I've recently been couting the reasons why I love raising our son in New York City...and after a long weekend spent in the 212 and 718 area codes, I can definitely add Victorian Gardens in Central Park to that list...

I could tell by the look in his eyes that Lucas felt like he'd been transported to a wonderland...and all right there in Central Park for an afternoon of jumping frogs, flying helicopters, swinging boats and tooting trains.  A toddler's dream come true.  So thank you, Victorian Gardens, for being my steadfast go-to for an amazing afternoon with my kiddo.

image courtesy of Oh Joy! blog.

We know this is not breaking news, but Arcade Fire's online multi-media video/experience (thingy) is so beautiful and cool.  If you hadn't had a chance - check it out for yourself. You won't be dissapointed.

8 sconces plus a floor lamp for an estimated price $200 - $400. Crazy. - BID HERE

Combining black and white with a brass accent never gets old. - BID HERE

The bowled shades are so elegant. I really wish I had a place for these. - BID HERE

Absolutely stunning - I have never seen anything like these before. And a steal at $450-$600 for the pair. - BID HERE

I happen to own this exact lamp...but now I’m thinking to myself...do I need 2?? - BID HERE

The eggs were perfectly poached over a bed of fresh vegetables and a light, creamy pecorino.

The pancakes came topped with ricotta and peach compote for a sweet and creamy taste.

Their bacon is some of the best I've ever had - the small, thick strips are juicy and chewy on the inside but crunchy on the outside. Perfection.

The pork sausage was also a unbelievable surprise - filled with spinach and pecorino, it was juicy and had just a touch of spice.

The pastries were also amazing - a toffee glazed brioche was a buttery, elevated version of a cinnamon bun.

The little bombolonis were coated in sugar with a light, not too sweet cream - a perfect breakfast dessert.

I love the brass detail around the bottom of this piece. Why don’t more people like brass? - BID HERE

Pierre Jenneret is famous for this type of scissor shape. - BID HERE

This tea set is listed as Italian art deco but seems more like Tommi Parzinger to me. - BID HERE

It might be hard to understand from the picture but I love this headboard. The channeled upholstery detail looks fresh. Plus the retractable armrests seem so Mad Men to me. - BID HERE

It’s not often that andirons can stir up lust in someone who doesn’t have a fireplace. - BID HERE

Bronze objet anyone? - BID HERE

This credenza is perfection. Such refined proportions. And the dragon/serpent hardware is incredible. Adds just the right amount of drama. - BID HERE

Its September, if you can believe it, and its time once again to head back to school. Here are some inspiring tools to ease into a new year available at hip supply shop Present and Correct. Canvas Backpack available at Portland shop Alder & Co. Chalkboard Image via blog ABUNDANCE.

Called the "Den mother of Abstract Expressionism," we love these clusters of painted wood blocks by Betty Parsons. Such a fun playful use of color, we are always looking to art to inspire us. Hope it inspires you too!

I'm walking down 23rd Street in Chelsea and suddenly I find myself transported to another era.  A quick converstaion with a large man with a walkie-talkie informs me that they are filming a movie set in 1971 at the Chelsea Hotel.

If you're unfamiliar with this legendary hotel, residence, hang-out for artists from all generations, bar, you-name-it - I loved this film's interpretation of the various characters that have graced it's walls. For the film, they brought back the old awning and turned the facade into a regular hipster hangout from 1971.

It was strange to see all the extras standing around in their 70's garb, talking on cell phones and drinking Starbucks. 

Of course, the cars they brought in were all classic, but I really loved this old NYC taxi, waiting in front of the hotel.

Little Collin is just 5 days old - he was born on August 27th, 2010.  He lives with his clearly talented parents in San Francisco.  We love getting a glimpse into our families lives, as Collin's dad Matt has given us - you can see all the details and progression of Collin's nursery HERE.  Collin, we seriously love how you dwell!

Collin has our OWLS bedding, rug and boudoir pillow. Matt, thank you so much for sharing this with us and our readers.

But even if it's just one guest - a bag-full is required.  Always. If you're in the hood, stop by and have one with us.

You guys know Luna, right?  Beautiful and classic European (German) style for kids...

We loved seeing this latest LunaMama issue, and especially loved seeing our Gio Lemon hooded towel in their gorgeous pages...check it out and buy your own issue on an arty-magazine-stand near you!

Ellie has our Paper Dolls kids bedding and animal pillows.

Here he is modeling our new layette seperates - coming soon! Thank you all for your emails and support - Jenna is doing great and thanks everyone!

The Greek salad is less decadent but still tasty - the Mediterranean spiced pita wedges make a great addition to the seasoned tomatoes, cucumbers and feta.

Little Max came to work with Rachel today and he was all business: modeling our 6 month size for our new layette line. Rachel swears she doesn't dress she and Max in the same outfits, but what you don't know is that she un-rolled his jeans for this photo so they weren't identical.  Sorry, Rachel - we're not buying it.

Top Row from left:

Shower curtain from Brookfarm General Store

Epice tote via evencleveland blog

Middle Row from left:

Madewell striped long sleeve shirt

Agnes Martin lithographs

Turkish Hamman towels from Laviva Home

Bottom Row from left:

Fog Linen trays from Brookfarm General Store

Deck towels available at Partners & Spade

I so wish we could have brought you all to the Target Specacular event last night at The Standard Hotel, because these pictures do NOT do it any justice.  The truth is, it was a truly spectacular event that I won't try to describe - I found a few videos online here and here. 

Christiane and I oohed and awed with the entire block as Target took over The Standard Hotel with dancers/models in each window, an amazing light and choreography show all done to a very impressive music score. Everyone in attendance was stumped about how they could have possibly pulled such a huge production off. There's really no other way to put it - it was spectacular.

Our kids just LOVE the new stamp sets - trust me we have done a lot of trial and quality control here in the studio with all our little ones...they are hip and graphic and my favorite feature is the sliding top which allow me to pack everything up and store it away with no mess and no lost peices....don't you just get so upset when they ask for that super specific toy and you have no idea where it has gone?  It won't happen again! Available in Zoo, Farm and City.

Check out our puzzles too - so cool you can leave them on your coffee table all the time! They are graphic, educational and perfect for entertaining and stimulating your little people....

They will be available in Owls, Counting Birds, Transportation and Stacking Animals.  Is there a gift that you would like to see from DwellStudio?

Here is our amazing sales team - Ashley, Keyth and Adam (Sheena was still on the plane from California) arriving at the show in style - vintage Cabriolet style...I am lucky to work with the hippest, hardest working team in sales. 

A few hours later - we had our booth up and ready to go.  Here is a little look at things to come - how great is our new Stepped Headboard in Gate? (available in November and on the site soon) We also love the ornate headboard in vintage blosson.  Our upholstery with Robert Allen is becoming amazing furniture.

Here is a little peek at our layette boutique.  The amazing quality and supersoft organic cottom made this a must have on every order.

Here is a look at our amazing new Zinnia pattern - you have to see it in person to get a look at all the perfect details...available in October too.  We are in love with gray for girls this season!

More to come tomorrow stay tuned for puzzels, stamps and more great gifts!

I can honestly say all of us would name your stuff as our stuff too!  I'm not going to make our designers show you their rear-ends, but a lot of them have your label on them.

Sarah looks ready for sweet dreams in her Zinnia body suit and loops hat!

100% silky soft organic cotton and Oeko- tex certified printing - made beautifully in Portugal.

Transportation playsuit- made in Portugal form 100% organic cotton and Oeko-tex certified printing.

Pink dots hat and leggings, Starburst long sleeve body suit - made in Portugal. 100% super soft Organic cotton. Okeo-Tex certified printing.

Zinnia Playsuit with chic elastic detailing (think both cute and easy to get over the head!!!). Made in Portugal from 100% organic cotton and Okeo-tex certified printing.  This is European quality layette with DwellStudio style.

New Organic Gio Short-Sleeve Bodysuit, made in Portugal from butter soft organic cotton (so organic that they keep it in a sealed room away from everything else – it’s amazing).  Oeko-tex certified printing.  

Only the BEST for our Dwellbabies.  Available in October.

Adolf Loos was born in 1870 in Brünn (now Brno in the Czech Republic). His father was a mason so he learned building from an early age. I love Loos not only for his simplicity but for is renegade quality. He studied at the Technical University in Dresden, served in the army, moved to the US in 1893 and lived there for three years, doing mostly menial jobs. In 1896, he moved to Vienna and settled as an architect and journalist (Howard Roark anyone?). He really did his own thing.  

This is exemplified by his work on the Goldman & Salatsch Department Store  (now known as the Loos Haus) in Vienna. Loos caused an uproar because he designed a thoroughly modern building.  Its surprisingly stark façade has been nicknamed the ‘house without eyebrows’ because of Loos’ refusal to adorn its window bays with stucco and lintels. Loos incurred the wrath of Emporer Franz Josef, who viewed the building as an absolute monstrosity, by using the construction as a protest against the grandiose style of the Hofburg. I think it still looks modern today – all this went down in 1911 – by the way...

Another favorite Loos moment for me is the Villa Müller from 1930.  This was completed in the same year as Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye  in Paris and Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat in Brno, the Villa Müller is Loos’s defining modern house – it’s modern, linear and understated. According to Loos: "The building should be quiet outside and only reveal wealth inside." The Villa Müller is distinguished by its cubic shape, with flat roof and terraces, its irregular windows and its clean, white façade.

Yet despite the striking simplicity of his exteriors, Loos' interiors were decorated comfortably, using beautiful materials and elegant details. One of his most attractive projects, the villa was the culmination of his pioneering "Raumplan" concept – designing continuous spaces for living rather than regularly divided floors with limited flexibility. Loos rarely designed furniture – he was more inclined to adapt tried and tested earlier designs, such as the knieschwimmer armchair he placed in several interiors he designed.

Which brings us to 2010: Prague to Park Slope -  how great is the Knieschwimmer in Jenna’s place?

Get your own from the Prague Kolektiv HERE.

Stay tuned for a Style Icon of the Week...

This faceted shape is typical of the Czech modern aesthetic...I am loving the facets and asymmetry. Check it out HERE.

This light fixture is incredibly beautiful.  The strict geometry is so simple and yet it manages to have a soft and inviting quality.  It seems like it could have been designed today instead of 1936! Check it out HERE.

I thought about buying this serving cart for a long time...until I forced myself to admit I have absolutely nowhere to put it!  My favorite thing about it is that the top surface lifts off into a perfect tray. Check it out HERE.

This piece is absolute perfection...from its proportions to the finish to the skeleton key...perfection.
http://www.praguekolektiv.com/index.php?s=shop&c=4&p=detail&ID=1433

As almost everyone in the design world, we are loving the newest issue of Lonny - and we're all especially smitten with Ben Brougham's Hells Kitchen studio...not just because he so artfully uses our Draper Stripe bedding, but because he embodies our philosophy of The Mix. 

He mixes color and pattern, old and new, fun and serious...and we have to say he does it well! 

Stay tuned for the winner of our Caption This contest - we have been cracking up at some of the entries this morning!

Come up with a caption for this behind-the-scenes pic from our photo shoot and win a Chinoiserie Pillow.  Simply write your caption in the comments - our crew will determine the winner by noon EST tomorrow, August 10, 2010.

After MUCH deliberation, our crew has decided that the simple humor wins.

THE WINNER IS: Melissa - "Never crash girls' night." Congrats Melissa, we will contact you for your prize. 

Stay tuned for more!

We just had to give you a little tip that (sadly) our long-time secret design resource in Dumbo Prague Kolektive is closing its doors. This is terribly sad for us, but can be great for you because literally everything is (at least) half off.  They specialize in mid-century and deco furniture and pendant lamps from former Czechoslovakia and have about 150 items to sell. Bingka and I had to go over to Dumbo ourselves to check it out and I walked away with the most beautiful shelving unit. 

The sale will run at least through this Saturday, August 14th and visits are done by appointment - by calling 917-710-1047.

The address is:

68 Jay Street, 6th Floor
Suite # 605A
DUMBO, Brooklyn

Stay tuned later this week for Bingka's top picks.

Owner Barton's dog Honey greets you at the door, then promptly plops wherever is cool and spacious. 

As his dad said...90% cheeks!

Christiane art directing a shot. As usual, it's never good enough...

You can pick up your own Draper Stripe bedding HERE.  Thank you The Nest!

I am not exaggerating when I say there may not be a more perfect round table than this one.....love the burlwood finish on the top and how it contrasts with the dark legs. Only caveat is that a lot of people don’t like rounds if they can’t expand. But can’t beat the price at $695 plus 15% off during the summer sale! BUY HERE

This is a great simple and modern piece plus it’s actually hard to find mid century pieces in oak...which seems fresh. The rounded corners give it a gentle shape and leg proportion is elegant. It’s a bit more than the budget but it comes with 6 chairs so I think it’s actually a great deal! BUY HERE

Here’s another round one...but this one has a leaf and cute cute legs. And rosewood is always so beautiful. Every time I think I am over it I see a rosewood piece somewhere in person and fall in love all over again. BUY HERE

On first glance this may seem like a surprising pick from me...but I am a big fan of mixing styles. I think this table looks like it was inherited from a long lost relative and could add a nice decorative touch to a more clean and contemporary setting. BUY HERE

Bingka's dress on the right.

Yesterday Bingka was wearing the most perfect dress from the Spring 2010 A Detacher line...not only was the drape perfect  - it was the most exquisite shade of pink blush.  Bingka is in good company – I thought Jennifer Aniston looked fresh and very modern in her Donna Karan too...

I can’t stop thinking about it... I am feeling like pink blush is the new off-white for interiors.

So chic – the forward sister to cream.  I want to be surrounded with the perfect shade of this versatile color...which turns out to be Farrow & Ball – No 231 Setting Plaster.  

I am working this into our next designs somehow...

Toby has our Dots crib sheet and Dots Storage Bin. Check out more of Toby's adorable nursery and the story behind it HERE.

Thanks Joanna! All images via CupofJo.

But I also wanted to pass along the blog to you all...La Maison Boheme is a great read!

Welcome to the world, Baby Nashel! Jenna had her little man at 12:36am last night, weighing in at 7.7lbs. From what we can tell so far, he is ALL mama...we can't wait to meet the newest addition to the DwellStudio family.

Please join us in sending warm and welcoming thoughts toward the new little one, Jenna, Pete and Big Brother Benjamin today.

Guess which images here are found in nature and which ones are painted by hand? No, it’s not a trick question! Even though these trees look like they are painted by some color-loving abstract expressionist, this is actually how they exist in real life! These Rainbow Eucalyptus trees shed layers of bark and then darken at different times, giving these trees their multi-hued looks. If you want to try crafting your own versions with little branches and twigs, Ginette Lapalme’s painted sticks are good inspiration for a fun diy project.

Images of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees from:
http://www.terragalleria.com/pacific/maui/maui-north/picture.hawa2592.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124573@N00/2324710383/in/set-72157604068292271/

This past Sunday my husband JB and I headed up to the upper east side to check out the Haunted exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum. It was a very interesting and thought provoking exhibit, but the thing that I saw that was most exciting from an aesthetic standpoint was the small annex of paintings by Julie Mehretu entitled Gray Area. The exhibit consists of 6-8 large scale paintings that are constructed in sort of a collage layering technique that creates a beautiful sense of depth, scale, and was just plain amazing!

After admiring the artwork for a good part of the afternoon, a sudden thunderstorm overtook the whole city (yikes!), and we head over to The Wright Restaurant located inside the museum to wait out the storm.  We were instantly transported into this space age environment of color, contrast, and amazing cocktails! I had the Raspberry Julep and would highly recommend.  If you’re in the city this summer, you have to check it out!

There's quite a buzz in our neighborhood this afternoon...well, buzz and a LOT of secret service agents.  As you've probably heard, Anna is having the Obamas over for dinner tonight.  I wonder how many times an entire set of blocks have been shut down for a dinner party in this crazy city!

Maris and Carlo, we love how you dwell.

 
Tibi pre-fall 10 via style.com, room by Rachel Whiting.

Little Sayer has moved from his crib into a big boy bed, a transition all of us studio mom's love talking about. Sayer's mom Kristin has impressively chronicled his transition...check out the progression:

NEWBORN:

NURSERY:

Sayer has grown up with our vintage Motif bedding. When did your kids move from crib to toddler bed? 

Gio Aqua

 Gio Aqua Curtains from the Shade Store, Plus Aqua Bath Mat

Gio is really hitting the spot in terms of inspiration...food, wall decals....what’s next?

I absolutely adore the baked goods from local Brooklyn confectioners whimsy & spice. Their unexpected flavor combos like earl gray and chocolate and hazelnut whisky make for great sandwich cookies and I can't resist the buttery shortbread cookies in brown sugar gingerspice and chocolate orange cardamom. These are my kind of cookie flavors!

The brownie has more familiar flavors, but it rich and moist and drizzled with dulce de leche on top.

Friday Night

Taking it way back with a free Beach Boys concert as part of the Seaside Concert Series in Brooklyn.

Saturday

Hard Fest Concert on Governors Island - 9 straight hours of great music in one of NYC’s best settings!

Sunday

If I’m still standing we’ll head to NJ for the 28th Annual Festival of Ballooning. Something I’ve always wanted to see in person.

As an added BONUS- Rick Springfield (yeah he’s still at it- new face and all) is shutting it down on the main stage!

We love it when readers get creative with their kids food. Michelle sent over these adorable sandwiches she made, inspired by our Gio pattern. Man, that pattern seems to make it’s owners hungry.

Thanks for sharing Michelle!

Sage and her parents live in British Columbia, Canada – you can follow their lives on Julie’s blog HERE.

There is something about the simplicity of Erin Fetherston's resort 2011 collection that's absolutely stunning to me. The pairing of classic silhouettes and neutral colors works beautifully-and the peaks of persimmon? Perfection! To take the look from runway room- start with a classic neutral like our Sketch Duvet Set, or Pin Dot Sheets, and throw in a pop of color by laying on a bright pattern-- try Hedgerow in Persimmon:

Hedgerow Persimmon Sham, Marguerite Ink Pillow, Pin Dot Sheets, Erin Fetherston Resort 2011 via style.com

Last night Christiane, her two adorable kiddies and I headed up the FDR to Spanish Harlem to attend the preview of the new (and first-ever!) Manhattan Target store. They did a truly bang-up job, bringing in the likes of Russel Simmons, Jerry & Jessica (Seinfeld, of course), Marcus Samuelson and many more...

It was full of local flair - Target brought in local musicians, food from neighboring restaurants, they invited many local business owners and their employees to come in, relax, eat and drink great food and explore.

The kids loved the mini cupcakes from Melba’s, while Christiane and I couldn’t get enough of the fried fish with spicy mayo...it was all delish!

Of course, we couldn’t leave without our Target goodies. Manhattanites – rejoice....Tarjay has arrived!

Gate Duvet and Gate Sheet Set

If you happen to be in Santa Monica, CA, do yourself a favor and stop by Weego Home. Asher Richter's store has been a staple on Main Street for years. It's filled with beautiful furniture and accessories for your home and  I am always inspired by his displays of our products. If you have a wee little one stop by his other store Weego Baby which is also on Main. It's great working with such nice people who run such beautiful stores.

Chinoiserie Duvet

So today I thought I’d focus on ceiling mounted lights.  Most homes today have some kind of frosted glass dome type thing but it’s not hard to find great looking alternatives.  Here goes...

How cool is this? Because it has so many arms it still feels like a pendant fixture. BID HERE

I love everything about these – the proportions are great and the perforations will make a nice light pattern on the walls. BID HERE

Another great one with little perforations. My only complaint about it is I wish there were a pair! BID HERE

Sort of hard to visualize how this will look since the square glass portions will be facing downward, but I like that it is so simple with clean lines. BID HERE

Nice how this one mixes glass and metal. The star pattern etched into the glass is so retro! BID HERE

Love this Stripes round-up done by the Chicago Tribune – see the online version here (although it doesn’t have the pretty pictures) and get your stripes on HERE.

These ceramic pieces are great! Love the raised textures.

Most people wouldn’t notice right away but this duvet has an owl in it! Rachel’s nightstand would look great with one of those owl figurines....

Not sure what these were – laundry sacks? Very flat stuffed animals?

