TOP 10 FOR 2011

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas!  Hopefully, most of you are enjoying some time off this week.  I am taking some time this week to recharge.  The last couple weeks, well months actually, I have been running non-stop, so this week I am going to get some much needed R&R before the new year arrives.  One of my most exciting accomplishments in 2011 was launching this blog!  In my design career I see products all the time, but this blog has opened me up to even more amazing items that enrich the spaces where we live, work and play.  I thought I would do a little recap and feature my top 10 items for 2011, beginning with something I had seen a while back and really wanted, but didn't end up not buying for myself.  Who would have thought that on Christmas morning, I would open up a present from my sister and find that very thing, a set of chic coasters, was right there in my hands.  She had no clue that I even had my eye on them!  Great minds think alike I guess!
Without further ado, here is my top 10 list in no particular order:

1.) Set of 4 chic pony hair and silver leather coasters, courtesy of little Sis!

2.)  The Kartell Lou Lou Ghost Kid Chair in pink is fabulous!  Available through Barneys New York, $133.

  3.)  Peacock Alley's All Seasons Blanket.  This one made the list because it just might be the softest egyptian cotton ever and its name says it all.  It truly works as an all seasons blanket.  Prices start at $150 for a twin size.

4.)  The Urban Electric Co.'s Tatiana pendant light.  Aside from being gorgeous, it's made right here in Charleston. 

5.)  Ruzzetti and Gow's Lacquer Boxes.  You can choose from this orange, or 5 other colors.  Starting at $75, available through Ruzzetti and Gow. 

6.)  The I-Beam Acrylic Table is the perfect little side table to go in any room that will work with pretty much everything.  You can't beat such a versatile table at such a wonderful price!  Available through http://www.2modern.com/, $345.

7.)  This is more of a "behind the scenes" item, but oh so important.  Christophe Pourny, an antiques restoration guru, has developed a non-toxic furniture tonic that restores and protects your wood furniture.  Available through http://www.christophepourny.com/store/furniturecare.html for $15.

8.)  This list wouldn't be complete without a beautiful coffee table book.  Assouline's Rajasthan Book by Pauline Van Lynden is an enchanting collection of 15 years worth of Pauline's photographs from this region in India.  $75 at http://www.assouline.com/

9.)  The customizable lucite tray from iomoi is so fun!  I love all of the design options they offer.  It's hard to narrow it down to just one.

10.)  And it's no big surprise that this made my top 10 list.  Need I say more!

This is my last post of 2011, because like I said, I'm taking a little time off.  I hope everyone has a Happy New Year! Cheers!

Oh, and for those of you who read my last post about the Viceroy Snowmass... My friend is still there vacationing, but she is now on the trip with her fiance, not boyfriend.  He proposed Monday morning!  So excited for them!!!!

Christmas at the Viceroy Snowmass

One of my closest friends and her boyfriend are switching up their Christmas plans this year.  Forgoing Christmas with their families, they are taking a fabulous trip to the luxurious Viceroy Snowmass in Snowmass' Base Village, seven miles from downtown Aspen.  Such a beautiful place to spend Christmas vacation!  I'm so excited for them, and would love to be their third wheel (and I'm not even a snow skier).  I love staying at a Viceroy Hotel.  It is always a wonderful experience, mainly due to the Kelly Wearstler-designed spaces.  Of course, their service is always exceptional as well.  The richly unique designs of all the Viceroy hotels seem to wrap you up in its luxurious glamour as soon as you step through the door.  I havent been to Snowmass yet, one of the newest additions to the Viceroy line, but after being dazzled by all their photography, the Viceroy Snowmass is truly a Winter Wonderland!

Lobby Bar and Lounge

Accommodations

Spa

Dining

Outside

What do you think?  Not a bad place to spend Christmas or New Years, right?

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas holiday! 

COZY UP!

Am I mistaken, or isn't this week supposed to be layed back with everyone just kind of breezing through the week and gearing up for Christmas?  I was really looking forward to immersing myself in the holiday season this week in anticipation of this weekend, my favorite holiday of the year.  Instead, I have been slammed with work, which isn't something I should really complain about.  But, is it necessary that I have to take a day long computer training class the Wednesday before Christmas?  Couldn't learning the latest computer program for drawing in 3-D wait until the first of the year?  Pretty sure I'm just going to forget it all over the holidays anyway. I wish I could ditch all my obligations, cozy up with something yummy to drink and watch a Christmas movie.  

Are any of you off for the Holidays yet?  If so, or if you are like me and just wishing you were, check out these warm and cozy living rooms.   

      

Jonathan Adler

Campion Platt

Mary McGee

Lonny

Aerin Lauder's Home

SR Gambrel

courtesy of Vogue

What do you think?  Ready for that holiday cocktail by the fire now? 

SENSATIONAL STONE

I love beautiful stone!  It is a great element to use to make a statement and establish interest in the space.  I like to be creative in my stone choices, and you will see in these pictures that although the white and grey Carrera is beautiful, there are other amazing options. 

Viceroy Anguilla, designed by Kelly Wearstler

Jeffers Design Group

Brown Design

Steven Gambrel

Phoebe Howard

The Greenwich Hotel

Turner Davis Interiors

Redmond Aldrich

Charleston Home

 

Hope all of you have a good weekend!