New York Design Blog | Material Girls | New York Interior Design

With all the beautifully designed wallpapers out there today it’s no wonder why papering your walls is back in style — It’s the element in a room that can pull it all together in one fell swoop.  Have you ever noticed that your space doesn’t feel quite complete until the art and mirrors are hung on the walls?  Well, wallpaper has the same effect and it can give you that final dimension you’re looking for. I’ve been browsing all kinds of wallpaper lately for clients looking to complete their powder rooms, nurseries, kitchens and dens — and I’ve come across some pretty amazing stuff:

Kudos to Meg Braff for creating such a fun yet useable line of wallpaper.  I’m loving her Meadow Reed paper in coral on white

Another gorgeous design by Meg Braff – Sasa

Sometimes the boldness in the paper is enough to complete the room without adding too much color.  The Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler strikes again..and again.  It’s that good!

Speaking of F. Schumacher style – their new-ish Jaipur hand block wallcovering collection is to die for — Rampura Turquoise is shown above

One of my all time favorites by Florence Broadhurst – Japanese Floral

Another one “spotted” – Florence Broadhurst’s Spotted Floral

Hello color!  Loving this bright pink vine floral from Thibaut

And this bright green ikat also by Thibaut – could be really fun in a kids room!

Whatever the case may be, your walls can always use an extra punch of pattern and color — and paper is the best way to add that jazz.  So when you’re decorating your house or re-doing a room try to think beyond paint and spend a little extra money to get a unique look that will be the envy of the town!

So it’s officially December 1 which means for those of you who have been holding out and refusing to put up any holiday decorations until at least the month of Christmas — it’s time!  Get out your garland and wreaths and start shopping for Christmas trees!  I’ve been looking around for new/fun ideas to decorate the home and I’d like to share my favorite find of the week along with some simple table settings and decor that are so beautiful they’ll inspire you to go that extra mile this year.

Check out this home made letter wreath that can be hung on just about any door (inside or out) for the holidays.  Here’s an easy “how to guide” from Our unexpected Journey Blog

The best way to make your table shine — other than using your finest china and silver is to choose some beautiful flowers that adorn each plate and gracefully fill the center of the table.  You don’t have to go crazy with color – you can get just as chic a look with simple greens and whites!

Another example of simple green and white that allows your china and glassware to get noticed!

Grab anything green – lettuce, apples, moss balls and mix it with mercury and clear glass votives, candlesticks and hurricanes for a crisp and clean design

You can fill your hurricanes and vases with all kinds of holiday cheer — and keep your eyes out for fun candles that will sparkle on the table or in the windows for people passing by to enjoy

Don’t forget to garnish!  It will make all the difference in what you’re serving – even if you’re not the best cook!

Add some unexpected stripes to your wreath

Spray paint your pine cones and throw them in a jar or get out the glue gun and make a ball of pine cones with a splash of glitter!

When I think of bunk beds I immediately think of kids rooms and overflow in a ski or beach house — most people want to pack as many friends and family in their vacation home so why not create a designated space for the kids to hang out in.  There are all kinds of fun and creative ways to make this space friendly, safe and inventive.  If the kids love it, they might actually want to go to bed when you tell them to!

Simple and sophisticated so they don’t outgrow it!

Adorable nautical themed room with a stunning white bunk – check out the cleets that are being used as drawer pulls

Feels like another boat to me!  perfect for the spillover

Now here’s a bunk design that is great for adults – so chic!

Whatever the case may be – don’t count out bunk beds when you’re renovating or trying to maximize the sleeping space in your house.  It’s a great way to pack in the people and you can get your contractor to build you just about anything.  Let your imagination fly!

Most people are afraid of using white in their home because the thought of anything spilling on it is absolutely terrifying! My advice is to take the risk and go for it – at least in one room.  Take a look at these rooms and tell me how soothing they make you feel.  I for one, need a little white on white in my life to keep things fresh.

throw a little shag in there for some texture

fix up an otherwise dated room with a painted white floor and ceiling

paint that old chair that you inherited from your grandmother and make it fresh and chic

add some black for contrast and a nice pop

the dark wood floor is a perfect platform for crisp white furniture

so simple yet so sweet

a bright, white and sunny space to wake up in!

texture, wallpaper, lacquer, old and new – what a great mix!