But they would definitely work in this nursery.....hmmmmm.

In compliment to Nina's Tied Up post last week, we are really loving all things tied, knotted, and braided. Whether its nautical inspired and made of rope, or modern braids on models for this season's runway looks, we love it all!

Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

Thomas Paul Knotted Coasters

Martha Stewart Living Stripe Basket Craft Project seen in July 2010 Issue

Madewell Knoty Belt (Sorry, sold out!)

Erica Weiner Knot Ring

Rachel Comey Williway Clog

Today along with the very colorful folks at Benjamin Moore we are worshiping color! Here are some more amazing saturated interiors....Do you have a colorful home? Upload your picks on our Facebook page. We would love to check them out and we may have something special for our most colorful entry! Also let us know YOUR favorite Benjamin Moore color...

 Pink and blue - not just for the kids' rooms....

 Kelly Green...screams luxury...

Love the mixture of easter basket wall colors with painted floors.

Mix of patterns + bold color = Ooh la la!

 Again, crazy color and pattern on different surfaces...

 Sometimes you need a white wall...

 You know how I feel about dark walls...

What can I say about this? 

We recently did a fun little collaboration with Benjamin Moore to see how some of our recent catalog room shots would have turned out with drastically different room colors – it’s pretty incredible!

Check out the results right HERE.

I am loving this trend! It has the ease and just enough slouchiness of someone casually taking off their shirt and tying it around their waist, but these are the more refined, more grown-up versions of that idea. It's quite clever of these designers to focus on a really functional thing on a garment like a sleeve, taking away what it is originally meant to be, and turning it into a design detail.

1. This is my dream sweater right now! I would just live in it all year long! Collection K via Reborn

2. A button down shirt as a skirt? I love it! Alexander Wang via La Garconne 

3. A very nice take on a crisp white cotton summer blouse. Slow and Steady Wins the Race via Creatures of Comfort 

4. Shini from Park and Cube illustrating how to look chic in a shirt-as-skirt

How amazing is this Gio print inspired Bento box Chantale made for her daughter Keira!? We’re using this at our next lunchbox photo shoot. How cute would that bento box be in this lunch box:

Read more about Chantale, Keira and more inspired bento boxes at Chantale’s blog.

Caffetteria Soho is the latest addition to the growing block of cafes along Sullivan Street, with San Francisco's famous Blue Bottle Coffee brewed in super-cool chic contraptions and espresso drinks made from freshly roasted beans. The flavors are incredible - rich and nutty, with more flavor than any other coffee I've had recently. It's available to take home, and there are also snacks from Ceci Cela and Grandaisy.

A few weeks ago I made a trip back west to visit family and friends I made a pit stop in Portland for a friend's wedding. While there I stayed at the stunning hotel The Nines. The hotel is located in downtown Portland and consists of the top nine floors of the historic Meier & Frank Building. In 2008 the hotel opened after $137 million worth of renovations and boasts art by local artists, as well as sculptures and instillations throughout the hotel.

Needless to say I was very impressed by the uniqueness, elegance and design quality of The Nines. I will definitely be staying there the next time I am back in Portland!

The lobby

Another section of the lobby

We’re very proud to tell you that our very own Crissie Fuller (customer service manager-extraordinaire) is one of the new contributing editors over on Coco-Kelley. The lovely Cassandra announced her new contributors and we couldn’t be happier to see Crissie’s smiling face on the roster! We hope you’ll all join us in following Crissie’s right HERE...

After returning home from a week in The Netherlands I had only one thing on my mind… What are those crazy Beekman Boys up to? I was recently introduced to the show on Planet Green called The Fabulous Beekman Boys and after the first 2 minuets I was hooked. A reality tale of two Manhattanites turned country curators Josh, a New York Times best selling author, and his partner Brent, former VP of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, take us along for the ride as they trade the city for the country and learn the ropes of keeping a farm and building a business.

As I lay on my couch fighting the jet lag and catching up with the B-Boys (I swear their relationship is a mirrored image of my own) my heart jumped when I saw a shot of our Chinoiserie bedding in their beautiful master suite!

 For more pictures of their amazing home check out the New York Times slideshow HERE

Josh & Brent- we love everything you do and how you Dwell!

Paper Dolls Bedding seen above

Erin sent us photos of this awesome bedroom designed by Roberto Gil of Casa Kids. We’ve always loved Roberto’s work...this is certainly no exception.

Mila (via Roberto), we love how you dwell!

See more of Mila’s pink oasis in Dumbo HERE

I love New York because you can never be sure what you will experience on any day. Ordinary is not a word for this town. I have seen it all here from the filming of Sex & the City to a Vogue fashion shoot - all at my front door. Last night was especially fun - in celebration the opening of the new Coach, store Van Leeuwen Ice Cream decked out one of it's ice cream vans and served free ice cream. Thanks Coach - my kiddies and our neighbors loved it! You helped start an impromptu street jammie party. Oh - and this was no ordinary ice cream either - it was amazing flavors like ginger, espresso, tahitian vanilla and the fave - glam cherry: tree-ripened cherry with dark chocolate chips.

 The kids can hardly contain themselves with the cool truck and ice cream girl!

 Ice cream in jammies on the stoop - what can be better!

Working off the Glam Cherry...what a great New York summer night!

Now we're on to our third and final installment!  Follow us on Twitter and tweet your favorite bird with hashtag #BirdsRock (and make sure to @DwellStudio!) - this time you have til Monday morning (7/12/10) at 10am EST, so happy tweeting over the weekend.  A winner will be randomly chosen from all the #BirdsRock tweets.  This time the winner gets our all-time classic Chinoiserie Duvet Set in the size of their choosing.

Happy Tweeting!!

Considering that these were custom made and upholstered in a beautiful velvet, $2,625 is not bad...certainly less than the $3,000 - $5,000 they were estimating.

Ah, now we’re talking. Some true “auction level” prices! $5,313 for the pair of sconces. A lot more than the estimate! But I have to say, if I had the dough I would have bought these too!

Again, something that went for a lot more than the estimate....$9,375 for this table. It’s hard to find well made ornate pieces like this now – the legs are hand contoured and pained with brass.

It just gets bigger and better! $35,000 for the painting. All I can say is...WOW.

Hmmm....maybe this mobile was bought by the “husband” mentioned in the comments of my original post? If so that’s a whole lot ($63,700) of love.

It’s almost too ridiculous to keep going...the sad thing about pieces going for so much is that the original maker doesn’t get the profit. I bet Mr. Kagan did not sell this sofa for anywhere near $26,250 in 1955.

Compared to everything else this $1,875 lamp seems like a bargain. Talk about sticker shock!

Win a OWLS CRIB SET - all you have to do is post a comment on this blog post with your favorite bird before tomorrow morning (7/9/10) at 10:00am EST. The winner will be randomly chosen at that time. Only one vote per IP address - we will remove any duplicates before chosing the winner!

Happy bird-watching!

Here are some of the DwellStudio blog regulars, Mad Men style:

Christiane

Jenna

Molly

Adam

Bingka

Nina

Josh

Sherry

Rachel

Go ahead - Mad Men Yourself!

Another day, another Apartment Therapy house tour...this time it comes from their kids site OhDeeDoh.

How cool is Sam’s huge world map?? We love seeing our (now extinct, sadly) DwellStudio for Fatboy lounger in the corner. This is great kids room inspiration! Sam, we love how you dwell...

Ok guys - since we are on a bird kick this week, and we all know birds are HOT...we are celebrating! 

For the next three days, we are giving away one of our bird-inspired bedding sets.  In order to enter, all you have to do is post your favorite bird on our Facebook page. Whoever get's the most "likes" wins. Pretty simple, eh?  I told you we were celebrating....

FIRST UP: PEACOCK CITRINE Duvet Set (size will be chosen by winner) - the cut-off date to post your favorite bird on our wall is tomorrow, 7/7/10 at 11:59EST.  

Make sure you become a fan if you're not already - go HERE to enter! 

Spread the word - tweet tweet!

As I was googling this morning I was happy to learn that today is our style icon Frida’s 103rd birthday and just like us ....Frida loved the birds.

We just had to call out how fab little Joanna’s Toby looks in our Chocolate Dots crib sheets...

We’ll have more peeks of Toby’s nursery later, but this little belly button was too cute not to share. Toby, we are LOVING how you dwell...

via Cup of Jo

We love this incredible quilt that Leslie Krout shared with us. Her inspiration was our Mosaic pattern...what a seriously talented woman! Learn more about her process HERE.

PS - shout out for our Target Rosettes pillow in the background!

This flag depicts a cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 and is the pictorial representation of the colonies as a union. The snake is divided into 8 pieces instead of 13 because even though New England was comprised of 4 colonies, it is shown as a single segment. A very simple graphic to convey an extremely compelling concept. Bid HERE.

A miniature portrait of a revolutionary war soldier. Since he is show wearing a red coat he is most likely British. Interesting how the scene on the reverse is similar to those found on Victorian mourning lockets even though this was probably made before that era. Bid HERE.

Another flag illustrating the colonial union that is stark in its graphic quality but strong in meaning – 13 white stars, one for each colony, on a navy blue ground. Bid HERE.

A photo of Daniel Bakeman, the last surviving revolutionary war veteran. He died in 1869 at age 110 but this photo was taken in 1868. Bid HERE.

Independence Day is almost here and I'm gearing up for a weekend of classic Americana foods like burgers, bbq and traditional desserts like this warm brownie from Craftbar...rich and cocoa-ey topped with cream ice cream, crumbled chocolate cookies, whipped cream and chocolate sauce...yum!

It's a beautiful morning here in lovely old Halifax, on Canada's east coast where we've come to visit our daughter for the weekend. Its a holiday here - today is Canada Day. Never heard of it? Well that's the first thing about being Canadian - we aren't bothered by that. We like our celebrations, just like our country, flying under the radar a little bit, like a really good secret, rather than march them out to the world's attention with a big brass band. Today the Queen (that would be our Monarch, the British Queen Elizabeth II) is in Ottawa inspecting the tulips (there are many - the Dutch just kept on sending them to us after the War), tonight a crowd will assemble for a free concert on Parliament hill that gets broadcast on the CBC, our national broadcast network, and in between we won't be doing a hell of a lot rather than making sure we've got enough BBQ briquettes, stopping in at Tim's for a coffee and a cruller, and reading the paper on the dock, maybe going for a swim.

One of the best things about being Canadian is that Canadians are funny. Wedged as we are between Europe and America we have some ironic distance from both. Did you know Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Lorne Michaels and Dan Akroyd are Canadian? Yup. We are funny.

Linda Evangelista

And cute too! Gorgeously multi-cultural (we take our global fusion seriously here, I mean it's a government policy), our professional lovelies include Yasmina Warshame, Shalom Harlowe and the superest supermodel of them all, Linda Evangelista. Did you know, we have diamonds too? Yes, really gorgeous white pure ones, from the far north and they don't have anything to do with fueling military military regimes and financing civil war.

The other thing we have going for us is this land. Space, air, trees, rivers, beaches, mountains, you name it - we got it and it infuses everything about the way we live here, from the good (best skiing in the world at Whistler, most amazing cottage country and culture) to the not so good (we don't think twice about driving our cars and expanding our enormous carbon footprint).

Pierre Elliott Trudeau

The most stylish Canadian moments, I would have to say, would have to be the era of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, himself the most swish leader the world has seen in many decades with his rose in his lapel, his vintage Mercedes cabriolet, dressed in full buckskin for a canoe trip down the Nahanni, or dancing in a 70's tux with his hippie bride Margaret at Studio 54. And then he had the 'tude-flipping the press a "fuddle duddle," smokin a cigar with Castro, dancing a pirouette behind the Queen. This guy was an intellectual, a savvy politician and a sexy man of his age with style to burn.

Neil Young

Neil Young is another great key to good Canadian style - raw, personal, deeply honest, solitary, non-pompous to the extreme, his personal style statement of flannel shirts and denim, construction boots and unkempt hair got called "grunge" later when it was mimiced by Kurt Cobain and then put on the fashion runway by Marc Jacobs. But we know it's ours, just like all singer songwriters with a guitar these days singing with their quirky imitations of Neil and Joni Mitchell. They are just trying to sound and look Canadian. You can't fool us, but we won't bother to correct you, because its really not polite.

Montreal

Our cities too are incredibly stylish-sorry but Montreal is one of those magical places that lives in the imagination, sexy, sophisticated small, and totally cosmopolitan. And St John's Newfoundland? That place rocks out entirely to its own drummer.

Ultimately, the best thing about being Canadian is a shared sense that people are so greatful to have left whatever hellhole of war and struggle and privation behind them and come to this land of lakes and space and endless peaceful possibility for themselves and their children that the overwhelming sense one gets on the street here particularly in a multicultural city like Toronto, where we live, is one of deep gratitude that such a place exists here on earth.

And what do we have on our flag? No predatory animals or military stripes. We have a leaf, a maple leaf to be precise, that has wafted down off a giant tree and is swaying in the breeze, hopefully to the sounds of really great new Canadian music, Feist, Sam Roberts or Arcade fire.

We have made a very quiet Canadian promise to each other here, that if we are tolerant and respectful of one another, maybe the rest of the globe will take a lesson from us and start doing it too and the world will become a better happier safer and more humane place.

And I can't imagine any other, better promise.

 This is a very cute idea for the kids - what could be better than a cute wheelbarrow full of chocolate milk?

 Simple, fun and colorful - instant decoration with these jam jars hanging from a trellis.

 This is not a new idea...but garlands outside just look pretty.

 S'mores in the city? Love this idea and so will my kids!

 Happy party planning!!

1. My Costalots Sunglasses - retro-chic and made with industrial grade lenses so they can get battered around in my big bag with no major harm.  I got them at a great boutique chain here in the city called In God We Trust but you can find a retailer near you on their website.

2. Laura Mercier HydraTint - this stuff is pure genius. It looks like chapstick so you don't feel silly applying anywhere; it has SPF 15 and it's the perfect shade of 20's-pin-up-girl red. They have other colors, but this coral-red Crimson color is perfect for summer.

3. Something to Tell You by Hanif Kureishi - the lovely P recommended this book on her blog way back in December. Finally getting around to that star in my Google Reader, I am 2 chapters in and LOVING it. It's not all sunshine and roses, I'll warn you - but it's full of mystery, intrigue and amazing characters.

4. The Pandora app on my new iPhone 4 - specifically the Preservation Hall Jazz Band station.  As I walk around the city in the heat, the sound of New Orleans jazz somehow makes the steam coming off the streets and the summer crowds feel just right.

So tell me...what are your summer essentials?? 

Not so ornate as the inspiration but definitely captures the same feeling.  I love how there is a sense of movement.  And currently at $34.99!  That could not be further away from $1000! Bid HERE.

This one is great – same types of leaves and curvy vines but more expensive at a buy it now of $300. Bid HERE.

Absolutely love this one.  I like how structured the center fern plays off the more ornate bottom elements.  And a great buy it now price of $87! Bid HERE.

And of course, no discussion of metal wall sculpture can be had without making mention of Curtis Jere ...although the look is more more rigid and geometric, it seems like one could always find a place for one of these pieces, especially at a not astronomical price of $399! Bid HERE.
 

Our arrival via ferry

Our humble weekend abode. Now that was hard to stay goodbye to!

A neighboring home - one of my favorites on the island!

Full moon over the Atlantic.

Lobster traps - they had the largest lobster for only $10!

Our return flight home on the smallest plane I’ve ever been on!

Amazing geometric patterns drawn in the sand. Makes you want to take a long walk on the beach!

It is a hot summer day in NYC today- it feels like 100 degrees and is very muggy! I am dreaming about these cool-looking houses featured in Elle Decoration. There’s nothing like high ceilings and a wash of white over everything to make you feel immediately about 20 degrees cooler.

These huge angled windows are fantastic! I would love to hang out on the couch reading and drinking limeade until the sun goes down.

All images via Elle Decoration (UK) June 2010

A big big BIG thank you to Elle Decor (and the lovely Erin Swift) for calling out our Peacock Citrine bedding in the latest issue in What's Hot.  We think you're hot too ED!

It seems that the more pregnant Jenna gets, the better her outfits.  Had to snap this quick shot as she walked in the door this morning - love a mini dress on a woman in her third trimester!

So when our son William woke us up at 5am this morning, ready for the day....stayed up just long enough to shake us out of sleep and promptly crashed on the sofa, surrounded by our pillows - I snapped this quick shot. It's cute to me now, at 10am, after a few cups of coffee and an early morning "nap" - but I will tell you it was not so cute at 5am.

Will is sleeping with this Cubist throw and several DwellStudio pillows.

Rabbits Café is another recent addition to the boom on Sullivan St. I stopped in for lunch today and tried the fish tacos. Despite looking a little bare, the fried cod was crispy and delicious and came with strips of cabbage, salsa and sour cream. I will definitely go back for these again!

Check out the full room tour on Ohdeedoh HERE.

 I love the slouchy silhouette and the great detailing....

Ummmm can I wear THIS to the office tomorrow please?

Love the rounded hem and the shoulder cut out.

Pretty Pretty - Love the color blocking...

I love a one shoulder anything!

A classic - you seriously can't go wrong.  Bid HERE.

I have a pair of Aubock bookends that I love, but these are pretty amazing. Bid HERE.

Love the worn leather and the shape - no smoking necessary, this is just pretty. Bid HERE.

 Another example of great lines and materials making for a beautiful piece. Bid HERE.

Ok, I might have to have this...so Mad Men. Hm, I might need a dry martini with a twist STAT! Bid HERE.

Thanks Susie!

Big thank-you to Tocar Interior Design and the lovely (un-named) couple in Southampton who used our Chinoiserie Duvet Set and Pillow and Linen Edge Sheet Set in their home, which was shot for the new issue of New York Spaces. Mystery Southampton Couple, we love how you dwell!

The whole house is light, airy and VERY Southampton - who doesn't love that!?

Here are the results from last Friday’s Sollo Rago Discovery auction

Wow! $397 for the mirror! That is a great price for a great piece.

There was a lot of interest in these chairs just in our office alone – and it looks like others felt the same way – they went for $1,098. Not a bargain, but not bad either.

Maybe the Brimfield dealers heard my call to action on the Chase candlesticks. $488 for the whole lot. I will have to look out for these next year!

This is where I start to feel some tugs of loss. Only $397 for the kooky chandelier. It didn’t even reach the estimate. I wish I had bought it for that eBay shop I am always threatening to open...

Ok so the pangs have now developed into actual regret. $288 for the 6 authentic Wormley pieces? Those would have sold in a hurry from my imaginery eBay shop!

Interesting...$366 for the group of white porcelain objects. That Garden of Eden scene is definitely worth it.

Once again those familiar feelings of regret. I could have parlayed a $549 initial investment on this jewelry into a lot more on eBay. Oh well, there’s always next time!

I am enthralled by the designs of Carl Auböck - one of the most extraordinary designers of Austrian modernism.

Carl got started early in his parents bronze workshop. He then studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and then apprenticed at the Bauhaus in Weimar as a student of Johannes Itten. He finally took over the family business from his father in 1925.

He is known for his amazing handcrafted bronze and brass design. His hooks and book end are among my favorites. In fact I am lucky enough to have a great sculptural pair of book ends.

Carl hit his pinnacle at the Triennale di Milano in 1954, where he received four gold medals for his work. His son joined him in the business in the late forties and it exists today. - Check it out here

I am on 1st Dibs lusting after the coat hook as I write this...

All image's courtesy of Mondo Cane

New Yorkers know to sit and sit quick when it comes to impromptu performances like this...we could be witnessing the next jazz legend and all be able to tell our kids and grandkids in 10 years that we sat on a sidewalk in Soho while they played for us for free.

We caught the last 2 songs of this (really great!) band before they marched New Orleans-funeral-style down Spring Street, audience following behind. 

One Google search later, we learned we have the Hudson Square Make Music Association to thank. We LOVE New York!

Louis with the Peacock Citrine Duvet

Crissie is the proud owner of Louis, one of our resident DwellStudio dogs who just loves to play and hang out on his favorite Peacock bedding. Louis we love how you dwell!

