A "Wood-sy" Reminder (and chicken soup)

This past Sunday I posted about some of my favorite things that are black and white. Well, I was so happy to hear from Sue at The Zhush that she indeed has the lovely Cole and Sons woods wallpaper (see post below) in her ski home in Vermont. Of course, I immediately took myself to her blog (she has an awesome blog by the way!) to view the photos of the wallpaper installation, and WOW, it is gorgeous!! She has really used the paper in the most perfect application. It truly enriches her wintery home and mimics the amazing views from the bedroom. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

Below, I have posted some of my favorite photos of the wallpaper but you must take yourself to her blog and view them all in her Home Again, Home again post - or you can click on the "Our Ski Home" link on her sidebar. The transformation of the entire home is absolutely stunning...you won't be disapppointed!

I mean, were those not fabulous photos or what?! Isn't it amazing what a great wallpaper can do to a space? And speaking of wallpaper, I recently had our powder bath covered in an Asian inspired paper and am really pleased with the result. I'll be posting about that soon!

To change my tune a little bit, I decided to make homemade chicken tortilla soup for me and Collin last night. It was delicious, and I will definitely be adding it to some of my standard recipes. It was the perfect way to share the night with the one I love while watching the BCS Championship game. Oh, and I also served warm bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping...our favorite appetizer while honeymooning in Italy a few years back. YUM!! If interested in making this soup, click here for recipe.

Happy Tuesday to you all...

Design Profile: Big Apple Style

Occassionally, I browse the internet for unique and interesting designers and decorators - well, I really look to find talented people in general. It's such an inspiration to see the work of others, and I love to see how different spaces come to life. Tonight, I stumbled upon a website, Karen Houghton Interiors, that really caught my eye. The firm has been around since 1896 and is based in Nyack, NY. Karen's design principal states that "a room must be right for its time, its place and for people who live in it." So true! She has a staff of 3 designers, along with herself, that transforms homes throughout the NY tri-state area. Although I don't know where Nyack is exactly and I will probably never make it there, here's to betting that they have some gorgeous homes and lucky homeowners- thanks to KHI.

Below I have posted some images from the firm portfolio. In my opinion, the work is fabulous - very soothing, sophisticated and elegant. Don't you agree? I could feel right at home in one of these spaces - no doubt!

Shining in Charlotte

Since running across an article featuring the Charlotte, NC home of designer Kristen Cox, I continue to go back to it as a reference to traditional and classic design. Using mostly neutrals with punches of pastel accent colors, she creates a style that is soft + comfortable, light + airy...a strong contrast to the bright colors and bold accents that I often gravitate towards so much.

While I love her relaxed and sophisticated style, I was surprised that some of the article readers thought it was predictable, like "the same old things" and that the neutral colors were "nameless." Although different opinions are what make the world go round, her color palette and design (for me) are classic and never going out of style - a breath of fresh air after a long day's work.

What do you think about Kristen's style? Do you like her take on traditional design? Or do you wish to see something more unpredictable? I would love to hear your comments...

Images from Better, Homes and Gardens

"EYE" for Design

I had a great weekend visiting with friends and family, celebrating my birthday and honoring Father's Day...a lot of things packed into 3 days! Thanks to all of you who made the weekend extra special, and to the loving fathers out there - you are appreciated!

In honor of Father's Day, I am paying tribute to a father-son team that has great eye for design. Larry Leight co-founded Oliver Peoples Eyewear and opened the first shop in L.A. in 1991 with two shops following in New York. Recently, Garrett Leight followed in his father's footsteps and opened up his own "optical eyewear gallery" in California - A. Kinney Court. The shop not only features stylish eyewear but also music, books, clothing and footwear. Also like his father, Garrett hired designer Ilan Dei who designed all three of the Oliver Peoples shop locations. Dei brought in many natural elements and shapes that mimic the beach and surf, and handmade displays and fixtures give this space a hip (yet peaceful) atmosphere. I think I may have to invest in some new shades for summer!

A plywood display is the main focal point, and the checkout counter features

a mirror top and vacuum-formed front and side panels.

Redwood trunks make up the stools and base of table.

New and used books fill the store.

The existing concrete floors were sealed.

A large, painted sphere serves as the shop's signage.

A displasy case with mirror cladding wraps around a structural column.

Images from Interior Design Magazine. View article here.

I just love this space! Hope you had a great weekend!