Have you thought of giving glassware as a gift? Or simply want to spice things up for your own cocktail hour?  Here are some suggestions that will stand out amongst the rest…

His and Hers highball glasses by Kate Spade.

Kosta Boda MINE Tall Tumbler. These beautiful modern pieces each have a character of their own. No two swirls are the same.

Baccarat intagible Smoke Highball. Made in France of full-lead crystal, these high ball glasses will make a stunning addition to any dinner party or cocktail hour.

Juliska Amalia Small Tumbler. "mouthblown glass tumbler to create a look that's both traditional and modern"

My strategy for surviving in the current economy!

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass;

It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Lets Dance.

“dancing through the storm” {andrew sullivan}

Designers draw inspiration from all over… sometimes it comes from everyday surroundings, and other times its something a little less usual.

While shopping with a client the other day, I kept finding myself saying, “I love that color! It reminds me of a great nail polish.”  Although it may sound funny to choose tiles or wall colors based on your cosmetics… I think it’s a fun way to bring in a little color.

Image of design by Jeneration Interiors.

Do you love the “Greige” (gray+beige) look of CHANEL’s Particulière?  Maybe you should try it on your walls!! For an edge greige look, use Farrow and Ball’s Mouse’s Back No.40, DownPipe No.26, or Lamproom Gray No.88 from their new colors for 2011.

paint color: Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back

The peachy pink undertones of NARS “Orgasm” blush has a cult following due to its universally flattering peachy-pink undertones. Coral can be a great color to bring into your bedroom for a little pick-me-up.

Ines de la Fressange's bedroom. (image from mirrormirror.typepad.com)

Attracted to the hue of blue eyeshadow, but not sure you want it on your eyes? Try it as your sofa or window treatments. I love the look of deep rich velvet in a shade of royal blue.

Carrie and Big’s sofa in an amazing blue on the set of Sex and The City.

Piero Fornasetti created 350 different plate designs based on the face of one woman named Lina Cavalieri.  He spent many years of his life thinking of different ways he could remake her image.  Today people use them not only as dinnerware but for centerpieces, showpieces and hung as art on the wall.

Max and Lubov Azria’s house as seen in Harper’s Bazaar.

A collage of Fornasetti Plates.  Decor Pad

Unica Home Fornasetti Plate (82): $230.00
http://www.unicahome.com/p24867/fornasetti/theme-and-variations-plates-by-piero-fornasetti.html

Palazzetti Fornasetti Plate (82): $190.00
http://www.palazzetti.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Product/asp/hierarchy/0908/product-id/25906152.html

Last Year we were lucky enough to work on a project out of Palm Beach, Florida.  I have to say that it was a lot of fun and they have some amazing antique shops!!!!!!  While these pictures aren’t the best quality (taken with a camera phone) I still thought it would be fun to share.  This condo was done mostly  by shopping locally at antique, consignment and our favoirte……Mecox store in West Palm Beach.  Let us know what you think!

This is the Main Living Area.  The colors are bright and fun which goes with the feel you get in Palm Beach.  The coffee table is a vintage piece that we found at Mecox and the mirror was a bargain find at a local consignment shop.

My favorite piece is the Oly Elizabeth buffet in the chalk w/gold detail wood finish.  We had to drill holes in the back of the cabinet for the wiring….my client had a hard time watching.  The little red chair in the corner we picked up at anthropolgie.

We needed some height on the wall, so we put this bookshelf and filled it with interesting pieces from local shops.

Another view of the living area.  The lamps are from an antique shop and we are having custom lampshades made for them.  Lamps are a nice way to bring in a little color to a space.

The window treatments are hung from the ceiling.  Looks very cool!!!!  The installer did a great job… we are looking forward to using him on our next Florida project.

Here is an example of what we give our work room.

Instead of using a sunburst mirror, we used a sunburst ceiling light.  Looks perfect in the space!!!

Cote Jardin Antiques is one of our favorite stores to peruse.  It was so much fun to actually see everything in person after following their online store for the last couple of years.  Also, Kelly Wearstler had stopped in a week before…just missed her!