Louis and  Draper Stripe Ash sheet set

1. JCrew Board Shorts to lounge in comfort

2. Totale Frime Sun Oil from Nickel for the ultimate tan

3. Hermes Beach Towel to dry off in style…

4. Traditional Ray Bans- so easy on the eyes!

5. Throw in an iPad to catch up on his reading while listening to some Marley and sipping an endless beverage

I’m in the midst of preparing to spend my second 4th of July in one of my favorite places on earth- Amsterdam!

Each year we travel there for the Kleine Fabrik Children’s Trade Fair at the RAI. It is, by far, one of the best and most enjoyable shows to attend.

My awesome hosts (and distributors) Mark and Katja, sent me this photo of the cod fish Mark caught at the lake last week. I hope they’ve put it on ice so I can enjoy it with them! See you soon guys!

Have I discussed my obsession with Mark Bittman?  I absolutely love The Minimalist.  I am always thrilled to be on Jet Blue watching him cook (this is the only time I can watch food TV!).  I read his blog and love his recipes.  This weekend I will be trying his pasta with spring vegetables and a little meat. Let me know if you try it and what you think...yum

We've given you hints and peeks at this new collection...but I am beyond thrilled to finally announce our first offering of residential fabrics with Robert Allen.  We've been working with the amazing team at Robert Allen on the collection for a little over a year and I can tell you that every single fabric (and there are 72 of them in this first round) is designed and fabricated with a hip, luxe, modern home in mind. 

The first collection is called Eclectic Modern, and I think you'll see why. Since our professional imagery is not yet ready - here are a few glimpses of what the collection looks like...

And to give you an idea of what you'll be able to create with the designs...a few behind-the-scenes shots from our photo shoot:

 We love how this sofa turned out...it's our Vintage Blossom in gray.  So chic and classic at the same time.

This chair is upholstered in Gate.  Gate works on everything!

I love this grouping of chairs - you can see how all the fabrics and scales work together.  This collection is centered around the DwellStudio philosophy of mixing and matching.

We are also so excited to show our designs in wovens, velvets and textures.  It just another dimension for us.  I LOVE our classic dots in velvet pile.  Gorgeous....

As most of you know, Traditional Home actually broke this fantastic news last month, so you can get even more excited by checking out the full article in their June/July issue. The full collection will be available in early August at Robert Allen | Beacon Hill Showrooms across the country and at dwellstudio.com! 

Love this little elephant round-up over on Minted Condition, which includes our Elephant Bookcase.

Just had to share!

Thanks MC!

We are thrilled at how our designs translated into wovens. They can be bleach cleaned and have a great bacteria barrier!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the NeoCon tradeshow in Chicago with Robert Allen, introducing our new collection of Health Care and Pediatric textiles. This is something I've wanted to do for a very long time - I feel so lucky to have found an amazing partner in Robert Allen that is making this collection a reality.

I thought I'd give you all a little sneak peek at what could be showing up at a hospital near you...

Owls makes such a cute privacy curtain.

 We love the range - from graphic leaves to running zeebra.  We hope it cheers up the little kiddies at the hospital.

This playfull geometric would make any waiting room a happier place.

Love this whole thing – the chairs, the sconces, the table, painting.....just exquisitely beautiful.

The chairs – it’s surprising how well these chairs work with everything on their own I wouldn’t have looked twice. - BID HERE

The sconces – so beautiful I am almost speechless. Love the thin brass arm. - BID HERE

The console table - amazing. - BID HERE

The painting – got $20,000 grand laying around? - BID HERE

Its so refreshing how all the pieces work together in this room – different styles, different materials – but it’s all pulled together. Plus I can’t get over the black mobile!

The mobile - it can be yours for the bargain price of $30,000 - $40,000! - BID HERE

The sofa – we are seeing a curved sofa trend these days... - BID HERE

The floor lamp – you know me and 3-armed lamps.... - BID HERE

You might remember a few weeks ago when Holley & Gill pointed out this gorgeous bedroom that we all loved. I love how serendipitous the internet can be...I was browsing along some of my go-to sites and ran into the full house over at HGTV Canada. As suspected, the entire place is beautiful – I had to share. Emma, Myles & Henry of The Marion House we love how you dwell!

I can't believe I've been walking past Local for years and just now made it inside. The cute little café/takeout shop uses ingredients from local purveyors and organic ingredients in their baked goods.

The egg salad sandwich is flavored with tons of delicious dill and arrives on toasted bread - I ordered it with sourdough instead of the regular 7 grain.

The ham & fig sandwich was the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with sliced ham, figs and fresh mozzarella.

They also have organic fair trade coffee in bags with their very cool logo.

Back in March, while traveling through Australia, I was introduced to an amusement park called LUNA PARK in both Melbourne and Sydney. Come to find out the original Luna Park was built right here in Coney Island, NY in 1903 - back when Coney Island was considered the 8th wonder of the world! This was home to original Tunnel of Love! Flash forward to 2010, Luna Park has just been re-opened in its birth place not to mention is now in over 40 countries worldwide!

Original Luna Park, Coney Island, NY 1903

Luna Park, Melbourne, AU

Luna Park, Tel Aviv, Israel

 Luna Park, Beirut

As you know, I love trolling Apartment Therapy's House Tours...while trolling them this morning, I came across this beautiful Toronto home, which they aptly coined "Bauhaus Meets Farmhouse." I don't know Sam & Ben, but their style suits me just right & I have a little crush on their dog Amos.  See the full house tour HERE.  Sam, Ben and Amos (woof!) - we love how you dwell!

Love the bedroom with our Chinoiserie Duvet Set.

Love this mirror...what could be wrong with 2 intersecting ovals in gold leaf? And the estimate is $200-$300! With gold currently at an all time high of $1200/ounce it’s practically a bargain. BID HERE

These chairs are gorgeous....I wish I had room for them in my apartment! I love the way the legs and the arm are one structure. It makes for such a dramatic linear statement. Estimate $500-$700. BID HERE

Another thing I love about auctions is that they will sell a lot of similar items....so what could be better than a bunch of Chase candlesticks? I feel like candlesticks are like shoes...you can never have enough. Plus $300 - $500 for 16 pieces is a really good deal. When we were at Brimfield dealers were asking $300 for just one pair! BID HERE

Call me crazy but I kind of love this lighting fixture. Maybe because I love wings and the seashells remind me of wings. And it’s made by Orrefors! Estimate $400 - $600 BID HERE

This is the Edward Wormley motherlode, folks. I mean....6 occasional table for an estimate of $400 - $600? Just one of those tables would go for $1200 in a vintage shop. BID HERE

I am a sucker for all white porcelain. And the Garden of Eden scene is a little bit nuts! Estimate $300 - $500. BID HERE

Whoa, and jewelry too? This is definitely a one stop shopping auction. I am crazy for the lorgnette in that elongated octagonal shape. Estimate $500 -$700 for 7 pieces including 3 great gold-filled watches. BID HERE

Rachel and Max lounging (Max is holding the chocolate dots burp cloth)

Max and Dad sleeping in with their Chinoiserie Duvet

It's a gloomy day in nyc today, and there's nothing better to cheer me up than adorable mini cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. These cute treats are about the size of a quarter and come in fun flavors like chocolate chip pancake, s'mores and tie-dye. Yum!

For all of you in the NYC-area who love a good bargain, definitely try to stop by our sample sale in Soho starting this Friday!

421 West Broadway (btwn Prince & Spring)

 June 11 - 20 Open every day 10am - 8pm

See you there!

It's Saturday night and you have nothing cute to wear?  Well, if you¹re here in Austin like me, you head instantly to Strut. Strut's many Austin locations have been an institution since I can remember, so imagine my excitement when owner Caroline Hernandez decided to open a new Baby store...enter gaga! Caroline has taken her marvelous grown-up style and translated it into a store that mom, dad, and baby can love! Yesterday I got a full tour of the store and found myself oohing and aahing at everything she showed me.  Take a look at the pictures below, but I mean, tons of yellow lanterns hanging from the ceiling?! Even I said, "Ohhhh balloons!"...

Also a treat, I got to help Caroline pick out some of our new bedding patterns for her master bedroom.  Here is a sneak peak of her color scheme, but stay tuned for "How You Dwell - Caroline Hernandez style."

The first DwellStudio office. The first DwellStudio crew - Jenna, Jake and me.

I can't really believe that I am writing this post...partly because I can't believe how quickly time slips by but also because I can't believe how long we have been at this. This month marks 10 years that I have been working with Jennifer Chused. 10 years ago on a June day  - Jenna moved her stuff into my tiny unheated Spring Street office to help out because she believed in DwellStudio. I could not pay her so she continued her freelance work from the office too. By all accounts Jenna and I are opposites - she is tall, dark and southern and I am -well -short, blonde and northern - like really northern. Our personalities follow suit - Jenna is calm, calculating and linear and I am crazy, disorganized and very non-linear. I could not have done all of this with out a lot of people but Jenna tops that list. I think that anyone who works at DwellStudio or anyone that ever has would agree that we could all use a little of what Jenna delivers - passion, uncompromising standards and laser focused style.

Jenna and Elizabeth Birkenbuel - the original sales team in 2002.

Jenna and I the summer we met.....we were so young.

From me and everyone at DwellStudio - Thank you Jenna - for 10 great years.  It has never been work with you.

Images Top to bottom left to right:

Roberta Furlanetto photographed by Amira Fritz

Photo by Camilla Akrans as seen in The New York Times

Photo by Japanese Stylist Musubi

Hairpiece by Bando

llustration by Olaf Hajek

Well into her third trimester, Jenna's outfits seem to be getting cuter and cuter. How is that possible!?

Check out his inspiration page...

In keeping with our desserts-inspired-by-our-patterns theme from last week...check out these cool cookies we found while browsing flickr that were inspired by our vintage Motif pattern. Pretty sure my mom's cookies were never this hip.  

Ella is lounging on our Maze and Aerial pillows...both no longer available!

We love this bedroom - the mix of pattern, mix of high-low...the dark bedroom.

Thank you Holley & Gill for bringing it to our attention.

Looks like this is from HGTV - they used our Draper Stripe sheets and Chinoiserie cases.

My husband, toddler and I are traveling this week on a multi-stop wedding bonanza. And I had to share my new-found love and respect for our Sullivan Messenger diaper bag...it has literally been my lifesaver this trip. The various pockets and compartments keep us completely organized as we shuffle from airport to airport and event to event. And MOST importantly: my husband carries it the entire time because it actually LOOKS cool. So I have free hands to chase the 2 year old and sip champagne.

I discovered that his water bottle snaps perfectly on to the stroller attachment. More room inside!

We've always known that Victoria was a stylish lady. But her recent post of her bedroom has us even more impressed. She clearly loves the mix of old and new as much as we do and does it well...check out all the pics HERE.

Victoria, we love how you dwell!

Victoria has our Chinoiserie Duvet Set

How great is this DwellStudio birthday cake? Spotted by our great designer Rachel while digging for inspiration. Brought to us via the Cake Occasions blog in Sydney Australia.

Who knew that a birthday cake could be so cool. Hey you guys Down Under – you have excellent style and we love how you dwell.

My son’t birthday is coming up and I know just what the cake will look like! Thanks.

DwellStudio stationary for Tiny Prints

As many of you have noticed by now, our partnership with Robert Allen was announced by the lovely Sabine Rothman at Traditional Home. We are thrilled about the collection and CAN’T WAIT to share it with you...stay tuned for more.

In keeping with our love of animals - we are so excited about our snake trellis - equal parts hip and traditional - are snakes the new birds?

We did the shoot at Jenna's Park Slope pre-war apartment- it has all the amazing architectural elements to make a great backdrop for this product.

 We love the dots as upholstery!  Graphic, luxe and oh so DwellStudio.

 We lookforward to showing you the whole line!

Love this sassy series of videos from various interior designers on how to design great kids rooms...including Christiane! I personally think her tips are best – hello, who doesn’t NEED black-out shades!? Check it out here

1960's Chambered Nautiluses

1960's pair of Turquoise Cabochon Ceramic Lamps in Temple Form

1950's Custom Parrot Dining Table with 12 chairs

1940's Belvedere "Malachite" chair

A pair of Red Coral Sconces by Ron Martin who worked with Duquette

I am feeling red and turquoise – big time. Maybe it’s summer approaching but something about coral and the sea is working for me right now. When I think of those two colors I think of Tony Duquette. It was his go-to interior color combination and the drama is undeniable. Tony – you are my style icon of the week.

Tony Duquette was an amazing designer whose lavish, whimsically baroque sets and costumes, interiors and jewelry made him a Hollywood favorite for more than five decades.

Exotic excess was the signature of the Tony Duquette style. ''He was the only man who could spend $999 in a 99-cent store,'' said Hutton Wilkinson, his business partner of 30 years.

Part conjurer, part satin-robed esthete, Mr. Duquette was concerned with the dazzling effect of his designs, often using unabashedly cheap materials like at his Hollywood Hills studio, a roomful of 18th-century French antiques sat amid gilded trees beneath a ceiling studded with glued-on gold plastic serving trays. He was doing high-low before it was even a concept.

''He was doing fantasy from the moment he began and remained committed to his vision no matter what the fashion of the day dictated,'' said Liz O'Brien, the New York dealer in 20th-century decorative arts.

Tony – I salute you for red and turquoise and never saying enough is enough.

Broken Embraces

Aside from sunning it up in the park and at the beach this weekend I made some time to watch Pedro Almodόvar’s film “Broken Embraces”. The movie, as all of his movies are, was a visual masterpiece full of color, pattern and texture. It was as if each location was built by one of my favorite architect's Luis Barragán. 4 STARS in my book!

 Broken Embraces

Luis Barragan - Cuadra San Cristobál, Los Clubes, 1966-68

Barragan’s Home at Calle Rameriez, Mexico City

 Tlalpan Chapel, Mexico City – Luis Barragan

While not technically a sectional, these 3 chairs can be configured in so many different ways. I am loving their 60s vibe. They’d be great reupholstered in a wide stripe. $950 for all 3, not too bad... - BID HERE

It’s hard to make a mistake with anything Milo Baughman in my book. There are a pair of these available – a sofa and a club sofa which makes a nice arrangement. I am also kind of liking the crazy 70s rec room upholstery. Somehow it looks fresh to me. $1200 for the sofa and $1100 for the love seat. - BID HERE

I love how the 2 pieces of this sofa meet at such a dramatic angle. Would be perfect in an open plan or loft style room. 15% off now at $2750.... - SHOP HERE

Another one that isn’t technically a sofa or a sectional...more like a chaise. But I think these types of “interim” pieces are great for lounge living. $1200 buy it now price. - BID HERE

One might not immediately connect leather with summertime lounging but I love the idea – because I always think with leather the more beat-up, the better. And this piece has great flared arms plus it’s a reasonable $1450! - BID HERE

Little Stefan is still refusing to take his Transportation back pack off. Here he is hiking in style...

Get your own Transportation Back Pack HERE.

As all of us bounced off to our various destinations for the long weekend, some had better luck than others getting to said destination. Poor Heidi and her family were on their way to Upstate New York when the thing that every family with three kids in the back seat does not want to happen happened: the inevitable flat tire. Luckily, all was well in the end and a very kind tow truck driver helped them out...but it has us all thinking about what we would do. I am the first to admit that, although my dad taught me how to change a tire when I got my first car...the minute I got one last summer I made no attempt to change it myself - I hopped right on the phone and called Triple A. So - our question is: How many of you know how to change a tire? We really want to know...

May 29 & 30, 2010
Saturday 10-5 Sunday 11-4
Held Entirely Indoors, Rain or Shine
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY

I am hoping it’s the new Brimfield.  I will let you know what treasures we find.
http://www.rhinebeckantiquesfair.com/

MOLLY

I am heading out east to the Hamptons with my hubby and toddler – we’re meeting up with a big group of friends for lots of sun, surf, cocktails and seafood...and watching our kiddies play together in the grass and sand.

JODI

Rescuing our backyard from the ocean of English ivy that is threatening to take over all of Williamsburg. Then hanging with friends in said backyard, drinking my hubby’s killer cocktail creations.

Here is one of my husbad's recipes that was published by NY Mag back in the day

DAVE

I am going to go to my fiance’s parents house in Pennsylvania. Lots of grilling on the deck and playing bocce ball.

JENNA K

I'm heading up to Pourtsmouth, New Hampshire to visit a friend and stay at the B&B, Inn at Strawberry Banke, that she runs with her Mom. The town has all of the old New England charm that a girl from California could hope to experience and see!

AINSLEY

I’m going home to Newport RI. probably sailing on my yacht. And by yacht, I mean my friends powerboat, tubing, eating tons of seafood, and finally getting a tan.

Check out our design department’s little garden. Nina is very excited to share these DIY pots. They are super fun and easy:

1. Take a simple aluminum can and punch holes in the bottom

2. Print out a lovely pattern on a piece of paper and glue it on.

3. Take discarded food container lids to use as the plant saucer.

That clever Nina...

Thanks Paloma!

Rachel found this map with beautiful colors that shows temperature ranges.

I brought home this nice black and brass floor lamp.

As you can see, our cats love to have their pictures taken! Here are two more pictures of Tinks and Frank lounging on their beds.

I was at my super-hip sister-in-law Karen VonHahn’s home this weekend. She gave me her copy of the new magazine Gentlewoman from the same people who publish “Fantastic Man”. The first issue has the subtitle “Modernist”, what could be better for us Dwellers? J’adore...everything from the graphics, font choice and layout to the great photography. I love spread entitled wardrobe....where there are just photos of the details of the clothing. Amazing! Clothing for clothing’s sake. The knots hair spread is divine too...I am subscribing as we speak.

Also there is a centre section on uncoated stock (the rest of the magazine is printed on high gloss) that features a series of ‘references’ – footnotes – to the magazine content. There are explanations of various details in the writing, the entire issue’s sidebars in one serving - love love!

Read more about Gentlewoman here

Bingka loves A Detacher - this is one of her many tunics/dresses from them...paired perfectly with rolled up jeans and gold flats. 
 

Just by looking at this photo I took last summer I can smell the salty ocean. With Memorial Day Weekend just within reach I’ve already started to make my checklist for my first day at the beach:

1. Marc by Marc Cooler Bag to keep my libations ice cold

2. Turquoise Trail Oversized Towel from Pendelton

3. Recycled Boombox for some tunes

4. JCrew Tulum Sandals

5. Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee SPF for the best tan in town!

Queen Victoria ruled the UK for 63 years, from 1837-1901. She married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, but only after her coronation as queen. It was important to her that she establish herself as monarch before marriage. Their marriage has always been potrayed as a great love affair based on mutual respect and admiration. When he died in 1861, she dressed entirely in black for 3 years then continued to mourned him for the 40 years until her own death.

During this time, the customs of mourning heavily dictated the fashions of those who mourned – from clothing, accessories and jewelry. The Victorians were at the same time very matter of fact about death but also extremely sentimental about symbolizing memento mori, a latin phrase meaning “reminder of death” in order to express grief.

This woman is wearing the requisite black clothing as well as a several pieces of mourning jewelry, including a black cameo bracelet.

People often kept locks of hair as keepsakes and placed them in crystal lockets, rings or brooch. This brooch features gold lettering on black enamel with the words “In Memory Of”. The initials and death anniversary of the loved one are likely engraved on the other side.

Another example of mourning jewelry incorporating hair. In this case the hair is woven into a kind of textile then set into a bangle bracelet. It’s equal parts creepy and exquisite.

This type of jewelry is called Lover’s Eye incorporating a hand painted portrait of a loved one’s eye. How poetic....

If this type of jewelry strikes you...check out Erie Basin...Russell Whitmore has a great eye for beautiful pieces.

Thanks for the great blog post and thanks for noticing our work.  Everything does indeed work together and that is purposefull.  We want all our amazing design savvy customers to be able to build a whole wardrobe of coordinating elements for their homes.  Mix and match style right into your space.  There are no mistakes and every purchase just builds on your collection.  Look for more great layers to be introduced this summer.

To check out this spot-on post and more great merchandise - go to laylagrayce.com

Happy Mixing!

Note - he got his birthday wish. We are doing this on a daily basis...at the end of the year we are going to tally the outfits and crown a Mr or Ms DwellStudio!

