A TUSCAN KITCHEN DONE THE RIGHT WAY!

Finally, a Tuscan room I love! Maybe because it is in Tuscany!

I say finally because all I see here in L.A. is over worked "Tuscan" in homes. I am not a huge fan of California style "Tuscan" decor and architecture for the most part...the not-so authentic faux finishes and scrolling iron works and big blocky wood architecture additions are usually replete in these homes...so that leaves me feeling that the so called "California-Tuscan" just doesn't work for me.

This actual Tuscan kitchen in Tuscany does work for me. California Tuscan copy cats behold a true Italian kitchen.

There is something so romantic, rustic and raw about this open kitchen in a home in the countryside of Tuscany...

I don't know specifically what it is about this space that draws me to it...is it the warm inviting wall color, the wood beamed ceilings, the tattered wood cabinetry, the tapestry hanging on the textured wall in the dining room, or the fact that I can literally imagine myself there cooking (which I rarely do), eating, enjoying family and friends...hmmmm...ahhhhh...Tuscan love!









What do you think of this Tuscan kitchen? If you like please forward to your American friends to show them what Tuscan is supposed to look like!

Happy Tuesday!

Aside: Have to dash in a bit to my morning work meeting! Oh, last night, I found all of these sparkling headbands I bought earlier this year...I think I will put one on for work...a tiara of sorts...whenever I wear one of my tiara like headbands to my very corporate job, my boss always looks at me like I am nuts...hee hee...think I will shake things up again and wear a tiara (oh I mean sparkling headband) to work. Also don't judge me that wearing a tiara is my way of making things exciting at the office...I know...I'm sure some of you are saying...boring...dull...well...it is what it is...hee hee. Oh, I am also aware that regular readers are reading this right now and saying..."she's like a broken record"..."haven't I heard this tiara/headband bit before?"...hmmm...at least I am aware of my frailties! LOL!

Anyhooooo...again, Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Oh...I almost forgot! I just did a guest post for one of my favorite blogs!!! Yooo hooo. I am so excited to see it up...please go over to House of Turquoise blog today to see my guest post over there on my favorite blue rooms! Love House of Turquoise edited by Erin...thank you Erin for asking me to guest post. Love seeing the COCOCOZY name in lights!

P.P.S. Please remember to follow COCOCOZY TWITTER! Trying to reach 2500 followers there so I can do a fab linen pillow giveaway just for twitter fans. Tweet with me! xo

Photos: Adriano Bacchella

READER SUBMISSION: A HOLIDAY TABLE FILLED WITH FLORA AND FAUNA!

A holiday table setting submitted by long time COCOCOZY readers Anne and John from New York, NY (above)

Adore this holiday table submitted by best of friend Anne and her hubby John.

Okay...where do I begin...

Love the gorgeous flower arrangements of white Peonies, Ranunculus and green PomPoms. Also, adore the lovely blossom tablecloth by Marimekko from Crate and Barrel. The turquoise blue rimmed china is perfection. And did you notice the white ceramic pine cones?

And last and but not least, the adorable little squirrels strategically placed along the center of the table. Anne says her kids LOVED the addition of the squirrels. Great way to make an adult table...very family friendly. GREAT idea...and adds a bit of whimsy. Anne likes squirrels btw. LOL!

Flora and fauna come together for a wonderful holiday table setting.

Thanks Anne and John...see you in NY soon!

xo
Coco

P.S. Does a reader submission that comes from one of your best friends count as a reader submission? Please weigh in non-biased readers...hee hee.

PRETTY SITTING ROOM!

Frances Elkin white lacquer chair in a brown and white sitting room. (above)
Hope you had a great holiday weekend! I did! I had a wonderful weekend (oh except for the part where I got a computer virus on Thanksgiving morning and spent 3 hours trying to get rid of it...I finally found a video on Youtube where some 14 year old kid with braces explained how to get rid of the virus...it worked...thanks kid with the braces!)!

