Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Inspiraton: Paris Images

















Here are just a few fun photos from Paris during the day. I am always intrigued by Paris' bike culture, side walk cafes and street art. I purchased a series of photos from the street vendor below. I will scan them next week for a post. They are incredible. Above you will see a typical, traditional French Chateau in the Marais with a field of red and green lights planted in the grass. The contrast between the contemporary light display and the building's architecture was very impactful. Finally, the cafe on the street is a must stop for dinner in the 5th, Le Coupe Chou. The food is as wonderful as the scenery and sidewalk music surrounding it.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Travel: Paris


















We are working from this incredible apartment on Place de Vosges in Paris' Marais this week. The courtyard surrounded, three-bedroom apartment is striking, charming and one of a kind. As you ascend up the stone, open-air stairwell, you have no idea what to expect. The entry way immediately takes your breath away, and that is only the beginning. This is the most charming apartment you have ever seen. Hanging from the hand-painted 17th Century beamed ceilings in each room are antique chandeliers. Between the two main living rooms rests a book case, framed by chandelier pedestals which sit rather than hang. The master, canopy bedroom stands in stark contrast to the two upstairs masculine bedrooms--each charming in its own way. You can only capture 1/100th of the apartment's charm in the photographs. I am ready to move in.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Shop: Yesterday's News, Carroll Gardens Brooklyn








My Purchases from Yesterday's News:



Chapel Schedule, $15


Series of 3 Floral Paintings, framed $40 for the set




Floral, Framed Painting, $15


My Favorite: Make No Little Plans in '49 plaque, $10
If you want inexpensive antiques and home accessories, stop by Yesterday's News in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn on the lovely Court Street. It is less expensive than the flea market, literally. It is jam packed with a wide range of antiques from stamps, to teapots and even human body forms. Outside on the sidewalk you will come across a furniture sidewalk sale which includes bookshelves, stools and even magazine racks.


Yesterday's News

428 Court Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

718.875.0546

Shop: Georgia Tapert Living, Soho, New York City







Open for a year and a half, Georgia Tapert Living--located at 456 Broome Street, between Mercer and Green--is a perfect place to stop for well-priced home accessories and gifts. She has a nice mix of antiques and new, chic gifts for yourself or a friend. Drawings and photographs, all of which are for sale, cover the walls and would look great in spaces outside of her store. The best part is that most items are under $100. Chic and affordable are the two best words to describe this Soho treasure.
Georgia Tapert Living
456 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
212.334.7969

Bookshelves


Bookshelves can made a stark room look cozy and comfortable, and they can also serve as room dividers. I love the image above, which came from Elle Decor's So Chic. Ikea offers one of the best bookshelves for an affordable price which also serves as an incredible room divider for your New York studios and lofts. The Expedit bookshelf comes in three different colors--black, natural and white. I really prefer the white. They are large enough to cover an entire wall and/or properly divide a space. I still can't believe it is under $200.







http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40047675

Width: 58 5/8 "Depth: 15 3/8 "Height: 58 5/8 "Max load/shelf: 29 lb


Elle Decor So Chic

http://www.amazon.com/Elle-Decor-So-Chic-Glamorous/dp/1933231270/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245951977&sr=1-1

Party: Poiret King of Fashion



In 2007 the Metropolitan Museum of Art featured Paul Poiret's contributions to fashion in their Costume Institute exhibit. I have saved this photo for two years now. I think it would be so much fun to use this theme as inspiration for a dinner party or wedding. Prints could be used as table cloths with bamboo chairs, and the colors and prints can follow your personal taste. They can be as crazy or subtle as you please. I will always refer back to this when brainstorming for ideas when entertaining. Maybe you will too.

Elephants



My recent post entitled Animal Planet featured a Williams Sonoma Home ceramic elephant side table. I finally received mine. Here is a photo--It is such a well-priced, impactful item, $160. Here is the link if you like it.

http://www.wshome.com/products/p1434/index.cfm?pkey=xsrd0m1%7C24%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C%7Celephant&cm%5Fsrc=SCH

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Art: Laura Skayhan, Photographer


















Many people have inquired about the photographs on my walls in the post entitled Spaces: My Studio. While I took a handful of the images in my apartment, the series of framed photographs and the print above my bed are from the Baltimore-raised photographer, Laura Skayhan. I really believe that anyone can create a collection of inexpensive, original pieces from young artists that really give your home character. And why not support the young artists? I would encourage you to look through Laura's portfolio--the link is listed below. Prices generally range from $250-$750. She can print large format pieces as well--which would look incredible in any space. Laura's email is also listed if you would like to inquire about anything in particular. You will find a window series, loads of chandeliers and many gritty portraits--everything has a unique, raw edge which is always nice.

Laura Skayhan: Lulu362@mac.com

Spaces: Alejandro Ingelmo, Soho Manhattan, New York

Designer, Owner: Alejandro Ingelmo Shoes and Accessories
www. AlejandroIngelmo.com



















Miami-raised, New York City-based shoe designer Alejandro Ingelmo has a very strong point of view when it comes to shoes and his Soho apartment. While his preference in shoes is high and hot, his home aesthetic could be described as Mid-Century with a modern twist. His loft space seamlessly functions as both a showroom, corporate office, and home. Bruce Weber's W Magazine shot of Alejandro's shoes and two nude models hangs over the pedestals used to display both his men's and women's shoe collections while four large black and white photos of his family's shoe business--which began in Cuba four generations ago--hang above his sofa. His apartment serves as the perfect backdrop for his shoe and accessories collections which nod to both his Cuban past and his New York City present lifestyle.