He was born and raised in Paris. At the age of 13 he was admitted to the École des Arts Appliqués His area of study was metallurgy. After having worked a few years in the workshop of Gabriel Lacroix he opened his own workshop in 1945 with the intention of creating silverware utensils. In 1953 he began researching and designing light fixtures. During this period he was also supervising the gold smithing department at l'École des Arts Appliqués. In 1955 he was inducted into the Société des Artistes Décorateurs ("the Interior Decorators' Society").

Serge Mouille suffered from tuberculosis for many years, and in 1959 he was forced to suspend his design activities and undergo treatment. Production of his light fixtures stopped definitively in 1961. Luckily - his family saw the genius of his work and has reissued the designs and they are now being reproduced.

Serge Mouille remains famous primarily for his minimalistic designs and use of uniformly black painted metal materials. His wall-mounted spot light fixture with articulated arms are typical of his style and my favorite. Merci Serge. 

Can you say new chinnoiserie?

Our dots never looked so good....

Great gate!

Images from Living Etc. Magazine via the blog interior divine

Herewith, our current reading list:

RACHEL IS READING: How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer



Rachel says: "This is an extremely fascinating book for those who like non-fiction. It's along the lines of Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, and gives you profound insight into the inner workings of your own mind. I'm learning so much about myself by reading this book, and I can't put it down! It will surprise you to learn the motivation and unconscious reasoning behind decision making."

ELIZABETH IS READING: Enduring Love by Ian McEwan

Elizabeth says: "If the balloon boy incident intrigued you, then you'll probably like the book I started reading this morning: "Enduring Love" by Ian McEwan.  The story centers around a tragic accident in which a young boy gets trapped in a balloon- but without all the creepy publicity stunt aspects of the real life balloon boy fiasco.  I've only gotten through the first chapter, but I'm hooked!"

NINA IS READING: Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl

Nina says: "I am reading Tender at the Bone, written by Ruth Reichl, the editor-in-chief of the now defunct Gourmet magazine. It's a memoir focused on her childhood and teenage years, and the different relationships she had with her family and friends, and of course, food. It's not written in a way that is food-centric though, and it had a great narrative quality- very comforting and entertaining at the same time- so I would recommend it to anyone!"

MOLLY (moi) IS READING: My Life in France by Julia Child

It's like candy...I can't believe it took me this long to read this book. I gave it to my mother last Christmas when the whole Julie & Julia craze was happening and of course she loved it.  Julia Child's hilarious exclamations are exactly like her "character" on television and her (incredibly naive) portrayal of the political landscape of the 1950's, along-side the story of how MTAOFC came to be make for a delicious read.

5.5" Ceramic Santoku Black Knife by Kyocera

Vintage Light String for the backyard

Framed Egon Schiele print "Preacher"

Vintage 60's High Ball Tumber Set

OBEY Dia De Los Muertos T-Shirt

Perfection with an insane current bid of $12.00. Brass with leather detail? Beautiful tripod base? Take that Brimfield!! - BID HERE

This one has a bit more of a clean and austere look, but I love the hairpin base. Starting at $200. - BID HERE

Love this one with two heads – reminds me of Jackie O’s pillbox hat. Starting at $99.99. - BID HERE

The shades on this one are a great shape. Plus, the mix of wood and brass is very of the moment. And who can beat a starting price of $9.99? I have a feeling about this one...it won’t go for more than $99.- BID HERE

Here’s another one with 3 shades...except this one is a tension pole that is held by the ceiling and the floor. Another one starting at $9.99. What is it with eBay and $9.99?? - BID HERE

Congrats to Naomi, our randomly-chosen winner of our signed copy of Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces. Please take our advice and get a copy of your own (if you haven’t already) HERE.

Our new catalog is hitting mailboxes this week...we put a lot of love into this one, hopefully you’ll agree. If you can’t wait to get yours, you can browse and click-through online HERE. - love modern technology!

Flea market tip's from the pro's

Brimfield 2010: flea market trends

1 - Metal baskets from Hudson Goods

2 - Turquoise and silver . Ring from Erie Basin. Bracelet from Twin Rocks.

3 - Glass bottles. Apothecary bottle images courtesy of Sunday Suppers. Milk bottles image courtesy of Bettencourt Family.

4 - Industrial lamp from Factory 20.

5 -Lingerie pins or straight pins. Similar ones can be found at Ragoarts.com

Last night we headed over to the other side of Soho to Clic Gallery for Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell’s book launch for the 3rd book in his series on living in small spaces. I spent this morning curled up with a cup of coffee and started delving into the beautiful pictures (Jim Franco) and clever solutions and resources Maxwell lays out for city-dwellers who are confined to smaller spaces. This is Maxwell’s area of expertise and the man knows his stuff! This is (by far, I think) the best of the three books – kudos to Maxwell and his team for putting together a must-have resource.

Of course, I loved spotting all the photos that included our textiles – including in Maxwell’s own bedroom!

Maxwell was kind enough to sign a copy for us to give away to a lucky reader – so once again...leave a comment before NOON EST on Tuesday, May 18th.

If you’re too anxious to wait to see if you win (and you should be) - you can get your own copy of Apartment Therapy’s BIG BOOK OF SMALL, COOL SPACES at any number of book retailers.

There are some of the very same ones available on 1st dibs:

1950's Stiffel lamps from Stripe Modern

Mid 20th century Stiffel lamps from Florian Papp

Ted Stiffel, an artist and designer, opened the Stiffel Lamp Company in Chicago, Illinois, in 1932. For decades the Stiffel Lamp Company crafted lamps that included a unique foil signature from pewter, brass and bronze.

Stiffel created the Stiffel pole lamp that featured a vertical tube with rotating lamp fixtures outside of the tube. The Stiffel pole lamp was one of the most popular lamps in the 1940s and 1950s, and it is the precursor of modern track lighting.

I love Stiffel’s work and I am in the middle of hunting down a great original pole lamp for myself.

Here are some of my favorite Stiffel’s available now:

Brass Four Leg Floor Lamp With Round Lucite Table

Pair of Tall Candelabra Table Lamps

Pair of Table Lamps

Pair of Monumental Porcelain Brass Lamps

A Pair of Clawed Feet Table Lamps

Kellie Ann has our new Peacock duvet set in citrine.

Nobody who is 7-months pregnant should wear this!

Take a look at what we have found so far...

Cork lamps...love them!

These pulls are great on this sideboard.

What a fabulous rug!

Thanks for taking care of Barnaby today, Simon.

The new Soho store

I am head over heels for these shoes!

The bright colors in this print are amazing!

This print is so beautiful with a color fading effect.

 A perfect cocktail party print.

Stay tuned for more giveaways – we’ve discovered that we LOVE doing them!!

It is wonderful to see local designers being supported by their community so that they can continue to thrive and grow.

Just a few of the designers featured at the show:

CASA KiDS is designed by Roberto Gil, an architect and designer originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They use a lot of DwellStudio product to show off their wonderful designs. They had adorable miniature versions of all their furniture at the show and they even made a small versions of our Garden Crib Set!

Grow House Grow is a wallpaper company that tells a story with each design it creates.

The pattern on the left is "Ms. Treat"  in the Teaberry colorway is a represntation of Mary Treat (1830-1923), "an Amercian-born naturalist devoted to the understanding of carnivorous plants".

The pattern on the right is "Ms. Ward" in the Wedewood colorway and is the story of Mary Ward (1827-1869)  who "was encouraged to nurture her love of nature from a young age. Born into a renowned scientific family in Co. Offaly, Ireland, she was educated at home with her sisters and by the age of three had developed a penchant for collecting bugs".

WUD furniture design was founded in 2002 by Corey Springer on the basis of creating innovative designs that "satisfy the taste of today's sophisticated and modern consumer".

RAM Metals creates to-the-trade custom made architectural metal designs ranging from planters to furniture to architectural metal.

“I'd love to see what you can find in the way of a contemporary style secretary. What to do with that family computer that needs to be visible to the adults while kids are on it, but you don't want to have to look at the technology all the time? I think a secretary style piece that you could close would be nice and not as clunky as some armoires are for this purpose. There seem to be plenty of traditional versions of this, but I haven't seen any good contemporary pieces.”

I agree – there are no good modern options for this....it was a challenge but I found some great options!

Loving the light colored oak finish on this one, plus it has such stylish hardware. A steal at $375! - BID HERE

This one is more of a desk incorporated into an entire wall unit. It’s pricier with a $675 starting price, but definitely worth it considering how beautiful the rosewood is! - BID HERE

 If I were in the market for a secretary, I’d get this one. The burled wood inlay makes it looks so rich but the shape of the piece is still clean and modern.  Not cheap but not astronomical at $775 - BID HERE

 Last but not least is a true investment piece. It’s the most expensive at $2,179 but again, authentic rosewood is a real find these days plus Kofod-Larsen is one of the inconic designers of this period. They’re open to negotiating (I love the “Make Offer” function of eBay) so you might luck out by lowballing! - BID HERE

Last night Christiane, her daughter Isabelle and I went up to Bergdorfs to Susanna Salk’s book signing for Room for Children. The party Rizzoli threw for her was fantastic (think mini-Prosseco bottles with bendy straws), but we really really LOVED the book!

Susanna was kind enough to sign a copy for us to give-away to one of our fans, so..our VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment (one per person, please!) between now and Monday, May 10th at NOON. A random winner will be chosen to receive the signed copy.

We loved flipping through the pages and spotting the designers, photographers and products we know and love so well – the spaces are so inspirational and Susanna did an amazing job as curator. There’s some GREAT vintage DwellStudio in some of the rooms!

I love the different colored wheels. This would definitely get me to and from the office in style!

Perfect for beach cruising.

Neon will keep you safe at night!

We wanted to throw out a few ideas from all the studio moms on things any mom would like...and most of these things should be accessible in ANY area. Thanks to our Facebook fans for all the great ideas...we loved them all.

1. Tequila - no explenation necessary.

2. Jeggings - several  designers make a version of jeggings, but our personal favorites are made by UNIQLO.

3. Orchid - easy and beautiful. You can't beat an orchid on Mother's Day - there's something very personal about the flower.

4. Toms - you can't have too many pairs...perfect for chasing little ones while still looking hip.

What is not to love?

 Where can I get this shirt?

 The surrealist earrings are perfection...

 Look at that fabulous a-line silhouette

Pictured clockwise from top left:

Guy Wolff pots- some of my favorite handmade pots. They come in so many different pretty styles. When I went to the botanical garden I picked up a few new ones in the gift shop!

Wire planter from terrain.

Backpack from APC- ok, so I guess this isn't specifically for gardening but I imagine this would be a good thing to have with you while you take a hike to check out the local wilderness.

Pot and plant stands from Campo de Fiore - another favorite of mine. I love these pots because they have been aged in a greenhouse and when you water your plants some moss grows on the surface of the pots.

Celia Birtwell watering can available at Sprout Home. I think Celia Birtwell's drawing style is so charming- she was married to Ossie Clark and designed all the prints for his fashion line. By the way, this is a very nice mother's day present!

Canvas and leather tool bag from Orvis - this is a very handsome storage bag for hand tools and gardening gloves.

This is my fantasy to have a wall of greenery! Picture from Elle Decoration (UK) May 2010 issue

 Check it out here

Designed in 1878 by New York architect Abraham J. Snedeker, Magnolia Hall was built as a single-family home for cotton magnate Jacob Guerard Heyward (1844–88). Raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Heyward attended school in Charleston and served in the first artillery battalion of the Confederate Army. Following the Civil War, he married Pauline de Caradeuc, whose personal diary from the years 1863–88 was published as A Confederate Lady Comes of Age. Heyward later became one of Savannah's most successful cotton factors.

I Love the moss on the stairs - how romantic...

 Check out the mamzing parquet floors...

Following Heyward's death in 1888, the spacious house was used as a combination residence and boarding house. Almost a century later, in 1984, the home was transformed into an inn. Several noted literary figures have been associated with Magnolia Hall, including Pulitzer Prize-winning Poet Laureate Conrad Aiken, who was born in the house in 1889. Novelist John Berendt made the residence his adopted Savannah home in the 1980s while writing the New York Times best seller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. SCAD acquired the inn in 2005 for use by visiting artists and other guests of the college.

Atypical of most grand homes built in the South during the post-Civil War era, Magnolia Hall typifies the extravagant Second Empire architectural style-a Victorian substyle popular in the Northeast and Midwestern United States during the reign of French emperor Napoleon III. At 7,850 square feet, the impressive home took more than four years to construct at a cost of $10,000, equivalent in today's economy to $2.3 million.

 The moss on the trees is amazing

When in Savannah it's imperative to get some porch time....and you can see why.

Magnolia Hall and Savannah were so lovely, genteel and civilized. I totally understand why half of the students go to Savannah and never return home.

Magnolia Hall
507 Whitaker St.
Savannah, GA

 Lovely Lisa at her lovely loom.

The gallery. 

 Lisa's inspiration.

 Love the Diet Red Bull next to the loom.  Anyone working on a major project with kids can appreciate.

One of Lisa's many fabulous pieces.

For those of you who aren’t familiar, T.I. is a man-made island connected to Yerba Buena Island, mid-bay between Oakland and San Francisco. Created in 1936/37 it was used as an airport for Pan AM Airways before fulfilling its original purpose as host to the 1939-1940 Worlds Fair and the Golden Gate International Exhibition. After the exhibition it was to become what is now SFO- however after a land swap between the city and the Navy it became a base.

Mr. Hartman’s 5 billion dollar, 5-20 year plan for transforming the island into “one of the world’s greenest, most technologically advance and urbane neighborhoods” include 8,000 housing units consisting of various 5 story complexes, twenty 18-40 story towers and one signature 65-story tower. The island will also house an “Art Park” similar to NY’s Storm King Art Center, a culinary and culture hub and a grocery store and market which will retail produce from the island’s planned 20 acre organic farm.

It’s an exciting and ambitious plan- I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Who knows- perhaps when it’s time for me to return to my roots I’ll once again call Treasure Island home!

Image Sources:

http://www.sanfranmag.com/story/mr-hartmans-neighborhood

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GGIE.jpg

 http://www.clear-village.org/blog/urban-design-strategies-an-inspirational-yet-critical-overview

Catching up on my TV during an NYC taxi ride this afternoon..and lo-and-behold, Jay Leno was doing a spiff commercial about new moms/babies (I honestly don't remember what the joke was) and the mom-comedian had our OWLS Crib Bedding!  Sweet!

Pictured:

Coral Seas Dinnerware from Lynn Chase

Coral Branch Napkin Rings from Kim Seybert

Ikat Ottomon from Vivre

Imperial Trellis II fabric from Schumacher

Trellis Print fabric from Schumacher

Coral Kerry Rug from Madeline Weinrib

Bandit Chair from CB2

River Delta Bowl from Anthropologie

Orange ivy Organic Blockprint pillow from Madeline Weinrib

Julia says: “Our bedroom is tiny- a little box that just fits a bed, dresser, small bench and our sweet pooch Rudy. It has a bit of a nature theme with companion prints by Claire Nereim and a fancy limited edition print of John James Audubon's American Flamingo. Also the unhung painting is by me. I originally bought a terrarium for my friend for her birthday and then was so jealous of hers that I got one for myself. ha! We both have trouble keeping anything alive in them for too long (fingers-crossed this plant will beat the record). I have a very large glove mold collection, around 25 of them. They are mostly on a shelf in the living room but these two are cool and textured and from Argentina so I keep those out to display."

Julia has our Draper Stripe bedding as well as some vintage DwellStudio Silhouette sheets (sorry, no longer available)

And let us know - which maternity celebrity are you!?

I am a sucker for vintage marble....plus these have such a nice proportion and are finely detailed – with great metal hardware – drawer pull, door knob and leg sabots. high gloss black finish would really pop against the white marble. They are a steal at $475 - BID HERE

Speaking of Brown Saltman, these are an incredible deal at $450 - BID HERE

Call me crazy but I think these are so good. Sometimes an interior needs a little quirk – I would paint these all white so that it would be all about the cabriolet legs and the quatrefoil door detail. Opening bid is $9.99 so if no one else is interested could be yours for a song! - BID HERE

Okay so these do not fit the criteria for storage, but who can pass up Brazilian Rosewood? It’s not available anymore....I would have these flank the bed with the long side against the wall so that you can see the C shape of the base. And still under budget at $799 - BID HERE

Lastly, if money were no object, these would be my pick. As far as I’m concerned there Terence Harold Robsjohn-Gibbings can do now wrong. Sadly, they are way over budget at $2500 for the pair! - BID HERE

Nina's bedroom

Nina's living room

Rachel's bedroom

Rachel's living room

A wall of ferns and moss. I have a little maidenhair fern like this at home - I wonder if it will ever get this big...

The beautiful conservatory - I can just sit here for a whole entire afternoon!

This plant was the most amazing pale aqua green color. I had never seen a flower this color before!

A field of orchids. Can you believe the bands of color on those trees? A ready-made color palette.

 Are you ready to go Belgian?

Here are some of the best examples from -

Bobo

Verellen

Artesia

Dovetail

I was very excited to spot our DSfT (DwellStudio for Target) Perch comforter set on HGVT show "Designed to Sell"  with designer Monica Pederson the other night.

Even better was the reaction from the home owners.  They were thrilled. To check out the whole DSfT collection go to target.com

We love working with Baby Buggy to reach the neediest families.  A big thank you to Nicole Feliciano from Mom Trends for stopping by the Baby Buggy offices today to point out the importance and impact of donating your gently used baby items to this great cause....what could be better for Earth Day then Love Recycled.

Check out Nicole here

Walking down Thompson Street today, I stopped into the newly opened Project Sandwich, a cute little takeout sandwich and soup place with a few tables for dining in.

The sandwich options include the French, with egg salad and smoked duck and the Mexican with smoked fish and lime aioli along with several others. I opted for the Brazilian, with grilled steak marinated in smoked salt in a soft and biteable bread with mozzarella, tomatoes, loads of pickles and a flavorful garlic cilantro chimichurri sauce.

We were so excited for yesterday's Oprah - not only because the subject matter was dream jobs - but because we got a peek into a day in Jenna Lyon's life.  No doubt  Jenna has great personal style - she has totally elevated JCrew and seems like a completely chic and cool mom but she also bought Gio Lemon for her son Beckett's room.

Jenna and Beckett - We LOVE how you dwell.

To see more on Jenna's house and personal style click here.

The BEST highlight of the trip, however, was the frozen yogurt treat we had afterwards. Forty Carrots is a NY institution serving the most delicious and creamy frozen yogurt since long before Pinkberry. And as you can see from the photos....very generous servings too!

Flavors available that day were Plain (the best), Mango, Blueberry, as well as old standbys like Coffee and Chocolate.

I didn't realize that a medium actually meant Gigantic

Yum.

We did a good job polishing them off after a hard day of visual stimulation.

Today I had the absolute pleasure of meeting with the gang at Kuhl-Linscomb in Houston, Texas. For the last 26 years Kuhl-Linscomb has been THE destination for interior junkies, and with over 70,000 square feet and 5 buildings of showroom space - I can see why. Each building is dedicated to a different room of the home and owner Pam Kuhl-Linscomb's keen eye for both breathtaking vintage pieces and fresh modern collections can be seen everywhere. I seriously drooled my way through the tour and have vowed to completely redo not only my kitchen, but also my garden, bathroom, and I also need a new set of PJs! Thank goodness for me, Kuhl-Linscomb has a brand new online registry- www.kuhl-linscomb.com/giftregistry - so my family and friends can shower me with everything Kuhl-Linscomb has to offer.

Also available at Kuhl-Linscomb? DwellStudio of course! My favorite is their DwellStudio Baby room, but check in with them soon for our 2010 Home collection!

That Brad Ford is so adorable...when asked to style an impromptu picnic in the Hollywood Hills, he clearly headed straight to Target and picked up our Mandala quilt, hopped over to Whole Foods for the rest and voila!  Check out the entire blog post about his picnic over on Decor Demon. Brad, we love how you and your chic friends dwell picnic-style!

For more information about Brad, check out his portfolio HERE and check out his must-read blog HERE.

