Friday, May 27, 2011

Bedroom Love

I came across this bedroom photo today in one of my favorite fabulous blogs, the Decorista, and knew that it must have been designed just for me.  This bedroom  incorporates literally just about every design element that I love:
  • A faded oriental rug to lend a quiet stateliness juxtaposed against some ultra-feminine elements
  • blue chinoiserie fabric
  • a Louis XVI chair
  • full silk curtains
  • warm stained wood furniture
  • white bedding
  • table lamp with a silver base
  • a small bouquet of fluffy pink flowers

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

What's Behind the Velvet Rope?


A very mysterious business is moving in right next door to where I work and it has everyone wondering....what's behind the velvet rope??

Last week we saw dark red velvet banquettes being moved inside and caught a glimpse of ornate carved interior door frames.  We heard one rumor that it was going to be a burlesque speakeasy and another that it would be fine Middle Eastern dining.

As long as we have no idea, the imagination can run wild!  So I've compiled a collection of the most exquisite bars and restaurants around the world where I think I would look especially good circa 5:30PM on a workday.  If any of these places wanted to move in next door it would be fine by me.

The Round Robin & Scotch Bar at the Willard Hotel, Washington, DC

Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, DC

The Campbell Apartment, New York City



King Cole Bar Lounge, St. Regis Hotel, New York City

Bemelmans Bar, the Carlyle, New York City

Monkey Bar, Hotel Elysee, New York City

Rose Bar, Gramercy Park Hotel, New York City

The Hemingway Bar, Hotel Ritz, Paris
Gondolen, Stolkholm

Paris Bar, NYC

George V Hotel Bar, Paris

Arnaud's French 75 Bar, New Orleans

Harry's New York Bar, Paris


The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

Monday, May 16, 2011

Old Town Weekend

I had an Old Town weekend, touring/volunteering at three different historic sites around Alexandria:  Gatsby's Tavern, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary and Mount Vernon.  I was following in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers!  Then I topped it all off with a Sunday morning tour of the food, flowers and wares of local vendors.  A perfect weekend I would say!

Mount Vernon at sunset
The view from Mount Vernon.  Not bad!
I love a farmer's market on a Sunday morning - especially if it's in the cutest town on Earth:  mine.

 Sorry about the picture quality.  So far the iphone has not proved to me to be all it's cracked up be!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Color Block Thursdays - Purple

Purple is popping up in home decor a lot these days.  Maybe because it looks chic, refreshing, cozy and fun all at the same time.  Rooms done in several shades of purple have a high drama factor but little splashes of purple here and there can be also be a good way to brighten up a room in an unexpected way.

Elle Decor
House Beautiful
Bright Bazaar
House Beautiful
Savvy Home
the Decorista