A Different Perspective

Recently one of my favorite magazines, Elle Decor, had a changeover in editors. Many times when a new editor is brought on board the point of view of the magazine changes and it seems this case was no exception. Michael Boodro has taken over as editor in chief, replacing Margret Russell. Mr. Boodro was promoted from within, but had also previously done time at Martha Stewart Living among a few other noteworthy publications. Margret Russell moved over to Architectural Digest.

I have to admit, I have not been crazy about the homes featured in Elle Decor since the change. They seem a bit depressing although it is quite obvious they are dripping with expensive fixtures and furnishings. I have begun to enjoy Architectural Digest again though. For years I thought A.D. was full of overly decorated, stuffy museum-like homes. Under the direction of Ms. Russell however, I find myself attracted by the more livable and modern styles featured.

A while ago House Beautiful changed editors. I think I enjoy Newell Turner's point of view even more than the previous editor! I feel as though I can always turn to H.B for inspiring and lively of-the-moment trends and homes. They almost always seem attainable to me and therefore, my clients and I admire that.

While at the High Point furniture market last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Hearst Magazine Party, which includes Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda. It was a lovely party, albeit a bit crowded! I did pass Mr. Boodro in the hallway and introduced myself to him, which I of course got a total kick out of!

I recently got my Elle Decor November issue, but haven't cracked it open yet...maybe I will be surprised!

Me at left with Amy Jo Cosgrove & Jacqueline Rent of Barbara Cosgrove Lamps.

The cake

My take away: )

-Jaclyn

There's still time!

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Kelly LaPlante for Fireclay Tile

I will admit it, I am a lucky girl. I consider myself lucky for many reasons and one of them is my wonderful family, extended family included. My second cousin Kelly LaPlante is an infinite source of inspiration for me. I completely adore and look up to her. It just so happens that we are in the same line of profession, which was only discovered after I was in school for design and she had already started her career.

Why is Kelly so great you ask? Allow me to list the reason why:

She founded her own design firm in LA and creates beautiful, warm and inspiring spaces, all while being environmentally friendly.

She c0-founded a furniture line, JAK, with business partner James Saavedra.

She wrote a book, Ecologique.

She has had and still makes various appearances on television.

She had a baby.

She moved to Austin and started on awesome online magazine, Standard and presides as editor in chief.

She will soon air in a reality style design show.

She is now creating her own designs for other companies. The first (to my knowledge) is with Fireclay Tile.

Read all about and keep up with her newest endeavor here. I hope you find as much inspiration in Kelly's work as I do.

-Jaclyn

Inspiration Made Easier

How many times have you tried to do a Google search for ideas on how to redecorate a room or for any kind of inspiration for that matter and just wind up with pages and pages of links that take you nowhere? It's so frustrating and time consuming!

It is surprising with the amount of online information out there that the concept of online portfolios and wish lists are so new to the scene. Even websites like HGTV.com and online magazines have minimal references.

Enter Pinterest.com and Houzz.com, two sites that have changed my life. I am most familiar with these, but if you know of another similar concept please let us know!

I can now search for specific ideas and interests and be given a plethora of pictures and information on the topic. For example, I searched for "wood sculptures" on Pinterest and I got, on one page, loads of pictures (you don't even have to click through more than one page)! It's great for someone like me who is very visual and can scan over all these images real quickly then click on the ones I like for more information.

Pinterest allows you to "pin" what you like and create boards, basically folders of interest. You can see who posted the picture and if you like what they are doing "follow them." You can also see what your friends are up to and it links really nicely with Facebook. Pinterest is a great for any topic; food, travel, fashion etc.

www.pinterest.com
(my search for wood sculptures)

Houzz is little more formal in its display and only focuses on the home. It's great because so many designers are posting their finished products online which provides inspiration and ideas by true professionals. With this site you can also create folders called "Idea Books" to keep your images organized. You can ask questions and make comments on pictures which is really helpful when you want to know exactly what paint color was used or where they purchased that table! Here I searched for "gray tile bathroom"....

www.houzz.com

I will forever be changed by this. Now whenever I am looking for a new recipe, a pair of boots, or to redecorate my home my first source will be sites like these. Of course, Pinterest and Houzz also offer apps which is great when out shopping for your found inspiration.

-Ilyssa

Plume Crazy

I may have a slight obsession with peacocks. In person they don't even seem real, as if they are other worldly with their giant jewel-toned tail and elaborate feather pattern.

I had a National Geographic moment watching this guy strut around at a botanical garden in Europe this summer.

But lately, I've been seeing more and more taxidermy peacocks adorning lavish homes in decor magazines and I have to admit, I'd love to have one on my own mantel someday but doubt that would bode well with my frisky cat.

If you look closely at this image, you'll see the albino peacock on the right side of the room. Gorgeous!

Then recently, a post card came in the mail for the new exhibit at the Kemper Museum, highlighting an installation by artist Petah Coyne which features an apple tree and several taxidermy pheasants and peacocks. Call me creepy, but I can't wait to check it out.

But let's say that taxidermy just isn't your cup of tea, or that having a giant bird in your home isn't that practical after all. Lucky for you, since the image of the peacock has long been inspiring textile design, color palate inspiration and more, it is possible to get that whimsical feathered look sans deceased birdies. For example, I am currently rocking this Peacock duvet set by DwellStudio on my bed.

The correlating Vintage Plumes fabric by DwellStudio for Robert Allen make for great window treatments or a fun upholstering job.

I'm in love with this Song in Pumpernickel cotton flatweave rug by Madeline Weinrib because it reminds me of those gorgeous peacock plumes all fanned out.

And this Paradiso wallpaper by Nina Campbell for Osborne & Little would make for such a pretty powder bath or dressing room.

-Amanda

Photo credits: First two are my own. Number three, Lonny magazine, Sept/Oct 2011 issue. Number four, Elle Decor, September 2011 issue. Bedding, fabric, rug, and wallpaper all available through Urban Dwellings Design.