There are designers that I like, there are designers I don't mind and then there are designers that I LOVE. I want to share those designers with you so you can be a better person with a fuller life because that's what design does for a person. :) There are actors that I don't mind, will tolerate or that I LOVE. One of those actors is George Clooney. I'm fluttering my eyelashes, can you tell? So with every designer I love, there's an angle of George Clooney that I love, and today I will be sharing all those designers and angles with you.
You're welcome..
Designers- John Rawlins & Athena Calderone
These two designers created what we know today as Rawlins Calderone Design. With Johns past experience of working for Tucci and Athenas knowledge from NYs Parsons, these two are sooo good. I love the grittiness of it all and I love how youthful all their work feels.
Love all the cool tones, feels so masculine and sexy.
This is a duplex penthouse in NYC. It has an awesome vibe, it's sophisticated and laid back. The colors are muted but still really strong and it reminds me of this George:
This is a rugged, laid back George. This was the time George and I were sharing a laugh.
Designer- Robert Stilin
Robert Stilin has built a reputation for himself as a versatile designer with beautifully classic work. The baseline of his work is always sturdy, well made neutral pieces with layers of modern shapes. I think the reason I love him most is because everything he does feels easy and comfortable which ultimately what you want for your home.
The light fixture on top of the table and chairs.... take a minute.
Even though there's a sculpture made of wire, this seating arrangement still feels classic.
Great vignette, it's simple and to the point.
Like Robert Stilin, George has this classic american style that is always current, never stale. It's just too good.
Designer- Steven Volpe
Steven Volpe Designs has a unique way of creating spaces that feel lived in and thought out. His style is spacious and modern with perfect craftsmanship. His spaces also always feel airy and light and I love that. I also appreciate how he doesn't shy away from being grand and luxurious.
How good is this? Every color and shape compliment each other.
This is so sleek and severe- perfect.
Meet sleek George Clooney. This was the first time he and I met eyes. His eyes were saying "Where have you been all my life.." My eyes were answering, "On a couch, watching all your movies, eating ice cream."
Designer- Waldo Fernandez
Waldo studied architecture and design at UCLA which was followed by a job as a set designer. (that's a really good turn of events) With a showroom he started in 1974 and a celebrity client list, it's impossible to look away from his work. For me a big pull towards his work is his mix of colors and patterns. He really inspires me.
A curved brown sectional couch at its best.
This room is bright and grounded. I love the rug which was an amazing choice. This room is humble but grabs all of your attention.
This George grabs all of your attention. This is a good choice for George when I finally introduce him to all my friends and family. It's a big step, don't want to rush into anything.
Designer- Nate Berkus
Nate's style is sophisticated without being intimidating. I love how he puts things together. I fell in love with his work because it has a 70's retro feel to it which is my favorite.
Even those beige shoes look good.
How perfect are these?? Theyre perfection but still feel approachable and humble. Like him:
George, don't look at me like that... I'm just not ready for you to meet my family, relax. (Do you believe this guy?)
Designers- Daniel Suduca & Thierry Merillou
These two paired up and create amazingly interesting galleries of their collections and that's what I love about them.
I have no words, I absolutely love this space. It really makes my heart stop, I may need a doctor.
Yes, he seems more than qualified. I feel better now, let's run away together.
P.S. To my husband, I am very happy with you and am madly in love with you.
P.S.S. I didn't make supper tonight, I was caught up writing this post.
P.S.S.S. Don't look at the credit card bill for a little while....
Love you, mean it.
The new year is a time to reflect on the past year and think about what we could have done better and what we can improve on in the new year. It's a time full of hope and possibilities; that
will probably turn into disappointment because the year changed but it didn't change who we are. So I put together a list of tips that you can use at home. Where to invest, how to create a mood and what to embrace. Be prepared for a resourceful, information packed, blow your mind type of post. If you would like to take a quick snooze before you start, I advise that you do.
TIP ONE: Invest In A Good Sofa
A great sofa does so much for a home. It invites people to sit and relax. It connects people together. It's a place to bond after a long day, watch a movie or tv. It's something we use all the time in the home and is totally worth the investment.
