SEE THIS HOUSE: VACATION VIEWS!

This summer is going to be the second in a row for me with no real vacation! Oh my. So, I'll spend the whole summer lusting after interior design in vacation homes, weekend getaway cottages, and far off destination. Okay...I've got to do it somehow...I've got to squeeze in a proper vacation. I don't know how...but I'm going to try to take even a few days off.

A lake retreat...that would do just fine for me...this one in Montauk on Long Island would work for a bit of rest and relaxation.

The decor in this vacation home is very fresh, white, clean modern. Very neutral I do concede.  Could use a a bit of warming up.  I might add some of my COCOCOZY throws and pillows into the mix to add a bit of texture here and there.  I might also add a few colorfully painted furniture pieces to the space too, a bit of fab modern art to the walls (maybe a large turquoise linear piece from one of my favorite artists Brian Wills) and some soft window coverings with subtle but distinct prints. I would keep the color palette of many of the textiles in the blue white family. Otherwise, I adore the high ceilings, the reclaimed wood on the walls in the entry and the white painted wood floors. The yard and pool are all lustworthy too btw.

Do you like this lake side retreat? What would you add to the decor to make it work for you? Where are you going on vacation this summer and what do you like design wise about where you are going?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco


Photos: Murdock Young Architects

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Photo by Coco of COCOCOZY

Took this picture at the beach yesterday. Was at a pre Memorial Day beach party at good friend BN's family house right on the ocean in Santa Monica. Hello? So amazingly nice. Made me rethink my whole city lights versus ocean view debate where city lights often wins...think I'm changing...ocean view (if I could have one like BN's) over city lights any day!

What a lovely afternoon and cocktail hour. So nice seeing BN and SN, my friends JD and AB, and TH was quite fun to have there too. Ran into MB the sister of an old friend of mine who I haven't seen in years...so that was a nice surprise too. Lots of friendly people indeed. And not only is BN a wonderful host, he mixes an amazing cocktail...last night it was some kind of herb mojito type drink. DELICIOUS!

After BN's, it was off to Soho House for dinner... What a way to spend the long weekend.

Off to visit family today and then doing a bit more Memorial Day celebrating I think this evening (if I can keep up the pace).

Deck has been officially spruced...although yesterday after we sealed the deck with some thick gooey shiny oil stuff, a huge wind storm hit, blew out the power and covered the wet deck in a million pine needles and leaves...it looked like nature's version of a shag rug.  Oh dear.  Now I have a spruced deck with lots of texture to it...c'est la vie!

What are your holiday plans?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  I will not be taking any photos today because I have no camera.  Yesterday while playing in the sand with a bunch of kids, we decided to experiment with putting a camera on a kite...I, smartly, offered my camera because if it worked it would be the coolest thing ever.  So we attached my cute little Canon Elf to a kite and BN's son took off running...well needless to say we did not make history...see here for our Camera on Kite Experiment.  Experiment attempted, camera destroyed...you win some, you lose some?!  Just think if it had worked though! Good times!  :-)

Photo by Coco of COCOCOZY

LONG WEEKEND BLISS!

Photo by Coco of COCOCOZY

So excited for the long weekend. Am ticking off a lot on my to do list and also having fun just hanging out.

Let's see...last night was fun drinks with TH at Fig & Olive...today, getting my garden, deck, outdoor living space in order (refinishing, repainting, general sprucing up)...tonight dinner...tomorrow afternoon/evening, party at the beach...tomorrow night, dinner at the Soho House...and so on and so on...!

I'm planning on trying a little furniture makeover too this weekend...painting and recovering a chair and painting an outdoor coffee table. Please wish me luck!

What are your plans this weekend? Are you doing any designing, decorating or sprucing up?

Happy Saturday!

xo
Coco

Photo by Coco of COCOCOZY

SYMMETRY VS. ASYMMETRY IN DESIGN: WHICH ROOM DO YOU PREFER?

Room 1 - very symmetrical beach house living room. (above)

I couldn't stop staring at this first beach house living room photo above...trying to figure out what I liked about this space. Is it the furniture, the coastal cottage design aesthetic, the color? Then I realized it was simple...the room was so symmetrical that it was easy on the eye. Two facing sofas, two matching arm chairs, two matching lamps on either side of the fireplace, the exact same throw pillows on each sofas...each side of this room is the exact mirror of the other.

