Mecox's Winter Windows

Mecox Gardens NYC is collaborating with some of their favorite interior designers to design their NYC storefront window.  Currently on display (until the end of February) is Rita Konig's vignette.

I promise I'll get off my Rita kick, but I've been really enjoying reading her blog and website lately.  So, how do you like her vignette?   I could totally see myself curled up on that gray mohair chaise with a hot cup of tea!  I love the vibrancy of the accent colors (chartreuse, purple, pink, coral) against a rather neutral (gray and white) palette.  

The rug is fantastic and I like the playful gray lacquered table with the polished metal base, it keeps things from being too serious.  And, how fun are those lacquered ice buckets?  Yes, those are from Rita's new line of furniture and accessories.  Yes, you heard me - how awesome is that - she is designing a line of furniture and accessories.   

To see the complete line-up of interior designers, go here.  What a brilliant idea!!  So fun!

A Chic Brooklyn Heights Greek Revival!

  

I stumbled across this incredible Brooklyn Heights Greek Revival via CWB Architects.  This project entailed a complete structural and mechanical gut renovation of this four story, 3200 sq. ft. row house and extension.

The designer?  Jennifer Eisenstadt Design and Decoration, LLC.  Why have I not heard of her before?  Check out this incredibly chic home (I believe this might be her home.)

I am completely speechless....

Keep a look out for her use of modern and vintage light fixtures.  I believe this and the kitchen's fixture might be Lindsey Adelman's bubble light which I posted about here.  I am in love!

Pocket doors, brass fixtures, modern lighting, oh my!

For real? A leopard print runner!! Brilliantly done.

Black and white graphic wallpaper and mirrored furniture - I love it.  Do you notice the ruffle trim on the curtains?  Such a nice feminine detail.  And, the brass doorknobs?  I love the dark walls in the adjourning room.  I just wish I could see more of this bedroom.  

How chic!

The marble veining in the shower, the vanity's lucite legs, hexagonal floor and wall tiles and the brass hardware are all so wonderful!

I am so using balloon shades in our next house.  Remember this post?

So tastefully done.

Do you notice how glossy the trim is?

This is probably her office, no?  What an amazing space to work in!

And, just when you thought you were done with the surprises - she throws this into the mix!  Holy Cow!  She is incredible!  The mix of the chinoiserie wallpaper with the inlaid wooden chevron floor - crazy good!

I love the primary colors and the kilim rug!  

Oh my goodness!!  So amazing!

Okay, how incredible is this home?  I can tell you that I will be studying each and every one of these pictures for a long time.  I haven't felt this inspired in a while. 

Can some magazine publish her space so I can get all the sources, please??

Jennifer Eisenstadt is my new hero!

Crushing hard....

on Ahmad Sardar- Afkhami's carpets.  Have you seen anything so beautiful?  Those colors and geometric shapes!!

You can read more here via Sara Ruffin Costello's WSJ article. 

Also, don't forget to enter the pillow giveaway!!  

Looking for an affordable yet soft natural rug?

Over the past couple of months, I've been helping my friend with her dining room.  It's been lots of fun seeing progress being made.  I hope to do a before and after at some point, but in the meantime I wanted to let you in on a little tip.

Jewel Jute Rug

I suggested this particular rug, pictured above, for her dining room.   She wanted a casual look, low maintenance and wanted it to be soft underfoot.  (I remember seeing this rug on another blog, but I can't remember where - sorry.)

Well, I saw it for the first time yesterday and it's wonderful.  Not only is it affordable, but it's low pile and soft!  And, it has the killer diamond pattern!  She loves it too.  And, if you're worried about durability -  she has 2 kids under the age of five, a dog and a cat.  It's perfect for her household.  Anyway, if you're looking for a recommendation - this one comes highly recommended!!  You can purchase it here.

PS:  Natural Area Rugs did not sponsor this post in anyway.  This is strictly our own opinion.  

Before & After: Our Upstairs Hallway

It's been forever since I last reported on our upstairs hallway.   I finally completed it.  If you remember (don't worry if you don't because it has been forever), we painted horizontal stripes on the walls.  I loved them, but found it difficult to decorate such a small space with bold walls.  My goal was to brighten the room and I was dead set on having a mirror in the hallway.  We lived with one for a long time, but I wasn't thrilled with it.  I finally ditched the idea and went the graphic route.  I love how it turned out.

After:

After:

Before:

Before:

Even though this took a long time, I have to say I took my time sourcing/finding the items for this hallway.  

Rug: Ikea Erslev

Ceiling fixture: Lowes (This makes the space.  It took me forever to find a stylish flush mount for our v. low ceilings)

Table lamp: Ikea Marby

Tray: West Elm

Poster: Super Rural

Book: Reader's Digest $9 (for a set of 3)

Table: Garage Sale $20

Lamp Shade: Garage Sale $5

Flowers: Gladiolus $5

Artichoke: Garage Sale $2

So, what do you think?  A big improvement in my opinion.  

All Time Favorite

One of my all time favorite homes is Ashley Putman's, which was published in Lonny April/May 2010.  I recently stumbled on a new blog (at least to me) called, The Semi-Designed Life, where the blogger, Lauren, actually got to tour Ashely Putman's home this past Christmas.  See here.   It's so good....I just had to post.

Lonny

Ashley's courage to use a dark wallpaper in her bedroom is fantastic.  I always lean towards the lighter end of the spectrum when it comes to walls, but, I really like this look.  I also like the contrast of the dark walls with the feminine bedding.

Lauren's photo

It appears that Ashely switched the bedding for Christmas.  Love it and the monogrammed shams.

Lauren's photo

How adorable is the tartan pillow case?  

Lauren's photo

Another example of Ashley's fearless use of dark colors on the walls.  The infamous cobalt blue dining room we all love. 

Lauren's photo

Decorated for Christmas.  

Lauren's photo

A cool shot.  I love the eclectic mix of candlesticks. 

Lauren's photo

 I want to do this - the oversized brandy snifter filled with corks!

Lonny

Perfection.  I don't know where to begin?  Black side door (always wanted to do this in our kitchen).  Hardware.  Kitchen table.  Appliances.  Open shelving.  Brick flooring.  Love it all. 

Lauren's photo

I love open shelving, but I also would need cabinets and I like how Ashley's cabinets are off to the side.

Lonny

Clean lined console and a lovely vignette!

Lauren's photo

Ashley's staircase from Lauren's tour.  Looks like the 'For Like Ever' poster has a new home.  

Lauren's photo

A great combination - tartan, chalkboard paint and wellies!  

Lauren's photo

A house isn't complete without some lacquer!!  Again, more evidence of her courage!

Lonny

Lauren's photo

The Putman's family room.  Chic and kid-friendly.  Love it.  

Lauren's photo

And, this is the room where they place their Christmas tree.  How lovely.

Lauren's photo

And, yes a pool surrounded by grass, my favorite.  This is the view outside of the family room.  

Lonny

In the living room, Ashley opted for lighter walls.  I love how this room is casual and classic.  

Lauren's photo

During Lauren's tour, it appears Ashley has changed the sofa.  

Lonny

Perfection!

I know I went overboard with the images.  However, I hope you enjoyed the new pictures and a special thanks to Lauren from 'The Semi-Designed Life.'  If Ashley's house is in the tour this year, I might just have to fly down to Houston myself to see it in person!!  Happy Weekend!