CHEAP TO CHIC: GARDEN STOOLS - THE BOTTOM LINE ON CERAMIC DECORATIVE OUTDOOR SEATING!

Wisteria - Garden Stool (pale green) - $129 (above)

Some call them Chinese garden stools others call them "decorative" garden seats- the bottom line is that this summer these ceramic or porcelain decorative stools are all over. These stools can be used as outdoor furniture on a lawn, on a deck or on a paved patio. They come in a myriad of colors including white, pale green, blue, red and with painted designs. Because of all of the designs and colors available, they can be used to accent your outdoor space however you like.

Optional uses: I like the idea of bringing a few of these outdoor garden stools indoors to provide extra seating in a living room. Also can be used as a side table or end table. Finally another option is to use purely for decorative purposes inside the house or out in the garden.

Here's the CHEAP TO CHIC on garden stools (barrel shape):

Ballard Designs - Garden Seat (glazed white ceramic with pierced accents)- $119.95 (above)

Wisteria - Chinese Garden Stool (barrel shape ceramic in blue, white or green) - $129 (above)

William Sonoma Home - Decorative Porcelain Garden Seat (Dragon or white) - $250 (above)

Plantation - Barrel Garden Stool (Celadon) - $395 (above)

The ceramic may not be really comfortable to sit on for long stints...but certainly these stools provide a dry elevated place to take a rest during a garden stroll or during a socially strenuous garden party! :-)

AM DECO: A WHITE RUG WITH INTERNATIONAL FLOURISH!

CB2 - Morocco Rug - $299-499 (above)

Just yesterday, AM decided to test my design knowledge of her style - she showed me several rugs and I was to guess which one she bought. Out of about 15-20 rugs with different designs...I pondered for merely a few seconds before I picked the rug above from CB2 and I was right!

This rug is so AM. She loves accessories and furniture in her home to have an overall modern look but that has patterns and prints that hint of romance and classic.

CB2 calls this rug "Moorish modern". The black and white wool rug features a fanciful Moroccan pattern. Good for a bedroom, living room or even a baby room!

While this rug does feature a distinctive patterned...paired with the right simple monochromatic furniture (i.e. a upholstered celery colored sofa and chair...or a simple white sofa), it almost becomes a neutral. Almost.

This rug is imported hand tufted (CB2 says) 100% Bikaner wool (Bikaner is a town in western India btw). It comes in 5'x8' or 8'x10' sizes.

AM signature Deco at work!

SEE THIS HOUSE: FROM LONDON - A DELIGHTFUL URBAN GARDEN STUDIO BRINGS THE OUTDOORS AND THE MODERN INSIDE!

The Graebert family's London pied-a-terre with a lovely garden view and a rambling vine mural on the wall(above)

So this is it...the final in a series of three "See This House" segments from Nicky Graebert of Hamburg, Germany. Nicky has been kind enough to share photos from his family's three homes - two in Hamburg and this studio loft apartment in London.

As with all of the other homes, this one room flat is interior designed by his mother. Nicky's mother is not a professional interior designer but she has a flare for decorating - giving each space she creates a distinct personality. We've now just learned that all of the colorful lighting in the Graebert's homes is courtesy of Nicky's dad- who has an engineering background and seems to enjoy designing interesting lighting schemes for all of the family's homes.

This cozy and lovely London studio off of Kings Road seems to be garden themed...with walls painted in a green textured sponged faux finish - walls which also feature a rambling vine wall mural. The garden theme is just the beginning of many great design surprises in this small flat.

Yet another unique and stunning decor statement from Nicky's mother and father - a modern high style flat where most anyone would love to spend time.

This one room flat has space for a living room seating area complete with sofa and chairs, bed (with shearling throw on it) and plenty of storage in the form of built-in cabinets and shelving. (above)

Nicky says his parents chose London after visiting him and his brother there while they were in school ("University"). Nicky's mom and dad enjoy the fact that there is so much to do in London.

Opposite the bedroom area of the flat is a large fireplace with a classic mantel and anchored by a large dark wood rectangular mirror. Mirrors it seems are used throughout the studio loft in order to make the room larger.

