A LITTLE GOOD LUCK IN THE FORM OF A CHAIR!

Mecox Gardens Los Angeles - Cloverleaf Back Suzanne Chair - $1350 (Small side chair with quatrefoil back. Antique white finish. Cream off white linen upholstery)(above)

Have had a rough few weeks...lots of really good times and some very weird times too! I guess such is life. Have been feeling like I need a little luck on my side..well...errrr...maybe a lot of luck. Then I ran into this little side chair at Mecox Gardens in Los Angeles just yesterday. Now while I am not as superstitious to believe that anything involving a four leaf clover will instanteneously bring luck to anyone who touches it or gazes upon it or finds it, I did have a moment where I actually thought "Oh. Yippeeee...this is a sign...a four leaf clover back chair...how cute...maybe if I touch this, photograph this, post this, my luck will change!" Hmmm...

Needless to say, while I don't know whether this chair is a luck changing find or just a cute piece of furniture or wonderful accent piece for the home, I thought I should post it just in case.

I love this chair with the quatrefoil back. Seems very French to me. Would, in fact, love to see this little chair in a guest bedroom next to a dresser or cabinet, two of them flanking a dark wood stained console table in an entry hall, or even four surrounding a white Saarinen table in a kitchen or breakfast nook dining area.

Wishing you all some good luck with this cute chair.

Please wish me a little luck too!

Mecox Gardens Los Angeles
919 N. La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-358-9272

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

AN INSPIRING ANTIQUE FRENCH CANAPE!

Balsamo Antiques - Napoleon III Canape - $4950 (19th century sofa from France. Gold frame canape. Classic French period sofa) (above)

Whenever I get back from New Orleans...I am obsessed with French furniture. Was browsing on Pine Plains, New York based Balsamo Antique's website and found this classic Empire period Napoleon III upholstered sofa in green and gold. By Balsamo's own admission, this piece would probably have to be reupholstered. Evenso, I think the bones and lines of this six leg wood frame antique canape are quite nice. If covered in the right fabric, this canape could be a show stopper in a living room or sitting room.

Hmmm....I think I need to rethink my place...could a Hollywood Hills cottage be turned into a fanciful French influenced parlor...hmmm...more food for home decorating thought!

THE PERFECT BED & BATH!

White on white bedroom. Room features white linens and a crisp white box pleat bed skirt; slightly off-white wall to wall carpet with a subtle pattern; a classic Louis style chair with embellished legs; a natural wood round mirror over the fireplace mantel. (above)

Love these two rooms shot by photographer Erik Johnson. The ultimate in simplicity, elegance, modernity and classic taste!

The bathroom is perfect with its rich butter cream almost tan colored handmade 4"x6" floor to ceiling subway tiles and the latte brown trim pieces.

The perfect bed and bath in my view.

A white pedestal sink is flanked by a rustic white urn and a Louis style bathroom bench or stool in this classic charmer. The tile work blends the ultimate in traditional tile...with creamy handmade subway tile floor to ceiling and classic trim pieces, the hex and dot (hexagon mosaic tiles with dots) black and white pattern on the floor..an oval vanity mirror hung by cream colored fabric covered wire to give the effect of painting hung by grosgrain ribbon and white built-in cabinetry. (above)

Photos: Erik Johnson. Courtesy of Erik Johnson Photography.

DESIGN ON SALE DAILY: PERFECTLY PURPLE WINDOW COVERINGS IN HONOR OF MARDI GRAS!

Mardi Gras beads in classic green, gold and purple. Photo by Coco of Cococozy (above)

Still in New Orleans and having a blast...will post some amazing photos from Mardi Gras 2009 when I get home.

Thought I would do a quick post about the color purple -- one of the traditional Mardi Gras colors. Apparently back in 1872, the krewe of Rex selected the official Mardi Gras colors. Green represents faith; gold stands for power; and purple is the color of justice.

Because the shiny satin dress I wore on the first day of my visit to New Orleans was purple, and because purple stands for justice and because purple was one of my grandmother's favorite colors...purple is the color of the day...

