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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New lighting and sale at Lotus Bleu
Bright pops of lime green, tangerine, sunny yellow, and cotton candy pink are de rigueur at Lotus Bleu in Hayes Valley. And, with a brand new assortment of lighting options now available at the shop, (and a 15% discount) you can add color and personality to your space with a simple floor lamp, ceiling pendant, or table lamp. Choose from lampshades with chevron and botanical prints by Thomas Paul, geometric, Moroccan-inspired ceramic bases by Jill Rosenwald, or floor lamps with metal and painted bases. For a bold burst of color, opt for glossy egg-shaped lamps by J Schatz in candy-like hues such as orange and powder blue.
But, don't wait until the last minute. The sale is on through February 14th (includes special orders). 325 Hayes St., SF, 415/861-2700.
| Jan 19 at 06:00 AM
Monday, January 17, 2011
Taking Notes: journals to have on your radar
There's no such thing as having too many notebooks. Whether you're in the market for a journal for your next big getaway, or to stow in your bag for inspiration on-the-go, here's a crop of notebook designs for the taking.
| Jan 17 at 06:00 AM
Friday, January 14, 2011
Etsy Friday Finds: vintage suitcases
Shopping for a suitcase doesn't mean you have to start packing for your next trip. Consider reinventing a vintage suitcase as an accessory (such as a nightstand or side table when stacked), or a designated space for art and craft supplies. Stow it away for extra storage for out-of-season clothes or linens for house guests. Here's the latest Etsy finds.
Add character to a space with this retro suitcase by Lacklusterco.
Cheeky Vintage Cloth's denim suitcase with red trim.
Jawaddel's black-and-white suitcase.
BDVintage's tweed suitcases add a hint of Old World charm.
This tangerine-hued suitcase is ideal in a mid-century-inspired space.
Happy Hunting!
| Jan 14 at 06:00 AM
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Terrariums: bringing a hint of the backyard inside
If you don't have a backyard or a window box to vouch for, (or even if you do) a terrarium is a good way to bring the outdoors in. Not to mention it's pretty to look at. Take your pick from these glass-enclosed options, or better yet, get creative ideas to make your own. And, the best part? No green thumb required.
Use an old lightbulb to display a mini garden.
Andi Kovel designed the Xtra recycled glass terrarium manufactured by Portland-based company Esque.
The Slug and the Squirrel's glass bottle design
| Jan 12 at 06:00 AM
Monday, January 10, 2011
7 great mirrors for every room
Like a good piece of artwork, a mirror can make a room. Whether you're on the hunt for a piece for the entryway, office, or guestroom, or inspiration to create your own (think old mirrors and found frames from a flea market or thrift store), here's a look at seven stylish options.
Serena and Lily's elegant etched mirror adds a subtle hint of sparkle. This would work well above a vanity, dresser, or even above a fireplace.
Consider using this sunburst mirror by Suzanne Kasler in the living room to define a seating area.
The classic Betsy Mirror from Plantation Design is ideal for a hallway, and can also be used to add drama to a small space.
This mirror from Anthropologie looks like a collector's item. For a do-it-yourself option: sift through old frames at flea markets, thrift stores, or antique shops, and make your own designs using mismatched or distressed frames in different shapes and sizes. Use old mirrors you have on-hand, or have new pieces cut to fit at a glass or mirror shop.
I love this Regency-style bamboo gilded mirror. Hang it in the dining room or in a bedroom above a vanity table.
This red mirror brightens up the wall with a punch of bold color. Place it in the den or make a statement in the front entryway.
William-Sonoma Home's Celeste chainlink mirror is ideal for the living room, but also makes a nice grown-up option for a girl's bedroom.
| Jan 10 at 06:00 AM
Friday, January 07, 2011
Score post-holiday deals at BoConcept
If you're ready for a new look at home this year, or just on the lookout for new furniture and decorating ideas, (or even a housewarming gift) head to BoConcept for 25% off select Danish modern clean-lined sofas including the Sazza fabric collection and the Estoril and Salvador leather collection.
The Como sofa was designed by Anders Norgaard and is shown in indigo Sazza fabric
And, while you're there, check out discounts on goods including these pretty mugs, sari-inspired throws, and colorful glass votive candles. (Think unique hostess gifts).
Just don't wait too long. The sofa sale only lasts through January 31st. (Accessories available while supplies last).
BoConcept, 101 Townsend St., 415/371-0100, or 1928 Fillmore St., 415/625-2800.| Jan 07 at 06:00 AM
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Tranquil spa-inspired designs
Even though it's just the first week back to the office, there's no reason you can't consider checking in for some post-holiday pampering. (And, pick up some design ideas and inspiration for your own space while you're at it). Here are some options to consider for relaxing, design daydreaming, and bringing a little bit of spa into your home:
Nob Hill Spa's newly unveiled Zen Room is just that: zen. So, although you may have just used up all of your vacation days, the space designed by Wisecracker Design (who also renovated 39 rooms at the Huntington Hotel) is outfitted with soft sea green accents, black-and-white wall prints, comfy lounge chairs, and fluffy animal-inspired pillows. Spend some time lounging in the room pre-treatment, and you might feel as though you've been transported on a far-flung getaway. The indoor heated pool right outside the door makes it even more convincing.
If you find yourself on a road-trip to LA anytime soon (or maybe on your next weekend jaunt), don't miss the new Ritz-Carlton Spa, at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. Layered in whites, soft golds, and caramel hues, the spa is nothing but glamorous. But, the best part might just be the spa's "happiest hour" (3pm-6pm on Thursdays-Sundays) for free sparkling wine and small bites from the hotel's chef Eric Branger. If you decide to stick around and book an appointment, you'll also snag 20% off all retail products and a complimentary make-up application. (Not to mention access to the hotel's gym and rooftop pool. Not a bad deal).
