Small Space Solution: Puzzle Tables

Besides nesting tables, another great solution to add more flexibility to a small space are

PUZZLE TABLES.

To me, they are all about the cool factor. 

These are the not-quite-as-functional but super stylish cousin to the nesting table. 

Puzzle tables can be bunched together for a large surface area or broken up into small sections.

 

 

Quite the conversation starter, no?

1. Twin Side Tables via Oly

2. Regina Andrew Gold Leaf Puzzle Table Set with Travertine Top via Candelabra

3. George Tri Side Tables via Oly

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

Brooke Jones on Studio 5: Floating Shelves

Hello lovelies!! Here's my segment from

STUDIO 5 on FLOATING SHELVES.

Besides having to stare at the side of my head for 1/2 the segment, it wasn't too bad. 

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR MY eDESIGN BOARD GIVEAWAY

on my previous post!  So far, you have a pretty good chance to win.

{video via Studio 5}

Brooke Jones Designs on Studio 5 Tomorrow

Wanting to know more about the latest trends in interior design?  I'll be on 

STUDIO 5 TOMORROW

to talk about a trend I'm seeing everywhere lately- floating shelves. 

We'll discuss what rooms to use them in and how to style them for function, as well as beauty.

Catch me on KSL Channel 5, 

Tuesday March 20th @ 11:00

(if you don't live in Utah, I will post the segment later in the week).

Also, I'll announce a 

HUGE GIVE AWAY!!

A give away you say? Yep. You won't want to miss it either.

Check back in tomorrow for your chance to win!

{image via Brooke Jones Designs}

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}

White Washed Brick

Every modern space needs a touch of something old.  

When I am creating a room from scratch, I try to find a way to add in a

 vintage piece of furniture or some architectural materials that add a sense of history to a space.

What could be better than

WHITE WASHED BRICK? 

It punches up the ubiquitous white subway tile a bit, don't you think?

The rough brick is the perfect contrast to the sleek lacquered cabinets.

{images via Convoy}

Shine by S.H.O.

I am always on the look out for pieces of furniture that are clean and classic 

but with some unexpected twists. When I stumbled across

  SHINE BY S.H.O.

I feel head over heals.  Take the classic wingback, for example.

The wingback has been around for centuries dating back to the old European estates

(designed to lock in the warmth of a fireplace).  Shine cleaned up the ornamentation, exaggerated 

a few sexy curves and BINGO! A modern take on a classic piece:

They did the same with a French settee:

a chaise lounge:

and a Greek Key side table:

A good wallop of white doesn't hurt either! 

What do you think?  Do you like putting a twist on a classic piece 

or is it a travesty to mess with a good thing?

{images via SHINE}

Modern Baroque Furniture by Modani

Sorry for the long hiatus.  This past week has been crazy.  With additional design clients and my car getting broken into and stripped of its car seats on top of my regular full-time job, I've barely had time to breathe! 

As I pull my life back together, here are some gorgeous

MODERN BAROQUE FURNITURE

to inspire your day.

Don't you just LOVE the Audrey chair?
If I was a single gal, it would be mine...

{images via Modani}

Office Crush: Who What Wear via The Coveteur

I have recently discovered that  my favorite space to design is an office.  

Weird huh?  I just love making a purely functional space efficient as well as beautiful.  When I stumbled across 

WHO WHAT WEAR'S OFFICE 

my adoration of chic work spaces was solidified. 

I actually purchased this same vintage Chanel ad off eBay last week (it can also be seen here)! I'm framing mine with white mat and frame, but hey, great minds think a like.

{images via The Coveteur}

Modern Kitchen Design: Canadian House and Home

I have had a major crush on this MODERN KITCHEN for awhile now.

I failed to figure out how to post the video tour so this link will have to suffice:

http://houseandhome.com/tv/episode/kitchen-halloween-special

Enjoy!

White Trestle Desk Progress

I am having my Down East Outfitter's desk refinished this week!! Yay!  After hours of sweltering in the sun last Saturday (with the help from a new friend), the blue has almost been sanded off and 2/3 of the desk has been painted in this color:

It's not the brightest white but it was the brightest white at Lowes.  After a few more coats are sprayed, my desk will soon look like this:

But hotter.  Way hotter.

(My trestles are beefier and much more chic,  in my humble opinion.)

My eBay Antone Lorenz chair has arrived at a local freight warehouse, so I've been scouring the web looking for decently priced cowhides to make my own version of this:

Sick of seeing this chair on my blog yet?  I think it may be the third time I've posted it. I don't care. I love it.

If my dreams of metallic cowhide fall through, I do have a 'budget' friendly plan B.

I'd like to introduce you to Highland Court's Animal Skin in Seaglass:

Sigh... so pretty.

I can't wait to show you the finished results!

{images via Valspar Paint, Pinterest, Pieces Inc & Inside Fabrics}