While purple beads are still flying through the air here in New Orleans, purple can also fly and make a great statement in a home...whether it is a rich purple fabric on an upholstered armchair, a lush dark purple accent rug, royal purple and white china in a dining room...purple can be very sophisticated and regal.

Call it purple, violet, eggplant, plum, lavender or a variety of berry...this color is tried and true in interior design, home decor, furniture and accesories.

For today's DESIGN ON SALE DAILY, here are two window coverings...one a roman shade, the other a velvet drape....that both make purple look perfect.


Pottery Barn - Velvet Ribbon Roman Shade - on sale $59.99-109.99; regular $89 - $139 (An all-white linen/cotton shade with velvet ribbon trim in dusty violet, glacier blue or chrome gray. Cotton lining. 64" long.) (above)

Pottery Barn - Velvet Drape - on sale $129.99; regular $249 (Deep plum purple 100x84 velvet drapes. Curtains are a cotton polyester blend) (above)

My Mardi Gras dress...(above)
Photo by Coco of Cococozy

To get into the spirit I chose purple to kick off my Mardi Gras weekend wardrobe. This is the dress I wore to my first Mardi Gras luncheon on Friday in the French Quarter. You can't tell from this photo but the dress is a rich deep purple...an exact match for the purple that defines Mardi Gras' color scheme. Shirt dress is from friend Melissa Masse's store in Los Angeles...and was a huge hit with everyone here in New Orleans!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!

View outside my second floor window at the Wedding Cake House in New Orleans on February 20, 2009...Mardi Gras weekend!!! (above)

Hi! I am back in New Orleans...here to celebrate Mardi Gras with best friend FF and her family, husband CCF and my godson CGF!

It is about 8am and I just opened my window and it looks like a gorgeous morning here in NOLA. Bright blue sunny skies, a beautiful palm tree outside of my window, a gorgeous balcony with white balustrade and railing.

Staying on the second floor of this grand house this time...chose a gorgeous guest room with striped fabric walls, a beautiful Louis XVI french bed with red and and gold "bee" fabric, a beautiful crystal chandelier and a bathroom to die for!

Detail of my room at my friend's New Orleans home with a Louis style french bed upholstered in a fanciful "bee" patterned fabric in red, gold and black. Striped upholstered walls make this room a delightful resting place for a guest! (above)

We have a full day today and this weekend. FF told me via text before I got here "this Mardi Gras weekend is a marathon not a sprint...we are going to have to pace ourselves." Judging by the packed schedule she told me about last night when I got in...it is going to be a full on party for the days to come!

First stop...two luncheons in the French Quarter. Luncheons for two different krewes...

Will explain all the details later...just know that my weekend here involves a float, a costume and lots of beads!!!

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler encore une fois!

Photo in this post by Coco of Cococozy

IRON REALLY WORKS FOR THIS CHARMING FRENCH CHANDELIER!

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

Pom Pom Interiors Melrose - French Wrought Iron Chandelier - $995

Yoohoo...was in my favorite store a few weeks ago with good friend RK who was visiting from out of town...yet another friend who I dragged to a store to look at more furniture.

I convinced RK to go to Pom Pom, one of my favorite shops here in L.A.. I thought, we'll do a quick browse before we eat at brunch favorite BLD on Beverly. RK was clearly not at all interested in my musings over every item in the Pom Pom store.

Here's how the 15 minute store visit went down.

I dove into the store with wind at my back, RK was in my wake. I started a 900 mile a minute chatter while pointing at this, commenting on that, oohing over one thing while manhandling another. A home decor and furnishing whirling dervish of sorts. When I finally whirled around out of my furniture frenzy and remembered I had a friend with me, I noticed RK standing about eight feet away from me (giving me enough room to whirl), with eyes half mast. The look on RK's face clearly said "When is she going stop? When is this expedition going to be over? If she pulls that camera out one more time and snaps a picture of another table, I might scream. Oh, now she is looking at me. Smile. Pretend to like what she is pointing at. Smile. Oy. Point at something. Pretend like you have an interest in something. She is standing under a chandelier. Point at that and say "That's nice"."

