My Home Office Inspiration

I'm in the market for a new 'home office' for my living room.  The other day my husband informed me that he was really sick of our living room chairs and I that I needed to sell them.  For a man who has no opinions when it comes to... well, anything, this was definitely a shock!  Not that my chairs weren't cute (they were green and white houndstooth with black lacquered frames) he just knew they weren't 'me.'  So I placed them in the classifieds and they went to a cute young couple who just bought their first home.

Now I have a large area in front of a large picture window that is a blank canvas.  I've been toying around with the idea of adding a 'home office' area, as my apartment doesn't have a second bedroom or home office space.  After some tinkering around with some ideas, here is what I came up with so far:

I would swap out my green curtains for a pair of dove grey velvet panels, add a white Parson's desk, and a sleek lucite cantilever chair.  

(Clockwise from left)

1. Pottery Barn's Velvet Drape

2. Custom Abstract Painting from yours truly!!

3. West Elm's Lacquered Trinket Tray

4. Z Gallerie's Lotus Tealight Holder

5. West Elm's Cowhide Rug

6. Ikea's Tobias Rug

7. Bungalow 5's Parsons Console

8. Ikea's White Vases

Did you notice the abstract art?  It was my first attempt at being an artist.  I think it turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself.  It's all because of my adorable muse, Jack.

He was a great help sitting on my lap, sniffing the paint, and getting in the way of my elbow with each stroke.  How could you get mad at a face that sweet though?

So what do you think?  Should I purchase two more chairs that are more 'me' or does a home office in a living room fit the bill?

Pretty Lil' Abstracts

It's official.  I REALLY want to learn how to paint abstracts.  I have always wanted to paint as a 'release' and it seems my uber busy schedule is making that desire stronger (as if I have time to sit down anymore!!).  Who knows, maybe I could create some beauties like these:

Aren't these to-DIE-for?  I have been searching online for classes and even visited my local art supply store to search for instruction, but **sigh...** I live in Utah.  No one here appreciates modern art as they should.  Anyone know where I could turn for some Abstract Art 101??

{All art by Jen Ramos.  Images via Cocoa&Hearts & MadeByGirl}

Royal Wedding Inspitation

I never really understood the hype that surrounded Princess Di's wedding to Prince Charles.  They are royals and they got married. No big deal.  I have to confess that I am a little excited about this week's nuptials, though.  And what better way to celebrate than with some Union Jack pride?

Here's to the new royal couple! Cheer-io!

{images via Cox&Cox,  CSN UK,  Vivianne Westwood for Rug Company & Etsy} 

Design Crush: Ron Marvin

This home made my jaw drop. I am a HUGE contrast nut and I have not seen a designer master the art of contrast quite like Ron Marvin did for this home.  From the layered art and accessories to the mix of traditional and modern pieces, Mr. Marvin's work is perfection.

Do you think this room was inspired by the moody Ralph Lauren bedroom, as seen in this post?

Le Corbusier's Pony Chaise could possibly by the sexiest chair that has ever existed. Grrr....

You too can achieve this chic and masculine look.  Mr. Marvin used more budget-friendly sources like Restoration Hardware and Ralph Lauren Home.  Check out my best picks to get add a little contrast to your home...

(items listed clockwise from top left)

1. Hickory Chair's Hallings Secretary

2. Restoration Hardware's Solid Ribbed Tibetan Rug

3. Ralph Lauren's Limited Edition Photography (Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, Louis Armstrong)

4. Arterior's Silver Tray

5. Circa Lighting's Caged Lantern

6. Le Corbusier's Pony Chaise

7. Z Gallerie's Faux Coral

8. Chinchilla Faux Fur Throw

9. Arterior's Ice Bucket

10. Eduardo Garza's Stone and Lucite Box

11. Benjamin Moore Paint Classic Brown #2109-10 and Edgecomb Gray #HC-173

12. Quadrille Fabric's Aga Reverse in Brown on Tint

13. Circa Lighting's Stacked 3 Ball Lamp in Quartz

Check out more of this fabulous home in the premiere issue of TradHome!

Madeline Weinrib's Brooke Rug

Yep. Looks like these rugs are accurately named. They are definitely Brooke rugs.

Check out all of Madeline's fabulous rugs here.

{images via Madeline Weinrib Atelier & Decor Pad}

Dwell Studios for Global Views

Some things just belong together.  That's why I think Global Views pairing up with Dwell Studio is a match made in design heaven.

The polished sophistication Global Views is known for is getting a jolt of retro 70's patterns and texture.  Check out my favorite pieces from the new collection:

Diamond Cube

Diamond Cut Vase

Gold Ribbons Drinking Glass Tall

Gold Triangle Drinking Glass Short

Tubular Metal Burst with Stone Base

Golden Gates Lacquered Tray

Trellis Lacquered Tray

Linking Trellis Double Bulb Vases

I think I need one of everything. Maybe two...

The collection is debuting this month at High Point.  I am excited to hear what the design community thinks of the chic collection!

{images via Global Views & Simply Lovely}

Perfect Pair: Pink + Gold

How can you make pink even more glam? Pair it with gold, of course (and zebra, and mirror, and capiz shell...)

{Jonathan Adler via Elle Decor & Fuschia Pink Full Blossom}

Eye Candy: Monochromatic Frames

Perfection.

{image via Elle Decor}