What's your Flavor

Hi Kids, I apologize for the brief hiatus; but I'm back now! ;)

I tonight I'm going to take a trip back to kindergarten and ask the basics question: What's you favorite color?
This maybe a simple question, but I really am curious to know so I hope you have some fun with it.

Personally I have always loved navy. A lot of people see it as an accent, but I like using it as the primary color within a palette and build from there. Navy walls in powder room are always sophisticated and modern when paired with polished stainless fixtures.

So, now I'll true it over to you..... what's your flavor??

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor day everyone! I hope that you have had a wonderful BBQ/ Beach filled weekend.

Just a quick update in reference to the "Curb Shopping" challenge....
They will not be finished by the end of the long weekend, however a plan has been set!  Finding professional caner is not the easiest thing.

I don't want to ruin the surprise, but think black lacquer with a few surprises. That's all for now, stay tuned Kids!

Item of the week!

Customizable Fabulosity for your floor.

These area rugs are not just beautiful, but you can select the color palette to match your interior perfectly. What more could a girl want! 

http://www.delosrugs.com/

Three Sheets to the Wind

Tucked in the heart of Rittenhouse lays one of Philly’s best kept secrets, Kellijane. This luxury sheeting, bath and accessory boutique will make the sheer thought of a "Bed in a Bag" seem like a Four Letter word!                    

These talented women are single handily beautifying the city one bed at a time. Going into this breathtaking store is an experience in itself. Upon entering underneath the chic light grey awning you are welcomed into a sleek minimalistic space that is understated and warm. The tasteful combinations of fabric on the display bed are always playful and interesting; causing you to wonder why you’ve been sleeping on sandpaper your entire life!

They have a beautiful array of fabrics and swatches to choose from in order to create the bed of your dreams; literally. The vast selections of fabric allow them to make a hundred beds and never repeat the same one twice. Kelly and Pamela believe that every bed should be as special as the people in them.

They make what could be a very confusing and complicated experience a little too much fun! The gorgeous combinations that come out of the boutique are mind blowing. No matter what you needs are, chances are they have it or they can get it. You're really only limited by your own imagination.

Kelly the “Kelli” in Kellijane has a classic & clean aesthetic. Her bedding creations are light and airy with an unexpected yet subtle usage color and texture. Her refined utilization of the two always works beautifully together. While her associate Pamela has a vivid and adventurous sense style. She is not afraid to throw caution to the wind to develop a palette that is unapologetically bold and chic. Together these two intriguing women make up the team that own and operate this distinctive store.

While they do carry lines such as Matteo, Moschnio, and Versai that will rival Frette any day of the week, they strongly believe in luxury for all. They have a little bit of everything; ranging from exquisite coverlets made from recycled bottles to wood fiber sheets from SFERRA. Their Swiss linen line; SCHLOSSBERG  produces their products in a completely self-sustaining “Clean” factory. Here; GREEN no longer requires sacrifice of design or quality.

Quality vs. quantity is definitely key when you think of Kellijane.

Now, I’m not going to lie (I have more than my share of Target sheets); however the 2-3 sets from less expensive stores can’t hold a flame to the beauty, washability and color fastness of the 1 bedding set from Kellijane. While speaking with Pamela she told me that she was a strong believer that everyone should have one fabulous set of sheets that last for years, no matter what their age. Spending a bit more on your sheets really will add longevity to their lifespan.
So if you think about it; buying 1 set from Kellijane will actually save you money over time. (Think of it as an investment in your beauty sleep!)

P.S. Don’t’ forget to vote for Kellijane on The Philly Hotlist for Best Housewares 2010! http://phillyhotlist.cityvoter.com/kellijane/biz/12953

To Contact them please visit: http://www.kellijane.com/

Item of the week!

Playing with scale in interiors is one of my favorite ways to create interest within your space. I recently found these items and I had to share.

These oversized  fiber glass vases called the Moxie. They range in size from 19"-29.5"H.
The urn shaped vases are like something out of Alice and Wonderland. Creating a chic and whimsical element in your space.  They're the perfect way to introduce color into an otherwise monochromatic space.

Enjoy the site; happy surfing!
http://www.accentdcor.com/

Dumpster Diving

So for all of you that know me, the probability of finding me looking for anything in a dumpster is highly unlikely, so I should have really called this entry "Curb Shopping"....
Anyway, on my way home from Dinner one night I stumbled across these two dining chairs that a someone in the neighborhood had thrown out and placed on the curb. Ordinarily I would have left them there because I really don't have the room to store anything in my apartment; but there was something special about these chairs. I could see that beneath the chipping cream/brown/possible greenish paint and fuzzy chartreuse 70's shag upholstery was something beautiful.
Fast forward a year and they are sitting in my Living room taunting me! Constant reminders of why I don't "curb shop".....
So the challenge is on: Paint and reupholster these chairs before LABOR day. (We'll see how this one goes kids, even I'm a little skeptical!)

Before Pics:

Feel free to leave your suggestions for upholstery and paint colors! I can use all the help I can get.......

The Grasshopper

I stumbled across this chaise the other day; and I think I'm in Love. It is a superb combination of comfort and beauty, and it just makes you want to sit on it!

The classic lines of this chaise are so versatile and transcendent that it has been in production since the late 1960's.

The orginal FK 87 Grasshopper chair is designed by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm in 1968 and original produced by Kill International Germany.

