My Style Resolutions for 2008

I have been quoted in January's issue of Canadian House and Home on my Style Resolutions for 2008
Click on image for a larger view

Postscript Jan 8 2008

Thanks for all your supportive comments!! I plan to do more posts this year on how I use green and environmentally friendly products in my Interior Design for clients. It is such a timely concern and if we can each start in a small way in our own environments it can go a long way to doing something positive for our world that we all live in.

Lucite Lamp - My Kitchen

This Lucite lamp is one of those "Perfect" Christmas Gifts. It was given to me by my girlfriend Linda. She always knows exactly what I want, sometimes better than I know. I have to clarify that we have know each other for many years and met at Design School. Yes she is an Interior Designer also. Who else would give me something so perfect for my new kitchen. She has been my guiding light on the renovation of my home. When I was unsure if I was making the right decisions, I always consulted with her for her expert opinion. When I was on the search for the perfect hardware for my kitchen cabinets, I stumbled upon Lucite handles. Although I loved them I needed her opinion. Luckily she loved them and they are now a fait accompli (see the bottom 2 pictures). This is the lamp she bought me to sit on my antique 19th Century mahogany breakfast table to go with the Lucite theme. I don't know who was more excited as I unwrapped my Christmas gift - her or me!! Thanks Linda

Lucite lamp on top of my 19th Century English mahogany breakfast table with brass inlay.

My table is surrounded by my favourite chairs. The Louis XV Bergere Chair I have had for 25 years. It has a down seat cushion with a 1/4" flange edge, and is covered (in it's 3rd reincarnation) in a Scalmandre' damask fabric. The shield back chair is Georgian.

These are the Lucite handles gracing my pantry cabinets. My floors are 24" porcelain tile. I love it because it looks and feels like limestone without the hassles of limestone. Nicole, my little Yorkshire Terrier, and my grandsons like it because it is heated.

Postscript Jan 8 2008
Thanks for all your comments. I will post more pictures of my Kitchen as when it is finished.

Lucite Patio Bench

This is a fabulous new design for a lucite patio bench by the talented Jordan Capella in LA. What makes this bench perfect for outdoors is the lucite base and the fabric it is upholstered in, which is a solution dyed acrylic. Many companies are now carrying this type of fabric. I love the modern and fun way in which Jordan has used lucite to create his latest design. Good work Jordan!!

For a previous post where I have featured Jordan's work click here.

Check out the following web-sites for some companies that carry solution dyed acrylic fabrics for outdoor living. Tip: I sometimes use this type of fabric for indoor upholstery as it is very durable and cleanable.

Good for use in high traffic areas with kids and pets.

Kravet Soleil

Perennials Fabrics

Scalamandre Island Cloth Collection

Lulu DK Fabrics

Seacloth

Sunbrella

Weatherwize

Alaxi Fabrics

Nomi Fabrics

Merry Christmas to One and All

This is a picture of Inigo, my client Elizabeth's beautiful son.

2008 Your Best Year Yet - Write it Down Make it Happen

For those of you wanting to get a head start on making 2008 Your Best Year Yet. I highly recommend this book - Write It Down, Make It Happen . I am deliciously writing in my new Moleskin notebook with my yellow Lamy fountain pen all the wonderful things I want to happen in my world in the New Year. Make 2008 your "Best Year Yet" by getting clear about what you want to happen.

Update Dec 27 2007
A reader has just informed me that there is a Blog devoted to the "Moleskin.
If you are so inclined you can check it out here.

Merry Christmas!

From Mi Escondite En Iceland.

I am going to take a few days off from the blog world, but I shall return as soon as possible. I had intentions of posting much more before Christmas, but I have too many things to get done.
Anyway, I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all my new blog friends, including all of you who played "tag" with me. I will be praying that you and your loved ones, have a wonderful holiday, and that you may be very blessed.

XOXO
Carolina

Christmas Elves

Here is a Little Christmas Cheer.I am completely enamored with these little guys. Check them out at Liquid Paper.

