The Modern Sophisticate

A Day In The Life of A Designer

Life as an interior designer can be crazy. Here's a snap shot of my day.

First, I started out with a space that needed a little TLC:

(These images are from before my client owned the home.
I didn't want you thinking my client is into buffalo and ram heads amongst other clutter...)

Then I took several weeks to brainstorm, space plan, create design boards, shop, select finishes, materials, etc. etc. Today I was able to check in on the progress:

(painting out the hood, island, and built-in china TOTALLY changed the whole look of the kitchen.
It's much more fresh and clean. Don't you just die over those pendants? That's all my client. She has great taste.)

(Custom window seats and new carpet in progress- no low pile shag here!
Doesn't this room look so much better without Bullwinkle staring us down?)

I then ran to several different workshops to check in on the progress of custom furnishings:

(Custom captain's chair almost ready for the most adorable slipcover you've ever seen.)

(Reclaimed barn wood table after a little sanding, but before some finishing top coats.)

(Trestle table base)

After I gave my thumbs up on the custom pieces, I had to run and pick up a rug pad that just happened to be the last one in-stock, called the slipcover lady and text/called client with updates on the above progress. All this before noon. Whew! Interior design isn't as glamorous as it looks in the magazines, now is it?

I wouldn't want to do anything else. I love it.

Stayed tuned for images of the completed project!

{images via Brooke Jones Designs, LLC)

So Pretty...

{image via Pinterest}

Ray Bans: Aviator vs Wayfarer

There are some gorgeous sunglasses out there, but I always gravitate towards Ray Bans. Now that the sun is staying up longer (YAY for Daylight Savings) I'm feeling the need for a new pair of shades. But I can't decide, should I go for Aviators or Wayfarers?

Let's take a look at the Aviators first. Bausch & Lomb developed the aviator style in the 1930's, were popularized in WWII when General Douglas MacArthur sported a pair and were all the rage starting in the 1960's up until now. Look who's a fan of this classic style:

Jennifer Anniston

Johnny Depp. Rarr....

Don't know who she is, but she is gor-ge-ous!

And the ever fab Mrs. Beckham

(how great do gold aviators look with a man's gold watch?)

Wayfarers, on the other hand, were developed by Bausch & Lomb in 1952 as one of the first styles of non-metal sunglasses. The Wayfarers were "a mid-century classic to rival Eames' chair and Cadillac's tail fins," according to design critic Stephen Bayley. This "new wave" style was popular throughout the 50's and 60's, lost some momentum in the 70's, but the hit their pinnacle of acclaim in the 80's and are currently experiencing a resurgence.

Audrey Hepburn

So which would you choose? Aviators or Wayfarers?

{images via Habitually Chic, Atlantic-Pacific & Vanessa Jackman}

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.