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Asseyez-vous!

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If you know me, then you are aware that I have a wonderful French influence in my life.  Because of this, I adore finding Parisian inspired pieces making their way into current design trends.

 
 
The French Bistro Chair, or the No. 14 Chair, is one of these pieces.  Designed by German-Austrian craftsman, Michael Thonet, and introduced in 1859, this bentwood chair – being the first of it’s kind –  won an award at the 1867 Paris World Exposition.  The chair was made from six pieces of steam-bent wood, ten screws, two nuts and a woven cane or palm seat.  Though it has now evolved, the original is still being distributed by Thonet with a slightly more broad color palette.

the original                             the current No. 14

Here are a few of my favorite installations using the  Parisian style bistro chair:

 

 

 
Here are a few of my favorites with links so that you can get the look yourself!

Williams Sonoma
 
TK Collections
 
Padma’s Plantation

Serena & Lily
 
 
XOXO,
Photos courtesy of Houzz and Pinterest

modern cooking

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(photo by Nancy Nolan)

This kitchen by designer Meridith Hamilton of MLH Designs feels every bit as open, clean and spacious as it looks in this shot. By the time I leave a photo shoot, I’ve usually spent the better part of a day in a space and have some inkling what it would be like to live there. This kitchen had me ready to cook. Stir fry, specifically. All that pristine counter space to spread out broccoli, carrots, onion, chicken, ginger.  A wok pan to put on that elegant cooktop, with the sleek hood to fan away the heat.

(photo by Nancy Nolan)

It would be a breeze to wash up the veggies in this sink.

(photo by Nancy Nolan)

And I could easily access the food processor to chop up all the produce.

(photo by Nancy Nolan)

For the full story on how Meridith transformed this kitchen, and a listing of the resources she used, visit here. And if you’re hankering for stir fry now, here’s one of my go-to quick and easy recipes.

dine with wine and more

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Today’s Room of the Week is the dining room…in all its variations, from formal to casual to outdoors. Special guest columnist Lorrie LeBeaux, a West Little Rock resident whose passion for wine led to Lorrie’s Wine and Food World,  shares with us her recommendations for the ideal glasses, wine and food to pair with these lovely spaces featured in our Kitchen and Bath issue.

(photography by Nancy Nolan)

This dining room by Meridith Hamilton calls for a glass than can enhance the beauty of this modern space. This lovely Verve flute from Crate & Barrel will surely add sparkle and be quite the conversation piece at the dinner table. The bubbles in the base of the glass mimic the bubbles of the sparkling wine!

For a touch of color, I would pour a glass of Schramsberg 2008 Brut Rose. This wine has a lovely pink hue. The bubbles are small, tight and ongoing in your flute. The aromas are of bright red fruit, like strawberries and watermelon. There are also slight notes of brioche and orange zest.  This wine is a great to sip alone, but is a wonderful wine to be paired with food. I would pair it with salmon, chicken, pork or a tangy goat cheese. Or try it with this yummy appetizer recipe.

(photography by Nancy Nolan)

In this transitional style space by Tobi Fairley,  I love the mix of soft, sleek, built-in seating and chairs. This traditional-with-a-twist Edge glass from Crate & Barrel offers a finishing touch, looking great in this room and in anyone’s hand.

A traditional red wine, such as Honig’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, would complement an evening of great conversation around this cozy banquette.

(photography by Nancy Nolan)

In this sitting area next to a kitchen (designed by Garry Mertins), the side table between the big cushy chairs and ottoman begs for a glass of wine to adorn it! The Nat wine glass by Crate & Barrel would add a bit of interest in this space. And anyone would love to have this glass in their hand with my white wine recommendation!

I would fill this wine glass with 2010 J California Pinot Gris; this wine is so aromatic and refreshing. Check out the full wine review.

(Photography by Rett Peek)

I love the relaxed and elegant look of this space, and a wine glass with a bit of color would add that finishing touch to this outdoor eating area. This Lyla wine glass from Crate & Barrel is a lovely shade of green that would add that pop of color.

I would pour Honig 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley in this lovely glass, and enjoy a great meal to salute an end to summer. Check out the complete review.

Cheers!

Lorrie (and be sure to visit me here for more wine, dining and decor ideas!)

 

 

 

Fall Runway Trends to Use in Your Home

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I don’t know about you blog readers, but for me, the runways showcasing Fall 2012 earlier this year seem like ages ago.  After being inundated with the Resort shows and gearing up for New York Fashion Week for Spring 2013 in September, I feel like I need a refresher on Fall!  Coincidentally, now is the best time to recap because stores are finally beginning to pull out all of these wonderful designs from the Ready to Wear runways.

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So, here they are – a few of the biggest trends from the Runways of Fall 2012 and how these trends have affected interior design:

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Black and Blue

This color combination appeared on nearly every runway and created a notably edgy feel.  To integrate this look into your home, be sure to keep the overall feel very monochromatic.  A little will go a long way!

