Less and More according to Mariette Himes Gomez

I was reading through Mariette Himes Gomez's book "Rooms" as I often do when I am in need of a little inspiration and I came upon something that I have read about a few times, a section of her book called Less and More.

Here is what she says:

Less

Simple, Spare: white rooms

Controlled: shaker furniture

Quiet: linen slipcovers, muslin curtains

Unadorned: hand-loomed rug

Restrained Scale: iron lantern

Easy: pine planks

More

Complex, Full: dark walls

Spontaneous: Italian Furniture

Animated:  chintz upholstery, silk draperies

Embellished: Persian carpet

Dramatic Scale: Venetian glass chandelier

Grand: Mosaic Floor

Less

*Simple*

via Coastal Living

via Design Hole

*Controlled*

via Country Side Cabinetry

*Quiet*

via Simply Chic Slipcovers

*Unadorned*

via Andalucian Rugs

*Restrained Scale*

via Dccorpad

*Easy*

via blanket bay

More

*Complex*

via casa sugar

*Spontaneous*

via life in italy

*Animated*

via nibs blog

*Embellished*

*Dramatic Scale*

via Hooked on Houses

*Grand*

via decorpad

Zuni Restaurant

While we were in San Francisco, we went to one of the most fun restaurants I have ever been to, Zuni Restaurant. When we walked up, we could smell the wood burning oven and the space was so architecturally unique, I couldn't wait to eat there. On the corner of Market Street in San Francisco, the restaurant is in a triangular space with the most amazing kitchen and bar area. The bar is made up of copper countertops and the bottles of liquor and wine lined up so it is visible from the street. Come with us as we take a tour of the restaurant...

The corner of Market Street

View of bottles from the street

Wood burning oven

Light fixture designed by owner of Zuni Restaurant

Oyster Bar 

Fresh made bread from the wood burning oven

Copper countertop at the bar

*Images compliments of Chic Coles and Zuni Cafe

Angel Jackson Satchels

My new obsession is Angel Jackson, a london based design company started by two sisters (we love that!) that we carry at DesignerSocial. I stare at them all day at work and lust over which one I would love to take home with me. Made from gorgeous leathers and skins, along with sequins, studs and fun colors, these bags are edgy and glamorous. The satchels with the chain shoulder strap are by far my favorite size and shape and I have shown a few that I wouldn't mind having in my collection!

*Images compliments of Angel Jackson 

Congratulations Cassandra!

We are so happy to announce that our wonderful Cassandra Cole is now a happy graduate of The Art Institute of California San Francisco. We all had a happy day sharing with Cassandra all the joy and excitement she had with her graduation with her lovely shining face walking down the aisle in her cap and gown. With flowers in hand we watched her receive her diploma with lots of yelling and clapping! Great job with your degree in Interior design. We are all so incredibly proud of you!

*Weekend in San Francisco*

The whole family is headed to San Francisco today to go to Cassandra's graduation from the Art Institute of San Francisco.  It will be so nice to be back with everyone again and I can't wait to go out to dinner and explore the city! I haven't been in a few years and I am excited to see some new things in the city. I really hope we get to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, it is such a gorgeous walk and the view is breathtaking. We also went to Chinatown and went in all the fun shops that line the streets. I would like to go to "COLE" street too.

via

via

via

Does anyone have any fun spots we should be visiting??

Historic Content

When looking at Jefferey Bilhuber house in Locust Valley, NY we were trying to put a word on the style and feel of this beautiful house. Jefferey described it best himself. With its historic content, this style of design is so appealing because it is historical and collecting at its best. This historical atmosphere of design can only be obtained from years of collecting, passing antiques down from generation to generation and a very careful study of period history. The painted floors were a huge appeal to us also. History and design at its best.

*Images Compliments of: House Beautiful

Planners Galore!

Recently I purchased myself a Filofax planner to keep myself organized now that I have graduated.  There is a great store in New Orleans, Scriptura that is a stationary store and has some amazing accessories as well.  I found myself drawn to the Kate Spade planners but thought that $75 + was a little high when I could get a Filofax one for $29. I picked out a navy planner (because what other color would I get?!) and have been using it non-stop ever since.  I find myself longing to have things to do just so I can write them in my planner and I have been writing useless events in my planner just so it will look full! Here are some of my favorite planner picks!

*Images compliments of Kate Spade and Filofax

Prepping For House Guests

Preparing for the arrival of house guests can be very labor intensive. The room has to be cleaned from top to bottom. Our favorite formula for this is water and white vinagar. The whole room including bathroom must first be sweeped out, vacuumed, then all molding and base boards must be cleaned.  Windows have to be vacuumed, sills wiped down, screens washed and storm windows lifted. Then the windows washed.

Now at our house all the beds have fannel sheets, so summer percale has to be put on with a light summer weight blanket. We are loving the idea of the guest towels wrapped in satin ribbon in the closet so they can just be grabbed and placed on the bed. This gives the towels a special touch. Chilled water bottle service, a few books and a nice reading lamp on the bedside table. Decorate the room somewhat sparingly so the guest will have room for their things. Always have a full legnth mirror. Closets and dresser cleaned out and a number of nice hangers; wooden or silk padded in the closet. Outfit the bed with a comfy cashmere or mowhair throw. Having a desk with lovely sationary supplies and an internet hook up or wireless infofor your house is also important. We are loving these napkin towels for the bathroom and we bulk up on supplies so that there will never be a shortage in any way. A few other nice touches are manuals so appliances can be run. These are wonderful touchs to help make your house feel  guest ready.

*Images compliments of: Martha Stewart Living