WEEKEND PHOTO: LIVING IN STYLE!

Photo courtesy of Carrier and Company

White living room with natural linen upholstered sofa and armchairs featuring a delicate stripe pattern. (above)

Love this living room designed by Carrier and Company! I like the light and airy feel of the space and I love the upholstered furniture - natural linen with a dark stripe. Vintage linen sacks are the de rigeur in home decor...while the sofa and chairs here are probably not covered in actual grainsacks, they have that same feel. LOVE!!!

Am still in NY, went to a fab lunch yesterday with friend JT and her friend Kalyn Johnson (who also has a great style blog) at a place in Tribeca called Landmarc (fantastic), then dinner (only two hours later) with best of friend AM and her hubby JE at Lucky Strike (one of my favorite Soho restaurants), and then off to a cool party at an artist's home, and now it is morning...was supposed to be at the design fair by 8a...not there yet (it is 10:30a and I am still in my PJs...oy). AM's husband JE referred to us as being as slow as a herd of turtles...hmmmm....then he changed it to us moving as slow as a herd of dead turtles...hmmmm (JE has been up and about, dressed, went to Starbucks and got me a tea and AM some coffee, he has taken their 2 year old son to soccer practice (yes soccer practice) and is generally moving...we're still here at the apartment piddling around...). Can't seem to step it up and move fast...AM and I keep talking about celebrity gossip, home decor, random stuff and her cute daughter LE...we are trying to make progress to get out of the house...trying...trying! Okay...well, as soon as I press send on this post...will be off to the Javitz Center with AM and daughter LE...design and decor here we come!

Anyhoooooo.....what do you think of this living room?

xo
Coco

IN SEARCH OF DECOR AND DESIGN FINDS IN NEW YORK CITY!

Photo in this post by Coco of Cococozy

The view of New York City at 7am this morning...! (above)

Helloooooooo....am in the city! Took the red-eye in...why I do this to myself I do not know. When I got out of the airport to take a taxi, I cried. I cried inadvertently actually. It is soooooooo cold here that tears just started pouring out my eyes. I am a true California girl.

I crossed over into Manhattan at about 7am after landing at JFK. Made my way to best friend AM's house where I am staying. AM called me in the taxi and I told her how cold it was, she responded "I wondered how long it would take you to start talking about the cold. I estimated 20 seconds and I was right" (AM is from the North East, I am from California...ever since our college days, she has known that I am perpetually cold...she is the type who wears open toe shoes and sleeveless tops in the dead of an east coast winter. Yin and yang I suppose!). So, when I arrived to AM's lovely Soho apartment, I met her adorable daughter LE who is just 3 months old and who is DARLING, danced with her cute 2 year old son JE Jr. for about half an hour, chatted with AM for about an hour before she left for work, and then rounded out the morning with a nice chat with AM's husband JE.

I have a full day ahead of me...going to stop off at the New York International Gift Fair to see what I can see in textiles today. Don't know where the textiles portion of the fair is...so have to figure that out...hmmm...note to self...before leaving find out address...

TILE FILE: WATER WORKS TO CUT INTRICATE MARBLE MOSAIC TILES!

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

Inside the Waterworks store on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, CA (above)
Walked into Waterworks on Melrose awhile back and immediately started ooohing and aaahing over all things bath: bath fixtures, fittings, furniture, ceramic tiles, stone, textiles, accessories and apothecary.

The biggest ooooh came out as a I mused over the incredible marble mosaic samples on the wall in the front room.

These tiles are water jet cut - a technology that allows artisans to cut a variety of shapes and forms. Love these!!!


Precision cut mosaic tiles featured on the store wall are part of the exclusive line called Aqualinea. Prices for this line of tiles starts at about $125 per square foot. (above)
Here's a look at a few of these water jet cut marble mosaic samples up close:












Which do you like best?

xo
Coco

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

DESIGN IDEA - WALLPAPER IN KITCHEN CABINETS!

