Gold framing is everything...

Recently, a client of mine came to me with two pieces of art passed down from her mother. She was very reluctant to use these in her home because they were a bit outdated. However, these two pieces were absolutely beautiful, they just needed to be re-framed...

 Let me break it down to you all, any art can be brought to life with a really good frame job. I mean you could pretty much frame a piece of trash and with the right frame, it will look like magic. I am not downplaying good art. I love artwork more than most people do, I just want to also give credit where credit is due and framing is key to great art on walls! 
 This collection of photos is to show just how much I love a good gold frame. They are slightly expensive and hard to find, but I happen to know a very big retailer that will be coming out with a massive collection of gorgeous gold frames at great prices this coming fall. So keep your eyes out, once they launch I will spread the news. (I've been sworn to secrecy)
 I am just loving how these plain white walls look just magical with good gold framing everywhere. It really just takes everything to the next level. I am all about this look. So, take some art to the local framers and revamp it in gold...you will thank me later. 

all images via flippen

FIFTH AVENUE FLAIR by Stephen Sills

Over the weekend I was chandelier shopping all over this city for my clients new space...
There are so many incredible chandeliers out there, I sincerely wanted to take home about 5 of them. I love a dramatic chandelier, especially in the dining room. So when I saw this dining room by Stephen Sills in a Manhattan apartment, I was moved to madness...It's so good!
 The couple who the apartment was designed for is from Paris and thats clear with all of the beautiful French elements in this space. However, what I really find myself drawn to is the mix of the Parisian parts with the ultra glam and modern pieces and accents thrown in the mix. I mean I love this gold screen and tiger print carpet. The mixing of styles here is utterly magical. 
 This entryway is bangin'. Simple, chic and the mixing of silver and gold is so hot right now. 
 How about the flooring here? Its so chic, I love the contrast of dark and light woods with a chevron pattern. This is very fresh. Oh, and gold shimmery curtains, is he serious? I love it. 
 I am so into all the daring design risks in this apartment, but when you have so much glamour, you need a little bit of calmness to balance it out. This room does just that, and it just looks effortless...
images via AD photography by François Halard

INSPIRED: Modern French Decor in Architectural Digest

While I am in France, I am hoping to be inspired beyond belief. I mean, you all probably know by know that I am just thirsting for something new in home decor and interiors. So, when I was perusing around my favorite blogs, I found a French pad on viva full house that probably re invented my style and everything that I love. This incredible space is designed by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran who together make Dimore Studio...
Check out this insane style...

I love love love the different shades of blue on the walls. When I worked for Woodson and Rummerfield, they did the same kind of thing in a swanky hollywood pad once and it rocked my world. Look at the woods, art, sculptures, pops of pink (hello my favorite), lighting fixtures, etc. I mean swooooooon. 
This amazing Aztec style wallpaper is just beyond. I can't even deal. Just look at the bright gold hardware in contrast to the blue bathroom. It's beyond amazing, right?

ELEMENTS OF PARISIAN GLAMOUR

Yesterday I got the most exciting news. All year I have been praying for an international vacation, either Paris or India, those are my top two. To my complete surprise, I got a phone call informing me that this November I am spending a long weekend in Paris, completely paid for. I've never been to Paris and have always wanted to go. As you can imagine, now its all I can think about. So, let's talk about Parisian Glamour...
Everything about Paris is just so lush in my opinion, what is more feminine, romantic and luxurious than that? I adore the lines of French furnishings, the curves are out of control and so good. People just don't make furniture this sexy anymore. This black sleigh bed is just incredible and perfectly Parisian. 
Moments of gold are always incorporated into the mix and not just any gold, but gorgeous, ornate gold. I feel like there is always a fireplace and incredible moldings. What Parisian apartment would be complete without the elements of romance? 
Purples and pinks and delicious textured fabrics are always in full force. Especially in beautiful flowers, they always lend moments of romantic colors to the space. 
Canopys are always essential as are gold sconces with tapered candles. To top off the look you must always add a grand chandelier with crystals and metallics and chains and the like. It really adds the perfect amount of light. So glamorous. I just can hardly wait to check into my hotel. 
Now, I have to work on what am I going to wear...
images via this is glamorous + simply seductive 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: the french effect

Every once and a while I stumble upon a gorgeous home filled with the look of Parisian Glamour and I am instantly drawn into daydream mode. I would say that I typically like more modern glamour in my own decor, but I can't help but notice the elements of the oh so sophisticated french look...
The main stays for capturing the look of France are gold mirrors +  chandeliers + curvy chairs + sometimes a dash of velvet.
In my designs I like to incorporate these elements mixed with different looks for my personal favorite style...ECLECTIC GLAMOUR. However, this home is quite the gem. 
images via House Beautiful photos by Bjorn Wallander

style-icious Sunday {south of france serenity}

Life in NYC is fabulous...don't get me wrong, but sometimes I feel like I just need to take a nap. There is so much going on in the city and now that the weather is getting better I am dreaming of a nice vacation to the south of France. I'd love to take in the sights, the gorgeous weather and the absolutely dreamy decor. Elegant moldings, delicate details, ornate pieces, layers and layers of super luxurious textiles, and the most amazing views your heart could dream of...



Modern glamour: family living in Australia

With my clients, I am always hearing about how husbands and boyfriends are super picky about a space being not too glamorous or girlie. Then I stumbled upon this gorgeous family home with just the right amount of girlie glamour. The gorgeous ornate chandelier and beautiful detailed gold accents are just the right amount of feminine panache and super props to the husband who went for it. 

 

more of the home tour here

all in the family...Susan Gutfreund decorates in Paris

I've been so busy keeping up with this NYC energy I have barely gotten around to my favorite decor glossies. I know I'm a little late but I am absolutely blown away by this winter's issue of Veranda. I truly believe that its getting much much better since Dara came along. I loved the Jennifer Lopez spread and the Hutton Wilkinson entertaining article was just gorgeous.
Interior Decorating is an art form that runs strong in my family so I also wanted to take a moment to appreciate the decorating style of my aunt, Susan Gutfreund, and her mentor/friend/decorator Henri Samuel and their beautiful spread. Together, they have created some of the most beautiful decor I have ever laid eyes on. This time they have decked out her home in Paris with panache (and a bit of soft glamour) and in this January/February 2011 issue, Veranda made note of it. 
 It is love at first sight as you gaze your eyes upon the entryway's grandeur staircase. The magnificence doesn't stop there... in the main rooms, the dreamy walls are so soft and romantic, the perfect setting for the characteristically French detailed moldings. I love how the soft color palate allows the ornate and dramatic light fixtures to steal the show and the luscious greenery adorns the room with a perfect pop of color.
How about the charm of this dining room? Aside from the fact that it is beautifully ornate, it also has a sense of warmth to it, like you could sit here for hours over a wonderful meal.
This beautiful master bedroom is the perfect jewel box with gorgeous gold accents and lovely floral patterns.
I love the mix of muted reds and simple dashes of blue.
images via Veranda Jan/Feb 2011 

french + fabulous


I found this scan of French Elle Decor and the home of Interior Designer, Elodie Sire's, French flat.
I can't get over the character of this gorgeous apartment. The lighting is to die for, so extravagant and perfect, totally the jewels of the space. The light blue color on the walls, DEELISH! Please don't miss the curtains either, the detail on them is ridiculously good. I love it all.


agedandguilded