Shelterpop

The New Tag Sales

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-06-29T16:06:00 00:00

Filed under: Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends, Furniture

Tag sales haven't just moved online -- They've gone high-end.

Think "tag sale" and the words normally conjure up the neighbor's garage and some busted-up wicker chaise in a jungle print. Not that those garage sale finds can't be fun. But the new wave of tag sales have not only moved online -- they're infinitely chic-er. And they come with a designer pedigree. Here's a rundown of the new tag sales:

A living room decorated by Tim Whealon, one of the designers whose pieces are available on Decorator Tag Sale. Photo: Tim Whealon

Decorator Tag Sale
Sandra Oster's Decorator Tag Sale, which launched this April, is one of the newest to hit the scene. Expect to find cast-offs from pedigreed decorators, like a French Directoire white-painted chest of drawers or a David Hicks carpet. You might spot a lantern or mirror from one of Amanda Nisbet's oft-photographed interiors, or a wooden chair from Christopher Coleman's room at last year's Kips Bay Show House. (I did!) And don't let the brand-spanking-new-ness of the site fool you -- merchandise is updated regularly. Not bad for just a month-old site.

The Barnstable chair by Gérard is on my wish list. Photo: Offthefloornow

Off The Floor Now
Likewise, Offthefloornow.com is the brainchild of Dessin Fournir Companies founder Kerry Joyce. Since last October, floor models and discontinued pieces from super high-end, trade-only lines like Rose Cumming fabric and Palmer Hargrave lighting have been selling for a fraction of their original cost. Things I never thought could be in my price range -- like a gorgeous Gerard bookcase that I've been coveting since my days as an editorial assistant -- are suddenly (somewhat) affordable. Major score. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to charities like DIFFA.

Tastemaker Tag Sales from One Kings Lane
Peeking into a designer's backroom storage has always been a thrill for me, so it's no surprise I'm hooked on browsing through One Kings Lane's Tastemaker Tag Sales. Every Saturday morning (11 a.m. EST), a different designer's archives go up for grabs on the flash sale's site for three days. I missed a tufted leather chair from Nathan Turner's sale, and pretty much slept through Windsor Smith's last month, so come next Saturday, I'll come prepared -- agile fingers and credit card at the ready.

Now that the word is out, tag sales will never be the same -- happy shopping!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Design Drool: Armani Hotel Dubai

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-05-19T08:24:00 00:00

Filed under: Famous Homes, Design, etc, Architecture, News & Trends, Celebrity Homes

The facade of Armani Hotel's crown jewel in Dubai. Photo: Armani Hotel Dubai

The fashion designer expands his empire to hospitality with the brand's first-ever hotel in Dubai.

Dubai, the glittery flagship of the United Arab Emirates is hardly known for its restraint. And yet, Giorgio Armani, king of understatement, luxury and elegance, might very well be the perfect match for a place that defines itself by opulence. The fashion designer and lifestyle impresario's first hotel is a mini-Armani universe and a study in luxury in Dubai.

A hallway en route to Armani Lounge. Photo: Armani Hotel Dubai

Located in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the 160-room hotel offers the high-end spartan look that Mr. Armani has come to be known for. Details like stone floors, fabric-covered walls and zebra-wood flooring? Check. A sexy, low-lit vibe? Check. Rooms entirely decked out in furniture from the designer's Armani Casa line? Check. All the signature touches that you'd expect abound in the space which occupies the first eight floors as well as number 38 and 39 of the skyscraper.

The lobby of the Armani Hotel. Photo: Armani Hotel Dubai

But there's much, much more. The Armani touch can also be seen in the hotel's eight restaurants, including Peck Deli, a Milanese institution, as well as others, all bearing the Armani name and specializing cuisines as varied as Mediterranean, Indian and Japanese. And of course, there's the shopping! An Armani Galleria shop featuring couture accessories from the Privé line is the first of its kind.

The Ambassador's Suite -- luxury digs, indeed! Photo: Armani Hotel Dubai

Sleeping Armani, eating Armani and shopping Armani... what else is there? Well for one, you can also stop into Armani Dolci for chocolates and sweets, or pick up some flowers at Armani Fiori designed by -- you guessed it -- Armani! And if all the revelry and shopping leaves you tired, there's always time for a breather at Armani Spa. You've got to hand it to Mr. Armani for thinking of it all.

Though this particular brand of luxury doesn't exactly come cheap -- rooms begin at about $750. Too far to travel? A second Armani Hotel is set to open in Milan next year and next up -- locations in Marrakech, Tokyo, New York, Shanghai and London. Perfect for the Armani aficionado. For now, I think I'll settle for an Armani chocolate-covered almond.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Buzz: Laura Day's New Webzine

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-04-05T12:46:00 00:00

Filed under: Bedroom, Your Home, Fun Stuff, Design, etc, News & Trends

Laura Day in her Park Avenue "mudroom". Photo: Laura Day Living

Laura Day, designer and Trading Spaces star, launches a new online magazine.

If you haven't heard of Laura Day yet, chances are you will soon. The designer and star of TLC's Trading Spaces has added another feather to her cap -- founder of a new webzine, Laura Day Living.

The gloriously lush site uses a surprisingly intimate, interactive forum. Day opens up her own Park Avenue apartment to readers where they can browse rooms, inspiration and shop for her finds. Plus, her decorating advice and tips are tempered with her own real life experiences (like that she started out as a house painter -- who knew!?). Inspiration images and favorite quotations from the likes of Louisa May Alcott are also peppered throughout the site.

