Project - Sneak Peek

I'm finishing up an amazing project right now! It's always great when the client is on board with most of your ideas! When they take risks it works out better for all of us! Here is sneak peek of the job! I can only show you a bit, because I'm told it's not wise not to show all your work if you want to get published with the "big guys". That is why I need to hold off on my home and my little one's nursery too.
Happy Friday. (I'm wondering if it's call "Fri" day because by the end of the week everyone is feeling a bit "fried". ;) )

Style File's...snapshot



Illustration by Lulu Dk

I just returned from two small installations! They both went very well {thank god}. Sorry for the late post. I promise to return with lots of goodies soon...In the meantime be sure to check out my "Style File" post over at La Dolce Vita today!! Thanks for having me Paloma!

here is a peek from Paloma's post, some of my favorite things:

Fabric: Quadrille's Alan Campbell and China Seas line. I also find Lulu Dk very inspiring, her collages and art work are genius!

Favorite Food : French Bistro - Bistro Cooking at home is one of my all time favorite cook books, every recipe I have ever made is AMAZING!

One {among a few} Fashion Icons - Grace Kelly. I am loving the 50's-60's inspired clothing this Fall. Add a bit of an edge to the outfit and you're all set!

Hope you're having a great day!



Bedroom Image: Veranda, April 2010

The White House

I know most people are thinking of warm colors associated with Fall right now but lately I've been drawn to the simplicity and elegance of a mostly white house exterior. I think an almost/all white palette allows the surronding lanscape and architectural details to take on a life of their own!

images: Pretty Stuff, House Beautiful, ?, Country Living

The thrill of the..

hunt and a quick fashion peek...I found this cool vintage tray at The Todd Farm Flea Market the weekend before last! Now I just need to polish the brass! Any magic tricks on how to do this please send them my way.

{i'll be working on my window treatments very soon, they are currently bare}

was also digging these looks from Chris Benz's Spring 2011 collection !

Picture Perfect - Room of the Week

I'm drawn to this room right now for so many reasons. The warm colors, the mix of materials, the array of perfectly placed furnishings, the billy baldwin slipper chair {a personal favorite}. It's layered, warm and beautiful! I love it. I would add this wonderful painting by Vanessa Briggs to the opposite side of the room. The open space above the sofa is needed!

Image: top image: Patricia Gray Blog

Inspired!

I'm often asked by people, "What inspires you?"

Today's answer: My students! My list is long and varied. I'm constantly stumbling upon inspiration everywhere, everyday, all the time! I love what I do and I feel blessed to have discovered my "calling" per say.

As most of you know, I don't just practice interior design, I teach it at Endicott College and Suffolk University {New England School of Art and Design}. I am always pushing my student's ideas. If they succeed it means I have done my job well! I often discuss the importance of strong concepts, and how they should be somewhat abstracted! Literal design looks juvenile to me..Yes, throw in an ounce of kitch or a nod to the obvious..but always keep it fresh and unique! I was discussing using simple objects, en masse {or in large groupings} and how something very common can take on a sculptural quality when used unexpectedly and in large quantities. Well my student was inspired by Anthropologie's window displays..They practice this very idea! Gorgeous! I'd have to agree with her!!! Well Done.

Marshmallows - look sculptural when suspended don't they?

Milk jug igloo? Brilliant..

Black and White

and the color in-between. I love the interplay of positive and negative, black + white create.

{I need to figure out the name and maker of the fabric on these wing chairs! Maybe I'll email Thomas Smythe myself!}

How's your week going? Is it insane?? or is that just me?

image credits: White Living Blog, ?, Trina Turk, Thomas Smythe, Elle Decor, Photographer: working on this , Dust Jacket Attic, Holly Gill, Apartment Therapy.

Lighting Love

Come Fall, I'm all about my home. My clients {new and existing} are usually anxious to rehab new spaces too! It's such a fun time of year! Right now I'm all about mixing organic elements with modern. This light fixture by artist Deanna Wish would be a stunning addition to most interior styles! They are crafted from tree branches and can be painted any color you wish! I found this particular chandelier from the great home store Boxwood Home. {images below}

In a nut shell!

I love the idea of maxing out a small space beautifully, for one it makes the space feel grander but it also reinforces the idea that your home needn't be enormous to look fabulous and function well! Designer and stylist Lizzie Carney's 1,000 sq. foot bungalow does just this! Lizzie painted the entire home a custom charcoal color to unify her home! She also infused the space with found objects and gorgeous European antiques. Unique items add interest and depth to any home!

Lizzie turned her basement into a wine cellar!

Lizzie outfitted a small bedroom as a dressing room! A vintage rolling rack houses her hanging clothing. I spotted a vintage shoe rack at the Todd Farm flea market yesterday. If it's there next week, I may have to grab it!
{Lizzie painted the rug herself - I love the mix of pink and red}

Lizzie works for design/import firm Euro Trash, check out their site for more European and vintage finds..

Image Credits: Scanned by Shelter from Country Living Magazine, October 2010. Photographer: Bjorn Wallander

A favor to ask...

Okay so here's the scoop, I entered the CB2 The Selby is in your place contest! You know The Selby right? The funky photographer who captures the creative dwellings of a slew of amazing people? Be sure to check out his creative goodness here! The grand prize winner, wins a photo shoot at their home with the Selby himself! Very Cool! Now I need your help! If you could take a minute to vote for my office here, I'd greatly appreciate it! The front runner now has 520 votes {we can beat that right?}! Thank You So Much!!! xx. Julie {ps. - they will prompt you for your name - just note that you don't want to receive any mailings etc.}