Anyhooooooo....wouldn't it be nice to have space for a sitting room in your home? A place off of your bedroom where you could sit and read, write letters, handle light correspondence and have a wonderful cup of tea. I like this chocolate brown and white his and hers sitting room. Very tailored and quite a nice space to sit...!

I'm sitting on a hard cold chair in my kitchen right now...my "sitting room"...hmmmm...

Well...no time to sit this Monday though...so much to do.



while I like this sitting area...I think my favorite element to the room is the detail trim painted on the ceiling. Love this added touch.

What do you think of this room? Where do you sit to read and write and just sit in your home?

Hope you have a fantastic Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Please remember to follow me on COCOCOZY TWITTER too! More of my chatter from me on a wide variety of things. The more the merrier! Would love to hear from you there too! As soon as we reach 2500 following along there, I'll do another fab linen pillow giveaway for twitter fans only. So please tweet along with me and tell your friends! :-)

Photos: Kelley Proxmire

COVETING A GINGHAM BED!

I had mentioned this bed on my Twitter last week. I found it AFTER I did my whole post on gingham. I like the whole look and feel of this bedroom. Clean, modern but with a bit of character. It works.

Love the bed the most...want it...may need it...covet it...don't have a spare bedroom to put it in though...hmmmm.....thinking...how to make this work?

Looks like a cheaper version of the very expensive Hastens beds - those beds cost as much as $60,000. Or maybe it is a Hastens. I just want it.

Happy Saturday! Hope you made it through black Friday safely! :-)

xo
Coco

Photo: Alvhelm Malkeri

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I am so thankful for all you COCOCOZY readers, for my wonderful family and my dear friends. I feel very fortunate for so many things and trust me there isn't a day that I am not reminded about being thankful for the amazing people I have in my life.

Today...my sis is doing dinner for the family. My only kitchen responsibilities are baking a sweet potato pie and making cranberries. Thankful that these are my only responsibilities too. :-)

These are some photos from my kitchen this morning!





Hope you have a tremendously fantastic Thanksgiving however you chose to spend this holiday. See you back here tomorrow!

xo
Coco

All photos in this post by Coco of Cococozy

READER SUBMISSION: FAMILY FRIENDLY WITH FINESSE!

A lovely lavender, silver and cream NYC living room from interior designer Jennifer Jones (above)

Got this photo last night from interior designer Jennifer Jones of J Logan Interiors in New York City.

Jennifer recently completed this project in a city apartment for a couple with several children. The challenge here: make a space elegant and good looking while also making it family friendly.

Here's what Jennifer had to say about this design project:

"I was given a task to work with an amazing family with three small children. All of the fabrics are kid friendly and geared toward using their Living Room. I did not want to give them a space that was "off limits", however, the parents do entertain so the space needed to be elegant, yet practical. Hence, the large cabinet to hide the extra large TV! "

Nice work Jennifer...the space is sophisticated and the use of soothing colors works...AND it's kid friendly...wow!

For any of you who want to reach Jennifer, here is her information:

Jennifer Jones
J Logan Interiors
jennifer@jloganinteriors.com
917.657.1133

Thank you Jennifer for this great photo!

Readers...hope all of your Thanksgiving plans are coming together! Hope you enjoy this room too.

xo
Coco

P.S. Am posting a before and after of a kitchen Jennifer Jones recently remodeled too on COCOCOZY FACEBOOK....take a look at the stunning transformation!

SEE THIS HOUSE: SWEET ON A SWEDISH FLAT!

Love this lovely flat for sale in Sweden...shown on Alvehm Makleri & Interior. It is fresh, airy and cheerful. The devil is in the architectural detail here with the herringbone wood floor, carved crown molding, the decorative ceiling medallions, tall paneled doors and more. Love it! (Going to see how many times I can say the word "love" or a variation there of in one post...). Take a look...












What do you think of this city apartment?

How are you doing on your Thanksgiving plans by the way?