Got me to thinking...would this room look better if something was taken away from one side...or is the charm that it is preppy, clean cut, sharp and balanced? Huh...I wonder...

Then I found this second photo below (same color palette/different style)...another beach town living room with the balance shifted here and there...not at all symmetrical...looks like an L shaped sofa, an interesting wood and leather strapped bench, a large over sized square wood coffee table and a floor lamp that is all about asymmetry...I

So my question to you today is...do you prefer clear symmetry in decor or for things to be just a bit off?

Room 2 - a Venice Beach living room where asymmetry works. (above)

Which of these two living rooms do you prefer? Which space plan works for you? I'm leaning towards the 2nd room but not sure...there is something I like about total order too.  Can't wait to hear what you think!

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Victoria Hagan; Katie Leede

HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK IT WOULD COST TO RESTORE A CASTLE?!

I like this castle. In fact, would be happy with this castle indeed. The castle is called The Hammerhaus. It is a 16 room mini castle two hours outside of Vienna built in 1400 on a 593 acre family estate. It is owned by a freelance art consultant Florian Staudinger...and the land and building have been in his family since the 1800s.

In 2003, Staudinger took on the daunting task of renovating this 5,380 square foot main building that had fallen into total disrepair. According to the New York Times article on the home, so far Staudinger and his parents have spent the equivalent of a little more than $740,000 restoring the property to date. I don't think this is too much to renovate a historic home that has been around for over 600 years! Do you?

Today, this mini castle is looking great and it houses some wonderful antiques, modern art, signature furnishings and more. It is the true combination of old meets new.

 Philippe Starck chairs and a custom dining table are the centerpiece of the castle's dining room. Also on display...the turquoise blue chair sculpture in the corner by Markus Hofer, an Austrian artist. (above)

Glossy black cabinets make a mega modern statement in the castle's kitchen.  The wood countertop is made from a fallen tree from the castle's grounds. (above)

The office features baroque detailing on the ceiling, a large wood table once used to clean game, and a Christina Zurfluh sculpture. (above) 

The library's architecture and decor cover all eras with am ornate carved wood ceiling dating back to the 17the century, mid century modern Corbusier chaise, a red and white contemporary sculpture and an antique ceramic stove, (above)

What do you think of this Austrian mini castle - take it or leave it? Do you like the mix of modern and antique furnishings?

I would take it...make some tweaks on the decor...but I would be 100% okay with this!

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S. If you are at all interested...I am in the middle of getting all details together for updating the COCOCOZY shop and the COCOCOZY collection with new designs and a few new products in time for the summer trade shows...so hope you don't mind if I share the process with you a bit. It will be more in the form of to do lists with a sneak peek here and there...interesting or not interesting to you? Let me know!

Photos: New York Times

GRISAILLE ROOMS - THE ART OF DECORATING IN SHADES OF GRAY!

"Grisaille" comes from the art world and it means "a style of monochromatic painting in shades of gray".

These two French living rooms make decorating in grey an art in and of itself! Something inviting about these smokey colored rooms. The grey adds an air of sophistication to both spaces.

I like this. Move over white colored walls...grey may be the new way!

What do you think of these all grey living rooms...too much grey or just perfect for you? Like or dislike? Please do tell.

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Check out COCOCOZY Twitter feed to see photos of a party I attended last night. Make sure to follow along on twitter...you never know what I'll tweet about next!

Photos: Elle Decoration

DESIGN ON SALE DAILY: COVETING A CANOPY BED!




West Elm - Ellipse Metal Canopy Bed - on sale $499; regular $699 (Queen size. Metal powder coated canopy bed. Graphic circle pattern headboard)(above)

I REALLY like this bed. Haven't done a DESIGN ON SALE DAILY in ages...but this one is definitely worth it. Can imagine this bed in a room with nice high ceilings, simple crisp white bedding, rustic wood bed side tables, a wonderful upholstered colorful turquoise bench at the end and a great sisal rug underneath. I want this.

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

SEE THIS HOUSE: $3.5 MILLION FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL CLASSIC IN BEVERLY HILLS!

Built in the 1960s by renowned architect Richard Dorman, this Beverly Hills home oozes mid century modern appeal...right down to the bright white terrazzo floors throughout.

Just over 4,000 square feet, 5 bedroom, 5 baths means a lot of space to decorate. Clearly you would have a budget to decorate if you could afford the nearly $3.5 million price tag.

This real estate listing being offered by Teles Properties is about two things really... 1) location, location, location (Beverly Hills...Angelo Drive) and 2) architectural design.

