Grey & Peach: Happy Pinning Accident

Have you Pinners out there ever noticed sometimes your pins 

look absolutely amazing together?  It has happened a few times to me, actually. 

I'll just be pinning unrelated pieces and when I review my pin history I think 

"holy crap, those look good together!"  I created a board from my latest "AHA" moment.

We all know I'm a fan of gold and grey but I would never have thought to add some 

golden peach tones into the mix, if it weren't for this 

GREY & PEACH 

happy accident.

I die over the pair of abstract paintings.  The layering of different mediums 

(oil, pencil, pieces of checks and invoices, etc.) is stunning:

So pretty and feminine with a little edge. Perfection.

And those chairs??  BANANAS. They remind me of the 

Milo Baughman's classic lounge chair but updated with a sleeker more slender frame.

  

1. Brass Thin-Frame Chairs via Lawson-Fenning

2. Sparkling Brass Sputnik Chandelier via Joseph Anfuso circa 1950's

3.  Mixed Media Diptych via Stripe Vintage Modern circa 1970's

4. Grey Walnut John Stuart Credenza via Stripe Vintage Modern circa 1950's

The Copper Onion

As I'm preparing to leave my home state, I am looking around and 

realizing all the things and places I'm going to miss 

(don't even mention the mountains to me... I don't want to think about leaving those yet).  

One of my favorite places I have only recently discovered is 

THE COPPER ONION

in Salt Lake.  I'd describe it as an American take on a Parisian Bistro. 

If you have multiple food allergies like I do, they are more than accommodating, too.

 I took what may have been my last brunch there this weekend, 

which was great timing as they just wrapped up a little interior face lift. 

(please excuse the Instagram pics. I'm NOT a photographer...)

The lighting was PHENOMENAL. 

I mean, I didn't shut up about it the entire time we were there. 

It was CRAZY good lighting.

Next time you're in SLC, I highly recommend dropping by and ordering yourself some Huevos Rancheros.

They are life changing. Literally.

Here are some sources to get the Copper Onion look in your home:

(sources listed clockwise from left)

1. Thonet Era Chair via DWR

2. 1890's La Mere Germaine French Menu Sign via 1st Dibs

3. Jean Pelle Bubble Chandelier via PELLEshop

3. Barn Light Radial Wave Flute Pendant via Barn Lighting Electric

4. Orbit Wall Sconce Clear via Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

5. Franklin Wall Sconce via Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

6. Solomon Dining Table via Pottery Barn

Small Space Solution: Nesting Tables

Some people find it surprising I would rather design a small space than a larger one. 

In fact, I personally would never want to live in a space more than about 2,500 square feet.  

Large McMansions just eat up furniture and it's hard to create a 

warm inviting environment that's on a human scale.  Living in a smaller space 

doesn't mean living without, though, one just needs to know how to optimize the space you have.

One of the best ways to optimize a small space would be to utilize

NESTING TABLES.

These versatile pieces can be scattered about the room when extra surface area are needed 

(cocktail party anyone?) or you can store them nestled together to free up valuable space.

Check out some killer options I've been spotting lately:

 

 

 

  

The king daddy of all small space end tables would be a set of lucite nesting tables. 

The clear waterfall form would virtually disappear and take up no visual space.

 The above set is vintage circa 1970 but you can find some screaming deals on look-a-likes

(check out the Peekaboo nesting tables from CB2 or these cuties from Amazon).

 1. 1960s White Lacquered John Widdicomb Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

2. 1950s Italian Set of Brass Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

3. White Lacquered Nesting Tables via Jonathan Adler

4. 1970s Brass and Glass Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

5. Made Goods Liela Nesting Tables via Clayton Gray Home

6. 1970s Lucite "Waterfall" Nesting Tables via 1stDibs

Greek Key Inspired Style

I have a confession. I'm a design dork. 

When I'm down and need a little pick-me-up, sometimes I'll create 

DESIGN BOARDS.  

When I do this I like to use furniture that I will most likely never be 

able to work with because of the price tag.

Here is one of those boards I created with a mix of designer vintage pieces in an achromatic palette. 

I know gray has been around for awhile but I'm still enamored with this fabulous neutral.

1. Z Gallerie Studio Frames

2. Sheepskin Rug

3. Sciolari Italian 1960s Chandelier

4. Kittenger Greek Key Mandarin 1940s Chest of Drawers

5. Edward Wormley for Dunbar 1960s Tete-a-Tete

Brass Beauties

Here's a quick collection of  

BRASS BEAUTIES

I've been drooling over lately.  I've seriously been contemplating replacing all 

the nickle and chrome in my home with antique brass.  Still trying to justify the $$$.  

Sigh... if only I could create a new home for myself every 5 years...

1. Farmhouse Sink via Rocky Mountain Hardware
2. Lotus Pendants via 1st Dibs
3. Vintage Gucci Paperweights via 1st Dibs
4. Ralph Lauren Sconce via Harginer
5. Stilnovo Chandelier via 1stDibs

Love It Leave It: Asymmetrical Furniture

I have started to notice a new design detail showing up in pieces that catch my eye.  

As a designer I like the lines of the pieces I work with to be tailored, purposeful and polished. 

Who says the lines have to be perfect though?  

