Smart Touch Faucets

One of the hottest trends in faucets?  Smart Touch technology.

Several companies have created beautiful faucets that have this incredible new technology. My two favorites are Brizo and Delta.  It works like this: If your hands are full or dirty, you simply touch anywhere on the faucet body or handle to turn on or off the water.   

I installed one in my kitchen to see if I liked it before ordering any for clients.  And can I say?  I love it!  Now when I go to friends homes I always forget to turn on the levers and find myself tapping on their faucets.  It's not a passing gadget.  It's a real part of my kitchen that I can't live withou it.  So practical and so cool.

So stop living in the past and get your kitchen into the present!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRKszaUyZSc

Glass Door Knobs

Most homes have the same builder door from when the home was purchased or built.

But the sky is the limit and there are millions of options in door hardware, including "glass knobs". It really depends on your budget and your style and how creative you want to get.  Glass has been used as a building material for centuries. We have all seen the classic Victorian pressed glass knobs that are seen in old flea markets and antique shops. And today it continues to be a luxury detail that can enhance the decor of a home.  The custom abilities of glass make it the perfect material for unique one of a kind knobs.

Don't be afraid to experiment with glass door knobs.  Hardware is like paint, and can easily be changed.

http://www.outofthebluedesignstudio.com

http://www.tracygloverstudio.com

http://www.merlinglass.co.uk

Creative Walls

Creative walls are a sign of attention to detail.

Most people simply wallpaper or paint their walls. But when you really want to create impact you can get very dramatic effects by coming up with more architectural finishes and more artistic solutions.

Wood paneling, stone cladding or stone slabs, mirrors and wood combinations, leather, plaster and faux finishing are all ways to enhance an entry to a home. Finishing your walls in creative ways has always been a luxury.  Just think back to the famed 1697 "Hall of Mirrors" in Versailles where the walls were covered in mirror and created the buzz of France.

You don't have to be royalty to have fantastic walls.  You just have to be creative and think of a way to break away from standard paint.  

Toss Cushions

The easiest way to add some fun and pazazz to your outdoors is to simply get some large toss cushions and cover the floor with them.

Toss floor cushions are a very casual and fun way to hang out with your friends and break the rules of sitting on a proper chair.  It's a bit Moroccan, a bit bohemian chic and a tad Turkish cool.  It's summer, it's inviting and it is an easy way to change up your terrace or patio for a season.

So get your summer on! Get some toss pillows.

MAKE UP VANITIES

When you think of make up vanities, old black and white movies come to mind.  They seem glamorous and old school. From another time.

The old concept of a proper piece of furniture in the bedroom on which to pull up a stool and sit down to apply make up is gone.  Most women today put our perfume bottles and make up brushes away in drawers and keep their jewelry in a safe.  And since clean and natural makeup is considered sexy,less time is used applying rouge and rollers.

Either way, make up vanities have a sexy look and a cool vibe about them.  I like them. And little girls all over the world still dream about leaving pearls, fresh flowers and glass beauty elixir bottles on a make up table.  Dream on ...

 

Wall Outlet Design

Sometimes, even wall outlets can be a source of design.

Parisian designer Adrien Gardere has come up with some very cute and creative,  wall applications that are sure to bring a smile to your face. The vinyl decals that are placed on the surroundings of wall outlets have friendly animal caricatures and place the plug right in the center of the design.

Just a simple form of self expression that good design can provide.

http://www.ambientedirect.com/en/designers/adrien-gardere

 

RED WHITE AND BLUE

The Fourth of July is here upon us.  Have some fun and get creative decorating your picnic or dinner party.  Fun ribbon and pretty little flags will create the mood and get everyone in a festive mood.

Here are some insprirational photos that will inspire you up for decorating your party. 

Hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Cabana Curtains

I love cabana curtains and I use them quite often.

There is something fun and relaxing about bringing the indoors out and creating an open feeling in your terrace.  It may seem decadent to some.  But its a practical way to expand your living space and enjoy the summer weather. You can buy ready made packs of outdoor cabana curtains and simply hang them on a rod for the summer.  They can be in sheer or in solid Sunbrella fabrics and they are washable.

