Black Fireplaces

I am slowly trying to pinpoint my likes and dislikes in regards to what I want in our future home.  It won't be long until we're back in CT buying a new home.

The other day, I was perusing my 'pins' and I noticed a trend - black fireplaces.  I like the contrast.  I like the masculine edge.  Especially against a neutral backdrop, it can really create a dramatic effect.

In the above three photos, I especially like how the touches of pink, cream and gold soften the spaces which contrasts with the masculine feel of the fireplace.   

Carrie from Hazardous Design recently painted her fireplace a dark color and it turned out fantastic.

Images via pinterest

I admit painting a fireplace black would be stepping out of my comfort zone.  I think I would typically want to play it safe and go with a traditional white one, but I'm trying to push myself a bit and force myself to take some risks.  

So, how about you - would you consider a black fireplace in your home?

Kristen Panitch Interiors

I stumbled across the portfolio of the Los Angeles based designer, Kristen Panitch, the other day while doing a search on wallpapered rooms.  I now know why her pictures popped up - she is not afraid of using wallpaper.  And, I love it.  I can't help but think that the style these rooms portray is exactly what I want to achieve in our next home.

I also found an interview that Nicole Gibbons, from So Haute, did with Kristen Panitch.  Below is a snapshot of Kristen's office.  I guess Kristen's home is being shot by one of the shelter magazines so I can't wait to see that!  I assume it hasn't been published yet?

So, what do you think?  Don't you love her mix of wallpapers, patterns and moody colors?  I like the eclectic yet traditional feel.  Doesn't it make the interiors feel so real and lived in?

Haven't seen enough?  Paula from Two Ellie (here) and Erin from House of Turquoise (here) also did posts on Kristin Panitch.  Go check them out!

Rita Konig's Website

Did you know she had a website?  It was by chance I stumbled on it after posting last Wednesday about Domino's comeback.

I love her style and approach to designing.  See a sampling here and here.  And, if you were to ask me to choose one designer to be my mentor (or to work with) it would be her.

So, while perusing through her website, I found these new (to me) images of a NYC apartment she decorated.  It has to be her apartment because they contain so many of her personal belongings!  Let's take a look....

If you don't mind, I'm going to bore you with my observations while I deconstruct her living room.

1. The color palette.  In classic Rita style, it's a light palette with pops of jewel toned colors.  The walls are painted a cool gray.  It could be her signature paint color called 'Rita Says', that she used in her east village apartment, I'm not sure.  But if you look around her room, you'll see pops of amethyst, pink, sapphire blue, and emerald green all against a light pale backdrop.

2. Patterns.  She typically uses one dominating pattern.  Here she uses Kelly Wearstler Groundworks Bengal Baazar fabric on her sofa.  I've noticed she either uses a piece of furniture or the walls to introduce a pattern (on a large scale).

3. Flowers.  Her flower of choice when it comes to styling, I've noticed, is tulips.  If you take a look at her other apartments she had decorated, there are always tulips.

4. Lamp shades and pillows.  In my opinion, she introduces more patterns in this apartment than she has in her other decorated apartments.  It appears that she might have stepped out of her comfort zone of English style sensibilities when decorating this apartment, but even so, it works and she is able to remain true to her understated elegant yet comfortable approach to decorating.  Once again, she uses pillows and lampshades to introduce more patterns.  

5. Tablescape styling.  She is a pro at this and I love looking at all her details.  Her coffee table is styled to perfection.  Here, we see her pink mercury glass match striker and three candy dishes.  I'm surprised we don't see her signature pink ashtray, but I think the candy dishes serve the same purpose.  She likes stacks of books in a pyramid style and the emerald green vase adds another dimension so it doesn't become a horizontal bookcase.

So, what do you think?  Are you a fan of Rita's?  I always get so excited when I see a favorite designer add new images to her/his portfolio.  If you haven't seen her website, go take a look - you won't be disappointed.

A Chic Brooklyn Heights Greek Revival!

  

I stumbled across this incredible Brooklyn Heights Greek Revival via CWB Architects.  This project entailed a complete structural and mechanical gut renovation of this four story, 3200 sq. ft. row house and extension.

The designer?  Jennifer Eisenstadt Design and Decoration, LLC.  Why have I not heard of her before?  Check out this incredibly chic home (I believe this might be her home.)

I am completely speechless....

Keep a look out for her use of modern and vintage light fixtures.  I believe this and the kitchen's fixture might be Lindsey Adelman's bubble light which I posted about here.  I am in love!

Pocket doors, brass fixtures, modern lighting, oh my!

For real? A leopard print runner!! Brilliantly done.

Black and white graphic wallpaper and mirrored furniture - I love it.  Do you notice the ruffle trim on the curtains?  Such a nice feminine detail.  And, the brass doorknobs?  I love the dark walls in the adjourning room.  I just wish I could see more of this bedroom.  

How chic!

The marble veining in the shower, the vanity's lucite legs, hexagonal floor and wall tiles and the brass hardware are all so wonderful!

I am so using balloon shades in our next house.  Remember this post?

So tastefully done.

Do you notice how glossy the trim is?

This is probably her office, no?  What an amazing space to work in!

And, just when you thought you were done with the surprises - she throws this into the mix!  Holy Cow!  She is incredible!  The mix of the chinoiserie wallpaper with the inlaid wooden chevron floor - crazy good!

I love the primary colors and the kilim rug!  

Oh my goodness!!  So amazing!

Okay, how incredible is this home?  I can tell you that I will be studying each and every one of these pictures for a long time.  I haven't felt this inspired in a while. 

Can some magazine publish her space so I can get all the sources, please??

Jennifer Eisenstadt is my new hero!

Eclectic Living Room

This living room by Heather Roberts, H&H Home, caught my eye via pinterest.  I love it for lots of reasons as evidenced by my list above, but I love it mostly because it is feels effortless.  It has that collected feel without feeling too design-y. 

Do you know what I mean?

To see more of her home, go here.  

Jenny Wolf Interiors

I love pinterest.  Who doesn't?  I stumbled across Jenny Wolf interiors while pinning and I hopped over to look at her portfolio - I am so glad I did.  I really like her style.  She grew up in the South and credits her style to her Southern roots.  Anyway, I like what I saw and thought I'd share.

Pretty, huh?  

Also, I realized I never posted my pinterest account on my blog before.  If you want to follow my boards, you can find me here.