Well RK's inadvertent find is the focus of this post. When RK pointed upward I looked up and there was this wrought iron chandelier. I forgot about the look on RK's face and immediately gasped and began my incessant chatter, "WOWWWWEEEE! I love it. Do you think it would go in my house? Do you like it? Do you hate it? It looks Moroccan...Moorish in feel. Oooh it says it is French...I wonder if it is an antique or vintage? Looks kind of like all of the wrought iron accessories I have in my house. I can't believe you found this! I was standing right under it and I didn't see it. I love the triangle shape, the scroll iron work, the three chain ceiling suspension. What a great light fixture. It could go in my living room, what about that hallway, it would be great in a dining room...no? I can't believe I missed this. I am an idiot!!!" It was only on my very last statement that I saw RK imperceptibly nod. :-)

Anyhoo...I do like this chandelier. Do you?





This chandelier and many more can be found at:
Pom Pom Melrose
6819 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323-938-6286

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

CHEAP TO CHIC: STRAIGHTENING OUT THE STORY ON THE SERPENTINE DRESSER!

Photo by Coco of Cococozy (above)

serpentine definition from dictionary.com:
–adjective
1. of, characteristic of, or resembling a serpent, as in form or movement.
2. having a winding course, as a road; sinuous.
3. shrewd, wily, or cunning.

These serpentine dressers have all of these characteristics of the adjective that is used to describe them...the curvy front resembles that of a serpent or snake; instead of being flat fronted and straight to the point, the front of these dressers take a winding course, adding visual interest and appeal; and finely the design, whether antique, vintage, reproduction or a modern spin is quite shrewd and cunning.

The most classic version of this type of dresser is picture above. An antique, dark stained with metal pulls, and a hard surface top. A traditional piece that is suited for a bedroom of any style or can be placed in an entry way or hall for storage and design.

My favorite...the Plush Home version below...it feels modern but yet very retro and vintage at the same time. Love the cleaner lines of this version...that angle more than curve.

The serpentine dresser is a classic...no meandering or winding around the truth...this all straight talk on this timeless piece...that is why it is today's COCOCOZY CHEAP TO CHIC:

Maison Luxe - Jackson Chest of Drawers - $2250 (In enamel white)(above)


William Sonoma Home - Deauville Dresser - $2450 (Inspired by a Louis XIV bureau. Chest of drawers or dresser with serpentine front, scalloped apron and volute feet. Gently distressed French lacquer. Full-width drawers are fitted with antiqued-brass pulls. Handcrafted from plantation grown mahogany with a cherry-stained top and a painted and expertly distressed base in a cream finish. Dimensions:48" x 22 1/2" x 35" high) (above)


Plush Home - Fairbanks Chest of Drawers - $6950 (mahogany. Dimensions W 49" D 18" H 36") (above) (my favorite)


Baker - George III Serpentine Chest - price upon request (above)

DESIGN ON SALE DAILY: A FROSTED GREEN CRYSTAL CHANDELIER!

Brocade Home - Crystal Chandelier in Celadon - on sale $399; regular $599 (Metal frame with frosted glass crystals. Hardwired. 3.5'' cord. UL listed. 60W candelabra bulbs not included. Celadon green. Dimensions - 27"w x 23"h) (above)

Another green chandelier goes on sale at Brocade Home. Love this feminine French inspired classic chandelier. Am rethinking lighting again...maybe this would do the trick???

COLOR WATCH: A FAIR WAY OF LIVING - A PEBBLE BEACH GOLF WEEKEND INSPIRES THOUGHTS OF ALL THINGS GREEN!

The golf course fairway at Pebble Beach during the 2009 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am with its perfectly manicured green grass and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean (above)
Photo by Coco of Cococozy

I don't golf. Thought I needed to come clean right away as I begin a golf inspired post.

Yes I spent the weekend at Pebble Beach for the AT&T National Pro Am...and no, I do not know a thing about golf. Not a thing.

Okay, I lie just a bit...before the weekend I knew the following words were associated with golf...Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, green, tee, hole in one, birdie, bogey, driving range, clubs, 18th hole. I had heard these words before but hardly knew what any of them meant. By the end of the weekend, I added the following to my vocabulary...fairway, Nick Faldo, Vijay Singh, spectator. Doesn't seem like I learned much from my golf filled weekend...I only seemed to have added four words to my personal golf lexicon (and yes, I realize some of the words I learned are actually people's names).