We wanted to give all you Southerners (and design junkies) the head's up that Christiane will be speaking at the upcoming SCAD Style week! She's among an amazing roster of speakers and panelists - you can check them all out here.  She'll be tweeting and facebooking (is that a word!?) this coming week and during the event...we hope those of you who are lucky enough to attend will update us with a full report on your SCAD Style experience!

It doesn't get much better than SCAD in the world of design education so all of us at the studio are (more than) a tad bit envious of those who get to attend!

Rain or shine, it doesn't matter - he can't get in that door quickly enough.  There are a lot of places that kids love that aren't necessarily good for them, but any parent's dream is to take your kid to place they love and know that he or she is actually being educated, stimulated and challenged...and CMOM is this fairy-tale place. 

Since this isn't the first time you'll hear about CMOM from us, I won't bog you down with all the details - you can read all about how this magical place speaks to kids of ALL ages here. But I do want to call your attention to their director, who is being honored tomorrow night at the first CMOM Gala, which we were fortunate enough to be asked to help decorate.

Andy Ackerman is one of those true New York gems - we will have much more to report about Andy after we attend the Gala tomorrow night...but we want to publicly commend Andy for being so passionate about children; their education, their health, their creative inspiration and more. He has dedicated 20 years to this very worthy cause and it takes a very special person to have that kind of commitment.

DwellStudio's partnership with CMOM is only beginning - tomorrow night's Gala is somewhat of a kick-off to a much bigger campagin we are equally passionate about regarding children's sleep and their investment in their personal space.  We hope you'll all take a minute to read about them, possibly donate if you have the means.  And by all means...if you have kids and live in or visit NYC anytime soon - run, do not walk to CMOM for a day of serious fun and education for your kiddies!

More later about Andy, CMOM with party pics!

It's no secret that Barneys is one of my favorite places to shop.  The shoe department may be one of my favorite places on earth....We are thrilled to be part of the Barney's family of amazing stuff and we LOVE their email blast on our diaper bag and accessories this week. If B is for Barney's then C is for chic and both Barneys and this bag  are super CHIC!

We wanted to thank Lesia Dallimore for this amazing picture of her daughter Taylor....It makes us laugh - it makes us happy. I love when kids just do their thing.  Here's hoping you have a great weekend filled with moments like this.  Thanks Taylor - we LOVE how you dwell (and accessorize).

The steak tartare was an amazing start, mixed with herbs and topped with an egg.

The foie gras meatballs were fantastic – creamy spheres of meat that melted in the mouth on a bed of fresh pasta.

The chocolate pot de crème was a satisfying finish with a gorgeous slab of marbled chocolate on top. More of our meal here.

A few of Max's things here, here, here and here.

Our new baby samples are in - this is the our best collection ever.  We have been trying to edit for 4 hours....we may need help.

Seeing Urban Baby's very cute description of our new Bibs-to-Go, a collaboration we did with Blue Apple Books, made us realize that we have not yet introduced our blog readers to this fab new product!  As Urban Baby so aptly puts it: 

"Germs, germs, everywhere, waiting to ensnare your little one. As much as you’d like to just wrap him in plastic, society tends to frown on this. Instead, invest in handy gear to keep the bugs at bay and everything spiffy. Blue Apple Books has you covered with DwellStudio’s handy Bibs to Go, a book-sized handy packet of tear-off bibs. Enroute to a restaurant with little Eli all duded up in his fancies? No matter! Have a pad of Bibs to Go in the car and you’re ready for anything. Unless he throws up in the car."

Big thanks to Urban Baby for the call-out!  You can get your very own set (or a few sets) right HERE.

We could not agree more with today's New York Times Style article "Bull Market - Try Peacock". Mixing prints has always been our thing at DwellStudio and this season its working everywhere. Prints are changing the mood from sad to happy. Just in time too - try peacock - our Peacock which is in stock this week and mix your way to the happiest spring ever.

Today’s design hunter comes from directly from the top....our fearless leader has asked me to furnish a modern beach house in the inimitable style of Richard Neutra. That is a tall order. He was one of the masters of modernism with a timeless aesthetic. Something about the mix of simple, natural materials still seems fresh today.

I thought I’d start with the living room (it’s the activity center of beach family life) by looking for pieces that welcome wet towels and dogs but are still Neutra-worthy!

Love these chairs....they look great anywhere. Bid HERE

This Wegner style woven folding chair has always been a favorite of mine....it’s great because it’s an indoor/outdoor piece. Bid HERE

This stone top coffee table definitely says modern beach – and the worn finish makes it more casual and loose. Not your typical “polished” hollywood regency. Bid HERE

This sofa and club sofa absolute are perfection....the exposed wood sides and back panel are so beautiful.  I can see these reupholstered in a thick belgian linen.  Plus they have a Neutra-worthy provenance since they are coming from an Eichler home! Bid HERE

Stay tuned for the next installment....dining room and bedrooms!

Growing up, one of my guiltiest pleasures was to stay up past my bedtime and watch the week’s new episode of Designing Women. The show's premise: two Southern belle sisters who own and operate an interior design studio in Atlanta, GA - and all the glitz and glam that comes with it. I guess it’s no surprise I ended up here at DwellStudio! I would imagine myself replacing Anthony Bouvier, played by Meshac Taylor (who, oddly enough, also played my favorite character in Mannequin 1 & 2 - but that’s another post!) as the only male designer on staff. I thought it was normal at the age of 10 to re-arrange your bedroom on a weekly basis. From the get-go Julia Sugarbaker, played by the great Dixie Carter, was by far my favorite character. Her poise, elegance, talent and liberal outspokenness was candy for a kid like me. Throw in a Broadway showstopper every now and again and I was putty in my chair. Albeit completely fantasy based, the design world has lost a legend!

To learn more about Crislin - visit her site

Who is your favorite artist?

Read more about this amazing architect in this great New York Times article.

Also check out Neutra.org

Who is your favorite architect?

Walk to work this morning.

There is nothing more magical than New York City during the spring time! Growing up in California the weather is nice all year round, but after a long, cold and very snowy winter this year, the bright flowers and blossoming trees are invigorating and give me a renewed sense of energy that I just don't get back home. I can't wait for picnics in central park, rooftop parties, lazy walks and summer dresses! I am feeling very inspired by all of the tulips, daffodils and cherry blossoms I see on my walk to and from the studio in Soho. I took some quick shots on my walk this morning and mixed them with some quick inspiration from the world wide web to get everyone feeling springy!

Image sources:1. Sourced from WeHeartIt.com;2. Block printed furnishing fabric, designed by Lindsay Butterfiled for G.P.& J Baker, 1903. From the book "20th Century Pattern Design" by Lesley Jackson;3. Janet de Botton house in the book "Vogue Living Houses, Garden's, People";4. Christian Lacroix couture studio in Paris from the book book "Vogue Living Houses, Garden's, People";5. Block printed wallpaper designed by Allen Vigers, produced by Jeffrey & Co. 1901 from the book "20th Century Pattern Design" by Lesley Jackson; 6. Sourced from WeHeartIt.com;7. Sourced from WeHeartIt.com;8. Roller printed cotton furnishing fabric designed by Lidsay Butterfield,produced by Turnbull & Stockdale from the book "20th Century Pattern Design"by Lesley Jackson;9. Sourced from WeHeartIt.com;10. Janet de Botton house in the book "Vogue Living Houses, Garden's People";11. Morris & Co. 1883 "strawberry thief" fabric, from the book "100 patterns" by Drusilla Cole;12. From Simply Hue on Flickr 

Bondi Beach, Australia

 "Ah...reminds me of the French Riviera. Except the French don't eat shrimp on the barbie."

 Melbourne, Australia

"Sometimes a bear just needs a little pad thai at a sunny outdoor Australian cafe."

 Sydney, Australia

"Hey Mate! Get me out of this tree!"

 Manila, Phillipines

"No offense to the Manila Peninsula, but these ain't DwellStudio sheets..."

 Seoul, Korea

"Rainy days make me feel so melancholy. I wish Adam would take us home already...I miss Jake."

I am crazy for the Prada Spring 2010 collection! Even more than any individual piece, I love the spirit of the collection - sparkly and bright but easy and unfussy. This look translates so well into the home - an updated chandelier that adds some sparkly interest while also seeming very down to earth, a modern lucite chair that has an unexpected rustic canvas seat, and a coffee table shaped like a giant gemstone adds glamour. Also, the grayish-blue in the picture on the top right corner would make the best wall paint color, don't you think?

Pictured:

Prada Spring 2010 images courtesy of Prada.com

Giogali chandelier available at Design Within Reach

Prada plexi and leather sandal

Small Montauk Turquoise Drop Pendant from Alexis Bittar

Plexi-craft George II chair

Alexandra von Furstenberg Bullet cocktail table

Pictured:
Gone Fishing Collection by Caroline Slotte

From the Deep Dinnerware available at Anthroplogie

Normann Copenhagen Mormor Blue Dinnerware available at Velocity Art & Design

Mixed with Mosaic, Woodblock and Color Field table linens from DwellStudio and Topography dinner napkin from Anthropologie.
 

We loved seeing our Gio Lemon kids bedding inlcuded in Susanna Salk's round of great kids bedding in the Times today.  Check out all her great picks here.

Get your own Gio Lemon duvet set!

Beginning with Books, an important literacy organization based in Pittsburgh, selected DwellStudio's What Colors? as one of their Best Books for Babies 2010! They only selected a handful of titles.  To read more about it and to see the rest of the list click here.

The whole group at DwellStudio loves to travel.  Our adventures have taken us all over the world...from Bingka's recent trip to Costa Rica to Sherry's gastronomic tour of BA, Heidi's cruise of the Med, Jenna's discovery of far off Mexican hasciendas and my quest to cover the globe. Tablet Hotels has become a go to desitination to find or cross reference hotels.  Their edited group of hotels has always delivered great resources at very competitive rates.

My latest and greatest find on is the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic. On a lark - on the way to a beach vacation in Las Terrenas we decided to break up the trip so the kiddies did not implode on a 2 hour car ride after a 3 hour plane trip we decided to stop in Santo Domingo - the scenic capital of the DR.  Did you know that it boasts the first paved road in the Americas?  The historic center is both gorgeous and well preserved. 

This very modern hotel occupies a compound of buildings that includes the former home of Nicolas de Ovando, which dates back an impressive 500 years — obviously, this is one of the oldest Spanish buildings in the New World. This sense of history is what makes Santo Domingo unique, setting it apart from the Caribbean's many identical sun & sand resorts. The hotel's modern construction blends well with the weathered stone of the original sixteenth-century building, and the interiors are contemporary with tasteful retro flourishes.

Though small, only 104 rooms, it is a full-service hotel, with two restaurants, two bars, a swimming pool, and twenty-four hour room service. There are meeting facilities and a fully equipped business center, and though there is no beach handy, the downtown district's nightlife and entertainment are close by.

It is well worth the trip.  Both the hotel and Santo Domingo have an authentic quality that transcends the usual.  If you want to feel like you just stepped into the movie "The Mission" this hotel and city are worth the trip. More to come...wait until you see the beaches of Las Terrenas.

Do you have a favorite hotel?  We would love to know.

Adam just returned from traveling through Asia, and brought back these delicious rice cake treats from the famous Bizeun in the historic neighborhood of Insadong in Seoul. The pumpkin seed, perilla and black sesame flavors (on the left, with the black band) were an interesting combination of chewy and crunchy that reminded me of a rice crispy treat, except not so sweet. My favorite was the cookie on the right that was dense and sweet. If anyone knows where to get these in the US, please leave a comment!

This Design Hunter is very close to home....my home.  I have been obsessed with creating a wall of framed artwork and mirrors for above my sofa like this picture.  I think it’s a great way to make a bunch of small things look big and dramatic, where the sum is greater than the parts.

I love oval frames and for some reason they are hard to find – almost always need to be vintage. BID HERE.

This one has a photo in it already but I love the rosette detail on the wood. BID HERE.

Eureka!  An instant collection....exactly what I need. BID HERE.


Double eureka!  Another instant collection.  I need to start bidding asap so I don’t lose these!! BID HERE.
 

It's no surprise that we love animals as subject matter here at DwellStudio.  Chinoiserie is a favorite of everyone in the studio. Maybe its all the animal prints that were on the runway this season but I am totally into animals for the wall too.  I have always loved this Scalamandre paper - it's old school cool....colonial and contemporary in a good way.  Check out some of these other great animals for your wall...

I have always loved the work of Timorous Beasties...in fact I have this great pheasant paper in my bathroom.

The hand painted papers of De Gournay and Gracie are extraordinary.  One day I will make the big splurge and follow my icon Pauline De Rothchild and have a Chinoiserie room.

I love the graphic inturpretation of zebra by Neisha Crosland.  It's modern and cool but makes a nod to the traditional decorator motif.

I have always loved this Florence Broadhurst wallpaper.  I think it may have to go in my daughters bathroom.  What could be better than endless running horses?  It is a pattern icon that almost creates a texture. Amazing.

It is through my morning research on Paul Frankl that I looked into his furniture manufacturer Brown-Saltman. This California company has quite a following – including a Flickr group devoted to the quality and design of the Brown-Saltman pieces.  The Flickr groupies extol the virtues of the clean lines and quality construction.

>

It turns out that the notable California furniture design firm and manufacture had many great designers do work for them including John Keal, Paul Laszlo, Paul T. Frankl, Gilbert Rhode, and the combined efforts of Hendrik Van Keppel and Taylor Green.  Unfortunately the company is out of business but I may have to join the Flikr group and keep my eyes out for some of these great pieces at the flea markets.

How chic is that drawer pull? Inspired -yes!

You can see some more great Brown-Saltman items on 1st Dibs and eBay.

Original images thanks to this site. The original sketches are attributed to John Keal.

Sectional Sofa - Bid HERE

Pair of Petite Club Chairs - Bid HERE

Set of 6 Lattice Back Dining Chairs - Bid HERE

Chest of Drawers - Bid HERE

Pair of Nightstands - Bid HERE

Neoclassical Lamp Table - Bid HERE

Our recent facination at DwellStudio for the decorative modern has me thinking about furniture designer Paul T. Frankl (1886–1958), from Vienna, Austria. Frankl is one of the masters of mixing truly modern design with flourishes on the decorative. He was the son of a wealthy real estate speculator. Frankl completed his architectural studies at the Berlin Polytechnic, he traveled and spent some time in Copenhagen before arriving in the United States in April 1914. He settled in New York City and brought with him an outsider’s fresh perspective and an enthusiasm for creating a uniquely American design aesthetic. It helps that Frankl began as an architect and later switched to designing and painting fine art and furniture. In the years between the two world wars he, more than any other designer, helped shape the distinctive look of American modernism.

In the 1920s, he introduced his celebrated skyscraper style before turning to metal furnishings in the 1930s. Frankl opened Frankl Galleries on 48th Street, calling his company Skyscraper Furniture, which became an epicenter of American modernism, including modern textiles and wallpapers imported from Europe.

After he later relocated to Los Angeles and opened a gallery on Rodeo Drive, celebrities such as Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Walter Huston and Alfred Hitchcock became clients.

I really love his style when Frankl later designed production pieces for Brown Saltman of California and Johnson Furniture Company of Grand Rapids. These collections were relaxed and casual designs and they were favored by the Hollywood elite in the 1930s which he moved on to manufacture for the mass market in the 1950s.

Take a look at some of his iconic skyscraper collection:

 Stay tuned for more....

Photo credit: Sarah Dunlap

A delicious sampling of Tasia's award winning cheese... Our resident food blogger and supreme foodie Sherry coordinated the tasting as only she can - with notes and quotes and serious consideration.

After receiving this lovely spread of Belle Chevre artisan goat cheese we had an office tasting. Each of the Alabama-produced varieties of cheese is incredibly creamy, mild and delicious and there were so many! Check them out below.

Everyone loved the marinated version with herbs and spices – this one had an amazing rosemary flavor.

The spreadable Belle & the Bees Breakfast Chevre with honey was also a big hit and is perfect for a bagel. Crissie says it was “super creamy and surprisingly sweet.”

The Greek Kiss grape leaved disc was fantastic, with a mild brininess.

The marinated version was also a a favorite, topped with chunks of sun-dried tomatoes.

Even Jake loves chevre!

Thank you Tasia and thank you everyone from Belle Chevre.  If you are living a dream job like Tasia let us know.  We would love to live vicariously!

Our lovely International sales director and man of mystery Adam Gobble is currently on a DwellStudio world tour.  Catch him here at his Manila stop. 

Dexter Sy and Gretchen Uy are the twosome who had the vision to bring DwellStudio to the Philippines.  Thank you!  We love that our products are available there!  We really do have a special place in our hearts for the country too.

There was a gorgeous event at the Manila Penninusla to showcase home, baby and kids....

We think the Presedential Suite never looked better.  Thanks to Jenni Epperson for the reporting and great photos.  For more information on Adam's amazing asian odessy - check out her blog.

Underground supper clubs are growing in popularity, but my favorite underground club is right here in NYC and instead of dinner, it's focused all on desserts. The Chinatown Cake Club is held once a month in a secret location deep in Chinatown and offers hours of sweet gluttony. This month's theme was Americana, and I was introduced to the amazing Elvis cake, an incredibly moist banana cake with whipped peanut butter frosting topped with candied bacon bits. Check out more of the desserts here.

We were very excited last night to spot one of our favorite DwellStudio for Target (DSfT) designs - "Perch" on the last season of "Lost".  We think that it only makes Jin and Sun look even better looking than they are - if that is possible.... Does that rust trim make Jin's jaw a tiny bit squarer?

What do you guys think we should put on our next cover??

It's not even up for debate that Gisele is one of the world’s biggest bombshells....her husband Tom Brady is not too bad either (sigh).  Now we can officially confirm that they Bundchen -Brady family has great style too.  Why carry the latest hyped handbag when you can carry our classic Chocolate Dots Tote. Baby Benjamin is growing up in style.

Hey Tom - that is the perfect compliment to your outfit.

 P.S Looks like they have our cashmere blanket too!

Images via PopSugar.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Jenna and Carmen were lunching in the lovely Fort Greene Park last weekend and spotted these two cuties and their Transportation Back Pack.  This girl has some serious style and her little (very shy!) brother could not be more adorable. 

I digress - but that light sure is amazing.

Anyway - I am finding Teak Chic again. I spent some time on my new favorite resource American Vintage Homes looking for more woody Mid-Century interiors and I am sure you will agree - they are hip.

This shot of the 1966 Weldwood fire pit is beyond....what could be better than taxidermy trophies, mixed oil paintings, green and camel outfits, perfect pencil skirts, cocktails, a fire pit and tons of teak?

From 1963 green, camel and teak again - talk about gorgeous - throw in the grean piano and the view and you have panneled perfection.

I think for the more casual second home - the woody itnterior is excellent. I really love the planting box over the fireplace.  It would be amazing with some gorgeous overgrown succulents.  Hmmm...another one for the design files.

Wood anyone?

I have been seeing stripes, stripes, stripes on everyone walking the streets
of New York. The look is especially great layered with necklaces and scarves
and paired with beautiful spring florals!

Top to Bottom, Left to Right:

Marni Spring 2010 - JCrew Stripe Shirt - Thakoon Skirt - Urban Outfitters Scarf - Alexa Chung for Madewell Collection (I can't wait for the Fall2010 Collection!) - Peter Som Spring 2010 - APC Sweater - Rachel Comey Fall 2010 - Epice Scarf - Anthroplogie Necklace
 

Fashion show images via Style.com

Love this chest with the cabriolet legs....can’t you just see this in Charley’s boudoir? BID HERE.

Curved sofa anyone?  Maybe it comes with a visit from the debonair Colin Firth? BID HERE.

Parzinger is a genius with lighting.  Flank anything with these lamps (sofa, console, entrance) for some instant drama. BID HERE.

High gloss lacquer mixed with brass hardware is perfection. BID HERE.

Her boudoir is stunning. Loving that coral pink botanical on the vanity with the huge Parzinger-esque lamps. And the ikat print?? How Dries Van Noten!

But the living room is even better....with it’s luxuriously curved sweep of a sofa with the embroidered pale pink pillows (the same pillows are on the movie poster). I love how the matching mirrors and dressers flank the entrance and that one has a bar. So much opulence but yet so much restraint. Such a civilized way to live.