An antique Louis XV bed upholstered in a casual, off-white cotton duck in Day's Park Avenue pad. Photo: Laura Day Living

Although Laura Day's website has a decidedly high-end bent -- Donald Kaufman paints and antique Louis XV (or any Louis for that matter) are no joke (!) -- there are plenty of decorating how-to's and affordable lifestyle buys (agave nectar! Blinc mascara!) that offer readers a little piece of the Laura Day empire.

All that's just from Volume One of Laura Day Living -- we can't wait for the next installment!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Timothy Oulton Brings British Design Stateside

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-03-30T08:22:00 00:00

Filed under: Shopping, Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends, Furniture

Photo: Mark La Rosa, ABC Carpet & Home

The British are coming -- to New York's furniture emporium ABC Carpet & Home

If you want to make a statement in New York's design scene, there's no better place to land than mega-shop ABC Carpet & Home. Which is exactly where Timothy Oulton has recently opened a 2,000-square-foot boutique.

The British designer, known for his clubby leather sofas and sleek chrome-detailed accessories, has one foot firmly rooted in the past -- his antique reproduction pieces are pure English nostalgia -- and the other pointed towards the future with graphic, modern pieces like his Union Jack sofa above.

Oulten took a breather between hosting the New York store opening before jetting off to Hong Kong to answer a few questions from ShelterPop:

What is your favorite piece in the collection?
The drums. I come from a military family -- my father was a major in the army, so I've always had a bit of a fascination with military-inspired design and the classic regimental colors. They're a great piece, but they're not for everyone. The trunks are another standout for me, mainly because of the skill and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one: Each trunk requires around 72 hours to complete.

What is your absolute favorite material to work with?
Leather -- it's the nostalgia factor for me. I went to boarding school in an old Benedictine monastery which was a great place and full of beautiful, old, classic English leather furniture and antiques. I love those classic leather piece, but I also like it for its incredible versatility and durability. We can use it to make great masculine furniture as well as softer, more feminine bags -- it ticks all the boxes.

Photo: Mark La Rosa, ABC Carpet & Home

The collections include both ultra-traditional and modern pieces -- how do you envision someone living and mixing the two?
I think these days the majority of people are exposed to a wide range of design. When choosing furniture, individuality is key and I think people are more inclined to mix it up a little more now. Time and design elements are no longer adhered to -- you can combine periods and it gives a more interesting feel. I have an appreciation for good design, whether traditional or modern, and I think our customers have an appreciation for it too.

How has your background as an antiques dealer informed your own line?
Being surrounded by great, hand-crafted products most of my life has definitely had an impact on how I manufacture and produce my furniture. We use the original, time-honored techniques -- hand craftsmanship, hand carving, traditional joinery, unique hand-finishing processes for our leathers. Only the best traditional methods are used.

What designers and/or place most inspires you?
Axel Vervoordt is definitely an inspiration -- it's his overall eye I find inspiring and his ability to bring history and art to classic pieces that still have a contemporary, modern feel. I am also transported by the flea markets -- I spend a lot of time scouring the markets in Britain and Clignancourt in Paris still blows me away every time I visit.

What is your favorite thing in your house?
My family.

You work with many rich materials -- leather, rustic wood, skins, metals. Will there ever be any white lacquer or Lucite in your future?
Funny you should mention that...we are working on something that we will be launching later in the year. Top secret at the moment though! Stay tuned on that one!

We definitely will! Check out some of Oulton's new designs in the meantime.

For more on British design:
Liberty of London Hits Target
Far-Flung Friday: London's Living Wall

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Obsessed: Sweet Bella's Patterned Masking Tapes

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-02-19T09:46:00 00:00

Filed under: Everything Under $100, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Hum-drum masking tape gets an upgrade in Sweet Bella's pretty patterns.
Sometimes it's the simple things that make me happiest. Case in point: Sweet Bella's adorable masking tapes in stripes, checks, plaids and dots, which I spotted at the New York International Gift Show. What a way to elevate the everyday! Just think of the myriad possibilities -- a boring to-do list, a plain envelope, a white-tissue wrapped gift all become super-chic with the addition of a Sweet Bella number.

Sweet Bella USA

From Day-Glo colors to preppy stripes, Sweet Bella's got a tape to fit your needs. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

Printed on Japanese rice paper, these tapes will cost you a little more that the average drug-store variety (thought not much). However, patterns like the blue plaid above just make me instantly happy, which, for me, makes it totally worth it.

I wasn't the only one who liked Sweet Bella, check out The Haystack Needle's shots of the adorable way they displayed the tapes in their booth after the jump:

Photo: The Haystack Needle

For some ideas of what to do with a patterned masking tape, check out this post:
- HappyTape! DIY inspiration

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Obsessed: Carboard Safari at the NYIGF

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-02-04T15:04:00 00:00

Filed under: Everything Under $100, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Design, etc, News & Trends

Cardboard Safari introduces new products to its line of cool cardboard creations at the 2010 NYIGF

Christmas might be a long way off, but checking out Cardboard Safari's amazing white cardboard wreaths at the New York International Gift Fair got me in the holiday mood again. (You might recognize the company's runaway hit, the recycled cardboard deer head trophy from years past).

Skulls, hearts, and leaves -- Cardboard Safari has a wreath for your holiday of choice. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

Though I love Christmas greenery, the thought of no shedding pine needles (!) is very exciting. Not to mention, the possibility of having the coolest front door on the block is pretty inspiring. Next to these modernist creations, fresh pine seems so 2009!

Can't wait until next December to display one of these wreathes? Maybe this heart wreath can tide you over until next year; it's just in time for Valentine's Day.

