Design Crush: Kishani Perera

I recently came across the design work of Kishani Perera and was instantly taken by the eclectic and vibrant mix of furniture, textiles and accessories that have become a signature for her room designs.  And, I also love her personal style! 

 Kishani has a love for antiques and many of her spaces incorporate old and new pieces sitting together in harmony. 

room: Kitchen, Traditional room by kishani perera inc.

She has a knack for creating elegant and stylish spaces with a true sense of personality.  I love the traditional botanical art display offset by the fun and whimsical polka-dot fabric on the stools. 

room: Living Room, Eclectic room by kishani perera inc.

This space is another great example of pieces from different eras mixed together to create a comfortable and personal space. 

room: Living Room, Contemporary room by kishani perera inc.

This space is so beautiful with simple and sleek furniture used in a room full of traditional details.  Love the neutral backdrop and bold pops of color.

 

room: Living Room, Eclectic room by kishani perera inc.

 

 In looking through her portfolio I noticed that many of the rooms designed by Kashani showcase an unexpected element or two.

 What a fun fabric to use on the sofa!

An eclectic mix of textiles and details.

Love this office space–bold colors against white furnishings.

This living room setting is one of my all time favorites.  I love the oversized saying art and the texture and detail within the sofa, chairs and table.  Such a subtle space that says so much.

 

I’m so glad I stumbled across Kishani’s work.  She has quickly become one of my design inspirations!

 To check out more of her portfolio, take a stroll through her on-line shop Rummage and learn more about my new favorite designer, head here.

 

 

images 1,6,7,8,9 via Porterhousedesigns.com
images 2,3,4,5 via ElleDecor.com
image 10 via mackenziehoran.com

 

Design Crush: Liz Caan Interiors

Simply put, I LOVE every space that Liz Caan designs!

Liz Caan via made by girl

Full of color, personality, character, energy, luxury and full blown STYLE! 

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Liz is a master at combining colors and pattern to create and eclectic yet sophisticated look!

decorpad via pinterest

Love the floor to ceiling shower curtains, adding instant drama to a small space!

flickr via pinterest

Stripes, Chevron and Squares oh my!

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Those stairs are stunning and that chair is simply gorgeous!

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Practically no words to describe the beauty of this closet.  Love the floor mirror, the chair, the color, the desk, the ceiling, the rug…ok everything!

 

decorpad via pinterest

And it get even prettier when look to the side!  The lavender color is so feminine and elegant!

paloma81.blogspot via pinterest

Love the arrangement, the citrus green check and the striped floors. 

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I adore the stools and the larger than life piece of artwork.  This room just has “happy” written all over it.

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So many gorgeous elements!

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That little side table adds such fun personality to a room that is already bursting at the seams with it.  A table like that is on my DIY list.

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Want to turn a somewhat dark space into something great… add a bright, bold, outrageous rug!   Lovely!

 

Here’s a look at the Liz Caan Design Studio below…style starts at home!

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I’ve never met an awning I didn’t love!  And, black and white is so chic!

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Pattern, pattern everywhere…such a fun, inspirational lobby, lounge space.

made by girl via pinterest

Love the color mix!

made by girl via pinterest

My creativity would soar in an office space like this.  I love the crisp white with punches of color!

 

I follow a lot of interior designers, all for different reasons, and because their style and design esthetic inspire me in different ways.  Liz Caan’s work appeals to my love of spaces filled with personality, charm and  undeniable characterSpaces that are all about the people who live in them and reflections of their lifestyle!

For more inspiration and to learn a bit more about Liz, head here!

 

DIY Collage Art

During the Atlanta Home Furnishings and Gift market this past July, I stopped by one of my favorite showrooms, Southern Accessories Today,  to see one of my favorite wall decor lines, Paragon

 Paragon developes some of the most outstanding wall decor in the market and are always presenting new and creative images.

