Books Anyone?

How many people actually have a collection of books that they keep in their home?  I used to have a pretty decent book collection until I donated most of them to make space for baby #3.  The truth is, rarely do I go into someone's home and see a beautifully filled bookcase. 

An exception goes to my friends Gillian & Tal who actually have one of the most brilliant book collections housed in an even more amazing bookshelf unit!  You should also check out Gillian's AMAZING book titled "Testimony." 
What an unbelievable book to add to your book collection!

See Gillian & Tal's book collections below in the next three images.

Below are some more photos of fabulous bookshelf units...

I never saw a curtain in front of the a bookcase before.  I wonder if it is there for decorative purposes or it is actually used to hide the books when company is visiting.

Hanging art onto the actual unit is a great way to add interest to your bookshelf.

These high gloss black bookshelves are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Wish I had them in my office....

New York Times

via Design is Mine

Light up the Room!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

So I am back from Israel!  The trip far exceeded my expectations and everyone had an unbelievable time.  I am still adjusting to the time change so if you notice any errors in the post I blame it on jetlag!

On to my blog....

A request I often receive from clients and friends is to suggest great lighting fixtures for the bedroom.  Even if you plan on installing recessed lighting, (which causes some designers to turn up their nose) you still may want to make a statement with an awesome ceiling or pendant light.

As with everything regarding home decor the pricing ranges are incredible.  You can find an awesome fixture at IKEA for less than $100 or have one custom made for one hundred times the price.  Either way, it is always nice to have another form of lighting in the room other than recessed. 

The globe pendant I bought for my son's nursery is adorable and a little more than $100.  Find it here.

Head on down to your local IKEA and you will see many options for cool modern lighting.  In fact, if these fixtures were being displayed in an expensive store, I bet the average consumer would assume these were a lot more pricey than they actually are.

Another pendant that  I have mentioned in an earlier post, is the Kartell FL/Y Suspension Lamp.  This fixture is one of my favorites because it is priced well and comes in many vibrant colors.  You can either hang one by itself or even more fun is to bunch three together, hanging them at varying lengths. (When bunching lights together, I always recommend displaying an odd number.  It just seems to look best.)

My favorite custom lighting vendor to work with is Bone Simple Design in NYC.  Chad Jacobs, the designer and owner, is absolutely delightful to work with and creates the most amazing fixtures.   He has a team of craftspeople who construct each fixture by hand developing unique fixtures you will not find anywhere else.  Check out his website here.

Another great way to add a fun pop of color to a typically boring white ceiling is the "Muse."  Like the FL/Y Supsension Lamp, the Muse comes in tons of amazing colors.  You can either mount it flush to the ceiling or have it suspended.  Find it at Suite NY.

How fun is this fixture for a girl's bedroom?  I think it would look super cool in a room that is mostly white making this the dominant pop of color.  You also cannot beat the great price of $65!!!

Another beautiful and more sophisitaced option for a girls bedroom is the "Proper."  It looks as if there is a tutu flowing from the pendant. 

The "Bloom" pendant  lamp comes in white, orange and yellow and also adds a fun burst of color to a girl's bedroom.  

While it is certainly easier to find an abundance of great fixtures that work in girl's rooms, people tend to have a harder time specifying a fixture for a boy's room.  Usually the simpler the better, otherwise there is always the chance of it looking too cutesy.  The Itka Suspension Lamp from Ameico is a great choice with its clean simple look.   

I also really like the Twiggy Suspension Lamp which comes in red, black, white and yellow.   The Twiggy comes in a smallsize which can be hung bunched or a Grande size which looks awesome solo!

Another great option for a boy's bedroom is any of George Nelson Bubble lamps.  These classics are fun and well priced fixtures that add a a splash of retro 60's to any bedroom.

What do you think of these fixtures?  Can you recommend any fixtures that you love?  Please share!!! I would love to hear your great ideas!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

I wanted to wish all of my loyal readers HAPPY HOLIDAYS & a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

I am leaving for Israel tonight for my nephew's bar mitzvah.  Mazel Tov Max!!! 

Catch up with you all next year...

Here are some pretty pics to admire while I am away ;-)

The antique bench underneath a modern piece of art is stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Again, a dog helps add charm to this already beautiful space.

I want a concrete bathtub!  Interesting place for a television....

Coordinating books by color is such a fun thing to do with the kids and it looks super cool!

This could be one of the coolest entrances I have ever seen.  I think it is great that they used the same paper on the ceiling and one wall.  Love the orange bicycle!

via New York Spaces

The blue wall is quite courageous but it looks fantastic.

Seriously, I know I always say it but doesnt yellow work so well as a pop of color?  It just makes me happy :-)

How do you feel about the color grellow?  Actually CB2 launched a whole line of furniture in this color.  Check it out here.  I think the hatfield rocker is a great way to add additonal seating to any room.

What a beautiful display of art.  There is even some pieces sitting on the floor.

Would you love to have the rainbow pencil fence in your yard?  The kids would live for it!

Bedtime!!!

When venturing to purchase bedding, it is very important to ask yourself how it is you want your bed to look.  People often inquire as to how they should make thier bed.  Should they use a lot of accent pillows, is it appropriate to make hospital corners, do I need to use a flat sheet, etc?  The truth is there is no hard and fast rule. 

There are tons of different methods to making a bed and you simply have to decide what works best for you.  Some people decide against a lot of pillows for the mere fact that they are annoying to take off every night when it is time to go to sleep.  Others dislike hospital corners because they prefer not have to pull the covers out from under the mattress each time they climb into bed.

In order to make a wise decision regarding your bedding purchase try to take all aspects into account.  I have compiled a bunch of photos of beds all made in different manners.  Browse through them paying attention as to whether there is just one blanket, a blanket and a quilt, how many pillows, etc.  This will help your decision making process.

I love how the pop of yellow originates soley from the lamps and the chairs.

Platform beds are great because you do not need a boxspring or a bed skirt and they are much easier to make.

Typically I would think that there is too much going on with this bed.  However, I think the colors and design of these accents pillows on this black bed is absolutely stunning!!!!!!!  How interesting are these throws?

On a side note, despite our bed talk I must comment on the above rug.  Does Madelien Weinrib make the most beautiful carpets?  I only wish I could install wall to wall in one of my rooms.   Unfortuntely, it is extrememely expensive when you buy it custom by the square foot.  The rugs, however are relatively reasonable.  Check them out here

I like how clean the bed looks with all white linens with the pop of color from the bolsters..  (Although seafoam isn't my favorite color.)

Another bed with a lot going on but I think it works quite nicely.  The cute dog lounging also helps ;-)

This is actually Ellen Pompeo's bedroom via Elle Decor.  What do you think of the tapestry hanging over the bed?

Sometimes I like the look of an untailored bed that kind of looks as if it was half made.  Do you like getting into your bed at night when it is made or when it is unmade?

This is Dwell Studio Bedding and I love it, of course, because it has stripes.  Stripes are my favorite patten and I actually have the same bedding with the brown trim in my son's bedroom.  Check it out here.

via Marie Clair Maison

Have you ever seen a blanket like this?  It is so cool!!!