Design Books are EVERYTHING

Okay perhaps that's a little dramatic for a title, but they are tres important and influential. I was taking a little inventory of all my design books (which are many and still growing), and couldn't help but flip through/get lost in Ellie Cullman's Decorating Master Class. Her interiors are traditional, full of extraordinary antiques and architectural details. They are elegant but look livable.

The soft blues and whites in this room make me think of summer. Is this bed not incredibly beautiful? I love contrast of the deep mahoganies with the soft bedspread, pale blue walls, and wispy white drapery.

How many times have I said how much I despise fabric over tables? How cool are these with knots tied at the corners?? So nautical! Also, how much would you love to walk through this hall with soaring ceilings framed by thick mouldings like these?

WOAH I love all the salmon and creme fabrics here! First of all those throw pillows are so pretty. Just simply lovely. But second of all, how fun is that checkered armchair off to the left? I KNOW, right?? I'm not even mentioning the bookcase behind and whatever over sized iron work is hanging on the wall off to the right.

Speaking of amazing fabrics, these draperies are so sweet! They really fit with the Early American vibe in this house. And who hangs an over sized pocket watch from a beam? How original.

When I'm left to my own devices after work, most of the time all I want to do is look through back issues of HB and Domino and all my great books. This time I really indulged myself (ie, I skipped doing homework in favor of Ellie Cullman). What really started this was I entered the Style Beat Contest in which Marisa is offering 5 (yeah, FIVE), different AWESOME design books if she picks you as the winner of her contest. Anyway, I entered and you should too. Enter HERE and have fun coming up with how your books inspire you!!

Happy Wednesday!


Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

This has been a super stressful week, to say the least, as I had my midterm presentation on Wednesday for my class. The night before I was at a Fed Ex/ Kinkos until 3AM trying to print out my presentation from my Mac and needless to say, the employees there didn't seem to care about my troubles. The presentation went well, I think, considering how tough the prof is! Now I can sit back and enjoy some good old fashioned interior design. Shall we?

Cullman & Kravis is one of my favorite design firms so I was thrilled when I heard that Ellie Cullman and Tracey Pruzan were picked for "Saturday Shopping" on 1st Dibs this week! She has impeccable taste--isn't this hall gorgeous? That archway is so inviting and from what I can see of that round fixture, I love it!

I may or may not have gone to another Margaret Russell event, but this time, she signed my new book, Style and Substance! The book (I've paged through it 4 times so far) is gorgeous and, like she said, full of timeless interiors.

This is a really cool old barn converted to a home in the Finger Lakes region of NY! Yay Finger Lakes! I wish I still knew how to play the piano because this one is beautiful. From Martha Stewart.

I have the rest of the week off from school so I can finally relax and have a fun Halloween! The beau and I are going to be Bella and Edward from Twilight! Do you guys have any fun plans? Dressing up? Tell me everything.


Alicia B.

*some clever pun about being in the closet*

Aaah, the closet. My feeling with closets is that they can either be something you don't want to open as it is a spectacular mess OR it can be something glorious and beautiful every time you open it. I did some research, as usual, and while I reorganized my closets a few months ago, it left me wanting to clean again! YAY!

Of course it starts with Martha Stewart. Color coded and organized to perfection. MMM.

This is Ms. Mariah Carey's closet--just for her shoes! I love how bright it is though and the picture lights on the top of the cases make them look more valuable like a display.

Eva Longoria's closet. I like the folding screen--can be used for hanging clothing and privacy.

Designed by Marshall Watson, this walk in closet is long but he makes good use of the space with a comfy bench with pillows and stars at the end to lead your eye forward.

If you recognize this closet I'll give you a prize. (prize=the knowledge that you won.)

In the latest Domino, Jenna Lyons's dressing room is shown. I love that there is a fireplace and little settee in it. How glam.

James Radin designed this gorgeous and relaxing dressing room slash bath.

From Domino, if you don't have much room, you can hang full length curtains to hide closet spaces like this here. Hanging it full length makes it appear taller.

From Domino. This is a clever bookcase/closet/media area in one is hidden by slatted doors. I'm slightly nervous though about that one shelf which is bending under the weight of the books. I appreciate that they're trying to hide the TV and electronics. Classy touch.

This adorable dressing room designed by Ellie Cullman has a window seat! LOVE IT.

This preppy dressing room from Domino really goes all out. Zebra rug, vanity, two cute lamps, fun wallpaper, and colorful storage! COLORFUL STORAGE!

If you're lucky you can have a whole dressing room with a vanity, an island in the middle, mirrors, artwork, etc.

I would really love to have a nice big dressing room. It's like a fun little room devoted to just clothing and doesn't necessarily have to be a public space! You can really do some fun funky and personal designs in it.


Alicia B.