I've Been Tagged!

I was tagged by Aphrochic. Thank You! Here are the rules.

Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share seven random and or weird things about yourself. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven Random or Weird Things about Me.

1. I always listen to flamenco music while I work on my blog. Ole, Ole.

2.I am a wanna be photographer and I often take pictures of things people leave out on the curb.
3. When choosing my favorite restaurants, I often choose by decor first and food second.
4. As I drive around town I like to sing along with my favorite songs, and imagine myself singing them while competing on American Idol. I could totally win!
5. After my son was born, I realized that I didn't really remember the words to any lullabies, so I used to sing him Roy Orbison and Beatles songs, because I did know those words . This is a lesson for soon-to-be parents. Please take some time to learn a few lullabies.

6. When I am working on a design scheme, I design around texture. After deciding what combination of textures I want to see, I make the colors and furnishings work around it. I am a texture junkie.
7. My fashion sense is influenced by a combination of James Cagney's gangster films, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn, and Johnny Depp. I am still not sure if this is really a good combination, it may just equal a big mess.

I am tagging In(side) the Loop, Cote de Texas, Nune pepe, Freshly Found, Pink Wallpaper, M.A. Belle, and Another Shade of Grey.

Red Inspiration for Christmas 2007

Christmas is by far my favourite time of year. It is the time of year that I am stimulated both emotionally and visually. I love the decorations, the lights, the spirit of giving and receiving, and most of all this time of year makes me attracted to the color red more than any other time of the year. So in the spirit of the season and the mood I am in, following are some of my favourite red rooms and objects of decor. I wish to you all a season filled with the spirit of love, happiness and time spent with family and friends.

What a great use of a modern stripe on a traditional chair and the other touches of red in the room echoed in the roman shade and flowers.

Brian McCarthy Elle Decor Dec 2007

What about just one touch of red in your room in a wonderful and ornate mirror frame?

World of Interiors March 2007 James Mortimer

My favourite Interior Designer, Albert Hadley in front of his famous red bulletin board

A door covered in red felt that I adore by the fabulous Suzanne Rheinstein

A masterful use of red in this room. The touches of black in the bureau, art frames and accessories ground the space and act like punctuation marks.

Ward Denton and Christopher Gardner Elle Decor 2002 via Peak of Chic

The name John Stefanidis says it all. A brilliant combining of checks and geometrics in this monochromatic color scheme. And the dimensions of the room are so grand...to have the space to float a table in the center of the room. A perfect place to pile stacks of books.

John Stefanidis
A classic Chinese Bamboo chair painted bright shiny red is complimented perfectly with the matching red trim on the draperies.
Richard Mishaan Elle Decor June 2007


Check out the red piping on this sofa and the detail on the skirt, and of course you all know my fixation with zebra carpets.
Martyn Lawrence-Bullard via Cote de Texas

I love this beautiful ornate armoire juxtaposed with the clean lines of the contemporary chair. And of course the well photographed coffee table book - Cabinet of Natural Curiosities. 2007 might well be dubbed as the year of Red Coral and this book may go down in the Guinness World Book of Records as the most photographed book.
Picture source unknown


Everything is perfection in this room. My favourite chairs by Phillip Stark-The Ghost Chair
Elle Decor Nov 2006

Another classic chair by Harry Bertoia shown with a red leather cushion. A 1950's Chair designed for the Knoll Group

When I saw these dishes while driving by, in a window display at the Hermes store, I was so taken with them that I circled the block to find a parking spot and went into the store to check them out. What is there not to like about anything that Hermes does?

How cool would this be hanging in an entry foyer?

Neptune lantern by Vaughan Designs.com

A lacquered & stainless table by Vincente Wolfe for Ralph Pucci.net

Red lacquered candle sticks from Gumps.com


And last but not least my favourite sofa of the year designed by the late John Hutton and appropriately named the "Touche Sofa". Available through David Sutherland Showrooms

A Merry Merry Christmas to one and to all !