The grasshopper is only available through a select few retailers in the U.S.  and so if you are ever near Suite New York, I recommend that you experience it for yourself.

http://www.suiteny.com/

POOPS!

So, a few years ago a client of mine told me that she had seen these amazing paintings at “some gallery” in Philly a few months earlier and she really wanted one of them for her dining room.  Here’s the catch (there’s always a catch), she wasn’t sure which gallery she had seen them in and she had no idea what the artist’s name was. Needless to say, this presented a bit of a challenge.
She and I eventually figured out which gallery she saw the pieces in; based on month and area she lived in at the time. I immediately called the gallery and described these larger-than-life abstract and graffiti paintings my client had loved so many months before. Eventually, after several very annoying and elaborate messages I left on the galley’s voicemail; I was directed to an artist that went by the name of Poops……


       With a unique nickname given to him by his Grandfather, Matthew “Poops” Ostroff is an artist born and raised in Cheltenham, Pa.; whose artwork is just as interesting as its creator. His pieces tell more of a story; taken directly from the streets of Philadelphia that he visited as a young child. While attending college he explored many different majors but his heart was connected to his craft. Using the mathematics background he acquired during school to his full advantage, he employs a strategic approach, but the outcome is always organic.


His earlier work exemplifies a study in human interaction, unintentionally creating something beautiful. Posters, ads, and announcements plastered, ripped down, and reposted over and over again, over time create a matrix of shapes, color and negative space that is both unexpected and intriguing.

(2007 "Cooper Street" 96x60)

His most recent work is a raw approach to basic observation. Removing all recognizable features as seen in his earlier work, Poops has focused on a single item and the space around it; cleverly playing with a single letter. He focuses on the positive and negative space surrounding this letter to create new images. By magnifying and layering the letter until it is abstracted to just a block of color giving birth to a completely new element.
While speaking with Poops, he mentioned that observers commented that the new pieces resemble city plans. I thought this was a really keen observation. Although the pieces are completely abstract, the mathematic approach taken in their construction does generate symmetry in some places while leaving it completely random in others, much like a city plan. The organic is balanced with the structured in order to create harmony.

(2010 "f positive" 75x75)

                                                                                                                      

        (2010 "Wild occupied kit" 65x65)

(2010 "f negative" 75x75)

A few of his latest pieces truly play with positive and negative space. Using a silk screen, Poops superimposes white images on to black paper creating a remarkable effect. His capacity to fill space where there previously wasn’t truly does make Poops worth looking up.

                      

(2010 "White. black Rip" 75x75)

(2010 "Red Jawn" 60x60)

To see more of these pieces visit www.poopsart.com and coming mid-summer 2010 www.matthewostroff.com


Because, even if you aren’t an art aficionado you have to admit they're pretty Dope!

Spring Time

After two weeks resulting in four feet of snow causing severe case of cabin fever; I’m sure like many people you began to notice:

•  Just how long you’ve lived with that peeling wall paper
•  The drab walls begging for color
•  Or the empty space that could be filled with that vintage chair you have stashed in the basement.

Lucky for us, “They” say spring has finally sprung! (Tell that to the 30 MPR winds, freezing rain and the 50° temperatures, but I digress). I personally believe that a new season should include a revamp of your surroundings. Spring is an occasion to have fun with your interior. Small steps like adding color and texture can make a huge impact.

Though color can be used all year round, adding a touch of color on the walls or the windows is a quick fix for winter blues. A few throw pillows added to existing furniture pieces could dramatically change the look and feel of your home. Don’t be afraid to drop hints of color though out the space, especially during the spring. Jewel tones, rich citrus shades, apple greens, cobalt blues added to a monochromatic palette will turn a room from drab to fab in an instant!

  My personal favorite color right now is Navy. It’s the perfect classic pop of color; it’s on trend but not trendy. It really makes an impression and will never go out of style! Use it sparingly and strategically in places that will really make an impact. Such a dark pop

 of color can easily become overpowering. Pair it with light neutrals and soft grays. If you really want to make a statement, combine it aubergine and mix in a few textured and patterns. 

                                                                                                           

Don’t be afraid to paint older pieces of wood furniture either. Color isn’t just reserved for walls and upholstery. An old dresser or set of wooden kitchen chairs are the perfect opportunity to use color the right way. You want your guest to say “WOW!!” Not “wow??”

If you are unsure about which colors look best when paired together--keep it simple. Choose one color and work with varying shades of that color to add depth.

Color not your thing? Play with textures, patterns, tones/shades of a varying color. This small adjustment can breathe new life into a dull space.

Here are a few things to remember when updating your space:

1. Be bold in whatever choice you make
2. Create unexpected and edgy focal points

3. Stay true to your personal style. 

4.Take a risk, you make just love it!

Sofa:  http://www.ciscohome.net/index.htm

Area Rug: http://www.marcphillipsrugs.com/Philadelphia/philly_catalog.html

Pillow: http://www.hollandandsherry.com/interiors/collections.aspx

Painted Chair: http://www.jimmiemartin.co.uk/CH1.php

Hello

Welcome to Apt.30; just a little blog I like to call home!
Apt. 30 is all about trend setting interior design, personal style and drawing inspiration from the environment  around us; in order to create a lasting and inviting surrounding for yourself.
Apt. 30 encourages you to shake up and change your space, always remembering to have fun along the way.
I hope that you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy writing it!