This is s space designed by Nate Berkus (his collection for Target was the worst thing for me. My husband has officially banned me from that store. I have never found more reason to go buy febreze and bananas) The sofa is a tuxedo sofa designed by Milo Baughman. It's classic in form, comfortable because of the depth so so stylish. I love a good tuxedo.
Here's a leather tuxedo, a little more traditional and masculine.
The sectional... hold on one second I just dropped dead. The sectional is a perfect piece for a living room. There's enough seating for family and guests so you don't need to pretend to be comfortable sitting on the floor. "Sit on the couch, I love sitting on the floor. I choose the floor over the couch even when you're not here." It's inviting and so versatile.
So this is a combination of my two favorite things, sectionals and velvet. Love it! (I said that in a really high pitched voice) This space is designed by Jessica Helgerson.
Yea, this is is the mamma bear of sectional sofas and I need her lovin.
TIP TWO: Dress Up Your Walls
Choosing a piece of art or photograph for your home can be very overwhelming. You're saying "This piece completely represents me and my style," and that can seem like a big commitment. What you need to keep in mind is that it's not permanent, if you don't like it after one week you can always take it down and change it for something else. Once you start playing around, you'll find what you're looking for. The hard part is always starting.
This gallery wall is really simple and striking. I love the abstract figures and the creativity behind it. Gorgeous.
This canvas relays the message very well.
I love a gallery wall that incorporates objects as well. It feels so lived in and personal. The big black and white picture gives a great vintage vibe.
TIP THREE: Make Time to Sit And Eat
Everyone always seems to be so busy. Whether we're doing something or not, we're talking about it or taking a picture of it. It's nice to incorporate a time to sit, eat and talk. Even if it's once a week, just sit down and listen to all the complaints from your family.
Speaking of vintage vibes, this seating nook really does that with the small framed black and whites. I love the retro feel. The rounded leather bench is a perfect choice for interaction.
Gorgeous color combination... I absolutely love it. The woods, golds and deep purple is killer together. I would talk and eat here all day, (more eating than talking but who's keeping track?)
This is great for large families because of the ample amount of seating. This is the type of area that is constantly in use. There's so much warmth here, I love it.
Sitting down with family or friends and talking face to face instead of screen to screen is something we should all take on this new year. Ten minutes go by and I've already "liked" something on facebook and instagram. Sometimes I'm even "liking" pictures I've put up myself. (Insert embarrassed emoticon here.)
TIP FOUR: First Impressions Count
This year pay more attention to your entry way, even if it's a wall. Take advantage and create an area for a drop zone and something personal. These are the moments that stick with people and make your house your home.
This is the entry way in designer Angie Hranowskys home. There's not a lot going on but when walking in the person feels so much. The beautiful large scale photo of the shell, the marble wall and the geometric wall divider. Angie is sending a message through shapes and forms. And the message is "my home is better than your home, deal with it."
This is an entrance vignette done by Daniel Romualdez. I love the glamorous attitude it has. It is simple and just pure design.
How awesome is this? I would use profanity now but my mother is my only follower and I'm too vulnerable to lose her right now. I feel so adventurous just looking at this entry way, imagine walking through it. It's rustic, abstract, bold and perfect. This is the entry way of Trina Turks' home.
TIP FIVE: Embrace Leather
Leather edges up any room and makes it look cooler. It gives you the freedom to mix patterns and eras and helps keep a space gender neutral.
So there's a lot of leather here but it's an example of different ways to use leather: poufs and armchairs. A great thing about leather poufs is that they're indestructible. There's no amount of wine, water, dirt or kicking around that can harm it.
Hides are really useful tools for adding grittiness to a room. This room already feels light and airy; imagine it without the grounding of the hide. Anyone can add a hide to a room; it's the easiest and cheapest way to start.
Look what the hide does for this room. Designers like Kelly Wearstler and Miles Redd haven't decorated a space without leather, it's the secret weapon for a cool space. Remember that a little goes a long way.
This is another masterpiece done by Daniel Romualdez (crush of the moment). Do you see what the leather chairs do for the space? It adds so much edginess.
