Spring Flowers

Everywhere I look, there are beautiful spring flowers growing. This lovely photo from Love Forever, reminds me of them.

My Dream Home, This Week: Kelly Hoppen

Let's do something a little different this week. I am including a few still shots of this week's dream home, but I am also including a link to a video of it. This week's home is that of another of my design heroes, Kelly Hoppen. I like to think of myself as an eclectic person and designer but, I bow down to Kelly's abilities to create eclectic interiors. Kelly's home is well chronicled in her current book called funny enough, "Kelly Hoppen Home: From Concept to Reality".
If you haven't seen this book, I recommend running out and getting it as soon as possible! Its fascinating and beautiful. I also love, that she goes into great detail about her approach to design.

I find I am drawn to anything with a very graphic quality. That quality is something this house has by the ton. The dark floors against the crisp white walls make a great backdrop for the hints of color used in the furnishings. Check out the bright yellow wingback in the first picture! I am excited that Marie Claire Maison has a short video of Kelly's home and an interview with her. I couldn't see a way of uploading the video directly to my blog, so there is a link to it below. Enjoy! (If you're wondering the interview is in English, but you can practice your French by reading the subtitles).

Kelly Hoppen in her home.

Flickr Home-Mary Kate McDevitt

Hi everyone, I'm finally back! I had a pretty crazy weekend, including my trip to Round Top. I haven't downloaded all my pictures yet, so I will post them later in the week. In the meantime, I've been anxiously waiting to post the fun and funky home of Mary Kate McDevitt. I found this little gem, again while searching through Flickr. Mary Kate is an illustrator and graphic designer from Philadelphia. She lives in a fabulous loft, found inside an old sewing factory. The loft is filled with found objects, vintage furnishings, and accessories that she inherited. Mary Kate collects vintage shoe forms and displays them around the loft. I love the shoe form's patina and the their shape, when used in repetition.

The use of multiple textures and patinas is also an important element of this home. Mary Kate uses a lot of the textures in her illustrations. Check out her website here. Personally, I can never resist a house with whimsy and a sense of humor. I love the ceramic skull just staring out from the dresser...too funny!

I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with how colorful and ORGANIZED this studio is. Mary Kate, if you are reading this; I would love to know if it always looks this neat or was it just for a picture? If it is always like this, I would love for you to help me with my study:)

I'm Off to Round Top!

I am very excited...I'm going to Round Top on Friday! Don't get me wrong, I'm not going on a weekend expedition in an R.V. like a couple of other girls I know :) I'm actually going with my husband for one day. We enjoy it because its one of the few trips we can take, kid free.
Woo Hoo!
Its a short trip...but we still have fun. Just to clarify something about myself, when I go shopping; I go on a mission! I show up with a plan and execute it. No messing around. So, true to form; I already know what I am going to be looking for. First and foremost, I would like to find large scale prints; or anything that can be displayed on the wall.
I would give anything to find a beautiful map like this one via Absolutely Beautiful Things.

Ooh, I hope I can find anything even somewhat similar to these illustrations. I found these on a very cool blog called BibliOdessey.
I do have a back-up plan, in case I don't find prints I like. I also love looking for organic or industrial looking pieces. This home found on Shoot Factory. Every room is furnished with cool odds and ends. The metal cabinet placed alongside the the rustic pot is my favorite. Maybe I can locate an antique ceiling medallion! Anyway, we'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Color in a Modernist Apartment.

I love the bright touches of color in this New York apartment. The over-all style is simple and minimal, but by adding beautiful color; it doesn't feel dreary. I think my favorite part is the yellow prints that cover almost the entire height of the wall. I also love all the color in the bookshelves. You can read more at The New York Times.

Look What I found!!

In my Houston Guide, I mentioned shopping at the Guild shop. Well, I went in the other day; and found the best stuff ever! I found these beautiful 1950's teak lamps. One is a floor lamp and one is a table lamp. I especially loved them because they are in immaculate condition. In case you are wondering, I will have the wiring checked out, and I need to find some sort of funky shades that will work.
I also, bought these cute decorative bugs (not at the Guild shop, these are new). Their little legs are pliable, and can be wrapped around other objects. I wish I knew who the manufacturer is, but I don't. If any one does know, please tell me. I think these little guys are sooo cute! I have an obsession with tiny accessories.

Speaking of small accessories...

Here are a few new items from Blue Bell Bazaar. I'm crazy about the collection of tiny objects, under glass. This is such a creative way to display small pieces.