Friday, December 12, 2008

Modern Toile

Domino Magazine (my most favorite decorating and living magazine in the world) did a feature on toile in this month's holiday issue. Now, let me preface on saying that usually decorating with a toile print (French in origin, usually a complex, pastoral scene featuring a combination of scenery, human figures, and sometimes animals) is done in a very traditional, pattern on pattern way and it's not my style. At all. However, this modern twist on toile really caught my eye. So here are some quick shots to get you interested then you can go to www.dominomag.com to find some more ideas (some a little more traditional yet, still hip).

Above, this black and white toile is fabric applied the wall. Even though this is a complicated and usually expensive procedure it really warms up a room. Below you will find a yellow and white toile wallpaper that is more of a classic toile on the wall application. Side note: white silhouette clock is fab - we have a black one that is similar :)



Black and white fabric: Pierre Frey Cotton "Satin Coutances" in Negatif about $140/yard
Yellow and white wallpaper: "Harlam Toile de Jouy" $172/roll, Studio Printworks

Happy Friday!
Love. J

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Designers Do Holidays #3: Bright and Beautiful

Better Homes and Gardens featured some fun holiday decorating ideas that are little unconventional, but fun, modern, and glamorous at the same time. I love the idea of this "Candy Land" living room. There is not a lot of extra decorating happening here but what is here makes a statement (and it's delicious for you and your guests! :)


Lime green and ice blue are very in right now, and while I don't expect you to completely refurnish your living room for the holidays it would be a super fun and vibrant color scheme for your tree and other holiday decor.


I love this table setting. The white on white with bursts of color in the food served and awesome red plates makes this "winter wonderland" color scheme beautiful and festive.

Lately mantle decor I have seen has been less than impressive but I thought this was a simple and whimsical way to ring in the holidays and not over do it. It ties in perfect with the "Candy Land" theme.




Love these plates as much as I do? You can find them at rosannainc.com :)
Check out Better Homes and Garden's 100 Days of Holidays for more ideas. http://www.bhg.com/holidays/
Love.
J

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Designers Do Holidays #2: Stocking Stuffers

I have a very large, very special place in my heart for Z Gallerie (www.zgallerie.com for merchandise and locations). They have some unique, fun, and semi- inexpensive stocking stuffers / small gift items. Here are just a few tidbits!

Above: New York Times Little Black Book of Crosswords - fits in your purse, desk, nightstands - perfect for stashing in little places where you might find yourself needing to be entertained.
Swarvoski Crystal Black Pencils Set of 6, Glamorous and useful - will totally jazz up your work day!

Pretty jeweled cuff bracelets (they make rings too)


Chandelier cocktail napkins (also in Eiffel Tower) - a beautiful addition to anyones entertaining collection.




Silver playing cards - fun and fabulous.
These are only a few of the fun gift items I saw on their website - please check it out! :)
Happy Holidays!
Love.
J

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Pretty Little Pouf

I first encountered John Derian's Moroccan Pouf (or at least a look a like) at Dallas' chic yet eclectic clothing and accessory shop "The Gypsy Wagon" (http://the-gypsy-wagon.com/ - you must discover this place if you haven't already! Then you must thank us for sending you to such a fun store!). I love these little poufs - they come in so many fun colors (metallic too!) and they are multi-purpose. Domino Magazine - www.dominomag.com also has featured these little guys :) The Derian Poufs are $265 and then a little more for the metallic but even if you encounter a look a like for a bargain we won't judge you!


Learn more about John Derian at http://www.johnderian.com/index_home.html. I promise you'll thank me (again)!
Love.
J