February 12, 2016

{Obligatory} Posh Pink

It's the Friday of Valentines weekend and pink is formally upon us. While I am not a pink kind of girl (grey generally suits my mood and fashion...hence, "j'adore Dior"), I would be remiss if I did not recognize the decor phenomenon of pink posh. A vibrant dramatic hue that pairs well with modern graphics, gilded details, crisp whites and even moody gray, and reads anything but juvenile.

January 31, 2016

Bold Stripes: A Kid-Friendly Living Room Transformation

by Brandi Brown in Decor

This weekend's treasure haunts yielded two boldly striped interior finds and a new favorite store in Sonoma that I'm excited to share with you. It all started with this black and white stylish teepee (who knew that was possible!) that I found at Home Goods for $40. Trolling the post-holiday clearance aisles of Home Goods is one of my favorite weekend workouts, and boy did it pay off this weekend. The teepee transforms a corner of my living room into never land for my toddler, yet somehow still manages to meld with its surrounding decor in a non-offensive juvenile way. The black and white gods must have been smiling down on me because then I stumbled upon this amazing black and white striped Moroccan pillow in Sonoma from what might be my new favorite store - Nomad Chic. I love the chunky yellow tassels - not fragile and kid appropriate. Two serendipitous black and white striped goods = a kid-friendly living room transformation on a decor dime. All in a Sunday Shopping trip.

Nomad Chic is located in Sonoma's Cornerstone and features artisan works from around the world. It's the second outpost of the successful outpost in Todos Santos, Mexico.
Nomad Chic, Cornerstone - 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California

January 27, 2016

The Collected Wall

by Brandi Brown in Interiors

Long after the New Year corks have popped, I'm just now resolving to frame and hang those family pictures and travel mementos that I have collected throughout the years. Living in a small space is advantageous in many ways, but wall space is definitely not one of them. The solution, a gallery wall along the stairwell (well, a partial solution - I mean, really, is there ever enough wall space?). Tucked in the stairwell, the collected wall seems more personal and humble than on display in the prime time viewing area of the living room. Plus, the collected gallery wall will visually occupy the odd corners of the stairwell (winning on a decor dime!).

The challenge? Creating a cohesive collected wall with visual balance. I'm not going for the haphazard look, but, on the same token, I would like a fluid collected wall - one that reflects my life and not a staged static wall. Meaning, a measured grid of color coordinated photos is not going to suffice. While I continue to play around with the arrangement of my gallery, here are some inspiring gallery walls from around the web.

I love the organic spacing of this thematic wall arrangement. (via Elle Decor)

This boho-chic floor to ceiling arrangement visually expands the small space. (via Curbly)

This black and white grid adds a modern graphic punch to the ornate settee. (via Casa Vogue)

This eclectic grouping counterbalances the oversized gilded mirror. (via Habitually Chic)

The fluid pattern of the monochromatic arrangement brings life to this wall gallery. (Design by Ken Fulk)

I love the warmth of this organic (and almost random) collected wall. (via Emily Henderson)

November 23, 2015

Interior Therapy with Ken Fulk

by Brandi Brown in Interiors

I'm already feeling the stress of the holiday season. With a jam packed work schedule, I realized today that I have only six days (3 weekends) to get my holiday spirit together - shopping, baking and decorating (oh, and of course some- many, cocktail parties)! In stressful times like these, I need a big dose of interior design therapy with my favorite bon vivant designer, Ken Fulk. It's no secret that I have a serious design crush on Fulk - He's a style maestro of bespoke and high gloss glamour with a trademark flair for taxidermy. Here's to feeling Merry with interior therapy featuring some of my favorite Ken Fulk interiors.

I love the juxtaposition of the worn antique trunk against the mid-century modern chairs, but the gilded religious bookshelf is the ultimate statement piece.

Who knew mint green could be an AMAZING interior color!

This bold wallpaper would transform any space into pure chic.

Forget the walls and focus on the ceiling.

Crushed green velvet normally wouldn't sound so nice but, in Fulk's hands, gorgeous!

No space is too small for large scale drama.

Ceiling to floor gallery wall and muted organic tones.

I never tire of artwork above a bath tub.

A vintage retail display houses Fulk's shoes at his home in San Francisco.

Vintage collars are artfully displayed next to stacks of vintage luggage.

Morocco meets minimalism in this serene living room.