Photos courtesy of Sara Gilbane Interiors

Glass front upper kitchen cabinetry gets an extra zing of design when blue and white wallpaper is added inside the cabinets. (above)

Hmmm...interesting idea...use wallpaper on the inside back panel of glass front kitchen cabinets. In this case, a white and blue kitchen holds true to its color scheme even inside the cabinets. A floral (almost calico) blue and white wallpaper lines the backs of the cabinets making for an interesting and colorful display.

You wouldn't necessarily have to use a floral...imagine a more modern version of this kitchen with Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis print peaking out from behind the glass...or one of these modern and bold Vivienne Westwood wallpaper patterns from Cole & Son (see below).


Vivienne Westwood - Squiggle Wallpaper (above)


Vivienne Westwood - Tartan Plaid Wallpaper (above)


Vivienne Westwood - Shirting Wallpaper (above)


Wide shot of kitchen pantry area shows white cabinets with panel edges painted blue, antique brass hardware and black countertops. If you look closely at the glass front upper cabinets you can see the floral wallpaper peeking out from inside the cabinets! (above)

Could be interesting. A good decorating idea for those of you who are daring enough to give it a try. I think I am too boring to try something like this...but I would certainly applaud the person who does!

What do you think of wallpapering the backs of cabinets? Is wallpaper only for walls or can it successfully be used on any flat surface?

xo

Coco

Photos courtesy of Sara Gilbane Interiors

CHEAP TO CHIC: TRANSPARENT STYLE - THE BEST CLEAR CHAIRS!

yliving - Frilly by Patricia Urquiola - $302 (Presented by Kartell. Polycarbonate side chair with wavy pattern and shape. Weather resistant)(above)

Lucite, polycarbonate, acrylic - are these all ways to say some form of plastic? Anyone? Any scientist/decor junkies? Hellloooooooooooooo?????

Anyhoo...I like a good transparent chair. They come in so many shapes and colors these days. A translucent chair can be a great permanent accent in a room (let's say dining for example)...or just some chairs you pull out for a gathering when one extra guest arrives (that guest who did not RSVP but just shows up)...some of these chairs can even be used outdoors!

Here's today's CHEAP TO CHIC on clear chairs:


Z Gallerie - Aero Side Chair - $149 (Acrylic side chair with chromed tubular steel frame)(above)


cb2- Vapor Chair - $179 (Acrylic and chrome plated steel frame side.)(above)


Modern Dose - Vicki Chair - $185 (Clear acrylic side chair oval back. Stackable)(above)


Weego Home - Thayla Chair - $292 (Side chair comes in clear polycarbonate or mass dyed options)(above)


Hive Modern - La Marie - $305 (Philippe Starck designed polycarbonate side chair. Shown in pale yellow)(above)


Weego Home - Papyrus Chair - $349 (Polycarbonate chair in clear or smooth finish color options. Shown in rust brown) (above)


yliving - Vogue Chair from Spectrum West - $875 (Acrylic chair in orange or clear. Scooped seat back with gently waved top. Tapered legs with cross ties)(above)

Any of these see through chairs stand out to you? Do post and tell!

COOK LIVE DINE ALL IN ONE ROOM - HOW THREE DIFFERENT SPACES FIT INTO ONE NORMAL SIZE ROOM!

All photos in this post courtesy of Angie Hranowsky Design Studio

A living room, dining room and open kitchen all in one room. (above)

Came across the website of Charleston, SC designer Angie Hranowsky this weekend. Her designs are full of fun color and elegantly eclectic combinations of home furnishings and accessories.

Thought this room was tres interesting. I am usually 100% against an open kitchen (100% against it really) but I think this space works (so maybe I am not 100% against..maybe just 99% against and this room is the 1% that is the exception). Maybe it is the sleek and well designed gourmet kitchen that provides a nice backdrop for the living and dining spaces. I think it is the kitchen in fact that is so very cool.


