Ahh Choo! Tissue Box Covers

Spring is in the air - literally.

I'm lovin' all the blooming buds out there and can't get enough of the colors just waiting to explode. An unfortunate side effect...the pollen. While Puffs and Kleenex made a good effort at dressing up the dreaded tissue box, I just can't bring myself to actually place one out in my house. I actually prefer to just use the Charmin! Not so classy, however, when you have guests over with a little sniffle.

Thank goodness we have so many great design options that allow the Kleenex to come center stage. How stunning is the antique mirror piece above? Or, this pretty Gold piece that's made of wood with hand applied Gold leaf...it also come in a spectacular Silver!

A more subtle option that is perfect for the powder room or guest room is a white linen cover with hand-embroidered detail. How sweet is this all-white option?
Or, go a little more bold with this blue...
Perfect for your little sweetie...
Turquoise is always a great accent...

And, I love the detail of this one...
Now, maybe I can survive spring in style. Do you have any survival tips to get through the season?

Hey Sweet Peeps!

Easter is almost here - can you believe it?! I just love these adorable place cards from Paper Source. Too fun. Do you have all of your dinner napkins, place mats and accessories for your celebration? Be sure to come see us if you need a few things to make your tabletop as fabulous as the food, company, and reason!!

A Whale of a Time with Nursery Design

Our dear friend Cissy is expecting a baby boy this summer. She's a self-proclaimed "anti-theme room" gal, but she quickly changed her tune when she saw the fabulous Small Whale wallpaper by Walnut Wallpaper. This was the spark of inspiration for her toned-down, nautical theme nursery - her idea board above. Last we spoke she was leaning toward Sherwin-Williams Lily White paint - white with a touch of gray - calm but crisp at the same time.

I love her idea of using this Hable fabric for her crib skirt - doesn't it remind you of water?

Because I'm always one for giving unsolicited advice - I couldn't help but look to some of our favorite vendors for other components to add to the room. This jute rug from Serena and Lily helps ground the room - literally.

The company recently added this stream-lined glider to its line. You can customize the fabric for the chair and the band around the bottom of the skirt.

Now, time for the accessories to pull it all together. This Fish Scale mirror from Stray Dog Designs is just delightful...it's handmade by artisans in Mexico and painted in blue with touches of gold.

A luminous lamp in orange is a great contrast to all the watery hues going on in the nursery, as well as play off the whimsical artwork that Cissy selected.

Finally, a soft and cuddly throw blanket (be sure to add a bespoke monogram with baby boy's initials). Sferra's Celine throw in blue or paprika is a perfect choice.

Regardless of what all Cissy selects the nursery is bound to be dynamite! I'll be sure to post pictures of the final design.

Benchmark of Good Design

We named this piece of furniture the "Gramercy Bench" because we all covet one - and before too long we will all have one I'm sure. While the bench looks great at the end of a bed (with or without some fun throw pillows), it also works well in a foyer, living room or kids room. Additionally, the two handles on the end can be removed for a clean, modern look.

What do you think? Could you see it somewhere unique in your home?

Ooh La Lulu

Spring is starting to spring out there...AT LAST! Perfect timing for some fresh, flower linens and bedding by one of our perennial (no pun intended) favorites - Lulu DK Matouk. I'm so excited there are more guest towels in the Spring 2010 collection. How cute are these? Must have them...

Courtney over at Style Court did a wonderful post on the designer (officially named Lulu de Kwaitkowski) that is a must read for all lovers of the creative process. Lulu also has her own blog, Trails of Inspiration, which certainly inspires me! I love to see inside the mind of such a creative artist who is simultaneously business savvy - a rare combo. Be sure to check it out for your own dose of inspiration. My favorite post thus far is one of her more personal ones - A Few More Wild and Happy Creatures - about how her art helped her come out of a difficult place, emotionally.

Hope you all get a great dose of sunshine today!

Unveiled – Baby B’s Nursery

I have been dying to do a post on Jenny’s nursery for Baby B. I begged and pleaded her to provide me with pics. I finally had to call in reinforcement. I’m sure you will agree all the hard work (okay, really Jenny did all the hard work by decorating) was worth the wait. Introducing…Baby B’s Nursery. What a lucky babe!

I remember when it all started. First the crackers. Then the avoidance of caffeine. Finally, the announcement…so fun. Jenny was preggers! Before too long all the nursery planning started. She found an amazing painting by Sally King Benedict at Gregg Irby Fine Art. She then pulled out this fun fabric she had held onto for years - just waiting to use one day. Curtains – that would be the perfect solution. You may recognize the fabric from a picture in Domino years ago. It was starting to come together. She had the crib and bedding selected. Then, we saw the rug. Oh, the rug. It was newly released by Madeline Weinrib and it was so fabulous – don’t you agree?

