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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Global Architecture: New York City

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Hello LDV readers! Brendan here of (BAD) Blog About Design... The Architecture: New York City architecture is very diverse. Walking down one avenue or street you'll see styles ranging from Art Deco to Gothic. I find this diversity to contribute to the city's overall beauty. The best example of Art Deco architecture is the Chrysler Building which was completed in 1930, by architect William Van Allen. The building is constructed of masonry, with a steel frame, and metal cladding. The Woolworth Building is an example of Gothic architecture. It was completed in 1913, by architect Cass Gilbert. The building's Gothic detailing is concentrated at the top of the structure, which is massively scaled to be read from the streets below. If you travel downtown, you'll be greeted by brownstones and townhouses. These smaller structures, surrounded by tree-lined streets are popular in SoHo which boasts the greatest collection of cast-iron architecture.
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Where To Visit: If you have never been to the city before, then stopping by Central Park is a must. (ABOVE 1) Central Park spans from 59th street to 110th street. The park is home to playgrounds, lakes, ponds and ice-skating rinks. I love Central Park as it's a relaxing place, perfect for taking in the city. (ABOVE 2) If architecture is what you want to see then going to the Guggenheim Museum is the place for you. Built in 1959, by architect Frank Lloyd Wright this building exemplifies the modern movement of architecture. The museum is home to a renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early modern, and contemporary work. (ABOVE 3) If the non-tourist part of New York City interests you, then head down to Greenwich Village. The Village is full of small shops, quaint buildings, and great places to eat. (ABOVE 4) The High Line is a one-mile park, built on the former elevated New York Central Railroad. I love coming here on a sunny day, as there is usually someone playing the guitar, plus there is a section of grass where you can lay down on. (BELOW 5) Bergdorf Goodman, is a wonderful place to visit if you are strolling down 5th Avenue. During the holidays, the store is beautifully decorated and is a popular place among tourists and locals alike. I love walking past their window displays as there is usually something that catches my eye.
What To Wear: I love both of these New York inspired looks. A great pair of pants is crucial in the city, as long dresses will be stepped on and get dirty. The Floral blazer to the left is such a great choice. I love the color, match it with a great pair of Jeans and you have the perfect look! A Denim Jacket is necessary in the city. Instead of pairing the jacket with a rough pair of pants, pair it with a feminine floral pair to soften the look.
What To Wear: Matching a simple blazer with a wild pair of pants, creates a great street style look. I love the Manhattan blazer to the left paired with a Denim Shirt. The leggings to the right are so much fun, and such a perfect choice for a day in the city. Paring them with a solid blazer and top, are a perfect idea for the spring.
What To Wear: Shorter dresses, are a great idea in the city as they do not get dirty easily. The dress to the right with its leather trim, paired with a brass necklace is the perfect New York look—polished with a little edge. I love the leather sleeve jacket to the right paired with a great pair of black trousers. Both of these looks are pretty, but have that rougher touch.
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Dream Home: The Peak of Tres Chic

Today’s “Dream Home” comes from Sam of the Peak of Tres Chic. I am loving the romantic vibe of her home. Enjoy!
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Bonjour, La Dolce Vita readers!  Sam here from The Peak of Tres Chic.  I am so honored to be guest posting today about my dream home on Paloma's blog.  La Dolce Vita is one of my daily reads, and I always adore the weekly dream home feature.  Today, I give you- my personal dream home!
Welcome to my cozy home!  It's a cottage tucked behind two palm trees and a white picket porch.  Come right inside and make yourself at home.
Here's my entry way.  The double front doors are such a fun touch, and during the spring I like to keep them open so fresh air can filter in.  I also like to keep fresh roses here to welcome guests. Isn't my light fixture fun?
The other side of my entry way is floor to ceiling windows.  I dressed them up with these pink cinched curtains and a fancy chandelier. That brings us right in to the living room.
 