One of the ways that Paragon stays on top of their game is by partnering with some of the leading interior designers and artist in the county to develop exclusive pieces.  Artist such as Candice Olson, Mark Abrams, Bobby Sikes, Vikki Mancil Weigel and Tim Burney.

One of my favorite collections from Paragon this show was the Tim Burney Shadow Box Art.  The art pieces were created by combining vintage and antique papers and cards into a collage, within a shadow box frame.  The texture and 3-dimensional layout made these piece really come to life.

 

 

Collage art has always appealed to me and is a great way to showcase pieces of your life, in an artist way. 

Several weeks ago I spent a day at the Longest Yard Sale, which I wrote about here.  During my treasure hunting, I purchased some antique letters, dating back to 1933.  I don’t know who wrote the letters, but the beautiful handwriting on the old weathered paper appealed to me. 

At the time I purchased the letters the Tim Burney collage art was in the back of my mind.  I was so inspired by these pieces that I decided to make a shawdow box collage piece for myself.

This past weekend, I pulled out a few treasures and created this:

 

 

 

To create my collage art, I included a few vintage playing cards I picked up at Scott Antique market, old keys sent to me from my mom,  a music page from The Oxford Book of Carols printed in 1948, a piece of fabric that I love, my vintage letter from The Longest Yard Sale, an old watch face, scraps of decorative art paper and a gold ampersand piece.  

The shadow box frame was purchased at Home Goods for $15.99 and was lined with natural linen. 

It was so much fun combining pieces of my past, treasures I’ve acquired recently and objects I love. 

 

The next time you’re looking for a creative art piece for your walls, thinking about making your very own Collage Art piece.   

 

 I hope your week ahead is filled with lots of inspiration!

 

 

images via Paragon, ConfettiStyle 

 

DESIGN CRUSH: GRANT K. GIBSON

There are so many talented interior designers around the globe, many of whom have made a name for themselves and many who are just making their way.  Grant K. Gibson is one designer that is on the fast track to design stardom. 

A New York, turned San Francisco designer, Grant has established a look and identity with this work that is setting him apart in the design world.  Known for well-edited, classic and personalized spaces, Grant designs rooms that feel real, feel livable and most importantly look great.

Many of Grant’s projects have been featured in House Beautiful, the New York Times, Elle Decor and Traditional Home.  He has also made appearances on several HGTV design shows, and was selected by Elle Decor as one of “5 Designers to Watch.”

Grant K. Gibson

One of the things I admire most about Grant’s work is the understated elegance he brings to a room.  He is a master at layering, a genius at showcasing collectibles, a wizard at incorporating texture and color, and truly innovative to top it all off. 

When it comes to his personal style, Grant chooses to wear only black and white, keeping his look simple and classic.  Simple and classic can also be used to define his design esthetic, but when he adds the finishing touches to a room, it says so much more.

Below are photos of Grant’s SF apartment, which he renovated in lieu of paying 2 months rent to his landlord.  Boy did the landlord win in this deal. From the flooring,  moldings, paint and architectural details, every inch of his apartment is devine.

In his living room, I love that Grant incorporated this built-in wall unit and to give it even more style, added mirrors on the back wall to create visual interest and depth.  Check out the layering of accessories and artwork, many of which were purchased at 1stdibs.com and at local flea markets.

  This room feels so cozy and comfortable.

In this part of his apartment, Grant added bamboo shades, providing added texture to the space. I just adore the curved window seat and the placement of the skirted table.  I can just see envision myself sitting in front of these windows for hours, reading and napping.  And, the animal print rug adds that final touch of personality.

Always looking to “renovate with maximum style, at minimum cost”, Grant turned a Pottery Barn Teen bed  which he purchased for $500 into a stylish piece with the addition of an upholstered camel colored Mohair headboard.  Isn’t this just stunning?  The addition of cobalt blue walls really sets his bedroom off.

Chocolate linen drapes in the bedroom were dressed up with a greek key border.

