Weekend Lust: Pretty in Pink

Totally lusting after these heliotrope foil boxes with doré trim from Bell'occio. How pretty would they look in an office on an exposed shelf?

AllModern Guest Post: George Nelson - A Series of Creative "Zaps"

George Nelson

In reflecting on his illustrious 50 year design legacy, contemporary furniture designer George Nelson was notably modest, labeling them as a series of creative "zaps," that struck him like lighting bolts of inspiration. This inspiration resulted in modern masterpieces like the Marshmallow Sofa, the Coconut Chair and of course, his famous Swag Leg Group of chairs and desks.

As an architectural student in Rome, Nelson wrote a series of articles that were published in the U.S., introducing American design community to the European avant-garde. As an editor of Architectural Forum magazine in the early 40s, Nelson garnered praise for his concept of the downtown pedestrian mall. Shortly after he developed the Storagewall, a modular storage system (the first of its kind), which went on to be showcased in a 1945 issue of Life magazine. It was this showcase that grabbed the attention of Herman Miller founder D.J. DuPree, who tracked Nelson down and made him director of design.

Swag-leg desk and chair

George Nelson's partnership with Herman Miller lead to the creation of the Marshmallow Sofa and the first L-shaped desk, which later would morph into the office workstations we see in offices all over the world today. Nelson admired Herman Miller's innovative spirit and design aesthetic, once praising Herman Miller for "not playing follow-the-leader."

Perhaps Nelson's most popular collection for Herman Miller was his Swag Leg Group, introduced in 1958. Seamlessly blending together both form and function, the Swag Leg Group offers consumers a sculptural series of chairs, tables and desks that work in offices today as well as they did back in the day. As practical as they are stylish, the Swag Leg Group has everything that the modern office needs. The desks have ample storage space and work space, while the sculpted chairs are comfortable as they are swanky.

Swaging is the process used to make the metal legs present in all of the pieces, where, using pressure the 16-gauge steel metal tubes are tapered and curved. Using the same patented process as Charles and Ray Eames to mold the plastic shells, Nelson created a series of truly classic contemporary office furniture. Today, while the design remains the same, the shells are made from recyclable polypropylene, extending Nelson's legacy by reaching out to today's more environmentally-conscious consumers.

Thursday Room du Jour

A warm, small space from the pages of Domino - I love the idea of a basket used as a portable work space. There is nothing quite as inviting as a lived-in looking home, don't you think?

Luxe Bohemian Bedrooms: Serena Van der Woodsen

To many girls my age, fictional character Serena Van der Woodsen is the go-to source for bohemian inspiration. She channels Sienna Miller and Tinsley Mortimer in one fell swoop, and her style, as calculated as it may be by what I am sure are many, many set decorators, is absolutely her own. The Bourgie lamp (available at Conran) is a trendy touch that sets off vintage finds and luxe textiles. The bedding is a mix of Barbara Barry and L’Erba (in the Private Sanctuary pattern), available at Bloomingdales.

Luxe Bohemian Bedrooms: Tracy Porter

Today's Rooms du Jour are dedicated to the lush, plush, eclectic luxe-bohemian bedroom. These images from the Tracy Porter catalog inspire - who doesn't love that disheveled chic she does so well?

Tracy has gone from artist to lifestyle purveyor over the years, and her style is as distinctive as her bubbly personality. If you get a chance, visit Tracy's blog for gobs of videos chock full of daily living tips.

Pulled from the Pages: Kate Spade Ads

Today, a gluttonously happy smattering of Kate Spade's magazine ads through the years. Simple eye candy for you to indulge in and be inspired by - happy St. Patrick's Day!

It's My Birthday!

laser-cut cupcake wrappers from the Paper Orchid

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." ~ Oprah Winfrey

Today is my 23rd birthday :) Tonight's going to be a big night, see you tomorrow!

Friday Rooms du Jour

A tidy, cohesive and feminine work space from House & Garden - doesn't it inspire you to organize and cull? Have a great weekend!

Ask Kyle: Pulling A Room Together

Hi Kyle,

I have a design question for you. I am lucky enough to have a “beach house”. We painted the interior a great light blue—not powder blue and not baby blue, but a blue with some punch to it. I am using the color of coral red for my PUNCH color and lots of caramel colors in the furniture too. Here is my question: I want a fun, cohesive look and I sort of want to punch up the "fun-ness" of the room in some ways and tone it down in other ways, if that makes sense. Would pulling in green on pillows and the walls help me with this?

Ann

An 'as-is' photo of Ann's beach home

Kyle: First of all, may I just say how jealous all of us are of you, Ann, of having a beach house and what great choices you have already made. That being said, I really think this room, as it is, feels extremely formal and “matchy-matchy” (excuse all of my technical design terms). I love the color of the chairs! I also think you should play around with the idea of coral in other ways than just in the literal sense of color, especially being a beach house.

I would turn one sofa around to create an L-Shaped effect and make it feel more intimate and relaxing, then remove the matching side tables and find fun pieces in the local market to make it feel more collected and personal. A rug is a big necessity -- and a way a room comes together overnight. I think these rugs are one way of playing the coral up in more ways than one and really brings the beach theme inside:

Coral rug from GreenCulture.

I also think you should bring in some textures; some found pieces of coral either displayed in a lamp or arranged on the coffee table will really make the space personal. The idea of having all of these in shades of white would be really pretty.

