Spotlight John Derian

Hi There . . .

No, I'm not stalling, I'm researching, kinda.  After spending a good hour on deVOL's instagram page (here) and subsequently their website, I then shifted to John Derian's site after getting a look at the AD article on his NY apartment (here).  Thought I'd share this gorgeous shoot (by Stephen Kent Johnson).  I cannot get enough of the look.  It's so inspiring for these Nashville projects I am working on.

 A little more eye candy for a Sunday am ....

Yep, my new love of bringing back the wood cabinet in the kitchen that doesn't feel like just a kitchen!

Read the story about these doors... amazing.

Tin ceiling, view, comfortable and casual.

Art grouping done right.

I have a feeling these walls are Farrow & Ball's Mouse's Back.. one of my favorites.

Overflowing with a magical feel, this artist, shop owner and author surrounds himself with his beloved antiques over there in the East Village near his shop.  I can see a metal pressed ceiling and exposed pipes.  Vintage fabrics also play a big part (and available on his website).  Loving the oversized arrangement bringing in a breath of Spring.

We met once in NYC at a show.  Nicest man . . .

photos by Stephen Kent Johnson

To see the full AD article click here !

With my annual trip to NYC coming up in May,  I am looking forward to visiting his West Village shop at 18 Christopher Street, while I usually frequent his 1st shop on 2nd Street in the East Village , we'll be staying on the West side and taking a stroll to this nearly gem is on the agenda for sure.

In an article recently by Wendy Goodman (and more photos by Stephen Kent Johnson) she writes about this early 19th century Federal style building, a mere 500 square foot  "jewel box."  One thing I really want to see is the wallpaper in the back room, she describes, with an applied sun bleach paint job.  With my latest obsession to bring the mural back, (stay tuned for that), any inspiration will keep my thoughts in motion.

Take a look at this special place, and for all you white loving china clients.. tell me know and I'll shop for you.

I have picked up a few pieces on past trips for the Little Cabin in the Woods.  Each piece reminds me of my trips to one of my favorite cities in the world.

Not to mention I went a little crazy one year stocking up on Christmas ornaments.

A furniture collaboration with Cisco Brother, you can get the look (here).

Excited to get back to NY and hopefully John will save one of these fabulous cups for me, to have a new memory from a trip with my girl Kate.

Happy day.

Install of the Day !

Hi !!

This was a fun project, and having my client living directly across the street from another, installing them both was convenient !  Laurel Bostic worked with us years and years ago on her daughter's room and called not too long ago to help with her home office, foyer and finishing touches to her living room.  I especially love working on home offices.  It's a challenge to create a space that doesn't look like just an office.  Located right by the front door and created as a small living room when built I'm sure, it's the first room you see when you walk in so pretty (as well as functional) it should be ! Laurels colors are blues and grays so I worked off that when pulling all my options so it flowed cohesively into the open living area.

I wanted something that would catch you eye and this paper does just that !  It's a grass cloth on top of it all which adds texture, which I love.  She had the desk and rug, but needed all the details.  I added a long wood console, bookcase, lighting and art to finish it all off with the hopes of making it both a dramatic focal point by the front door and just somewhere fun to go.

With the desk being wood with touches of brass, I layered in a long distressed wood console table with slightly vintage and industrial inspired lamp for a little more warmth to the space.  A good landing area for paperwork or just pretty things.  The pouf we pulled in for the kids to pull up and "work" with Mom as well as something soft to, well, soften up all the hard edged.

Accessories finish off every space.  Layer and stack I say.  

From Board to final.  I love seeing a space come together.  (And when that West Elm swivel chair comes in - complete.. good 'ole West Elm.. never on time or in stock)

Just off the office and front door, we are creating an eye catching foyer wall.  Take a peek at the gorgeous bench and rug !  Stay tuned for the upholstered walls !!!

Walk straight ahead and you hit the open living room and kitchen.  Laurel has it off to a great start with sofas and curtains.  We came in with the details.  A coffee table, rug, accent tables and side chair.

Bright and sunny and finished off.  Cozy and clean with layered elements of blues and grays.

Fresh flowers are always a must.  These gorgeous Bells of Ireland are one of my favorites and you can get lucky at the Harris Teeter sometimes and find them !

photos by Mekenzie Loli

Happy we could finish it off Pre-Thanksgiving !!