Seeing Spots

Usually, when I think of Cheetah print, I automatically think of the cheap dress Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman. I do like animal print, infused into fashion and interiors... but I have never been fond of the Cheetah.


So it came to my surprise when I was flipping pages through an Architectural Digest magazine, that I came to a screeching halt with this stunna of a dining room. I couldn't believe it. I actually liked Cheetah!! And it isn't in small doses, it's in full drapery panels! So I had to share this gem of a dining room owned and designed by perfume master Frédéric Malle...

Image via: Architectural Digest

I wish you could see the drapery better in this image!! 

After seeing this, I also recalled a great installation at the 2010 Dream Home in the Merchandise Mart that I also liked...

Image via: Merchandise Mart

So maybe I was wrong, and I do like Cheetah after all? Maybe I will start slowly by adding it into my wardrobe and see where it goes from there...

How do you feel about it? Will you be putting some spots in your life??

My morning with the Million Dollar Decorator!

In the past I have heard of the show Million Dollar Decorators, my co-worker spoke highly of it, I always meant to watch it, but never seemed to catch it on TV. Recently I saw an ad for Schumacher Fabrics and it was jaw dropping good. Every pixel on the paper dripped my style. COLOR, COLOR, COLOR mixed with PATTERN, PATTERN, PATTERN!

Loving this fabric they were promoting still not knowing who one of the "Million Dollar Decorator" really was. A month or so later, all the lovely keynote speakers were announced for Design Week at the Merchandise Mart, one was going to talk about how to get a license for a fabric. I am always looking for new ways to learn how to build my design future, so this definitely struck my fancy....

This morning it all clicked together, "How to get a licensed fabric" + beautiful Schumacher ad + Martyn Lawrence-Bullard = "Ooooh, that's the guy from the show Million Dollar Decorators?!?"

Boy, was I wowed. Not only is Martyn's talent and taste stunning and full of beautiful textiles that make you giddy, but he is an all around funny guy! His presentation was interesting and delightful. He seems to be a very humble person grateful for all the amazing design avenues he has been given.

So today, I left the presentation bursting at the seems of my emerald green blazer with nothing but loads and loads of inspiration. Oh and I also got to leave with a signed copy of his book "Live, Love & Decorate" of course, signed with "a delicious kiss" I can't wait to crack it open tonight and read through his design journeys!

Here are some images of Martyn Lawrence-Bullard's work, and if you are like me, and really didn't know the show or who he was before, I encourage you to take a look. I hope you feel as inspired as myself. :)

Thank you Martyn and Schumacher Fabrics for such a great presentation today!

*All images via Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Design and/or Schumacher Fabrics

Fabrics, Fabrics, Oooo la la!

I absolutely love Kelly Wearstler, her design style is color, texture & sculpture O.D.... (well a good O.D.) I basically have to wipe my chin when talking about her jaw dropping, drool inducing designs! Her work has a perfect balance of color, texture, whimsy and tradition. She definitely takes a nod to the classics but pushes forward with her own twist. 

 

    

Since I love her design work, you can only imagine how excited I was to hear about her line of textiles for Lee Jofa! The last time I was at the Merchandise Mart you can bet I jumped right into the Lee Jofa Showroom to get my Kelly Wearstler fabric fix! So brace yourself for these next images of her beautiful fabrics, you might have to wipe your chin ;)

This next one I particularly love. It definitely has a Japanese vibe, but I could see it used in many different applications... I am thinking it would look fabulous on a side chair in my future beach home (Hey! A girl can dream!)

And in case your aren't already aware, Kelly has a great book out called "Hue" so next time your in the market for a truly inspiring design book, make sure you pick this one up!

Happy fabric finds! xoxo- Lisa

Blending the Old with the New

As a designer, it's basically our job to be a chameleon... we may have a style that we favor more than another, but all in all we have to be able to work with it all. The modern, traditional, transitional and eclectic (even sometimes the ugly). I personally like to work with  clients pieces that they have inherited over time or through family members, it's like building a story in your home, showcasing your favorite pieces and adding a bit of sparkle (where needed)

Last month, the design firm I work for, Sarah Van Assche Interiors participated in the International Antiques Fair at the Merchandise Mart, here in Chicago. It was definitely an interesting experience. Basically we had to showcase a beautiful way to blend antiques and current pieces, in a 10'x20' "room"... and I have to say, I think we did a pretty darn good job! :)

 

Montauk Sofa; Cocktail Table: Bradley Hughes; 

Chandelier: Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings

Collection of Chair Etchings: Richard Norton Antiques

Antique Chinese Cabinet: Three Friends Studio;

 Pair of Bergeres: Mike Bell Antiques; Area Rug: Michaelian Kohlberg

Chaise lounge: Montauk Sofa; Art: Museum Works Galleries; 

Console Table: Mike Bell

The ladies of Sarah Van Assche Interiors: Megan, Sarah & myself