Create an outdoor living room where you can relax for the next few months while the weather is hot. The beauty is that when the fall comes, you can just remove them, wash them and put them away until next summer.  They are not expensive.  As a matter of fact, many retailers such as Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware sell cabana curtains ready made.

It's summer! Hang your cabana curtains and enjoy the outdoors!

The Stair Riser

We often forget about the stair risers.  

But what a lovely detail to tile or paint them. And how simple to do.  Once you have figured out your home color palette, you can buy tiles that match to create a unique and colorful walk up to the next level.  Tiled stair risers are a very traditional detail used commonly in Moorish architecture. 

One of my favorite architectural styles that embraces painted stair risers is the Spanish American Santa Barabara style which combines white stucco and lots of colored tiles.   But it can work in many other applications and designs.

 Take a second look at your stair risers.  They may be calling out for some color!

Painted Ceilings

Don't forget the ceiling!

A great way to include and accentuate your ceiling is to paint it.  I love using faux finish artists to create beautiful unique and interesting ceilings.  You can paint straight on the ceiling plaster or you can design a wood ceiling and paint on the wood or beams.

Ceiling designs have been used for centuries.  And although I'm not suggesting you paint the Sistine Chapel in your dining room, I do love to incorporate geometric and ethnic patterns into my ceiling designs.

Go ahead and have some fun!

Ginger Flower

Have you ever walked into a Shanghai Tang store and wondered "Hmm, what is that yummy smell?"

Well, it's their signature ginger flower room spray and it's fantastic!  If you have never tried it you must. I remember the first time I walked into a Shanghai Tang.  The smell was pure and distinctive and immediately entered my olfactory hall of fame. It's soft, summery and very unique.  Fragrance is as much a part of a great home as design.  Scents bring back memories and create atmosphere.  

But not all rooms sprays are created equal. Cheap grocery store spays with fake ingredients can leave unpleasant odors and if the spray reaches your fabrics, they leave little tiny yellow spots. They can also activate allergies and make you sneeze.

Get your spring on and get your house smelling beautiful.

http://www.shanghaitang.com

LANTERNS

Lanterns are such a great accessory.  I have come across so many beautiful and unique lanterns  on my travels and I love using them on jobs.  Apart from the soft,  gorgeous light patterns they cast at night, they create such mood in a terrace or patio that is so romantic.

Some of my favorite lanterns have been antique chinese wood lanterns and intricate Morrocan iron lanterns with colored glass.  But in todays market you can find replicas at great prices that you can hand as light fixtures, put in your patio, use as part of a floral arrangement or a table center piece.

Next time you see an old lantern, think of all of the creative ways you can implement it in your home.

 

 

 

DOGGIE SPAS?

Doggie Spas?  Have we gone too far?

A pet spa is not a regular groomer.  Unlike a standard grooming shop, dog spas focus on creating a relaxed and stress-free environment for the dogs. Treatments vary from water sports such as swimming, hydrotherapy, aquatic treadmills, acupuncture, Reiki, grooming, massages, facials and nail art along with many more pampering treats await them. Some dog spas also offer overnight accommodation where dogs receive room service dog spa meals, private suites, limousine services and flat screen TV's tuned to the dog's favorite channel. Some spas even have cyber cameras provided so you can watch your dog online and be confident that he/she is being taken care of. 

But don't look at it solely as a dog luxury.  There are great benefits to pampering your dog and dropping him off at the doggie spa.  Dogs that get left home alone alot or older dogs who like humans especially benefit from a massage.  They come home happy, rested and clean.  

Even London's Harrod's has a doggie spa where you can drop off your creature and heve them pampered while you shop.  Would you consider taking your pooch?

DESIGNER TOILET PAPER ROLL COVERS

Jonathan Adler is a very successful interior designer and has made his mark on almost everything in home products from stationary, salt and pepper shakers, vases and now toilet paper!