I must say Baby B is certainly deserving of such a whimsical and super-chic room. She is blessed to have such a doting mama. Check out some of the finishing touches below.

Last but not least, our very own Sara painted the MOST ADORABLE table and chair set for Baby B's nursery. Stay tuned for photos of this and other examples of her work, including a table for C's nursery. Another fabulous feast for your eyes - coming soon.

Here Comes the Sun...

This room, designed by Jonathan Berger and featured in HB, feels like today...Blue skies; touches of color trying to pop out of tree branches; and of course the sun! This is one of the best sun burst mirrors I've seen and I love the way it looks layered on top of the mirrored wall. Seeing the sun today has me in thoughts of yellow - all shades and in all places. How fun are these bamboo painted chairs in the room below by Jonathan Adler? Perhaps this is ode to yellow and ode to Jonathan day.

Leslie Klotz took this awkward shaped bathroom from drab to fab with some bold white and yellow stripes. This image was first featured in HB July 2008.

Personally, I tend to be more reserved in my yellow choices. I love the three bedrooms below. This first one shows Ann Gish linens in a pattern that truly pops. She also does this pattern in other hues with blue (of course) being one of my favorite.

My current love, Berger, also did this bedroom featuring an AMAZING canopy bed with linens in shades of yellow and gray...va-va va voom!

My tried and true Scheerer outdoes himself yet again with yellow/gray/white color hue. My favorite part of the room is the linen (or grasscloth?) extra high headboard. What a simple way to bring big impact to a space.

A wonderful local gallery, Huff Harrington, carries a great collection of work by George Nasri. This piece, Strapless in Yellow, is one of his newer paintings. While my favorite works by Nasri are his french markets and cafes, this piece is certainly captivating. I love the graceful lines and how he painted the woman equal parts sexy and sophisticated. Don't we all strive for that?!?!

A real life version of Strapless in Yellow (well, One-shoulder in Yellow) is cute Erin over at Elements of Style. Great blog and you should be sure to check it out if you haven't already.

And finally, my latest outfit craving - Thakoon's Spring 2010 pieces below:

Nina Marie Nash + Gramercy

Erin over at House of Turquoise recently did a post on Atlanta-based designer, Nina Marie Nash. NMN is based at Beverly Hall and does beautiful work. (click here to see post)
We were so happy to see the master bedroom picture featuring linens from Gramercy!

*Kelly Wearstler for Sferra Euro Shams
*FrouFrou pillowcases by Sferra
*Ann Gish throw at end of bed

The combination looks great and we're so pleased with the way it turned out! One of the best features of this room (besides the linens of course) is the fabulous carved angel wing sculpture above the bed...heavenly.

Picture via House of Turquoise

Going Coastal

Brrrrrrr....it's cold outside and it's making me want to go coastal. (Note: I promise all my pining for spring will turn into pining for fall this summer!)

I found one of my most favorite beach homes in the March issue of Coastal Living. Designer Maya Williams put a modern and chic vibe on classically cool house. All of the colors reflect the sand and sea outside the home. This driftwood coffee table is simply to die for - it was commissioned by Carl Woodland - an artist in Florida who gathers the natural wood and sculpts it into custom furniture and accessories.

I love linens and crisp cottons in beach homes but down deep I'm a glamour girl and love me some luster... Williams does an excellent job combining silks and other luxurious fabrics with your typical beach-home finds. These blue silk drapes are both casual in style and fabulous in finish. She also used a high-gloss white polyurethane overlay on top of the oak floors to add gleam and brightness.

This informal dining space is anchored by a natural stone table. The white-painted antler chandelier and bamboo chairs keep the space light and bright.

This striped runner keeps the high traffic entryway looking good. I'm not sure how the scooter on the white floors holds up - I'd certainly have a "no wheels" in the house rule.

Checkout this headboard - it's extra wide and hugs the side tables for a true visual impact. The grass cloth covered walls and neutral linens keep the bedroom serene and peaceful.

An ingenious idea - Williams put sea glass in the fireplace for a touch of glimmer and beachy vibe when it's not in use. I love the sea foam and white lounge chair. We had one of these in these in the shop (although the fabric was chocolate) and I have to say it is super comfy (and of course super chic).

The sitting area of the master bedroom offers a spectacular view. The patterned curtains help tie the inside and outside together. I think I would spend most of my lounging on this bench and taking in all the beauty - inside and out!

Pictures via Coastal Living

Craving Spring #3

Snow - AGAIN? It's time for Spring and I'm loving this new collection by Ferran NY. Sunny and bright. Chic and fun. The lead times are a bit long for Ferran products but if you are not in a hurry it's so worth the wait!