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I'm still thinking about the peacocks from my visit a few weeks ago to Grounds for Sculpture.  Perhaps it's because a peahen just fled the Bronx Zoo to go enjoy springtime in NYC.  More likely, I can't get the sight of that stunning plummage out of my head.  You've got to love a creature that knows just how fabulous it is and isn't afraid to show it.  And I really love when it provides some design inspiration.
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Get the look 02/26/2011
 
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I had mentioned in a previous post about a great look book received in the mail when Ralph Lauren opened up his new flagship on the Upper East Side.  I still refer to it for inspriation because it offers something a little different.  Right now, I'm seeing interior design that's either too rustic or too slick--which doesn't suit everyone.
Pictured left is a presentation I pulled together with some designers at the day job.  It's a traditional Tudor home and, as always, it makes sense to work with the architecture.  Some keys to achieving a sort of Ralph Lauren inspired hunting look are: tobacco colored leather, wool (note the red pillow with leather trim and the cream throw), plaid, antique brass, equestrian accents and nailhead.  Don't just look to home magazines for interior design inspriation, fashion magazines and store windows have a lot to offer, too!
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I saw this picture in this month's issue of House Beautiful and was immediately drawn to it.  First off, the color--to die for!  A rich jewel-toned velvet is almost never a bad idea.  Second, the nailhead trim.  Seriously, look at how stunning that is.  I'll wait. 

The animal print pillows are classic and still very fashion forward.  And finally, the bamboo and glass table is just terrific.  The perfect size, shape and slightly modern foil to the banquette.  I even like the wall mounted lamp. 

What I'm not loving is the artwork.  The oil paintings make what could be an amazing space feel a little dowdy.  I'd love to see some great wallpaper in either a bold pattern or something with texture to compliment such a charming little nook.
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It's hard to flip through a home and garden magazine without coming across one of Kravet's ads that show the everyday item, like a black and white cookie, acting as the inspiration for some beautiful fabric or furniture.  I like to poke around their site from time to time since it is chock full of good ideas.
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I wanted to share a great site that is chock full of room photos from both designers and homeowners.  If you're looking to make some changes, this is a good website to check out since room photos are conveniently organized by both room use (bedroom, dining room, etc) and color. 
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image courtesy Elle Decor
I got to see a prescreening of the new Sex and the City movie Tuesday night with my friend Vallnez.  The movie was comparable to an "okay" episode.  I found the interiors much more interesting than whose marriage is on the rocks and even more interesting than (dare I say it?) the fashion.  Perhaps it's just the design nerd in me,but I am very glad there are helpful articles and pictures online detailing the set design.  If you find yourself missing the flea markety goodness of Carrie's old apartment (featured on the television program), you can still indulge here.
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I was so impressed with the makeover featured in the Times today.  The owner purchased a house on a lake in the Catskills but wanted to stay true to her style.  But how do you have a more modern, clean-lined look in a setting that generally lends itself to a more rustic, country look?  Like this.
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Red orange and chartreuse with crisp white
I've been working in Stamford for almost 2 years now and one of the best Connecticut "finds" I've learned about is a shop called Dovecote in Westport.  Don't ask me where exactly that is, all I know is Connecticut is a big rectangle and I go to the bottom left corner of it 5 days a week.  But between the published pictures of their projects in more local magazines and these images from their site, I'm inspired to make the trip.
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No, this is not an April Fool's joke.  I read an article in the Times today that showcased wallpapers from York Wallcovering inspired by Disney's Fantasia.  You remember that one, right?  Old Walt's acid trip movie?  Anyway, the designers used original artwork from the film to create some really beautiful papers. 
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For a while there, wallpaper really fell out of fashion.  The late 70's and 80's provided some truly frightening wall treatments so it is no surprise that a sea of taupe reigned throughout the 90's.  But enough time has passed for our memories to clear and for wallpaper to have another turn on our walls.  Unlike painted walls, which can easily be changed with a few cans of primer and paint, wallpaper is a commitment.  So if you're going to go through the time and expense, you'd better pick something fabulous.  And I found something fabulous at the AD Home Show. 
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