Collected Not Eclectic

Update:  June 30, 2017

It might surprise you that this is my favorite bedroom of 2013, given my love for all things pink.  But here it is, the lovely bedroom designed by Jo of Desire to Inspire.  You've already seen the lovely bedroom of Jenna Lyons, a million times in the blogosphere.

Dig that lamp.  Dig that screen.  Dig that coffee table.  Please don't call it eclectic.  It's collected, by a woman with a great eye.  I would change very little.  Of course, I'd add a hot pink pillow.  Cuz you know every room needs a hit of hot pink.

Celebrating Color: Orange!!

I LOVE ORANGE!

Dig that painting.  Dig that chair.  Love periwinkle with orange.  Dig that table.  Love Hollywood Regency thrown in.  Need a disco ball for my new apartment.  But....don't call it eclectic...call it collected.  We are all complex beings.

Orange and blue.  Dig it.  Love that vase.

Togo sofa!  My favorite! Dig that Buddha. Dig that UFO lamp. Dig that sculpture - what is it?  A street light?  Dig the coffee table, brown walls and white vases.  See, minimalism can be sexy.

For my friends with green thumbs.

Drool.  Dig that white, textured paining on the orange wall.  Dig the purple chairs, the chandy and those metallic bowls.  Apartment Therapy Color Contest, can't remember the year.  Shoulda won.

ya'll know how to do a Google image search, right?  I have all links to artists, if needed.  I love to give artists credit.  if you are the artist, and want proper crediting please contact me.

Mood Board Modani

Dear readers, I received a very nice invitation from Modani Modern Furniture to create a mood board using some of their pieces. I get many requests like this, but am often unable to accept. I'm very strict about whether a company fits my aesthetic. The clean, modern lines of Modani is a definite fit.

As you know I'm planning to move soon. I've been paring down, and having fun fantasizing about decorating a new place from scratch.  I will, of course, have clean lines. It starts with a great place to sit, then adding accessories. Artwork, pillows, lamps and vases. Perhaps a rug and coffee table. Clutter won't do. It must appear modern, simple and restrained, and yet, also cozy.

Starting with the sofa. I am in love with the White Phantom Sofa. It can be used as a sectional or split up to create a cute conversation area.

I love a low scale sofa with legs, especially with white floors. I like my furniture to look like it's floating on a cloud. The clean lines of this sofa make it easy to layer in your favorite pieces. My other favorite piece is from the Modani site is the Eko floor lamp.

The sensuous shape of the Eko satisfies both my addiction to lamps and my addiction to pottery. So that's where it started. I decided to take a cue from my recent wardrobe additions, and add a gray accent wall to come up with a cool bachelor pad for an international man of mystery.

Although, I think a woman could live here as well!  The low scale of modern Italian design works very well with Asian design.  So I decided to add my two of my all time favorites:  the Noguchi Akari lamp and the Noguchi coffee table.

Sources clockwise starting at left:  Noguchi Akari lamp, Eko lamp showed here in staggered sizes. Not sure if the Eko is available in different sizes. If not, it should be - it looks fabulous in multiples. Love the organic shape. Artwork is one of my photographs. A Brutalist lamp from Etsy shop owner We Love Lucite, adds just the right amount of edge. Man I love that lamp! End table from West Elm is the perfect place to stash coasters, corkscrew, remotes, chargers, candles, lighters, etc. Metallic pillows from Modani. Hot pink pillow also from Modani, because all rooms should have a pop of hot pink. Luxurious Mateo rug in pewter also from Modani.  Noguchi coffee table in ash. Silver ottoman from MoroccoDeco.

I couldn't stop there, I had to design a girly pad too. This pad is for the busy super model for those times when she needs to stretch out and chill. Perhaps she's even dating the international man of mystery. But you know what Virginia Woolf said, girls need a room of their own. Okay, I paraphrased. But the sentiment is correct. Sometimes you gotta put your feet up and enjoy an unapologetically girly space that's all your own. And even though it's girly, it's still gotta have edge.

For her place I've used the Phantom sofa in gray. Moroccan wedding blanket from West Elm, end table also from West Elm, but I would probably bling out those knobs with something like this:

from Anthropologie. Hot pink pillows from Modani, pink ottoman also from MoroccoDeco. Art on the wall is from Lime Crime.  I think these pieces would look great in the loft apartment I featured below. A girl can dream, right?

Check out Modani Modern Furniture's website here.  If you'd like to see their pieces in person, here is a link to their store locations.

