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

OLYMPIC MEDAL INSPIRATION...

If you're like me, you couldn't make it to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. However, you can always show your support of Team USA (or whomever you're cheering for) by using the medal accents of GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE in your decor.  Here are some accent pieces that are inspired by the Olympic medals.  Just like the athletes from every country, these are all winners:

GOLD MEDAL INSPIRATION

Sheridan Mirror by Arteriors Home

Julian Lamp by Uttermost

Greek Key Table by Arteriors Home

Amelia Chest by Oly

Ulyssess Pendant by Arteriors Home

SILVER MEDAL INSPIRATION

Simone Dresser by Worlds Away

Tamas Container by Arteriors Home

Doris Etagere by Worlds Away

Orli Chandelier by Arteriors Home

Antique Mercury Glass Finials by Arteriors Home

BRONZE MEDAL INSPIRATION

Costello Table by Arteriors Home

Bronze Stong Man Bookends by Uttermost

Pillow Vases by Global Views

Bruno Table by Oly

Bronze Sconce by Global Views

Go Team USA!! Happy winning...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ArteriorsHome.com, GlobalViews.com, OlyStudio.com, Uttermost.com and Worlds-Away.com

THE HAMPTONS...

I had the pleasure of going to the Hamptons for the first time this past weekend, well actually for the day, to do interior styling for a photo shoot. The location was in the toney East Hampton community of Wainscott, NY.  

Main Street, East Hampton

All the things you've probably heard about the Hamptons are true - pretentious, privileged and pristine. But that's what makes it special - the beautiful beaches, quaint (yet expensive) boutiques, multi-million dollar beach-front mansions and the celebrities (although not as celebrated by the lifelong regulars). You're likely to run into Russell, Martha, Sean, Alec or even Nick and Mariah while dining at Nick and Toni's. B. Smith is a fixture in Sag Harbor.

Wyborg Beach

Pantigo Mill, East Hampton

Its also the location for a wonderful showhouse sponsored annually by Traditional Home Magazine to benefit the Southhampton Hospital. (Blog post to follow soon, I hope.)

Location for the Hampton Showhouse 2012

We've gone to Martha's Vineyard for years but this may be a new spot for us since it only took 2 1/2 hours. Although, that doesn't include the 45 minutes to an hour traffic on Montauk Highway leading into town. But we'll have to be willing to drop a pretty penny - one night at the Enclave Inn in Wainscott during high season is $569!

I've often heard that there is a rich history for African-Americans in Sag Harbor.  That's probably where I'll go for my next visit...

Happy Hampton-ing...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of EastHamptonVillage.org, TraditionalHome.com, Google.com and yours truly.

FALL 2012 PREVIEW - FASHION DESIGNER JAEYOON JEONG

I had the pleasure of attending the Fall 2012 Preview for an exciting (relatively) new fashion designer, Jaeyoon Jeyong.  Jeong studied fashion design at Drexel University and interned with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in Paris before launching his own fashion line. The event was organized by PR powerhouse, Rakia Reynolds of Skai Blue Media.

Jeong opened his store in July 2009 showcasing his collection of contemporary menswear and womenswear. The store, located in a trendy Nolita (NOrth of Little ITAly) neighborhood at the corner of Spring and Mott Streets in NYC, is a sleek contemporary space to match this Korean native's design aesthetic.   

His Fall collection features modern yet trendy basics for business wear ranging from cotton button downs and blazers to wool trousers for men and a wider range of options for women from skirts to jumpsuits and rompers. The main focus for womenswear is dresses with an upscale array of cashmere and wool outerwear, including fox- and rabbit-fur lined styles.

There will be much more to come from this exciting designer.  To preview the line, click here.

Keep watching...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of JaeyoonJeong.com, nymag.com

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: AND THE WINNER IS...DANIELLE COLDING!

Danielle Colding, HGTV's Design Star

Danielle Colding, an interior designer from Brooklyn, NY, has been crowned this year's HGTV DESIGN STAR. (BTW, she was my pick from day one.)  During the season finale, the judges delivered the life-changing news to Danielle that she had won a contract for her own show on HGTV. 

Danielle was in a fierce competition against eleven other talented designers, with Britany Simon as the last to beat.  With this win, she will star in her own series called SHOP THIS ROOM.  See some of Danielle's designs that made her the winner:

Great Room Challenge

White Room Challenge

The Kitchen of the Kardashians' Office Challenge

Hollywood's 125th Birthday Bash Challenge

Kitchen Makeover Challenge

To learn more about Danielle Colding, click here.  Congratulations - you rocked it, girlfriend!!  All the best to you, Danielle!

Happy designing...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of HGTV.com