Happy Tuesday COCOCOZY readers! Hope you have a good one!

xo
Coco

P.S. For design extras, please remember to follow me on COCOCOZY FACEBOOK and COCOCOZY TWITTER too. If you follow me on Twitter, I'll be doing a fabulous linen pillow giveaway there when we reach 2500 followers...for Twitter fans only!!!

SEE THIS HOUSE: A $29 MILLION MONTECITO MEDITERRANEAN MANSE!

Hmmm.....my morning...5am wake up with alarm...5:20 actually wake up...5:30-6:30am no accounting for time as I pretended to work at my computer, brush teeth, wash face, stare out of the window, put on aforementioned UGGs, light fireplace, turn on heater, swear out loud how cold it is in my tiny Hollywood Hills home, sit at my computer, quiet the dog who is whining, stare at my computer and it goes on for an hour like this....6:30a UPS guy drops off a package that was supposed to come on Saturday morning (grrrr....) and I tell him how disappointed I am in UPS and he ignores me...6:45a Earl Grey tea...7am still no work done in vortex of sorts of doing stuff but not doing anything...7:05a I wonder to myself, "self, I wonder how much $29 million would buy me in Montecito, California?"(this could be the part that is not quite what happened; in other words not sure this was my exact musing or if I was scrambling to think of post ideas and I decided real estate is a good idea)...7:10 I come across the house featured in today's post....8:15a I begin to write post (note, I do have a job I have to report to at 9a...not looking good in the timeliness-to-work area at this point). So you see...there is a method to my madness...2-3 hours after waking up...I finally come up with something to blog about...smart use of time...right?

Anyhooooooo....that brings us to today's story...a 1920s Spanish style villa in GORGEOUS Montecito, CA. 7 bedroom, 10.5 baths, a 75 foot pool, 7 acres of land, a guest house, tennis court, Japanese garden, stunning Montecito views and all offered by Sotheby's International Realty for just a mere $29 million! Yup. $29 million!

Can't quite figure out the square footage on this one but once again...I would take it in a minute if someone offered it to me. I love California Mediterranean vintage homes.

Take a look...
















So would you take this house or leave it? I would DEFINITELY take it. I find it quite charming...all $29 million of it! I might make some tweaks here and there (the kitchen could use a little doing) and of course, I would lighten up and brighten up the decor...but other than that...I'm in. How about you?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Sotheby's Intl Realty

WEEKEND PHOTO!

So far so good this weekend. Fun late dinner on Friday, great dinner party by CJ's fireplace on Saturday night. Today...have lots to do as usual...and am looking forward to a productive Sunday!

Oh and yesterday...I bought my first pair of UGGS. They are very unattractive boot/slippers I think...that is what has kept me from buying them before now...I always said I would NEVER buy a pair of UGGS. I should remember never to say never. Yesterday, it was cold out...I was going to Neiman Marcus to pick up some really cute Tory Burch boots I had ordered (and I was wearing my new shiny patent leather very high Christian Louboutin boots just to prance around town...(clearly I'm on a boot shopping spree lately it seems)), when I asked my shoe guy John if they had UGGS at Neiman. They did and they do and so $180 plus tax later I am now the not so proud owner of UGG boots. Oh boy...is the world coming to an end...why do I have these? I must admit they are quite comfy...rule will be though...wear only around the house or if popping out to the market or Starbucks and then coming straight home. No UGG wearing around town for no reason! Right? Admission: I am wearing my UGGS right now...I may not take them off for the day and I have more than one errand to run...hmmm....rule breaking already it seems.

Anyhoooo....enough about UGGS and onto this space... I've been getting a lot of seemingly angry comments from readers who don't like white rooms. Problem seems to be that I love a nice white room...I think if done right, it can be serene, inviting, calming and simple. A white room can have charm and be visually interesting without a drop of color. Take this hallway for instance...love it. Sorry dear readers who hate white walls or white spaces in a home...I have always said I am color-phobe...so please bear with me and my lust for white rooms...I'll try to bring you the most interesting white rooms from time to time...but I must say I do love them...and it is not to make anyone angry or to insult anyone...it is just what my eye is drawn to...hope you understand. I also hope you enjoy today's WEEKEND PHOTO...and please continue to comment even if you don't...that is fine too...I like hearing what you think of my picks!

