Mirror Mirror on the Wall

I was out with some great friends last night for dinner.  We went to Crispo on 14th Street - delicious food and wonderful company.  If you ever go, you HAVE to try the the caramelized brussel sprouts with maple and almonds.  I need this recipe!!!!

Anyway, at dinner my friend Sandy who is in the midst of redecorating her apartment told me she always looks to my blog for ideas.  That made me so happy!   She then suggested I do a post on wall mirrors.  So Sandy, this is for you girlfriend!

Below is a total mix of different kinds of mirrors, some more fun and others more classic.  Let me know which you like most and if there are any you do not like and why...



My most favorite wall mirror is definitely the Kartell Ghost Mirror by Philippe Starck.  It is made of transparent or colored polycarbonate and comes in two sizes and five transparent colors.

The Caadre Mirror Series also by Philippe Starck is more sophisticated than the Ghost Mirror and a LOT more expensive. However, if it is in your budget - go for it!  It is stunning!

Areaware's  "My Brother's Mirror" by desginer Harry Allen is a mirror that has both a contemporary and classic feel.  It comes in white, frosted or chrome and would look fantastic in any room.  

Blu Dot's Mirror, Mirror is a simple clean mirror that looks good without stealing the show.

Choe and Tomlinson Self Portrait Mirrors are pure fun.  I could see this over someone's console in their entryway but it would certainly have to be a homeowner with a great sense of humor.  I think these mirrors are fabulous!

Definitely more on the pricey side,  Ochre's Rectangular Mirror with Mercury Glass is absolutely beautiful.  I love the mercury glass and would love to put this anywhere in my home.  Large wall mirrors are like art and can truly make the room.

The Skram Lineground Rectangle Mirror is designed my Jacob Marks.   The company prides themselves on redefining American craft in the context of modern design.  It is also available in round.

Hiatus...

Sorry I have not posted in a while.  I am in the midst of converting form a PC to a Mac and still learning!  Promise to post soon.

Climb...

Everytime I decide to write a post I have such a hard time choosing what to write about.  My mind is consumed with interiors and there are so many facets to explore. 

So, I am not sure how I ended up with "Climb..." except that lately I have noticed how they can have such an amazing impact on the design of a home.  Whether you choose a fantastic runner, paint the treads or have no bannister at all, your staircase could be a major focal point.

Bruno Suet

David Serra

via design sponge

I love the simplicty of the orange runner with the orange stripe above the molding.  Stunning!

Thom Filicia - Showhouse

Not only is the runner absolutely beautiful with the multiple earthy tones but the rope as a bannister?  Genius! Tell me you wouldn't want this staircase in your beach home?  I guess you would have to first have a beach home which is my absolute dream!

Another breathtaking runner!  I especially love the muted pink down the center.

GOSSIP GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

via Vogue Living Australia

via Avant Gard Blog

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!