Home Design Ide: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Great Sectional Debate

I honestly don't think I've ever sourced a sectional for a client yet. Lots of pretty sofas and chairs and loveseats but no sectionals. So the world of sectionals still remains somewhat of a mystery to me.

My husband is pretty adamant that we get one for our basement. I think he he always pictured a basement with a sectional in it and his "vision' can not be compromised. I have been looking and looking and I just haven't found anything I love yet.

My top contender is the Henry Sectional from West Elm.

I really love the look of it. Of course we would be happier if we could find something a little cheaper. Some other options I've considered:

The Broyhill Abilene Sectional from Wayfair. The price on this one seems really good but I don't think I could ever buy something like this online without sitting in it first.

There is also the Ikea Ektorp Sectional. I'm not in love with the shape of the arms and I'm not sure how I feel about the slipcover but the price is good.

I also really like this Sullivan Sectional from Rowe Furniture. I'm hoping to go check it out today in person.

I would love your help and opinions. Do you know of any gems I'm missing? Any great places to buy comfortable and affordable sectionals that I don't know about?

Thanks!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Mary McDonald

Los Angeles-based designer Mary McDonald seems to be well known to everyone these days -- I am told that this is mainly due to her being on Bravo's "Million Dollar Decorators" -- a show which I have yet to see. I know, I know, how could I not see this show? Well I have to confess that I can't stomach reality TV and shun it in all forms. My friends tell me I have to get over myself and take in this show. I do like Mary McDonald’s bold style and her modern use of Chinoiserie and Indian influences in her elegant designs; so I may have to bite the bullet and set my DVR.

Ms. McDonald is a California girl, but went to BU and attended Parsons. Her first book, MARY MCDONALD: INTERIORS, The Allure of Style was published by Rizzoli in October of 2010. She also has a line of lamps and is collaborating with Schumacher on a line of fabrics -- which I cannot wait to see. Busy lady. Anyway, Ms McDonald gives me what I love: Her rooms always seem to nod to the past as well as look forward with clean lines, cool accessories and FABULOUS textiles. Check out the photos below from her website: marymcdonald.com

Mary McDonald: Great Navy room with pink accessories

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald: Bold and Red

Mary McDonald: Love the use of Yellow and Black

Mary McDonald: Navy Dining Room

Mary McDonald: Wow, look a that Chinoiserie style bed, just fabulous and that inlaid mother of pearl table is darling

Mary McDonald. Love Love Love that wallpaper.

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald. Love the pairing of Red, Black and Blue with the wicker/seagrass table

Mary McDonald

Here are her Lamps:

Cheers!

Almost There...

Just a tiny sneak peak

I am seriously so close to being done with the model home! Just one more install to go! I'm hoping to get it photographed next week and I can't wait to share it with you. I sure hope you all will think it was worth the wait!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Artists featured: Washington Square Art Show

This is a first for me, I went to an Art Show and came away empty handed. I did find some talented artists, but not as many as in years past...The work I most loved was too large and too pricey.
Here are the artists that I found most appealing:

1. Joseph Grieco, oil painter. His work was very appealing and traditional -- if you like impressionists, you would like his work. I love his loose brush strokes and incredible mastery of color. I just read his bio and discovered he was voted best in show at Washington Square in 2011.

Joseph Grieco, Oil Painter, site: http://www.josephpgrieco.com

Joseph Grieco, Oil Painter (not crazy about this frame)

Joseph Grieco, Oil Painter

2. Sonia Grineva, Oil Painter, www.grinevaArt.com, reminds me of the post impressionists like Cezanne. She was one of my favorites at the show, but quite pricey at $6,500 for one of her larger pieces. Most of her work is was larger than 22 x 28.

Sonia Grineva, Oil Painter, www.grinevaArt.com

3. Susan Grisell, Oil Painter, susangrisell.com, very talented oil painter in a traditional style. Her work was realistic, by her brush style was in a loose style that I admire. Unfortunately, the sky was overcast and the work was under an awning so my flash kept going off and ruined shots of her best work. There were some small gems, some going for as little as $600.

Susan Grisell, Oil Painter

4. Vladimir Prodanovich, Mixed Media, www.prodanovich.com. I was on the hunt for modern etchings, and the artists below sort of met that criteria. Prodanovich's work was charcoal/ink on paper. His drawings were going for $300 each.

5. Steven Walker, Etchings. www.oldprintshop.com. Walker had some interesting oils of urban landscapes but I really liked his etchings. These were small 8 x 10s going for $175.

Steven Walker, Etching

Steven Walker, Oil

6. John Parnell, Oil Painter www.johnparnellstudio.com. These absrtract works were going for $600 each, they are not my cup of tea, but I know some folks just love them. And in the right space, they work great and can look stunning.

John Parnell, Oil Painter

There was one talented young woman who did pen and ink etchings and I lost her card -- but gave her mine, hopefully she will email me with her contact info. Sadly the glare from the glass ruined the photos. She did ravens, fish and some urban landscapes. Very talented.

I am headed to anther show this weekend, so I will keep you all posted. Enjoy the beautiful weather!