Parisian Bistro Chairs...

This week is going to be such a fun week. I'm hosting two dinners and a brunch at my new apartment. Even though I am in the middle of decorating, I have to keep the entertaining going. My dining chairs finally arrived and I am so in love with them. However, I need a few extra seats and I can't help but think back to my trip in Paris and all the wonderful bistro chairs. These black and white spotted ones were my favorite. 
I think they are really stylish in homes too. I love these sets of bar sized stools with amazing patterns, too. My trip is still such a source of inspiration, its endless.
 
Here are a few I am into for my apartment...

The Paris apartment of Jean-Louis Denio

It really has been a long while since...
I have been inspired by anything in design. Kelly Wearstler is the main gal who pushes boundaries and creates something oh so fresh, it always leaves me wanting more. Well, Jean-Louis Denio does that for me. I have seen a few shots of his work here and there but the other day I came across his Paris apartment and wow.  With my recent infatuation with modern Parisian spaces, this sealed the deal for me, HE KILLED IT.

 Not just your average black and white stripes, which for me are starting to grow a little tired. He tricked out his dining room in mixed metallic horizontal striped wallpaper. Yes! Ah, I just love it. Then in one bathroom, he pushed the envelope with a diagonal greige theme...my goodness, its good! 


 Now, please don't think I am cheating on New York or the rest of country, I love my home. I just find it incredibly intoxication to find inspiration from forward thinking, especially in design. This guy has really rocked my world. You wouldn't think it but this apartment is actually really small. So these photos really show how great design can trick the eye. This is some solid design skill. Love.


Apartment inspiration...Mixing Metallics

While I am getting all settled in I'm finding that I'm perplexed as to where to my put things. I want to shake things up a bit in my new space and I think mixing metallics is just the way to do it. I have been inspired lately by overseas decor, especially Parisian and London apartments. They mix metallics with no abandon.
Most things that I really want I cant find in the states. I have to shop abroad, which is kind of annoying. I like to find things from mydeals (UK version) and sometimes ebay can really work too. Have you guys ever tried to buy anything overseas? When I went on my trip to Paris in November, I wanted to buy everything and ship it back but... it's quite difficult, no?
Ah, but the findings are oh so dreamy...

images...one. two. three. 

office space of the day...the Paris Apartment

I always love to see where fabulous people spend their work days. When I came across this Parisian desk, it was love at first sight. I am already planning my return trip to Paris because I swear I got more design inspiration while I was there than ever before...
chic wallpaper + studded chairs + gold candleabra + mirrored lamps + mood board =
domestic bliss

PARIS INSPIRATION...black and white checkered floors


So, as I settle back into the post holiday work days here in New York, I can't quite help but revel in the magic that I experienced in Paris. One of the main things I noticed was the abundance of black and white checkered floors. I mean, this look was absolutely everywhere, even on the city streets. It just confirms my adoration for this look that I already had but now I am loving it for much more than kitchens and entryways but now I am feeling it in any room...

Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms...it really works well in any situation. 

one//two//three//four//five//six//seven//eight//nine

PARISIAN FANTASY

With my trip to Paris coming soon I have been researching the things & places that I must see. Elle Decoration is one of my favorite magazines for art and architecture in France and I just can't get enough of it. I can't read or speak in French, yet, so I am not sure what this is of but I am blown away by this magnificently decorated home...

 I love how layered and artistic this home is. While I love how bright colored and funky patterns abound right now in American home decor, my eye is drawn to edgy pieces, curvy lines, sumptuous fabrics, muted colors, moldings, and very high gloss paint. 
 These things are totally refining my style and I am beyond excited to get inspired for some new projects I have coming up. Im ready to get bold in bringing in some unexpected items with history and using things that are ridiculously oversized. 
images via Elle Decoration

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 

PARISIAN HÔTEL PARTICULIER : ROBERT COUTURIER

After the holiday weekend in the city, I am taking a day of catching up on all the work I didn't do while I enjoyed special time with special friends. I ended up having amazing conversations with a few friends who spend a lot of time over seas and it got me thinking..." I need to get over there, asap"
So, being the decorista that I am, I started to research hotels in Paris, London and Spain and I just can't stop daydreaming about visiting overseas...

This hotel designed by Robert Couturier absolutely took my breath away. The colors and patterns are just so rich and lovely. How incredible is this blue in the kitchen? I love the way the modern and sleek finishes was mixed with vintage dining pieces, so incredibly chic. And can we just talk about the hexagon tile on the floor...I mean.
If you know me at all, then you know my adoration for wall textiles and patterns...

When are we going?

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

Tablescape Tuesday...FRENCH + FLORAL

Over the weekend I did a lot of vintage and thrift store shopping which is one of my favorite hobbies. The only thing that breaks my heart is that I can't buy everything that I adore. I am constantly finding myself in love with dishware and beautiful glasses that I have to put back on the shelf because I have no room for it....
As I think to myself how lovely these treasures would look on a gorgeous Parisian inspired tablescape, I quickly come back to reality and realize I don't have a long table like these gorgeous ones. Sigh.
Now I could perhaps get away with something smaller like this...
all images via

bliss in the kitch' ...delicious cream + dreamy gold

As much as I love learning all of these fabulous restaurants in NYC, I long for those days of hanging out in the kitchen and whipping up a fabulous dinner. How gorgeous is this all white kitchen with mixtures of gold and stainless steel? I never thought they would work together, but in this kitchen they totally do. It's parisian chic at its best and the small inset bookcase doesn't hurt either. 

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 

Style-icious Sunday {parisian glam panache}

There is something so enchanting about parisian glamour. The decor is so timeless, elegant and lovely.
Ornate gold pieces and light blues are often found in places like this. I love when the look is mixed with a bit of modern too... It can really take it to another level. I guess I'm smitten with the look.

The weather in LA is incredibly gorgeous today, but I'm craving for an afternoon of tea and old black and white films...preferably the ones set in Paris...with subtitles.
Hope you all are enjoying your Sunday! 


via brightbazaar + sanctuary

A Saturday swoon worthy home

As I pack all of my things up this weekend, I find myself already dreaming up what my next home will be decorated like. Visions of so many things dance in my head. I am especially inspired by this eclectic parisian style inspired home. A little bit of modern country, a little bit of glam. 
The turquoise dressers are killing me. I'm crazy about them...
and feeling uber inspired.

a Home Tour worthy of adoration

Feminine interior decor is always a favorite of mine. I love love love the look of a woman's home, it reminds me of my mom. Bright whites and pinks with floral and french accents and a touch of modern. This beautiful space is right up my alley and I wanted to share because I bet it would be right up your alley too. The name of the design firm had me at hello!  
The Cross Design...i love it!
images via fabulous k + here