Adding in a funky unexpected element to a piece gives a fresh new take on classic silhouettes. 

What do you think? 

ASYMMETRICAL FURNITURE 

Could you love it or leave it?

{all images from Dering Hall, except chaise lounge. Chaise via 1st Dibs}

Mad Men Season 5 Premier: Mad Men Betty Inspired Design

I can't believe it's really happening.  Tonight is the 

SEASON 5 PREMIER of MAD MEN!

Remember how Don proposed to Megan? 

Remember how Joan hooked up with Roger and now she's PREGNANT?  

And Betty is moving away from the gorgeous home she once built with Don?

Oh Betty, you are so pretty, yet so sad. Of all the characters, I think I'm most intrigued by Betty.

As the show goes on she gets meaner and meaner. Hopefully something will happened to help soften her. 

She's just too pretty to have that frown all day long.

In honor of the new season, here is a 

DESIGN BOARD INSPIRED BY BETTY 

and her sherbet colored wardrobe:

1. Abstract Art Dorothy Eggleston Circa 1960

2. MG+BW Conner Sofa

3. MG+BW Nola Table Lamp

3. NDI Peonies

4. Ponti End Table Circa 1960

5. High Street Market Vintage Bar Cart 

6. Sputnik Pendants Circa 1960

Don't worry Betty, it'll all be okay.  

Stay tuned, tomorrow I will be announcing the winner for the 

DESIGN BOARD GIVEAWAY!!!

Modern Art Vignette

Sometimes I see an item that inspires me to design a vignette for no reason at all. 

When I say 'inspire' I mean I won't be able to get that item off my mind 

until I find objects to coordinate with it. I think I may have a design addiction... is that a bad thing?

Here is my latest flash design for a 

MODERN ART VIGNETTE.

I love the tension between the modern lines of the art and fixtures against the 

natural lines of the peonies.  

That may be a combo I'll have to research further...

What do you think? Does this vignette work for you?

{images via Sally Benedict, 1st Dibs, NDI, & Pieces}


DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE 
eDESIGN GIVEAWAY!!!

Pinterest: Brass Accents Paired With White

My Pinterest boards are not only filled with pieces with brass accents, 

but I have realized I am especially drawn to 

BRASS ACCENTS PAIRED WITH WHITE.

Isn't this quote fabulous? 

I have it saved as my computer's background. It's easy to get lost in all the 

beautiful things in the world and pine after them, but I need to remember that the things 

I have are pretty great and I have a pretty darn great life.  

I hope you are having a wonderful week!

Follow me on Pinterest here:

http://pinterest.com/sophisticate/

{images via MG+BW Home, 1st Dibs, Circa Lighting, The Goods Design, Pink Wallpaper}

Desk Lust: Vintage French Desk

Over the weekend, I came across this gorgeous

VINTAGE FRENCH DESK.

Chrome? Brass? Glass? French? Vintage???

Why yes, please. I'll take two, thank you.

{image via 1stDibs}

Vintage Gold Wheat Sheaf Tables

Lately I've been seeing more and more 

GOLD WHEAT SHEAF TABLES

popping up in design magazines and the blog-o-sphere 

(see yesterday's post and this post).

In France, wheat is a symbol of prosperity and wealth.  CoCo Chanel used wheat motifs throughout her 31 Rue Cambon apartment, including a gold wheat sheaf table:

After a little research, I found a few vintage pieces, mainly from the 40's-60's. 

Look how glam this cocktail table is:

So pretty and perfect for Fall! 

{images via 1st Dibs & PhotoBucket}

Can This Be Made Into A Room? Layered Michael Kors Watch and Bracelets

We all know I am in love with my 

MICHAEL KORS GOLD RUNWAY WATCH. 

Even when I'm in sweatpants and white t-shirt, I still feel chic and sexy with the ginormous watch hanging on my wrist.  I even told my husband that besides my wedding ring and my red convertible, it's my favorite thing I own.  Over the past few weeks, I've been seeing it EVERYWHERE in the fashion blog world and I went a little bonkers when I came across this image:

Drool...

This girl is crazy beautiful and layered to perfection.  I own the watch, chunky chain bracelets, and a comfy cowl neck sweater.  Now I need more leather/gold bracelets and a distressed leather Birkin (like THAT will ever happen...) to create the uber layered look I've heard referred to as an 'arm party.'

This look can be easily translated into your home, as well.  Here's a little design board I threw together:

{Sofa, Rug, Vintage Bar Cart, Chandelier, Starburst Mirrors, Gold Votive Holders, Vintage Coffee Table}

Sigh... if only I had a different home for each season.  THIS would be my Fall retreat in a heartbeat. 

{inspiration image via Love.J'adore. Fashion.}

Perfect Pair: Milo Baughman + White

I gotta say, I'm still obsessed with Milo Baughman.  I wish I could find more information on his life and work 'cause Wikipedia just isn't cutting it for me.  Until then I will drool over his creations:

 

If you want to own a piece of Milo from this era, look no further than Crate & Barrel!  The Milo Classic Leather Lounge Chair is based on a 1966 design and comes in four fabulous colors.  If white isn't your thing, try grey, black, or brown on for a change.  Tres chic!!! 

{images via 1st Dibs & Crate&Barrel}