Wall 2 Wall

I'm always looking for new ways to update and reinvent spaces, and recently I've rediscovered wallpaper. For a long time wall paper was considered passé, old fashion or just a pain to deal with; however it has come a long way within the past few years. There are so many updated modern and fresh new patterns and textures out there.

Companies like Wolf Gordon and Graham &Brown are at the forefront of this paper revolution.  

Because of these companies and those like them wall paper has become wall art.

Wolf Gordon specializes in chic retro patterns with bold splashes of color that are perfect for statement walls, powder rooms and lobby areas.

Graham & Brown has mastered the art of the paintable wall covering. Their "Superfresco Paintable" line is wonderful. Paintable wall paper gives you the freedom of color selection. Their amazing patterns can be custom fit to any palette.

Fantastic Plastics

The  thought of designing custom furniture has always been a fascination of mine. Recently I've been obsessed with the idea of manipulating plastic and resin moulds. Here are two pieces that I've found really inspiring. The clean lines and the smart usage and placement of color is perfection.

The DF-2000  is a Wood and laminate cabinet
with black and brown molded plastic
doors on a white enameled metal frame.



The Mi chair is fabricated from 100% recyclable, thermoplastic polymer.

                      

Haute Moderne

One of the best ways to add depth and character to your space is to add a few modern classic pieces. ModeModerne is the perfect place to find those pieces. Behind the orange doors of this chic Old City furniture boutique lay the amazing works of Saarinen, Knoll, Herman Miller and  Curtis Jere', just to name a few.

The owners of the boutique, Michael Glatfelter and Michael Wilson have created an alluring environment that is reminiscent of sleek smoking lounges and martini's bars from the 50-60's. The pieces that this fabulous pair of Michael's have collected over the years each tell a story. Together they have formed an enticing environment made up of artwork, furniture and accessories. The store owners gather only the best pieces that were created by artist and craftsmen; who's designs have transcended time.

At ModeMorderne they  appreciate the ability to transform a room using  one of a kind treasures. Each piece is hand picked and refinished by the store owners.  They have an uncanny ability to restore these pieces that they find in estate sales, down sized homes and auctions.

When I walked in the other day they were having a 60"Saarinen Tulip Table top refinished. The beautiful carrera marble top  was being restored to it's former glory and will make an amazing addition to any space. Whether it's a dinning table in a city loft or a multi purpose desk/dining/meeting table within a chic studio, it will add a charm that nothing else possibly could.

Along with the furniture they also have amazing accessories and art work spread all though out the store. If you are ever in Old City Philadelphia I insist that you add ModeModerne to your itinerary. If you weren't planning a trip into Philly anytime soon, ModeModerne  items are also available on 1st Dibs.

Color Code

If you're contemplating  designing a space using 2 contrasting colors; be sure that they are within the same hue. (Warm with warm, cool with cool). However they should vary in shade and saturation. You don't want the area to look like your favorite fast food pit stop!
Please remember there are many different variation of one color, don't be afraid to mix and match shades. Lastly don't forget to add a beautiful rich neutral to ground the entire space.





Page Turner

I first spotted this amazing series of  Fashion and lifestyle books during the holidays. I was going to buy a set online for a friend, but due to my inability to purchase Christmas gifts until to week before the actual day (Yes, I have a tendency to procrastinate.....) they never would have made it in time for the big day.
I saw them again for the second time the other day and I had to share.
ASSOULINE has created the ultimate lifestyle "survival kits". Each series is grouped into the four major style food groups: Fashion, Lifestyle, Art and Design (what more do you need!)

This set of four books are perfect accessories that will dress up any coffee table and are guaranteed to make for great conversation. Each book is filled with fabulous bits of info, recipes, fun facts and so much more.
If you don't have the need for an entire set ASSOULINE also has a number of other specialty books that are sure to impress.

Pillow Talk

One of the most fun, but at times challanging people to design for are young Bachelors. They want a home that is warm and inviting but not frilly or too soft. Usually when I interview a bachelor their main requests are:
1. HUGE TV
2. A comfortable place to sit
3. No frilly,  girlie pillows
(Oh and did I mention a Huge TV?)

The TV and seating areas are no brainers, but for  the past few years I have been on the look out for fun decorative pillows with a masculine tone.  I have used everything from wool to burlap trying to accomplish this task.  Very luckily a designer based out of  San Fransisco has cut out the leg-work and created these silk screened cotton blend pillows with a ton of personality.                                                                                                                                                                   

These pillow range in size and they also come in a array of wonderful colors. They are made to order, which is great because it gives you a ton of flexibility when designing. They can stand on their own as a singular piece on a bed or chair or in groupings on a sofa. However you chose to use them, they are sure to look amazing.

To see more of these designs visit: The Utilitarian Franchise on Esty

http://www.etsy.com/shop/utilitarianfranchise

Stick a Fork in it

This isn't your mother flatware! I recently came across this amazing company Gourmet Settings that offers flatware and cutlery that will wow even the most discerning dinner guest. (Even Oprah approves.... Just sayin...).
Gourmet Settings specializes in everything from award winning unique flatware (sold individually and in sets),to serving dishes and everything in between. Their pieces make wonderful gifts for house warming, weddings or as a great addition to your own collection.

This handmade, heat forged stainless steel "twist and shout" series is particularly interesting. This edgy yet elegant set is like nothing I have ever seen before. 


http://www.gourmetsettings.com/



Everyone needs a fork, why not make it a fabulous one?!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!
Form The Apt.30 Design Family to yours. We wish you health, prosperity and beautiful surroundings in the New Year.

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/