Yup - designer toilet paper.   Cottonelle &  Jonathan Adler have teamed up to create and produce designs for a new line of   limited edition  designer toilet paper and holders.   "Part of my passion for design is taking everyday objects and turning them into eye-catching conversation pieces and, until now, toilet paper has been a relatively untouched canvas," says Adler.  

Quirky but cute.  I am sure this will be a success.

 

 

Lux Monopoly

The classic game of monopoly has been vamped up by the leather goods company Pemberton and Milner.  

They created a new military version of the familiar game and gave it a twist. The palying pieces are made out of silver and the board is hand-stitched leather, adorned with diamonds.

Instead of the traditional streets and stations, Military Monopoly’s properties are ships of the Royal Navy, units of the Army and stations of the Royal Air Force. The playing pieces all relate to military attire and include a Household Cavalry Helmet, a Royal Air Force jet, and a sailor’s cap.

What do you think? Boardwalk or Royal Navy ships?

http://www.pembertonandmilner.com/

The Thriller Jacket

Michael Jackson's infamous red leather "Thriller" jacket recently came up for auction.  It was expected to go for $200 to $400 thousand dollars.   And to everyone's surprise ... it sold for $1.8 million dollars!

The jacket is one of two Jackson wore during the filming of the 1983 "Thriller" video. Jackson wears the jacket in a scene with a troup of zombies who rise from their graves and break into a dance routine. Two versions of the jacket were made for the video.  This version, with winged shoulders, was autographed by the late singer. Another version, which is scuffed from more intensive wear, is owned by the Michael Jackson estate.

The buyer, a Texan gold trader named Milton Verret,  plans to use the  jacket to raise money for children's hospitals around the world.  The jacket will be sent on tour and used as a fundraising tool for children's charities. 

I think Michael would approve of the purchase and end use of his costume.

http://michaeljacksonfuneral.org/cool-stuff/thriller-jacket/

Towel Time

I'm a fabric girl, and no other fabric other than sheets are more important than towels!

I don't understand saving money on towels.  It an item that you use everyday and that directly touches your body.  For the same price as a pair of Jimmy Choo's you can get a great set of bath towels that will be used much more and last much longer. And unlike fab shoes, fab towels don't hurt your feet!

My all time favorite towel brands?  I personally use Anichini and Frette in my homes and only buy white or cream.  Save the colored towels for the beach or pool.  Nothing looks or feels as clean as fluffly terry towels.  

Great quality towles on your clean, just showered skin is one of those small everyday luxuries that really starts off a day.

http://www.anichini.com/shop/category/Terry-Collection

http://www.frette.com/bath-spa-and-beach/collections.html

DESIGNER OFFICE SUPPLIES

Designer Office Supplies?  

Oh give it up.  You can smile at work. Stop being all serious and have some fun.  And that is exactly what designers like Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, and Jonathan Adler  are doing.  They are creating fun, playful and kitchty office supplies that will lighten up the mood on your desk. These designers are bringing their sense of humor to office supplies and making it ok to smile a bit more at work. Don't you smile when you see a blinged out mouse pad?  It's silly and cute. Borderline ridiculous. Never the less it's funny. 

Isn't an office full of happy smiling people the ultimate luxury?

 

I woke up thinking of SHERLE WAGNER

When you think of Sherle Wagner Faucets you think:  expensive, uptown, old school and fussy. Right?  Well except for the "expensive" part, you might be wrong.

Sherle Wagner faucets and fixtures have been around since the 1940's and have always been know as the most luxurious and highest quality faucets in the world.  Their original styles which, are very ornate gold fauces and toilets are still prodiced today.  But that old Zsa Zsa Gabour look is a bit dated and the new items rolling out are incredible!

The company has reinvented itself with a line of modern architectural faucets that is beautiful and simple yet of the same excellence in design as the past.  Each piece is hand made and custom ordered and unequaled in quality.  And if you are not a fan of modern, take a look at the rock crystal and matt metal finishes that can update the old designs.   

