eMag: Lonny March/April 2011

Another great issue of Lonny! Check out my favorite home from this issue:

Note to self: Design a home with black floors and window frames, loads of high gloss white trim and finish with glass door knobs.  A coordinating black dog would be a plus (maybe this should be my home, since I already have the puppy).

And don't miss the article on Miss Kelly Wearstler! 

Still can't get enough of her studio. Sigh.... so fabulous.

House Crush: Sloan Mauran's House

Leave it to those Canadian designers to design yet another stunning home. They have the most impeccable taste.  Check out the residence of Toronto interior designer, Sloan Mauran.

I adore the brass hardware. A perfect example of how to mix silver and gold.

LOVE the mix of formality and family.  See, you CAN have chic rooms that are kid friendly.

There's a starburst mirror over the bed. Do I really have to say anything else?

To see more of this beautiful home, go here.

{images via Canadian House&Home}

Eye Candy: Men's Gold Watch

Have I told you how much I adore men's gold watches?

Well, I do. 

{image via ThisIsGlamorous}

Eye Candy: Monochromatic Frames

Perfection.

{image via Elle Decor}

Look for Less: X-Bench

There are a handful of pieces that will never date.  Chesterfield sofas, starburst mirrors, trestle tables are a few examples.  One of my absolute favorites is the X-bench (remember when I used one in this Louis Vuitton inspired room?).  Whether your style is contemporary, traditional, country, or something in between, I bet you could find a place for this design staple.

Like the master bath...

...the master bedroom...

...the living room...

...and even the dining room!

 William-Sonoma X-bench in leather (starting at $1700)

As you can see, they can cost you a pretty penny.  It's a great investment if you have the moo-lah, but most of us don't.  Let's take a peak at some looks for less!

 Jonathan Adler X-Bench (starting at $495)

Ballard Designs X-Bench in Domino Chocolate Fabric (starting at $275)

Serena & Lily X-Bench in Antique Linen (starting at $850)

Ballard Design X-Bench in Suzanne Kasler Linen Flax (starting at $275)

Where would you place one in your home?

{images via Decor Pad, Elle Decor & William-Sonoma Home}

A Lil' Leopard

Can you believe it's March? Hallelujah!! I'm so over Winter.  Over the next few weeks the weather can be finicky, so what better than to throw a leopard swing coat over that Spring dress you've been dying to wear?

{images via Net-a-Porter, Vanessa Jackman & EmersonMade}

Look for Less: Quatrefoil Mirror

First off, I'd like to apologize for taking such a long hiatus. My life has been on a sort of transition the past weeks as I started a new full-time job and am designing another home on top of the new build I've been working on. It's been CAH-RAY-ZEE to say the least. But, I'm back with a goal to continue to write, but it may be only a few times a week. Thanks for being so patient with me!

As I was sourcing bathroom mirrors for one of my projects, I came across a quatrefoil mirror that took my breath away.  I've always been a huge fan of quatrefoils. In college we had an assignment to design a fabric and mine was a fretwork pattern made up of the classic Italian shape.

Unfortunately, the original mirror we liked for my client's room was a bit out of our price range so we both set out to look for a "look for less."

Ironies's Araby Mirror Cost: $3,000+

Cooper Classics' Kristen Mirror Cost: $500+

Check out the great find my client found at Lowes of all places!

Lowe's Allen+Roth Mirror Cost: $65!!

Obviously the Lowe's version is lesser quality than the other two, but the Lowe's one has rave reviews.  They say you can't even tell once it's mounted on the wall that it's made of hallow plastic, not wood or metal.  Hey, if it saves $3K, I'm all for it!

{Interior images via Decorti}