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Bold, Overall Patterns

I felt a little retro theme amongst several designers.  Bold, richly colored patterns were seen usually on a pantsuit; however, Valli threw in a twist using a bold pattern over the majority of a sheer dress.  (Notice the cropped hem on the pants…another trend.)  Duralee Fabrics just released the John Robshaw Collection which, if used correctly, can create the same look.

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Fur and Leather

Whether it was a fur shrug, a leather corset belt, or a full garment of the material, these were everywhere.  The look varied from vampy (think Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) to ladylike.  For the home, fur throws and supple leather pillows are on-trend additions.  As well as one of the newer leather tile collections from Ann Sacks.

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Sheers

This is a look which was popular in the summer, and shows no signs of leaving.  From tops to dresses to leggings, this material popped up on almost every runway.  Many interior fabric manufacturers have released tons of new sheer options for the windows.  A more edgy version of this “sheer” look is the resurgence of acrylic furniture.

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Overall Winter White

I love this look, so pristine and angelic, and it is an obvious trend for Fall.  While it’s not the most forgiving in interiors, it can be absolutely breathtaking.

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Until next time, blog readers!  Happy shopping!




XOXO,

room of the week : modern marvel

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In this week’s Room of the Week, we are marveling at this modern, metropolitan kitchen. When Meridith Hamilton of MLH Designs was approached by a client to turn a loft apartment in a 115-year-old building into an urban dream, she focused on horizontal lines and clean finishes, allowing the brick walls and brown undertones of the cabinets to keep the space warm and inviting.

Read the full story in the September Kitchens & Baths issue, in stores and online today.

 

 

 

Fifty Shades of Gray

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I am sure you have heard many people reference the word ‘grey’ recently. Most are referring to Christian Grey, the antagonist/protagonist of the E. L. James best-selling trilogy beginning with Fifty Shades of Grey. I must confess that I have read the first two books (in record time) and have the last in my reading queue…Oh my!

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However, I am going to show you another ‘gray’ today…the color.  Most people who know me, know that my most used or worn color is some shade of gray.  I can’t imagine going a week without that hue somewhere in my life!  I think what I love most is that you can immediately turn something colorful and busy into something classy and sophisticated by adding gray.

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A few of my favorite interiors are centered around that color scheme:

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You’ve probably seen this space in At Home’s latest kitchen & bathroom issue.  I loved the challenge of creating this modern kitchen, while keeping a warm, inviting feeling.

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Love the simple elegance of this space.

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The warm taupe floor tile in this kitchen ties the grays in the backsplash, glass cabinetry and countertops together with the deep espresso cabinetry.

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Most people see grays as cold and austere; however, such as in this bedroom, they can be rather soothing. Don’t get me wrong, I love color as well.  While most of my base pieces are neutral, I will bring in color with art and accessories.  I do this because so many people tire of a certain color and it’s easier to change out the smaller things in a room instead of the big ticket items.

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Here are a few examples:

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Ok, ok…as much as I love the interior usage of gray, the color is more near and dear to my heart when it comes to my wardrobe.  Here are a few looks from this year’s Fall Ready-to-Wear Collections:

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Love these.  Want these.  Yes, even the glitzy silver hidden-wedge high-top from Blumarine.

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Armani and D&G know very well that a man is irresistibly dashing in head to toe shades of gray.

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I think a gray (faux) fur and a pair of cute little pageboy knickers will be high on my must-have list this Fall.

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Still not sure you can pull off the entire monochromatic look?  Here are a few accessories for fashion and home that will make it easy to integrate this hue into your life:

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Laters, Baby.

friday favorites : chic boutique, thanksgiving diy, bar carts, closet and loft love

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From editor Rosemary Hallmark: “A glam boutique hotel in Nantucket? WHY AM I NOT THERE AT THIS VERY MOMENT? This space is so chic, I think I need a vacation. Pronto.” {“Rachel Reider Interiors + Chapman House” from House of Turquoise}

From managing editor Tiffany Burgess: “I must have holiday parties on the brain! These three clever ways to set up a bar are great solutions for any space — large or small. Cheers!” {“In the Details: Where to Put that Bar″ from Coco+Kelley}

From assistant art director Laura LaRue: “Who doesn’t love to doodle at the table? We’ll have to set up a special table for my niece and nephew next week with paper and include a side of crayons. They’ll love it! Maybe I’ll join ’em!” {“DIY Kraft Paper Thanksgiving Tables” from The Kitchn}

From art director Mandy Keener: “I love this loft so much had to say it 3 times! Love, love this loft.” {“Here’s looking at you, loft” from SF Girl by Bay}

From account executive Emilie Head: “It’s such a dream closet! And who wouldn’t love to have that many shoes?!” {“Fabulous Closets” from MLH Designs}

From account executive Tara Johnson: “I love Caitlin Wilson’s textile line, it is bright, fun and full of bold patterns. Her apartment is no different and I’m jealous of how effortlessly she mixes and matches.” {“Caitlin Wilson Design” from House of Turquoise}

From assistant art director Laura LaRue: “Everyone loves to see their place at the table. Great idea for Thanksgiving (or any other dinner party for that matter)!” {“DIY: Chalked Charger” from Delight by Design}

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