Every year Winter hits us (without much warning) like a ton of bricks.  The first snowfall is magical and we’re quickly reminded of all the things Winter has to offer: skiing, sledding, snowball fights, hot chocolate, warm sweaters, fuzzy boots and fires.  It’s certainly a time of year that, although cold —  very, very cold —  can bring a lot of fun through outdoor activities with family and friends.  However,  these long and cold days tend to drag on and on, and as soon as the groundhog sees his shadow (expressing 6 more weeks of winter) I think we’re all ready for that first day of Spring.  With that being said, I was recently inspired by an artist, Kerri Rosenthal, who doesn’t live too far from where I grew up in CT. Her warm, expressive paintings not only bring brightness and cheer to a space but they also have an incredible way of lifting your spirits when you enter the room.  Colors speak volumes and can transform your space and your mood on a cold Winter’s day.  Take a look at some of Kerri’s work below and if your Winter is dragging on like most of us in the NorthEast, it might be time to illuminate your days and remind yourself that Spring is just around the corner.

 

KR 1

KR 2

KR 3

KR 6

KR 7

KR 8

KR 9

KR 10

KR 11

KR 12

KR 13

KR 15

If these paintings and colors don’t brighten your mood and prepare you for warmer days ahead, I don’t know what will.  Not only will a fresh new painting bring inspiration and happiness to your mind but it will breathe new light in your home – that just might be needing a boost of sunshine.  For more information on Kerri and her artwork you can visit her site here.

 

 

I’m recently obsessed with anything camouflage which may or may not be trending at the moment — but I’m not sure it matters when it comes to Andy Warhol’s camo prints.  If you like anything Andy Warhol, you’re going to love these prints.  Full of color and movement these pieces can certainly pack a punch.  The versatility is endless too — I can see these prints in a living room, a playroom, a kitchen, a kids room, a den..you get the point.  If you can’t afford the real deal, there are plenty of reproduction prints for sale at places like art.com – just make sure you frame it so it looks like an original 😉

 

bright green

The lime greens make me think of Spring which puts a smile on my face

flourescent

A whole lotta fluorescent

orange

A smaller scaled camo

hot pink

Anything fuschia is bound to brighten a space

series

A series of colorful camos – genius!

skateboards

These skateboards would be great in the kids space

warhol camo

Look what it does to a rather bland kitchen

I guess I’ve got a project ahead of me!  I’m thinking I’ll give this Warhol thing a whirl

Most people struggle to find that one piece of furniture or the right throw pillows that are going to help complete their space — without realizing that one single piece of art can do the trick.  House Beautiful recently posted an article showing four different spaces that are dramatically improved by artwork.  Take a look at these four spaces as well as four additional spaces I found that will show you how to transform your space.  Art is of course very personal, so I’ll leave that up to you, but I suggest spending the money on your walls.  It changes the space and often gets people talking if it’s placed in the right spot

 

art 1

This rather neutral room is quickly brightened with pops of yellow, red and azure

art 2

The bright orange velvet chair is brought to life with its accompanying bright painting

art 3

This entry without art would be exceptionally bland

art 4

This is a nice play on both color and geometrics

hb art 1

While this art is simple it still brings a sense of completion

hb art 2

Big and bold

hb art 3

This art brings the golds, blues and greys full circle

hb art 4

Don’t be afraid to do anything oversize

A new year is approaching and it’s time to start thinking about what we want to change — not only in ourselves but in our home which will ultimately help create a happy and warm environment for us to thrive in.  We all start with the obvious resolutions such as: get healthy, cut back on the sweets and liquor, be nicer because everyone is battling something and be more charitable, to name a few. This year, why not make a resolution to fix up your home so that every time you walk through the door or go to bed at night you can feel complete.  There’s a lot to be said for selecting the right colors, the right lighting and a few things that are trending so your house doesn’t feel like it’s stuck in the late 80’s.  It only takes a few accessories or a fresh coat of paint to make these changes so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.  Better yet, if you have friends who are looking to give more and be more charitable – put em to work!  Helping friends accomplish a project can be very rewarding and they get to enjoy the results every time they come to visit.  Not to mention free bragging rights.   This is the year to make your house a home.

