Saturday Morning I will Be here

In My Office

***

I wanted to show you a few things on the show room floor where I work.

that I love.

I an quite passionate about 'Theodore Alexander' products.

This is one of them.

The is a tiny ladies desk/make-up table.

The quality rivals 'Baker'

...actually I think it is the nest quality that you can access in the United States.

And the price is reasonable for the craftsmanship, materials used,

 and the design.

Century Furniture

Gorgeous.

This is a chinoiserie desk by Century.

It is a beauty.

Another Theodore Alexander piece.

The  Chinoiserie that they do is exquisite.

They have a whole series of pieces.

This chest in new from Lexington

And if you are looking for a great cocktail table stylized from a trunk.... 

This one is perfect.

Have a great day.

What is your opinion on the pieces I featured?

P.S. my office is very neat in that image.

There will be fabrics strewn all over by 4pm on Saturday.

I hope.

That means I am busy.

Busy is good!

Renée Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her BLOG..... Interior Design, Palm Beach, Boca Raton,Ft.Lauderdale,Design Service, Boca Raton,Boca Raton Window Treatments, Boca Raton TurnKey Interior Design Service,Online Interior Design,boca raton, Theodore Alexander, Century Furniture, Boca Raton, Theodore Alexander , my office, chinoiserie  

ELLE DECOR Designer Showhouse: Tween Girl’s Bedroom by Grant Gibson

Earlier this year, ELLE DECOR  named San Francisco interior designer, Grant Gibson as one of the “5 Designers to Watch.” Today, the public can see first hand just why. Grant has designed a gorgeous tween girl’s bedroom at the ELLE DECOR Designer Showhouse in San Francisco going on now.

While touring the house last week, Grant was on hand adding the final touches to the room. iPod with Lady Gaga playing, popcorn spilling over a Moroccan pouf and nail polish here & there were just some of the small details to the room making it so special. Grant admitted this was the toughest project he has seen. “Channeling a thirteen year old girl” didn’t come naturally and he had to ask friends with tween girls for advice. It seemed to work.

The opulent hand-painted wallcovering by De Gournay steals the show and was Grant’s point of inspiration for the overall design. Above is a detail of the the custom Chinoiserie design. It included the sweetest little birds. This pair for ducks were precious.

 
To balance the energy from the wallpaper, Grant selected simple, preppy pink & green bedding from Serena & Lily for the matching twin beds. The Grass Boarder Frame Sham and Duvet look great with the Color Frame Shams in melon. The fabric for the whimsical zebra headboards was found at Target – originally bed sheets. Love it. The turquoise bedside lamp  by Christopher Spitzmiller adds just the right amount of accent color to the vignette. The simple Parson’s side table in white lacquer was custom made.

On the wall, Grant hangs a series of framed photographs, prints and personal artwork that magnify what this tween treasures most; A mixture of Twilight’s Edward Cullen, Lady Gaga and Audrey Hepburn. A modern black mirror is placed in the middle and centered over the skirted console. A pair of bright yellow X benches by Jonathan Adler flank the grass green table.

Here is a close-up of the console table cluttered with colorful candies, makeup and trendy jewelry. This tween has clearly not mastered the art of organization… too busy it seems reading the Twilight series!

A black bamboo chair covered with a hot pink Madeline Weinrib fabric sits naturally next to a Moroccan pouf in turquoise from Serena & Lily. The floor length drapes were custom by Madina Aryeh.

Here is a closer look at the custom window treatments. White with a double black ribbon trim. This simple, elegant and tailored look is again the right choice to complement the busy wallpaper.

Written in lipstick on the mirror is yet another tribute to vampire, Edward in the tween’s bathroom. And don’t be fooled again by the clutter, this space is exquisite. The walls are covered in bathroom grasscloth by Phillip Jefferies.

The Simple Scallop Pendant by Circa Lighting hangs in the girl’s bath. On the walls are adorned with personal art and a favorite slogan, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” I am betting there was a time or two throughout the design process when Grant turned to the same words for calming advice. He can rest assured his tween room design is a huge success and being well received by all visitors to the house, in-person or on-line.

What are your favorite design elements in this room?

*all photos by Cristin Priest for Simplified Bee

Friday Find: Gump's Spring Sale

Gump's of San Francisco is having a Spring sale and look what I found!