Why didn't I learn more about golf while surrounded by hundreds probably thousands of golf aficionados who had flocked to the Monterey Peninsula to watch this annual tournament that features golf pros and celebrity golfers? Why? I don't know... Well maybe it didn't help that I was more concerned with looking cute in my outdoor golf wear which included a short white Burberry windbreaker with stylish buttons, drawstring ties and a hood and my shiny black rain galoshes (or Wellies as the British might say). Or maybe the improvement of my golf knowledge was stymied by my group's obsession with spotting Kelly Slater (a pro surfer) who was one of the celebrities playing in the tournament and who looks exactly like friend Hilary Walker's boyfriend, Chad Stith. It didn't help my golf "game" at all that the good friends from San Francisco (namely Hilary, Kara Reiter and a third new friend AM) the very people who had so nicely invited me along on the weekend, were less than focused on the golf too!

So while the setting was absolutely breathtaking and beyond beautiful, it was chilly outside and we were hungry and we did want to get to the Tap Room to meet Kara's friends from San Francisco and we didn't really care to know who was winning or losing and we did see Kelly Slater....and, so, I embarrassingly must say that for an entire weekend, golf was only really a priority for about an hour or two as we walked the course.

The only bright light in helping me understand golf a bit better was that Hilary's bf (short for boyfriend), Chad, and his friend D (who shall remain nameless at this point) seemed to actually care about the sport...we left them on the side of the fairway after about 2 hours out on the course. The guys taught me about the who's who of golf when they started swooning, salivating and panting when golf legend Nick Faldo sat next to us at a table at Stillwater, a restaurant overlooking the 18th hole and the ocean (I had NO idea who Nick Faldo was so it was quite easy for the boys to coax me to go over to him to ask for a photo on their behalf...send the golf dunce to do the dirty work). So while sitting next to Nick, I quizzed them on the best all time golfers and actually learned a thing or two.

Anyhooo...in honor of my golf weekend and since I still know nothing about golf...I thought I'd try to make a connection between golf and furniture, accessories and home decor - something I do know about. The only connection I could make was the color green! The manicured greens, long beautiful fairways and the perfectly planned roughs...this verdant golf course was wonderful combination of nature and man made. I think the same can be said of furniture with green tones...love the combination of something refined with the color green which reminds me of nature and the outdoors. Flimsy connection...I know...but give me credit for at least trying!!!


Pottery Barn - Sutter Hand Painted Secretary - on sale $799.99 (Green and white geometrical patterned European tile work inspired this handpainted secretary or office armoire. Looks like a dresser but the piece opens to reveal a workspace and desk area with enough room for laptop computer. Cubbies above and drawers below store supplies. Framed in solid hardwood with veneer. Unpainted top has an antique honey stain) (above)

Moss - Smile Pouf - $1530 (Shag ottoman or pouf (pouffe) in deep green. Designer:Paulo Haubert, 2002. Made of 100% merino wool outer cover and 100% cotton inner cover. Hand made in Brazil at the Dona Concecao Atelier)(above)

Plantation - Pacey Lamp - $345 (Lime green art glass designer lamp in sculptured tinted glass complemented by a simple drum shade) (above)


West Elm - Medina Glass Jars and Bottles - $14-$49 (Vintage shaped glass jars, pots, bottles and vases in shades of green. Clear, tinted and clouded glass)(above)


Pieces - Antique English Server - $8400 (Vintage dining room buffet or sideboard in a pale muted green. Perfect for linens, dishes and silverware. Dimensions - 57W x 21D x 35H. Original top. Base hand painted to match. Cream hand painted outline detail. Original hardware & key holes. Two doors & two drawers.) (above)


Pebble Beach golf course on Valentine's Day 2009! (above)
Photo by Coco of Cococozy

P.S. I stayed at L'Auberge in Carmel, California. It is a lovely small 20 room hotel built in the 1920s. Perfect service, cozy rooms, right in the center of town and just four blocks from the beach, just lovely...I also love that their Mercedes car service was available to pick me up and drop me off at any time of the day or night. I highly recommend!