Love the look of cardboard? Check out these posts:

- Cardboard designs at 2009's summer NYIGF
- A hotel room made entirely out of cardboard
- Wall art made out of cardboard tubes

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

The Best Up-And-Coming Designers at NYIGF

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-02-02T15:08:00 00:00

Filed under: Shopping, Design, etc, News & Trends

The best and brightest new designs at this year's New York International Gift Fair

Sometimes when I enter the sprawling Javits Center for the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), I think to myself "Same vendors, same old stuff -- time and time again." But then, every year I'm happily surprised with all the amazing new vendors and designs. Somehow, I always manage to forget that this happens, but I'm almost glad I do. The temporary amnesia is worth the delight I feel when I discover all the new wares!

Here's a round-up of some of my favorite surprises from the many fresh and innovative companies exhibiting at NYIGF:

Marching ants on a plate? You read right. Photo: Bailey Doesn't Bark

First on my list of new favorites are the delicate porcelain pieces at Bailey Doesn't Bark. New York-based designer Re Jin crafts gorgeous home accessories like gold-accented plates and teacups. She also has a sense of humor, as evidenced in another series of plates that features a swirling procession of ants. Her ant motif also appears on some tiny porcelain pendants, which we loved.

Handy or not, these make a great addition to any household. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

Alice Supply Co. has moved over to the Accent on Design section for their third time exhibiting at NYIGF. I was crazy for their new navy striped brooms, screwdrivers, garden tools and other utilitarian goods, and I was especially fond of their navy-striped trash bags, which might just make taking out the trash less of a chore. Alice Supply Co.'s cute products come in the aforementioned navy stripes, a multi-hued stripe, a camouflage and a pretty wood-grain print.

This came in a ton of colors, though I couldn't decide which I liked best. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

Next up is one of my favorite all-time finds: Waylande Gregory Studios' gorgeous hand-painted ceramics, which have the coolest story ever. The company's namesake was an early 20th-century artist who produced warehouses full of ceramic sculptures. Though well-known in his day, Waylande Gregory's pieces remained largely unknown until one of his descendants discovered a gold mine of his works. Presto, a company was born and the rest of us can benefit by owning one of the show-stopping pieces.

Coffee or tea? It's hard to decide. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

Equally elegant were British import Nick Munro's aerodynamic coffee and tea servers. Made of steel with rattan-wrapped handles, the engineer-turned-designer totally nails the balance of modern-and-trad. Though already available in Europe, this is the first time Munro's products are available stateside. Sign me up for when the mad rush for his products begins!

Love those quirky illustrations. Photos: Eugenia Santiesteban

Another Brit showing solo in the U.S. for the first time is Thorsten van Elten, and we're all the luckier for it (his work has appeared in others' booths before, but this is Thorsten van Elten first show on his own).

Many of van Elten's desgins tend towards the witty -- plates emblazoned with "Good China" or "Bad China" anyone? On the other hand, some of the new offerings from van Elten are just plain cute. Check out these vegetable 'Gemüse' mugs and wooden dump truck toys. Please sir, may we have some more? Text

A show-stopping sheet. Photo: Scintilla

The textiles at Scintilla Limited blew me away. I loved the original designs of painterly, romantic brush strokes with a Rorschach/Pac-Man-esque edge. And the colors? Bright, fresh and out-of-the-ordinary combos that tied together the cutting-edge patterns.

Plastic rugs have come a long way. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

If like me, you thought the outdoor rug market needed some spicing up, look no further than Fab Habitat. The Moroccan-inspired 'Lhasa' rug was my favorite, but a Greek key-bordered rug came in as a close second. In fact, these rugs are so nice and soft I might just opt to keep one indoors. Better still, Fab Habitat's rugs made of recycled polypropylene, which makes them super-duper eco-friendly.

Swaths of bright colors against a tonal background make these truly special. Photo: Eugenia Santiesteban

Last but not least, is comeback kid Jardins du Jour (formerly known as Jardins de Fleur). The former manufacturer of lacquered chinoiserie furniture has reinvented itself as a print-making company. The results are beautiful framed grisailles, exotic birds and yes, more chinoiserie -- pagoda scenes, figurines and other eastern motifs are cast in luscious colors. Hats off to their new efforts!

Want to read more about the New York International Gift Fair? Check out Jessica's post about 2010's turquoise trend.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

DIY Subway Art

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-02-01T13:20:00 00:00

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Blogger Lil Blue Boo shows us how she made her New Year's resolutions into graphic artwork

Inspirational posters usually make me think of doctor's offices and my 7th grade Issue and Ethics class. But just wait until you see what blogger Ashley of Lil Blue Boo fashioned out of the simplest of materials. She turned her New Year's resolutions into a black-and-white Richard Prince-esque mural.

But the coolest part about it? Since you're making it yourself, It can say anything you please -- sky's the limit! (Just no obscenities, please!)

We loved the project so much that we put Lil Blue Boo's step by step directions below.

Art in an afternoon. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

Here's What You'll Need:

-A 2' x 4' piece of wood shortened to 2' x 3' (the local hardware store or lumber yard are sure to have this)
-Long wood molding strips 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" deep
-A large mitre saw (or a plastic mitre box and hand saw will also work)
-A pencil
-Wood glue
-A hammer and nails
-Nail-in brackets from the hardware store (to secure the edges of your frame -- more on this later)
-Sandpaper
-Primer
-Spray-paint in black and white
-A computer with PowerPoint or another graphic design program
-Vinyl contact paper
-Spray Adhesive
-A brayer
-Screw eyes pictures hangers and wire (from the local hardware store)

Here's How To Make It:

1. Get a 2' x 4' pieces of wood from your local hardware store or lumber yard and ask them to shorten it to 2' x 3'.

The untouched wood board. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

2. Also, get some long wood molding strips that measure 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" deep while at the hardware store or lumber yard. These will serve as your frame, so make sure you get over 10' of length.

