Designers Do Dallas

Modern Toile

2008-12-12T17:26:00.003-06:00

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

Designers Do Holidays #3: Bright and Beautiful

2008-12-10T17:12:00.004-06:00

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.

Designers Do Holidays #2: Stocking Stuffers

2008-12-04T19:47:00.003-06:00

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.

Pretty Little Pouf

2008-12-03T19:59:00.006-06:00

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.

Designers Do Holidays #1: Berry Delightful

2008-11-26T13:36:00.007-06:00

Technically the Christmas season doesn't start until Friday but I couldn't resist posting these awesome ideas of decorating with cranberries. Better Homes and Gardens emails out a 100 Days of Holidays - each day a different idea. Their 27 Ways to Decorate with Cranberries was today. I've always loved cranberries in holiday decor so here so some ways to use them aside from your standard garland and wreath.

(Above: While they are using these hurricanes outside a smaller version would be a beautiful table centerpiece. I love the way they light this walk way though)

Practical and beautiful by freezing these berries in your ice tray in just a little bit of water you can use them to keep your champagne chilled and at the same time have a festive centerpiece.

This is an adorable place card idea and could be reasonably inexpensive if you by glass votive holders in bulk. I LOVE this idea! :)

Another cute centerpiece idea - and although more time consuming to make yourself you may be able to find faux cranberry balls in a store and prop them up on your own silver candlesticks.

I would never be able to pull this off in Texas but if you live where it snows and ices often I love this door wreath. Just dip your wreath in a little bit of water before a freeze and hang it on your door. How pretty!

I love the holidays so look for many more decorating and entertaining ideas to come. See these ideas with cranberries and more at http://www.bhg.com/holidays/?sssdmh=dm17.346081&day=64&esrc=nw100da_09_64&email=1780303811

Happy Holidays!

Love.

Mild obsession of the day:

2008-11-24T08:41:00.005-06:00

Rob Ryan.

I'm absolutely head over heels for these pieces by London artist Rob Ryan. I'm definitely saving up to buy myself a couple from his etsy shop.... so sweet.

Thanks to Dear Ada for introducing me to Rob and tons of other great art!

xo,

Take a Seat

2008-11-11T19:11:00.006-06:00

Right now I am loving how popular Phillipe Stark's Louis Ghost chair is. Patterned after the shape of a traditional Louis XVI chair this contemporary version is seen in a variety of applications. Now, we are seeing it in tons of colors including a totally hot solid black one. Scroll down for some awesome examples of how versatile this chair can be.

How awesome is this solid, opaque black one!?

Stark has also inspired some more modern take offs of his original concept. These printed chairs and ghost lamp are only a few examples. Keep a look out for some more and feel free to share them with us! We love your comments :)

Love.

Snail Mail Gets Exciting

2008-11-08T17:21:00.006-06:00

Two posts in one day! Whoa I'm on a roll :) A and I have been out of commission this week - sick, busy at work, etc. so I'm making up for it.

I purchased some super cute flocked note cards at the Dallas Market Center sample sell and decided to do some research on them. Pop Ink is the brand - and man do they have some super fun stuff!! I've included some images to give you an idea but this doesn't even begin to cover it so make sure you check them out at: http://www.mrfrench.com/popink.asp

Here are a few note card varieties. Included are witty stamps with fun sayings like "Generic greeting to you and yours or "You shine like stars, specifically, like star #NC485 in the crab nebula" (some more seen below).

These flocked cards are the ones I bought. Also, are fun notebooks - purchased in sets of two...

Napkins - who said dinner alone could be boring?!?! :)

Pop Ink also has awesome wrapping paper. In the spirit of the season here are some holiday prints (which are also in note card form):

Other products include buttons, wall art, dinnerware, soap, scrapbook paper, and books.

Enjoy! I've already been inspired to send out two notes to loved ones :)

Love.

Live in Color

2008-11-08T16:56:00.006-06:00

Tricia Guild's "Pattern" has been sitting on my coffee table for a few years and I am still obsessed. You may be familiar with Ms. Guild's use of vibrant colors and mix of patterns on her fabrics and furniture. If you or not - you should definitely take a look.

Her fabric line Designer's Guild can be purchased by the trade in design showrooms across the country and in ID Collection in Dallas and Houston specifically. You can also see more at http://www.designersguild.com/.

Many of her rooms use different shades of monochromatic color schemes they leave you breathless. The turquoise scheme above and the hot pink below are some of my favorites.

Even her black and white rooms are vibrant, exciting, and beautiful.

She mixes fun patterns and colors on modern furniture to give it a very feminine yet stylish look.

"Pattern" and other books by Tricia Guild not only make your coffee table look fabulous - they are inspiring - so check her out!

Love.

Green with Envy

2008-10-30T23:23:00.006-05:00

Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for colors and fabrics so you may find that I do a lot of color scheme posts, here's the first!

Everyone is talking about kelly green right now and I just can't help myself - this time I have to hop on the bandwagon. It's such a bright, fresh color it enhances a room with out being abraisive. Whether you just add it in a room through accessories or go full out with wall color or flooring it has the same effect. It's a classic color that brings a modern twist.

Even the fabulous Kelly Wearstler is getting in on the action...

This room in the Viceroy Santa Monica is one of my favorite uses of kelly green in an interior (and also one of my favorite Kelly Wearstler interiors!)

18 minutes from now - Happy Friday!

Love.

Entertaining: Halloween

2008-10-30T11:18:00.015-05:00

We recently hosted a Halloween Happy Hour for our office. We used super cute food and drink ideas from Martha Stewart. Put your apron on, invite your friends, and check them out!

From Top to Bottom: 1) Pina-Ghouladas with corn syrup "blood" rim 2) Squash Leaf Canapes (the leaves are really hard to cut out - I recommend an easier shapes like a pumpkin) 3) Guaca-moldy (Short on time? I used black corn chips instead of the homemade chips in the Halloween shapes - it made things a lot easier!) 4) Devil-ish Eggs - The bell pepper horns were a hit!!

Check out these ideas and SO MUCH MORE at http://www.marthastewart.com/

Love.

Mild obsession of the day:

2008-10-30T09:43:00.006-05:00

Rachel de Joode.

She's a photographer/artist/designer based in Berlin and she's absolutely brilliant. I'm especially drooling over her wallpaper designs, but her fashion and photography are awesome as well. Check her out today: http://www.racheldejoode.com/

And have a sensational Thursday!

xo, A*

It's A Good Life...

2008-10-29T22:24:00.005-05:00

To start us off on a quick note - here is an inspiration pic of the day. The main things I love about this photo is the wall color (so hot right now) and the fabulous zebra rugs. The eclectic fabric on the chairs makes the room really fun with out being too distracting. I love it!

In a nutshell... We have talked about doing this for awhile so here we go! As roommates, co-workers and most importantly friends we have a lot of loves and obsessions in common. We come across things daily that we fall in love with so naturally we thought we should share. We want this blog to encompass all facets of a fabulous life so while we may focus a lot on design, architecture, and home decor we also plan on including culture, fashion, entertainment, and all other interests of ours. So here we are - hope you enjoy :)

Love.
J