Friday, August 7, 2009

Wish List: Turquoise Empire Chandelier


Turquoise Empire Chandelier

This chandelier is comprised of solid turquoise semi-precious stones. It's like jewelry hanging from the ceiling for everyone to admire. Breathtaking! This is from Marjorie Skouras Design in Los Angeles.

Cheers!

The Designista

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Wish List: Marquis Chair and Ottoman


Marquis Chair and Ottoman

A modern take on a classic design. This chair is constructed of cast aluminum and patent leather. It would work in a traditional or modern interior. Available at Pascal's French Furniture in Georgia.

Cheers!

The Designista


Dreaming about NYC...

Imaginary Amy

You know those things you have, in my case, this picture, that may not hold much significance now, but because it once did, you just simply can't get rid of it? This is one of those instances. As you can see, this pic has been folded, probably washed, moved from office to office, home to home, and it still stays with me.

Why might you ask? Well, I ripped it out of a Boston Proper catalog in 2006 because moving to New York was always at the forefront of my desires. Even with a long term relationship and secure job situation, which kept me from making the move, it was still always at the surface. So, I ripped it out, and put it on my bulletin board at work, just in case I ever needed to buy a pea coat quickly and move to the east coast! Silly right? Maybe not.

Now I hold onto this picture because it reminds me of my dreams. And..... how even when it seemed like something that would never happen, I finally took the plunge, faced my fears, and moved- three years later. Wow.... is all I can say.

I don't want to sound like I am tooting my own horn, but I am really proud I followed my dream. Whether or not I stay out here forever, is yet to be determined. But one thing I do know, is that life is so much more fun, when you dream. And most of all, making an effort to live your dream.

"LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR." (zen saying)

Cheers!

The Designista


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Wish List: The Palazzo Capponi Console


I am going to start posting one item a day that I think is completely fabulous! This is from William Switzer and Associates. You can customize the top to be any color you want. I love it!

Cheers!

The Designista


Do-It-Yourself Thursdays at Museum of Arts and Designs!


A friend of mine sent this information to me this morning and I simply can't wait to go! This is why I love NYC.... There is SO MUCH going on in this city for free that one should never claim they are bored.

For the month of August, Thursday nights at the Museum of Arts and Design, will host a night of crafts led by artists and designers inspired by the materials and techniques of the items currently on display at the museum. This sounds like so much fun!


ETSY has partnered with the museum to produce these nights of do-it-yourself fun! For those of you that are not familiar with ETSY, it is a site where designers and artists can sell their handmade goods. There is a lot of interesting items on the site, but also a lot of "church bazaar" items as well! ;)

"The series kicks off on Thursday, August 6 with a workshop lead by artist Sabrina Gschwandtner, founder and editor of KnitKnit. Sabrina will demonstrate a few simple ways to combine textile art and jewelry into one beautiful project: crocheted jewelry. Sabrina will be teaching how to make earrings (design by Julie A. Bolduc) and boutonnieres that are perfect for summer weddings, picnics, and barbeques. Materials will be provided."

If I am able to go, I will for sure post pictures of the finished product. Really looking forward to it, and more importantly, I am looking forward to exploring this city!

Cheers!

The Designista

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Let's Party!

Today, I got an invitation for a rooftop party at a couple's house for this Friday! I am so excited, as we have hardly had a chance to enjoy the warm and beautiful New York summer sky line, as it essentially has been raining non-stop for three months. Being the stylish friends that they are, the theme is "garden party," where we are all to wear our summer best! A themed party where we dress up- I am all about it!

Those that know me are familiar with my obsession with entertaining. However, due to the tiny little shoebox I currently call home, I am unable to do so, and rely on entertaining that obsession by doling out advise to those who have the means to entertain. They requested we bring two of the following: "beer/ booze/ flowers/ good attitudes." I choose the latter two, of course!

This invitation got me in the mood to post about some lovely garden party designs- some in the city, some in an actual garden, and all using both indoor and outdoor furniture for design. Picture yourself with a cocktail in hand enjoying a summer day or night in these spaces with friends and family...... my idea of a perfect day!

Windsor Smith in her own backyard in Los Angeles. She uses both indoor and outdoor furniture and fabrics for her exterior design. As long as you have a place to store the furnishings when the weather is poor, this is a great idea! Especially for those on a budget- you can take things from inside your home and use them temporarily for the party. The trellis design is absolutely divine!

Miles Redd also uses a trellis design for a patio in NYC. However, true to his glamorous form, he put mirror behind the trellis wall treatment. Perfection! The black and white painted decking, the vintage iron chairs and sofa, mirrored coffee table, live foliage, and NYC backdrop are reminiscent (at least to me) of the many garden scenes from Rear Window with Grace Kelly and James Stewart.

For those of you with an expansive backyard, this simple linen table cloth, wild flowers, over sized urns and candelabras, and teak chairs are perfect for creating a Tuscan or French country side themed dinner. Picture yourself here, carafes of wine, gourmet cuisine and good conversation and laughter......so peaceful.

I love how the vintage chairs are mismatched. This is such a romantically decorated table. I feel like this would be the perfect setting for a brunch with girlfriends drinking champagne, and eating egg souffle, tiny sandwiches and delectable pastries and deserts. Doesn't that sound fun?!?!?! Let's do it!


I just love this picture because, for some reason, it reminds me of my lovely grandma, Martha Jeanne Scott Swigart aka Grammy. I miss you Grammy! She was always a Diva of the home, fashion, and kitchen. I believe I have a childhood memory of eating at a table like this on her poolside patio. This is an example of bringing the garden party inside..... This is a good idea for the city dwellers, considering most of us don't have patios and decks. Remember this furniture? I love it! Picture an antique mirrored inset table top. So vintagely chic!

So plan a little outside dinner party with your loved ones this weekend! All you need, is a sunny sky, some flowers, candles, and a basic table cloth, plus a few little accessories and you've got your chic garden inspired party!

Enjoy your week everyone! Muah!

Cheers!

The Designista

Monday, August 3, 2009

Back to Basics: Nature

Like I said before, I have been going through my inspiration file magazine rip outs and came across the above picture. To me that picture is so gorgeous and I wish I was, at this very moment, standing in the midst of those hot orange and chartreuse green leaves and mist in the background. Isn't it surreal?


I started noticing other pictures I ripped out that had the same color scheme. Like these Christian Louboutin heals that were in a www.shopvogue.com advertisement a couple years back. Yes, the shoes are fabulous, but I loved the green satin mixed with red leather combination. So, we can see how the colors of nature influence fashion, but I wanted to see if I could find any interior shots that were influenced by this same color scheme. Then I came across this Nina Campbell advertisement for Osborne & Little (fabric house for "to the trade" only customers.)



First I want to point out, that none of these images look "Christmasy" in the least. Do you think so? Always think outside the box with color schemes. A slight acid green mixed with red that is more blue than orange can make all the difference.


Bottom line, designers and artists are often drawn to nature for inspiring them in their art. There is no reason why you can't do so as well!

Cheers!

The Designista