Sometimes all you need are the contrast of subtle textures, warm neutrals and bold graphic art to make a room perfect. Oh, and fabulous built-in shelves for books help too!

But look at the difference a warm wash of cocoa paint brings to this  den. Isn’t it lovely?

{images via atlanta homes and lifestyles and courtney giles interiors}

I’m not sure which I like better, but when a room has good bones  and there’s time and thought put into the palette it’s hard to make a mistake.

Which version of the room do you prefer?

At work last Friday, I stumbled on a catalog from Canadian-based company Steptoe & Wife. Aren’t these stairs dreamy? They are based on antique designs and sold as a kit of parts.

{Albany}

{Barclay}

As beautiful as they are, the spiral staircase options wouldn’t be appropriate as a primary stair . A formal review of local building codes would be needed to make sure they are used appropriately in a space (a designer or architect should be versed in building codes). I would think about them for accessing an open loft area in a space, rather than use between floors. Wouldn’t they give a fabulous architectural elegance and interest to a space?

In addition to these offerings, Steptoe & Wife can do customized staircase kits as well. However, I think my heart is sold on the Barclay.

Everything got pleasantly quiet when I stumbled across  this beautiful room from designer Tracy Reese’s home.

We’ve been looking at global influences at work recently and I love the bold mix of colors,  patterns, textures and accents in Reese’s home. Clearly, she uses the same philosophy at home as she does when design clothes. My  only wish I could speak on the spatial layout as well as the compelling decor. But, my goodness, what you see here is stunning isn’t it?

Click here to see more images of Tracy Reese’s home.

Can we talk for a sec? I’m sitting writing this wondering why I do not subscribe to a physical copy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle. I’m wondering because when I saw this room I squealed with delight and decided the website  is not enough for me.

{image via atlanta homes and lifestyle}

Designed by Melanie Turner of Turner Davis Interiors, It has everything to make a room perfect, a wonderful seating arrangement, pops of color against a neutral but interesting backdrop, play on scale and a horse! Okay, the last one may only interest me, but it works in this space. Perfectly…

I stumbled across photographer Iwan Baan’s photos of the Ahmed Baba Center in Timbuktu, Mali. A collaborative design effort by South African-based DHK Architects and Two Think Architecture,  The interior architecture is simply stunning. Take a look at this beauty for yourself.

Ahmed Baba Center, a library and research center was founded by the The Timbuktu Manuscripts Trust to collect thousands of manuscripts from as early as the 12th Century. Today’s Bright Star inspiration came from this interior, but I also love the beautiful vertical elements like the  lovely panels above.

It’s been a great week in Design Wonderland. Last night was our client appreciation day at work, which featured dinner and a concert at Wolf Trap to see Natalie Cole. I admit I slept on her her vocal prowess. I knew a few of her 70’s hits because I listen to a lot of 70’s soul music (right now my mother is probably shaking her head. Hi Mom!). Yesterday,when I heard Ms. Cole live, I was transported to my happy place. Good music, especially, in the summer always makes me feel like I need to be close to the water. Growing up in Maryland, my family would head to the beach in a heartbeat and music was always a necessary element of those trips. Instantly I wanted to beach front in a room like this one, playing my music loud, laughing, and dancing.

Anyhoo, Let me tell you about the Filene Center at Wolf Trap. It is a GORGEOUS wood structure  in a beautiful park  (no water) that has perfect acoustics. There was this amazing breeze , like the warm wind coming off the shore and crazy me, amidst all this good music kept thinking about being waterfront. I’m sure the structure is supposed to be reminiscent of a barn, but all I could think about were boats.

{the filene center at wolf trap}

I always think of these things in reference to the concept of home. Then I saw this waterfront home on Dwell, which recalls the structures of both a barn and boat. Something like this is what I had in mind…

I actually have two dream home fantasies. One is a farmhouse and the other a waterfront home. Did I mention that they need to be in a city? And by city mean bustling metropolis. I know crazy, but that is why they are fantasies. I also daydream about design boat interiors.  In the meantime I’m storing this home in my reference files. I wonder how the acoustics are…hmmm.

