Hick Pendant by Thomas O'Brien

Besides my new iPhone, there's a new obsession in my life- the Hick Pendant by the fabulous Thomas O'Brien.

The Hick Pendant is the perfect mix of modern and vintage, warm and cool tones, sleek and antiqued, etc.  Can't decide to go with the gold tones that are coming more and more popular or stick with the oil rubbed bronze that has been all over the place for the past few years? This pendant is for you!  Are you in need of more white and silver tones for your room? Don't worry, it comes in polished nickel, too.

The Hick Pendant isn't just for the kitchen, either.  Look how fab it looks in the bedroom:

in the living room:

even in the entryway:

Here are some more samplings of rooms with this gorgeous light  fixture:

This little beauty comes in 4 different finishes and 3 sizes.  I bet you could find one to fit every room of your home!

{images via Decor Pad, Rue Mag & Circa Lighting}

House Crush: William Hefner Architecture

It's been a sad state of affairs at the Jones' home this past week. My husband and I have been curled up on the sofa under our affectionately named blanket, Big Ugly.  The Doc says it's bronchitis.  I say it's awful.  How I'm dreaming of a beautiful estate, like this one by William Hefner Architects, to make me feel a bit better.

Designed by William Hefner Architects

{images via Marcus Design}

A Day In The Life of A Designer

Life as an interior designer can be crazy.  Here's a snap shot of my day.

First, I started out with a space that needed a little TLC:

(These images are from before my client owned the home.
I didn't want you thinking my client is into buffalo and  ram heads amongst other clutter...)

Then I took several weeks to brainstorm, space plan, create design boards, shop, select finishes, materials, etc. etc. Today I was able to check in on the progress:

(painting out the hood, island, and built-in china TOTALLY changed the whole look of the kitchen.
It's much more fresh and clean.  Don't you just die over those pendants? That's all my client.  She has great taste.)

(Custom window seats and new carpet in progress- no low pile shag here!
Doesn't this room look so much better without Bullwinkle staring us down?)

I then ran to several different workshops to check in on the progress of custom furnishings:

(Custom captain's chair almost ready for the most adorable slipcover you've ever seen.)

(Reclaimed barn wood table after a little sanding, but before some finishing top coats.)

(Trestle table base)

After I gave my thumbs up on the custom pieces, I had to run and pick up a rug pad that just happened to be the last one in-stock, called the slipcover lady and text/called client with updates on the above progress.  All this before noon. Whew!  Interior design isn't as glamorous as it looks in the magazines, now is it?  

I wouldn't want to do anything else. I love it.

Stayed tuned for images of the completed project! 

{images via Brooke Jones Designs, LLC)

House Crush: Sloan Mauran's House

Leave it to those Canadian designers to design yet another stunning home. They have the most impeccable taste.  Check out the residence of Toronto interior designer, Sloan Mauran.

I adore the brass hardware. A perfect example of how to mix silver and gold.

LOVE the mix of formality and family.  See, you CAN have chic rooms that are kid friendly.

There's a starburst mirror over the bed. Do I really have to say anything else?

To see more of this beautiful home, go here.

{images via Canadian House&Home}

eMag: High Gloss Premier Issue!

I recently posted about how much I love eMags. Well, I may have just stumbled across my favorite one! Check out the premier issue of High Gloss!

This dining area was inspired by the Rat Pack through the 50's and 60's.  You know I love any room that has Dorothy Draper's chest and lacquered chairs!

Honestly, magazine's style boards never really strike me as pretty.  They always push the envelope a bit too much for me.  But this one? I think they jumped in my brain and posted everything I would want them to post!

Great minds think a like! The starburst mirror in the background of the above picture is the same starburst I have over my bed and the blue Surya rug, below, is in my kitchen. Adore!

Check out this new eMag in all its fabulousness at

HighGlossMagazine.com

Design Crush: Jeff Lewis

Tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, sinks... I've been up to my ears with all of these for the past week or so.  I'm working on a really fun home that is currently under construction and I've come to appreciate how the small details in a home can really make or break the ambiance.   The home is more of a 'Modern Craftsman' style and I can't help but think, "What would Jeff Lewis do?"

 

The master of contemporary chic has definitely been a design influence in my life.  The snarky and OCD Bravo reality star sure knows how to make a utility space not only functional but amazingly beautiful at the same time.  Take a look at some of my favorites:

House Beautiful 2010 Kitchen of the Year

 I just die over that light fixture.  Jeff had it imported from Germany, but I've been on the lookout for an American equivalent.  Another thing I hope to own before I die.

The above and below images are not kitchens or baths, but they are so gorgeous I couldn't leave them out!

Notice how all the kitchen cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling.  I think this is key in kitchen design.  It makes your kitchen look more grand and substantial, adds more storage space (and who doesn't need more of that), and gets rid of those awkward spaces that temp people to fill them with fake ivy and ceramic roosters.

Is that a globe pendant light I see?  This guy has amazing taste!

See more of Jeff's work at

http://www.jefflewisdesign.com/

{images via House Beautiful and Jeff Lewis Design}