Hello sunshine! This illuminated sunburst sconce in matte gold finish would add light as well as visual interest to any room. The light bulb is mounted behind the fixture, creating an intriguing play of shadows and light on the wall. Was $395 - now $299.99.

Glossy luahnus shells make lovely decorative accents in vases, bowls or planters. Two pound bag now $9.99 {from $19}.

This elegant antiqued rosette mirror would make a beautiful focal point above a fireplace mantel. It is truly a work of art - each etched with flowers - surround the beveled central glass while burnished golden metal frames the rosette's handset pieces. Was $295 - now $154.99.

The Macao Settee is part of Gump's white ash collection and features handcrafted details that reflect the influence of the Chinese Chippendale style. The settee has lovely geometric fretwork backs and handwoven solehia seats. Was $995 - now $599.99.

Happy Friday and decorating to you!

Designer Dining Rooms and Decorating Tips

Although similar in function, dining rooms can vary greatly from home to home. Dining rooms may differ in formality, size and style. However, when decorating the dining room there are several basic design elements that remain the same. Here are some tips for decorating your dining area.

The Table - When selecting a dining room table, it's important to determine what shape, size, material and style would work with the space, budget and your families' lifestyle. For example, a round table is wonderful for conversation, but can't accommodate as many guests as a large rectangular table. The table's material (i.e. glass, hardwood, marble, etc.) should also be taken into account and will further communicate the room's mood. An elegant mahogany dining table would be a good choice for a large, formal dining room, while a round glass table would be a nice choice for a smaller dining area because it would promote a sense of space. Each material has its pros and cons as well. Hardwood tables will be durable and long-lasting, glass will attract dust while marble, if not kept sealed, will stain.

 

In the formal dining room above, San Francisco-based designer Kendall Wilkinson anchors the room with an elegant oval dining table. The dark wood beautifully contrasts the room's neutral color palette. The fabulous pearl mosaic wallpaper and glass chandelier again add a sense of formality to the room.

The Chairs - It is best if you choose a table first and then chairs {but, of course there is really no rule when it comes to design}. Ideally chair backs should be higher than the table. A standard table height is 29” or 30” and seat height is 18”. If possible, test a chair out for comfort before buying. A bench (without a back) can look great at a dining room table, but may not be relaxing enough for a long meal.

San Francisco-based, designer Kimberly Ayres selects crisp white Chinese Chippendale arm chairs with citrus cushions in the dining room above. The chair is one of my favorites because of the fretwork back, comfy cushion and ethnic flair. It looks like it is from Jonathan Adler, but I am not 100% sure.

The Lighting - Generally the bottom of a hanging fixture should hang 30” to 34” above the table. A traditional crystal chandelier is always elegant, but you may want to also consider other styles such as pendants, lanterns and modern fixtures in a variety of materials (i.e. wood, metal, plastic). Adding wall sconces and table lamps are a great way to layer the room's lighting and create some drama. Also, consider putting all lights on dimmer switches so that you can adjust the room's mood.

It is also fun to mix up styles as in the dining room above by designer Tami Wassong. The whimsical vintage chandelier is a wonderful juxtaposition to the traditional table and chairs. Wassong layers the room's light by adding sconces flanking a mirror.

The Buffet - A buffet table, sideboard or storage console can be another beautiful design element in a dining room and a very practical one. Many store dishware, linens and table decor. In addition they provide a place to display fresh flowers, ceramic vases and table lamps. 

The stunning dining room above by New York-based Parlor Design (featured in this post), showcases a gorgeous custom credenza with metal inlay from the Parlor Design furniture collection. The silver floral wallpaper and ice blue upholstered chairs are exquisite.

For a classic look, consider hanging a mirror or piece of art above the buffet. In this lovely dining room, designer Billet Collins hangs a large rectangle mirror above a sideboard table. The hand painted landscape mural is a beautiful addition to the room.

 

The Rug - If you have a hard flooring surface and want to help define the dining area, adding an area rug is a good option. When selecting an area rug make sure when the chairs are pulled back to accommodate guests while seated, that the entire chair rests on the area rug. You want to avoid having the back legs on the hard surface and the front legs on the area rug.

In this beautiful dining room by California-based designer Erinn Valencich the black and white rug demands our attention and helps define the space. The rug's pattern also echos the more refined black and white pattern in the drapes. I love the fact that this room is not matchy-matchy and that Valencich selects a chartreuse geometric fabric to cover the dining chairs.

