Your Bachelor Pad!

So, you have finally decided to invest in your very own __________(fill in apartment, condo, home, loft, airstream, etc…). Congratulations! Now, how do you create a fabulous and functional interior for you, the single guy. How do you transform your drab space which is ubiquitously, if not regrettably, referred to as “The Bachelor Pad?” Here are three “to-dos”, three “do-not-dos”, and three “you-get-a-gold-star” tips!

To-Do!

· Invest in a large leather sofa in a dark, warm brown, possibly slightly distressed, with a track arm. *Do not, I repeat, do not buy a sofa with integral recliner or with cushiony arm pad cover things. Those are forbidden. Your sofa should be very comfortable for you, your buddies and the occasional “lady friend” to enjoy. Make sure your leather is stain-resistant. Edelman leather has a product that you can get anything out of (except sharpie marker… keep those out of the house)!

· Select artwork that compliments your style and space. This should be something you actually like as it will inevitably be a great conversation piece. They can range from an abstract painting you found in Italy to a photograph you took yourself. Please, have them tastefully framed in an understated way and arrange them neatly on the wall. Do not stagger your images as this can look confusing and amateur. If you have a set of three, line them up neatly and use a level.

· And, of course, you must have a flat panel TV across from your large leather sofa for gaming and watching sports. Make sure that the console you put below it is larger than the screen. You do not want this wall to feel top heavy. And just tell your “lady friend” you wouldn’t have a television at all but you just can’t miss all of your TiVO’d romantic comedies (P.S. You missed these while you were out volunteering/grocery shopping for your grandmother/cat sitting for your sister etc…). Call TJ at Audio Video Designs and he will fix you up!

Do-Not-Do! (*note - no images of these mishaps are provided because we have never done any of this and do not condone the veiwing of these items mentioned below.)

· Have too many colors and styles. Keep it intentional, simple and uncluttered. If you need help, please do not be afraid to ask. That’s what we’re here for!

· Grunge is no longer an accepted style – trust us, even though Eddie Vedder is still rockin’, the look went out in the 90s. Please keep your space clean for all to enjoy (or have a housekeeper keep you in check).

· Have action figures, cartoons or provocative mags lying around (you know the ones we mean). This is your chic retreat and you should begin to acquire nice cocktail table books and hard-bound literature, even if you don’t read it this week. Leather and rich-mahogany smell optional (but, just so you know, there is a candle for that!).

You-Get-A-Gold-Star!

· Lighting is important in any room. Install dimmers on some of your light fixtures to set the mood (and save money on the electrical bill)!

· Live plants guys! A real live plant allows others to see that you are responsible, nurturing and have the ability to take care of other living things. Choose hearty varieties like English ivy or even the lowly ficus (in a fabulous planter of course) that have amazing survival skills and can live through nearly anything.

· Splurge on tactile items like your sheets, pillows and blankets or anything your body will touch. Put a comfy throw blanket on your sofa. Yes, it seems frilly, and, yes, you will use it!

Had to add this right away!

I rarely find a furniture line so exciting that I have to tell everyone about it! The time has come - check out Boca Do Lobo. Fabulous design & amazing craftsmanship. Cannot WAIT to use this in one of our interiors!

A little bit of GLAM!

Chandelier by Brocade Home, vanity by Horchow, side chairs by Phillips Collection.

Sherwin Williams Color Swatches!

As promised... here are the Sherwin Williams paint colors corresponding to the looks below!



Interior Color Scheme 1: Red Cent SW6341 (above) and Distance SW 6243 (below)





Interior Color Scheme 2: Otter SW 6041(above) and Cajun Red SW 0008 (below)





Interior Color Scheme 3: Black Fox SW 7020(above) and Sassy Green SW 6416 (below)





Interior Color Scheme 4: Cultured Pearl SW 6028(above) and Fussy Pink SW 6853 (below)

Amazing Chandelier!

Andromeda Murano: handmade glass for lighting design

How much do we love this chandelier/art installation? Words just cannot say... click on the link above and enjoy!

Fabulous & Unexpected Color for your Interior!

It is almost time to open your home up for Spring! Your summer guests are right around the corner. Don't stress...refresh! And, as I always say, the easiest way to bring life to an interior is through color. Take a look at some of our favorite inspirations for Spring 2010 and check back for even more and also for a list of hues from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore!


photo courtesy everythingfab.com


photo courtesy Anthropology


photo courtesy roomenvy.wordpress.com

Our Winter Must Haves!

Now that we are enjoying a lovely mid-February chill, it is abundantly clear that the 2009/2010 Winter furniture and accessories markets have come and gone. From Dallas to NYC to Paris, design houses from around the world have introduced their newest gems! We have gauged the temperature of interior design and it seems that vintage looks and natural materials are what's hot!

Vintage:
We absolutely love the soft, warm glow of a filament bulb on a cold winter's night! These bulbs are made using the same technique and materials used in early Edison bulbs, giving them an authentic, vintage look.



Natural:
Cotton laminated bags are perfect for your upcoming spring shopping! You can feel good about using these tough bags that are manufactured from recylcled materials. Laminated cloth used in India to package bulk fabric is repurposed, becoming your favorite functional tote.



Vintage:
Brighten your cold winter table with these eclectic "Soiree" glasses from Roost. These start as clear glassware that are then dipped in fabulous translucent colors. I love the vintage feel of these glasses: dots, arcs and stripes are etched into the color layer.

