Showing posts with label Whimsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whimsy. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

What I'm Loving This Wednesday: Jonathan Adler



Those who know me won’t be very surprised by this one! If I had to describe Jonathan Adler in one word, it would be WHIMSY! I truly love his entire collection, of EVERYTHING. If you are looking for that pop of sass he is your man. I also really love how he has no fear of color and pattern. If we ever met, I feel we would be two peas in a pod! His line is my dream aesthetic. It’s got bright colors, awesome patterns and is modern with a touch of mid century and glam all in one look. Recently a friend of mine visited Jonathan Adler’s website and remarked that she was pretty sure he and I were separated at birth. 


Jonathan Adler has spent his life creating art and design projects. His early years were spent making pottery, which he sold to Barney’s and that’s when things really started to pick up. He opened his own store in 1998 and in 2001 finally began interior design projects. Since then he has continued to branch out into more categories, which can now all be found on his website: www.jonathanadler.com.  

His current collection includes pottery, pillows, lighting, furniture and all kinds of decorative home accessories as well as totes, fashion accessories and dining ware. His website also offers a gift registry and some excellent interior design tips that anyone can incorporate into their homes. There are several Jonathan Adler stores in major US and Canadian cities, but you can always shop on his website too.The pictures I have included are one example of his whimsical pottery (pair of squirrel ring boxes) and an example of his design in which he incorporated his own yellow Chinese Chippendale chairs.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

For the Love of Design: Hotel Allegro, Chicago

You may have seen in an earlier post, that I recently acquired a husband! Our wedding, was in the beautiful city of Chicago. It holds so much meaning to the both of us. We were ecstatic that people were planning to travel from all over for our day. We had folks from Florida, New York, Philly, Georgia, California and even Canada. So as you can imagine, we wanted to impress them and their stay in the city we adore. So the pressure was on.

I searched and searched for hotels to accommodate our guests. Some had great prices, some not so much. Some offered perks for the bride and groom and some offered nothing at all. Then I stumbled across the Allegro Hotel and my search was done. First of all, being an interior designer, my heart fluttered over the beautifully designed rooms the website pictures featured. Then, I worked with my awesome rep, Sarah and she made it a breeze.

So let me take you on a journey through the Allegro, be ready for some serious wow factor. This hotel is all but ordinary.

As you enter through the revolving doors, you are greeted with this lovely little vignette and these breathtaking stairs up to the second floor lobby...

Don't you love the wallpaper they have winding up with the staircase?

I mentioned the lobby on the second floor, right? Cause it's GORG! I was in luxury and whimsical design heaven. I couldn't stop staring at every square inch of textiles...


There was color on top of color, patterns mixing with patterns and textures flirting with each other liked I had always hoped and dreamed. I was in my own personal bubble of design happiness. 



^^ Notice the green alligator print and gold legs!

^^ Aren't those drapery panels to die for? Look at the velvet details on the edging. They could have stopped it with just plain silk drapery, but no, they took it to the next level for the added glamour. 

^^ Now, let's talk about this sofa. First of all, it's a luscious navy. Second, look at the curves on that beauty. I gave this sofa the nickname Marilyn, it had curves that no one could ignore. ;)

For any other hotel, that would have been it for the lobby, but not the Allegro, this lobby just continued on for what seemed like light years. When it reality, it was probably just a city block. What I liked most about the design of the lobby is that they let you feel like you were traveling through all of these stunning design spaces, you were left wondering what would be featured around the next corner...

In this portion of the lobby is where you checked in at the front desk, and again they featured that amazing wallpaper that greeted you up the stairs, well played Allegro....


^^ I talked about patterns mixing with patterns, right? 
I wasn't kidding, they didn't even let the floors bore you. 


Remember that enormous city block I was talking about? Well the last little part of the lobby was a huge surprise to me. I surely wasn't expecting this...


All I could say was "wow" (about a million times). This hotel was simply stunning. It took design to an exciting level. The best part? I hadn't even seen our suite yet. Keep an eye out for part two of this post featuring our lovely suite. 

So what do you think? What was your favorite part of the lobby? Don't you find it exciting how well the different colors, patterns and textures (even styles of furniture) mingle so well with each other? Doesn't it give you a rush of to go out and infuse colors and patterns into your personal space?












  


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

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