Gratuitous Cute Boy Post

I've been running around shopping for clients all day and now I am too tired to even string two words together let alone write a post so I'm leaving you with my favorite cute boy photo from The Sartorialist. Apparently, his name is Luca Rubinacci (even his name is cute!) and he's a Neapolitan tailor so needless to say he dresses well. I bet he also holds doors open and helps old ladies across the street too. Sigh. Meanwhile in New York, the men push you out of the way to get the last seat on the subway. I think I may have to consider moving to Italy. But right now, I'm off to bed and promise a regular post tomorrow! Ciao!

Style Star Lili Diallo

I loved stylist Lili Diallo's apartment when it was featured in Domino and now I am excited to check out her work on her new website! It's fun to see all the stories she's styled that I didn't even realize were her work. She has a great eye so I hope other magazines will hire her now that Domino is no longer with us but it looks like Livingetc magazine has already realized her talent. She's featured in the March 2009 issue. Check it out!

Art in Design

One interior designer who I think has a great eye for art is Atlanta based Suzanne Kasler. I've always admired her work but have surprisingly never profiled her on the blog. Her style is definitely traditional but never stuffy and I think sometimes that might be due to the modern abstract art that either she chooses or her clients collect. Either way, I love it and all the interesting details in her interiors...even the all the pink!

Art Smart: March Ugallery Picks

I've had such a wonderful response to my previous Ugallery posts that I've decided to make it a monthly feature. The student artists deserve our support and especially need it in these tough times. There are a lot of new beautiful works that I love and I hope you enjoy them too!

Cherry Blossoms Part II, 2008, acrylic on canvas, Colette Wirz, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, $650

Movement, 2008, oil on canvas, Emma Ehrenthal, The University of the Arts, $600

When I Collide, 2009, oil on masonite board, Lana Williams, University of Oklahoma, $600

Silent Night, 2008, photography, Rachel Ridgley, Columbus College of Art and Design, $200

Untitled #10, 2009, acrylic on canvas, David Nackashi, University of North Florida, $500

Diagram 04: Sketch Composite, 2007, mixed media - collage on paper, Stephen Proski, Kansas City Art Institute, $100

Land of the Form, 2008, oil on canvas, Leonardo Orozco, Long Beach City College, $600

Persistence, 2008, photography, Cameron Justice, New York University, $80

First Order Fresnel, 2007, photography, Melissa Buchmann, University of Arizona, $90

Top Artwork: Monet Study, 2008, oil on canvas, Lana Williams, University of Oklahoma, $125

Designer to Watch: Katie Fine

Katie Fine caught my attention when two of her celebrity design projects were featured in Glamour and she definitely looks like a young LA designer to watch. Her website just went up this weekend and I can't wait to see what she does next!

Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse 2009 Update

As I mentioned recently, this year's Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse is a tribute to Albert Hadley and last week the participating designers were announced. Mario Buatta and Charlotte Moss will serve as honorary chairs and in addition, Ms. Moss and team will design a three-room Master Suite. Some of the other designers include Bunny Williams, Christopher Coleman, Jamie Drake, Joe Nye, Juan Montoya and Gloria Vanderbilt. Yes, I said Gloria Vanderbilt. I didn't realize she dabbled in design beyond jeans but a little research turned up an interesting post by An Aesthete's Lament about her decorating ability. Should be a very interesting showhouse this year!

In other news, I heard that the owners of the Charlotte Moss Townhouse will be leasing the space to designer Monique Lhuillier so it seems that Ms. Moss is in need of some new office space. With all the empty offices and store fronts in the city right now, I'm sure she won't have any trouble.

Spring Ahead

I've been out shopping for clients lately and I've been noticing that everyone is ready for spring! One of my favorite window displays is at Bunny Williams and John Rosselli's shop Treillage on Lexington Avenue at 73rd Street with it's table set with blue and white porcelain and vases of flowers and potted hyacinths. It's an absolutely beautiful arrangement that would be very easy to replicate at home.

I have a very old set of dishes that are a knock-off version of the Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted pattern but I am looking forward to checking out the flea markets and thrift stores for vintage pieces to add to my collection. There is something very cheerful about blue and white porcelain, especially for spring.

The reason I was out shopping was to look for faux foliage for two of my clients. We want to add some greenery to their homes but they work long hours and are afraid they might not be able to take care of a live tree. Treillage has a fabulous Sweet Bay Ball Tree that is perfect for those who don't possess a green thumb. It looks absolutely real and I can guarantee that no one would ever suspect that it was faux. It comes in two sizes including the 3.5' version shown above.

I was thinking that the taller 5' size Sweet Bay Ball Tree might be a good option to hide the window air conditioner at the bachelorette pad project. The trees obviously cost more than one you could find in the flower district but they last for years and you don't need to water them, although you probably should dust them regularly!

Another idea that I had for the bachelorette pad was to display two topiaries on the front entry table. The wall behind the table doesn't have an outlet so I can't use a lamp and it might be nice to add a little more greenery to the apartment. Right next to Treillage is Lexington Gardens who create beautiful faux topiaries out of preserved boxwood in square and traditional round shapes and various sizes. I think I would prefer a different planter so I am going to try to look for a pair of vintage urns. I killed my real boxwood topiaries quickly so these might also be a good option for me!

I mentioned previously that we picked out some blue and white porcelain at Pearl River and here is some of it displayed above the kitchen cabinets. We need to buy a few more pieces but what's there already brightens up the kitchen. I also found a new painter who for double the original estimate will not only paint the kitchen but also the bathroom and will build a radiator cover for the bathroom. He comes highly recommended so I am excited for him to get to work!

Even Williams-Sonoma Home has spring fever! They has a lovely display of their Blue Willow porcelain and flowering branches. I am longing to see the trees in park in bloom but that is going to have to wait since it's snowing again today! Just another reason to bring the outdoors in!