Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Book Signing

Last night there was a fun event at DC's Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams - a book signing for their new book, The Comfortable Home. Here's the talented Leah Moss of Apartment Therapy having her book signed. Standing between Beth of Chinoiserie Chic and Stefan of Architect Design is co-author Mindy Drucker. It was great to meet her! Mindy had been quite thoughtful to make sure local bloggers were included on the invite list.
Here's Leah with her sister Nicole. Nicole's coat was the hit of the night - a vintage 70's piece from Ireland.
The store did a great job with the event - the red velvet and lemon bundt cakes (for those of us who tried both) were delicious.
Here's color guru Annie of Bossy Color. Annie has the best dresses - love this black and green one.

I'm really looking forward to reading this book cover to cover. A quick look at it last night revealed alot of practial tips and how-to instructions, along with inspiring pictures. One section of the book focused on gallery-style montages. The pic below is a gallery wall from the DC store.

One of my favorite pieces in the store is the Lillian Console in white lacquer. With a depth of 14", it would be a great solution for a small space.
Vintage bottles; love the dark green one. This weekend I'm taking my daughter to Williamsburg for a ballet weekend and am very excited that we will be stopping in Richmond to visit Linda of Haven on Hanover. Have a great weekend!

1 Room - Styled 2 Different Ways

I came across designer Antony Todd's room on House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma' s blog here. The styling is spare - two metal benches that allow a view to the armless sofa, a beautiful urn on the corbel and an ikat pillow. I think it creates an arresting image that highlights each element.
Here is a larger view of the same room, via La Dolce Vita's wonderful post on the color Peacock Blue. The two open, metal framed benches have been replaced by two solid cubes and a number of pieces have been added - floor lamp, x bench, two chairs and a lamp on a pedestal. Possibly a more functional room... Here it is on the cover of Australia Vogue Living May/June 2007. Almost the same room except that the x bench is gone and it appears that the chairs are covered in a brighter turquoise fabric. Which do you prefer? For me, it's the first one.


(second image via La Dolce Vita via Domino, my apologies as I do not know the photographer credit in these pictures.)

My Entry Way - from Green to Gray

A while ago I posted about my living room color change - from yellow/green to a blue gray. Well, this meant the entry bureau had to change too. It's now painted Farrow & Ball's Pavilion Gray with a narrow trim painted around the edges for contrast in F&B's Pigeon. With the change in weather it felt a bit cool so I added this ribbon. The gold dish is from Pear Tree Cottage in Vienna, VA. I rather like it empty although it's often full of sunglasses, keys and other stuff. Here is my entry way from a post last December 2008. In all honesty, I don't think I ever really liked it green.

It's really hard to get a photo since the entry way is fairly shallow, only 78" from the front door to the wall. There used to be a claustraphobic closet where the bureau is now. For this picture, I'm pushed to the very edge of the outside entry. Off to the right you can see the beginnings of a gallery wall, currently stalled and w/crooked pictures!
What's in this lovely pink package? The incredible book, The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Berge, that I was very fortunate to win from Little Augury. She has impeccable taste as evidenced by this book choice for a giveaway - it is a visual feast. Thank you!!

(Photography in this book is by Ivan Terestchenko)

Calling Design Bloggers Whose "Day Job" is Different!

The other day I was visiting a wonderful blog for the first time, Boxwood Terrace, and was really impressed by her post, Virtual Renovation: A Small French Country Kitchen. (see the image above) Then I noticed in the About Me section the following, "Although my days are spent in the corporate world, I would like to create and share beautiful things with others." I could really identify with that.

It started me thinking, "How many bloggers out there are working in an entirely different field but expressing their passion for interior design by blogging?" So, this post is a shout out for bloggers who love interior design but whose work is in an entirely different field to let us know more about you and what motivates you.

Leave a comment with a link - tell us about your "day job", your passion for design and any plans/dreams you have for the future when it comes to design, even it it's just to keep blogging! After a week or so, I'll do a summary post capturing all the blogs and their links. Looking forward to hearing from you!


And since tomorrow is Halloween...

if you haven't already seen Eddie Ross's HGTV Halloween Block Party it's airing one more time, tonight Oct. 30th, 6 pm/5 c. Happy Halloween!

DC Designer Series: Tricia Huntley

Sumptuous. Luxe. Inviting and comfortable. These are words that come to mind when I think of the work of Tricia Huntley of Huntley and Company. The pairing of this modern white metal lamp with the traditional styling of the bureau, mirror and painted screen is fabulous... I think I should add the word flair to my list of descriptors. (all photography by Kevin Allen, except where noted) Warm neutrals and plush fabrics create a cozy and stylish room.
In this room there's a great balance of clean lined pieces with a touch of classical elements like the urn, bust and greek key border. Back in 2008 I posted about another bust, draped in a Bobbie Medlin turquoise necklace, that Tricia included in a powder room she designed for the 2007 Washington Design Center showhouse.
A calm, relaxed sunroom that lets the backyard vista take center stage. (photo by Tricia Huntley)
This kitchen is absolutely incredible! Love the sleek and sophisticated look and feel.

I think that Tricia has a special talent for designing unique bathrooms. The wall faucet and sleek modern sink and vanity contrast beautifully with the dark, rich walls. The more traditional styling of the sconce is a great counterpoint; keeping everything interesting and special.
The mirror-on-mirror creats an expansive feeling in this bath. Love this elegant bridge faucet and the choice of just one sconce. What else can you say - this glass counter & sink is cool! (photo by Tricia Huntley)
A beautiful powder room. Isnt' that traditonally styled bridge faucet a standout?

For me, both these bedrooms are creating a bit of bedroom envy. The first pic is all about luxury. In the bedroom below, the primarily white painting against the black walls ties in with the white lamps, headboard and bedding, creating a very tailored look that I admire.
Gorgeous styling on this table set with a colorful suzani.


To see more of Tricia's designs, go here. Tricia also has a beautiful blog, aptly named Luxe & Lucid.

Luxe Eye Candy

These beautiful interiors are from Lorenzo Castillo's Madrid home and were recently featured in Nuevo Estilo magazine here. I love the contrast of the dark furnishings against the white walls, the eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary styling, and the incredible marble flooring. The basket of African violets is a great touch - you don't often see these in photo shoots.

I like how the gallery of paintings and mirrors is wrapped around to the adjoining wall.
Here's another view of the lattice work that borders the doorways and runs along the lower part of the wall in this part of the home.

For many more photos of the interiors and the courtyard, click here. (All images from Nuevo Estilo magazine. I was unable to locate the photography credit.)