I finally took the plunge...with a new SOFA!

So, after much hemming and hawing I finally bought a couch for my living room! I must say I am so excited that I waited because I feel like this couch was meant to be mine. First, before my big reveal...a little background on my living room: it is a mish-mosh of old furniture that I inherited from my husband's apartment in NYC along with some pieces I bought when we first moved in. While the living room is one of the first rooms you see when you enter my home, I wasn't too inclined to buy a new sofa when the kids were young. Now that my babies are 8&6, we are out of the days of bottles, sippy cups and Cheerios so I felt it was time to spruce this room up. We don't use it as a main family room but we do use it when we have company over for holidays or birthdays because it is off the dining room and kitchen. The living room is also my dog, Fergie's, favorite room. The sofa serves as a step into our big bay window where Fergie spends most of her time.

That being said, I assessed my needs & wants in a sofa for our living room as I do for all my clients and this is what I came up with:
NEEDS:
Durable fabric to withstand Fergie
Dark color to withstand stains
About 90" to accommodate three people
Three cushions so the three people will have personal space
Good looking- not just functional since it is visible through the front door

WANTS
a slightly rolled English arm- not too bulky though
No skirt- I wanted exposed legs
Casters- no reason- I just think they are super cool on an exposed leg sofa 
Velvety fabric- I just wanted that sexy velvet feel!

After taking all of these needs and wants into consideration it lead me to this beauty....

It is the #3043 Sofa by Lee Industries. (Sorry for the fuzzy picture)

Lee Industries

Source: leeindustries.com via Joanne on Pinterest

It is upholstered in Carson Sable which is a brown velvety fabric that seems comfy and durable for the dog and kids.

Source: leeindustries.com via Joanne on Pinterest

I love the exposed gorgeous wooden legs with the casters- easy to keep clean and Swiff underneath. I especially love that there are three seat cushions- every hiney has a seat. While I loved many sofas with two larger cushions- the living room is where we most often sit when I entertain and I'd hate to have someone sitting on a crack between cushions. At 91" this sofa can comfortably seat three people so now they can each have their own cushion. It's about personal space people...the good news is- it is being delivered on Saturday so I will have it for Thanksgiving! More photos to come...now I need pillows, table, etc....

Recovering from Sandy and Veteran's Day

Hello Blog-land- sorry for the long hiatus....here in the East Coast we suffered through some crazy weather and some are still suffering. I was without power for a week...we stuck it out in a chilly home for a few days and then relocated to my in-laws once their power was restored. It was a major pain but I feel very blessed that my family was safe and that we still have a home (even if it was a chilly one!) Amiss all the chaos, I couldn't muster up the creative juices to talk about design.

Anyway, things are looking up- we have power, food & shelter and the kids are getting back to school albeit short days...but better than nothing! I resumed my client work and now back to blogging! I also want to take the time to thank our selfless Veterans for all that they have done to protect the values and freedoms we take for granted in the great country of ours.

Source: stoneykins.com via Marsha on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jennifer on Pinterest

Tomorrow we'll be back to design talk as usual...I made a big purchase this weekend and I'll share more tomorrow! Happy to be back...

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!