Mood Board: Serene Blues

Dear readers, as you know this Fall I have been falling deeply in love with blue. It's actually surprising for me, and it started as an experiment in color psychology. I want to feel serene, cool and confident, yet comfy. I've been mixing all shades of blue, from royal and electric blue to periwinkle to the more green blues like teal, turquoise and aqua. So naturally when I saw this fierce design by Christian Siriano, I about fainted.

Okay, it's from his Spring/Summer 2015 collection, but since we are seeing it now, I'm using it for Fall inspiration. I know, I know, I've mentioned a zillion times that Christian is a genius. But what can I say? The guy is a genius! His use of color and texture is unparalleled for a designer of his young years. I mean will you just look at this outfit?  Sleek royal blue top paired with big aqua skirt, then add just the tiniest acrylic purse. Ahhh. She looks adorable. Where is she going in this outfit? Why to play the cello with the orchestra, of course. After that she needs a cute, little room to relax in. I've always loved designing rooms based on fashion, and this is a room I actually want.

When you are a magnificent beauty, you don't need to many things around you, but they should all be beautiful. Furniture is actually secondary to art. Start with a comfy place to lounge, add a couple of paintings, a vase and a fabulous lamp and you have a gorgeous room. Want more layers? Add a rug, a throw and pillow.

Sources:  Man dig that over sized lamp and shade. Formerly available at The Bomb Shelter. I would've snatched that up, but I wasn't fast enough. Blue sofa also at The Bomb Shelter. Gorgeous violet painting by Cheryl Wasilow, wish I'd painted that!  Blue tree painting by the fabulous Haley Litzenger. I need that painting. Vase formerly available from West Elm.

Good Things are Happening in Cleveland

I took a mini vacay to my old stomping grounds in Cleveland last week and experienced a whole gamut of emotions. Somehow I took a wrong turn and ended up on Denison, a little south of my destination. Anyone who doesn't know what poverty is like (thinking of some politicians) should take a drive down Denison. I was in utter shock. I've only been gone for about two years, and it looked like a war zone. The streets and sidewalks were caving in. Buildings were being torn down, but many were simply falling down. The holes in the streets were so large I feared for my car. I literally drove about two miles per hour, it took me almost an hour to travel about 10 blocks. Poor people lined the streets, and many came up to my car. Presumably to beg for money, I was too chicken shit to roll down the window. I ached for my city. I've watched my city decay over the years, but this. This was something new. Decay mixed with criminal neglect. If I knew how to use my new Android phone, would have taken video, put it on YouTube and hope that someone notices. But it was not meant to be.

I almost turned around. But I didn't. I headed north, close to where I used to live. I intended to go to Gordon Square, which I hear is really happening. Instead I ended up a little west of there, and was pleasantly surprised to see some exciting shops sprouting up. This yellow reindeer caught my eye, so I had to pull over.

This cool fella is the mascot of an awesome store called Heck's Revival. I peeked in the window and had to go in.

I almost peed my pants when I walked in this store. I didn't know where to look first! The owner and I are clearly kindred spirits - with a love of pink and turquoise. I used to paint furniture back in the day and dreamed of having a little store like this. But my skill level was no where near hers. I knew it was going to be tough getting out of there without spending money.

Isn't this lamp bitchin'? I really wanted it but resisted the temptation. Such a lamp tramp I am. And dig those turquoise walls. I wish I could paint an accent wall turquoise in my living room.

The owner is very talented. Not only does she paint furniture, but she also reupholsters. I love this little chair recovered in fabric from a vintage dress.

Check the Saarinen chair!  I think I need to have mine painted.

I've never seen a peacock chair looks as fabulous as this one.  I love it in pink!

Cute bench reupholstered in shiny silver fabric.  I'd love to have this in my entry way!

As you might have guessed, these bad boys went home with me. I couldn't help it. She gave me a good price.  Heck's Revival is a great place to get something fabulous for your home, and the owner is a sweetie. I had a lot of fun talking vintage furniture and color with her.

As it turns out I had a guitar pick table (like the one above) in the trunk of my car. I found this table on the curb! I had intended to sell it.  But when I attempted to sell the table to another dealer - the trunk wouldn't open! Upon seeing her custom work, I decided to have her paint it. And wouldn't you know, the trunk opened without a problem! Must be meant to be! I really love the shape of the table, but not the color. That's all I'm going to tell you, I'll keep it a surprise until it's done.

Next door to her shop is a Multi Cultural Barber Shop. That's what it said on the sign. I like that. The dude that owns the joint is cool and let me take his picture. I was excited to see vinyl by Grace Jones on his wall.

She is the shit. I miss my vinyl collection. I had a lot of fun talking to these cool peeps. Then I drove back to Akron feeling very grateful.

