FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY...

What do you think a bedroom inspired by the popular book Fifty Shades of Gray would look like? (Not that one...) Or any other room inspired by the book on most suburban housewives' summer reading list.

A little gray goes a long way, but an entire room is somehow very soothing and sexy.  Here are several amazing room designs that would make both Christian and Anatasia very happy...

Happy daydreaming, ladies...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com, TraditionalHome.com, ElleDecor.com and HGTV.com

MARTHA'S VINEYARD...

I just returned from my favorite place on earth, Martha's Vineyard. (Yes, on earth...)

A 45 minute ferry ride off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, this quaint 23-mile long island made up of 10 communities is a treasure trove of sun, sand and rich history. First settled in 1642, the typical year round population of about 15,000 swells to about 100,000 during the summer months.

Moshup Beach in Aquinnah

The Lighthouse and Cliffs at Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head)

My family typically rents a cottage in Oak Bluffs, the island's "epi-center" where the best entertainment, shopping, and dining can be found as well as beautiful beaches such as the Inkwell and State Beach.

The Inkwell in Oak Bluffs

Circuit Avenue Shopping District in Oak Bluffs

Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs is a summer vacation destination for the African-American middle class. There is a rich history of lumaniaries - past and present - from the worlds of politics, education, entertainment and literature who have spent time there. Senator Edward Brooks, Henry Louis Gates, Spike Lee, and Dorothy West have all been residents of the community. The Kennedys, the Clintons and the Obamas have  vacationed in Chappaquaddick, Chilmark and Edgartown in Martha's Vineyard as well.

Bunch of Grapes Bookstore in Vineyard Haven

Painted Ladies of Oak Bluffs

Oak Bluffs Gazebo

The Black Dog Bakery

The thing I love most about the Vineyard (other than the beaches) is that passersby speak to one another. Its laid back energy is a welcomed respite from the NYC fast pace of life.  The year-round residents do things on "Vineyard time," so much so that Oak Bluffs made Frommer's List of '10 Towns That Do Things Their Own Way.'  It would be quite annoying if I weren't on vacation.

An interesting bit of trivia:  Contrary to popular believe (because of the name) there are no wineries on Martha's Vineyard.  The one and only winery closed in 2008. But there is plenty of seafood.

The Bite in Menemsha

Until next summer...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ElleDecor.com and Frommers.com.

THE MET EXHIBIT - SCHIAPARELLI AND PRADA: IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS...

This weekend, I finally went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC to see the exhibition that everyone has raved about - Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

This intriquing exhibit explores the careers of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Their iconic designs are presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada, focusing on how both explored similar themes in their work through very different approaches.

The exhibition showcases approximately one hundred designs and forty accessories by Schiaparelli (1890–1973) from the late 1920s to the early 1950s and by Prada from the late 1980s to the present. The signature objects by both designers are arranged in seven themed galleries: "Waist Up/Waist Down," "Ugly Chic," "Hard Chic," "Naïf Chic," "The Classical Body," "The Exotic Body," and "The Surreal Body."

Waist Up/Waist Down

Ugly Chic

Hard chic

Naif Chic

Classic Body

Exotic Body

The Surrealist Body

Schiaparelli, who worked in Paris from the 1920s until her house closed in 1954, was closely associated with the Surrealist movement and created such iconic pieces as the "Shoe" hat and the "Tear" dress in collobaration with artist Salvador Dali. Prada, who took over her family's Milan-based business in 1978, is still one of the most sought after designers of our time. Her designs focus on fashion that reflects the eclectic nature of Postmodernism.



Shoe Hat and Lip Jacket

Tear Dress

An interesting perspective into the world of Fashion, the exhibit is on view at the Met through August 19, 2012. If you are in the NYC area, it is a must see...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

THE LOW DOWN: WEST ELM...

One of my absolute favorites, practically every room in my house has something from West Elm - whether its accents and accessories or furniture pieces. As part of the Williams-Sonoma family, it offers GREAT quality at affordable prices. There are 42 stores throughout the US and one in Toronto and one in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Known for their clean line approach to furniture design, West Elm pieces are both trendy and classic. Great "first apartment" furniture that will last - not like their Swedish competitor (no disrespect intended).

Emmerson Bed



Essex Ottoman







Narrow Leg Dresser

High Rise Coffee Table

Parsons Metal Filing Cabinet

Victor Chair

Last season's influence was Moroccan inspired furniture and accessories. I absolutely loved the textural rugs, colorful poufs and pillows, and intricately carved wood pieces that are staples in Moroccan design.

Poufs

Moroccan inspired textiles and accessories

This season's crop of ethnic influenced treasures are from the other end of the continent - South Africa.  I especially love the chair and bench from South African designer John Vogel and the Kuba Bench and Stool. The even have pottery and tableware handcrafted by local artisans.

Chair by John Vogel

Bench by John Vogel

Senufo Bench

Kuba Bench

Kuba Stools

Potter's Workshop Tableware

If your taste is more modern and urbane, you might enjoy the new Wood Tile Bedroom Collection. Love the iron leg detail on these eclectic pieces.



Wood Tile Bedroom Collection

Can't wait to see what's to come next season. In the meantime, happy shopping...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of WestElm.com