The kitchen is all white with wood floors that carry through to the rest of the space. Modern simple white cabinets, a squared off main center island, and a very dramatic textured tile feature wall with a shiny range hood combine style and function perfectly. (above)


The view from the open kitchen into the living room. (above)


The small dining room is neatly appointed with a mid-century modern style wood dining table, white Bertoia dining chairs, two white cone shaped pendant lights and finished off with a colorful abstract portrait painting.(above)

WEEKEND PHOTO: TIME TO RELAX!

Photo courtesy of Eric Roth


Hope you take the time to relax this weekend. I love this photo...three rocking chairs on a sun porch...overlooking a gorgeous sunny yard. I love the idea of a porch...and I love a great rocking chair. (Do I sound like I am 90? Can't help it though I do like rocking chairs and porches!)

The sun is finally out today...literally and figuratively speaking. We've had days and days of rain here in California...when I woke up this morning, all of the clouds were gone and the sky was bright. After a crazy couple of weeks in weather and some personal challenges, it is definitely time to take a break, time to enjoy the beautiful day, time to relax!

Ahhhh....

FLAWLESS FLORAL DESIGN!

Photos courtesy of Lily Lodge

Plaid enamel plates and cups, a simple white runner and an original centerpiece made of gorgeous orange roses in brown paper bags complete this outdoor lawn picnic table setting for four. (above)

Was in desperate need of the perfect flowers yesterday. Needed to send flowers to someone who was of great help to me this past weekend. A thank you. Challenge was this person lives in Washington D.C. and I live in L.A. The other "challenge" was that I never trust out of area florists...no reason...I just don't...(really logical right?)

For this flower order, I couldn't risk it. Way too important. I needed these flowers to be just right. Nothing too extravagant, something elegant, simple and tasteful. How could I know that a D.C. florist would do the job right...how could I trust (I know...D.C. is a major city filled with competent florists...but I was over thinking the whole thing as I usually do over think things...indulge me please...)?

With perfection in mind, I turned to Ariana Lambert Smeraldo the owner of Los Angeles' swank flower shop called Lily Lodge. I would fly flowers across the country in the dead of winter just so I could be assured of the caliber, quality and design. I knew Ariana's taste in flowers was impeccable and I also knew she offered a service called Flowers in a Box that has flowers delivered in a wonderful box straight to the recipient's door (reminds me of watching old 1950's movies where women received flowers in boxes from their love interests...and also reminds me of my dad - he used to bring home flowers in boxes for my mother, sister and me on Valentine's Day...love this concept)!

Well, of course, Ariana of Lily Lodge had the solution...a lovely box of purple Vanda orchids was shipped off overnight...I got an email from the recipient the next day saying "Wow"! Mission accomplished! (Poor Ariana though had to endure a million emails from me changing my mind, hemming and hawing, wishing and washing on every detail down to the salutation on the card...in the end, I went with what I had first ordered and she had first suggested...Ariana then wisely commented that one should always go with their first instinct.)

Another byproduct of working with Ariana on this flower order was that she gave me permission to use photos from her website...stunning floral arrangements! Yippeee...!

This post features some ideas from Lily Lodge for floral decorations for tabletop entertaining...flowers can make a table standout...whether for a luxe wedding luncheon, a glitzy dinner party or dashing table setting for an afternoon shower...wonderful flower arrangements are the answer!


Garlands of California bay leaves, persimmons, raspberry branches and figs are draped over long tables at an outdoor hillside wedding reception. (above)


White peonies and gardenias in a gold bowl compliment the gold rimmed white china used for this May wedding table.(above)


Green succulents and white dinner plate Dahlias in a vintage silver revere bowl ooze elegance.(above)



Purple New Zealand hydrangea flower arrangements are artfully designed to make a lovely picture for the table at a wedding set in an art gallery. (above and below)





Flowers in a Box from Lily Lodge. (above)


Outside the Lily Lodge store on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles, 310.360.9400. (above)

Which centerpiece or table setting is your favorite?

xo
Coco

P.S. These tables look fantastic because of the flowers and because of the "tablescaping". Place settings (plates, forks, knives, glassware etc.) for the first two photos are by Small Masterpiece - a company that focus on tabletop design! How cool is that? Make sure to pay attention to all details when trying to set the perfect table.

