Sofa Transformation

This morning I thought I'd share with you a few snapshots of a client living room transformation I currently have in progress. So far we've had new flooring put in, had the walls painted a lovely tint of blue, and most recently, made-over the outdated sofas using slipcovers and and new pillows. Below is the before and after of one of the sofas:

Before

After

I love that slipcovers and accessories allow you to update a space without spending money on completely new furniture. The pillows were surprising finds at Ross (you can't really tell from the picture but the middle pillow shown above has such a cool texture and the two blue ones are incredibly soft!) and the client made the slipcovers herself using dark brown fabric she scored for less than $10 a yard. There's still lots to do in this room, (like update or replace the entertainment center, have curtains made, bring in a rug, artwork, etc.), but I'll be sure to share the final result once it's all done!

Design Star

This weekend I'll be tuning in to HGTV to watch the finale of Design Star. I've been pretty disappointed with this season (serious lack of wow moments, annoying contestants like Nina, and what was with all those weird group challenges??) but regardless, have tuned in (well, background watched) to watch the contestant Emily Henderson. I had previously seen Emily's portfolio and loved her aesthetic (her designs would surely grace the pages of Domino if it were still around).

photos from Emily's portfolio

This past episode was the first time she really had a chance to show her talents and she didn't disappoint. I love the fabric she used for the focal wall (which by the way my friend Bryn has 2 yards available of in her shop), the fabulous green sofa, and the overall eclectic, personal and intimate feel she created.

photos via HGTV

Emily's show concept is to take a client's personal fashion style and transfer it into his or her home. Sounds like something I'd definitely watch! I'm rooting for her!

Megan Mullally's Home

My favorite feature in the latest issue of Elle Decor, is that of Megan Mullally's (Karen Walker!) Hollywood home. A quick look:

In the dining room, I love the idea of using Suzani panels to add interest and color to the walls.

I love that the accessories bring in fun punches of color in the living room...

...and in the breakfast room. When the room is otherwise pretty neutral it doesn't take a lot to make a high impact.

In the bedroom I love the simplicity of the decor...

...the floor-to-ceiling windows (and the gorgeous light they bring in!) make the room.

Last but not least, her pups are so incredibly adorable! I wonder if they go to a local LA dog park...I think they'd get along with Little Foot :-)

See the rest of the home here.

Happy Friday!

Aren't you glad the weekend is just around the corner? I'm looking forward to waking up to sunshine and spending some time outdoors riding my bicycle.

the jewels of new york via design sponge

L: via flickr Will Kane; R: via canadian house and home

What about you, what are you looking forward to?

Blue Lamp Roundup

Does anyone else love blue lamps as much as I do?

\
L: design by Jan Showers; R: via domino

via unknown

L: design by lindsey coral harper; R: via decorpad

design by palmer weiss

design by Jan Showers

via decorpad

L: via domino; R: via julie bidwell

design by Jan Showers

via domino

design by suzanne kasler via cote de texas

via apartment therapy

design by eddie ross

Home Tour: Leah Balderson

Canadian House and Home's latest issue featured five "small and smart spaces", my favorite of which was this glamorous little condo. It's home to Leah Balderson, owner of a Peridot, a decorative homewares store, and was decorated with the help of Tamara Wouters.

The neutral palette is soothing and allows the home to feel spacious and uncluttered. The bleached floors are a casual element that give it a bit of a beachy vibe.

This home is un-apologetically feminine and glamorous. There are a lot of beautiful details like the glass leaf chandelier and the gold louis chairs upholstered in script fabric.

The bedspread looks incredibly plush and the bedframe has such beautiful ornate detail.

The mosaic bust, decorative pillows, and gold Morroccan light fixture add sparkle. The light placed underneath the unique nail-head nightstand creates a warm glow.

Bolster Pillows

Bolster pillows are a nice alternative {or addition} to using common square/rectangular pillows. They look great in simple solid colored fabrics which don't detract attention from their cylindrical shape.

Here they make an appearance in the loveliest of rooms, looking fabulous on the sofas and chaises:

L: via house beautiful; R: via house and garden

via elle decor

L: via domino; R: via decorpad

via brides.com

Beautiful Bookends

These agate rocks from Royale Minerals are a beautiful solution for keeping books from toppling over...

I love that each rocks is so fascinatingly unique! See more here.

Designer Spotlight: Melissa Warner of MWM

Back in January, I spotlighted the very talented design trio at Massucco Warner and Miller Interior Design and Decoration. Today I'm excited to be featuring one of the latest projects by the lovely Melissa Warner, head of the Los Angeles office. Melissa sent me photographs of a San Francisco home she recently finished for a young family. I was absolutely delighted to receive them in my inbox! I think you'll see why...

Entry

Dining Room

How great are these tangerine velvet chairs?!? They work so beautifully with the De Gournay Portobello wallpaper.

Office

This clean, uncluttered, light-filled office, with just the right amount of kelly green imperial trellis added for style, makes it an ideal work space.

Who knew office cabinets could be so glam?

Living Room

I love that these chairs are upholstered in an unexpected color -it's such a fun way to take something traditional and make it more modern

Breakfast Nook

Such amazing light! who wouldn't want to spend their mornings there?

Family Room

Boys' Room

I love the impact bold painted stripes can make.

Girl's Room

Aren't those silhouette pillows darling?

Master Dressing Room

Vanity Area in Master Bath

A perfect composition of simple and standout pieces {that mirror}!

Master Bedroom

Osbourne and Little Asuka wallpaper + plush tufted headboard+crisp bedding=bedroom perfection

I was lucky enough to do a little Q&A with Melissa. Here's what she had to say about the design project:

AB: What was the goal of the project?

M: A fresh take on the classic! The goal was to reinvent the traditional with clever details, bold patterns, and color for miles. I wanted to make the home functional and kid friendly, while maintaining a hip vibe and uniqueness that reflects the personality and youthfulness of its owners.

AB: Where did you find inspiration?

M: The clients! This young family is filled with energy and I wanted to make sure the house represented their lifestyle.

AB: What was your biggest challenge?

M: Using kid friendly fabrics without sacrificing style!

AB: What was your favorite design resource you used?

M: I worked with a local upholster who was so patient with me as we worked out every detail of tufting, nailheads, welting...the list goes on and on. I really enjoyed working with him to customize each piece and make it one of a kind.

AB: Which was your favorite room and why?

M: That's a tough one but I'd have to say the little girl's room! I had so much fun designing each detail of this space... I can't resist the turquoise and watermelon combination.

AB: Did you have to make any big compromises?

M: The client was a dream! Our visions for the space were so consistent so I didn't have to make any big compromises.

AB: Did you use any inexpensive pieces?

M: We did definitely mix and match higher end pieces with less expensive items. In the little boy's room, the beds are custom made but we paired them with lucite nesting tables from CB2 -a reasonably priced and chic solution!

Designer Spotlight: Massuco Warner and Miller

I'm finding myself drawn to theses spaces designed by the trio over at Massucco Warner and Miller Interior Design and Decoration. I love how they use classic motifs in a modern way and integrate special pieces and fun color palettes to produce a sense of freshness, vibrancy and flair in each room.