Remember these are simply decorating tips, not rules. There is no right or wrong when it comes to interior design. So, have fun with it!

* images courtesy of Decorati and Marnie Rose Agency

San Francisco Indochine Style: Leslie Lundgren Design

San Francisco Peninsula-based interior designer, Leslie Lundgren worked hand-in-hand with her San Francisco client who has both French and Vietnamese ties to create a look delicately blending the two. The result is a stunning, sunlit Pacific Heights flat in a luxurious "Indochine" style. Furnishings and decorative items were either family heirlooms, picked up on travels aboard or in San Francisco's China Town.

Lundgren used a traditional French palette of vivid yellow, jade green and coral red. Here in the living room, the walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Dalila 319. Two antique Louis XV armchairs in jade green mohair are placed in front of an antique Italian desk with exquisite marquetry. Atop the desk sits a sweet antique French mantle clock. A large Louis Philippe walnut armoire makes a beautiful backdrop.

Opposite the Louis XV chairs Lundgren places loveseat sofas in a warm coral velour fabric by Clarence House. Throw pillows in an Italian "fortuny-esque" fabric adorn the sofas. The floor to ceiling drapery fabric and silk tassels were purchased at Bouchara in Paris. A Chinese red lacquer trunk is converted into a coffee table and stands over a gorgeous silk and wool Chinese art deco rug. A beautiful French 1940's wheat motif brass floor lamp is placed in the corner next to the sofa. The focal point of the room however, a large scale Chinese ancestor painting, is a family heirloom.

In the dining-family room, a limed-oak pedestal table is surrounded by reproduction Louis XV chairs. The worldly tablescape includes an Argentinean silver pitcher, Point a La Ligne candles and a 1970's green vase made by a family friend. A collection of blue and white Delft plates are mounted on the wall.

In the family room, Lundgren brilliantly mixes color, texture and old & new by placing a zebra rug from Cost Plus World Market at the foot of a Chinese moon face traditional red lacquer armoire.

Lundgren creates a delightful bedroom retreat with a beautiful canopy over the bed in English Chintz fabrics. Fresh sunflowers and a green Tole Lamp add just the right decor to the red bedside table.

Lundgren's sophisticated East meets West style is evident in this design and perfect for the culturally rich city by the bay.

Leslie Lundgren Design * leslie@maisonmondiale.com

I don't know about you, but I'm still drooling over those antique Louis XV armchairs in jade green mohair!

*photos courtesy of Leslie Lundgren Design

Friday Find - Lucite Chiavari Dining Chair

It is was love at first site - on page 33 of the November issue of House Beautiful. This whimsical and modern Lucite Chiavari Ballroom Chair is perfect for your desk, vanity or dining room table. Because they just disappear, they would be great for small spaces too. Available at Perch or Ruby Beets.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!

The Iconic Chinese Chippendale Chair

London-based cabinet maker and furniture desinger, Thomas Chippedale created the iconic Chippendale chair in the mid-18th century. He became immensely famous for his detailed mahogany furniture that can be found in castles, museums and fine homes throughout the world. According to Wikepedia, Christopher Gilbert - an American poet - "was able to identify in 1978 from among over sixty known clients twenty-six documented commissions where surviving furniture by Chippendale could be identified, much of it still in the aristocratic houses for which it was made."

Chippedale's furniture designs are still popular some 250 years later and fall into three main styles - Gothic, Rococo and Chinese. It's his chair I am crazy for and in particular, the Chinese Chippendale. This decorative chair is known for having a pagoda roofline, dragon motifs and flipped up ears on the top. The chair's body has fretwork, a stretcher for carving and a drop in seat with an exposed wooden apron. Its legs are square in section, on block feet.

1st Dibs

Ballard Designs

Ziering Interiors

1st Dibs

Baker

1st Dibs

1st Dibs

Pieces

1st Dibs

1st Dibs

Jonathan Adler

Whether you already have a prized Chinese Chippendale or are dreaming about one, this print - Red Chinoiserie Chair by Annechovie may be just what you need.

* images from 1st Dibs, Ziering Interiors, Ballard Designs, Dan's Hamptons.com, Baker, Pieces, Chest of Books