3. Measure the molding strips alongside the piece of wood and mark with a pencil where you will need to cut to make the strips even with the length and width of the wood board. (For example, if using a 2' x 3' board, you will end up with two 2' strips and two 3' strips.)

Mark where you'll cut along the width and the depth of the molding. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

4. Cut the corners of the strips at a 45 degree angle using a mitre saw if you have one, or a hand saw with a mitre box. Your moldings should all fit together in order to form a frame.

A mitre saw guides you when you cut on an angle. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

5. Next, apply wood glue onto the long edges of your 2' x 3' wood board. Press it onto the short side of one of the wood trim pieces. It should line up exactly at the top and the bottom. Using small nails, hammer it in to secure it. Repeat with the remaining three moldings.

The finished board with frame. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

6. Nail the little brackets onto the corners of the moldings to further secure them.

Just a little extra security. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

7. Spray the entire wood piece with primer.

8. Sand down any rough edges, and then cover with a coat of white spray paint.

Let it dry for a few hours, too. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

9. Create a template with the words you want to use with PowerPoint or any other design program that you're comfortable with. Check out Lil Blue Boo's template and use it in case you're stuck.

10. Print out your template, and then bring it to Kinko's or another print shop that can enlarge it to your desired width (the cost will be about $4).

You can also measure out your real estate to make sure everything fits. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

11. Next, using vinyl contact paper, cut strips that will match up with the width of your wording. For example, Lil Boo Blue's contact paper was only 12" , so only 3 lines of her resolutions fit at a time.

The standard contact paper allotment. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

12. Mount the photocopy of your words to the top of the contact paper using spray adhesive. Make sure to adhere to the top of the contact paper, not the paper side as you'll be peeling this part off later.

13. Trim each line of words with scissors.

Here's a spot where you can reorder if you change your mind. Photo: Lil Blue Boo.

14. Evenly space out your words on the wood board, using light pencil marks to guide you. Now you can cut out each letter, peel off the paper back, and adhere it to the wood.

15. Smooth out each word with a brayer.

if you don't have a brayer, the edge of a hardback book would also work. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

16. Spray the tops and sides with black spray paint. (Two or three coats is optimal). Make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next one.

If black's not your thing, any contrasting color would work. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

17. Once the board is completely dry, carefully peel off each contact paper letter, and touch-up any letters with white paint that might need it.

The big reveal. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

18. Finally, attach the screw eyes about 1/3 of the way down the back of the frame, secure some wire, and your artwork is ready to hang!

The last step. Photo: Lil Blue Boo

For another simple step-by-step project for decorating your home, check out this video on a diy floral arrangement:

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

A Candy Land Hotel Suite

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-01-25T10:26:00 00:00

Filed under: Wish We Could..., Luxury Living, Design, etc, News & Trends

Willy Wonka comes to life for a night in New York's Renaissance Hotel's candy suite.

There are candy lovers. And then there are candy lovers. The latter, of the Willy Wonka-obsessed variety, are sure gonna be excited about this latest venture. Renaissance Hotels, together with New York sweets emporium Dylan's Candy Bar, has created a first -- the edible hotel room.

Sheets of candy buttons double as wallpaper. Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss

And it's not just plain old candy -- we're talking over 300 pounds worth! Dylan's, the veritable FAO Schwarz of the candy world, has decked out some suites at the Renaissance Hotel's New York 57 location with gigantic gummy bears, a chocolate fountain and a wall of candy buttons among other cult-candy favorites. There's even your own personal cotton candy machine. All you need now is something to wear for your big night: how about this dress made out of cake?

Side effects might include sugar hangovers. Photo: Sara Jaye Weiss

Whether it's childhood nostalgia (hey, does anyone remember Fun Dip?) or just a general straight-up sweet tooth, I have to say, it sounds like way more fun than an fancy Valentine's Day menu. Oh yes, did I mention these packages are exclusively for Valentine's Day? Move over, French bistro -- there's a new player in town!

What's more, this isn't mere fantasy. Well, sort of. A two-night extravaganza all can be yours for $2,500 from February 13th through 15th at Renaissance New York Hotel 57. Oompa Loompas not included.

Want More Eye-Catching Photos?
Carboard Furniture: Love it or Hate It? -- The Frisky
A Breath-Taking House in the Andes -- Design Milk
Top 10 Celeb-Owned Hotels -- Casa Sugar

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Former Travel Editor Curates L'aviva Home: The Perfect Escape

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-01-22T13:08:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Shopping, Design, etc, News & Trends

Indigo throws from Mali. Photo: L'aviva Home

The Source
L'aviva Home

The Goods
Imagine the enchanting apartment of the most well-traveled person you know. Then imagine it all for sale on a highly curated website.

That's exactly what former travel editor Laura Aviva had in mind when she created L'aviva Home -- an online bazaar where she sells the best finds from her world travels -- Turkish hammam towels, South American cowhide rugs, Moroccan poufs....you know, the works.

The Secret
In the Wild West of online shopping, L'aviva lends a boutique experience where pieces are one-of-a-kind and are categorized into sections. Object, textile, and dowry are currently on display, the latter featuring traditional wedding presents from around the world (hint, hint to my friends and family).

Things to Know
But if you fear the mad rush to get that special piece, think again. L'aviva constantly restocks collections and will even work with customers to customize pieces. And another nice thing about this company? Everything arrives in thoughtfully wrapped eco-conscious or recycled paper -- and it's great-smelling to boot (was that a lavender sprig tucked in?). As if you needed another reason to shop here.

