Branching out

Alicia B. Designs. I got these gorgeous pussy willow branches at Grace's Market on the Upper East Side.

Spring is the time full of budding branches and flowering trees everywhere. I'm always a fan of bringing nature inside, even though i cant seem to keep any of my plants alive, so adding these large branches is perfect (for me too).

These cherry blossoms are beyond gorgeous and add a sweet pop of pink. Via this fab blog.

This serene sitting room by Suzanne Kasler has a nice flower branch in a vase on top of the mantle. You might say that the painting over the mantle gives you height but it really just provides a nice backdrop for the branches in the vase.

I fell in love with this Parisian apartment by Olivier Gagnere from the latest Elle Decor. Clearly he's not afraid on mixing many different textiles and patterns. I love that high backed chair upholstered in leopard. Check out the green leaves/branches in the vase in front of the mirror.

This is a lovely branch situation that not only adds height, but width and volume. It looks so fresh and peaceful in the light on the console. Eastridge Design.

Not only can you use the branches as a display for a foyer console, but also for a center piece on a table. This is is Jason Wu Studio, designed by Carrier and Co.

These pretty green leaves are sort of like the autumnal version of the cherry blossoms in the vase. By Barbara Westbook in House Beautiful. You can switch up the plant depending on the season.

What a nice simple foyer scene from the latest Veranda. The leafiness of the branch adds much needed life to an otherwise rustic looking interior.

Depending on the plant, or the color of the leaves you can really transform a room or an entryway. Adding plants is NEVER a bad idea and when they die (in my apartment) you can go get more--and different ones!! They add life, height, color and variety so you pretty much can't go wrong.



Alicia B.

Friday Faves

Okay, so some of you can guess, I'm pretty jazzed about Spring. I'm done with winter and I'm ready to shed a layer and get into spring. Spring means more flowers, more green (nature), and no more Uggs! I'm ready for some flip flops, aren't you? Am I rushing it? Oh well, here are some lovely springy moments to help your Friday go a little faster.

Martha is always ON when it comes to...everything. This little Easter party display is SUPER Spring-inspired. I love the color combo of yellow, green, and that orangey-pink in the wall paper.

I can't take my eyes of this scene. This was designed by Carrier and Co. I love the wall of windows, the light, the chairs at this table, and the gorgeous bouquet atop the dining table.

I know, I know, no more shopping for me. A friend of mine (former roomie) told me that I MUST go to Ann Taylor because they're having a great sale so I went to the website to check it out and everything looks gorgeous! I love this dress with the grey peep-toe pumps. This would look great with a little green cardigan.

I know it's going to rain in the New York area but that's not going to dampen my enthusiasm! Rain won't be bringing me down! I am really looking forward to this weekend because of the possibility of seeing another former roommate--from college! Is it feeling like Spring where you guys are? Have an amazing weekend!


Alicia B.

White Drapery Surprise.

As I mentioned, over the weekend I am helping out a friend with her new house. It's so much fun for me and great to have someone who is receptive to my ideas even if we don't have the same style! Isn't that what a designer is for? Anyway, in her living room which is her top priority at the moment, she has simple ivory colored drapery. My first instinct is, COLOR! But then I stood back and thought that even though they were white, they still carried themselves without any color. Here are some other lovely rooms with ivory/white drapery and don't fade away.

This room is mainly made up of whites and neutrals in a very traditional style. By William Hodgins. Interesting how he works with the shape of the room and places the bedside table forward from the window.

Not a ton of color here but the white drapery is what draws your attention to the height of the ceiling. By Westbook and Winkler.

James Michael Howard, always decorating with soft neutrals tucks this gorgeous drapery behind the stunning architectural detailing.

The ceilings in the Kip's Bay Showhouse this year were so high that Bunny Williams had to sew two sheets (she used linen sheets I believe instead of drapery fabric) together to achieve that height.

Windsor Smith had the honor of participating in this Veranda Showhouse Greyhouse Estate. I'm just in love with those windows that are nicely framed out by strong white silk drapery .

Another lovely room, this one designed by the editors at Veranda.

Funny how even though there is a white carpet, these white drapes really stand out against the cocoa painted walls. By Carrier and Co.

I, of all people shouldn't be too astounded at how many people use simple white or ivory colored drapery. I have soft white drapery panels in both my bedroom and my living room with white scalloped edge roller shades underneath that. Would have included a picture for you but sometimes stealing internet has its drawbacks. I think it's subtle and elegant and lets the rest of the room speak for itself without being a cop out. White is certainly not a cop out.


Alicia B.