In his bathroom, Grant replaced old, outdated tiles with $.99 black and white tiles.  It can’t get more classic and stylish than this.

Grant K. Gibson - the blog

Outside of his interior design business, Grant is an avid photographer, rarely being seen without a camera in hand.  Many of his photographs are available for sale in the shop section of  his website.  And for even more design pleasure, check our Grant’s blog, here!

Grant is one designer I’ll be watching and admiring for years to come.

Photo source

I CAN’T WAIT TO FILP OUT!

Just as the summer is winding down and the thought of unpacking boxes full of Christmas decor is a reality (yes, the boxes have arrived at the store already), there is something exciting to look forward to.

FLIPPING OUT!

Admittedly one of my favorite reality shows,  I just love the antics of Jeff, Jenny, Zoila and the rest of the gang.  Back for another season, beginning August 10th, Jeff Lewis appears to be in rare form.  The commercials airing right now showcase Jeff in some of his most memorable flipping out moments.  Whether you like Jeff or not, (I have a mad crush on him), you have to admit that he is one talented designer.  Having slowed down on his house flipping projects, Jeff has turned is attention to design work.

Here are a few fun facts, you may not have known about Jeff, Jenni and Zoila.

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Pre-Law and Political Science Major (somehow I can imagine Jeff as a politician)!
  • Has designed a  line of  home furnishings available on QVC
  • Practices Scream Therapy to relieve stress

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Was a competitive tennis player in high school
  • Considers herself a rapper (actually she is pretty good)
  • Has appeared on the tv shows Monk and Charmed
  • Jeff doesn’t know where she lives.  Jenni fears he will invade her world if he knew.

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Born in Nicaragua
  • Has two daughters
  • Became a US citizen in 1996
  • Has worked for Jeff for over 12 years (she deserves a metal of honor)
  • The oil painting of her, that Jeff gave her last year sold at auction for over $10,000

 

One of Jeff’s most recent projects was designing the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year at New York’s Rockefeller Center. Just like most of Jeff’s designs, the kitchen we designed showcases a modern vibe, with clean, streamlined design elements. 

Here are a few other photos of rooms designed by Jeff.  For more of his fabulous design work, check out his website, here!

Jeff Lewis Design

Jeff Lewis Design1

Jeff Lewis Design2

And, don’t miss the new season of Flipping Out.  You’ll walk away having learned something new about design, and will be throughly entertained along the way!

 until next time…

I LOVE BOOKS!

One of the best parts of attending the Atlanta Gift Shows each year (besides an afternoon spent in the gourmet food section),  is seeing all the new interior design and entertaining books that will be hitting the market in the coming months.  I was so thrilled to see so many incredible books hitting the presses and scheduled for release during the fall and winter. 

Get ready to add these gems to your reading list and coffee table displays.

In her third book,  Scrapbook For Living, Bunny Williams takes you on room by room tours of some the magnificent homes she has decorated.  You’ll walk away with creative ways to organize and add personal touches to your home, as well as create a  new list of fabulous design and decorating tips to reference for years to come.  Look for this book to hit book stores on Nov. 1st.  Until then check out Bunny’s wonderful on-line store at Beeline Home, here!

I absolutely love Chris Madden and her practical and understandable approach to design.  The Soul of a House is her latest book and will be available Oct. 19th.  I can’t wait to add this beautiful book to my ever growing collection of Chris Madden titles. And, have you seen Chris’ line of furniture available at JC Penney.  Check it out here!

Believe it or not, but this is Mary McDonald’s first design book, and just like the cover shot, the book is incredible.  House Beautiful has named Mary one of the top 100 designers on many occasions and rightly so.  Her expertise is in designing homes that are a bit old-fashion, a bit hollywood glamour, a bit whimsical and ever so timeliness.  If you love interior design, you are going to love Mary McDonald Interiors.  Make sure you pick up a copy when it hits book stores on Oct. 5th!