Read more secret sources:
Secret Source: The Evolution Store
Priscilla Woolworth: Our Fave Eco-Friendly Store

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Is Kelly Wearstler the Greatest Designer of Her Time?

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-01-22T12:31:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Celebs, Books, Etc., Design, etc, News & Trends

Every once in a rare moon, a designer comes along that alters the future of decorating. Enter the trailblazing Kelly Wearstler. Her latest decorating tome, Hue, published by Ammo Books, proves that she's ushering in a new era of design.

Hue, Wearstler's new book, was published in November. Photo: Ammo Books/Kelly Wearstler

One of the best parts of the new book: Wearstler gives a tour of her own glittering Beverly Hills estate and Malibu home, as well as other residential projects, the BG cafe at Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York, and her most recent hotel design, the Tides Hotel in Miami Beach, among others.

Each chapter is divided not by project but color. Vermillion, alabaster, onyx, cerulean, citrine and carnelian are some of the evocative colors that also reference the semi-precious stones and rich, layered materials that Wearstler employs throughout the spaces. Likewise the interiors, like canvases, are exuberant, surprising and densely layered with materials.

One could say it's a departure from the Hollywood Regency craze that Wearstler is credited for starting in the earlier part of the decade.

Indeed the spaces are loaded with a crazy mix of sculptures, stone-enveloped rooms, Memphis-era and Fornasetti furniture, and strangely seductive '60s Italian pieces bought at auction, as well as Wearstler's own fabrics for Lee Jofa that all make for a truly inspired mix. Dare we call an '80s revival? Our eyes our peeled!

Read More:
-Trend Watch: Stone and Mineral Decor
-Kelly Wearstler for Pickard China

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

We Review the Blogs: The New Remodelista

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-01-21T11:48:00 00:00

Filed under: Everything Under $100, Shopping, Design, etc, News & Trends

Sadly, lots of shelter magazines have gone by the wayside this past year including my former place of employment Domino (sniff, sniff!). And there are plenty of other casualties -- Southern Accents, Cottage Living, and most recently Metropolitan Home.

But if it's any consolation, there's always something new popping up. My new recent crush is the blog Remodelista, which is so much more than just a blog. The site -- founded by four bicoastal editors -- was relaunched in the fall with loads of new editorial content, and it's bigger and better than ever.

Remodelistas Julie Carlson, Francesca Connolly, Sarah Lonsdale, and Janet Hall. Photo: David Duncan Livingston

Among the changes is the addition of tons of new editorial content, like a Design Files feature where you can create a folder of clippings of all your favorite stuff -- no more tear sheets! But my personal favorite is the Shop section where you can view hundreds of edited products in every imaginable category. The best part? The site links you directly to the retailer where you can purchase them. Total instant gratification. And though remodeling categories are the specialty (you won't lack for choices of farmhouse sinks and penny tiles), there's plenty to satisfy the non-renovator.

What's more, there's plenty on the high-end, but favorites like Target and IKEA get plenty of love, too. In fact, I've just ordered two white task lamps from Target on their recommendation for a whopping total prices of $30. Thanks, Remodelistas!

Here's a selection of some of our favorites:

A recycled sail finds a happy new home in this shower curtain. Photo: Ella Vickers

This shower curtain is classic Remodelista to me -- the eco-conscious recycled sailcloth, the unfussy all-white look and the cute nautical motif. I can see it working in either a kid's room or for a prepster adult. Plus, it's under $100.

I think hardware to this crew is probably what jewelry is to the fashion-conscious.

Check out these gorgeous antique black door knobs. They are just the thing that you didn't know you needed. At $60 a pair, they're a bit pricey, but if you only need two...or four...or, well, you get the picture. I think they'd be well worth it.

Imagine on a creamy white door -- mmm! Photo: Crown City Hardware

It seems that another Remodelista obsession is the fireplace along with all the accessories that go along with it. True to form, this log rack is utterly chic and as someone who scours the home market, I can attest I've never seen anything like it.

A cool new shape for a log rack. Photo: In and Out Lifestyles

Swedish antiques were the inspiration but the result is utterly modern. Photo: Oka

I love the marriage of rustic wood with a curvaceous silhouette in this headboard from British catalog Oka. Shipping overseas can be a drag, but this is such a unique find that it's totally worth the trouble.

.

Remodelista is truly a treasure trove of tiles. But these Moroccan-inspired cement tiles are showstoppers.

I completely fell in love with them the minute I spotted them. And they come in about nine different colors, each combo more mouthwatering than the next.

This pattern screams Talitha Getty-chic. Photo: Popham Design

A classic post box for city or country. Photo: The Beach Hut

A mailbox is one of those things you don't normally pay much attention to. Me too, until I saw this understated gray number. Everything about it is just right -- the classic sans serif font, the just-right shade of dove gray and the timeless shape. Score!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Trend Watch: Insect Invasion

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-01-19T12:05:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Shopping, Kitchen, Your Home, Design, etc, News & Trends

A five-piece place setting in gold (it's also available in black). Photo: The New English

Move over, antlers! The new animal motif stars the many-legged variety.

Yup, insects. And it's not just pristine butterflies either.

These are true entomologic specimens. But don't get scared. These bugs are sophisticated cousins of their real-life counterparts -- elongated, brightly colored and definitely glamourized.

One of my favorite new insect products are these porcelain plates by new Stoke-on-Trent-based company The New English. The "Entomo1" pattern combines insect parts like butterfly wings and stag beetles and presents them in an abstract mesmerizing pattern.

Newly launched at this fall's tabletop market, these should be in stores this coming spring. I can't wait!

