The Need for Tweed

Tweed: a rough woolen fabric made usually in twill weaves and used especially for suits and coats. 

I love the idea of incorporating fabrics that remind me of fashion into my designs, which is why I fell for this multi-colored tweed.  Inspired by this Jane Aldridge's killer vintage Chanel jacket collection I decided to use my fabric find to make throw pillows for my client's sofa.  I'm absolutely obsessed with how they turned out!  The colors are subtle but work oh-so-well the the Cathy Bruni Norris painting and the texture pops against the neutral sofa.  It's easy to get wrapped up in the trendy prints that walk down the runways and show up in shelter mags but I like to stick to the staples like tweed and bouclé -- they're perpetual classics that can spruce up even the most torn pair of boyfriend jeans or casual linen sofa!

I'll share more info about the space and the custom geode lamp we are having made as soon as everything is installed so stay tuned!  Happy Monday!

Images by kristin kerr luber for simply smitten

Pretty Little Pom-Poms

"A recent trip to the Amalfi Coast inspired our Resort 2013 collection — soft whites and seafoam green with shades of pink, purple and blue. We did traditionally rich fabrics in casual, effortless ways." — Tory Burch 

The second I saw this Pom-Pom Resin Necklace from Tory's 2013 Resort collection I was reminded of this Proud Mary Textiles' pillow I've been lusting after. I like the idea using pom-poms to add a splash of color to a pillow but I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea of wearing them. Thoughts?  If you're digging this look then be sure to check out Tory's entire resort collection, including the necklace pictured above,  on Moda Operandi.

Currently Coveting

Just when I was about to buy a perfectly good Moroccan wedding blanket, only to have it cut up and made into pillows, I found these beauties!  Seriously, I just can't get enough of the accessories available at Anthropologie right now. Every time they add something new to their site I add something new to my wish list.  It's becoming a real problem. I think I might order the cream Amalia Tufts pillow, along with the beautiful Turquoise Sparkler Pillow, oh and maybe the plum one too...

Plum Sparkler pillow, $118   /  Amalia Tufts pillow, $148   /  Amalia Stripes pillow, $148  /  Turquoise Sparkler pillow, $118  /  Pink Sparkler pillow, $118  /  Glasshouse pillow, $198

Everywhere I look...

I've been spotting these tie-dyed pillows.  This weekend I plan to do a little Spring cleaning around my apartment...and with that comes the inevitable Spring spruce up.  One of the perks of buying a neutral sofa is that you can easily change out your accessories and decor from season to season.  I love velvet pillows and fur throws in the winter but worn in cotton pillows like these seem more appropriate for the sunfilled, warm Spring days that lie ahead.  These pillows are available in a variety of colors at Jayson Home....they're a little trendy but hey, a new pillow costs less than a new sofa, right?

Happy weekend! 

(Images 1, 2,3)

Currently Coveting | Sukan Pillows

I sort of died and went to pillow heaven when I found my new favorite Etsy shop, Sukan. Pictured above are just a few of the thousands (yes, thousands) of pillows available.  Made from authentic silk ikats and antique Turkish wool kilims and suzanis, I'm in awe of the colors and patterns.  I want to be over ikat, I really do, but to me the lazy boho chic vibe of these pillows is just too inviting.  I picture them in a room like the Marie Olsson Nylander designed living room pictured above -- white walls, rustic woods and bright Sukan pillows sprawled all over.

(Photography by Sara Svenningrud)

Texture

This Madrid apartment is seriously chic.  Every surface has an understated and stylish take on texture. The grasscloth wallpaper, the rustic burlap curtains, the charcoal velvet sofa and the fur rug all contribute to this luxe but affordable look. Apparently many of the items are from Zara Home. My favorite piece is that rusty, burnt orange mongolian lamb furl pillow. God I hope they open a Zara Home in Chicago.  Who's with me? 

(Images via)