Casual lux that fits my style.

http://www.sherlewagner.com

 

 

 

Knock on My Door

One of the first things Prince Charming will see when he comes to your door?   Your knockers!   

So get creative and make them great.  Find vintage, unique and cool one of a kind pieces from salvage stores such as Liz's Antique Hardware in LA, where unique hardware from builds around the world that are being demolished get recycled.  Shop around in old architectural salvage shops for interesting and unique hardware pieces that can be converted onto decorative knockers.

 It's one of those special touches that makes a great house a home!

 

THE SYMMETRY IN LIFE

Symmetry - the element of perfect balance. The precise proportion of left and right, upper and lower.

One of my dear friends works for a high fashion modeling agency and she always comments of the aesthetic facial proportion of people.  The reason we all love the face of Angelina Jolie. What makes a person pretty and another unattractive?  Its all in the symmetry of their bone structure. 

It goes for interior design and architecture as well.  There is something so aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand about a symmetrical room.  It just makes sense.  Simple, without over thinking or trying too hard. 

Are you having issues with the furniture layout in a room?  Try to place the furniture  in a perfectly symmetrical formation.  You will be surprised how the yin and the yang work!

 

PATIO UMBRELLAS

Ok people! Stop using basic white patio umbrellas!

Live a little and go wild outside!  Today there are lots of choices and fun patio umbrella designs that can enhance the style of your outdoor space.    Even through patio umbrellas are utilitarian, they can have have pizzaz and character. The market umbrella is not the only available design.  You can now find beautiful modern shapes and have custom sizes made.

European love their striped umbrellas.  Asians love their floral parasols, and Americans - well we have been bland until now.  Find your style, have a custom painted umbrella design, add color, add a banding or a contrast interior,  create a new shape.  Its up to your imagination and creativity to incorporate something new to your patio.

African Burchell Zebra Skin Rugs

Animal activists chill out!

Anyone who has been to South Africa or Tanzania can confirm that the African Burchell Zebra are not extinct or close to being in danger. So buying an authentic zebra skin rug is not illegal or politically incorrect.   Zebras are beautiful animals and their hides create outstanding rugs that can enhance the exotic feel of any room.

Tanned hides will naturally curl around the edges over time. To prevent this and also to ensure that the hide lies completely flat, you should look for hides that have a thick felt-lining that covers the entire underside of the  rug. Applied felt-lining will aesthetically match the color of the zebra stripes as well as help preserve the life of the rug.

The cost of a zebra skin depends of the quality of the hide.  Some animals may have had fights or been injured so their hides reflect those wounds.  They are B quality. Other animals have perfect stripes and colors and no scarring.  Those cost more and are considered A quality.  

Do you like zebra skin rugs?

A Luxurious Picnic

Since the beginning of time, people have been eating alfresco. Voila! The picnic.

Well, hello sunshine,  summer is here! We all have great weather, and there is no better time to plan a picnic and enjoy the company of friends and eat great food.  You don't have to go far.  You can walk to a close park, find your favorite tree or go to the beach.    If you live near a river you can spend the afternoon watching boats go by.  If you live in Manhattan you have Central Park.  Just pick a place and go.

It's not that difficult to have a fantastic, luxurious meal outdoors. You just have to pack up a basket with your favorite foods , dips and cheeses, as well as a cooler with water,wines and drinks.  By pass the paper plates and napkins.  Go for the full English gentleman feel and load up real glasses and china.   Maybe even some folding chairs. Get a pretty plush blanket, a few throw pillows, citronella candles or incense, music,  and you will be on your way.  And don't forget some trash bags to clean up before you leave.

Have a great weekend. Get outside and enjoy the weather!

 

the detail of MONOGRAMMING

I love the old fashioned detail of monogramming.  It has stood the test of time and continues to be one of those simple, sophisticated elements of good taste.

There is something very personal about having  monogrammed stationary, towels, sheets or napkins.   It may seem like an insignificant thing to most but it's such a minute detail of perfection that has such a visual impact.   It immediately makes your belongings more luxurious and personal.  In the old days everything from silverware to dishes were monogramed and family crests were added too.  Beautiful engraved monograms can be seen on vintage silver, china and crystal.  