A cornucopia of bugs becomes wall art in this detailed print. Photo: Laura Zindel

Another insect maven is Laura Zindel, a Vermont-based ceramist and Rhode Island School of Design graduate.

I first took notice of her serving pieces at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the culinary mecca in Westchester, New York. For a white-tablecloth restaurant, the beetle and scarab ceramics were pretty edgy.

After researching her line, I noticed it everywhere -- Barneys, ABC Carpet & Home...you get the picture. These black-and-white vases are such an interesting shape -- I love the fresh take on Victoriana.

From left to right: a walking stick, butterfly, cicada, tarantula, and hercules beetle on ceramic bottles. Photo: Laura Zindel

Also new are Zindel's black-and-white prints.

They look like they came out of a Cabinet of Curiosities book.

I could imagine framing a couple of these in black frames and hanging them together for added impact.

Decoupage king John Derian also has a thing for critters.

And the vibrant colors of these beetles (shown below) lend them a delicate look.

They prove that insects can be girly and fashion-forward.

The color scheme of these insects would pop in a neutral setting. Photo: John Derian

The designer started out manufacturing ties; you can definitely see the menswear influence in his bee cushion. Photo: Thomas Paul

Curling up on the sofa with a bee? PIllow designer Thomas Paul proves it's appealing with his chic brown-on-white linen cushions.

Read more about trends:
-Trend Watch: Stone and Mineral Decor
-Trend Watch: Darts and Arrows

Another Trend That Won't Stop?
Fashion designers design for the home: more here!

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Traditional Toile Is So Last Year

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2010-01-04T10:10:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Color, Shopping, Design, etc

Welcome to Miami with this pink Studio Printworks pattern (left). The Sheila Bridges pattern in pistachio (right) also comes in five other colors. Photo: Studio Printworks, Sheila Bridges

Traditional toile? It's a thing of the past. The fabric, which typically depicts sketched scenes of pastoral life, is getting a new life. Take a look at some of these cool new city-specific toiles in which many bustling 21st-century metropolises are represented.

And one of the coolest things about them? The look like their old-fashioned cousins, until you get up close.

Check out Sheila Bridges's Harlem toile wallpaper, for example. The interior designer (Bill Clinton is a client) recolored and revamped the traditional pattern and gave it an urban setting. Love the boombox in the background!

Another take on toile is Jessica Smith's South Beach wallpaper from Studio Printworks. The pink-and-green color is iconic Miami, and what better way to celebrate the beachfront city's Deco hotels and palm trees?

New Orleans is done justice in gorgeous sketches on linen backgrounds. Photo: Hazelnut New Orleans

Perfect for an Anglophile. Photo: Timorous Beasties

Another tourist hot spot is depicted in Hazelnut's New Orleans fabric. Some of the city's most beautiful landmarks are shown on a creamy linen backgrounds, and are based on sketches done by owner Bryan Batt (Fun trivia -- he's also the actor who plays Salvatore on AMC's Mad Men).

And across the pond, Scotland's Timorous Beasties immortalizes London in a wall covering of the same name. The company used traditional methods to make their toile, only substituting contemporary scenes of life. What's more, the company also designs other off-the-beaten-track toiles, including a war-scene toile and one entitiled Découpier that features cut-out sketches of city-life.

Now, if only someone would dream up a Brooklyn toile?

Read More:
Highlight Your Toile
Not Your Mother's Wallpaper

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Urban Outfitters' PartyParty New Year's Resolution: Get Cheaper

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2009-12-29T14:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Everything Under $100, Party Ideas & Table Settings, Shopping, Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining

The PartyParty line! Photo: Urban Outfitters

Ever since I first spotted Confetti System's sophisticated party decorations, nothing else compares. What else could you want for the perfect New Year's celebration?

They're chic and offer up just the right amount of sparkle to set the mood. (I loved them so much that I even featured them in Domino's December/January 2008 issue a year ago.)

The one downside? The Mylar and metallic leather-bedecked pieces, though utterly beautiful, are kinda pricey. (I can hear my mother's voice floating in my head: ''Over $100 for a piñata? I can make that for less than half!"). But Freudian musings aside, in this current economy, I can't really justify the price tag.

Luckily, Confetti System has teamed up with Urban Outfitters this winter for their PartyParty collaboration. In other words, they're offering the same great stuff but at a fraction of the price. They've even added some new pieces into the mix.

The signature piñatas are there -- starting at $28 for a small size, as are party hats ($10), crowns ($10), and wreath ornaments ($12), all in luscious pastel-and-metallic combos.

And the not-to-be-missed New Year's staple is represented, too. PartyParty confetti is sold by the box and is crammed full of the flecked stuff. For $10 a box, I can't think of a better way to bring in 2010.

The gold party hat is sure to be a hit. Photo: Urban Outfitters

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Dos and Don'ts for Decorating with Plaid

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2009-12-24T11:58:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Party Ideas & Table Settings, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Holidays

Plaid goes girly. Photo: Studio Printworks

Come holiday, I get the urge to put a little plaid in my home. I might be just a little influenced by all the Steven Alan shirts I see in my Brooklyn neighborhood (a nearby store is a likely culprit). But here's the thing --just a little bit of plaid goes a loooong way.

Exhibit A: Once, upon falling in love with a brand-new plaid fabric in delightfully bright colors at a showroom, I resolved to reupholster my entire sofa in it. But, my mom and sister stood in the way and talked me out of it. And in retrospect, I'm glad I listened -- I definitely don't want my apartment to look like something out of Balmoral.