Our living room is a constant work in progress and almost never this tidy.  With multiple projects going on and guests constantly going in and out, this room is where most of the action takes place.  I love our wood coffee table and orange chair.  I tried to infuse bits of color in this room without it being overwhelming.  My favorite element in the living room is this Chanel lamp placed in the corner.  Isn't it lovely?
Next up, our kitchen!  I love the cabinetry.  We painted it a mint green and added traditional stainless steel fixtures.
I also love the white marble counter tops and the stove with brass trim. 
This is where we sit and eat breakfast as a family most mornings.  When I found these Lucite chairs, I just had to have them.  I added a turquoise geometric cushion for comfort.
Adjacent to the kitchen is our formal dining room.
For the dining room, we juxtaposed natural wood elements with glam touches of crystal and glass.  I love our classic wood floors and table.  I like to keep the table set at all times, just in case guests stop by unexpectedly and we decide to throw an impromptu dinner party!  Next door to the dining room is where I get my work done.
The black and white chevron wing-back chair is my favorite chair in the house.  I just love it!  I also love the purple sheer curtains and glass desk.  I like to keep pictures of family and friends around my desk for a personal touch. 
At the foot of our stairs is an ornate Venetian mirror and classic chest we found on a trip to Greece.
  This is probably my favorite spot in our house! Now let's head up the stairs so I can show you the master bed and bath. 
Welcome to the master bedroom!  We wanted to create a light, airy aesthetic in our bedroom that would evoke a calming vibe.  That's why we don't have a TV in this room and try to stick to reading magazines and books before bedtime.  I love the bench at the end of our bed.  The gold legs add such a luxe vibe! 
Right outside our bedroom we have a lovely balcony we like to read and drink wine on. 
We added a string of lights for evenings and the occasional party we host.  Our cat happens to love this spot, too!  Next up, my lovely closet!  I could live in here.
Can you tell I love Hermes?  I decorated the top shelves with orange Hermes boxes for a little color.  I also love the glass cabinets that store my clothes inside them. 
 Next to our closet is the master bath...
We wanted to create a natural space that gave off a spa-vibe.  The bathtub is actually a jacuzzi that goes outdoors to another private balcony.
Next up on our home tour is the guest bedroom...
I love this gray tufted bed frame paired with pops of pink and white linens.  We added a chandelier and sconces for reading light.
Here's the guest bath.  We glammed up this space with a large Venetian mirror, an oversized stainless steel tub and lots of pink towels.  If I am up early enough, I like to leave a mimosa in the bathroom for my guests before they wake.  Let's go back downstairs now so I can show you the pool!
Like I said before, we love to entertain.  We often throw pool parties! 
We built this mini cabana by the pool.  It provides some sun protection when temperatures are almost too hot to bear!  Of course, we had to add a few chandeliers. 
I hope you enjoyed the tour of my dream home!  Please feel free to stop by my home anytime.  And also, please stop by The Peak of Tres Chic soon and say "Hi!". 
Thank you for having me today, Paloma!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Style Profile: Ty Larkins

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{A Stunning Living Room Designed by Ty Larkins featuring Visual Comfort's Brooks Table Lamp and Studio Adjustable Floor Lamp}

Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Ty Larkins left behind a ten year career as an attorney to pursue his passion for interior design in 2006. He quickly found his footing in his new career, propelled by his innate sense of style, Ty quickly found his work featured in local Louisiana publications, and eventually, in 2010, a home he designed was featured in House Beautiful. It’s always interesting to me to see how a person’s background influences his or her design sensibility. The symmetry and logic in the spaces Ty designs are certainly reflective of his law background. In addition to being a practicing designer, Ty also owns a retail store in Baton Rouge set in a charming cottage. The designer’s atelier serves as a showcase of his polished, tailored style. The spaces Ty designs are beautifully layered and accessorized, yet he always uses just the right amount of restraint. I am definitely a new fan of his work!

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{I love the muted tones of this living space accented with touches of brass and a bit of zebra. I also love the shape of the coffee table. Notice the herringbone, painted brick floors.}

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{The color of the brick, and really, the color palette in general lends a very ethereal quality to this home. It feels like a modern version of a Creole home.}

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{Beautiful, Exposed Wood Beams and Herringbone Brick Floors are Modernized with Current Finishes and the use of Chic Furnishings}

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{The kitchen features ultra-modern cabinetry and lighting.}

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{I love the finish on the stairs.}

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{This entry is just stunning! The use of symmetry is fabulous as are all of the individual pieces. I especially love the X-base stools, Lucite console table, and hanging lantern.}

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{This stunning study was part of Ty’s feature in House Beautiful.}

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{This fun foyer was part of a showhouse Ty participated in. I love the painted, striped floors as well as the preppy color palette.}

{This space is so subdued and while white is the dominant color, it looks so warm and rich.}

{This classic kitchen gets a major boost from the an amazing pair of industrial-style copper and brass pendants. He really has fantastic taste in lighting!}

{The polished nickel fixtures, including the Boston Functional Library Two Arm Wall Light look phenomenal against the high-gloss black walls of this powder room. Few things are as chic as a powder room painted in such a high-impact color.}

 

{Image Source: Ty Larkins Interiors}

This Week’s Quote

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{Marissa Webb, Inspiring Fashionista and Former Head Women’s Designer at J.Crew}

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Friday, April 6, 2012

Fabulous Room Friday 04.06.12

This week’s room is an airy, chic dining room/living room in a loft in New York’s West Village designed by Pamplemousse Design. The color palette is calming—white, grey, and a few hints of deep blue. My favorite area of this space is the dining room. The use of the windows is really maximized. The reclaimed wood dining table anchors the room and the beautiful Fiddleleaf Fig Trees add color and texture. I also love the sleek, floating sideboard table and the striped rug.

{If we venture into the living room area of the space, you’ll notice the color palette is carried over. I love the marble tables that were selected—the interesting cocktail table and the Saarinen Tulip Table in the background. The furniture silhouettes are modern and sleek.}

{This little area is great for a game of chess or dining a deux. I love the cluster of convex mirrors.}

{The Space from a New Perspective}

{Blue typically isn’t my favorite color, but I love the rich tones that were selected here. This nook reminds me of the JK Place Hotel in Capri. The built in bench, framed blueprints, and interesting cocktail table are special touches within the space.}

 

I hope you each have a wonderful weekend. Happy Easter/Passover!

 

{Images via Pamplemousse Design}