Grange Furniture recently asked me to participate in a contest for a chance to win a trip to Paris for the January Maison et Objet, and I’m pleased to announce the voting has begun!  I, along with three other bloggers, have created virtual vignettes using Grange’s popular “tray chic” coffee table, which I have to say is quite inventive and fun.  Please take a look at their website to see the various finishes and colors, and start creating your very own unique tray chic table today.  More importantly, click here to see my vignette and vote (by “liking” my vignette) for me so I can see what Paris is like in January!

When it comes to stripes you’re already committing to something bold so don’t be afraid to use them in small spaces, on the walls, on the ceiling, on the floor and just about anywhere you feel fit.  There are multiple ways to get your stripe on, so take a look at these rooms for inspiration and do something fun for Fall 2011.

A perfect way to add some striping to the room is to put it on the ceiling

Add stripes to one feature wall so you’re not completely striped out

Keep the stripes subtle and neutral for a soothing effect

Another subtle stripe with additional stripes in the furniture and rug

Change your basic beige wall into something with style and funk

The striped rug mimics the black and white stairs perfectly!

Bring in some sunshine with bold yellow!

Labor Day has come and gone and we’re all feeling a little blue about the last days of summer.  It’s raining in NY which doesn’t help matters but have no fear, Fall is almost here…and with that, means new Fall lines that are bound to make you roar.  Osborne & Little has a new Fall 2011 wallpaper collection called Komodo which will bring out your wild side and keep you on the hunt for more.

Boa

Cobra.  Sssssss

Panthera

Quagga

BHLDN is apparently where the party is – a vintage, throw back shop that includes gowns, dresses, decorative tabletop and keepsakes that will make any event a special one.  For those who love Anthropologie and are looking for something to add that special touch  at your next party or event, look no further, BHLDN is the place to be.

Are you having a wedding or a special ceremony on a hot summer day?  You can provide your guests with these adorable crinkle fans to keep them cool

The perfect collection and variety of mercury glass votives for your table

Colorful paper poms that can be used to adorn each plate

The perfect white lantern that will make any room or table glow

Sweet little porcelain fleurs that can be used around your napkin, added to your centerpiece or even on top of the cake!

Tie these from the trees or the umbrella at your back yard BBQ and make a real spark!

Make that birthday or anniversary even sweeter by using these vined numbered candle holders on the table

 

As you can see, there’s a lot to choose from for your next party so what are you waiting for?  Take a look and start shopping so you can wow your guests with something special and unique

This weekend is the opening of The Hampton Designer Showhouse which is not only the best showhouse of the year, but also includes one of my favorite design teams, Tilton Fenwick, who created one of the most stunning “rec rooms” i’ve seen in ages.  This, of course, is my opinion only from the few photos I’ve seen online so I can only imagine what it looks like in person.  I can’t wait to get in there and take it all in!  The show opens this Sunday, July 24 and is open through September 4.  If you’re looking for inspiration or simply something to do this summer, I highly suggest making the trip to Bridgehampton

1224 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehamtpon, NY

Sneak peek of the room designed by Tilton Fenwick.  How fabulous are those pagoda lanterns?

One more detailed photo by TF.  I don’t want to give too much away!

I look forward to seeing the crowd this weekend and for those who don’t live nearby I’ll be posting plenty of pictures after I see the show in person.  Stay tuned for some fabulous design

 

Which means the bar is open and it’s ok to have a cocktail after a long day at work.  I’ve been searching for the perfect bar cart for my apartment and as I browse the internet and shop around town I keep coming back to the same one.   I think it’s time to bite the bullet and get it already.  My problem is I love them all and I don’t want to come across another one 2 months from now that I HAVE to have.  This is the problem with being a decorator.  Newer and better things always come your way.  I know, make a decision and run with it. 

This is the one I keep coming back to. Black, White and just awesome.

 Faux bamboo?

Clean and white?

Rustic yet chic?

Small and sophisticated

Gold and mirrored?

Polished and funky?

Now you see my problem/feel my pain?  There are too many great options!