Band of Horses

Last night some friends and I went to both of the Band of Horses concerts, one an acoustical set, and the other an electronic performance. What a cool experience!

This morning a fabric representative dropped off some new Hermes fabrics, which only confirmed my new liking of all things equestrian!

Here are the Hermes fabrics and wallpapers as well as some great horse inspired art...

"On the Move" by Don Pedro Iceland's photostream

interior of Sid Marshburn shop

by Mar Silver Design

Artwork by Roberto Dutesco, "Sable Horses"


Below are some of my favorite things....

a. Golden twisted horse necklace, $783

b. Ponyhair wedge boots, $1,155

c. Ponyhair cuff, $128

d. Horsebit gold bracelet, $6,000

e. Riding boots, $161

f. Coat hook, $1,850

g. Andirons, $2,600

h. Brass horse lamps, $7,360

i. Cement horse head sculptures, $2,900

j. Porcelain horse head sculpture, contact for price

k. Saw horse table, $3,200

l. "Love Bite" photograph, contact for price

m. Horseshoe chandelier. $2,200

n. Hermes horse shoe coasters, contact for price

o. Blue horse & rider sculpture, $4,500

p. Rosewood saw horse campaign desk, contact for price

q. Equestrian silk fabric, contact for price

r. Horse woven fabric, contact for price

s. Black and white horse photography, $1,920

t. Black and white abstract horse, contact for price

Click on my olioboard to view where to purchase the items above. 

Still not satisfied? Well here is a video clip from last night....Your WELCOME!

Holiday Wish List

It is that time of year again, a time to spend time with the people who matter the most in your life. My family has been hounding me for a wish list, and I finally took time this weekend to put together a list that my father described as "lengthy". The truth is, I would be please to get any one of these items, but I  will always be satisfied with quality time and delicious meals.

You can find links to all of these items by going to my Referly site by clicking here.

A few indulgent requests...

Perforated Brass Dining Room Table by Kelly Wearstler, pricing upon request

Decorative Brass Legs by Kelly Wearstler, $1,495

A bangle that doubles as a flask,  $225

Bel Air Gunmetal Bracelet, $125

Gold Rimmed Dinnerware, West Elm, $24-$40

                  

Gold Flatware, price upon request

Gold Ceramic Charger, $50

Rose Gold "Perlee Ring" by Van Cleef & Arpels, $800

Malachite Box, $1,600

Hanging Rattan Chair similar to the one my grandparents had on their back porch in Georgia. 

Now, for the more PRACTICAL items...

iPhone 5

Rainboots, $178

The best under eye concealer ever made. My sister-in-law and mother of 4 introduced me to this, and it is the best stuff I have ever used! Please santa, fill my stocking with these! $20

Speed Freak Hairdryer, $79.95

Red Pufffer Vest , $128

(*note, I would not wear it with a red shirt underneath!)

Short Puffer Coat with a Hood, $79

Carry-On Trolley, $175

Boxford Suitcase,  $590

Waxed Jacket, $105.54

Risky Business

There are two very different types of people, those who are risk averse and those who are risk seekers. Lately I have noticed that people also have very different ways of assessing the role that timing plays in making risky decisions. My best analogy is that risk averse people believe that timing is everything, a natural human coping mechanism, excusing us from the lack of forward movement towards a goal unobtained. Risk seekers accept that timing may never be just right, the risk and reward ratio may not be statistically in their favor, but the consequences, such as guilt and regret, that come from not taking the risk are less desirable states of being than risking what they have and failing to obtain the goal or landing in a worse situation. I also think their is an underlying level of confidence that is required to be a risk seeker. Confidence assures the risk seeker that even failure can present new challenges that could possibly result in a far better outcome than the original goal.

The first half of my life I was 100% risk averse, always the "people pleaser", doing what was expected of me, and never wanting to push any boundaries or ruffle any feathers. All of that started to change when I discovered design. Not only did my talent for interior design give me the self-confidence that was lacking during my teenage and college years, it gave me an outlet to be a risk seeking person. I still do not put my life or my health at risk, but the most gratifying part of my life is that my career allows me to take risks, push boundaries, test limitations, break rules, and create the unexpected.

Taking risks in the design of a space is not only rewarding for the interior design and architectural team responsible for the overall design, but the owner is equally responsible for taking a risk by adding the elements that reflect the wonders of individuality and make the house 100% their own, a self-portrait of its inhabitants.

Yes, timing is everything. And the time is now people! If you try something and it doesn't turn out as expected, step back, and live with it awhile, you may discover that the final result is actually more beautiful and unexpected than your original intent. Once a few months have past, if you still can't stand the result of your design risk, you can always paint over it, recover it, sell it on eBay, gift it, donate it to charity, whatever you prefer, but always try again.

Here are some great examples of how unexpected elements and design risks make these rooms interesting and unique. 

 Small unexpected details go a long way...

Paint the blades of a ceiling fan

Use your grandmother's china as art over your bed

Create unusual shapes that mimic architecture or other pieces of furniture

Float the bed in the middle of the room instead of up against a wall

Paint the window casings a different color than white

Use a functional element like a fireplace as a conversation piece

Hang art in an asymmetrical way

[room by Steven Gambrel]

re-think the staples of a house, like the front door. 

[room by Miles Redd]

Who says you can only have 1 dining room table, why not have 3?

[room by Kelly Wearstler]

Create art of marble

[room by Kelly Wearstler]

Play with scale

[room by Thom Filicia]