Alexa Hampton is an incredible designer.  As the president of the design firm her father started in 1976 (Mark Hampton, LLC), Alexa has is a seasoned designer with a taste for traditional and eclectic design.  Her design book showcases rooms that make a definitive design statement.  I love her use of fabrics and attention to detail.  The Language of Interior Design will be available Oct. 5th.

This is the first and only book (to date) from Town and Country Magazine. Showcasing 30 high-end interior projects, you are going to love that At Home with Town and Country makes beautiful design look attainable for us all.  The book is full of advice and inspiration for creating stylish spaces that I often just dream about.  Available Sept. 7th.

This exquisite book by Suzanne Rheinstein, designer and owner of LA’s Hollyhock store, is a real treasure.  What I love about Suzanne is her eye for color, her impeccable taste and her sense of elegance and grace.  In the pages of her book, you’ll get to see some beautifully decorated room, including shots from her own homes in Los Angeles and New York.  Suzannes’ love for antiques is obvious in her work, but I love how she combines old items in a new and refreshing way.  You can pick up your copy of  At Home, A Style for Today with Things from The Past on Oct. 19th.

With over 30 years of design and architectural experience, David Easton has pulled together a classic interior design book.  Showcasing the best of traditional interior design, Timeless Elegance is a must if you love classic and timeless looks .  Available Oct. 1st.

During the Atlanta Gift Show, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a design seminar in which Jonathan Adler presented his ideas on “Staying Trendy & True to You.”  Boy was this a great seminar.  Jonathan is so engaging, with a real zest for life and love for what he does.  He shared some great design advice including his top design tip:  Every Room needs a Dash of Hippie and a Dolip of Socialite!”  His latest book, Happy Chic Colors is full of fun, vibrant and energizing design ideas. If you don’t pick this book up on Nov. 2nd, add it to your Christmas List.  It is a must-have!

Who doesn’t love Barbara Streisand!  And, who knew she has a real love for interior design. In her first design book, My Passion For Design showcases the design and decorating work that Barbara has done in her own homes.  There are a ton of photographs showcasing her collected treasures as well as her beautiful gardens at her home along the California coast.  This book is part design and part memory lane as Barbara shares memories of her life, from childhood through today.  On book stands Nov. 16th. 

Many people ( myself included) may not have heard of Madeleine Castaing  but she was one of the most influential designers of our past.  A French decorator and antique dealer, Madeline’s style was unique, classic and a bit quirky at times.  Above all, her work was beautiful.  Shelterpop.com had a great write-up on Madeleine Castaing that will give you a wonderful perspective on her work and who she was.  Madeleine died in 1982 at the age of 98. The World Of Madeleine Castaing is available Oct. 19th.  

MIX MISTRESS Madeleine Castaing's house.

This is Madeleine Castaing’s Home.

Yippie! Another book from William Yeoward.  I love, love, love anything that William Yeoward does.  As stated in the intro of his book, “William Yeoward At Home is all about enjoyment and the joie de vivre of living and entertaining!”  Each chapter covers a different style of entertaining, and William highlights all you’ll need for each occasion.  A British designer and entertaining guru, William Yeoward is one of my all time favorite designers and authors!  I can’t wait to get the book in my hand.  You too can get a copy beginning in August.  

And, William, the next time (ok, first time) I visit London, I want to do lunch!

This is an absolutely beautiful book.  An inductee into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, Victoria Hagan is a master at subdued yet impactful color use. I love that her rooms are full of personality, have a distinct flair and are original in so many ways.  Interior Portraits is destined to be one of my favorite design books of all time. Available Oct. 12th.

This is one of my “to-die for” rooms from Victoria!

Ok, I hope I’ve got you drooling over some of the new design books soon to be released.  If you don’t already have an account with Amazon.com, NOW IS THE TIME!  Happy Reading.

What’s your favorite design book?

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