And here's the thing about plaid: It's not that the pattern itself is tricky -- it's not loud or trendy. On the contrary, it's one of the most classic patterns around. But like anything, the key is keeping it balanced. Here are some tips on how to keep it fresh.

Do: Keep the color light, especially in a bigger space. This Studio Printworks wallpaper in McMint is a great way to lighten up -- the lavender tones make it practically feminine.

Don't: Dark colors can make a space feel drab really fast. Remember Charlotte and Trey MacDougal's dark duck-decoyed living room on Sex and the City? Don't repeat the offense.

Do: Work the pattern into your home with accessories. Williams-Sonoma Home's tartan desk accessories are just the right amount of holiday plaid, rather than, say, an entire office cloaked in it.

Don't: Make a matching set of it. Too many school uniform jokes are likely to follow.

A hint of holiday tartan. Photo: Williams-Sonoma Home

Do: Keep it loose. When using fabric, try not to make it starchily perfect. A little bit of rumple adds a certain coolness to a normally staid pattern. Fog Linen's table linens are the perfect mix of rugged and classic.

Don't: Go for cookie-cutter upholstered pieces. See school uniform jokes above.

Country meets city in these super chic table linens. Photo: Fog Linen

Do: Try a little pattern-on-pattern combo. Breaking the mold might surprise you.

Pair a large-scale pattern with a smaller one in slightly off-beat colors. The goal is to create something unexpected, but still chic.

Appetizer plates! A perfect non-permanent way to try out new combos. Photo: Pendleton

Don't: Overkill the combination. Use your best judgment. If in doubt, invite a friend over for a second opinion.

Happy holiday decorating!

For more:
-Fashionista Vivienne Westwood Has Her Own Wallpaper Line (Punk Rock Lives!)
-Cabin Chic at Cabela's

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Should Designer Knockoffs Be Illegal? It's Complicated

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2009-12-21T11:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Shopping, Design, etc, News & Trends

A group of authentic Tulip tables by Eero Saarinen that still sold by original manufacturer Knoll; an unlicensed replica on the right. Photos (left to right): Knoll, White on White

I remember the day clearly: I'd just moved to New York and I was on the hunt for a bargain knockoff in Chinatown. Somehow, I'd gotten ushered into a secret back room. And that's when I saw it -- the bag of all bags, the Hermès Birkin.

It was real enough to fool me, so good enough for the world, I thought. But as I reached out to grab it, I heard the price: "$500." It stopped me like an alarm. I think my mouth must have hung open for a few seconds -- $500 for a bag isn't unheard of, but for a knockoff!? I stormed off.

Knockoff pieces are seductive, but they also tap into a twisted logic. A true Hermès bag starts at about $5,000. Even though the "artisans" in Chinatown had worked hard to perfect the knockoff, I didn't deem it worth more than the cost of a purse sold at Target. It got me thinking about designer knockoffs in general: At the end of the day, isn't a copy still just a copy? And if you're not acquiring an authentic piece, aren't you flushing money down the drain? In other words, how important is authenticity?

Transfer the question to furniture and the landscape becomes infinitely more complicated. Michael Manes, founder of M2L furniture showroom and industry watchdog website Genuine Design, has been involved in gathering support for authenticity in home design for more than 20 years. "Furniture is a funny industry because intellectual property isn't protected like it is in other industries," he says. "It's always a battle."

Indeed, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issues utility patents, design patents and trademarks, each with its own set of rules and expiration dates. For example, a design patent (the sort normally used for furniture that doesn't involve a technological invention), protects a designer or manufacturer from being copied. But there's a loophole: It expires in 14 years. Once it expires, the design becomes part of the public domain, opening the door to other companies making copies.

Even more confusing is the difficult-to-decipher terminology that many companies, both authentic and not, employ. There are licensed reproductions and reissues; some are authorized while others aren't. In some cases, the licensed, legit manufacturer may own the trademark to the name. It explains why you might see a copycat chair called the "Mies" chair, rather than the chair's original name -- the "Barcelona" chair, which refers to Mies van der Rohe's 1929 design (and to which furniture company Knoll owns the rights). The designs may be so close that an uneducated consumer may think they're buying an original but end up with a piece that's "in the style of."

A side-by-side look: Herman Miller's Eames bookcases on the left and Modern Wood Works' Model 400 unit on the right: Photos, left to right: Herman Miller, Modern Wood Works

Herman Miller, the company that produces mid-century classics like the Eames chaise and Noguchi coffee table, among other designs, has long been involved in continuous battles with companies that manufacture knockoffs. Even after attaining a trademark for some of their designs (virtually the highest form of protection), the company "still must vigorously defend it," says Mark Schurman, a spokesperson for the company. "It [the trademark] doesn't serve as a magic screen. And it is only enforceable in the U.S., though it does allow us to combat imports of any knockoffs."

What's the fuss, you ask. If you can't afford the iconic piece, why not spend much less on a knockoff?

To Schurman, the issue is more nuanced. "A great, great majority of times, the trade-off in terms of material and quality is evident if you look at the two pieces side-by-side," he says. "Second, the buyer should ask what the warranty is. What is the willingness of the seller to stand behind the piece? The third piece is the moral argument. Should the designer and original manufacturer be compensated for the original design? In our [Herman Miller's] case, we continue to pay royalties to the foundations of the name. In addition to the moral argument, as a consumer, if you're interested in continuing to see new design, Herman Miller takes our sales dollars and continues to invest them in new design."

Still, to someone wanting to own a Herman Miller chair, without the jaw-dropping price tag, some say go for it. Nick Olsen, an assistant to the decorator Miles Redd, champions chic and affordable design in his blog. "I have some clients that revere antiques and some clients that revere modern," he says. "If you want to be a purist, only get the best of the best. But if I just want the style anI want it instantly... If you've got an apartment to fill or clients to please and you want the look, just go for it."