Kelly Wearstler has started a blog called my vibe my life.  We are beyond excited to see one of our style icons joining the blog world!  She only has 2 post so far, but be sure to add her to your list of must reads!

Kelly gathering inspirations for a design project.

The design studio filled with vibe trays on large work tables.

A vibe tray for a client in Kuwait.

Working at one of her favorite metal factories.

Check out Rachel Bilson’s dinnerware line, available exclusively at Macy’s.   Its part of the Edie Rose fashion collection and features hand-inked florals, butterflies, watercolor motifs, and fanciful peacocks.  Her collection can easily be mixed and matched into your dinnerware collection, just like her wardrobe staples.

1. Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson Dinnerware, Peacock Salad Plate.

2. Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson Dinnerware, Bloom Sugar and Creamer Set.

3. Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson Dinnerware, Rose Collection.

4. Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson Dinnerware, Rose sculpted canape plate.

5. Edie Rose by Rachel Bilson Dinnerware, Peacock teapot

Here’s to starting off the week with some of the most amazing travel destinations around the globe.

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New residence at Alila Villa Soori in Bali

This residence is an inspired expression of contemporary Asian architecture that blends naturally with the lush surroundings of its tropical beachfront setting. Sensitive site planning and the use of local building materials and native landscaping create a seamless integration with the environment.

The entrance pavilion at Alila Villas Soori.

Guest bedroom at Alila Villas Soori.

The Cotta restaurant in the main hotel.

Renovation of the Groninger Museum, the Netherlands

The Job Lounge at the Groninger Museum

Valentines day is coming and its time to plan your home decor.  Setting a romantic mood is a must if you are planning on staying in.  Chocolate and roses are great but here are some ideas to spice up your night.

Say I love you to your Valentine by making there favorite meal.  Make a meal that appeals to the senses and not to heavy.  Once you have the meal planned, style the table with red, pink and cream flowers, a nude table cloth and candles to set a romantic mood.

Why give Chocolate all the attention on Valentines day.  While we love it, I am thinking Caramel for Valentines day this year.  The soft, dense, chewy candy can be made so many different ways but here is a recipe using caramel that you might want to try. Gourmet.com

Martha Stewart came up with a cute idea if you have a tea lover in your life.  Very simple (about 5 min.)  you can make these adorable little heart tea bags.

Scattering rose petals on a bed or around your tub is one way to liven up your night.  Make sure you have your room clean and tidy to make a nice atmosphere.

Living Room Elle Decor

Bring some bright flowers into your space.  It makes a beautiful statement and is romantic.

Elle Decor’s October 2010 issue featuring Ralph Lauren’s Manhattan home. (Elle Decor)

One of my favorite things to give and receive is a nice big coffee table book. Even the person who has everything could always use another book. Besides the glossy interesting pages on the inside, they look great just sitting on your table or stacked in your shelves. Plus, they never go out of style.

Books are a great accessory to define the style of a space. You can tell a lot about ones personality by looking at a stack of their books.

Here are a few of my favorites for different personalities….

For the Fashion Devotee:

Louis Vuitton- The Birth of Modern Luxury.

MARC JACOBS (Assouline)

The Bachelor…

LAS VEGAS (Assouline)

Racing Style, Special Edition BY Koto Bolofo Hardcover / Rubber slipcase

The Glamourous…

Queens' Jewels, Special Edition BY Vincent Meylan Presented in a velvet hinged box. Includes a print on fine vellum paper. (Assouline)

The Film Buff…

Hitchcock Style

The Foodie…

"With elegance and high style, this best seller brings to life the lost art of mixing the perfect drink with elegance and simplicity."(Assouline)

a book about chocolate! perfect for the Food aficionado (also available through Assouline)

Next time you are out shopping for a housewarming gift, a book could be the perfect present. If you know their style or color-scheme, try to pick something that will compliment their space.

Karl Lagerfeld surrounded by books