A SITTING ROOM BRANCHES OUT!

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

Designed by Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat of Lucas Studio, Inc. in West Hollywood, this is the Guest Sitting Room at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills as finished for Veranda Magazine's show house back in November.

Walls are covered in a beige, brown and orange linen fabric from Ferrick and Mason. Fabric features a striking pattern of trees and branches with bright orange blossoms.

This sitting room leads out into a lush outdoor patio space...the woodsy walls make for the perfect transition from inside the mansion to the wonderful outdoors!


Close up of a round white step mirror which is hung on the fabric covered upholstered walls. (above)


An array of pillows in different fabrics brighten up a curved off white love seat. (above)





A pair of white gesso covered mid century armchairs are covered in bright blue and white fabric and are further adorned with bright yellow print pillows...providing a punch of color and a bit of contrast to the room's darker colors. Chairs are $4200 and are from Harbinger. (above)



All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

POSITIVELY PERFECT POUFFES - A SEATING SOLUTION FOR AM!

Urban Outfitters - Lana Velvet Pouf - $89 (tufted velvet round ottoman. Comes in Spring Green, Royal Purple or Chocolate Brown. Dimensions: 17"w, 17"h, 17"d. ) (above)

Okay...love this little tufted pouffe. A pouffe, puff, stool, ottoman, foot rest, side table or anything you want it to be!

AM, my good friend, had mentioned months ago that she was looking for a fully tufted and upholstered ottoman. No base (wood or metal or fabric covered) showing, all fabric showing, fully upholstered and button tufting. AM had seen something like it in Elle Decor but when I found that particular piece I found out it was thousands of dollars.

So some months later...eons after AM put in her request for my furniture hunting skills...with my eye still on the prize (hunt) for AM (shows focus, tenacity perseverance. Trying to give myself a pat on the back when really this find was all about luck)...I stumbled upon this little stool from Urban Outfitters. Cute, affordable and stylish. Who could ask for more? (Knowing AM...she'll ask for more...:-))

Hey AM...is this what you were looking for???

Does anyone have any other suggestions or AM?

EATING IN - SOME EYE CATCHING AND MOUTH WATERING DINING ROOMS I LIKE!

Photo © Eric Roth
A classic dining room decorated in a Caribbean style of sorts with a large palm tree gracing the room. A round wood mahogany stained pedestal dining table and dark brown walnut stained vintage bentwood dining chairs are placed within arms reach of a fab fireplace with a carved stone and large wood decorative mirror. The room also features a curved cove area with ornate embossed crown dentil molding, pale blue wallpaper, a vintage glass and brass light fixture and a capiz shell floor lamp. Oh...did I forget to mention the fantastic almost black glossy hardwood floor!(above)

So, last week I had some friends over and actually made dinner...a novelty for me! I think it went well...at least my friends lied to me for a moment and said they enjoyed the meal...listen a lie is good enough for me...at this point, I'll take any little word of praise I can get!! Anyhoooooooo, got me thinking about eating in and dinner at home. So I found these delightful dining rooms. All places where I would certainly love to entertain family and friends.

Hope you get a bit of inspiration from this!


Photo © Eric Roth
Simplicity is the order of the day in this dining room. Large white drum pendants lights elegantly hang over a simple long wood farmhouse table that is surrounded by open back bright white wood chairs. Wide plank natural stain pine floors, a wall of french doors and paned windows and a floor to ceiling chalkboard give this space a modern comfy cozy country rustic feel.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Whittaker Design

The perfect South Hamptons beach house dining space featuring classic French blue and white rattan bistro chairs, a long farm house style rectangular table with a white x-base and grey top, a striking chandelier made of sea shells and a bold striped blue and white rug...a bright and sunny setting for a beachy indoor dining scene. (above)

Photo courtesy Windsor Smith Home

Here is a classically elegant dining area set in an octagonal shaped room in a Georgian style estate here in Los Angeles. Designed by Windsor Smith, this is the ultimate of a modern take on traditional design. Room features rich tan walls, toile print drapery accenting large floor to ceiling French doors and paned windows, classic Queen Anne dining chairs with clever striped seat cushions, a brass lantern pendant light/chandelier hanging from a bright white beamed ceiling and the delicate touch of some white decorative plates placed elegantly on simple bracket wall shelves. (above)

