A Dreamy One Bedroom

While stalking Curbed Chicago last week I stumbled upon this absolutely dreamy one bedroom condo that's currently for sale. I've always thought that buying a one bedroom place was stupid and a waste of money but I'm honestly considering throwing all those thoughts out the window and going to take a peek at this gem. It's perfection, it has everything I want: original moldings, parquet floors, a modern kitchen, tons of natural light, lake views and sisal carpet. It looks like it belongs in Paris...It's so good that I may just forgo having kids.

Smitten | Apparatus Studio

I'm back and sending big hugs to everyone who continued to check in over the past week, your kind comments and emails mean more to me than you can imagine! Today is literally the first time I've logged into my blog in a week so please bare with me as I attempt to get back into the swing of things. 

It only felt right that my first post back be related to my last. I received a ton of emails about the lighting in Emily Mughannam SF Showcase room so I did a little digging and found the source.  First things first, I have a major crush on Emily. Not only is she a talented designer, she's a generous one too!  Emily was kind enough to share the inspiration behind her design as well as some of the sources on her blog, Lucite and Lavender.  The lighting was loaned to Emily by Gabriel Hendifar and Jeremy Anderson of APPARATUS Studio.  The company began out of necessity, as the two looked for fixtures for their home and found themselves disappointed with the options. Taking matters into his own hands, fashion designer/interior designer (I'm sure you've seen this room), Hendifar began experimenting with vintage lighting components. His tinkering yielded some incredibly beautiful results. A chic track light?  Who would have thought! And there is no doubt in my mind that if I had the Cloud fixture hanging over my dining table I would be on cloud nine! Don't you wish you had one? I can't wait to see what this dynamic duo comes up with next!

(Images: APPARATUS Studio)

You Only Live Once

I usually try not to dive too deep into my personal life here on the blog but today is different. You see, my beloved grandmother, Maureen (posted about here) passed away this week and I'm having a hard time concentrating on anything but my family.  My posts have been and may continue to be a little sporadic over the next few days as I sort through my feelings and spend time with my loved ones so please bear with me...and remember, you only live once!

I doubt designer Emily Mughannam had a post like this in mind when she custom designed this neon light for the San Francisco Decorator's Showcase but as I reflect on my grandmother's life I honestly feel like this motto is shining in the back of my mind.  During my last visit to the hospital my grandmother introduced me to her nurse as her granddaughter the "designer"...in that moment I felt an extreme sense of pride -- it's a moment that I will always remember as try to live every day to the fullest and forge my career path and future.

You may be shocked to find out but Kerr is not my last name, it's my middle name and my grandmother's maiden name.  Growing up all I wanted was a "normal" middle name but over time I learned to love it. For blogging/business purposes, I've pretty much dropped my last name (Luber) all together so now, more than ever, I feel fortunate to have a part of Maureen with me every day.

(Images: Helynn Ospina for Emily Mughannam Design)

A Corky Bedroom

Finally, after years of dreaming about covering a wall in cork, I've found a client who is ready and willing! My client is moving into a duplex down and her son's bedroom is on the lower level.  The space doesn't get a lot of sunlight so we are going to paint the walls white then cover one wall with cork.  Covering just one wall will add a layer of architectural detail and prevent the space from feeling like a cocoon.  The decorative and functional cork wall will serve as the backdrop for a slim metal desk, vintage blue lamp and worn leather chair.  The carpet is staying so we're going to layer a striped rug on top then replace the hideous, white sconces with a pair of sleek, black lights. The icing on the cake?  High gloss black/blue doors!  It's a space that will grow well, actually, I kind of wish it was mine!

(Images 1-3: Miles Redd)

Alex Katz

I hope your weekend is as chic as this painting of model/actress Ulla van Zeller in a Black Hat by Alex Katz!  Black and yellow just go so well together!  Architectural Digest recently published photos of Mr. Katz' SoHo studio/home and the images are absolutely inspiring so be sure to check them out. See you Monday!


(Image Photography by Todd Eberle for AD)