Velvet & Linen

maybe i do like modern

I have always thought of myself as a English cottage kind of gal, but lately I have been drawn to more modern homes like this one in the April - May (or Avril-Mai!) edition of Maisons Cote Sud...

I think it is the combination of concrete, steel, linen, wood and gorgeous landscape that makes this modern interior feel  inviting.

Love the open space where indoors and outdoors feel so connected.

That floating stairway is amazing.

The simplicity of this kitchen is perfection. The woven baskets add warmth and texture.  Who needs anything more than all white dishes?

Sometimes I wonder why I need anything more than a simple bed with linen sheets.

Steve, this is our next bathroom!

Besides the fact that I would add a little railing so that I don't lose any kids off

the side, I wouldn't change anything about this deck.

So, what do you think? Am I going crazy or is there something that connects this modern home to all the things that we love?

xo

Brooke

new favorite finds and a new home office?

It is official. I have officially grown out of my small desk space in the kitchen....

Yes, I do have a nice big desk at our studio, but this little space is where I do all of my work when I'm at home. 

So, Steve had the idea of turning this area into a beautiful office for me.

In all honesty, we barely ever use this side of the sun room, and it's so pretty that it seems like a shame not to use it more often.

Since our home has such an open floor plan, it is important that the office be pretty yet functional. So, here is what I am thinking....

My new bloggy friend, Angela introduced me to a new furniture resource called Artesia.

Their Ellington Wall Library would fit perfectly against the back wall, replacing the long seating area. I am going to cover all of my three ring binders with linen, so they can be displayed in the upper glass cabinets along with other pretty collections...

Angela and Things That Inspire introduced me to Tritter Feefer, a furniture manufacturer with a funny name that makes beautiful pieces. I fell in love with the Natalie desk. I think it will look beautiful in front of the Ellington cabinet and will give me much more room than my existing desk.

I am going to pair the desk with my antique Belgian arm chair. I bought two of them from Dan Marty a couple of years ago. One sits here by my desk in Channel Islands. 

Everyone always asks me when I am going to recover the seat. Never! I think the original tattered covering (or what's left of it) gives my chairs their charm.

I'd love to hear what your think. Also, you really should check out Artesia and Tritter Feefer. Here are some of my favorite pieces....

From Artesia, their Flemish collection is absolutely beautiful. I am drawn to the slim lines and the rustic grey finish of these pieces.

The New Lancaster Vitrina is gorgeous.

Love the detailing of this Villiers bed.

Their English Collection is also beautiful, which includes some pretty pieces with caning, like this Carson chair.

Tritter Feefer makes some unique pieces with fantastic finishes.

The Directoire dining table is a nice clean lined dining table. Something I am always trying to find!

They also make some lovely round dining tables. This Baluster table caught my eye.

While I was looking for desks, I saw this Elizabeth Writing Desk. So pretty!

Loved the finish on the Gussie Demi Lune....

and the rustic feel of the Peasant Coffee Table.

Unfortunately, both of these companies are wholesale. But, if you are interested in any of their pieces, I can help!

xo

Brooke

inspiration: liza sherman

Does anyone have a better eye than Liza Sherman?

Some of my favorite Liza Sherman finds....

Framed Vintage Bathing Suits....

13 Star Flag....

Toy Balloon Molds...

Marilyn swimming...

My favorite lumbar chairs....

Hand blown chandeliers and sconces...

What a great place to visit for inspiration!

xo

Brooke

outside my comfort zone

It has been a busy, fun week...

Ms. B pushed us both outside our comfort zone. 

Here is the update on her beautiful bedroom. You first saw it here and here

where I talked about my design process that led to the final design concept for Ms. B's  bedroom.

A couple of days ago Ms. B and I went to my upholsterer's workroom to make sure Ms. B's sofa would be as comfortable as she imagined (it is) .  Her ottoman looks fantastic recovered in the flame stitch!

Today we delivered her gorgeous Raoul Textiles covered sofa, her ottoman, her  inlaid side tables (looking fantastic with her lamps that she and Mr. S bought in Paris). We are waiting for her artwork to fill the wall above the sofa.

Yes, these fabric selections pushed the envelope, but they really work together. 

We're thinking that the next step is a natural sea grass carpet with a neutral area rug.

Maybe a shag? What do you think?

Their headboard and toss pillows arrived today as well. 

All of the bedding hasn't quite arrived yet so you just get a peak...

Next week, drapery and artwork will be installed. We think we have bedside tables selected as well.   I promise to do a post as this project continues...

A few other updates...

Giannetti Home is looking wonderful filled with Linda Broadfoot's gorgeous work. 

The art opening was so much fun. 

It was great to meet Alixe, from Rivieraview.

She took some wonderful photos (I tend to be too nervous to document these events!)

We said good-bye to these two beautiful Broadfoot images this week.

They were sold and are now in their new home in the Hollywood Hills.

Tamerie from the beautiful blog A little of this that and the other, honored Velvet and Linen by giving me this One Lovely Blog Award!  Unfortunately at this point I am too addicted to way too many blogs to select ten, so I give this award to all of the blogs that I have listed on my blog roll as well as those that I have been too crazy busy to add (but will soon!!!). My bloggy friends have been an incredible support and you all deserve this award.

Lastly, a couple of recommendations....

The Material Girls have a wonderful new (or at least new to me!) weekly e-mail called the MG Weekender that is a great summary of what's new in design this week. I am thrilled (and blushing) that they included my grass cloth post in their latest edition!

And my latest obsession? 

The Skirted Round Table! Where I learned a new word: Snarky

and realized that all of us bloggers are asking ourselves the same questions.

Here is the place where I can listen to three of my favorite bloggers talk honestly about bloggy issues. Thank you Megan, Joni, and Linda.

So what I'm I hooked on this week? I'm hooked on living outside my comfort zone and on you bloggers who are doing the same! Check out Julia's Hooked on Friday's party to see what other blogger are hooked on. Also, for the first time, I am participating in Melissa's Beautiful Life Friday party, because as a designer I know that life is as beautiful as we design it to be!

Happy Memorial Weekend.

xo

Brooke