Stylish Decor

New Blog/New Name

2009-12-21T01:35:00.000-08:00

Please visit my new blog at www.stylecurator.wordpress.com. I have decided to blog on more topics than just decor-I hope you visit and I hope you enjoy.

Curating a Bookshelf - mspitzer - OpenZine, Create Your Magazine

2009-07-30T00:02:00.001-07:00

Curating a Bookshelf - mspitzer - OpenZine, Create Your Magazine

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Styleguide:Layering Mirrors

2009-05-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Images Top: Todd Romano's Apartment via Habitually Chic/ Elliott Puckette's Apartment-Elle Decor via StyleCourt/ Next: Image Unknown Credit to Original Photographer/Next: Chloe Sevigny's Apartment -House and Garden/Bottom: Elle Decor

One of the riskier design tricks is to layer mirrors with smaller mirrors or oil-paintings. At worst,it can look gaudy and overdone. At best it can look like the rooms above. The overall effect of the images above seems to be spaces that are perfectly layered and accessorized. I think the layered mirrors add an element of completeness and the unexpected.

Currently Inspired By: Chesterfield Sofas

2009-05-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Images 1.: Alexander Wang's Studio-credit to original photographer, Images 2,3,5,7 Unknown Credit to Original Photographer, 4-Lilli Diallo, 6. Zara Home catalog, 8. Photo: Dean Kaufman, NY Magazine

I never thought I was a huge fan of the Chesterfield. A little too stuffy. But as I was flipping through the current New York magazine, an image caught my eye. It was David Alahdeff's ecclectic living room with a hunter green Chesterfield.(Be sure to check out the rest of his space) I then flipped through all my images and noticed that many of the rooms contained a Chesterfield, so I must gravitate to them unknowingly. What I then realized is that in all the images, the stuffiness associated with a Chester is offset by an ecclectic, bohemian, relaxed vibe..more my stye indeed.

ChicFind: www.polyvore.com

2009-05-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Since my blog's inception, I've been inspired by the collage display similar to those on Tory Burch, 1st dibs, Vivre, and Net-a-Porter. I love the virtual magazine/collage. I stumbled upon polyvore and voila-my own collage. I started easy with a Moroccan Inspired theme.

StyleGuide: Salon Art Gallery

2009-05-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

Kristen Buckingham's Version. Image: via Elle Decor

One of my favorite images. June Rehak's flat. Image: Heidi Lerkenfeldt

I love the addition of something 3D-add a lot of interest. Image Via:Domino

One of my all time favorite rooms for other reasons, but love the gallery. Image: Domino

Maximilian's Preppy/Boho Wall. Pure Genius. Image: NY Magazine

I am currently loving the "salon" style of hanging art. It is calculated chaos. It is just as hard to achieve the right balance as curating a bookshelf. The much blogged about Maximilian Sinsteden has captured that preppy/boho salon look brilliantly in his dorm room. I love these walls....

StyleGuide: Curating a Book Shelf

2009-05-05T20:17:00.000-07:00

Image via Coco Kelley. Stylist Lili Diallo

Image: Unknown Credit to Original Photographer

Image unkown. Tracy Garret's Apartment

Image via Domino. Credit to Original Photographer

One of the harder tasks as a designer is to curate a beautiful bookshelf. There is a fine line between a cluttered bookshelf and a decorated bookshelf. There needs to be the right mix of books and decorative items. There also needs to be the right balance of heavy objects and airy objects. Some tips for curating a bookshelf and some really inspiring photos.

TIP 1 - The basic rule is the rule of thirds, one third books, one third accessories, and one third empty space.

TIP 2 - Work from left to right on the first shelf and right to left on the next. This will help achieve balance.

TIP 3 - If you have high books on the left side of one shelf, you don't want the same type of books and space on the next shelf.

TIP 4 - There is no reason to line up books like a library. Try lying a pile of books on their side and use them as a bookend or to lift up an accessory.

TIP 5 - When choosing accessories think color and texture. Some colors will better enhance your books or the room as a whole.Textures (horn, shagreen, shell, metals, etc) create interest. Also, break up collections and scatter them around the bookshelves.

TIP 6 - Be sure to include free space. You'll need a place to rest the eyes. If you crowd a bookcase it's going to look messy.

TIP 7- Take breaks. Step away from the project and return to it after some time to gather a new perspective on the space.