I do think though that the house is not overly "period"...I think it could handle really many types of decor...a neutral of sorts.  The indoor outdoor feel of the home is quite nice...lots of natural light through large impressive windows and glass doors. Oh, and then there is the kitchen with the modern red kitchen cabinets too...the most colorful room actually!

Please take a look at today's SEE THIS HOUSE!

What do you think? Take it or leave it? How would you decorate it? Where would you start? What do you think about the terrazzo floors? Inquiring minds (or a least nosey me) want to know!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Teles Properties

WEEKEND PHOTO!

So...was at the Chateau (Chateau Marmont) last night. I was with a very nice cute smart group. We had all been at quite a posh party at elegant interior designer Alison Blumenfeld's lovely house earlier in the evening.

I must say, I was not over dressed but I didn't think I was looking shabby at all as I had on a cute micro mini skirt (with leggings...don't worry), a flirty sheer top, some wonderfully tall strappy 4 inch heels and bright hot pink toes (this departure from my normal Bordeaux color may have been what threw me off...).  I excused myself for a moment from the table to go get the rest of our party "in" (Chateau Marmont is so ridiculous that way...it is just a normal hotel with a lounge area and restaurant but some nights it would probably be easier getting into Buckingham Palace than Chateau Marmont)...the rest of our group had been turned away once that night already and I was rushing to alert the people at the front to let them in.

Rushing, pink toes, 4 inch heels all combined meant another Coco comedy moment was on the way...it was a moment that seemed like an hour...

So I jumped up and turned towards the stairs, not knowing there was a stair right next to my seat. When I lunged forward to get to the stairs that I thought I was aiming for my 4 inch heels and pink toes were stuck behind me...caught on the darned stair I didn't know was there. With my body at a 45 degree angle and my feet behind me, that is when the stumble of my life began. You have to imagine where I was...in the very chic sunken living room at the Chateau Marmont, where the people who think they know everything in Hollywood are all clustered into small groups of seating areas all talking in low voices but mostly probably just trying to look good. So that is where my pratfall happened.

It was a long stumble...the kind that happens in a movie but is done on purpose for a laugh...not quite a fall...definitely a trip...I felt like one of those one year olds just starting to walk...I just couldn't get my legs under me. At one point I reached out trying to avoid the fall and grabbed a large plant...I heard the leaves rip in my hands and realized this wasn't a good choice as a something that could prevent the fall. Then I grabbed onto a wall, well manicured nails scratching for a grip, all the while my feet were still not together and completely on the stairs. I then heard the room of all the Hollywood types gasp as they saw me stumbling up the stairs, ripping at plants, they were waiting for the huge fall. I must say, I was waiting for it too. I heard AG who was with me say, "Oh my!". I think I glanced back at him for a nanosecond with a woeful look in my eyes...like the end is near. The 5 second trip, stumble, and bumble ended with me finally finding my footing but losing all my dignity with the chic crowd. So there I stood on the stairs with the crowd looking at me aghast at my clumsiness and all I did was shrug my shoulders, smile and laugh.

I think there is something here...a life lesson maybe?  When you have a bad fall in life...pick yourself up, stand tall, find some humor in it and keep on moving forward (and the smart ones figure out exactly how the fall happened so it doesn't happen again!).

My life...as usual...
Have you ever had a nasty fall (actual or metaphorical) you had to pick yourself up from?  Anything you learned that you might share?

Anyhooo...here is a lovely living room with an even lovelier garden view!

Hope you are having a happy weekend!

Happy Sunday dear readers!

xo
Coco


Photo: Cottage Living

YEARNING FOR A PROPER YARD!

Simple one...I need a proper yard. Right now, I have a hillside in front of my little tiny cottage in the Hollywood Hills and a hillside in back of my little tiny cottage in the Hollywood Hills. Lots of trees, ivy, wild shrubs, fauna (deer galloping along the property line in the back) but no proper yard. I have a deck and a patio...but no yard.

I want this yard. Pool (with an interesting graphic design on the bottom) surrounded by grass, lots of trees, a nice garden, a fireplace and lots of room to just roll around and lounge...I'd happily take it all!

Do you have a yard I would yearn for? If so, please tell me about it. What do you think of this backyard area...take it or leave it?

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

Photo: Eric Piasecki

COLOR WATCH: SUN KISSED - JUST A TOUCH OF YELLOW!