Happy happy Sunday!

xoxoxo
Coco

P.S. Please remember to follow COCOCOZY on Twitter. Will be doing a fab linen pillow giveaway there when we reach 2500 followers on twitter. Join along and tell friends!

Photo: John Bessler

CHECK PLEASE - THE GLAMOUR OF GINGHAM!

Photos: Keith Scott Morton
Love this living room and this black and white upholstered tufted sofa...glamorous gingham.

I think this check or plaid is a year round must...in your home and in fashion! Here are a few cute gingham goodies!!




J. Crew - Suckered Gingham Shirt - on sale $29.99; regular $69.50 (above)


Photo: Style.com
Christian Dior Resort 2011 Ready-to-Wear(above)


Barneys New York - Buffalo Check Umbrella - $125 (Women's folding umbrella. Available in pink/white, yellow/white, brown/white)(above)


Muji - Check Slippers - $13.95 (Cotton slippers. Brown and white checkered pattern. Washable)(above)
Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Please remember to follow COCOCOZY on Twitter. Once we get to 2500 followers there, I'll do a special Twitter only giveaway!

AT YOUR LEISURE IN A FASHIONABLE DESIGNER'S LOS ANGELES HOME!

These photos come from Jon editor of Happy Mundane blog and owner of j3productions. The photos are from his new "zine"(a limited edition magazine) - called At Your Leisure. Jon and his creative team have produced only 500 hard copies of the second edition of their mini mag. Jon says their goal was not to create a true magazine but really to create a visually inspirational piece that includes cool images of interiors, design and fashion. I saw a sneak peek of it and it is kind of cool.

Here are some sneak preview images from an At Your Leisure article/photo shoot of Los Angeles based fashion designer Tracy Wilkinson's home.







Love the earthy modern vibe of this home. Thank you Jon for sharing a sneak of the latest edition of At Your Leisure!

Happy Thursday readers!

xo
Coco

Photos: Laure Joilet

SURFACING WITH COOL PATTERNS!

AphroChic - Haze Mimosa Wallpaper - $210 per roll (above)
Love a cool looking surface pattern. Loving these here...including the texture and pattern of sorts on that beautiful Jamie Joseph ring at the end.

A good pattern can look great on any surface...whether it be wallpaper, fabric, paper, table linens, pillows, towels or more...

Anyhoooo...hope you enjoy just a few visually stimulating prints for every part of your home! Delightful designs indeed.


Rubie Green - Delavan Stripe - $90/yard (blue and white horizontal cotton upholstery fabric)(above)


Mally Skok Design - Brohet Textured (Indian inspired pattern. Distressed turquoise floral pattern on heavy linen) (above)



Gardenhouse - Aluminum Sette & Chairs - $1900 (Cushions covered in a green polka dot and paisley reversible fabric) (above)



AprhoChic Shop - Reflection Wallpaper - $210 per roll (Black and white digitally printed wall paper. Available in hand screen printed as well)(above)

Fresco Towels - Bohemian Damask Towel - $69 (100% Turkish cotton towel in royal blue)

alicia's table - Ikat Table Napkins - $60 set of 6 (above)


Persimmon - Glacier Ring by Jamie Joseph (Swiss blue topaz ring) (above)

By the way...if you're in Los Angeles, Persimmon, one of my favorite jewelry stores in town, is holding a trunk show for all Jamie Joseph jewelry starting November 20th. The rings are from $500-$800 and are just gorgeous. Hmmm....will definitely be stopping by...you should too. If you do stop by, ask to see my friend Julie, the shop's owner...she's cool and will help you find whatever you need (or should I say want)!

Also congrats to Jeanine Hayes over at AphroChic blog for the launch of her wallpaper line. It looks fabulous!

Happy Wednesday...more to come!

xo
Coco