On the topic of "Mad Men" - I finally saw Tom Ford's adaptation of "the Single Man" last night.  I was very excited to see it because of my current Mad Man obsession.  Amy Wells - who is responsible for all the sets on "Mad Men" also did the same for "The Single Man".  Further, the movie is set in 1962 - the same year we last saw Betty Draper as she boarded the plane for Reno and her quickie divorce.

I do find Colin Firth a little dreamy, especially after his turn as Mr Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice", but the real star of this film is the 1949 Shaffer house designed by architect John Lautner (which is coincidentally for sale).

The teak expanses, the wood walls and the louvered doors make this a Mid-Century gem.  I could not keep my eyes off it. This house is going into my design files for good.  Why is teak looking so good these days?

For the images and to read more - the LA times has some great information.

On a side note - I met Tom Ford at the CFDA dinner in 1997 - He was there with Bianca Jagger as his date. It was one of the more excellent celebrity moments of my life.  This was the height of the Gucci Renaissance and TF was startingly handsome.  I had my own Charly moment. I have not gotten over it.

Moustaches & Eyelashes top to bottom, left to right:
Digby & Iona Moustache Necklace - Stephanie Simek Eyelash Necklace - Rachel Comey Eyelash Blouse - Bobo Choses Jacket - Thakoon Eyelash Skirt - Moustache Teacup - Chocolate Moustache on a Stick

 

On all my travels lately I have been obsessively watching back to back to back episodes of Mad Men on my iphone.  I have looked forward to the long flights and even airport delays in order to see what happens next.  I am finally through all three seasons (in a record 4 days with almost no sleep) and I am trading my Betty Barbie in for Joan.

Looking ahead -animal prints, opera gloves, great reading glasses, leather and watercolor prints will make our Fall fabulous.

Great looks from Lavin, Louis Vuitton, Marni and Dries Van Noten - all from Fall 2010 RTW at WWD!

I was already excited about Torrisi Italian Specialties for their house-roasted turkey sandwich, so I was surprised and even more excited to try their spicy pork sandwich. The house-roasted pork is coated with a layer of herbs for incredible flavor and topped with a cheese, broccoli rabe, red peppers and spicy sauce for one of the best sandwiches I’ve eaten.

Note to all vegetarians - please avert your eyes now....Montreal is all about meat.  Mmmmm.  You will have to forgive me in advance.  I am a incurable foodie - I have tried and failed many times to only eat vegetables.  I would like to for so many reasons but I fall off the wagon constantly. I did so this weekend in a spectacular manner...I think the same goes for Bingka - she told me this morning that she is still full. Poor Jenna still has moring sickness - which I guess could now qualify as all day sickness.  She participated gingerly in the meat festival.

Our first stop was the legendary "Sugar Shack Au Pied De Cochon".  People in Montreal talk about the Foie Gras in hushed tones.  The chef loves to mix everything with a little maple syrup for the qunitessential French Canadian experience.  PS apparently Jake Gyllenhaal hangs here on a regular basis...he is filming in Mo-T.  Sadly we did not spy him.

We shared the Foie Gras "tout nu" - it was perfect seared Fois Gras with a balsamic reduction on toast. I am still dreaming about the Foie Gras poutine.  Next trip.

As the name promises - APDC as the locals call it - is the palace of Pork.  We chose this restaurant to start our Canadian culinary adventure in honor of Bingka - the high priestess of pork - she knows her pig. She chose the happy pork chop - which delivered perfectly.  None of us had the courage to get the Pig's head for 2!

Next stop Schwartz's for Montreal's fabled smoked meat.  The sandwiches were so delicious that we all stuffed our suitcases full of vaccum sealed chunks of meat. We all had to check our bags home because they were so heavy! Delicious!!!!

The grand assiette is something to behold. We ate so much that we had to skip our next dinner...

Our final stop on the food train was Beauty's - a Montreal institutiuon for the finest bagel and lox on the planet - seriously.  There is something almost mythical about the Beauty's lox and bagel.  It's worth the airfare up North. When we left on Sunday - it was snowing....that is the thing about Canada - you need all that meat to stay warm.  Montreal really is an amazing town.

I have just landed from Canada in order to get to my next Super Secret Mission! Stay tuned for some very interesting things from DwellStudio in the next couple of months.  It's so exciting - we are dying to share!

The HOW YOU DWELL contest photo gallery is up!  Entries have until 5pm this Friday, March 26th to gain as many "LIKE" votes as possible.  The photo that has the most wins a $1000 shopping spree at DwellStudio.

We loved getting all the photos and hearing everyone's stories of how they put their room together or brought their babies home in one of our blankets...we can't wait to do it again so if you missed out on this one, have no fear!

Click HERE to vote for your favorite photo now!

Bingka and Jenna deep in discussion over our samples. Things are looking amazing!

10AM: Jenna walked in the door, proudly announcing that her vintage trench coat, purchased for $4.00, was back from the steamstress and looks GOOD!  After a shortening of the arms, a little shaved off the length...she is thrilled with her new (old) spring jacket.

11:00AM - One of many many design meetings that occur throughout the day.  This one is to finalize a top-secret new product line we are introducing later this year.  Hm....

NOON: Rachel stops by with our first peek at Maximus!  She braved the subway ride to bring him down to Soho, after much begging from the entire office.  We're all so proud!

Ok so last year I went to Norma Kamali and finally bought a proper bathing suit.  Her cuts are really flattering and her spandex is super fine.  I ended up with a shirred avocado green number that I was very happy with.  (PS while I was there Carine Roitfeld, French Vogue Editor in Chief, was trying on suits in the next dressing room.)  I had also tried on the classic One Shoulder Mallot and REALLY wanted it too, but decided it would be best to leave with only one $350+ bathing suit..  Then the saleswoman whispered in my ear, “We actually do the EXACT same cut for Norma’s line at Walmart and it is only $20!”  What!  So I got home and went straight to the site, but unfortunately they were already sold out…:(

Fast forward 1 year and now I am fat and pregnant, but I just remembered Norma at Walmart.  Low and behold the One Shoulder Mallot is in stock and now she has Maternity.  I just purchased her All-in-One Jersey Maternity Dress (that can be worn 5 ways) for $14!!  I also got a slew of other great basic jersey from her.  If you are prego and like jersey I suggest clicking on this link fast before it sells out...

Bingka, Christiane and Jenna on a renegade super secret sourcing trip in Canada! Look Christane's home town!
 

It's getting warmer in New York...and after the brutal winter we've had everyone is feeling like celebrating. Impromptu Spring soirees are popping up all over the city, including in my little apartment in Brooklyn last night. This is why I LOVE our table accessories for hostessing:  As a few friends confirmed that they too felt like skipping the over-crowded Irish pubs last night in favor of a (slightly) more sophisticated get-together, I sprinkled my Mosaic cocktail napkins and coasters around, tossed a few bright pillows in chairs, grabbed a bottle of the most delicious tequila I've ever tasted and a few grapefruits and voila! 

My (made-up) Grapefruit Margaritas:

1 glug Tanteo Jalapeno tequila

2-3 glugs freshly juiced grapefuit juice

1 glug lime juice

Splash of Triple Sec

A few mashed up mint leaves

Limes and pinapple slices for garnish

Salted glass

So...what's your go-to cocktail for a last-minute Spring soiree???

It's no secret that we love a bold colored wall...and green is clearly one of our favorites.  Here's a little round up from the world wide web of other great green walls to make your day.

Seen above: Marguerite Citrine pillows (back) and Paloma pillow (front) - sorry no longer available!

We met Heather when she brought her beautiful daughter Zana to a photo shoot we were having for a catalog.  We instantly loved Heather and her quirky style...so it was no surprise to us when we saw that her amazing apartment (as seen on DesignSponge earlier this week) has the same loose, fun, yet sophisticated style.  Heather, we love your work, we think your daughter is adorable and we love how you dwell!

Seen above: Sketch pillows (sorry, no longer available!)

Seen above: DSfT Peony pillow

See Heather's entire apartment on DesignSponge HERE!

It was a proud design hunting moment when this photo showed up yesterday. Jessica purchased the sunburst wall art we found for her.  Well done!  The fireplace looks like a million bucks...but we all know you spent less!

Our good friend and ace photographer Melanie Acevedo sent another candid shot from the NYC photo studio, where she is shooting DSfT items. The faces you can't see behind those (pretty great, if I do say so myself) placemats are her dapper assistant Beau States and talented stylist Christina Wressel.

On these gloomy rainy days I crave comfort food and my go-to spot in Soho is Sunrise Mart, the Japanese specialty shop. They have a range of bento boxes, sushi and udon but my absolute favorite is the Japanese curry. It's thick, sweet, spciy with chunks of carrot and onion and comes either with rice or with rice and a chicken cutlet.

Also the desserts are often so cute - like this pretty wheat cake, with three layers of soft sweet goodness.

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I was so thrilled when one of my Twitter friends, @ChantaleP, sent over pics from her blog of her beautiful daughter Keira lounging with her new Gio Lemon hooded towel, puchased at one of our favorite Montreal retailers, Le Baldaquin. Keira, we're glad you love the animals as much as we do and we love how you dwell!

Check out our first ever baby and kids catalog.  Are you on our mailing list yet?  It's so inspiring and full of great design tips.  To get on our mailing list, make sure you sign up on our Request a Catalog Page. Happy decorating!

Love how curvaceous these are and they work well as an anchor for everything else. Bid here.

These are great and simple, the different heights will add some visual interest to the table. Bid here.

I have always thought these were great – they are a classic – and the fact that they use a thinner shaped candle will be nice. Bid here.

Who can say no to a chrome jack sculpture??

 Next design challenge anyone?

A big thanks to Kristina and Grace at Designsponge for featuring my family soup in their "In The Kitchen With" section.  It was such a pleasure working with them on this project. Par for the course with the Designsponge team - the post is stunning.

I come from a cooking family and my dad is the resident soup expert.  I remember growing up with Saturday's full of simmering soup.  Kristina - you have made me homesick!  To see this whole amazing post and for a great soup recipe check it out on Designsponge.

Consuela Castiglione was very bold this season.  She was inspired very closely by amazing contemporary British artist Gary Hume.  The colors and compositions of her tops were inspired specifically by his work "The Cleric" from 2000. 

The frayed edges remind me so much of the back of a stretched canvas.  This is complicated subject matter and I always find that it is hard to bring abstract art into product. What do you think about art as fashion?

The graphic and color combination is so unusual.

Gary Hume - "The Cleric" (2000)

Gary Hume "Funny Girl" (1998)

Gary Hume "Cerith" (1998)

Isn't this a cool building? The windows are so fun and clever just cleanly
cut out of a white box. I also like that the various window treatments add
different color fills.

Here are some other geometry-inspired designs. Necklace from Samma and
canvas tote from Mieke Willems - so cute for Spring! And a very nice poster
from Nate Duval that I really wanted but is unfortunately sold out. Maybe he
will consider a re-printing? Wishful thinking, I guess!
 

Building pic from http://ffffound.com




 

Love these lenses - the outfit is great too mint and burgundy is excellent.

Love the glasses with the gloves too.

As I was reviewing the Milan Marni show I was struck by the glasses.  They look retro, hip and fresh.  A little Mad Men and a little Brooklyn.  This is certainly not a new trend – there is a mom in my daughter’s class that wears huge dark frames, vests and hats that are so current that they make me wish I could get it together too. Did I get Lasiks too soon? Check out these gorgeous glasses and let me know what you think?  Can you wear glasses as accessories even if you don’t need them?

Colin Firth in A Single Man - how chic are these frames?

Ahhhh Grace - you make anything look good.

Johnny Depp - well he looks good in everything...

I like the new serious Justin Timberlake - the glasses give him gravitas.

The heavy blck from is a great contrast to the platinum hair.

I think I may wear a pair to the next meeting and see what people do.....maybe I can finally be intimidating!

Sadie lives in Denver, CO with her mom Lauren...we've noticed a trend: cats seem to love the Chinoiserie Duvet Set! Lauren says the birds make her indoor cat feel a little more in tune with nature...we love that and Sadie, we love how you dwell!

I love a diorama - I love the Museum of Natural History in New York.  My kids love it too so it's no surprise that we checked out the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris.  I have to say that it was amazing.  The newly restored building highlighted the collection perfectly. The open concept parade of animals in the main hall was awe-inspiring.  From the skeleton of the whale that greets you to the minimal vitrines in the main museum - the place is perfect.

The parade of animals is majestic  - you can almost reach out and touch them.

The soaring ceilings show off the giraffes perfectly.

A tiger climbing an elephant is an impressive sight.

The life-size whale that greets you.

The French merchandise everything so beautifully.

For more information or to plan your trip when in Paris go to their website here.

 Jodi and Matilda sleeping in Draper Stripe sheets and Sketch duvet set.

Since Jodi handles our technical design, she is constantly problem-solving.  Lately, however, her biggest problem is how to work (sleep, eat, or do anything really) with a dog on her head. Meet Matilda, Jodi's dog.

Jodi and Matilda, we love how you dwell!

I’ve been a long-time fan of Vosges Chocolate for their multiple bacon/chocolate and other unexpected combinations, but I fell in love with them all over again for their new Easter Collection – it’s as beautiful as it is yummy with none of the cheesiness.

There are four flavors of the exquisitely beautiful eggs but I’m partial to the Bacon and Eggs with bacon caramel covered in dark chocolate and the Organic Peanut Butter Bonbon Eggs with creamy peanut butter infused with Himalayan and Maldon salt to make the flavor really pop.

The Mad Hare Orchestra  is also adorable, with bunnies playing the sax, accordion, drum and violin and a rooster conductor in dark chocolate with Tahitian vanilla bean or milk chocolate with Himalayan salt.

All images from the Vosges website.

The amazing new Bon Ton concept store on 5 boulevard des Filles du Calvaire in the Marais – just steps from Merci – is beautiful. This is a large scale store in the same spirit as Colette and Merci – replete with a café, hair dresser, a home section, a toy section and, of course, the signature clothes. The building itself is lovely. It must have been a town house. The white interiors with fabulous moldings and what is clearly the de rigueur black trim are a gorgeous black drop for the very special clothing. My daughter was in heaven (my son was asleep) and my very discerning husband was impressed too. From the special hand-made dolls to the great selection of exclusive toys, It’s really worth a trip to this northern tip of the Marais. We walked away with a little of everything! 

A little home set up  - so inspiring for a little girl

 A fantasy nursery set up

 The very hip mint with copper dot landing

 sweet bird mobile

 Lovely space and light

In our daily blog trolling, we ran across this great post on Desire to Inspire about photographer David Meredith.  Lo and behold, we found a photo of our Chinoiserie for Anthropologie bedding in one of his photographs.  We don't know who lives in this bedroom, David, but we love how they dwell!

I love the black trim – it’s so chic.  Reminds me of something Roman & Williams would do.

There has been a lot of hype about the Merci concept store on Boulevard Beaumarchais in the Marais. I had to stop by on this trip and check it out for myself. They, like mes amis at Targay, are doing a Liberty of London for Merci moment. The place was awash in flowers. On a very cold and windy day it was pretty sight. From the Liberty Mini that greets you through to the Bonpoint Liberty children’s clothes – its lovely. No doubt the place is inspiring – in a city where space is a premium – Merci is huge. It’s gorgeous, the merchandise is beautiful and the presentation is Parisian perfect.

A “Liberty Mini” - I’d like to drive this in the summer.

Liberty fabric streamers hanging everywhere – looks like an upside-down garden!

They’re selling Liberty fabric by the yard – it’s a very DIY moment.

The beautiful table top floor

Lots of chic Liberty things

Of course I had to put down everything else and take a look because it’s no secret that I love estate sales.  It’s peek into someone else’s world by seeing the objects that surrounded them everyday...objects that may just have to end up in my surroundings!!!

Obviously no one NEEDS a collection of eight miniature porcelain busts but I think it would be funny to have these on display somewhere – little 3 5/8” tall military men on a console. BID HERE.

Speaking of console tables – this is a great one at a great price (or estimated price).  Love the mix of metals with a stone top.  A piece like this can add just that perfect bit of drama to a room. BID HERE.

I am always on the lookout for affordable barware and glassware.  I don’t need a matched set and like to enjoy them without worry about breakage so buying vintage is the perfect option for me.  This is a steal for a 55 piece set! BID HERE.

Ok so I have a weakness for vintage Louis Vuitton.  Although I recently learned that the more stickers and banged up hey are, the more expensive.  Which is not good for me since that’s how I like them! BID HERE.

I walked over to the design department this morning and it looks like their Pantone books have exploded yet again. I got the scoop - they are busy at work on our new baby and kids collection for next fall. I see a lot of great oranges, corals, greys and mint green...and oh, is that a mustard yellow? Can't wait to see the patterns these will fill in...

We joke that my mom Ruth should be an honorary DwellStudio employee because I am always getting helpful emails on a range of topics - from store owner feedback, to pointing out our products in magazines, to stock levels at Target, or sometimes even typos on our blog (oops!).

The other day I was talking to her and she said, "I'm not cool, I don't really mix the squares with the stripes, etc. I just like it all to match." She titled this image "It all works!"

Well, we definitely agree it works and we love how you dwell, Ruth!

Ruth mixed this rug with this, this and this pillow - so cute!

We love the mix of high and low in the bedroom - Ruth chose our Hedgerow bedding (on sale now!) with this and this pillow - so cute!

One of our favorite new products at Target - sorry not online yet!

And in the bathroom, Ruth put this shower curtain with this bath mat and these towels. We love!

Ruth lives in Columbus, Ohio - her house is our unofficial Midwest headquarters. Thanks Ruth!

Send us pics of how you dwell! blog@dwellstudio.com

Ahhhh Paris. It has to be one of the best cities for kids ever. What a day – a trip up the Eiffel Tower to start. Lunch at Café Malakoff at Trocadero with the family and great roast chicken (and a very family friendly staff) followed by an afternoon at the Aquarium Tropical. One doesn’t necessarily think Paris and aquarium (I know I never did until two kids – more Paris....mmmm wine and cheese) but it’s amazing. The touch pool is literally the hottest spot in town.

Quel view...amazing. The Paris symmetry will never sease to amaze.

A great family stop.  Great roast chicken - seriously.  They will make noodles with butter too.

The Paris Aquarium - easy to miss but so great for the kiddies.

I love the day-glo star fish....so chic. Almost Hermes orange non?

The touch pool of huge koi is really the hottest spot in Paris.

More tomorrow including food from a Paris hot spot Restaurant Itineraires...apparently the hush hush place on the verge of a Michelin Star!

A demain!

Stylists are often the unsung heroes of the design world. They can take something from ho-hum to fabulous with the flick of the wrist – unexpected juxtapositions of high/low or modern/traditional can completely change an entire look.

Faye Toogood used to be a senior stylist at World of Interiors magazine, but has since moved on by creating her own studio that does everything from set design to prop styling or even interiors. After taking a peek at her online portfolio I realized that almost all of my beloved World of Interiors tearsheets were her work.

Faye – you are too good and my style icon of the week!

A very big thank you to Gwyneth and her team at GOOP for recommending our bedding in her latest newsletter on getting a good night's sleep. We have a special fondness for Gwyneth ever since she had a limited edition DwellStudio  "Apple in a Tree" crib set for her daughter Apple.  She has great personal style and seems like the ultimate mom. Gwyneth - we feel the same way about sleep. It is so important especially for children. DwellStudio is working on a partnership with The Children's Museum of Manhattan on a sleep initiative.  More to come from us on this subject too.

Check out the entire post HERE (it will be uploaded later today) and sign-up to receive her emails - we always look forward to finding them in our inbox!

Our toddler London-Paris adventure has gone swimmingly so far thanks in part to the Eurostar.  As most parents who travel regularily know - the less time you spend in an airport the better. Well the Eurostar is an absolute pleasure from the drinks upon departure to the three course meal to the seamless arrival at Gare Du Nord...it's all so pleasant.  As my wise friend Charles Fisher put it; "The Eurostar is so civilized that you are happy to travel endlessly between Paris and London and never get off." The only low point was that the conductor was not actually a pteranadon.