I love the unexpected cow hide on the head chair.

Layers of patterns are surprisingly in harmony with the bold blue lacquered walls.

Bespoke luxury - stacked trunks and stacked books.

The sink makes this basic farmhouse kitchen swoon-worthy.

After seeing this, I'm convinced that every bathroom should have a chair in it!

I love the contrast of the eye popping tapestry against the moody brick walls.

Monogrammed garment bags keep orderly fashion of Fulk's clothing.

I usually don't like themed rooms, but there's something I can't resist about this room.

This glamorous space would surely lift your spirits during the holidays.

Black and white still reign as king of simple-chic luxury.

{Images via Ken Fulk Design}

October 21, 2015

Parisian by Design

by Brandi Brown in Interiors

Being fresh back from Paris, where I saw so many beautiful things, I am currently inspired by the Parisian's seemingly effortless decor style - the curated undecorated look. I spent several days scouring the puce, brocantes and iconic design stores brimming throughout the Parisian streets, in hopes of finding objets d'art that would replicate Paris's iconic beauty at home. And, another several days wondering in and out of the most fashionable hotels and couture shops for design inspiration. Every where I looked, the Parisian design sensibility was awe inspiring - emulating their fashion sense, Parisian decor balances the perfect mix of old and new in an artfully curated way that appears effortless. Here are some design tips worth stealing from the Parisians to make your home look like the coup d'etat of the bohemian, curated, layered chicness that, well, defines Paris style.

L'Art of Mix-n-Match. The Parisians have perfected the art of mixing flea market finds and different styles and periods. It is common to see a modern Philippe Starck Ghost Chair juxtaposed against an antique French farm table, or a Louis XV inlaid bureau topped with a contemporary sculpture. Period pieces of all sorts are welcome in a single room, creating a "collected over time" look.

Vintage Curiosities. Paris is famous for its many brocantes. I always plan my Parisian trip around puce market days (generally Saturday and Sunday), ensuring that I have at least two days to scout my favorite puce in Paris, Porte de Vanve. The idea of unveiling a 19th Century gilded mirror at the puce for the price of a cheap lunch (say $25) makes me giddy like a five year old on Christmas morning. Parisians frequent these brocantes in search of unique vintage accessories and curiosities that make their homes distinct and unreplicable.

French Gilt. Modern Parisian interiors are not generally flashy, but they do have a bit of worn sparkle in the form of a gilded picture frame, gilded mirror or gilded side board. Gilt is used sparingly but it is an essential piece of the Parisian decor puzzle. It pairs well against white washed walls and pops against modern saturated colors. The goal is not bright yellow gold, but a faded warm gilded piece that looks like it's been around since Marie Antoinette.

White Washed. Paris homes tend to be dark (unless they occupy the top floor and are drenched with sunlight), so it's no surprise that most Parisians prefer to keep their walls white washed. No doubt the period architectural details and moldings of the typical Parisian home help to prevent the white from washing out the character of the space. But, don't fret if you have a modern space void of architectural details, keep the walls white and add pops of character with dramatic drapes, colorful rugs and graphic art, or perhaps an accent wall.

Antique Rugs. Parisian spaces tend to be grounded by at least one large antique rug, or layered with smaller antique rugs. The rugs still allow the lovely wood flooring to peak out from beneath but add texture, warmth and color (as well as muffle the echoing sound of high heels walking on the wooden floor). A patterned or saturated colorful rug will pop against those white washed walls, in perfect harmony.

Dramatic Drapes. Ceiling to floor drapes, generously puddling on the floor, add a Parisian punch to any space. As an added bonus, they also visually enhance the height of any room. Silk, linen or velvet drapes will do, just don't forget the hardware to loosely pull the drapes back from the window.

Chandeliers Galore. Parisians love chandeliers, whether they be opulent crystal and gilt like those in Versailles or modern over sized geometrical shapes (like paper lanterns found at Ikea). It doesn't matter, just hang something grande! This may be one of the easiest ways to add that je ne sais quoi to a room.

Fresh Flowers. Flower markets are abound in Paris, allowing Parisians to easily pick-up seasonal bouquets to bring the colors and scents of the season into their home. Bouquets are artfully displayed in antique apothecary jars, chinoiserie jars or modern sculptural ceramics. Fresh flowers brighten any space with an organic element.