Photos courtesy of Lily Lodge

WHAT TO DO WITH A COOL YARD SALE FIND? A VINTAGE WICKER PEACOCK CHAIR!

All photos courtesy of Linda Grasso of Shesez

A vintage wicker peacock chair. (above)
Good friend Linda Grasso of Shesez blog wrote me this evening asking for some ideas on refurbishing a furniture find. Linda found this vintage peacock wicker chair in La Jolla this weekend at a yard sale for $15. The chair she was told comes from England. While the silhouette is shaped like a classic peacock wicker chair, the swirls and curls in this wicker are quite unique.

Now Linda wants to know what she should do with this chair. Does the chair even need a makeover? Should it go indoors or outdoors? Remain natural or painted? If paint is the option for this wicker wonder, then what color? If it stays outdoors, how does one waterproof it? What to do with this chair? What should Linda do with her new chair? Help!

I have some ideas and so does Linda on what should be done...but I would love to hear your ideas!


Close up of the intricate detail on Linda's vintage wicker chair. (above)
To give you a little context on where this chair might go...Linda lives in a gorgeous home in the Encino hills with her husband CK, two darling sons and two cute small dogs. Linda has beautifully decorated her home in a traditional style that feels both chic and comfortable. A home where you could easily throw a posh dinner party for 10, spend relaxed quality time with the family, enjoy cooking a fantastic meal in the gourmet kitchen, or even pretend that you are at an elegant resort enjoying a luxurious spa retreat. Linda has designed a home that is warm, elegant, easy and stylish all at the same time.


View of the back of Linda's lovely California hillside home and backyard. (above)

As you can see, Linda's backyard is quite splendid. It features a lovely garden, the perfect pool with flagstone trim and a path of paving stones surrounding it. Lastly the yard has a great patio with several seating areas including an outdoor "living room" of sorts set under a wonderful white lanai.

In my view, when the wicker chair is spruced up in some way, it might actually work for this outdoor living space.




Who wouldn't want to take a dip in this pool? (above)


Linda Grasso of Shesez relaxing at home on her patio with several furry friends including her own Bo and Cal.(above)

Linda is leaning towards painting the vintage wicker chair a green or a yellow to blend in with the striped upholstery on the her outdoor living room furniture.

I think the chair could also fit in perfectly if it was painted a bright glossy white and some bold turquoise, brown and white, or yellow and green patterned seat cushions were added (I am partial to Trina Turk's indoor outdoor fabric line - I bought the brown and white Santorini fabric for some outdoor cushions on my own deck...of course, I have yet to have the cushions made...of course). Could look kind of Palm Beach glam or retro 70's Hollywood.

Any ideas are welcome. Please please comment on how you might makeover Linda's vintage wicker chair!

xo
Coco

P.S. Can't wait to hear your ideas and also can't wait to see what Linda ends up doing with her new (old) chair...when she finishes...I'll have to post the before & afters!

All photos courtesy of Linda Grasso of Shesez

ROOM TO LOVE: A VISUALLY ENTERTAINING FAMILY ROOM!

Photos courtesy of Palmer Weiss Interior Design


It is only three weeks into 2010 and it seems this month I am gravitating towards orange. Feel like I've done a couple of posts featuring orange things I love.

Well I love this family room, den or t.v. room. What a bright and cheery entertainment space. Bright orange and white brocade curtains add a daring splash of color and combine well with the bright white, brown and powder blue hues in the room. I love the gloss lacquer faux bamboo armchairs, the zebra rug, the blue x-benches, the medium brown upholstered sofa with orange piping and all of the little accents here and there. (Looks like quite a few of the accents come from my fave Jonathan Adler by the way)

Style that is entertaining to look at. Don't you think?