 

pantone colors 2014

The first step might be to look at the colors for Spring 2014 so that you’re selecting things that are right on trend.  Bring these colors into your throw pillows, smaller furnishings, window treatments and walls.  You’ll be able to talk shop and coordinate with your clothes and handbags!

black and white stripes

A bold black and white stripe is sure to grab attention and it’s very on trend.  Think strong contrast and bold stripes

bright yellow

Bright yellow or “freesia” is just about as hot as it gets these days.  Don’t be afraid to add this bright pop of sunshine

chevron pattern floors

Chevron has been and still remains to be trendy so why not do a subtle version with the layout of your wood floors.  It will help create something new and fresh while remaining timeless

glam in the kitchen

Add a little glam to your kitchen with the back splash, lighting or hardware.  It’s all about the jewelry in the room

mixing metals

I’ve always been a believer in mixing your metals and thankfully it’s now being deemed as appropriate and trendy

orchid

Radiant Orchid is perfect for the kids bunk room or a playroom where you can have some fun and be more daring

yellow door

Say goodbye to those boring wood cabinets and doors and give them some life with a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware.  You can transform your kitchen in a matter of days and make it look like a million bucks

dark walls

Don’t be afraid to paint the walls in a dark navy.  You’ve got enough “bright” in the room with the ceiling, trim, and other furnishings to keep it airy and light.  A rich, saturated wall makes a nice statement

wallpaper

The powder room is the best place to do a funky wallpaper so go for the large geometric pattern you can’t stop thinking about!

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more out there.  Let’s make 2014 a year to remember and finish those projects you’ve been putting off for way too long now.  I promise you’ll rest easier at night 😉

It’s that time of year where the weather can be confusing, the foliage is in full swing and people are gearing up for the holidays. Thanksgiving is around the corner yet New York has already started to decorate for Christmas and Holiday songs have hit the air.  Slow down!  It’s definitely a cheerful time of year and there’s a lot to be thankful for so I’ve started to look around for some inspirational tablescapes — while I’m thankful for the food we eat on Thanksgiving,  I can also appreciate a well set table full of color and good cheer.

 

cactus

I love the cactus and cabbage flowers in this centerpiece.  It’s a nice break from your average floral arrangement

candles

Candles are always a great way to “light up” a table

foliage

Baskets of foliage at their best

fruit

Bringing fruit on the table is a great reminder as to why we sit down and celebrate “thanks” with a meal

give thanks

I love the idea of painting pumpkins white and marking it with a special statement or quote about what you’re thankful for

leaves

Mother nature has given us plenty to work with and Fall is the perfect season to use what she has given us

pears

Pears are one my favorite fruits to incorporate in a table setting

placecards

I love the wheat on these simple place cards

pumpkins

twigs

More pumpkins – toned down with white and grey

wheat

Bunches of wheat are great for the table or mantle

white pumpkins

Using fall colors helps create a natural, soothing environment

However you decide to dress your table this year I hope you enjoy the season and take time to count your blessings and share your appreciation with the people you are thankful to have in your life.

What day is it?

It’s today, squeaked Piglet

My favorite day, said Pooh

~ A.A. Milne

Halloween is just around the corner and the costumes are in full swing.  It always amazes me how much goes into this tradition of ours in October and even though I’m usually not one to dress up,  I fully enjoy seeing what others come up with from year to year.  October is not only the month for Halloween, apple picking and pumpkins but it’s the one month that invites the color orange into our lives more than ever.  The rooms and wall coverings below have inspired me to incorporate more orange into my projects.  It’s happy, bright and warm – perfect for any home.