Laura U's favorite shopping in Paris, Milan, Florence, & Rome!

After feverishly shopping for my clients and the boutique this winter, I thought I might take a step back and reflect. Touring Paris, Milan, Florence and Rome this past December was inspiring and we were introduced to tons of fantastic product lines! After shopping all day, every day, for ten days straight, we were exhausted but refreshed. Below are just a few of our favorites!

Les Puces (“the Fleas”) in Paris has tons of interesting vendors. At the flea market at St. Oeun we discoverd a truly unique designer on Rue de Rosiers. Ghislain Antiques creates the coolest “French industrial” furnishings.



The Cyrus Company showroom in Milan.



Versace Home in Milan.



The owner of Pandora in Florence (near Santa Maria Novella and not far from the Duomo) is not a product designer but a curator of sorts. Her collection of 1920s through 1970s French and Italian antique and vintage furnishings is enviable. This was, by far, my favorite find on the entire shopping trip.



In Rome, I loved the Devon and Devon showroom. Near the Spanish Steps and just a couple of streets from Via Condotti (where you can find ALL of the major couture showrooms), it is a gorgeous showcase of elegant bathroom fixutures.

Define your Distinct Design Style II

After perusing the four styles discussed last week (Traditional, Transitional, Contemporary and Eclectic), you may have noticed that your Distinct Design style was not included. Don’t despair! Our breakdown of design styles continues! Below are three additional design styles and one may be yours… and if not, check back next week for more interior design looks.

Art Deco

Your style is grounded in geometry (ex. Fan motif), your color palette is based on black and metallics but is highlighted with rich hues like red. This is a theatrical style, which is why the look is right at home in today’s media and theatre rooms. This glam style is always fun and makes your home a favorite for entertaining! (photo of interior by Douglas Dolezal courtesy HGTV)



Hollywood Regency

The theme is luxury and your over-the-top style just oozes glamour! Designers pioneered this glitzy style in 1930s Hollywood but it has grown in popularity over the past couple of years. And who wouldn’t love the rich fabrics, posh accessories, and glittering crystal chandeliers of your decidedly luxe look? Don’t forget your high gloss lacquered furniture and fabulous mirrored pieces. It just wouldn’t be Hollywood Regency without them! (photo from "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day")



Mission Style (Arts and Crafts)
Your favorite piece of furniture was handcrafted by a local artisan and sits cozily in the warmth of your living room. Dark woods are accompanied by deep reds, yellows and oranges. You shy away from anything ornate and are drawn to clean lines, tectonic designs, and straightforward materials. Stained glass is an important feature of the Mission Style. Your glass is most likely abstract in style and glows with deep earth tones. (photo courtesy www.artisticlicense.org)

Define your Distinct Design Style!

You walk into a space and you instantly know it is your style. What is it about the design of this particular interior that makes it distinctly you? Are you drawn to the soft, monochromatic palette; is it the clean-line construction of the furnishings; is it the rich and collected mix of accessories? Here are four distinct design styles and their traits – one may just be you!

Traditional Style: Warm wood tones set the stage for your look. Rich colors such as emerald green and aubergine are balanced by the softness of peach and tan. Florals, Damasks, and paisleys grace your draperies, bedding, and upholstery. Tassels, fringe and bullion abound! You source your fabulous furnishings from England or the French countryside. Gilded frames surround your favorite still-life and landscape which are gorgeously arranged in every well-appointed room. (Image courtesy NLMDesign)



Transitional Style: You are straightforward, timeless and sophisticated. You love a muted, monochromatic color palette of cream, taupe, and tan, contrasted by espresso wood tones. But your look is anything but bland! Sculptural occasional furnishings, textured fabrics and accents of bronze or pewter add interest to your serene space. Contemporary, clean-line furnishings ground your look and every worldly accessory has a home. (Marriner Home by Laura U - photo by Jill Hunter)



Contemporary Style: A bold, abstract painting is the center of your universe! Your color palette is grounded in black, white, gray or cream. From there you may choose a muted color scheme or you may venture into an attention grabbing composition of primary colors. This exciting style embraces large graphics in art, accessories and area carpets. Furnishings lack anything considered unnecessary (such as carving or fringe) and are sleek and always intentional. (Kreuer Home by Laura U - photo by Jill Hunter)



Eclectic Style: You are a master of the mix! Pairing a Louis XIV chair with a contemporary Lucite side table does not phase you. You love a rich, relaxed yet surprising interior that is never fussy and does not hurt for a conversation piece. A color palette of show-stopping hues, myriad metallics, and, more often than not, a base of black and white, creates a cozy space reminiscent of Les Puces. (Photo courtesy Doug Meyers)

Laura U Wins at the 2009 ASID Awards!

The fabulous ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Awards were held at Hotel ZaZa on Saturday, Septemeber 26th. It was an extraordinarily exciting evening for the Laura U team. We were the winner in 2 categories and received honorable mentions in 5 categories! Take a look at the winning projects...

Winner: Best Residential Interior under 3500 square feet.


Winner: Best Theatre Room


Honorable Mention: Urban Living (Mid-rise & High-rise)


Honorable Mention: Best Residential Interior under 3500 square feet


Honorable Mention: Best Use of Technology


Honorable Mention: Hospitality/Restaurant


Honorable Mention: Special Function (Guest Suite)