For photos of the barber shop, see my urban photojournal here.

For photos of post industrial decay that I also took that day, see my urban photojournal here.

Places to See in Akron: Hazel Tree Interiors

Hazel Tree Interiors is a place downtown, Akron that I have driven by many times but never had the courage to go in. You know the kind, a high end gallery where nothing is in your budget. But hey, I love art and I'm curious. Every time I drive by, the cute building catches my eye - so I'm proud to say that I finally ventured in last week. The place itself is absolutely gorgeous, with white brick and a loft. It would make a great house!  Here's a few things of interest that I saw:

I just can't get enough found and upcycled art.  This fab piece, entitled the Red Castle, is by Michael Marras.  Michael's process is so fascinating, I plan to do a post about his work in the near future.

Oh yeah, never enough lamps. This one is made from pipe and an antique beer bottle, by Peared Creation.

Beautiful lighting display using vintage insulators.

Gorgeous industrial chic dining set. I could see this in an industrial loft. The moral of the story? Never be afraid to go into a shop. I was treated well and enjoyed my visit.

Places to See in Akron: The Bomb Shelter

I've been doing a little exploring in my new city, and I decided to share what I find, so this will be a regular feature.  First up, The Bomb Shelter, which I featured before (see previous post here). I had to make a return visit. I found they do a great job of moving inventory. Today's visit to The Bomb Shelter is sure to satisfy the lamp tramp in us all.

Look at this lamp!  I'd love to spray paint it in a funky color, like a neon green. I need a studio. There's always plenty of inspiration at The Bomb Shelter.

New Lamp and My Apartment for Today

It's official.  I have design ADD and I'm a lamp tramp!  In my post below, I mentioned my love for blue glass lamps. I've been wanting a Murano lamp forever - but the price is too high. Thank God for knock-offs. I'm a big believer in good design for the masses. Long story short - I was at Home Goods and they were having a big sale. Coincidentally, I had a gift card from my sister-in-law in my purse.

 Voila! Talk about serendipity.  A pretty good knock off of an Italian design. And it was stupid cheap.  Here's the beauty in my apartment.

Stay tuned, we're going to continue celebrating color and I'll probably be changing my apartment again. I know it's a sickness.

Celebrating Color: Blue Lamp Obsession

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I got a thing for lamps.  I recently watched one of my favorite movies, Amelie, for like the 100th time (see previous post about Audrey Tautou here.)

When this film came out, the blogosphere went crazy for Amelie's fabulous apartment. I love movie sets!  What caught my eye most about this fab set was those blue lamps!  The perfect foil to all that red. That must be what started it for me. My blue lamp obsession. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to do an all pink room, with a blue lamp.  Here's some inspiration.  Hope you enjoy!

I'd love to decorate a teenage girl's room in all pink with a blue lamp!  Wouldn't this genie lamp from Target be cute in a teenager's room?  Although, I admit it, sometimes I see things at Pottery Barn Teen that I want for myself!

The pop from the blue lampshade looks fab in this mostly pink room.  House Beautiful.

Love the lamp, pink sofa and dig that painting!  Anna Spiro via Where My Heart Is.

The hanging light looks so fresh in this gorgeous apartment in Sweden.  I am really digging those white floors.  Image via freshome.

This room is a perfect example of collected style. Hollywood regency influenced mirrored side tables and headboard, Italian lamps and global influences combined - and also done with a soft, restrained hand. The room still manages to be airy, fresh and simple with these diverse elements.  Quite an achievement. Brett Beldock via The Zhush.

I need that turquoise sofa.  Emily Henderson.

Beautiful.  Love those night stands and the shape of those lamps. Image via Santa Barbara Chic styled by Jen Everett.

Love this room!  Love the lamps, love the pillows and silver headboard!  Image via Graham and Brown wallpaper by Julien Macdonald. I know I'm always saying I hate wallpaper...but this is a use of wallpaper I can get behind.

Blue lamp in a fab shape looks beautiful on this mid century inspired dresser.  Image via Dwell Studio.

Pair of blue lamps pops against a gray wall.  Image via Apartment Therapy.

Achieve a cute retro look with a cute little blue lamp and big blue painting. Fab! Tracy's Vintage Modern in Manhattan via Apartment Therapy.

Retro decor not your thing?  You can get just a taste of it by adding a funky blue lamp.  Image via Design Sponge.

Gorgeous mid century inspired room!  Love how the color of the lamp repeats with the chair and the little vase.  Image via House to  Home.  Want more?  You know you do.  Fellow lamp tramps click here to see my post on turquoise lamps.