Glass lamp, Williams Sonoma Home

You also asked if bringing in green would be good as another punch or if that would be too much. I have two thoughts on this – I always believe good design relies on an editing eye. However, you don’t want to be stuck in a three room palette where your choices feel obvious. I like the idea of bringing in green to this room, but I think staying with seafoam to jade color greens will work best and really relate to the calming beach atmosphere. Think of using some of these porcelain garden seats as extra seating or use these as side tables instead of the current matching wood ones:

Garden stool, Williams Sonoma Home

The last thing I would recommend is with throw pillows to not just think of the “punch accent” in terms of colors but rather in terms of textures. Bring in some different feelings on the pillows to have people just want to touch things in the room and evoke an interaction with the surroundings, like these styles from Crate & Barrel and Thomas Paul:["Ask Kyle" appears the first Wednesday of every month. Kyle Schuneman is a professional designer who has worked in not only residential design but also on the sets of many of your favorite design shows. To learn more about Kyle and see pictures of his work, click here. If you have a question for Kyle, feel free to ask! Email Kyle@thelovelist.net, and you may see it answered on The Love List!]

For Your Beau: Southern Drawls

Comfy drawers for southern gents in all your favorite proper prints!
"Southern Drawls" from Southern Proper, 25.00

Tara Guerard's Southern Shower

Notable Charleston-based event planner Tara Guerard's baby shower is so adorable it is worth revisiting. Although you may have seen posts on two of my favorite other blogs, Toast and Tables and Style Court, I thought it would be nice with the arrival of spring to share the photos, from Southern Accents, with those of you who may not have seen them.


The tables were set with natural bamboo chivari chairs and friendly yellow daisies.


In true soiree style, no detail was overlooked by Guerard's friends. Even name plates were given a modern twist.


The invitations were lovely and whimsical without being tacky or overly childish - find similar styles at Whitney English.


I love the idea of chilling individual-sized bottles of champagne. Ice buckets such as these can often be found for under fifteen dollars at Target or Homegoods. Pommery makes cute mini bottles called Pop! that can be purchased online, at your local liquor store or World Market.


How cute! Using a plush baby rattle as a napkin ring is just the kind of unique idea you'd expect at a Guerard event. Also, how divine is that china?


A popular shower favor, lovely little iced cookies tied up in cellophane with a matching bow make an inexpensive treat that leave a lasting impression. Burt's Bees mini baby products are a thoughtful gift to have on-hand at the last minute and present beautifully.

Downtown Chic: Sixx Design

The Sixx Design team and family

New York City–based couple Robert and Cortney Novogratz have been renovating and designing unique and hip homes for families for over ten years. Describing their signature style as a sophisticated but bohemian mix of high and low, new and old, they offer their realistic advice on how to create original, warm interiors with ease.

An NYC residence given an update by Sixx Design showcases their luxe bohemian aesthetic.

One part practical guide, one part inspirational volume on creating a look for the home, Downtown Chic pairs humorous anecdotes about the pitfalls and pleasures of renovation with a treasure trove of decorating tips: how to use both boutique and flea-market finds; how to inject lots of personality into a room affordably; how to decorate kids’ rooms so they appeal to children and adults; how to easily rehabilitate outdated furnishings; and many more.

A gorgeous home transformed by Sixx Design in Trancoso, Brazil

In each of the ten projects featured—which include a townhouse in New York City, a country house in Massachusetts, and a beach house in Brazil—before and after shots document the agony and ecstasy of any renovation project, as well as revealing the design duo’s vision and remarkable ability to see through the most awful of spaces to the amazing home that lies within.

Downtown Chic, in all it's beautiful, glossy, and har-bound glory will be published April 28 by Rizzoli. One lucky Love List reader will win a copy of the book for their very own! Just leave a comment below.

Goodbye, Winter and Hello, Spring!

Photographer Jennifer Squires captures a fluffy pink Peony - isn't it lovely? Visit her etsy shop for more beautiful images of nature and Jennifer's surroundings.

Endless Summer: Halsea

The Halsea retail shop is chock full of goodies in the company's signature prints.

Halsea's old-coastal feel gives me a nostalgic feeling just looking at it. Sally Bartz knows what makes a brand resonate with customers, don't you think? The company's website is a haven for anyone shopping for fun mix-and-match luggage that won't break the bank or blend in on the conveyor belt.



Well-traveled and worldy as you'd expect her to be, Sally has some unique travel tips that I had to share. "Inside my suitcase, I pack a second Halsea cosmetic bag as a "bar to go"" she says "with mini bottles - it's fun to surprise your travel companion with a mixed drink, salted nuts, and olives when you arrive."


Halsea "China Cove" weekend bag in sunset pink, 240.00

Another tip: "I keep playing cards stashed in my bag. --Much more social than burying my nose in the latest Vanity Fair during a flight, when traveling with others. Plus, it's fun to pull cards out during the cocktail hour and learn a new game."

Halsea is offering The Love List's readers a 20% discount on anything on the site, just enter CODE Halsea20 at checkout.

A Wistful Taste of the Past

Photo above, Joshua McHugh

Although the Charlotte Moss Townhouse has closed it's doors, this beautiful shot (from Elle Decor July-August 2007) still lives on. I love the blue and white ginger jars!

A Lovely Tablescape from Ruthie Sommers

An elegant little tablescape from Ruthie Sommers. I love the details, and I'm a sucker for peonies. The mint julep cup infuses a little southern touch to it, don't you think?