Styleguide: Neutral and Neon

2009-04-29T20:22:00.001-07:00

This interior is a bit too neon. Imagine just one piece set against something very neutral and soothing.
Image marieclairemaison.com

Again, a lot of color going on, but it looks good.
Image via apartmenttherapy.com

Neon and Neutral done right
Image via cocokelley

Perfection: A Dose of Neon

Neutral and Neon: A perfect combination
Both Fashion Images: Simon Burstall for NY Times

As a general rule of thumb, home decor trends usually follow fashion trends or vice versa. (Ikat comes to mind) Lately, fashion is steering toward acid neon colors reminiscent of the eighties. The new way to wear these colors is to set them against a neutral backdrop and just have a shot of bright color peeking through. Something to think about when decorating a space...neutral backdrop with a shot of color.

Stylish Reading: Gypset

2009-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Images Courtesy of Gypset/Assouline

I am highly anticipating the release of the new Assouline Book, Gypset, by freelance journalist, Julia Chaplin. In Julia's words "Gypset (Gypsy+jet set) is about an emerging group of artists, musicians, fashion designers, surfers, and bon vivants– who lead semi-nomadic, unconventional lives. The book features photo portraits of the Gypsetters, their self-designed homes in far flung bohemian enclaves, and a written profile." Some Gypsetters featured are Damien Hirst, Jade Jagger, Alice Temperley, and more.

Her ideas nicely compliment my current obsession with everything and all boho chic. Julia is beginning her book tour and it is slated for release in May.

Check out her blog and website:
www.gypset.com
www.juliachaplin.com

Chic Life: Maison de Vacances

2009-04-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been really drawn to a French Company, Maison de Vacances. Designers -and husband and wife- Emmanuelle Fouks and Nicolas Mauriac are masters at capturing the essence of boho chic. Yet of course, they do it the Parisian way which makes it that much cooler and that much chicer. The company specializes in home accessories and they are probably best known for their love pillow. Their catalog and website are full of inspiring rooms and vignettes showcasing not only their merchandise but also their personal style. From what I've heard, all images are of their own home in which they shuffle around light fixtures, accent furniture, and accessories while keeping the larger pieces as is. They also effortlessly mix all my current favorites-mid century, industrial lighting, great accessories and bold colors and textures. It's a great lesson in buying what you love, investing in work-horse pieces, surrounding yourself with inspiring items, and constantly changing the smaller decorative items as you please.

Here you can see their jaw-dropping metalicized cowhide. Such a chic mix of items

Loving the Eames plywood table as a side table instead of a coffee table. And of course, the light fixture is perfect

Love the side chair, the light fixture, the bedside table and the poster on the ground seems like such a chic after thought!

The book shelves are to die for and I've seen the same part of their house dressed completely different. Their famous LOVE pillow.

All Images from the Maison de Vacance catalog.

Stylish Resource: Mecox Gardens

2009-04-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Mecox Gardens is a real treasure. There are eight brick and mortar stores throughout the United States as well as a large online catalog of their merchandise. I chose the images to illustrate some essential elements I think every room should have.

1 Gold Mirror-I love just a glimmer of gilt in a room
2. Driftwood boxes- I like the naturalness of the driftwood lids mixed with the glossy lacquered base.
3. Side table- I love this table for so many reasons-it adds a weathered look and the octagonal shape is very ethnic/Moroccan
4. Baskets-every room should have a natural texture
5. Floor lamp-I like the simplicity of this lamp and the iron base also adds another texture
6 Round table-this is a modern twist on my favorite table. Again-two more textures and round tables are more intimate.
7. Leather chair-adds a touch of masculinity
8. Art-a shot of bold color and an abstract design throws off the room and adds visual interest

919 N. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90069 310-358-9272 www.mecoxgardens.com

Styleguide: Vintage Rattan Seating

2009-04-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

A great accent for any space is a touch of vintage rattan-not of the Shabby Chic genre. The rattan I'm referring to is the European mid century modern type. Rattan adds a perfect dose of natural texture and interest to space. It can be beachy, boho, ethnic or modern. Its versatility is only strengthened by the fact that it is so lightweight and movable and looks right at home indoors or out.

Image: Domino. Thom Filicia's Lake House

The Korakia Pensione-Palm Springs

An interior by David Netto.

A Tom Scheerer exterior

Image: Domino Mag. Kids' room from Sunrise Ruffalo's home

A Vintage French Rattan Chair-1st DibsFranco Albini Chairs-1st Dibs

A vintage rattan catch-all. 1st Dibs

TopPicks-Palm Springs Edition

2009-04-20T08:42:00.001-07:00

As soon as it reaches 80 degrees in Santa Monica, I'm thinking about 100 degrees in Palm Springs. I've always traveled to Palm Springs at least once a year. It is quite possibly the perfect LA escape. There are a multitude of chic hotels to choose from. My picks below.