Photo: Krista Ewart Design

Love just a little yellow here and there. Not too much...not too little...just a touch of yellow can add just the right amount of cheer to a room or to a look.

My grandmother's favorite color was yellow. Her kitchen was yellow. My grandmother was always cheerful and happy and positive. It was definitely in her nature to be that way...and naturally a cheerful person would pick a sunny yellow as their favorite color!

Kate Spade - Lemon Drop Framed Lella Clutch Purse - $325 (above)

Photo: Jute Interior Design

Barney's - Christian Louboutin Chus - $455 (Striped canvas espadrille wedge with contrast yellow patent leather cap toe and adjustable halter slingback) (above)

Made by Girl - Love Candy Canvas - $70 (above)

Photo: Traditional Home

Photo: Stacey Branford

Paper Source - Lokta Bean White on Yellow Fine Paper - $4.95 (20"x30" paper) (above)

Photo: VanJean Shop

cb2 - Venezia Mustard Yellow Chair - $99.95 (Made in Italy. Yellow moulded polypropylene. Stackable. For use indoors or out) (above)

I don't currently have ANY yellow in my tiny little cottage in the Hollywood Hills. Need to add some yellow...even if it is just a beautiful yellow bloom. Hmmm...considering just a touch!

What do you think about adding a touch of yellow to your space? Do you like yellow or do you hate? Would love to know!

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

DESIGN IDEA: FLOATING SHELVES ON GRAPHIC WALLS!

I like this idea.  Before you plan on putting up some floating wall shelving for storage or display...why not, cover your walls in a bold graphic wallpaper.  Fun for a small nook or a feature wall in a room.  Cute.  Right?

Do you like or do you hate?  Please weigh in.

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Today is the last day to enter the COCOCOZY giveway over on Coco+Kelley blog!  Head over to enter so you have a chance to win either a pillow or a throw from the COCOCOZY collection! We lost about 200 entries with the Google/blogger shutdown last week...so make sure you check to see if your entry made it!  Will keep fingers crossed for you!

Photo: Skona Hem

SEE THIS HOUSE: DREAMY RUSTIC RETREAT!

Majestic reclaimed wood beams, a super tall white wood paneled and plank covered fireplace, and 2.5 story windows create an awe inspiring rustic living room. (above)

Two SEE THIS HOUSE posts back to back...I know...I could be a little more creative...but I couldn't help myself when I landed on this home...I had to show the whole thing!

Lately have been drawn to things rustic for some reason...I don't know why...not my usual aesthetic...but as of late, I've come across some wonderfully rustic retreats and have started having rustic retreat dreams! Normally when I think rustic, I think woodsy outdoors, rugged lifestyle, rough hewn surfaces. Now when I think rustic...I will only think of this house!

This home pictured here is one of the best rustic retreats I've seen. It is in Lake Martin, Alabama...a lake somewhere between Montgomery and Birmingham it seems. To me, this house is somewhere between perfect and perfection. Built for a young couple as their vacation dream house, it fits the bill as my dream lake house too...huh wonder if they would share?

Atlanta Home & Lifestyles Magazine featured this spectacular lake home designed my new favorite interior design firm, Alabama and Florida based Tracery Interiors.

I love this home in fact...it's a perfect mix of rustic with some French influences, lots of white and wood tones, with simple classic lines that are so easy on the eye.

Turns out, the designer says only natural materials were used both in and out...no sheet rock or drywall on the walls in this home.  Bathrooms walls are covered in marble, bedroom walls are wood planks painted white, and living room ceiling is architecture at its best being made entirely of reclaimed wood!

Okay...now I'm getting stressed.  I need a retreat.  I need this house.  I'm tired.  Worked until 12:30a working on a project with new COCOCOZY assistant KS and didn't get to sleep until 2:30a. And then need to be into regular work by 9a. I need a rustic getaway that is not so rustic...just like this...no camping rusting for me...this casual but luxurious rustic is perfect for where I am at right now!  I'll stop whining now so you can enjoy this lakeside home!

The second seating area in the large living room. (above)

The white kitchen features two center islands...one for prepping food, one for dining! (above)

Must love a well organized pantry with a library style ladder on wheels that helps get to hard to reach upper cabinets. (above)

What do you think of this lake vacation home? Take it or leave it? Anything in particular you like? Anything that would work for you in your ideal rustic retreat?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Atlanta Homes &Lifestyles Magazine