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Celebrity Party Planner Colin Cowie's Top Entertaining Tips

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2009-11-24T11:04:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebs, Party Ideas & Table Settings, Luxury Living, Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining

Cowie at the ready with some apps! Photo: Colin Miller

There are party planners and then the are party planners. Colin Cowie, the slick British party guru, definitely falls into the latter group. (You might even recognize him from one of his many appearances on the Today Show or the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Not to mention -- the countless weddings, events, and major parties that Cowie has planned for almost any celebrity you can imagine.

So last night, when Cowie opened the doors of his tricked-out penthouse apartment in New York to a group of editors and bloggers, I was amazed to find that his natural grace as an entertainer isn't just for the A-list crowd. He was kind, gracious and the consummate host -- popping samosas into one of his amazing Electrolux ovens while taking everyone on tours of the glass-enclosed and Macassar ebony-accented space. To borrow from Cowie's vernacular, it was quite a JDM (as in jaw-dropping moment).

But that's not all, Cowie was also kind enough to share some of his priceless tips -- here are few:

1. Organization is Key!
Cowie has enviable custom cabinetry in his kitchen and a (color-coded!) closet that helps him stay super-duper organized. But even if some of us can't have that luxury, organizing is really a state of mind. Lists, lists, lists are essential -- especially before a party. Cowie also recommends labeling platters and glasses with sticky notes before a party.

2. Mixing and Matching
As in do it! Cowie calls himself the Imelda Marcos of glassware, and what's more, he really uses all his prized pieces. And you can, too. And what's more, if you don't have a complete set of china of crystal, mix your everyday stuff in with it. The variety, he promises, will create a fun look and atmosphere.

3. Make a Specialty Cocktail or Dish
I have to say -- I never really understood this tip, but after experiencing some of Cowie's scrumptious sausage rolls (more on that later), I'll always think of them now in connection to him! And another of his tips? Having a few pitchers of a "signature" drink at the ready, made beforehand and stored away will prove to be a real time saver.

And lastly, I have to pass on the recipe for the aforementioned sausage rolls! Thanks Mr. Cowie!

Read More:
The Ultimate July 4th Party Planning Guide
Throw a Great Game-Time Party

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Secret Source: Affordable Art at Artaissance

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2009-11-17T10:29:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Shopping, Design, etc, News & Trends

A black-and-white print from the New York Botanical Garden. Photo: Artaissance

The Source
Artaissance, an original artwork site that's sister to high-end framing company Larson-Juhl.

The Goods
Drawings, etchings and historical prints by contemporary artists or culled from historical archives by Artaissance's experts.

The Secret
These aren't just regular prints -- they're giclees, made using a high-tech digital imaging process that duplicates the artwork and prints onto canvas or paper. Plus, they can be custom-sized by order, so a drawing can be blown-up to gigantic proportions or made into a postcard size piece.

Things To Know
The hundreds of artworks available on the site are all done by artists exclusively for Artaissance, so you're basically getting an original piece without the hefty price tag. Also worth noting is that the pieces come unframed, but can be sent directly to a local framer.

Read More:
-5 Sites for Affordable Art
-How To: Create an Art Gallery in Your Home

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Trend Watch: Stone and Mineral Decor

Eugenia Santiesteban — 2009-11-11T12:29:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Color, Luxury Living, Your Home, Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends

Malachite furniture and accents in a Kelly Wearstler-designed room. Photo: Kelly Wearstler

Sometimes you need to just look to the natural world to find beautiful things. And judging by the recent emphasis on stone and mineral decor, it looks like plenty of decor-o-philes have been skulking around the world of Mother Nature.

The results? Well, let's just say you can barely believe that some of these furniture and objects are completely, 100 percent made by nature. Take the brilliant green of malachite, for example. This naturally occurring mineral is a lustrous shade that lends itself perfectly to a mirror frame, say, or perhaps as a wallpaper pattern.

Or the vivid blue in lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone that makes for jewel-like accessories for the home, whether in a bowl for the tabletop or a gorgeous decorative box.

But maybe it's best if you take a look for yourself. Here are some of our favorite mineral and stone pieces:

This jewel-like piece will make for the centerpiece of any room. Photo: Made Goods

A malachite-frame mirror by trendsetting company Made Goods, is so simple in silhouette, but utterly mouthwatering. I'd love to see this on a grasscloth-wallpapered wall for some contrast.

The Byzantine clocks by William Yeoward double as a piece of jewelry. Photo: William Yeoward Crystal

If a mirror seems like too much, why not opt for a stone-accented accessory like these Byzantine clocks by William Yeoward. They pack a small punch and come in a choice of five stones.

Lapis lazuli, a stone often used for jewelry, works equally well at home. Photo: Ruzzetti & Gow

My bookcase is in dire need of something brilliant, and I think one of these lapis lazuli boxes from Ruzzetti & Gow might do the trick. Cheap, they're not, but for an extra-special, unique accessory? I think I'll take the plunge.

Oly's onyx bowls are a neutral-lover's dream. Photo: Oly Studio

If these colors prove too blinding, there's plenty for the neutral-ist, too. A set of bowls and vases in the creamy tones of onyx is perfect for a tonal decor.

This wallpaper surely costs less than a room carved out of malachite. Photo: Cole & Son

Not into the real thing? Just fake it! Cole & Son's wallpaper borrows the pattern from nature and turns it into a luxe wall covering.

Read More:
-Birthstone Style: Peridot Decor
-Birthstone Style: Sapphires

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments