's look?  Check out Decorator Tag Sale.

Beni Ouarain Rugs

The first item on what I'll call my Apartment Wish List is a Beni Ouarain rug.  Because of my new found fixation on black and white – I have been dreaming about buying a large Beni Ouarain carpet for somewhere in my new place.  Sometimes known as the "white giants" these beautiful wool rugs are made by the Beni Ouarain nomadic tribe of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco.  You can read more about the history here.  I'm drawn to the soft and plush pile of these carpets. They make the perfect background for just about any interior – check out these photos and I'm sure you will agree...

This style rug appears several times throughout Billy Baldwin Decorates.

The creamy background is timeless and mixes well with just about any color.

The vintage ones are beyond gorgeous and, of course, beyond expensive.  So as with all great designs there are now look-alikes at William-Sonoma Home and Madeline Weinrib and Pottery Barn. 

I'm on a mission to find one in my price range - what that is, I'm not exactly sure but I'll let you know if I find a deal!  What's on your wish list?

(Photos: 1. Mansour  2,3.Billy Baldwin Decorates 4. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 5. Madeline Stuart 6. Domino 7. Francois Halard)