Next stop - ice cream island. We rented an amazing apartment from Guest Apartment Services on Isle St Louis - also known as Ice cream island for the members of my family.  Isle St Louis is home to what seem like a million ice cream shops selling the famed Berthillon ice cream. "Hey mom since we are on ice cream island - can we have it for breakfast?" - Ummmm no!

Ice cream island

So many amazing flavors

I love a hotel, don't get me wrong, but when you have two toddlers who don't eat in Paris - renting an apartment is the answer.  You have a kitchen for things like grilled cheese and vanilla yogurt, things that the French don't do. I still wonder if there are any French children that don't eat too. In fact tonight we had dinner at our family's favorite retaurant Le Relais de L'Entrecote and they did not have ketchup. Yikes...

Our apartment. How could you not eat here?  We chose this apartment for it's traditional decore.  Sooo French so gorgeous. I love the herringbone floors.

The kids room is fit for a prince and princess and they are loving it.  What could be further from their New York experience and so inspiring?

More from Paris tomorrow.  On the agenda - the Eifflel Tower, the Paris Acquarium and maybe a little shopping for me.

I love the mix of chrome and walnut on this piece.  Also great how there is a lip around the top – what a nice detail.  And the price is right because they are having a 15% off sale – so it’s $420 plus shipping!  FIND IT HERE.

Very iconically mid century.  Love the woodwork details on the doors.  Just a tad over budget though at $675 plus shipping. BID HERE.

These would require a bit of DIY work since they were originally part of an entire wall unit and are missing their mounting hardware.  But the rosewood is stunning and not available on the market any more.  I would buy some legs from Ikea and use these side by side!  A steal at $350 for the pair. BUY THEM HERE.

Next assignment, please?
 

The Village Tart in Nolita has an amazing selection of desserts and pastries, but lately I’ve been stopping by in the morning for their egg white frittata. It’s fluffy and light, layered with spinach, coated in crispy bread crumbs and makes a perfect breakfast.

I love this German website - the German version of The Selby?  Oh how I wish I spoke German...Nela Koenig seems cool!

The always-majestic Buckingham Palace.

For a little girl who loves palaces and princesses – and I have one – this was top notch. This was surpassed only slightly by the Regents Park Zoo...a kid fantasy replete with every animal conceivable, pizza for lunch and a great playground. Josh turned to me today and said – wow...Europe is different with kids. I never thought I would eat lunch at the zoo in London. Chips anyone?

Flamingos at the zoo.

I took the playground opportunity to seek away and power shop in my go-to neighborhood - Notting Hill. It helps that my friends all live there so I really know it. I have a one-hour circuit for amazing kids stuff. I get dropped off at Caramel Baby on Ledbury Road for amazing knits, great fitting pants and amazing style.

Caramel storefront.

Caramel

From there I head to Petit Aime for all my favorite European brands like Maan and CetC. They have the greatest selection – it’s a perfect concept store. I even picked up some amazing art supplies for an in-room project. Sadly we never even made it to the Tate Modern today so we will have to make our own masterpieces.

Petite Aime

Next I jogged – literally – because stores close a little earlier here – to Couverture and Garbstore for more great finds. Couverture/Garbstore is on Kensington Park Road – near Portobello and the carry great brands like Simple and Qunicy for kids. Their selection is edited am amazing. I picked up some great things. Garbstore is the fabulous denim based shop downstairs that has the perfect boy jean.

Couverture/Garbstore interior.

Couverture/Garbstore

London has it all – style, substance and delicious food. If you find yourself doing this one hour shopping tour of Notting Hill – stop and have a treat at Otto Lenghi – you won’t regret it.

Otto Lenghi...mmm.

How is it that I ran past the gorgeous Paul Smith Store on the corner of Kensington Park and Westbourne Grove – I have stopped shopping for myself! Has this happened to you?

Simon snuggling in our Pin Dot sheet set.

Top image: Sharon Montrose's baby deer photo

Middle image: DwellStudio Dots Crib Set

Bottom image: vintage dresser, painted red

Check out their entire tour HERE.

Adorable dining room, love the dark grey wall.

They set the table with our Chinoiserie placemats.

Jules' adorable bedroom - our DSfT Baroque bedding.

This just in from our Layette Designer extraordinaire Melanie who is also snowed in at home....she has had two freelance helpers today too -her son (and DwellStudio model) Josh and her husband Manny. She worked them so hard that they passed out. Melanie swears that Josh is over 18 and is just small :).

Christiane generously treated everyone who made it in to the office on this super-snowy day to delicious lunch of Kelley & Ping . We had a feast set up in the kitchen with Japanese curry, scallion pancakes, spring rolls, pad Thai, pad see yew, steamed vegetable, steamed shrimp shumai and veggie dumplings.

 
The Japanese curry has the perfect amount of sweetness and is thick with carrots, potatoes, celery and snap peas. And I can never resist the fried treats – spring rolls, fried rice and scallion pancakes, and also the steamed dumplings.

The pad see ew with rice noodles, chicken and broccoli was delicious, along with steamed vegetables and pad Thai.

Some happy Dwellers caught eating lunch

More happy Dwellers found in the conference room

Happy Eating!

These great graphic tulips are beautiful, colorfull and set the stage for the perfect magic garden for any girl.

We are very excited that our best nursery collection yet has just landed at Target stores nation wide.  This year we put a lot of learning into the design.  First off - as many of us are second time moms - we know how quickly your baby goes from baby to toddler and how the decor choices change fast.  Our new sets are bolder, brighter and very hip so the transition from baby to kid is easy.  Trust me - your toddler won't want a soft muted palette - he or she will want color, fun and design. Toddlers make a whole imaginary world our of their environment. Parents - I am sure you wont want to decorate twice either!  Choose paints, window treatments and rugs that work -build your decor around these sets are you are good to go for a long time! 

Your little guy can blast off into style - a style that will carry him through toddlerhood and beyond!

we love the versatility of these fleece and the designs and colors are perfect for your little one.

Lovely, graphic and so interesting to yout baby's eye.

All the images via Target.com

Snow snow and more snow here in New York.  It's really deep.  You need snow shoes on West Broadway. Schools are closed, kids are playing in the streets - It reminds me of home.  We have 16 people in the office today - a little less than half.  We are about to have a delicious Kelly & Ping picnic.  I figure the least I can do is buy everybody lunch for trekking in.

Most Dwellers are working from home.  Rachel, one of our amazing designers, let us know that she is getting a little extra freelance help on her Target specs today.  We have a new designer - welcome Tinks.

He has great technique and I can tell he is going to be very useful to Rachel.  Thanks for the hard work Tinks.

image via new york magazine

For the last 10 years Josh and I have made our annual winter pilgrimage to check out Hamptons Real Estate.  Last year we finally found our dream house only to lose it. That's Hamptons Real Estate for you.  This year will will surely go out again looking for the perfect place.  I think it will take a couple more years to find another amazing house like the one we lost. Speaking of perfect places - as I was putting my mental visual together for my fantasy summer place I came across this home in Montauk done by my new dream architecture team Roman&Williams. This is a house that I could absolutely settle in.

I love this room. Roman& Williams clearly share my love of the Beni Ourarani and wall decor. I am packing my bags to move in.

Love the use of wood and the exposed beams.

My next kitchen will be black. Chic Chic Chic.

Black trim in the Hamptons is unexpected and very cool.  I want to lie on that rug and have a nap in the sun.

I love the wall of oil paintings and the light fixture is perfect.

Perfect.

all images via roman&williams

Serene and lovely AND the perfect mix

If you can't find me - I am in Montauk looking for my perfect beach house - this house.

I can't wait for summer

Photo via Domino

I find myself very inspired by the idea of color on this snowy day.  I am trying to figure out how to bring Rachel's trend post to life.  I did some searching on 1st Dibs and here is what I found.  How do you like to use color in a room?

1. Lacquered night stands

2. Knoll Chest

3.Fucia Slipper Chairs

4. Desk Lamp

5.Blue Chairs

6. Vessel Collection

picture -getty image

I am having a very serious mommy moment.  My kids don't eat and it's been going on for so long.  You have to understand the severity of this...you see I am French Canadian and I take food seriously - I dream about it, plan around it and I love to eat and I love to cook.  I had a fantasy about motherhood that involved me standing in the kitchen in my apron (ok - it's a chic DwellStudio apron)  stirring simmering pots of delicious home cooked local organic food with my kids smiling on  - their small hands holding out plates in anticipation of my wonderful  meal. They don't want anything.....There is no hiding veggies under spaghetti or any of those tricks...They are on to me and that just does not fly at our house.

My son will eat the following and only the following -

pizza - but if there is even a flake of dried oregano forget it.

waffles - but only Van's frozen and nothing else. Fresh waffles are apparently not waffles.

Grilled cheese with American cheese

French Fires

Vanilla Yogurt

Crackers

Goldfish

Pretzels

That is it!  Where am I going to hide the zucchini?

I will come clean and tell you that up until now I have been almost force feeding him vegetable baby food - because he seems to tolerate the consistency - but he's two and a half!

We are all going  to Europe next week and I am terrified of being away from my safety stock of food.

If you have tips, recipes or anything to help!  Let me know.  I will do anything....

Little Felix is trying to get out of NYC!  It's a little backed up at  JFK but at least he has his transportation stroller blanket to keep him going.  His parents have their Starbucks too!

Love how fine the linear elements are on this piece – and how some are short and some are long. Very elegant. Only problem is it is a bit over budget at $215 plus shipping. BID HERE. (Hurry, auction ends soon!)

This one fits better into the budget – it’s $150 plus shipping right now – and the fact that it appears to be layered is very nice. BID HERE.

Everyone who knows us knows how much we love birds....and what could be better than a sunburst wall sculpture WITH birds? It’s also the most affordable one currently at $29!!! It’s also a signed Jere piece! BID HERE.

Ready for my next assignment, who's next!?

Love the mix of Hedgerow Duvet, Draper stripe Sheets and a vintage Dwellstudio toss pillow

Ashley Holt our fabulous Southern Sales maven has relocated her DwellStudio world headquarters to Austin, Texas. She has taken her DwellStudio style right along with her. What a gorgeous place.  We get the extra treat of seeing a peek into Ashley's dwelled up birthday celebration.  Ashley you had style here - now you have amazing Texas style again too.  Ms. Holt you know we love you YOU DWELL! 

This look mixes so well with Ashley's vintage finds

Such a hip vignette - pack your bags for NYC!

Birthday dinner

Lovely table setting - I love the pink roses with the blue accents

Next time we are in Texas we are coming to dinner -gorgeous

Ms Holt - you know we miss you every day and Happy Birthday from all of us.

I love the ironwork address. So chic. So modern.

I loved yesterday’s T Magazine’s Profile in Style on Diane Keaton. I have always been a huge fan of her cinematic work – I mean Annie Hall, there is no parallel - but I recently came to know Diane as the designer, the architectural expert and the perservationist. I was fortunate enough to meet Diane at her amazing house in Beverly Hills – and when I say amazing...I mean it. She has the most beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival home in the middle of a sea of McMansions in Los Angeles. It stands apart from the others not only because of its authenticity and beautifully proportioned relationship to the lot it sits on. Also, because Diane has lovingly restored it instead of tearing it down. I admit that I did not know that much about this turn-of-last-century genre of California architecture but seeing Diane’s home made a convert out of me. It is not hard to argue when you see the craftsmanship, the unparalleled details – everything is carefully considered. The use of white wash and black is graphic and almost modern and then it is thrown off by the almost restrained ornate quality of the ironwork. There is also a reverence for the California climate which allows for a perfect indoor – outdoor relationship. Where else does a beautiful courtyard really make sense? Diane is a master at the details and her attention to the smallest things is astounding. She has a fantastic eye and knows so much about design. She may have an Academy Award for acting but I wont be at all surprised if we start associating her with design too.

By the way, her lanscaping is genius too. I now love a cactus.

I love her use of graphic letters.

Her interiors are so austere.

Love the light fixture.

The light coming through the windows is amazing. I dream of a windowed hallway.

The craftsmanship of the woodwork is stunning.

Speaking of bedding - this is beautiful.

Love this Spanish Colonial light fixture.

This lines of this staircase are mesmerizing.

All images via Architectural Digest and Keaton's book California Romantica.

The special drink of the day was kumquat iced tea, a refreshingly sweet drink with candied kumquats as garnish.

The field greens salad with salmon also included kumquats, along with fennel, pear, pomegranates and toasted pine nuts in a light honey-citrus vinaigrette.

The Mediterranean salad with salmon was light and fresh in a red wine vinaigrette.

The rich cobb salad was creamy with blue cheese, avocado, eggs, bacon and blue cheese dressing.

The standout dish was the hanger steak in yuzu butter sauce, cooked perfectly and served with whipped mashed potatoes and buttery asparagus.

Carolina Herrera (Carolina, this print is so fierce! We should collaborate!)

Jason Wu

Peter Som

Zac Posen

All images via WWD

We put everybody’s name in a bowl.

I put on the ceremonial DwellStudio blindfold (we are very scientific...I think Price Waterhouse should use us for the Oscars...) and picked our winner.

Congratulations KRISTINE TUCAY THOMAS!

Stella, you're one hip baby and we love how you dwell!

First, I went to Sherry. As our resident foodie, I thought she would have some exceptional munchies. Found: 1 box Carr's crackers, 1 packet microwavable popcorn, 1 container Godiva Dark Chocolate Truffle cocoa, 1 box Yogi green tea.

My next stop: Nina's desk. Found: 1 box of Corn Flakes, 1 orange.

Next I went to Heidi's office. Found: 1 container sour Ice Breakers, 2 packets soy sauce, 3 mini candy bars, 1 package vanilla & cherry Tootsie rolls. 

As an aside, NYC schools were closed last week, so Heidi's daughter was here on Friday.  Check out the very professional looking signs she taped to mom's door:

Back on the trail, next is Jenna's office.  Found: 1 box Kavali crackers, 1 box Kamut flatbreads, 1 box dried apricots..and a lot more, but too much photograph. You can always count on a pregnant woman for good snacks.

And lastly, Josh, our President's, office...full disclosure, I did not do much snooping here for obvious {he's the big boss} reasons but thankfully Josh's snacks are always displayed front-and-center. Found: 1 container Archer Farms Peanut & Chocolate trail mix, 1 container Archer Farms roasted almonds, 1 container Gourmet Garage rocky mountain mix. Hm, nuts anyone?

What is your "go-to" snack for the middle of the day?

More more Morocco. Moroccan military style is one of the big trends coming up for 2010 – it’s being tossed around by designers from Rachel Roy to Alberta Ferretti. My favorite interpretation is from Givenchy for Resort. Gorgeous and modern Moroccan style – you can live it and dress it this year. For more awesome looks go here. 

I love the simplicity of the floor tile with just that perfect hit of turqoise. New DwellStudio pattern?

I can’t think of North African style with out thinking of the amazing tile work. It has inspired many of our geometrics and creates intricate and beautiful designs. I have traveled extensively in the region and it never fails to inspire me. Check out the amazing tile details of this Tangiers home and I think you will be inspired too.

I love the contrast of large-scale black and white with the intricate wall. A fantastic play on scale.

Talk about mix-and-match...

Gorgeous...the banding around the balustrade is amazing.

I love how they've used tile in a frame as wall decoration. Moorish-modern art.

Quintessential North African tiled walls. So inspiring.

via World of Interiors, Nov 09 - Roland Beaufre, photographer (via Trouvais.com)

Straight from the runway to your local Targay - our Spring Home collection. Our best yet - we took cues from fashion and interpreted them with our great DwellStudio style. The result is graphic, modern, bold distinctly DSfT. And the price is incomprehensible!! Shop!

For the ultimate in gorgeous architecture with paired down interiors and the perfect mix – I always go to one of my favorite style gurus Axel Vervoordt. M. Vervoordt is a famed Belgian antique dealer turned homewears designer turned interior designer. He has the most amazing eye. I channeled him big time when I did my apartment. I also tried to capture a little of his perfect modern and traditional mix. Axel, you have a rare talent and an incredible eye – you are my style icon this week and every other. And the castle you live in is BEYOND!

All images from Axel Vervoordt.

Kimberly has our Chinoisierie Duvet Set, which her teddy clearly loves.

After the last year, what feels modern to us is something riffing off of the more traditional. We are taking cues from historical visual motifs and making them new. We are transforming the decorative and making it minimal. Decorative Minimal may seem like an oxymoron but we are looking to European style – it’s about the few great things that make a space well designed and the worship of quality and craftsmanship. Our geometrics have become luxorious and three dimensional, our prints more complex – the pieces have a heirloom quality and a modernity that seem to be the right balance for right now.

I hope you enjoy the new collection...

PEACOCK 

 Peacock Dove - We absolutely love this pattern. A little diorama, a little vintage wallpaper. We've flattened it and painted it by hand.  Old world meets new. We think the result is so right for now.  

Peacock Citrine - Straight off the runways, citrine is the color of 2010. We love this pattern so much, we wanted to make it soft, we wanted to make it bold. This is the pattern that can transform a room.

ETCHING

This is our modern, pared down version of a classic toile.  The subject matter feels very current and we love black and white in interiors, so the graphic nature of this hand-drawn pattern makes it perfect for any space.

GATE 

By popular demand, we took this table pattern (introduced in 2009) and made it in to bedding. The sophisticated and versatile Java color is perfect for any interior. And the decorative minimal geometric looks new and fresh.

PYRAMIDS 

For the modern minimalist...dress the bed with our matelasse blanket & any of our sheet sets.

This is a matelasse collection of blankets and shams in three sophisticated colors. The luxurious hand and woven details make them the perfect layering piece.  We're known for pioneering geometric bedding...here, we've elevated it to luxury. 

GATE & PYRAMIDS SHEETS 

We love our new printed sheets.  You can mix them or match them and the result is inspired.

CUBIST THROW 

This baby alpaca throw is one of our favorite introductions to the line.  It's gorgeous and graphic, a great addition to the bed or a sofa and comes in 4 colors: charcoal (shown here), chocolate, peacock & camel.

This collection will be available on dwellstudio.com mid-April.  Look for more additions in July!.  We hope you love it as much as we do.

We'd love to know - what is your idea of modern now?

Have you guys checked out eBay's new trend blog??  It's very cool.  And they recently asked Christiane to shop for her dream bedroom - her picks are so fun (sorry, some of them may have expired by now!).  Check it out HERE!

Love the simplicity of this chair and the subtle contours of its aluminum base – feels like Gio Ponti. Currently with vinyl upholstery but could be recovered!  $200 plus shipping. BUY HERE.

This is a perfect, standard mid century industrial chair except it has much finer proportions than most others I have seen.  I like the “kick back” legs – great if you have a tendency to lean back on your chair. A steal at $99 plus shipping. BUY HERE.

A real live Knoll chair.  Has a sturdy 4 star base and castors, covered in delicious caramel leather.  And just under budget at $295!  Also available on the site in black and chocolate brown leather. BUY HERE.

This one is your typical upholstered leather executive armchair.  But it’s GRAY leather....with a 5 star base and castors.  And at an unbeatable $149 plus shipping. BUY HERE.

Ok so this one does not automatically say “Office!” but I think its beautiful.  I love the brass tubing mixed with ginger colored leather.  The contour of the back continues on to the arms....so elegant.  $295 plus shipping. BUY HERE.

Ok, I'm ready for my next assignment - who's next!?
 

• * Technological advances
• * Better looking design
• * New European brands being distributed now in the US that were not available the first go round.
• * Because I am the ultimate consumer.. I just want to buy stuff.

There are also some reasons I should not get anything new and borrow/re-use: 

• * $$$!!!!

Here is my wish list...

1. BPA-FREE BOTTLES. First of all we didn’t know much about the BPA issue 4 years ago, and secondly there are now some pretty stylin’ options.

2. NEW INFANT CAR SEAT - Maxi Cosi MICO. So much more stylish than my clunky old car seat.

3. NEW CRIB - ALMA by Bloom. Smaller and compact...perfect for my 6’ x 10’ nursery.

4. NEW CARRIER - ERGObaby Sport Carrier. Infant can be seated in a variety of positions including side hip hold.

5.CO-SLEEPER? Baby Bunk by Side by Side Sleeping Inc. Should I try co-sleeping?