If you get a chance, listen to some music that moves you and dream of home. I’m firing up Rufus and Chaka,  Minnie Riperton, classic Pointer Sisters and of course, Natalie Cole.  Happy Weekend!

xoxo, Jessica

Today, I was looking at the portfolio of Redmond Aldrich’s Chloe Warner.  With her quirky and sophisticated style, there’s something about the way Warner puts together rooms that’s quite enticing.

The home, below, looks like a movie set from the 1960’s. Of course I adore that…

And I adore this apartment:

Of course by now, you know that if I can throw in a  Domino Magazine video, I’m a happy designer… Enjoy this home tour.

Clearly, Chloe Warner is  influenced by the past but everything is fun and charming. In a Redmond Aldrich space you won’t feel like you are in a museum. Nothing feels too precious or staid, just refined and livable with a touch of wit.

Hi everyone! Here we are again at the end of another week. I’ll be travelling next week to meet my brand new nephew. I’m very excited but even though I’ll be away, I’ll be posting. Forgive me if it’s a little irregular.

Anyhoo,  Part 2 of  my photography class started last week. The first assignment was taking photos in black and white, or as my camera calls it, monotone.  Void of color,  I quickly noticed the importance of texture, contrast, pattern, as well as positive and negative space. It was like I was transported to, Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse. There’s nothing like 1960’s Italian cinema.  Everything is poetic. In fact, the film, let the interiors, landscape and architecture of Rome communicate the emotions between the main characters. There aren’t many words ; the genius is that you fill in the space between the lines.

{l’eclisse images from chicago sun-times and film log}

My photo assignment also inspired today’s choice of interior which also reminded me of the film. Rich in texture and pattern but void of  hues, the  Dallas loft of Alice Cottrell has a bit of that spare 1960’s cinematic feel. It’s got romance, but a lot of it is left up to you to fill in the blanks.

Having torn down many of the walls to create openness and room to breathe, it doesn’t look like this space could be 700 sq ft does it? According to the Elle Decor article furnishings like the custom 16 ft sofa play with the eye’s spatial perception, also making the room look larger.  Also, I believe the Castiglioni Arco lamp also plays with the eye’s perception of the room. Also I can never get enough of the Womb Chair and that stunning damask wallpaper.

{images from elle decor and alice cottrell interior design; photography: jack thompson}

Cottrell created a poetic dialogue between the building’s 1960’s architecture and the interior space, while keeping it modern and livable with some romance thrown in for good measure.  Luckily she left enough room for us to create the rest of her gorgeous loft’s story.

I’m off to work and get camera happy…

Happy Weekend!!!

xoxo, Jessica

I was on one of my favorite sites over the weekend, Lulu DK, when I stumbled across this lovely vignette with a touch of middle eastern architecture. It really is perfect.

I love the how the interior architecture creates a perfect reading nook.  Really its the architecture that makes this room so interesting but layering the mix of color, patterns  and abstract art makes the room divine.  And hello, gilded curule stool you are fabulous! I wouldn’t mind spending an hour or two reading or lounging  in this space.

By The Way…

Remember those dining chairs that need a facelift or the ottoman that needs an update? Lulu DK has launched, Lulu’s Bazaar, where some of her classic textiles (and a few of my faves) are available for more than 50% off. I know, I stopped breathing too. .. Click here for details. I’ll see you there…I have a little vanity stool and a chair that are just crying out for a little cosmetic upholstery…

xoxo,

Jessica

Happy Friday!!! I don’t know about you but I’m in the mood for color. Remember the home of  interior designer/decorator/shop owner Demi Adeniran from Domino (December /January 2009)? That’s the kind of color punch I’m talking about for a busy Friday.

{image via flickr}

Here’s a different view of the living area.

{image via the goods design}

And, below, a lovely bedroom vignette… Isn’t that chair just perfection?

{image via flickr}

Adeniran’s home takes her home’s neutral palette and pops it with a mix of vivid hues in the same color values. She mixes prints and pattern with abandon, but not without a skilled eye. And I have to say I find her home inspiring, especially for a little project that popped into my head. And, FYI it has to do with coloring. It’s a long term project but I’ll keep you posted on it’s development.

Have a great weekend!!!

xoxo, Jessica