living room decorating

Gossip Girl Sconces

I bookmarked <a href="http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2007/11/sconces-part-i.html">this post</a> from Things That Inspire (a really lovely blog) waaay back in 2007. Holly featured some screen shots of these sconces on the set of Gossip Girl (P.S. remember that first season of GG? When the plot was semi-interesting and the fashion oh-so-good?).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gossipgirl_sconce4.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gossipgirl_sconce.jpg" /></div><br />Anyway, I remember noticing those sconces on the show too, and seeing Holly's post confirmed that I wanted/needed/could no longer live without these sconces in my life. To me, they are lighting perfection. A little traditional, a little modern, a little floral, a little quirky.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gossipgirl_sconce2.jpg" /></div><br />Somehow I survived for a couple years without them (when I first saw the post no one really knew who made the sconces), but I thought of them fondly from time to time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/waldorf-living-room-31.jpg" /></div><br />A <a href="http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/2008/01/jean-royere-and-gossip-girl.html">follow up post</a> left some of us wondering if they were made by French lighting designer Jean Royere, who made these lovelies below, priced at about $30,000 each. So beautiful, but...yikes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/flowers5.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/xDSCN9556.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/jean_royere.jpg" /></div><br />Fast forward a couple years. I have <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/star-sconces.html">this situation</a> in my house (at least this is how it looked mid-project a month or two ago):<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/DSC_0022.jpg" /></div><br />I love the star wall sconces, but I've decided to move them around the corner to the daybed wall. They'll be perfect there, but I was at square one again with sconces above my bookshelf.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_6765.jpg" /></div><br />On Bowery, sort of where China Town is melting into SOHO, there is a string of lighting stores that carry some nice lines like Circa and Visual Comfort. I bought these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SDU1WW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004SDU1WW">Thomas OBrien sconces</a> for a client there and thought about just getting a pair for myself too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7095.jpg" /></div><br />But then I stumbled into a little store on Delancey called <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=lighting+craftsman+nyc&fb=1&gl=us&hq=lighting+craftsman&hnear=New+York,+NY&cid=2847719101039468833&z=14">Lighting Craftsman</a>. You know when a place looks not at all promising from the outside and then you walk in and your insides start screaming and freaking out and you're all ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh under your breath? That's how I felt when I walked into this place that does all custom brass light fixtures.<br /><br />And then, my brain completely exploded. BAM:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7100.jpg" /></div><br />Turns out the GG set designer commissioned this shop to make the sconces and they still offer the design to retail and trade customers. They aren't exactly cheap at $200-$300 depending on the size and the number of arms, but they are really, really lovely (will be even more so with new shades a la the Royere numbers above) and I'll be so thrilled to see them in my home some time next week. It's been a long time coming.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7335.jpg" /></div>

Gossip Girl Sconces

I bookmarked this post from Things That Inspire (a really lovely blog) waaay back in 2007. Holly featured some screen shots of these sconce...

2:30 AM

Abbey's Mirror

Over the past few months, I have been working with Abbey Nova (of <a href="http://www.designscouting.com/">Design Scouting</a> fame) to decorate her amazing NYC apartment. Abbey and her little family are so, so lovely. It's been a treat to get to know them and to collaborate on their space, which is about 95% done now.  Hooray! I was looking at my notes from our first meeting and there were about three pages of to-do items. We are down to FIVE items! Crossing off a to do list is just about my favorite thing in the world.<br /><br />Here's a photo from that first meeting. Abbey got this great mirror on sale from Pottery Barn a while back and it's no longer available. At $300 or so full price, it wouldn't break the bank, but it also wasn't super cheap. I love the shape and the finish and I was so surprised when Abbey told me where she bought it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/PBGoldMirror.jpg" /></div><br />Then last week I was at IKEA buying some Ribbas and I spied this new series called Odby. The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50196349">largest frame</a> is almost exactly the same as Abbey's mirror.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7380.jpg" /></div><br />For $40 you can buy the Odby at IKEA and then get some mirror cut for another $20 or so and then paint or gold leaf the frame. $50-70 buys you a really lovely, large mirror, perfect for a dining room, above a mantel or in a powder bath.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_7383.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">{Stay tuned for more photos and some great projects from <a href="http://www.designscouting.com/">Abbey's</a> apartment.</span>}</div></div>

Abbey's Mirror

Over the past few months, I have been working with Abbey Nova (of Design Scouting fame) to decorate her amazing NYC apartment. Abbey and he...