Nicky's dad designed the mood lighting surrounding the fireplace. (above) The yellow fireplace wall provides a bold contrast to the dusty green paint on all of the rest of the loft's walls.

Art also plays a key role in this flat. Nicky's mom has put several pictures in uniform picture frames above the bed area and has accented those walls with sparkling wall sconces. On the wall over the small dining space, the Graebert's have placed a large photo.

The flat also features a modern mirrored kitchen with all of the amenities!

Mirrored kitchen cabinets and a light feature above the sink that changes colors (above)

French doors lead to wonderful lush city garden in the middle of London complete with outdoor red bistro table and chairs. The garden is Nicky's favorite part of this studio. He says because this flat is right in the middle of the city, the garden provides such a nice place to relax and get away from the city "rush".

This London garden also boasts a green and yellow mosaic bench and a classic fountain.

Again, many thanks to Nicky Graebert and his family for sharing their homes with Cococozy...and for giving us a wonderful view of an international "See this house"!

WEEKEND FIND: METAL AT WORK IN AN ILLUMINATED ENTRYWAY VIGNETTE!

Painted metal dresser, metal urn lamps, antique mirror vignette from Pom Pom Interiors in Los Angeles (above)

I was in one of my favorite stores this weekend... Pom Pom Interiors...here in Los Angeles on La Brea Avenue. The store is in an unlikely location and hidden behind a white metal gate...could easily be overlooked because it is not near anything that resembles it being tucked away between a grocery store and one of those side of the road places that have animal skin rugs hanging on a fence.

Pom Pom Interiors is a furniture and interior design oasis in this locale. Once you get past the metal gates the store is filled with treasures. Set up kind of like a house...with multiple roomscapes filled with chairs, sofas, settees, french antique beds, rustic dining room tables, fauteils, bergeres, coffee tables, chandeliers and lots and lots of accessories. The store goes on forever.

Well in the very last room out in the back...I found this vignette...great for an entryway, a blank wall in any room (even a dining room) or fantastic for a bedroom. The unique thing about this vignette is the prominent role metal plays on all the surfaces.



The first thing that caught my eye were the polished metal urn lamps with chocolate lamp shades. Thought the combination provided that nice juxtaposition of shapes I love - both classic and modern. Loved the shine of the polished metal urn bases and the richness of the brown fabric drum lamp shades - shades that let the light through in a very elegant way.


Pom Pom Interiors - Polished metal urn lamps - $475 each including shade (above)

I considered buying the lamps...but wondered where I would put them in my oh so small house...note to self...need bigger house so I can have a place to put things I love.

After making two laps through the store and ending up in front of my vignette again, I noticed the lamps were sitting on something very interesting - a shiny three drawer dresser with hand painted details.

I also noticed at this point that the shopkeeper had started following me around because I don't think she could understand why I was so transfixed by this vignette - and why I kept coming to the front of the store only to walk all the way outside to the back room again. I decided not to be annoyed she was following me and to use her for more information on this vignette...needed to figure out what the dresser was made out of.



Well it turns out the three-drawer dresser is made of wood but covered with sheets of hand painted metal and then covered with some sort of high gloss finish. It seemed to me that this could be a perfect bedroom dresser or an even more perfect entryway three-drawer cabinet. I love the sheen and luster of the metal and the scrolled hand painted pattern covering this piece.


Pom Pom Interiors- Hand painted metal dresser with/lacquer finish (wood and metal) - $1395 (above)


Pom Pom Interiors - White wood carved mirror - $1295

Finally the whole vignette was topped off with a white carved wood mirror where the mirror seemed to be worn and antiqued. New and old, modern and classic.!

Tip: Try adding luster to a room with some polish metal lamps or polished metal vases. The shiny surface will reflect light making the room brighter and cheerier.