Today it may seem a little preppy, but monograms can still be cool by selecting an updated font or color.  Everything from shoes, to shirts, cookies, to wrapping ribbon can be personalized with a creative monogram that tells the world how special you are.  And when giving  gifts or wedding presents, a monogram can make a lasting impression.  How lovely to receive monogrammed towels as a wedding gift?  It shows you put some thought into it.

 

 

JEWELED TABLETOP ACCESSORIES

My love for beautiful table top items is known to all.  I can spend hours picking out the perfect napkin and enjoy every moment of it.

One of my new favorite jeweled tabletop accessory companies is Rablabs who merges modern elements and semi precious stones to create unique line.   Stones such as rose quartz,  agate, amethyst, and rock crystal are used in such creative ways and make up a group of napkin rings, cheese plates, coasters and wine bottle stoppers.

I ordered some for my home and can't wait to get them!

http://www.rablabs.com/

Kentucky Derby Hats

This weekend, several of my friends are going to the Kentucky Derby - the most exiting 2 minutes in sports. Unfortunately, this year I can not join them because I'm off to Texas to shoot an episode of "You'v Been HGTV'd".  

But more important than the actual race is what you wear on your head!  There is a long standing tradition for women to outdo themselves with huge, festive, opulent hats.  Just like a mint julip, it's a must! The parade of hats and spectacle is part of the event, and if you can afford the best of the best you must have a Philip Treacy hat.  He is best known for his British Royal family hats.

http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk

Have fun at (or watching) the Derby, everyone.  I can't wait to see photos of this years hats!

Antique Japanese Obis

News of the earthquake and tsunami this morning has Japan on my mind. 

One of my favorite activities in Tokyo is shopping for antique obis which I use in many design applications. Depending on the width and quality they can be used as table runners, made into throw pillows or hung in acrylic frames as artwork.

Obi literally means sash in Japanese.  They are colorful belts used around the waist that tie in the back of robes.  The fanciest and most colorful obis are for young unmarried women and a  fine formal obi might cost more than the rest of the entire outfit.  They are usually constructed in fine brocades and often have silver and gold treads running through the design.  The patterns and colors are endless and they are a true art worthy of collecting. 

My thoughts go out the the fabulous island nation. 

Stationary speaks louder than words

“Stationary Speaks Louder than words”.   Jackie O

I love personal stationary!   Since childhood, I have always had little boxes of stationary with my name on it and used it to say thank you and to send special notes to friends.  It’s a dying art since everyone seems to send emails these days.  But how nice it still is to receive a handwritten note in the mail?   In an electronic age, a hand engraved crested note stands out as a luxury.

There are many companies that create custom logos and custom designs or that even sell beautiful ready made stationary.  One of the most well known is Crane paper.  But if you really want to step it up, there are engravers such as Smythson of Bond Street, which supplies the paper to the British royal family.  They use hand chiseled dies and hand made paper, the old fashioned way.  They use to supply Jackie O. with her signature light blue letter sheets named “Nile Blue”.

It's all about the details.  You may not be able to afford a Park Avenue penthouse, but you can afford the Rolls-Royce of stationary!

 http://www.smythson.com

 

Smart Touch Faucets

I recently installed a Delta smart touch faucet in my kitchen and I can trully say - I love it.

It is a heat sensor faucet that turns off and on with a simple touch of your hand or arm.   It does not matter if your hands are full or dirty, all you have to do is tap the spout and it turns on.  And it also saves water by automatically turning off after  several minutes. Everything in life should be this user friendly!

Watch the demonstration video below.  A great move towards a smart home.

http://www.deltafaucet.com/smarttechnology/touch2o-technology.html

Easy and festive arrangement

I was at the Beverly Hills Four Seasons for tea with my friend Theodore.  We saw this arrangement of cone style trees and loved it.  So simple and easy to do! Cones of different heights with silk poinsettias attached to them create an interesting contemporary visual.

What do you think?