An amazing mid-century modern home mixed with victorian glamour

Something yummy for you...
from Loft Life Magazine

"Charoonkit Thahong’s New York loft mixes Hollywood regency with mid-century modern overtones to create a space that celebrates good design. Some gems include the 1969 VP Globe lamp by Verner Panton, the Fortuny Moda lamp, the Knoll Tulip armless chairs and the oh-so-fun black Victorian love-seat. Thahong, an art director for R/GA, has managed to infuse warmth into the otherwise over-sized, industrial space (located in Hell’s Kitchen) adding subtle touches of glamour to finish off the look. It’s proof that life without walls doesn’t mean sticking to only one aesthetic; Thahong’s space is fit for both Charles Eames and Marie Antoinette!"

...swoon...




If you live in a loft, open floor plan, or studio, book cases without a solid back allow light through but create a divider.


..a pretty corner...

Here's a few pics from a tribeca loft, also as seen in Loft Life magazine

What do you think of the curtain divider with artwork displayed on it like a wall?

a little break

Taking a little break from the blog this week (in case you hadn't already noticed) to enjoy family and relax. Hope you all are having a lovely holiday season!

Came across this enchanting little winter picnic and thought I would share. Doesn't it make snow look so magical?

Do you live where it snows? Is it this wonderful or do you get sick of it fairly quick?

See you in the New Year!

The CL 2010 House of the Year - and it's all eco-friendly (and beautiful)

Eco-friendly is getting prettier and prettier every year, making it not just easy on the earth, but easy on the eyes. Country Living put together this idea house full of inspiration. The house is actually a modular, pre-fab cottage, and available for purchase by the public. Read all the details for the house, rooms, and resources here.

What do you like about this house? Not like so much?

I LOVE the entryway. What a great space to see first thing when you walk in the door after work.

What do you think of wallpaper on the ceiling?




You may think all of these framed prints cost a fortune, but really all you need to accomplish this look are some basic frames, and then a used book of botanical or nature illustrations. Carefully remove the pages that you like and insert them in the frames!








A dream closet

Escape the winter - a bright and pretty home

I'm a little over the cold now. This home however is so bright and beautiful - it's like a little piece of spring.




I love this living room





via Casa Diez

A truly special book giveaway - Stealing Magnolias

The cover alone would be wonderful to have. But you have a chance to win the whole book just by commenting on this post. You have until January 3, 5PM EST to leave a comment. The winner will be chosen by a random draw and announced the next day. Good luck!

Here's the editorial review: Debra Shriver tells the story of finding and restoring a house in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina. Part love letter, part scrapbook; readers are given a rare tour of this enigmatic city. The book is a cultural guidebook and historical reference of America's most European city, featuring the work of more than 20 photographers and artists. Chapters highlight food and entertaining, decorating, gardens, landscapes, local traditions, interiors, and architecture. via Amazon

The gorgeous aforementioned cover

so chic



perfect


We had a huge magnolia tree on the farm where I grew up and just looking at this picture I can literally smell the blossoms.

The book can be purchased here.

All photos from Stealing Magnolias by Debra Shriver, copyright © 2010, published by Glitterati Incorporated. www.Glitteratiincorporated.com.

My interview with Apartment Therapy's Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan

I was so honored to have a chance to chat with Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. He's the founder of Apartment Therapy, which was the first design blog I ever discovered and what ultimately inspired me to start blogging. We talk about "techorating," - successful decorating with technology that merges function and design. Below is the video of our interview, some still images, and even more tips from Maxwell on techorating.






Maxwell in his chic office at the Apartment Therapy headquarters.

The latest book from Apartment Therapy - "Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces," is packed with ideas for integrating technology into your decor beautifully


Apartment Therapy headquarters.

Techorating in action at Apartment Therapy. Cord management has become more attractive over the years with nifty helpers like these CableDrop cable clips.



One of my favorite ideas. I didn't even know these existed - a charging station that can charge up to four phones and only one cord. It's called the Duracell myGrid.


Instead of the outdated speakers you see above...Maxwell suggests looking into products like this ceramic Phoneofone III by Science and Sons. Your iPhone sits in the cradle at the opening and the sound is amplified. Read/see more info at Science and Sons. You'd expect this beauty to be almost $1,000, but it's actually $195 +SH.



He also mentions this Jambox from Jawbone. Completely wireless and small - but 120 DB. Cost is $199 and it comes in several colors.


Here are a few more resources from Maxwell.

An article on merging color and technology on Apartment Therapy. Click here to read.

A wiremold article for when you have to run cables/wires without drilling holes.


Click here to read.