A day at 200 Lex

Well, I took a mini-hiatus from the blog because I had so much going on with client work that I couldn't get my mo-jo going to sit and write about it! Last week I spent a day sourcing product for clients at the Design Center at 200 Lexington. I spent some time drooling in the Arteriors showroom......

Sorry for the fuzzy picture but I brought my little camera...not the best pics...but you get the idea!

So moody and beautiful...it is like a jewelry store...so many beautiful things I didn't know where to look!

Arteriors also has a line called Mottega which is a collection of lamps that you can customize to build your own lamp. So beautiful!

I think I could design a room around those red lamps!

To see some of the Arteriors products visit their site to flip through their catalogs. They sell through some retail venues but they predominantly sell to the trade- if you are interested in any items, contact me directly for info!

Also, go over to Motegga to build your own lamp...they are GORG! Quite a splurge but for better pricing contact me directly!

I have other showroom pics from some of my favorites, Hickory Chair, Global Views, McGuire, Lee Industries and more that I will share next week!

Today I am also linking up to HLM Interior Design blog's Interior Design blog hop. Stop over to discover new interior design related blogs...starting with HLM if you haven't already!

Courageous Designer

This is how I feel. Anyone who works in the creative field understands this. Creative is not black and white....pretty is not factual....it looks different to every person. For me to put together a room for someone else that I think is beautiful gives my butterflies in my stomach with the fear that they will not see the beauty in what I create. But I do it anyway....everyday...and it usually works out OK.....but that is why I second the notion that "Creativity Takes Courage" because it also gives the greatest rewards.

Source: simplystated.realsimple.com via Joanne on Pinterest

Things I am loving and a CRAZY sale!

I have been shopping my little heart out for a new client and I have to say I have been a wee bit tempted to place a few orders for myself. Here is what I am loving this week:

These are a classic- the Greek Key Nested Tables at Pier1...now these are just a ridiculous deal....and they can go virtually anywhere!

Loving this accessory from Zhush, one of my new favorite online shops...these Global Views Gold Urchin Objects will look great on a client's mantle..just a little something special!

 While I was over at Zhush I almost picked up these little Green Onyx Teardrop beauties for myself.....but I decided I would add it to the Christmas list so the hubs would have something to surprise me with....

I was also shopping at Cost Plus World Market and found some MAJOR love for these items:

 

  Augustus Library Shelf- great way to fake built-ins!

 I want to snuggle into this one....

Here is the Kendall Ivory Sofa from Cost Plus...(can you tell I am still sofa shopping?)

Needing a little blue....

Loving this Peacock Jacquard Venetian Pillow from Cost Plus, also.... and how about two of these on the table for Thanksgiving...

And CostPlus World Market is having their Friends & Family sale this weekend only for 25% off furniture, decor and more! Just enter offer code OCTFF3654 and let me know what you buy!

Cultivate your kitchen on Pinterest!

If you are re-designing a kitchen or a designer who does kitchens- Cultivate by Williams-Sonoma is a site you must check out. It is like Pinterest for kitchens where designers post pics of their kitchen remodels.

They are currently running a contest to "pin" your favorite kitchens on Pinterest on a "Cultivate Your Style" board and you can win a $100 gift card to Williams-Sonoma. Check it out here....

I deemed my style both "Transitional" and "Eclectic" check out my board here on Pinterest...here are two that I selected...

Source: cultivate.com via Joanne on Pinterest

Source: cultivate.com via Joanne on Pinterest

Now get pinning and win some $$! 

Designer's Go-To Faves from Real Simple

I was reading the October issue of Real Simple magazine yesterday and came across the article "The Wow Factor" where they reveal 21 design pros secret go-to pieces that transform their spaces. Some of them were surprisingly accessible! Here are a few of my faves...

Designer Tricia Huntley chose the West Elm Origami Coffee Table on sale now for only $319!! What a steal! It is a wee bit small at 28" diameter but the top is bone and at that price....truly a steal with the WOW!

Designer Jessica Becker chose Arteriors Zanadoo 12L Iron Chandelier from Layla Grace. This piece is such a show stopper- I can see why she chose this to add the WOW!

Designer Kyle Schuneman selected what he calls the "little black dress of chairs" with the Hans Wegner wishbone chair at Design Within Reach. (Sorry for the blurry photo...couldn't get a large clear one off the site!)

Designer Dana Lyon chose one of my faves, the Faceted Mirror Side Table from West Elm. It is now on sale for $159...are you kidding? This can go in any room!

Designer John Call selected the Camille tufted linen settee from Restoration Hardware for its versatility. Gorg!

If I could throw my own faves in it would have to be the Jute Chenille Rug by West Elm. It is a go-to in my book and never disappoints!

Do you have any design faves that just always seem to work? I would love to get your inside-secrets!

Monday Morning Book Review: Good Bones, Great Pieces

Good morning! It has been a crazy week/weekend so I was a little light with the bloggin' I also missed a few Monday Morning Book Reviews because with the start of the school year- I think I lost track of my days! Anyway, today that biz is back on! The book I chose today I don't own but intend on buying very soon for my design library:
Good Bones, Great Pieces: The Seven Essential Pieces That Will Carry You Through a Lifetime 

"Good Bones, Great Pieces" is written by a mother/daughter duo from my home county of Westchester, NY. What I love about the book is that they give a list of the seven pieces they feel are the most versatile and useable pieces for a home. (I just knew the dresser would be on there! I have used dressers in every room!)

This helps the decorating process whatever stage you are in....first apartment, first home, downsizing, re-decorating, etc. Besides giving the list of essential "great pieces" (you know how I love lists!) the book is also visually inspiring including spaces they have decorated along with other celebrated designers. And for less than $20 on Amazon I will probably be making this purchase real soon! If anyone already has Good Bones, Great Pieces: The Seven Essential Pieces That Will Carry You Through a Lifetime let me know your favorite tidbit!

Someone made a purchase!

Look who made a purchase! I just picked these puppies up for my living room....

The Pottery Barn Bhotah Drapes in natural....they also come in blue...LOVE!

Pottery Barn is having a major sale on drapes and rugs right now so get your shopping on! And if you are my client, give me a holla because you know I get a discount on top of that sale...and if you're not my client then give me a holla so we can change that and hook you up with this...

 The Pottery Barn Beni Ourain Rug......I have lots of Pottery Barn wool rugs and they wear VERY well...mine are going on 9 years old and look brand new....two kids....one dog....husband with big feet.....great quality!

Will show you pics when my curtains come in! If you'd like to place a Pottery Barn order...shoot me an email and I'll hook you up!!