A patio off a room at The Ace Hotel

The Lobby at the newly remodeled Palm Springs Riviera. Seems very glam.

A fire pit at Korakia Pensione. Simplicity at its best.

The Parker Palm Springs-designed by Jonathan Adler

A suite at Kelly Wearstler's Viceroy Palm Springs

Chic Life- J. Crew's Jenna Lyons

2009-04-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

Although I might be envious of Jenna Lyons' job as J Crew's creative director, I think I'm more envious of her Park Slope, Brooklyn Town home. Her home was recently featured in Domino magazine and created quite a frenzy on numerous decor blogs as well as blogs completely dedicated to anything and all J Crew. She is also interviewed in the May issue of Vanity Fair in one of my all time favorite features-My Stuff. So below, some images of her home and her answers to the Home Section of My Stuff.

The Living Room-I love the fireplace and the architectural moldings

A sitting area near the kitchen-I love the juxtaposition between the Saarinen table and the Belgian Upholstered Chairs

The Master Bath-I am currently obsessed over the herringbone parquet floors and I love the black tub.

The Piece de Resistance-Jenna's Closet-I'm speechless.

Images: Top Three Levinson McDavid Architects Bottom: Domino

Jenna's Stuff-

Where do you live: Park Slope, Brooklyn and at work
Favorite Art:Cy Twombly, John Currin, and Alex Katz
Sheets: Olatz
Coffee-maker: My hubby, Vincent and the Isomac Espresso Machine
Stationery: Crane's
Favorite Flowers: New Zealand Coral Peonies or Anemonies
Favorite Gadget: Portable Sony DVD player
Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant: Applewood, Park Slope
Favorite Drink: Pierre Gimonnet Champagne
Favorite Dessert: Vincent's Homemade coffee ice cream or panna cotta.

All text: Vanity Fair May 2009

And...for fun...my answers

Where do you live: Santa Monica
Favorite Art:Cy Twombly, Elliott Puckette, art created by family
Sheets: Currently: Ralph Lauren. Eventually: WS Home Pure Linen Sheets
Coffee-maker: Cuisinart
Stationery: Crane's
Favorite Flowers: Peonies, cherry blossoms
Favorite Gadget: Blackberry
Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant: R & D in Santa Monica, The Brentwood in Brentwood
Favorite Drink: Champagne or Kettle Soda
Favorite Dessert: 12 layer coconut cake from Peninsula Grill in Charleston SC

StyleGuide: French Industrial Lighting

2009-04-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Lately, I can't get enough of French industrial floor/desk lamps. I really think they add a masculine, utilitarian touch to rooms that could otherwise border on too feminine. Below images and options.

Smashing next to a sofa. Image: Lilli Diallo

Besides being one of my all time favorite images, check out the Jielde lamp in Orange Image:Lilli Diallo

Creates a toughness against the soft scalloped bedding. Image: Credit to Original Photographer

Black Card: The Original Jean Louis Domecq Loft ZigZag Floor Lamp www.lightology.com

Platinum Card: Loft Lamp www.conranusa.com

Gold Card: Pottery Barn Architect Floor Lamp. (Get it in Black) www.potterybarn.com

ATM: Ikea's Forsa Lamp (I use them as bedside lamps) www.ikea.com

WishList-Birthday Edition

2009-04-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

I have a milestone birthday approaching. Below my dream gifts....

Chanel Cerf Tote www.chanel.com

Cartier Love Bracelet www.cartier.com

Jacques Adnet Vanity Table www.1stdibs.com

Saarinen Tulip Table with Rosewood Top. www.dwr.com

Loft LAmp by Jean Louis Domecq www.conranusa.com

Currently Inspired By: Boho Chic

2009-04-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Recently someone pegged my style as boho chic. While it depends on the day, the term stuck and I've been inspired ever since. As it translates to design and decorating, Boho Chic is about starting with elements you have and then just letting things evolve. It's about collecting furnishings rather than buying to fill a space. It's about effortlessly mixing modern with antiques; high with low; feminine with masculine. It's about creating a relaxed space that looks and feels undone yet pulled together at the same time.

Images from top to bottom: unknown , unknown, inside out magazine, unknown

A Work in Progress

2009-04-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Stylish Decor! My goal for this blog is to offer images, resources, and guides that will help inspire and curate stylish living. Please be patient as I find my blogging voice and fine tune the technicalities of creating a blog.

Image Lovingly Borrowed from www.iomoi.com