TIP SIX: Black Is The New Black
I don't believe it went anywhere, but for those of you who thought color is all the rage, it's time to let black into your life.
This is a girl who is embracing black and rocking it.
What's better than two gorgeous girls together? Two gorgeous girls together wearing black. (You saw that one coming)
A black backdrop for a gallery wall is so striking. From the picture above you can see it really elevates the room. (Btw notice the hide on the floor...works every time.)
Another black backdrop. Take my advice, choose a wall to paint black now so in a month when your neighbors start doing it, you can smirk and nod your head at them, all condescending.
Working black with boho is so cool. Kate Moss is doing it here and so can you. Just buy yourself a wool hat from Zara and pair it with anything black.
I hope you enjoyed the tips. Watch out 2013, I'm going to kick your ass! If 2013 knows anything, it's not threatened by me. It knows it's in for a year of sweatpants, ice cream, mood swings, anxiety about bed bugs, fear of new things, fear of old things, Fox's New Girl, (I'm not getting anything for that shout out. I still don't have consistent followers) fear of having conversations with acquaintances and a lot of "I can't go out tonight, I have nothing to wear."
Here's to a brighter, bigger, better, year.
Everyone knows who I'm talking about. If you don't, it's time to step out from under the rock you've been living and start to see the light. Kelly Wearstler is an interior designer turned designer, with her own ready-to-wear collection. She's collaborated with The Rug Company and Bergdorf Goodman and Lee Jofa and is soon to launch a signature line of wallpaper and trims with the brand. She has published four books based on her talents and inspirations: Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style, Domicilium Decoratus, and Rhapsody. She has been very busy. So now that we're all intimidated and full of self hatred, let's begin.
Reason One: She Knows How To Mix
Kelly has an unmistakable style with every space having a sense of adventure. She mixes furniture pieces from different periods, with different stones and woods. Kelly layers pattern over pattern like a master.
There's the floor, the console and then the walls. It all 100 percent works. Genius.
How does she layer three completely different patterns and textures and make them each shine without outshining each other? Maybe if I knew I would be able to land myself a job, just a thought.
We get it Kelly, you're so beautiful and so talented. Let's keep moving.
Reason Two: She Has Conquered It All
Kelly has worked with the Rug Company to design her own line of 8 rugs which are all more gorgeous than the next.
Her line of fabrics with Lee Jofa; UH-MAZING.
Her boutique in Bergdorf Goodman.
Reason Three: She's Designed The Best Hotels
The Avalon in Beverly Hills and the Viceroy Hotels and Resorts set the bar for hip, glamorous and modern hotels. Kelly mixes roman heads with shag rugs with vintage Italian style pieces.
The Avalon in Beverly Hills. I would be the person leaving with a chair literally falling out of my hand luggage. "What, this? That's my turquoise leather chair. You didn't see me come in with it? I'm pretty sure I came in with this chair."
A room in the Viceroy Hotel, Miami.
Imagine checking in next to that half head. My husband would not be able to take his hands off that thing and as a result would be asked to leave. That wouldn't be surprising after I tried sneaking out with a chair in my bag. Obviously my husband and I are very classy people.
Reason Four: She Has an Incredible Collection
If her interiors make you want to come back to earth again as Kelly Wearstler herself, then her collection will only do you more harm.
Her collection does such a great job bringing her aesthetic from interiors to the ready-to-wear. Even her manikins have attitude, almost as much as I do before my first coffee.
Reason Five: She Creates Amazing Residences
Obviously anyone would live in any one of the homes Kelly has designed. They are so outrageously over the top without actually being too much; an ability Kelly has mastered. I would even be happy to live outside on the corner of these homes, anyone with me on that?
This is a home she did in Malibu. I love how the space feels appropriate for being on the coast and not being "coastal."
Could this foyer be any better?
This is a home in Bel-Air.
After writing this post am I hoping Kelly (people who work for Kelly) reads this post and falls in love with me and so begins our journey together, don't judge me.
All of the pictures can be found on Kelly's blog: myvibemylife.com
