Retail Odyssey: Madura Opens in NYC

909 Broadway - you can't miss 'em

On a street filled with the likes of ABC Carpet & Home, Safavieh, Design Within Reach, and Domain, a certain modern French flair has joined the mix. Madura has opened it's U. S. flagship store on Broadway in the Flatiron district: stripes, bold colors, jaunty patterns and luxurious textures.  

Now your stroll from Madison Square Park to Union Square just got that much dreamier.

Lotus & Fig: Moroccan Tile Goods

moroccan tile in pink by micklyn at society6.com

Recently, while pinning away, I came across this beautiful print by Micklyn at Society 6. Obviously the combined color + pattern are exactly my jam:  varieties of pink, orange, lavender combined with a crisp Moroccan trellis lined in shiny gold. What puts this pattern over the top are the stencilled illustrations within each quatrefoil: wings, flowers, birds and lotus! 

Is it not the ultimate?!

Retail Odyssey: Patchwork Patterns at Vivaterra

vivaterra's kantha loveseat is a real showpiece

Thankfully this foxy little number is well out of my price range, 'cause that's all that stands between me and an epic impulse buy. Obviously it's best feature is the gorgeous patchwork Indian kantha in bright hues and energetic patterns. But it's secondary asset is the shape: those slimmed English roll arms, those carved legs (with casters!) and the tufted back. It's quite a stately little piece. I'd probably like it just as much in a solid color.

But it isn't solid. Not at all...

Single-Girl Style: Sunny in South Africa

stylist tara sloggett at home in south africa

This little cottage has stuck with me ever since I first read about it a few years ago. The light-filled rooms and feminine furnishings feel very restful and refreshing. I could definitely vacation in a b&b (or home-swap) done in this style. The floral stencils on the dresser and mirror are particularly impressive. They feel more personal and distinctive than the average furnishings. 

Color Story: Mad About Amethyst

john robshaw's lodhi shower curtain

If you know like I know, the deep midwinter can be a real bummer. Short days and low daylight are as a cloud descending, plunging me into a long stretch of hibernation and neglect. Hard to get anything done when you're bundled up in bed. Not this year! I resolved to fight it, fight it, fight it! Certain colors are particularly helpful in this effort, colors like Amethyst (or Lavendar, or Orchid...).

And this season, everybody's got some...

Rooms on Film: How to Make it in America 2

rachel (lake bell) in her one bedroom palace eclectic

Okay, so it has been a year since my first post on this cancelled HBO series, but as promised, here is the second installment featuring my favorite of the show’s many homes! In season two of How to Make it in America, Rachel (Lake Bell) moves into an eclectic 1BR apartment. Designed by Kelly McGehee, the set has a typical prewar breadbox layout. The never-seen bathroom is just off the front door, the simple kitchen flows into the vibrant living room, followed by the sunny bedroom. The apartment also has lovely prewar bones, including French doors and a bay window…

Dazzleships: Ringin' in the New Year!

muteen magazine, february 2011

Happy New Year!!! I wish you and yours the very best in 2015!