Estate Eclectic

How amazing is this dragon? You had better snap it up before I do!

I'm so thrilled to share the latest "fabulous home accessory and pillow boutique" to launch on Etsy with you. My amazingly talented friend Betsy began the shop with like minded, design aficionados like yourselves in mind. She has an amazing eye, {you should see her home}, and background. You'll find a carefully curated collection of flea market and vintage finds on her site. I promise you'll love her taste and ever evolving boutique Estate Eclectic and her design ideas on her aptly named blog. Below is a small sampling from her boutique. Happy Shopping!

 Betsy's bio:

"For as long as I can remember, I have loved art and interiors and had an eye for objects. I’ve spent the past 10+ years working in the art world, first at Christie’s in New York City, followed by two years at a gallery while earning a MA in Art History, and most recently at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston for 5+ years. Today (two babies later!), I’m thrilled to open Estate Eclectic and offer select finds for the home. For me, it doesn’t get any better than scouring flea markets, antique stores, and estate sales for that diamond in the rough. I only buy what I love and I hope you find things to love here as well. Cheers!"

Picture Perfect - Room{s} of the week

I just began a new project for an existing client. They live in a large old house. I'm excited to move the job downstairs to the living room and foyer.  The upstairs bedrooms are almost {key word being almost}  finished. Their style is what I refer to as "updated traditional".  I am going to finish up their concept board this week but I've already shopped the design center for most of the fabrics. I've been drawn to traditional interiors with a modern edge lately. I think they feel lived in, as though they have evolved over time but still fresh. The two rooms above by Ashley Whittaker fall perfectly into this style. I love the mix of pattern, texture, color and objects in these adjoining rooms.  They each have an identity of their own but work so well together. Creating a cohesive whole,  is the key to "great" design!

Have a good day!! I have something exciting to share with you tomorrow, so do check back. I think you'll like it! - Julie

Because I love a transformation!

One (two) of my favorite aspects of being a designer is transforming your ideas into a reality {and of course my thrilled clients'}. Here's a recent transformation I just read about in the New York Times magazine. Photographer Rachel Hudgins {whose work is amazing btw. see below and her website for more details} downsized from an 2,000 sq foot home in L.A. to an 800 sq foot condo in New Jersey.. In order to display her artwork and photographs Rachel needed to get creative so she employed the help of  David Kassel a professional artist, installer, and owner of NYC based Ilevel. Scroll down for the before and after.

and the stairway before.....

All images: New York Times Magazine.

Book of the month

I Guess I'm on a birthday wish list kick...So here's October's book of the month. I just couldn't miss posting about Mary's new design book. The Allure of Style. I can't wait to get my hands on this one!!

Her interiors are always amazing. They're glamorous, refined, traditional without being uptight, layered, rich and colorful... simply gorgeous. The Allure of Style is being released tomorrow 10.5.10!

If you read my blog, I'm guessing that you are familiar with her work...I never tire of a good thing, so here's a peek!

Images: 1 + 2 Veranda, House Beautiful, Domino, and her site.

Dear J.Crew

I'll start by saying keep the amazing goods coming, you're really on a roll this Fall..  I guess this note is really about a wish.

 My birthday is coming up very soon and oohh is it a doozy {ouch}, so I figured I should buy myself a little gift to ease the pain. I am smitten with the adorable Rhapsody chain bag on your site and in the catalog. Is it true you've already sold out of the black and green? The camel could be an option but is there any chance you'll be getting the other colors in?? It would be great if you did, place another order that is, clearly it's a hit! {I used to work in buying so I do know how the retail world goes..hopefully there is another order out there? somewhere? } Thank you in advance for any information! 


a side note: {I really try to look at birthdays as a blessing, I've lived another healthy and happy year! Okay, I promise not to get too corny on you now - Happy Monday} You'll have to bear with me this week..My PC died, so I've decided to switch to a Mac, I'm over all the viruses out there in pc world. {I am still learning the ropes.}