Project Garrahy | Master Bedroom

I figure you're probably sick of the art kick I've been on so today I bring you the power of (wall) paint! I'm working with a client right now to help them spruce up their new condo before they move in. Last night I stopped by to check out the progress.  The first picture above shows what the master bedroom looked like in the real estate listing...not bad, but definitely not good....

The paint color was not awful but given that the room does not get a ton of natural light we decided to lighten things up a bit and paint the walls White Chocolate by Benjamin Moore.  Better and brighter.  To add interest to the neutral palette we are hanging a gorgeous textured wallpaper by Kneedler Fauchére behind the headboard.  I'm usually not a fan of the "accent wall" but I'll make an exception for pricey wallpaper.  The awkwardly placed sconces are getting the boot and new antique brass swing arm lights from Circa will be hung. I photoshopped the wallpaper and sconces into the picture above so you can get an idea of what it's going to look like. Pretty sophisticated, right? And don't you worry, the intense cherry floor will not longer be the first thing you notice when you walk in because we plan to cover it up with a lovely warm silver jute rug. It's going to look good, real good! 

Don't you just love how a few small changes can completely change the look and feel of a room? Just wait until you see the living room...

Inspired Interior | Christian Bérard

My home office is in desperate need of a little decoration -- no matter how many pieces of art I hang the white wall just aren't cutting it.  I'm thinking about doing a little Christian Bérard homage.  Pictured above are the trompe l'oeil architectural details he designed in collaboration with Jean-Michel Frank for L'Institut Guerlain.  What is often mistaken for as paint is in fact grosgrain ribbon and silk cut to resemble Bérard's brushstrokes.  No, he was not trying to fool anyone with his faux architectural details, but that's the beauty of them- they're whimsical and perhaps not all that difficult to mimic?  New York designer John Barman, took inspiration from the Guerlain interior and used Bérard-style brushstrokes to add interest to the otherwise straightforward bedroom pictured above.  In the third picture, Sara Story painted faux molding in the hallway of the Elle Decor Modern Living Showhouse but kicked things up a notch by using two shades of gold paint to create the illusion of a shadow.  Obviously I love the gold. 

Since I rent and actual wood molding are not an option this might just be the easiest way to achieve my very own Rachel Roy-inspired office. Someone bring me a yardstick and a can of paint!

(Images: 1 / 2 / 3/ 4+5)

Smitten | Darryl Carter

I just returned from a lovely weekend in Washington DC so it only feels right that today's post be dedicated to the city's best designer, Darryl Carter. I think the images above speak for themselves but I can't help but point out the interesting mix of modern and very traditional pieces – he’s a genius at juxtaposing the rough with the refined. Carter's work is definitely American but also seems to have a Swedish feel to it with his use of white walls, Belgian linen and painted furniture. Darryl's design aesthetic centers around the "art of the edit" and edit he does creating warm, inviting interiors that are sure to stand the test of time.

Want the look?  Darryl has teamed with Benjamin Moore to create a paint deck that is filled with his favorite go-to neutrals, he's also designed a stunning lighting collection with Urban Electric Company.  And since I'm getting good a real estate stalking...you can really get the look if you buy this Carter-designed home that's for sale in McLean, Virginia.

(Images Elle Decor, Darryl Carter)

White Out

To paint or not to paint, that is the question and currently my new home dilemma.  I moved into my apartment almost a month ago and I'm starting to think I could live there until I'm ready to buy a place. When I signed the lease one of the first questions I asked was if I was allowed to paint the current white walls (seen here). The owner said yes, as long as I repaint them white when I move out....what a hassle, right? Who wants to live with white walls...Not I! Or so I thought until I saw this gorgeous home designed by Ted Tuttle.

He used Benjamin Moore’s Super White on all the walls and trim and it looks incredible. This particular shade of white, he believes, has a lot of depth and is “still as rich at night as it is in the morning.” So what's a girl to do? Do I keep the white walls and add depth and interest with things I can take with me when I move or paint and have it repainted when I move out? That whole temporary 'I'm-not-going-to-change-a-thing-for-the-next-three-years' thing drives me nuts but so does the thought of having to pay someone to paint twice. What do you think? I'm torn!

Photographs by John Granen for Elle Decor July 2011

Just Peachy

My sister and I were recently discussing what colors best represent us.  If I had to choose a picture that pretty much summed up my colors this would me it - golds and orangy-pink tones (like the Agnona jacket Olivia is sporting).  This outfit is perfection.  I love how Miss Palermo incorporated a chic peachy blazer into her otherwise neutral, winter ensemble.  It's like adding a touch of spring!  This beautiful mix was perfected with an added pop of color via her mustard Kurt Geiger heels and her favorite Vintage Hermes clutch. Ah-mazing!  This would make for a lovely interior color scheme - don't you think?  Peach can be very, very chic especially when paired with neutrals.  The items below conjure up feelings of pure joy, no?

Wrap a decorative box with this beautiful Poppy paper from Paper Source

The Tangier Center Table by Baker Studio - I adore its coral-lacquer underside and it Middle Eastern look.  I envision this perched beneath an antique lantern in a stylish front hall or a small apartment dining area. 

Perfect for a vanity or coffee table, I love the lightness of papier-mâché in this peachy point vessel. A white exterior keeps things calm in this fun little object.

This Josef Albers Homage to the Square print has been in my inspiration folder for as long as I can remember.  The colors are almost identical to the ones in Olivia's outfit!  How's that for weird.  My dream is to own this limited-edition Josef Albers Hermes scarf but since that is very unlikely I will settle with a print - in a gold frame perhaps...