Monday Morning Mix: New York Style

I'm in New York mode.  After featuring Dream hotel last week, and the way the media focused on NYC over the weekend, I have the city on my mind.  With that said, I thought it only fitting to do this morning's mix New York style.  Beginning with Anna Wintour's office as this week's feature office, it's very simple, but oh so chic, just as Anna herself.

courtesy of New York Magazine

Starting the week off right requires a stop at Jack's on West 10th in the Village for a delicious fair trade coffee.

Sometime during the week, take some time to pop in to Kabinett & Kammer on East 2nd Street.  Like a museum of sorts, you will find botanical prints, rare taxidermy, and all types of natural treasures.  Just one little piece from this shop would make such a unique impact in your home.

http://www.kabinettandkammer.com/

One evening after work, head up to the rooftop exhibit at the Met for an after-work cocktail, beautiful views of the city, and amazing sculptures by Anthony Caro.

Meet some friends for a delicious dinner at Morandi on Waverly Place.  Usually a fave for brunch, treat yourself to a mid-week dinner.  Love the floors and rustic feel of this spot! 

In need of some fresh inspiration for the home?  Stop by interior designer, Tamara Magel's, home shop in SoHo on Grand.  After visiting, I promise you will want to incorporate some Moroccan glamour into your home. 

http://www.tamaramagel.com/

For those of you unable to be in New York, hopefully this has inspired you to check out some shops, restaurants, or museums that you have yet to visit in your city.  Happy Monday and happy exploring!

Monday Morning Mix

If you are anything like me, you rushed out of your house this morning eating a quick breakfast, or ate in the car as I did, and headed off to work.  It's so hard to make extra time in the morning, but wouldn't it be nice to sit down, enjoy your coffee, and take some time for yourself in the morning?  Recently, I have been working on a client's breakfast nook, and it's made me think about having a nice little space to do just that in the morning.  Try creating a spot like this in your home.  It doesn't have to be much, just a comfortable place to sit with room to set your coffee or breakfast down.  Images of my client's space coming soon.  In the mean time, take a look at these images for some inspiration.

courtesy of Pinterest

courtesy of Caldwell Flake

 designed by Victoria Hagan

I know I posted on closets not too long ago, but this is a simple little project that would make such an impact.  I just love this idea!  Try covering your closet doors with a beautiful fabric.  Your closet doors will look like a more decorative feature in the room.

designed by Steven Gambrel

I see so many amazing office spaces and I rarely share them, so I thought I would feature one particularly outstanding office with you each Monday and add that to the "mix".  This week's office is Martha Stewart's ninth floor corner office.  Yes, her desk is that white Saarinen table.  Everything is kept in drawers behind her, even her keyboard.  In typical Martha Stewart fashion, it is neat and orderly.

courtesy of nymag.com

Happy Monday!

WEEKEND RECAP

This weekend was fairly low-key, as I'm now spending most of my time on the weekends studying for the final part of my interior design exam.  Two years ago, I took the first 2 parts, and studying for that just about did me in.  So, sitting down to study for the first time this weekend was a little daunting, and brought back some not so fond memories from August/September '09.  The evening of Saturday October 1st can't come soon enough, as I will have just finished the 8 hour exam, and will be a free woman again.  Woohoo! 

I still had an enjoyable weekend though.  The boyfriend's parents were in town from Raleigh, so we ate dinner at the fairly new Osteria la Bottiglia on Upper King Street.  The food was delicious, authentic Italian.  The interiors were rustic, dark, and very cozy.  I took a few shots to share with all of you.  It was incredibly dark, so hard to capture in a picture.  The wood ceilings were beautiful! 

I was also pleased to get these red jeans in the mail that I ordered.  I realize I am not a fashion blogger and this seems irreleavant to design, but I'm excited about these red jeans for Fall.  I don't ever wear red, but that will soon change.



New Red Jeans!

Thinking about my lack of red clothing, I realized I only have one thing in my entire home that is red, and it barely even counts.  It is a pair of red monogrammed Leontine Linen hand towels.

The only red at home!



I then realized I rarely use red in any of my designs (I always go for a hot pink instead), which made me think: How do people like to use red, and are there any particular looks that I am drawn to?  Surprisingly enough, I found several red items and spaces that I love! 

courtesy of houseandhome.com

Mandala room screen by Arteriors Home

designed by Mary McDonald

 

What are your thoughts on red?  

GO FOR THE GOLD

For those who know me, you probably know how much I love gold!  It's easily my favorite color and finish.  Unfortunately, it is sometimes associated with being too flashy, but it's all in the way you use it.  Sometimes, just a touch of gold is perfect. Other times, layers of gold make the glamorous impact, as seen in the Tory Burch store below.  It's up to you how you like to use it, but whatever you do, Go for the Gold!
 

Tory Burch

Viya Home's ArtDeco cocktail table (above)

Kelly Wearstler for Pickard China

Isn't gold so glamorous?  Where would you use it, or if you are like me, where could you use more of it?  Notice in the pictures above, it works beautifully in both a neutral space or a colorful one. 

Monday Morning Mix

How is everyone doing this Monday morning? I'm having a little trouble getting motivated. Maybe, if I worked in an office like this, it would be easier.  I wish my fabrics, samples and catalogs were organized in boxes and on shelves like this space.  Instead, my samples end up in stacks everywhere.  I will blame it on my lack of shelving.  Aside from that, I might have to invest in some orange boxes now! 

Moving on, here is this morning's mix...

With Fall's cooler temps around the corner(hopefully), add some life to your porch, deck, or patio, in anticipation of nice Autumn days.  Everyone knows the trend is to make your outdoor area an extension of your home.  I like the idea of adding fun colors that won't always work inside.  Your outdoor space is the perfect spot to incorporate those fun colors or accessories you have had your eye on, but have been unsure about using. 

Paint an old mirror a pretty new color.

Download the Kravet app for your iPhone or iPad (it's free), and enjoy having their fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, etc... all at your fingertips.  I love this app!

SNEAK PEEK: Tempting Tile

Yesterday, I made a quick trip to one of my favorite showrooms, Palmetto Tile, to pick up options for a client's backsplash.  I do a good amount of work with them, so every now and then, I get what I consider special treatment.  Like yesterday, they had just received a massive shipment from Artistic Tile, so they let me go to the warehouse for a sneak peek.  I walked back and was blown away by these new pieces!  So excited, they were nice enough to let me get some shots of my favorites.  Doesn't take much to make me happy!  Seriously though, aren't these pieces incredible?  These are just a select few too.  They had pallet after pallet of new tile.  This is truly tempting tile!   

Take a look at this spectacular piece below!  It is two colors of glass tile water jet cut into this pattern.  Gorgeous!

What do you think of these?  I'm curious what tile trends people are liking now.