Click here to see other posts on Color

Add Some Glitz and Sparkle to Your Home.

Most of us have heard of the idea that every great room needs "jewelry" just as every great outfit does. I couldn't agree more. I love adding sparkle in varying amounts wherever I can. The room above is from Ochre. Their beautiful custom chandelier compliments the muted colors and matte finishes.

Above:1.Coco Mirror from Ochre 2.Barstool and Lamp from Mondo Cane
Above and below are a few examples of a modern take on sparkle for a room.
Below: Design by M Design Group

If your style is more classic, check out the fabulous room from Albert Pinto. An amazingly talented designer, Pinto balances many types of finishes that result in a luxurious yet inviting room. Below are pieces I love that would give some glamor to almost any room.
1.Lamp from Paris Hotel Boutique 2.Chair from Oly Studios 3.Painted sideboard from Jimmie Martin

Looking for some inspiration?

One of my favorite things about the being part of the blog world, is finding people who have some of the same quirky interests, I do. One of my most passionate interests has always been collages, and any type of mixed media displays. When I was a teenager, I had an entire wall covered with cork so I could fill it with it with inspirational images. Somehow, as an adult I felt like I should let go of that, even though, I still loved the idea of collecting. When I got married, I took to pinning up images inside my closet door, so as not to be snickered at by my husband. Well, now I can take my inspirational images out of the closet (literally) and display then proudly along with many others who are part of a Flikr group called "Inspiration Boards". Here is a collection of some my favorite images.

I love this 3D collection. Especially since it is about Georgia O'Keeffe, one of my favorite artists. I grew up in the Southwest, so her work makes me think of home.

Check out the companion blog, also called Inspiration Boards, where you can read interviews with many of the contributers. Be prepared to lose a lot of time scrolling through these photos.

This is a Must See!-Dwell Design Leader Videos

Dwell magazine has an amazing video series, highlighting some the most innovative people in design today. My favorite video highlights Michelle Kaufman. She designs and builds environmentally friendly, pre-fab homes. If you are dreaming of owning a modern home, you will be inspired her infectious passion. Click here to see the remaining videos.
(Via Imedagoze and Another Shade of Grey)

Handmade Christmas Gifts

Here is a great idea for all the handmade items, lovers. I like the idea that they are handmade gifts, made for your hands...except for the scarf of course. Check them out at Etsy store, Gaye Abandon.

A Merry Red Christmas Eve

I am planning my virtual outfit to wear on Christmas Eve. This year has been very special and there is alot to celebrate and to be thank-ful for. Red seems appropriate and just feels right for this time of year. In a perfect world this is what I would love to have in my closet and jewellery chest. What do you think?

Lida Baday silk skirt & Donna Karen turtle neck
Cartier "Le Basier du Dragon" 18K white gold & ruby earrings based on Art Deco style. The lucky thread is tied, as when making a wish.

Manolo Blahnik shiny red sequin heels trimmed with satin piping.

Cartier Ruby & Diamond Ring

Cartier Classic Diamond Watch with red crocodile strap

And to finish off the outfit Cartier Delices Perfume

Sweet dreams of a Merry Red Christmas

For another post on colorful Red for the Holiday Season visit Me, Myself & I

Christmas List

Here is my Christmas wish list. This a collection of items I found in my internet searches. As is customary for me, they range from high to low prices. Obviously, some of these items are a bit far-fetched for Christmas gifts, but hey, it can't hurt to ask right?Starting at the top left and working clockwise/ 1. Apothecary decanters-Three Potato Four. 2.Cable knit dress-Ruth Cross 3. Chair-And Beige4. Orange Ottoman-Oly Studio

1.Pendant light-And Beige 2.Vintage Chairs-Obsolete 3.Stone Mugs-Tortoise 4.Restored Phone-Three Potato Four.Below 1."Paint and Paper in Decoration"-David Oliver 2.Dress-Anthropologie 3.Red Bag-Kate Spade 4."The Beats"-Mike Evans 5."Pourer"-Rae Dunn