The Color Purple

Who would of thought that purple could be a designer color trend? New York designer Amanda Nisbet uses purple in a stylish and chic manner.  I think the use of chocolate brown with striking purple is smart and sophisticated.

Image Credit: www.amandanisbetdesign.com

Sprinkled throughout our showroom are some accessories with a purple flair including this small glass bottle with stopper.  

Below is a 'sharp' glass bowl that I like to call "Sea Urchin" bowl.  

The purple amethyst crystals are a perfect accessory for any home or office.

Recently sold the accompanying pieces to this beautiful and unique Raku vase.

 Kravet fabric has a new line out called 'Modern Colors' where the purples have a star showing. Check out Kravet.com for more beautiful fabrics choices. 

 Another look at one of my favorite fabrics in the collection. 

We will see if this popular color choice can become a classic and timeless design aesthetic or just a trend of the times.  

Chihuly in July

After a beautiful wedding in the suburbs of Philadelphia, I traveled to Ipswitch, MA to spend some time with my Aunts.  One day we were able to go into Boston on the train (where us, southerns, cannot understand the conductors when they yell out the next train stop) and visit the Museum of Fine Arts.  It was a quick museum trip with the main attraction being Dale Chihuly's glass exhibit.

The exhibit entrance is planned so the viewer comes around a corner and is presented
with the beauty and drama of this glass collection

Pictured below is part of what I like to call the 'underwater scene'.  As the viewer walks around the room, each angle tells a different part of the story.  One section would be predominately warm tones with fiery reds and bright oranges in shapes and forms that twisted and turned, while further down would be an area with cool blues and gentle greens.

Below is the anchor piece to the room.  It was placed at the far end of the room entrance, making it so the viewer had to travel through an underwater adventure to make it to the Pièce de Résistance.

One room had a glass ceiling of glass, very similar to the famous ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. 

Glass ceiling looking upwards

The final scene in the Chihuly exhibit.

The rough birch tree trunks against the smooth glass tubes created a calm but conflicting feeling

It was a beautiful and inspiring exhibit that was showcased perfectly.  It contained element of surprise of what was around the next corner along with putting the viewer in total darkness besides the strong spotlights on the glass pieces.  Without these elements the exhibit would have not had the same impact.

A little hometown love for Palm Beach, FL

Lilly Pulitzer came out with her new fabric line for Lee Jofa recently.  We got to see the whole collection this past week and pull the samples for our library.  You can see her whole collection on Lee Jofa's website or just ask your friendly interior designer to show you the collection and make you something bright and cheerful in the traditional 'Palm Beach Style".

Image Credit: leejofa.com

Below are some of the sample patterns we kept.  You can get each pattern in multiple colorways, including her distinctive bright pink (as shown), green, blue and orange.

who doesn't like some pretty in pink?

 I pulled these fabrics together for my mom and her love of anything blue

Orange is definitely my new favorite color for the summer. It's a why not color?  That you won't regret. 

This is just a sampling of her collection at Lee Jofa.  I hope to be able to use her fabrics in an upcoming project and to give a little South Florida love.

Its all about the Lamps!

Did you know that a 'lamp' is actually what is more commonly referred to as the 'bulb'?

In our showroom we have a variety of beautiful and unique lamps.  Mostly table lamps but also some pendants and floor lamps. 

Unique shell lamp

Fun orange and blue swirl lamp

These ceiling mounted light fixtures are a captivating and decorative way to add interest to a ceiling.  They come in a variety of sizes.  Being installed in acoustic ceiling tiles does not give justice to the beauty and possibilities of these sunburst fixtures.  

My favorite lamps are those made of clear acrylic, glass or crystal.  I just love the honesty of the design. 

Elegant crystal lamp base

Fun geometric base

I have never really used table lamps as a decorative accessory, but I am quickly learning what a statement a well chosen lamp can make in a room.  

Introducing Rohn and Emma

Meet Rohn...

Rohn is an Alaskan Malamute recently rescued from East Texas where he was known for chasing cattle. He loves having his head rubbed and will 'wooo' when he wants attention or FOOD! The rescue group responsible for taking in Rohn is the Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association. Check out their page and know they are always accepting donations to help dogs like Rohn find homes!

Meet Emma...

Emma, a white Husky with a fluffy tail, loves squeakers and any small animal that runs. When she 'talks' its like nothing else you have ever heard before. She is a great running buddy in the cooler months. Pictured below is Emma enjoying one of her favorite past times.

Below: Rohn and Emma at the dog park enjoying a drink out of the fountain