 

bright orange

built in bed

orange and blue

orange and eggplant

orange bath

orange gracie

orange paper

orange sailboats

orange shades

orange stripes

pop of orange

zebra

It’s that time of year again – The Affordable Art Fair will be in full swing from Oct. 3-6 and will have a variety of pieces ranging from $100-$10,000 so there’s something for everyone.  General Admission is just $15 and it’s well worth the trip.  Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone special, it’s the perfect time of year to get a jump start on your holiday shopping.  The fair is located at The Tunnel, 269 11th Avenue and you can purchase tickets in advance here

AAF

art fair

mixed media on canvas

While browsing through the sales on One Kings Lane today, I came across quite a few things that  grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, nothing is quite right for the projects I’m working on.  Therefore, I thought I’d share some of my finds with you.  There’s got to be someone out there looking for a great deal and if it’s not something I selected, surely you’ll find something that’s right up your alley as you shop around.  My picks of the day:

 

eugenie side table

Eugenie side table with reclaimed wood and mirrored top and base

flat weave rug in pewter

A beautiful flat weave rug in pewter which will compliment any color scheme

garden plan

A unique garden plan framed and ready to hang!

greek key cocktail table

A simple greek key coffee table that’s perfect for your den or family room

leona chairThe Leona chair by McGuire

midday migration

Abstract art ‘Midday Migration’

olympia side table

Olympia side table

somersaults painting

A painting titled ‘somersaults’

surfer painting

A surfing painting for the beach house or surfin’ addict

yellow table lamp 299

A perfect double gourd yellow table lamp for your desk or bedside table

zig zag chair

The zig zag chair – this fabric is stunning and could work well in a boys room, a study, an office…options seem endless

Visit One Kings Lane for pricing and purchasing – hurry before the sales end!

Nate Berkus recently sold his apartment on West 9th Street in the quaint West Village of NYC and bought a new one around the corner on West 10th/5th Ave.  Although I can’t quite afford the square footage that he’s got, at least I know I’m in the right neighborhood!  It seems as though he took a much calmer, neutral, serene approach to this apartment.  All that white makes me a little nervous but I’m assuming he can reupholster it and have it cleaned in a flash.  After all, he’s Oprah’s design child (AKA one of her favorite things)

 

NB penthouse

Here he is all dressed up and ready to show off his new digs!

 

bedroom

Even 5 million won’t get you large bedrooms in NYC

DR

The DR has a very natural, simple feel to it

kitchen

The arched “greenhouse” windows are a nice addition in the kitchen

LR

A shot of the LR without NB in it.  A lot of white!

master

A neutral master bedroom with what looks like a high gloss painted ceiling?

rooftop

And the terrace…a lovely amenity with view of the city

floorplan

This is the floor plan of his duplex on West 10th/5th Ave

 

 

The polka dot.  It’s been around for years and apparently it’s one of this season’s biggest trends.  Has it ever gone out of trend?  I remember wearing polka dots as a kid and for the longest time I thought of them as playful and juvenile.  As an adult I went through my phases, a polka dot skirt here and a polka dot scarf there, but  it never quite phased me why I was choosing to wear these things or if they were trendy.  The polka dot was just there and available.  It’s a simple statement yet these days seems so sophisticated and fresh and apparently has lasting power.   Therefore, I have a new obsession with the polka dot.  Whether it’s in my wardrobe,  a fabric or a fun piece of art I find myself drawn in and wanting more.  Am I a victim of this trend or have I always loved the polka dot?

 

marilyn monroe

Marilyn Monroe.  Polka dot style at its best

 

art 2

Colorful, fun photography

art dots

chairs

Have fun with the scale when using it on furniture

circles

colorful dots

dots and stripes

mixing the stripe with the polka dot

shirt

The polka dot is perfect with a pair of jeans but you can mix it with just about anything – especially a coordinating stripe or solid

spoonflower

This fabric would coordinate nicely with a larger floral or ethnic print

mila kunis

Celebrities.  They’re just like us.  They wear polka dots!

runway

styles

Different styles on different faces