anthropologies's winter wonderland / sf

wally...apologies for my long-overdue updates. pre-holidays have been filled with kids, kids and MORE kids obligations and activities. that being said, i couldn't wait another minute to share these shots from our local anthropologie store located in corte madera, here in marin county.



this tree was created on site and constructed from actual tree branches. the leaves are all tissue paper, cut and hung by hand.





these displays are absolutely magical and worth a trip just to take it all in. people are "oohing and ahing" all over the store (and they haven't even broken their wallets out yet!). each anthropologie store has it's own stylist crew and is given a theme. no two stores are alike. i would love to see what they've done at the third street promenade store in santa monica.( hint)



the entire display you see here was created with mere tissue paper. this particular section of the store has soaring ceilings. the stylists cut thousands of ribbons from snowy-white tissue paper then draped it from the rafters above to create this dreamy snow fall effect.



when a slight breeze blows through the store, the ribbons sway with it.




my favorite display was this section of the store that created hundreds of tissue paper flowers from white, ivory and creme tissue paper. it is absolutely gorgeous. giant pom-poms from floor to ceiling that spill from the interior of the store out to the front windows. i felt like i was waiting for a winter wedding to begin.



the pom-poms are all back lit with bulbs wrapped in chicken wire which creates this ethereal effect... i left so inspired. it was truly a "winter wonderland".

feeding my obsession: the designs guild /sf

hey wally, all this talk about color and remodeling has me thinking about what comes next? I'm thinkin' you may need to do a little splurge here on some design elements that will catapult your place into the next design goddess arena.



Here are some shots from one of my absolute favorite designers of all time, Tricia Guild. I warn you, be prepared to spend some time on the site... a gal could get lost here...so much fabulous color and inspiration, so little time.



I first heard of Tricia Guild when i spotted her book, Pattern in a local gift shop. once i stopped drooling over the felt-flocked pages and gorgeous velum imagery i was able to compose myself long enough to whip out my checkbook, sprint home and spend some quality time with my new fab find.



Tricia Guild founded the Designers Guild in 1970. Her company is best known for its innovative fabrics, wallpaper and home furnishings. She showcases a lot of her work in these grandiose old mansions with amazing crown moldings and ceilings that go on forever.



a lot of her rooms are a brilliant study in monochromatic...


as you know, i am partial to pink. i love this room because it is restrained and modern, but also feminine without being overly frilly.



your space is large enough to accommodate something like this bold striped wall covering...i'm thinkin' stairway to the second floor could be a great place to try something really graphic...




this "hole-in-the-wall" is actually a pretty cool design element.



i like how the pattern repeats in the drapes, wallpaper and rug.



these chairs just make me happy.


love how she juxtaposes vintage furnishings with super contemporary...note the wrought iron table next to the settee'.



simple black and white that doesn't feel one-dimensional.




i love the effect of this patterned sheer...


here's a detail of the black,white, and chartreuse shears.



she is a master at mixing and layering colors, patterns and textures. she does some really unorthodox pairings...probably why she is my idol.


these vintage chairs look so pale and feminine...where is the fainting couch?


and this just plain yummy.



here are those all white floors designers like so much...wondering if any of them have kids...they do look really cool.


expect the unexpected...like the mismatched cushions of these groovy chairs.


and mixing different fabrics on the same chair.


you know me and pink...need i say more?


another detail of a paired sheers...



here's a streamlined window treatment i particularly like...the fabric feels oriental. it's contemporary without being cold and severe.




clean, simple lines of this contemporary chair paired juxtaposed against the ornate mantle...it all just works.



using two shades of green make this so much more interesting than repeating the same one twice.



Tricia Guild also has a phenomenal collection of rugs, throws and cushions...one element can transform a whole room. This one is called "central park".




i can see this in your living room, easily.



plush, baby. the Saarinen table never hurts, either.



ok, this rug would work GREAT with the kids...it's just too cool.


i like this because of the spin it puts on the traditional floral rug...over sized and asymmetrical blooms...


these throws are pretty reasonable..around $220. i may have to break down and splurge a little myself. let me know when you're ready to shop!

My new favorite interior designer / sf

Wally, today I was pining for white walls again. As you know, I went out on an art director limb when I painted our home pale lilac and blush just over 2 years ago. No easy feat with the testosterone charged males in the house! I love my pastels, but there is nothing like white. That crisp, clean canvas just begging for a jolt of color. Well, today I got my fix. Here is my new favorite interior designer, Brisbane-based, Anna Spiro.


Putting all practicalities aside, how much do you love the white flooring? All my gang would have to do is just look in the direction of this pristine fantasy and we would have an inch of mud, scratches and paw prints everywhere. Remember we are in fantasy mode, here.



I had wing chair-envy when I saw this eclectic dining room table and chairs. What a cool setting. Love her flanking wing chairs with the over sized monograms. Just killer!


This chair is great inspiration for a really old and tired reading chair I've been wanting to reupholster for the last decade. I've held on to it forever for sentimental reasons. It was my Dad's reading chair growing up and is easily the most comfortable chair I've owned. I'm thinking cabanna stripes would work really well.


I probably have 2 dozen mirrors (really) all sizes and shapes, but I would never have thought of this treatment.

And don't even get me started on the pillows...Ok, reality is kicking in. Hope you enjoyed that fun, little worldwind daydream as much as I did!

My Irish Eyes Are Smiling

I admit it. I am an image-acholic. I have always been fascinated with interiors and lighting and how people use color. I am particularly fond of green. Maybe it's the Irish in me, maybe the art director, I don't know, but I am partial to it. In honor of St. Patrick's Day and all that is Irish, I would like to share this green compilation. Thank you to the tremendous publications, Marie Clare, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home and especially Domino, for your brilliant images and inspiration. Gotta go. The corned beef is calling.