Client Work

Not much to report from the weekend, so instead of sharing the two pictures I took I thought I would give you a glimpse at one of my current project.  I've been obsessed with this image of Giovanna Battaglia ever since I saw it on The Photodiarist last fall.  I mean, hello ridiculously awesome gem-encrusted tailored shirt and glorious yellow pants!  So when my fashion-loving client said she loved yellow I knew I had to use this outfit as inspiration for her family room.  What do you think? I'm hoping they invite me over for movie night and cocktails!

If you'd like help designing your dream home feel free to email me at kkerrdesign@gmail.com!  I'd love to work with you!  

Simple.

Simply put, black and white is a classic and chic combination.  To me, a limited black and white color-palette evokes a sense of upscale sophistication with endless possibilities.  Whether your design style is traditional, modern or eclectic black and white will work!  I love it paired with soft pink, crisp khaki and shiny metallic but this high contrast combo can definitely hold up on its own.

When shopping for or wearing black and white I look for classic, tailored pieces with interesting details. For interiors, I prefer a softer look layered with fun textures, interesting patterns and a bit of warm grey.  This scheme isn't for everyone...could you live in black and white or does your world need a little color?

1. Classic Tee | 2. Mulberry Bag | 3. Track Link Bracelet | 4. Cooper Watch | 5. High-Rise Skinny Jeans | 6. Pointy Ankle Strap Flats | 7. West Elm Chevron Pillow | 8. MGBW Fielding Sofa  | 9. James Devlin Marble Table | 10. Madeline Weinrib Tray | 11. Curly Lamb Ottoman | 12. Jenna Snyder Painting

(Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 )

Why Don't You...

... get the lacquered look to less by installing Phillip Jeffries' lacquered vinyl wallcovering.  The glossy, almost liquid-like sheen is supremely glamorous and is such a wonderful counterpoint to wood, fabric and other natural elements. I've long been a fan of lacquered furniture and accessories so why not take this love of lacquer one step further?  Lacquer the walls.  Sure, a true lacquer finish on your walls is labor-intensive and expensive but the look can be approximated with high gloss paint or better yet, with Phillip Jeffries' Lacquered wallcovering. Designer Robert Southern used the durable vinyl to create the illusion of a glazed wall finish in the show stopping entry pictured above. High gloss or lacquered walls are particularly appealing in darker, more intense colors, like this gorgeous Eyeliner black, which is striking against the white chairs.  The wall cover isn't just for walls, the Liquid Gold or Creme de Lustre would look great on a ceiling! 

(Image House Beautiful )

Puddin' Pop

Don't these Mint Chocolate Chip Pudding Popsicles look fantastic?  I spotted the recipe in the always chic Off Duty section of The Wall Street Journal last week and immediately logged onto Amazon to order a popsicle mold.  Anytime I can make something that transports me to a happy place, I'm all for it. The second I bite into a puddin' pop I'm reminded of my childhood and hot summer days of fun. So here's to fond food memories and staying cool wherever you are today!

INGREDIENTS:

1¼ cups whole milk
1¼ cups heavy cream
¾ cup mint leaves (1-2 bunches)
½ cup sugar
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
8 ounces dark chocolate chips or pieces

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a pot, heat milk and cream until hot. Add mint, cover and let steep until milk is cool, 1-3 hours.
2. Strain the steeped milk into a new pot and add remaining ingredients, whisking vigorously until fully combined. Whisk constantly over medium to medium-high heat until custard starts to thicken and pulls away from the sides, 5-10 minutes. You will know when the pudding is done, if, when you lift the whisk from the pot, an imprint of the whisk is left behind in the custard.
3. Strain pudding into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes, then chill 30 minutes to an hour.
4. When pudding is cold, mix in chips.
5. Make the pops: Place popsicle sticks (I love these ceramic ones by Pigeon Toe) into popsicle molds or disposable cups. Distribute pudding. For best results, freeze overnight to set.

(Recipe and first image via WSJ)

My Weekend in Pictures

It was the perfect mid-July weekend!  On Saturday I drove up to a friend's gorgeous lake house and spent the day cruising on a boat, tubing (I'm still sore), dancing, playing Catch Phrase, and drinking vodka lemonade.  It was a long but incredible day that turned into an even more incredible karaoke-filled night out.  I woke up hours before everyone else on Sunday so I made myself some eggs and ate breakfast down on the dock...what a great way to start the day!

I must admit, I find it very difficult to get work done on the weekends during the Summer.  I much rather be outside enjoying the weather and my friend's company than inside in front of a computer.  But I guess that's what weekdays are for, right?  There are a lot of work related goals on my Summer to-do list so I'm still trying to find my perfect work/life balance.  Do you have any tips for getting it all done?