Rustic Meets Modern And They Live Happily Ever After!

I talked to a client the other day who was showing us some of her dream rooms in a folder she was keeping. She pulled out a great photo of a kitchen that was both Modern and Rustic from the Celerie Kemble -Black and White book. She had concern that this did not work because a friend told her that rustic and modern should not mix! WHAT! Of course one can mix rustic and modern pieces and elements as long as they are clean and simple! Nothing too ornate, and each should be given equal balance in order to avoid over powering one another. I found some great examples of how rustic and modern can make beautiful music together! What are your thoughts? Can rustic and modern mix let me know!

The kitchen in question! Celerie Kemble -Black& White!

Design Inspiration- Steven Volpe!

I was leafing through an old Architectural Digest this weekend and saw rooms done by San Francisco designer Steven Volpe. He has such clean defined style and his use of interesting art pieces and custom furniture gives each space such sophisticated personality! Edgy without being over the top, taking into consideration each client's style, Steven is truly an inspiration to me!

Enjoy!

Credits: AD, and Elle Decor.

Indoor Gardening - Terrarium Style!

This time of year I need greenery! It is literally 16 degrees out, and the ground is crunchy. I need some plant life and just one plant isn't cutting it, I need a Garden! SO, what better way to have one then to create a fabulous terrarium. There are so many fun and beautiful ideas for an indoor terrarium the sky is the limit! This is also such a great project to do with children so they can get their hands messy and create something they can be proud of. Here are some of my favorite Terrarium choices! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Credits: KatyElliot, The Nester, Totameme, Green Diary, Pinterest.

Liking Leather Skirts!

 I am really liking leather skirts these days....

Oops, no that one! Although I must give Kanye credit for always pushing the envelope!! Found-Brobizzy!

I mean this one!! Designer Richard Hallberg did these lovelies for Veranda and I just love them!

Lee Industries, I am not crazy about the color choice but I could definitely see this in a fawn or faded gray tone leather, it would be great!

Love this and the color from Bernhardt!

This would be perfect I love the color and the lines,  Lee Industries.

Would you do a skirted leather chair or sofa, I know I would definitely consider a dining chair without a doubt!

The Beauty of Kadir Nelson's " I Have A Dream"!

There is a beauty and timelessness to the speech ”I Have A Dream” by Martin Luther King. I think it resonates with all walks of life and to those who struggle to overcome obstacles while seeking to be seen and heard as a person who matters on this planet. I am so happy to see a book that is a true piece of art that represents this wonderful speech! The Book” I Have A Dream” by Kadir Nelson is a beautiful example of the artist’s passion for peace and equality and a stunning tribute to the late great Martin Luther King Jr.  I have always loved Kadir’s art, and receive regular emails about the latest tours and works of this great African- American Artist!

Kadir was born in Washington DC, attended Crawford High School in San Diego California and graduated from Pratt Institute in New York where his artistic talents ripened and became truly recognized.

Kadir Nelson also exhibited his work in galleries and museums throughout the country and abroad including the Simon Weisenthal Center, Museum of Tolerance and the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences in Los Angeles, The Museum of African American History in Detroit, The Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Washington DC, The Society of Illustrators and the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, The Bristol Museum in England, The Citizen's Gallery of Yokohama, Japan and the Center for Culture of Tijuana, Mexico.

Many of his paintings can be found in the private collections of actors, professional athletes and musicians including Debbie Allen, Denzel Washington, Will and Jada Smith, Ananda Lewis, Jalen Rose, Spike and Tonya Lee, Terry Lewis, Ray Allen, Venus Williams, Queen Latifah and Ice Cube. His paintings have also decorated the sets of television sitcoms "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and "The Jamie Foxx Show," as well as feature films "Friday,” "Set it Off" and the forthcoming “The Beauty Shop.” Most notably, Kadir Nelson was the "Conceptual Artist" for Steven Spielberg's feature film, "Amistad," and the Oscar nominated animated feature "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron."

I also love his limited edition Giclee of Abraham Lincoln, which is so fitting for this time in our lives. Please look up Kadir if you do not already know him, and take in the beauty of his amazing paintings! I have a dream that someday I may have one of my own!

Found Mr. Goodwill Hunting-Rashon Carraway!

I love a bargain hunter! Mainly because I am one myself, especially when it comes to antiquing and accessories. I will always pay more for upholstery and historic pieces, and even lighting if it’s a reproduction but there is nothing like finding something that you know is really great and getting it for a dime!! Well, I found the ultimate Thrift King- Mr. Good Will Hunting- Rashon Carraway!

Rashon started in interior design after appearing on the Nate Berkus show as a design expert,. He is the master of thrift/fabulous! Using a few dollars he can create a great space. I just love his furniture transformations. They are very inspiring! Besides design he has a penchant for Men’s fashion as you can se by his sharp photo!  Please check him out at www.rashoncarraway.com!  I also want to send a big thank you out to Splenderosa as I am so thrilled to have won the bracelet giveaway!!XOHappy Monday all!

Mr Goodwill Hunting-Rashon Carraway!

Tom Ford inspired Chair makeover!

The above  three are wonderful furniture transformations of furniture he found, love it!

Current Obsession- De Corbusier!

I am obsessed with De Corbusier - Pewter Counter tops by Francois & Co! Pewter has been around for ages, and creates a wonderful top that pairs well with stone counters too! Pewter develops a patina with age that takes on a charcoal appearance. It's very low maintenance, does not stain and is lead free! What's not to love! This counter top can appeal to traditional and modern tastes.. check it out!