6. NEW BABY BATHTUB - Pujbaby infant sink tub. Compact bathroom sink tub that stores flat between uses! Love it.

7. NEW BEDDING - This one I think I can manage. :)

Tell me what you did with your second - was it all new or did you keep the old??

The Thai beef salad has delicious marinated beef with lettuce, pickled carrots and lemongrass dressing.

The veggie meatballs are made with tofu and come in a spicy sauce.

The Thai coconut curry has just the right amount of spice and lots of fresh veggies.

YUMMMMM.  Especially on a cold winter's day.

ROW 1: Chanel {Karl Lagerfeld, you mad genius! The clothes are sublime, but what's with the hair!?}

ROW 2: Chanel left, Valentino right

ROW 3: Valentino {The dawn of a new Valentino. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous and so modern.}

ROW 4: Valentino left, Givenchy right {It's feathers again at Givenchy, j'adore!}

ROW 5: Givenchy left, Margiela right

All images via style.com

I find myself on vacation and inspired in Sarasota, Florida.  It is not only where my in-laws avoid the Canadian cold but also a hot bed of modern design. Often when people think of the architecture of Florida - its the sweeping gestures of Miami Deco. The Sarasota School of Architecture by contrast is a study in simplicity and is sometimes called "Sarasota Modern - it is a regional style of post-war architecture that emerged on Florida's Central West Coast. 

Many of the architects who pioneered this style became world renowned later in their careers, and several significant buildings remain in Sarasota today. Sarasota School of Architecture is characterized by its attention to climate and terrain. Large sunshades, innovative ventilation systems, oversized sliding glass doors, floating staircases, and walls of jalousie windows dominate many of these buildings, mostly built between 1941 and 1966.

Paul Rudolph, Bert Brosmith, Ralph Twitchell, Victor Lundy, Tim Seibert, Jack West, Philip Hiss, Gene Leedy and Mark Hampton are the leading names of this particular regional style.

Home designed by Tim Seibert

Paul Rudolph

Rudolph is arguably the biggest star, as the fanfare over the recent renovations of his Yale Art and Architecture building attests to. He is now on my list of favorites too. Within Sarasota he also designed a number of houses, schools, churches and public facilities. His Sanderling Beach Club is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

 Sanderling Beach Club

There aren't many people in the home design world who don't click on Design*Sponge on a daily basis. Grace has been a friend of DwellStudio for years, so we are so thrilled to have her debut our new home collection. Check out her full post with all the new designs HERE - thanks Grace!

I am quaking with happiness - I just learned that Consuelo Castiglioni, my style idol from Marni, is making her first foray into denim. She is partnering with Current Elliott the amazing denim brand from LA. (I own a pair and can verify that they are indeed great). DwellStudio is a very casual place. The work wardrobe for the girls is cute top + jeans - especially for me because this is my uniform so a little Marni in the jeans in a nice way to elevate the look. I will be first in line to buys these pants!

All images via WWD

Maximus' first nap at home.

"Hi CL!  I hope things are good with you and at the office.  Things are good here with little Maximus - he is great but it is definitely exhausting!! I wanted to ask you about a book you told me about a month or so ago. I think it was healthy sleep habits happy child, was that the name? I wanted to order it and try to get Maximus on a good sleeping pattern."

Maximus & daddy relaxing

I could write volumes on this topic...I am a Sleep Sargent! Rachel, we will get Maximus sleeping through the night by 3 months!  I promise. My advice? Baby steps...

1st: Order black out shades for his room from The Shade Store

2nd: Read The New Basics and Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child...and a little Gina Ford.

PS - Dr. Weissbluth, you are my god.

So, parents-who-have-successfully-sleep-trained-their-baby, what's your secret trick? 

We were walking one of our favorite magazine editors through our new baby layette collection for Target and she literally squealed when she saw the cuteness.  We posted our new boy layette at Target last week, along with a contest that is still going on (although we're getting close to the finish-line!).  This week, we bring you the adorable girls collection. These make us think of sunshine, popsicles and unicorns. GIRLS RULE! 

Upload your Hip Baby photo to Twitter or Facebook soon to be eligible to win a $350 shopping spree!

Image: House & Home

The Beni Ouarain rugs have me thinking longingly about the interiors of Morocco. The Parisians constantly revisit Morocco for inspiration from the décor to the textiles to the food. The interiors are always especially amazing – when I returned from my last trip – my husband and I swore up and down that we would find the right building in New York for our own Riyadh – hammam and all.

image: Times UK

The colors, the patterns and the details make Moroccan style the prefect compliment and for modern interiors. I was looking around 1st Dibs and found some amazing pieces that would add Moroccan style to any interior. 

Bone Inlaid Dresser - BID HERE

Metal Basket Weave Chairs - BID HERE

Berber Couscous Platter - BID HERE

Tent Poles on Stands  - BID HERE 

Beni Ouarain Rug - BID HERE

This is a beautifully simple shape, I don’t see any room for improvement on this one.  $253 plus free shipping. Buy it HERE.

I like how this one is a bit retro but is still modern because all the detail has been stripped away – feels European.  Also like that this comes in other colors like red, adds a nice pop accent. $277 plus free shipping. Buy it HERE.

Hector Perez has designed a “Neutra” style mailbox and makes them to order for $199.  He can be contacted through the LiveModern forum. Buy it HERE.

Just inside our budget at $400 this one from DWR is great.  The wood accent keeps it from being too slick. Buy it HERE.


Let me know if you have something you are looking for!

photo: Garance Dore 

I think about tattoos sometimes - in a very abstract way. I could never get a tattoo because I would have to commit to it for life.  Some people can do it – and I admire that. I have seen people with gorgeous calligraphy tattoos of their children’s names and think – wow, I could commit to that...but which font? I came across these magical temporary tattoos from Chanel on Garance Dore’s amazing site. I think they are beautiful  - decorative, delicate and amazing.  I would commit to these for a night or two.

All the hype surrounding Danny Meyer's new Maialino restaurant is deserved.  It starts with the amazing lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel. And continues all the way through dessert.  We went the other night and it was the perfect compliment to a New York winter evening. The staff was excellent. The whole presentation was seamless. And boy, was the meat good.

Absolutely have a selection of their house cured meats. Mmm..

The scallop special was sensational. Tiny juicy sweet scallops poached lightly in citrus, what could be better?

The pasta with black pepper was simple and perfect.

The lamb chops with heirloom cauliflower was succulent and perfect for a winter night.

We finished with the Tarte de la Nonna (pinenut tart)...it was gone before I could snap a pic.

Ilse Crawford's book Home Is Where the Heart Is

From The Selby

From Loft Living

Jenna Lyons home, shot for Domino by Melanie Acevedo

I adore Kumquat Bakery for their big flavors in tiny little cupcakes and I can’t wait to get my hands on their special Cupcake Roses! They’re available in chocolate, vanilla and red velvet online or at the Kumquat pop-up in Greenpoint  Feb 10-14th.

Man with Cloud - Bird - Horse and Dog - “Feltidermy" Raccoon - Special Edition Woven Play Doll

Abandoned Dollhouse (via allthemountains.blogspot.com) -  Castle by Ann Wood

I'm sorry to say I don't have credit info for the other houses...they've been in my files for years.  Please alert us if you know who they belong to.

Maybe it’s the snow, maybe it’s the weather maybe it’s the Winter Olympics in Vancouver (winter+sport = gold for Canada) but I am feeling patriotic. Hey relatives in Canada – can someone send me this super cool limited edition iPhone case? Meanwhile - that maple leaf is one wicked graphic symbol. Am I right???  

This look from Balenciaga's Pre-Fall 2010 look book is so great - the colors of the sweater immediately reminded me of a trip I took to Moab, Utah a couple of years ago. I loved the grandeur of the landscape there and I hope to go back to visit again! In the mean time I will occupy my mind thinking about this cupboard from Nightwood, and desert-inspired tee's from Cavern.

1. Heart-Shaped Slipper Chairs; 2. Heart-Shaped Bamboo Table; 3. Tony Duquette Necklace; 4. Pair of Heart Lithographs; 5. Bronze Heart Sculpture; 6. Mexican Anatomical Painting; 7. Red Verner Panton Chair; 8. Robert Atwater Photograph

Just perfect.

I never would have guessed a black kitchen could be so amazing.

Light, airy...lovely. I love the lavender upholstery.

Love the chandelier.

My daughter would just be in heaven...where can I get that bed??

Sublime.

All images via the Roman & Williams website.

Our new layette collection just hit stores at Target...check out some quick selects from the boys department. Cute, right!? We really think it's our hippest layette collection yet.  Stay tuned for girls and a complete overview of our newest designs. And to celebrate hip babies everywhere...we thought it would be fun to run a little contest on Facebook and Twitter.

We love babies.  We love designing for babies...we love having babies....we love photographing babies.  And we're guessing that you do too.  So, let's celebrate hip babies!  Snap a picture of your little one in your favorite DwellStudio item (**it does NOT have to be from the new collection and can be from DwellStudio or DwellStudio for Target!) and do one of 2 things:

1. On TWITTER, post a link to the picture with the hashtag #IAMAHIPBABY

2. On our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE, upload a pic to our fan photos.  

Once we have hit 100 entries on both Twitter and Facebook, we will randomly choose 1 entry on each who will receive a $350 shopping spree on dwellstudio.com.

Ready, set, CLICK!

A VERY important programming note: we don't want any confusion - this is a DwellStudio contest, and is in no way affiliated with Target.  The winner will receive $350.00 on our site.

I love how he Dwells. Vintage DwellStudio...this is our Camelia pattern & Quilted Euros from a few seasons back...

via Not Your Average via Desire to Inspire

This is such a good table – seeing the x base through the glass top is a very nice detail.  I love the brass border around the edge. BID HERE.

I love seeing unexpected combinations together so I think this lamp would add a nice nature touch to a room.  Would look great with a plain linen drum shade. BID HERE.

This is a bit on the pricier side but I absolutely love it – it’s so sculptural and such a statement piece it would be worth the splurge. BID HERE.

It's always nice to have a couple of pieces that are basic and functional with a little bit of style. These are side tables that could be used as sofa end tables or moved around for cocktail parties.  I would take these home and apply a wax with a dark stain to make them a bit more elegant. BID HERE.

Again another stylish basic.  Love these round nesting tables because they are made with a square tube which is unusual but makes for such a slim profile.  Because they are nesting they are really versatile too – 2 can be used in front of a sofa and the other 2 can be placed around the living room as occasional tables. BID HERE.


Do you have a design hunting project for us?  Tell us and we will find it for you!

This year they added to their growing jewelry collection with new porcelain cameo necklaces:

They also debuted this great set of wall ceramics...you know how I feel about this citrine color.

They've been collaborating with the legendary Eva Zeisel for a few years and this new set of limited edition prints is lovely.

Left: Carmen. Right: Molly. Dress: Rodarte for Target

Turns out...it’s Target Tuesday at DwellStudio.  We not only love working with Target -we all shop there too.  Today Molly (PR powerhouse) and Carmen (amazing designer) are both in identical Rodarte for Target dresses and I think they look fantastic.  This dress looks like couture.  Next time call me girls and I will get mine out too.

I'm sorry to say they are all sold out online but maybe you can find them in your local store!

Well as it turns out - Rachel went into labor the old fashioned way on Sunday night. No induction needed. She thanks everybody for their wisdom and words of encouragement. We are thrilled to welcome our 6th Dwellbaby! Name to come....

 Oly chair and vintage DwellStudio pillow.

Jenna's living room from Martha Stewart. Check out the great Oly coffee table.

There is a big trend this show of taking adult furniture and scaling it down for the kiddies. I think the Oly models are by far the cutest – they have the right amount of whimsy for a child’s room.

What little girl would not want a fuzzy chair with a perched bird?

We were so excited when they recently opened a flagship retail store in Tribeca - if you're in NYC, go take a look for yourself at 408 Greenwich Street.
 

This is green that I can really get behind.  I love the concept of up-cycling (re-using and recycling waste materials into things of higher quality).  I have become obsessed with elevating the mundane into something beautiful. My favorite example of this is by UK designer Ryan McElhinney.

These functional up-cycled objects are AMAZING and what girl would not want a mirror of gold lacquered Barbies?

Images and more photos via Buzz-Beast here.

Dapper Don Carney, Patch co-founder, at the show.

Live from NYC Gift – we are bringing you our favorite things.  I love Patch NYC – I think that what Don Carney and John Ross do is beyond hip.  I love that all their illustrations are done by hand – a nice foil to everything vector at the show.  These guys are real old school craftsmen and it shows in everything.  I love the framed illustrations in the nursery...or anywhere.  I have my eye on the beetle for my bathroom.

New this year are these cleverly-scented candles, a collaboration with The Soap & Paper Factory.  It's a "vintage inspired collection...crafted by hand."  The packaging is outrageously good. Scents include: Fedora, Owl, Pipe, Skull & Whale.  We love the Pipe scent, with strong hints of bourbon – sniffing it is almost as good as drinking it.

Marcella lives in Camarillo, CA and is expecting her first baby (gender unknown!) any day now.  As owner of Drool Baby Boutique, Marcella KNOWS her nursery decor and it shows.  Marcella, we LOVE how your little-one-to-be will dwell!

Marcella has our OWLS crib set and TREE rug.

We not only design baby products here at DwellStudio – we make a lot of babies too.  Congrats to Rachel Fresno, our production manager...she is being induced Monday!  Rachel is visibly nervous today – she is having her first – he weighs over 8 lbs – she maybe weighs 90...well we all know how it goes. She has been asking everyone who has had a baby for advice.  Jenna and I had this to offer her: get the epidural and get it fast. If any one out there has good advice for a first time inductee – Rachel is listening.... 

Good Luck Rachel and welcome to the world Dwellbaby Fresno!

Coming off the photo shoot this week – after we used some great wall sculptures as props – I am feeling the 3D. The master of the mid-century wall sculpture is Curtis Jeré,  a metalwork artist of these sculptures and other household accessories. C. Jeré works are made and marketed by the corporation Artisan House. Curtis Jere is a compound brand name of artists Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels. (I love how Jerry became Jere – anything French is good...) The two founders combined pieces of their own names to create the C. Jeré signature. Jerry did design and Curtis was in charge of production. Their goal was to produce "gallery-quality art for the masses." Curtis and Jerry sold Artisan House in 1972. Vintage C. Jeré works remain highly collectible and can sell for thousands of dollars.

C. Jeré works range from representational to highly abstract. Some of the older techniques, such as enameling and the bronzes, haven't been used in decades.

All images via this website.

Sneek peek from the shoot – how gorgeous is this wall sconce/sculpture?  Form and function.

After spending 48 hours propping and re-propping our photoshoot – I have come away loving a wall sculpture again. I especially love it when the sculpture is also functional – like does double duty as a sconce. I went to may favorite place for all things gorgeous - 1st Dibs - and I found some beauties..

Gilt Metal Wall Sculpture. BID HERE.

Curtis Jere Starburst. BID HERE.

Curtis Jere Wall Sconces. BID HERE.

Curtis Jere Raindrops Mirror. BID HERE.

Italian Gilt Metal Bamboo Sculptures. BID HERE.

Could Redhook be any better? Directly across Van Brunt from Erie Basin is the delicious Fort Defiance – a great restaurant that gets its name from the fort that was built in Red Hook during the Revolutionary War in the weeks leading up to the Battle of Brooklyn.

We started with a delicious cocktail – the Vespers - a very simple and sophisticated martini. The dinner menu is small and the specials are changed daily.  

The deviled eggs and Iceberg lettuce salads are standards and amazing.  We shared shrimp and grits and short ribs on a cold winter night. Perfect.  

When you walk out after dinner – Redhook has this amazing small town feel.  It’s quite, lovely and very cool.

Dear Dwellers -

Our Haiti fundraising effort was a big success!  We had one of our highest traffic/sales days on the website, in no small part thanks to the tweeting, blogging and support from all of you. Everyone has heard of Unicef, but what makes them unique is that, thanks to the generosity of a private donor, the US arm of Unicef absorbs all administrative costs of running the foundation so it is nearly the only charity that 100% of every dollar donated goes to directly support Unicef’s work.
 
Examples of what DwellStudio’s donation can provide for children in Haiti:

·        $.01 provides 1 water decontamination tablet that purifies 32-ounces of water making it  safe to drink and mix with powdered baby formula.

·        $6 provides three 10-liter collapsible water containers for transporting and storing water.

·        $60 provides 20 sheets of tarpaulin, providing simple shelter or ground sheeting for several families.

·        $200 provides one recreation kit for 90 children to enjoy physical activity and play in times of emergency or displacement—containing items such as frisbees, jump ropes, footballs, volleyballs, handballs, whistles, a chalkboard and chalk, etc.

For more information on Unicef’s current activities in Haiti, please visit the Unicef website.
 

Me at our photo shoot yesterday...trying to keep the nausea away.

I feel like I am walking around with a combination of mono and food poisoning....I can barely function. The second trimester cannot come fast enough.   It’s been 13 weeks already.... please relent your fury little growing embryo.  Here are some things that I have tried that have NOT helped.. 

·        Acupuncture

·        Magnets on my wrists

·        Sea sickness bands on my wrists.

·        Holding 2 fingers on the “nausea points” that are supposedly on my wrists.

·        B-6 supplements

·        Unisom

·        Ginger candies

And here are some tips that help me get through the day...

·        Plain Oatmeal in the morning – the good steel cut kind.

·        Lifesavers peppermint

·        Mary’s Gone Crackers

.        a ginger tea bag and a peppermint tea bag at the same time.

·        pop tarts toasted with butter

·        Starbucks passion fruit iced tea unsweetened.


Give us any tips that have worked for you!!

Snow – I come from the land of Snow – in fact Ottawa, Canada is the 7th coldest capital in the world. I will be honest – I always thought it was 1st when I was growing up.  We all threw that stat around before Google. Ooohhh you think you know cold – come to Ottawa...it’s colder than Iceland. Well - I am wrong and for fact buffs (I am such a fact geek) – here is the list...
       
    1. Ulaan-Baatar (Mongolia) 29.7°F/-1.3°C
    2. Astana (Kazakhstan) unavailable
    3. Moscow (Russia) 39.4°F/4.1°C
    4. Helsinki (Finland) 40.1°F/4.5°C
    5. Reykjavik (Iceland) 40.3°F/4.6°C
    6. Tallin (Estonia) 40.6°F/4.8°C
    7. Ottawa (Canada) 41.9°F/5.5°C

(stats via this website)

Meanwhile – little did I know that Ottawa was actually down-right tropical if you hail from Ulaan-Baatar. I digress.

Snow is very different in New York.  Here when it snows – it’s not just something you have to shovel – its poetry.  It is amazing how these little flakes of white can blanket this mighty metropolis and deafen the roar.  It is gorgeous here today.

Devi Kroell

Wait, did Barbie just read my post? Because she has her own designer thing going too...that clever little minx – you can never underestimate her...

Kate Spade

There is a new Barbie basics collection but to launch this new line, Mattel had 12 top CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) fashion and accessory designers dress the dolls in their own designs– these tricked out gals will be auctioned on eBay with proceeds benefiting the CFDA. The auction goes live on January 28 (tomorrow) at 10pm EST and runs through February 7. To bid, visit the ebay auction here. 

Here are a couple of my faves...

 Phillip Crangi

 Rachel Roy

Found this on If it's Hip it's Here blog, which I love.

Speaking of fashion...thank you The Block - I am in awe of these amazing dolls by artist Andrew Yang.  How incredible are they?  The Lanvin (top left) one is so excellent  - it would take playing with my daughter to a whole new place.  

Love the Rick Owens & Proenza Schouler so much too.

Celine Pre-Fall

Coming off of the Pre-Fall show...looks like we are not the only designers feeling feathers. Look for them everywhere in our new collection.

Giambattista Valli Pre-Fall

Givenchy Pre-Fall

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall

All images via WWD.

And a few more shots from the day...

Jonny setting up a shot.

The prop colleciton ready to go.

Vintage furniture waiting for their shots.

Christiane posted about the amazing breakfasts at Balthazar here, but I also love stopping in at the Balthazar Bakery next door for the gooey goodness that is their quiche Lorraine. The eggs are cooked just enough, the crust is buttery and flaky, and the ham and onions lend the right amount of salt and sweet. It’s breakfast heaven.