I adore anything and everything navy and white striped - and I think I really might be addicted! {Over half my suitcase for this trip is filled with varying blue and white stripes!} Stripes are of course popping up all over in fashion but I think they are equally chic in decor. It is hard to find a design element both timeless and playful but navy stripes are just that. I especially love them paired with natural textures, metallic accents and rich hues like emerald and magenta. Plus, there is just something so quintessentially fresh and summery about this classic!

Are you as stripe-obsessed as I am? 

{Images via and if you want to see more lovely stripes!} 

House Tour: Bold & Lovely in NYC

Today I am so inspired by this small but power packed NYC apartment by designer Ashley Whittaker {and not only since I just arrived in this amazing city for a visit!} At only 800 square feet it's certainly not large but I love the vibrant and fresh style it exudes and how spacious it feel. A perfectly glamourous and playful girl's pad in the city . . . 

Here a few tips to take away from this bright and happy home:

{1} Don't be afraid to mix of retail and custom sources. I spot quite a few Ikea and Ballard Designs pieces in here along with many luxe accessories and fabric - a great contrast of saves and splurges!

{2} Use bold pattern and color to add visual interest and make every space count - lots of people go too neutral in a small space {I especially adore the wallpapers in this home!}

{3} Don't over clutter - there should be plenty of room to move throughout the space, no matter how petite the apartment! 

Visit here to see more of Ashley's upbeat and stylish interiors! 

{via House Beautiful}

USA Bound . . . First Stop: Newport, Rhode Island!

Tomorrow I am headed back the US for a trip across the states to see family and friends! I am so excited about all my stops but especially happy to be kicking off my journey with a girls weekend in Newport Rhode Island with one of my very best friends. I have never been to Newport before but am looking forward to some summery New England charm, touring ornate Gilded Era mansions {I am a total history nerd after all!}, walking the beach and having a few cocktails by the water. Have any of you spent time in Newport? I would love to hear your favorite places to visit, eat and shop . . . .

Singapore Decorating: One Living Room Two Ways!

I am working with a wonderful new client here in Singapore and she and her family are arriving from the states with only personal effects, so the apartment is a clean slate - what a fun project! Below are two directions we are considering for the enormous combined Living Room & Dining Room space. Their new home is beautiful but very spacious so the key will be creating a warm and inviting interior {while still minding the budget!}. I am also keeping an eye out for pieces with patina and texture to add depth and prevent the room from feeling too new. We have already selected the mid century mod dining table, the white molded dining chairs, and classic slipcovered sofas . . . now just to decide on the rest! 

I love the warmth that the burst of coral brings in the first scheme, but the soft aqua,  lime green and navy of the second is just so fresh. 

Which scheme gets your vote? 

Instant Style: Fresh + Persian Rugs

I adore the vintage patina, intricate designs and rich colors of persian rugs! But using them in a space can be a bit tricky - they pack a whole lot of pattern and can easily make a space look busy, old fashioned or just dark and heavy. The key is to contrast them with loads of white and dark neutrals. Balancing them with a few mod pieces also helps keep the look eclectic and fresh as opposed to cluttered. And lastly, I especially love persian carpets with unexpected hues - like faded coral, bright pink, slate blue, or lime {and try to avoid those in the traditional deep red and navy color combo}.

Here are some of my favorite inspiration images . . . 

Love the contrast with the oversized black pendants and abstract painting!

This might just be my ultimate dream kitchen! 

We have a large natural sisal in our living room and would love to layer one of these small colorful persian rugs on top! Add it to the wish list . . . 

If you in the market, Erugs.com is actually a wonderful source and Etsy and Ebay are also often full of great finds!

Happy Friday Everyone!

{images via}

Iconic Pieces: Peacock Wicker Chair

I love vintage wicker pieces and one of my favorites has always been these lovely peacock chairs! The shape of these beautiful chairs is based {not surprisingly} on the form of a peacock's fanned tail and was also the inspiration for gorgeous jewel encrusted thrones made for Persian rulers in the 17th century. I love them painted a bold hue, whitewashed or simply in natural tones and especially like their signature delicate, lacy patterns. They add a wonderful element of drama and height to a space and  I love their simultaneously bohemian, exotic and Victorian style. Do you love these chairs as much as I do?

If you are in the market, Etsy is a fabulous source for these chic chairs {I especially love this one and these}. For those of you in Australia, I adore this shop's vibrant colors and in the US this is a wonderful {and low cost!} option. 

XOXO

House Tour: NY Americana Chic

Happy 4th of July Everyone! In honor of the holiday, I had to share the casual but oh so chic summer home of designer Thom Filicia in upstate New York. Filicia renovated and decorated the previously dilapidated 1917 lakeside cabin and the result perfectly captures with his signature style of rustic American warmth {I have always had a major style crush!}. I love the combo of campy, rough textures with a few mod pieces and loads of incredible accessories. For me, this would be the perfect place to spend a 4th of July weekend! Any details you are loving?

Surprised at how much I love the black cabinetry! {And how cleaver to use chicken wire instead of glass insets on the uppers}

Notice the rope detailing that pops up thorough the house. . . a perfect nod to life on the lake!

A cozy bedroom with a color scheme inspired by the Hudson Bay blanket!

I love the architectural details of the exposed beams, paneled walls and fieldstone hearth {and those amazing heavy black doors!}

How stunning for a BBQ cookout???

Happy Independence Day! 

{Featured in House Beautiful, photos by James Merrell}