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Dinkel Design

Another classic space for entertaining dinner guests at home. This one features a large crystal chandelier as its centerpiece. A glossy dark stain wood table and Queen Anne chairs are surrounded by neutral off white walls and green accents in seat cushions and framed art. (above)

Photo courtesy of Jeff Andrews Design

This modern mealtime meeting place was designed for a bachelor in Rome, Italy. Featuring a sleek modern table, square upholstered ottomans or pouffes covered in fabric with a black and white bird scenery pattern, a two tiered Murano style white glass chandelier and sheer black drapes all make for the perfect pad for a single guy living in Rome! (above)


Photo courtesy of Frank Roop Design
A pale grey faux finish painted room with large white shadow box shelving is perfection in color coordination. A dark brown round wood table comfortably seats 6 or more and is surrounded by wood and white leather retro looking dining chairs. Blue accents which include an umbrella style chandelier and a blue velvet cushion on a built-in window bench along with a dark brown hardwood floor play well against the greys and whites in the room. A shiny silver metal 1950's inspired wall sculpture is a striking piece of art above the room's meticulously modern fireplace and mantel. (above)

Bon apetit!

LIFE INSPIRES THOUGHTS OF ART - IMPRESSIONS ON THE EVE OF A FULL MOON!

Photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

Photo of night sky and near full moon taken in the Hollywood Hills overlooking Los Angeles on February 8, 2009 (above and below)

Was driving through the Hollywood Hills with a friend tonight and ran into this beautiful sight. The moon. Simple, bright, dazzling - the centerpiece of the night sky.

Reminded me of Vincent van Gogh's famed painting, The Starry Night. While the stars were certainly dimmed by the moon...something about the sky made me think of the painting and the scene that Dutch post-impressionist artist van Gogh imagined in his head and then put on canvas.

So while driving along through the hills and not knowing anything about the lunar cycle...I exclaimed "A full moon! I must take a photo!".

Three things:

1) I was wrong...it wasn't quite a full moon. I learned this when I got home. The full moon is tomorrow.

2) How old am I? How many times have I seen a pretty moon? Why was I acting like a three year old who first looks up and notices a bright round moon on a winter night? I will not answer the first question here or the second question - my age will remain a secret, thank you very much! I can answer why I was acting like a three year old part...answer, because a full moon is awe inspiring every time I see it.

3) Think friends are getting tired of me jumping out cars and stopping in stores and pausing in front of houses to take photos for Cococozy. Wonder when they are going to reach their breaking point with me and the camera?!?!?!

I hope you readers do not think I am some spirtualist, astrology devotee or lunar lunatic...this post is simple...I just was driving through the hills with a friend on a cold Los Angeles night (I know you in other parts of the country don't believe we can have cold nights here...:-)) and happened upon an awesome moon that I thought I would share.


Life imitates art in this case - a real life scene of the night sky over Los Angeles (above) reminds of a famous very dramatic and iconic painting (below)


Vincent van Gogh - The Starry Night (1889) - image from Wikimedia Commons (above)



Maybe the home decor or interior design point of this post is that you should take creative inspiration from the world around you...perhaps finding ways to turn life into some amazing art in your home!

Photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

DESIGN ON SALE DAILY: AN ANDALUSIAN RUG!

West Elm - Andalusian Rug 8'x10'- on sale $367; regular $459 (Wool and cotton rug with classic Spanish print. Comes in a variety of sizes. Shown in espresso and ivory. Also comes in red) (above)

This rug from West Elm reminds me of a very chic Madeline Weinrib rug. A knock off perhaps???

Well depending on your budget...here is a rug or carpet that can warm up a room with it's rich color and bold pattern. On wood, tile, cement or stone...the classic pattern attributed to Spain by West Elm and Tibet by Madeline Weinrib could add a bit of bold distinction to a floor. Try this in a family room or a den. Hmmm....I might add to my t.v. room...


Madeline Weinrib - Mandala Topaz Chenille (above)


West Elm - Andalusian Rug (above)