By the way...Pom Pom Interiors has two locations in Los Angeles. I was at the La Brea location for this vignette:

Pom Pom Interiors
1401 N. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323)851-1342

All photos in thsi post by Coco of Cococozy

COCOCOZY FIND: A CUTE SETTEE KNOCKING OFF A CLASSIC - THE GEOMETRICS OF A PERFECT LOUNGE PIECE

Pottery Barn - Blanca Settee - $899 (above)

I saw this little settee and loved it. Thought this could be a fun accent to any neutral space. Could add some style to an empty wall in an entry way or sit across from a nice white sofa in a living room. In a clean white bedroom, could also end up at the end of a bed.

The "tile" patterned fabric is actually a knock off of one of my favorite high end Lulu DK fabrics - Chant - a definite geometric classic from the designer fabric company.

Lulu DK created this pattern years ago...and now knock offs of it are popping up left and right. The knock off is okay ... but the original geometric fabric is the best.... (I bought Chant covered pillows directly from Lulu DK about 5 or 6 years ago...still have them and love them). Lulu DK's Chant is a linen/cotton blend - giving the fabric great texture.

But maybe this settee has inspired me...get my favorite fabric from Lulu DK- Chant- and cover a settee to look like this...inspiration comes in different ways...a knock off inspiring me to make an original.....


Lulu DK - Chant Reverse (navy)


Lulu DK - Chant Reverse (chocolate)


Lulu DK - Chant Reverse (sage)

Here is the plain version of the Blanca settee...could be easily reupholstered!


Pottery Barn - Blanca Settee - $749

Hmmm...something to consider!

DESIGNER ROOM RECREATE - A GREAT GREAT ROOM - A LARGE LIVING ROOM THAT FEELS LIKE HOME

Photo by Jonn Coolidge



This lodge like great room does it all for this home...a living room area in front of the huge fireplace and an inviting dining room area near the tall windows. While white and brown could be stark in most rooms, in this one, the play of light and dark helps to create a cozy room inspite of its size (the beamed ceilings and dark wood floors help). The room consists of two sofas (one leather and one fabric), a large lounge chair, a few modern lamps, some commanding rustic/modern chandeliers, plenty of comfortable seating in the form of a variety of chairs, a large round coffee table, fresh bright white curtains or fresh white drapes and some wonderful accents like pillows and vases.

Here are some items you can use to recreate this designer look.




Movie Sofa - CB2 - $999






Bagatelle Silk Velvet Espresso Pillow - HW Home - $136 (above)






Room & Board - Jackson Studio Sofa Bison Leather - $2,299 (above)









Ebene Coffee Table - Interieurs - (above)



Jeff Benroth Striped Vases - Persimmon - Small $95, Large $195 (above)







Kramsfor Sofa - Ikea - $899 (above)






Pom Pom Throw (woven cotton) - Calypso - $50 (above)





Oly Benjamin Chair - Oly (for list of retailers) (above) (note: can be purchased at HW Home in mohair)





Macro Floor Lamp - Restoration Hardware - $154 on sale (above)


Oscar de la Renta Tibetan Collection Bilbao Cafe Rug - Elson & Company - 65-80 per sq. foot (for 60 knots per sq. in.) (above)



Obi Coffee Table - Z Gallerie- $599 (above)






Casual Twill Drapery - Restoration Hardware - $89-129 (above)




Pillar Candle Round Medium - Restoration Hardware - $1200 (above)

BEFORE AND AFTER: FRENCH FAUTEILS' FASHIONABLE FACELIFT - JLF'S FRESH FURNITURE REDO!

AFTER: JLF's cowhide covered Louis XV style fauteils

My friend JLF is just fashion fabulous...she has a great eye for design and a fantastic point of view of what she likes. When she buys...she buys with a purpose (after much diligent research and thrill of the hunt).

When she moved into her new apartment in Century City last year, she had found herself a pair of very staid reproduction Louis XV fauteil chairs for her living room. She loved the shape and the lines of the furniture but hated the neutral brocade fabric on these French style chairs.

So what's a girl to do...she decided "to JLF" those fauteils.