The pretty tufted lounges in the waiting room would be ideal for a place for reading and lounging in an elegant bedroom or guest room.
And, I love these futuristic light fixtures that are delicate and girly, but just a bit edgy too.
For a rustic-meets-minimalist retreat and ideas on creating a light and airy space without being mundane, check out Solage Calistoga and The Carneros Inn (two of my favorite Farmhouse-style designs with a modern edge).
The view just outside the spa at The Carneros Inn
I also like Cavallo Point's clean-lined spa with floor-to-ceiling windows framed by trees. It's modern, but still maintains a warm and cozy vibe. Before you leave, linger with a cup of tea at the Tea Bar.
| Jan 05 at 06:00 AM
Monday, January 03, 2011
Kishani Perera dishes expert tips for stylish organization
Last week, while in Los Angeles, I met up with interior designer Kishani Perera and got a sneak peek inside her gorgeous 600-square-foot office (and insight on how she keeps everything so neat and tidy). Here, she shares her tips for getting organized in the office this year, including making it feel like home, and choosing just the right containers so that every item has a place.
"I tried to keep it budget-friendly, colorful, and warm," says the UCLA grad whose worked with a slew of celeb clients, and designed everything from Vintage Enoteca, a small wine bar in Hollywood, to eco-friendly lofts in New York. "I spend so much time there, so it was important to get the paint color right, and get a few pieces in there that are cozy. Half of it is from Ebay."
Hold out for the right piece
"It's so annoying to get started when organizing, but if you actually take the time to find the right pieces, then staying organized is a lot easier," she says. "At home, I've gone through every closet every year and bought some really inexpensive closet organizers from Target. Whether you're looking for storage for jewelry or sweaters, you can also use old trunks, vintage cabinets, old hat boxes. When you find you have the right place to put things, then it's so much more satisfying."
Consider the overall design and palette
"For me, I have to find cute containers," says Perera. "I don't want to use just unsightly plastic bins. I like to have functional pieces that are good-looking, and I feel more inspired to be organized when I actually like the pieces. And, because it's a small space, I want to have the storage pieces go with the vibe of the room. That's important to me."
Perera opted for Ikea's Expedit bookcase for extra storage for fabric swatches and materials.
"Both the Expedit bookcase and baskets are from Ikea," says Perera. "It's my go-to storage container."
Perera found floor lamps and industrial chairs on Craigslist. She found new shades for the lamps and reupholstered the base and backs of the chairs. The curtains are a polyester velvet blend.
Don't be afraid to show off what inspires you
"I'm always coming across a cool thing, fabric, or an image, and think, 'there's something I really liked, but where did I see it?' so I try to hold on to things I like," says Perera. "And it's fun to look at the inspiration boards because they are super vibrant."
Think twice about lighting and materials
"I used luxurious fabrics, like velvets, which most people wouldn't think of in an office," she says. "And, lighting is key. Most offices have horrible fluorescent lighting, and although that's very green and I appreciate that, it can be cold. Even if you have those, you can buy great floor and table lamps and pair them with fun custom shades. All of those touches are very un-office like."
Add a hint of color and personality
"I love that the space isn't sterile like some offices can be," she says. "The color is definitely very vibrant, and my own home is much more chock-full of stuff, but at the office, I need more space without the clutter. To me, an office has to feel homey and have character. The rug that I bought from San Francisco's T.C. Donobedian's Paris Flea, (that once belonged to Linda Ronstadt) was so colorful, so I didn't want anything to compete with it."
| Jan 03 at 06:00 AM
Friday, December 31, 2010
Etsy Friday Finds: Chairs
Everyone needs a good chair. That's why I love to peruse the goods on Etsy.
Whether you're just looking for inspiration for your next DIY project (recover the seat in your favorite fabric), or a legitimate piece for your office, here are today's stand-outs:
This newly painted and reupholstered mid-century inspired stunner from Mint Home is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Love the clean lines of this Regency-inspired armchair from The Vintage Supply Co:
This modern black-and-white vintage sewing chair makes a great desk chair.
This parlor chair could be used in the dining room, entryway, home office, or at the dressing table.
This cherry red chair is a nod to a Bertoia wire chair:
Happy hunting!
| Dec 31 at 06:00 AM
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
10 ways with wallpaper
For me, wallpaper is like jewelry for a room. But, it's always good to look beyond it as just something on the wall. A while back, I interviewed Christiana Coop, wallpaper expert, and founder of Hugge & West boutique, (who also now works as an interior designer with Rachel Eden of Jackson Square's Eden and Eden) and got inspired.
Here's 10 ideas (and some new patterns) to get you started. Hint: instead of messy paste, you can use double-sides tape for small projects.
1. Use it like art to create an accent wall.
2. Update an old bookcase. Line the inside of bookshelves only (and paint the outer frame and trim a glossy hue).
3. Cover clipboards, wastebaskets (with smooth surfaces), umbrella stands, photo boxes, and tray tables with it.
4. Use it in between stair risers.
5. Dress up the closet door.
6. Give an old nightstand a new look by topping it with your favorite pattern.
7. Reinvent a dated lamp and use paper to line the outside of a drum shade.
8. In your home office, cover pencil cups, magazine holders, and desk trays with a pretty pattern.
9. Turn the armoire into a storage closet, and line glass doors with wallpaper. (It's a good solution for hiding clutter too).
10. Give tired kitchen cabinets a new look. (You can also laminate rectangular shapes of wallpaper to match. Use as placemats for the dining room table).
| Dec 29 at 06:00 AM
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