Historic Kenwood's Bungalow Fest 2012, Designer Show Home

Hey there design friends! I hope your Fall is off to a good start. Here in Florida we are getting a bit of a cooler breeze, which is very nice, but hoping for safety for the northern states with Hurricane Sandy near.

Last night was the Gala Preview Party for Historic Kenwood Bungalow Fest 2012! I am so excited to be part of this annual event this year. I have met some awesome new people over the last few weeks and hope that it turns into great new friendships!

Yesterday evening, the temps were starting to get a lot more pleasant than our usual 90 degree Florida nights, and I feel like my inspiration room really gave people that cozy fall feeling. Take a peek for yourself and let me know your thoughts!

I personally love mixing old with  new and geometric patterns with florals. The gorgeous art work was provided by Victoria Arendt of Vision 47 Gallery.

The draperies were a huge hit! I found this vintage floral fabric at an estate sale, I squeeled like a little girl when I found out they only wanted $6 for the bolt! So I rushed it over to my drapery workroom, Custom Home Furnishings and she whipped up these beauties for me. 

This mantel is from Schiller's Salvage

I also found these fantastic vintage screens that are from The Tampa Bay Hotel in the 1920's which I also found at Schiller's Salvage. I was so excited that the screens were still available when I went out sourcing for this room, I remembered them from months prior, glad I got to snag them! I think they added the perfect amount of symmetry, history and visual balance for the room!

This great metal bookcase was provided by Paper Street Market

These pretty pillows were handmade by Eugenia Woods, the detail on them is quite stunning. 

And here is myself in my room. If you were able to stop by, it was great to see you, if not, remember that next weekend is actual Bungalow Fest 2012 and you can preview the designer show house along with a number of other bungalows in the neighborhood! 

Special thank you again to all of my lovely vendors, your talent, time and generosity is greatly appreciated! Also, thank you to my supportive husband, family and friends while I put this room together! 

xo} L

The Temps Are Dropping!

The temps are dropping outside, time to cuddle up with your favorite throw, light a fire and sip some hot tea! Here in Chicago it has been one heck of an Indian Summer, but now that Fall has decided to make it's presence, she sure hasn't been shy! All of these chilly winds and rainy days has me thinking of throw blankets, pillows, good smelling candles and yummy teas. Here are a few of my top picks that have me ready to switch my decor up for the long season ahead of us!

I love this throw from Serena & Lilly, this Cape Blanket is made from cotton but very warm and weighty:

Serena & Lilly: Cape Blanket

You can't go wrong with a classic zig zag pattern, here Jonathan Adler does it right with hand loomed baby alpaca wool:

Jonathan Adler: Zig-Zag throw

I love the two following throws from cb2:

Such a clever name, I love the Linus throw. It instantly takes me back to m childhood watching the peanuts. Hopefully it does that for you, minus the actual smell of Linus. :)

cb2: Linus throw

Love the graphic lines on this Ludhyana Throw, it looks like someone just took charcoal and drew them on:

cb2: Ludhyana Throw

I am all about chunky things, (as long as it's not on my hips!) The next throw from West Elm has an awesome "chunky" factor:

West Elm: Chunky Tassel Throw

I am usually not a fan of monograms, but for some reason this one I just LOVE. Maybe because the monogrammed letter isn't in your typical "monogrammed" font, it has a hand written essence to it, and the body of the throw is a menswear herringbone, which is also one of my favorite things! (love the gray colorway!) I want to put this one on my wedding registry for the fiance and I, I can just picture cuddling up with a nice hot tea or glass of wine on a cold night! 

West Elm: Herringbone Throw

Color me ORANGE!

Fall is whispering though my windows, the crisp air brushing my hair. This time of year always has a lovely feeling. Adding the layers to your wardrobe, drinking hot tea and burning autumn scented candles. Bringing to mine the color orange. Oh, how I love the color orange, in the fall time the color orange washes over everything...

Yesterday, I went to Treasure Island to get a few groceries, and I passed this bin full of fall goodies, it made me feel instantly inspired by the fresh season coming our way...

 

...Look at all these beautiful fall veggies and how their natural colors mingle so well together. 

The siting of this beautiful tree as it transitions to fall makes my heart happy!

Orange is a beautiful color that I love to infuse everywhere, take a look at this peacefully orange bedroom, I would love to cuddle up with a good design book and yummy mint tea...

Image via: Living Etc. 

I love Jonathan Adler's happy personal Dining Room filled with this trademark whimsy...

Image via: Elle Decor

Even a little pop of orange can be fun, like this orange kitchen door...

Image via: Elle Decor

I love orange so much I used it as a main color on this awesome highboy dresser that I handpainted...

So whatever your inspiration, maybe the fall weather, pumpkins or that old orange car you drove as a teenager, let that drive your inspiration for your interior spaces, wardrobe or even hair color. (like myself!)