2:30 AM

Pink, but not too precious

Decorating a house takes a lot of time and a lot of money. If you live in a huge house, it takes even more time and more money. I've been working with a handful of my clients for a really long time on their large homes. We sort of take things piecemeal and I'm cool with that. I like working in layers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/O.jpg" /></div><br />This client has a large and lovely home and though she likes the look of her home to fall on the less cluttered side, I'd say we're about 75% there with her decorating projects. But I think it's good to take a break, let the new furniture settle in a bit and begin to prepare for the next layer.<br /><br />I got some of the progress photos from this home last week and I thought I'd share a few shots. You'll probably remember the night stand project from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-bungalow-5-knock-off.html">this old post</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/O3.jpg" /></div><br />I think this home is the perfect mix of high and low furnishings. The couple spends on only things they really, really love and plan to keep for a long time.<br /><br />These were two inspiration images for the oldest daughter's room:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture96-1.png" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/1555_10RM_BR.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Suzanne Kasler</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/O2.jpg" /></div><br />Sources:<br />Wall color: Benjamin Moore Pale Oak<br />Chair: <a href="http://www.leeindustries.com/productdetail.asp?Group=Upholstery&Category=Chairs&id=106032020128192094095069099251098235136064108064121202141005155141066211233162184240130171222177253182157150073058089115019135121237186058172025154030074195201143151123026128087110224126073159044007127137253006079197213132124234179112154178050053206224213069143002218177050127170253205123195020151105180192007131190163187165239236035106122153064199251165166054093139215155116032241010173017018212045129208025091137127220139011055012125088216139054117182043068055">LEE Industries</a> in Raspberry Strie velvet<br />Pouf: <a href="http://www.tazidesigns.com/catalog/pouf/589">Tazi Designs</a><br />Bed: <a href="http://www.olystudio.com/products/beds/index.html">Oly Studio</a> Helena<br />Sheets: Serena and Lily<br />Duvet: Pine Cone Hill (Hannah in pink)<br />Quilt and shams: <a href="http://www.matteohome.com/shop/category/bedding/top-bed/coverlet-quilt/?page=1">Matteo</a><br />Box spring cover: Restoration Hardware <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1158249">Matelasse in Blush</a><br />Rug: Wool broadloom that looks a lot like seagrass but is really quite soft.<br />Pink chevron pillow: <a href="http://www.fabricadabra.us/all-pillow-covers.html">Fabricadabra</a><br />Nightstand: <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy-bungalow-5-knock-off.html">Homegoods DIY</a> knock-off of Bungalow 5 night stand<br />Side table: <a href="http://www.rhbabyandchild.com/rhbc/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=rhbc_prod213038&navAction=jump&navCount=0">Restoration Hardware Baby</a><br />Lamps: <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/alexis-ceramic-table-lamp-base/?pkey=ctable-bedside-lamps">Pottery Barn</a><br />Curtains: Made them from inexpensive but nice, heavy weight linen I found on Fabric Row in Philly<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_1995.jpg" /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />It was a perfect match with the duvet. We really wanted a coral, peachy pink for the room, so this fabric was a big find.<br /><br /></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/IMG_3077.jpg" /></div><br />The placement of the windows and the queen-sized bed made curtains tricky. We opted for one wide panel at each window pulled to the side with a tie-back. It's hard to see, but we added a thick band of creamy white linen to the leading edge. This was our inspiration photo.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/gasl_drew_barrymore_home_01.jpg" /><br />Ruthie Sommers for Domino</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />We're getting there! Layers! We've talked about putting up a big wall of fabric-covered cork board in a coral and white stripe for pinning up homework and artwork, etc. There's also some cute pink movie posters that need to go up.<br /><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/O.jpg" /></div>

Pink, but not too precious

Decorating a house takes a lot of time and a lot of money. If you live in a huge house, it takes even more time and more money. I've bee...

2:30 AM

Slipper Chair Dreamin'

Slipper Chair Dreamin'

I love slipper chairs, so I was thrilled when Cristin asked me and three other bloggers to imagine up a room using this beautiful antique ...

2:30 AM

Whitewashed

I've been super into the pickled or whitewashed look lately so I about died when I saw this Dorothy Draper bench on eBay a couple weeks ago. It was like $700 for just the one, so I didn't bite. But as they say, inspiration is free.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/draper0.jpg" /></div><br />How great is the red with the glaze?! This would be genius on anything with pretty moulding - a mirror, a side table, a little writing desk...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/draper.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/draper1.jpg" /></div><br />If you're looking for some suggestions on how to get a similar look, I highly recommend Ralph Lauren's technique glaze in Sunfade (which is still available at Home Depot). Or add a bit of white paint to clear <a href="http://www.minwax.com/products/interior_clear_protective_finishes/polycrylic_protective_finish.html">Polycrylic</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/101834_Ralph_Lauren_Faux_Technique_Gallon.jpg" /></div>

Whitewashed

I've been super into the pickled or whitewashed look lately so I about died when I saw this Dorothy Draper bench on eBay a couple weeks ...

2:30 AM

Frameless Mirrors

Remember this mirror on mirror project from my <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-parents-new-bedroom.html">parents' bedroom suite redo</a>? The basic idea was we used an approaching ridiculous number of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M3YGOQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=littgreenote-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000M3YGOQ">3M Picture Hanging Strips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B000M3YGOQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> to hang <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00133528">these frameless IKEA mirrors</a> on top of their bathroom's basic vanity mirror.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/mirror3-1.jpg" /></div><br />If you're looking to tackle this project in your house, check out the selection of pretty inexpensive frameless mirrors from <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/glasstopsdirect/Mirrors-/_i.html?_fsub=4599002&_sid=340535689&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322">this eBay seller</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM699104201P?prdNo=20"><br /></a><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300462032283#vi-content">Scalloped</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture45-2.png" /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300462025643#vi-content">Octagon</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture41-2.png" /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300462028038&hlp=false&rvr_id=222317143248&crlp=1_263602_304652&UA=M*F%3F&GUID=c9cc808912e0a0e1e5547e54ffdfc44b&itemid=300462028038&ff4=263602_304652">Arched Louis Phillipe style</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture47-1.png" /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300462029421#vi-content">Frenchie</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture38-3.png" /><br /><br /></div>Also totally diggin this almost venetian style mirror ($69) from <a href="http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&cId=SEARCH&productId=3256810&cm_mmc=SCE_gps-_-gps-_-gps-_-allen%20+%20roth%2036-1/8H%20x%2020-1/8W%20Hovan%20Arch%20Frameless%20Mirror%20LOW11912">Lowes.</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Picture40-2.png" /></div>

Frameless Mirrors

Remember this mirror on mirror project from my parents' bedroom suite redo ? The basic idea was we used an approaching ridiculous number...

2:30 AM

living room decorating

Gossip Girl Sconces

Abbey's Mirror

Pink, but not too precious

Slipper Chair Dreamin'

Whitewashed

Frameless Mirrors

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