Picture
A few months back, I received a random Ralph Lauren catalogue at work.  Okay fine, it was really for someone else who didn't work there anymore.  No harm, no foul, right?  Anyway, the images featured in that catalogue were so beautiful and inspiring, I still find myself paging through them for ideas.  And the one idea that keeps coming to me is, "I've gotta get me to that new flagship!" 
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
One of the highlights of my recent road trip was a stop at the Edward J. Kaufmann house, better known as Fallingwater.  It's one of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic designs and totally worth the trip--even if you're not a design geek like me.  I visited Oak Park during my trip to Chicago a few years ago and knew that my visit to Western PA would not be complete without seeing Fallingwater in person.   
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
While on my Midwest road trip, I got to visit a great vintage shop in Cleveland called Flower Child.  I kept going from one great find to another exclaiming over the great deals.  Perhaps my jaded New York City self is too use to the inflated prices because I found myself wishing I'd rented a Uhaul instead of a sedan.  The fabulous Lucite dining set featured here?  $600.  And that wasn't even the best deal!
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
While in Detroit, I stayed at the Westin downtown, which is definitely one of the nicer hotels in the city.  Let's just say the "Heavenly" moniker for the bed was certainly appropriate.  The room features comfy beds, attractive lighting and a stylish bath.  So why did it leave me feeling so cold?
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
I have recently returned from terrifically fun three city tour through the Mid West.  Or the "rust belt", to be more exact.  Just one adventure in my mission to get to every baseball stadium in the Major League.  It gives me the opportunity to visit some places in America that I'd probably never get to any other way.  Like Detroit, for instance, which was the first stop.  And that also means finding some some surprising design inspiration along the way. 
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Brooklyn Flea at One Hanson Place
Sunday I took a trip to the Brooklyn Flea Market at the former Williamsburg Savings Bank to check out their wares.  Brooklyn Flea runs 2 markets-one on Saturday in DUMBO and the indoor one at One Hanson Place on Sunday (and both days during the winter).  First off, the space is amazing.  It reminded me of Grand Central Station in that it was such a lovely space to have such a common sort of activity.  Second, the layout made it a little complicated to browse as you incongruously flowed from one set of wares to the next.
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
This weekend I hit up the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market again--the outdoor one on Saturday (where I picked up an adorable tray table that will need some TLC but was a solid bargain) and the indoor annex known as "The Garage" on sunday with my sister.  The indoor flea market is actually not in Hell's Kitchen at all but further south on 25th St. and was much more pleasant for browsing on a cold, rainy sunday. 
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
Spring is feeling very far off.  While looking for cheerful inspiration as I plan out my new apartment, I came across these photos from a friend's online album from her visit to Provence.  What I love about the Provence style is that it combines the ease of rustic finishes with beautiful bright color.  I appreciate Sweedish/Gustavian design, but the ethereal quality it goes for can come off a little cold.  The combination of rich pigmented colors and warm neutrals is much more inviting to me.  Pretty popular with Van Gogh, too, as the cafe pictured here served as the inspiration for The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum.
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
A few weeks ago, I took a trip out to the wineries on the North Fork of Long Island for the day with my parents and sister.  At this point, there's nothing Mom really needs for her birthday--but everyone wants a solid day of food, laughs and wine.  Fall is the perfect time to make the trip out and after a few attempts, we finally wound up at Raphael Vineyards. 
Add Comment
 
 
Picture
I had to do a second entry on the flea market because there was just too much good stuff to share.  Like these lamps, for instance.  They would great with a simple round shade (no trims) in a room painted a deep color (maybe a peacock blue?) so the white base really pops.  One note, matching lamps work best on end tables that are the same height to create a more cohesive look.  These would also work on a console or dresser, too.
Add Comment