The Modern Sophisticate

Closet Case

I've had a post about closets in the works for the past week or so inspired by my New Years Resolution to 'appear' more organized. The condition of my closet is, well, it should be an authorized state of national emergency. It's bad. Real bad. I'm surprised my husband is still married to me, because it could be a valid reason for divorce. Lucky for me the current issue of Lonny Mag is coming to my rescue!

You would think my problem is editing, but I have no problem Good Will-ing items I haven't worn in awhile. My problem is that I'm not utilizing all my space properly (that and I just throw my laundry every which way. Apparently I don't know what a hanger is for). I have about 3-4 feet above my hanging rail where I could add a system for off-season shoes, sweaters, etc. Hmm... I wonder how long it'll take me to get around to actually organizing my closet. Until then, let's look at some dream closets, shall we?

Doesn't the above closet remind you of Carrie Bradshaw's? That is every girl's dream, isn't it?

Simply stunning in black lacquer.

Would you expect anything less than honeysuckle and lavender from Jamie Drake? My absolute favorite closet would have to be a tie between Rachel Zoe and Kelly Wearstler. I'm not sure if it's the actual closet designs I'm in love with or the wardrobes they carry. Either way, I'd take two of each!

Rachel Zoe:

Kelly Wearstler:

I must find a starburst pin like the one in Kelly's collection. I've been on the lookout for a year or so with no avail... let me know if you ever see one!

{images via Lonny, Habitually Chic, Canadian House and Home & Style Redux}

Gehry Guggenheim?

I came across this photo shoot done by Karine Basilio for L'Officiel Brazil and it stopped me in my tracks. Is that Frank Gehry I see??? I couldn't find any information on the photoshoot's location, but it HAS to be Gehry. The Guggenheim in Bilboa? The Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A., perhaps? Either way, Gehry's Post-Modernist style is gorgeous and unmistakable.

My architect-uncle-in-law informed me that each panel for the Walt Disney Concert Hall had to have it's own CAD drawing because each has it's own specific curve. If you've seen one of Gehry's buildings in person, you know there are A LOT of panels. It blows my mind.

If any of my readers recognize this building, leave me a comment and let me know what it is!

{images via FGR}

P.S. I just realized I spelled Gehry's name COMPLETELY wrong. If you read this post earlier, please note that I do know how to spell one of the world's most famous architect's names. Just not first thing in the morning, apparently, lol.

Meurice by Jonathan Adler

I Love Lamp. Well, chandelier, that is. Jonathan Adler's Meurice fixture is a modernist's dream. So sleek, so chic, so perfect. I want one in every color.

And of course I'd pair the nickel versions with Jonathan's Meurice Butler Table in nickel.

Sigh... a girl can dream, right?

{images via Jonathan Adler & Houzz}

Claridge Hotel Suites by DVF

Some people have really consistent taste and when you have fabulous taste like Diane von Furstenberg, who can complain? I'm always fascinated by how fashion and design interact with each other, so it was extra fun when I came across these suites DVF designed for the Claridge Hotel in London. Her formula of tailored silhouettes, bold prints and pops of color work in both genres. Tres chic!

DVF Spring RTW 2011

My favorite thing about this bathroom? There's no towel bars! A sleek polished nickel and glass end table plays the part of towel butler.

DVF Spring RWT 2011

DVF Fall RTW 2010

{images via Claridge's & style.com}

Design Inspiration: Katie Ridder

"I deeply believe that a beautiful decor can have a beneficial influence on our lives".

-Albert Hadley

{image via Katie Ridder Interior Design}

House Crush: Barbara Barry Gone Country?

While I was researching another post in progress I came across this home in the Tetons designed by... Barbara Barry???? Not the first person I would have thought of to design a rustic farmhouse since she's more a California modern classicist, but she did an AMAZING job. Would we expect anything less from Barbara?

The ultimate modern sophisticate said the clients "...wanted something that would suit the setting and their casual, active lifestyle. Their intention was to build an unpretentious yet refined farmhouse that would stand the test of time."

"Barry maintains that she does not 'decorate.' Instead, she 'orchestrates sophisticated but practical rooms, keeping the focus on function.' No cowboy decoration for this Wyoming home."

Doesn't this dining room remind you of an updated version of the Draper's kitchen nook? Just me? Maybe I've been watching too much Mad Men...

The master bedroom is more of the Barbara Barry we know and love. I'm drooling over the dark cherry armoire. Who would have thought it would have looked so great in a country home?