BEFORE: JLF's french chairs before being reupholstered

"To JLF" means to bring bold style, to make hip, bring up to date and make fabulous. (P.S. JLF and I used to work together...often when I would walk into work, with one of my "worky work outfits" she would give me the once over and a slightly disappointed look...then immediatley hand me some sparkle eye shadow, some jewelry, a scarf, a hair clip, anything "to JLF" my look for the day. Once I was brought up to date with whatever new fancy accessory or bit of make up she gave me...only then would she be able to look at me with appreciation)

Above as you see, JLF, did what she needed to do by covering her Louis XV style chairs with a brown and white cow hide print fabric. The new upholstery makes all of the difference!

The fun modern fabric provides a wonderful contrast to the classicism of the chairs. The tones match nicely and the chairs feel like they belong in the most modern of modern homes. Gone with the old style in with the new JLF style!

CHEAP TO CHIC: HIGHLIGHTING A CLASSIC - SOME BRIGHT WHITE CHANDELIERS - TRADITIONAL MODERN "MUST HAVES"

This white crystal chandelier caught my eye a few days ago, sparkling in the window of Subtle Tones in Santa Monica, CA (310) 576-0504 - $625 (above)


Got to Montana Avenue in Santa Monica for an afternoon of shopping and lunch over the weekend. Planned on lunching at Father's Office...had heard about the burgers there for years...(they were well worth it btw).

We parked the car right in front of a clothing store that seemed to have furniture and other home accessories in it. The store was something called Subtle Tones - had never seen or heard of it before. Anyhoo...we went in, the clothing was okay but it was all of the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling caught my eye.

The store is attempting to be the clothing version of Shabby Chic I think(which is right across the street)....way too country for my tastes...the chandeliers did stand out as appealing and at reasonable prices.

The white chandelier pictured above made me pause and start thinking about putting a really fabulous classic shaped chandelier in a very modern setting...a sleek contemporary living room with a bright white bold chandelier...or a dining room with a simple dark wood square table, dark hunter green walls, streamlined camel color chairs featuring a bold ornate white glass chandelier hanging above as a centerpiece of sorts...or a simple bedroom setting with a white upholstered bed, chocolate wall color and a white chandelier casting a warm light creating an inviting aura...

The more I think about it, the more I really like that idea of classic white chandeliers.

White chandeliers are all the rage I later found out at dinner tonight with JLF - my dear friend who is a shopper extraordinaire (much more to come from JLF in future Cococozy posts). I happened to mention, in passing, that I would be posting about white chandeliers. Well JLF was already on the case on this one...her friend A, another shopper, just bought one for her apartment in Century City. JLF managed the find of all finds ...a fabulous hot pink pillow with a white chandelier emblazoned on it complete with its own crystals (from Target I might add - a place where the Neiman Marcus/Prada shopping JLF is never found - hence the "what are the chances" nature of the the white chandelier/"I found a pillow at Target of all places" conversation).

Love the juxtaposition between old school classic and high modern in one room - mark my word it is the year of the chandelier.

Here's the CHEAP TO CHIC on a few white chandeliers in case you might agree:


Ballard Designs - Coral Chandelier - $299.95 (hand made, resin and metal with textured finish) (above)


Z Gallerie - Atlantis Chandelier - $599 (made of coconut beads) (above)



Brocade Home - Crystal Chandelier in white - $599 (metal frame with glass crystals) (above)



Wandrlust -Versailles Chandelier 8-light white - $3999 (Italian porcelain in shiny white) (above)

One last unique white chandelier themed piece found out by JLF -here is that fantastic pillow she unearthed at Target!


Photo from JLF's iPhone - Hot pink chandelier pillow - Target (above)

Let me know which one is your favorite. Please comment!

COCOCOZY FIND: PATENT LEATHER FURNITURE - A SHINING EXAMPLE IN THE FORM OF A STOOL!

Brocade Home - Patent Leather Stool - $169

Looking for that perfect accent stool, ottoman or bench for your living room...normally they are upholstered in fabric, leather or suede...not this one...try white patent leather. Feels kind of kitcsh and 70's - new millennium mod!