Did I mention how much I like the blue ribbon border on the orange drapes? Mentioned.

What do you think?

xo
Coco

DESIGN ON SALE DAILY: FOUR FAB FURNITURE CLEARANCE FINDS!

Cameron Sofa in Luxe Linen - on sale $1799.99; regular $2399 (79" upholstered sofa in off white linen. Tight curved back and rolled arms. Dark wood stained feet.)(above)

Was a crazy busy weekend for me. Some big stuff went on...maybe I'll share details with you at some point. Still trying to absorb all that happened. Wow!

Finally getting back to COCOCOZY...!

These discounted furniture finds for the home all come from Room & Board. Whenever I am in NY, I make sure to stop by the SOHO location...one of my favorite spots to window shop and browse for ideas. Will be in NYC in a few weeks I think and wouldn't miss popping in.

Here's today's DESIGN ON SALE DAILY...!


Delia Chair in Troy Spice - on sale $499.99; regular $649 (retro looking slipper chair with ebony stain legs in a spice orange color. Three button tuft detail on back)(above)


Stones Rug in Chocolate - on sale $999.99; regular $1999 (100% wool. Hand-knotted rug. Made in Nepal. 6'7"x9'10")(above)


Moore Table Lamp in Blue Opal - on sale $199.99; regular $299 (Blue glass table lamp. Silk shade trimmed in blue. 29"hx17"w.)(above)

I think my favorites are the sofa and the rug. Which are yours?

xo
Coco

SEE THIS HOUSE: THE LIGHT IS JUST RIGHT IN A SUBLIME NETHERLANDS HOME!

All photos in this post courtesy of Ron van Empel

A zebra rug, a silver garden stool and two white side chairs make a perfect vignette in front of a beautiful fireplace with a paneled wood mantel and pale blue wall. (above)
This is the Netherlands home, showroom and studio of lighting guru and designer Ron van Empel of Empel Collections. A wonderful live/work space!

Came across these images because friend CB forwarded me a bunch of pictures Ron had emailed her. Ron is great friends with CB's godmother and I guess sends CB emails from time to time. This time CB and I were talking on the phone and she began raving about how "gorgeous" Ron's Leiden home is. I was immediately interested in seeing the gorgeous photos...so Charlotte sent them over...that's when I began drooling. I drooled even more when Ron sent me another email with more photos from his home and some of his new lighting. Eureka! A post! (Meanwhile...I know...very long explanation to really say somehow I got the photos...sorry...)

I love this home that Ron uses as a place of residence, a design studio and a showroom for all of his lighting (table lamps, chandeliers, sconces, wall lamps, pendant lights). From a design perspective, these interiors are so very well decorated but also very accessible - meaning they are pretty and livable at the same time.

Thank you Ron for sharing!


A blanket of winter white snow covers the front garden of this live work space in the Netherlands. Double carved front doors painted a cool glossy grey, manicured hedges in symmetrical planters and wonderful iron work over the door's sidelights make for a grand entrance. (above)

More snow surrounds the pool in the backyard. The house color is a light taupe with black shutters, french doors with black trim and some white door and window frames. (above)


A rock crystal table lamp from the Empel Collections. (above)


Natural light streams into the well edited living room. (above)


Lots of seating, some stylish accents and a the perfect coffee table make for a stylish living room setting. (above)


"Mad Men" brass lamp that is part of Ron's Mid Century series of table lamps. (above)

The garden room!


Red chinoiserie toile wallpaper surrounds the fireplace in the showroom area. (above)

Two coral colored faux bamboo Chippendale chairs cast a warm hue and are so inviting as they flank the roaring fireplace in the lighting showroom in the work area of the home. (above)



Again, thank you Ron for sharing your lovely house!

xo
Coco