BOOKSHELF: DECORATE

I was so excited to learn last year that blogger Holly Becker and lifestyle writer, Joanna Copestick were releasing a decor book in April. I was even more excited when I got my copy of Decorate and saw how gorgeous it is!

My fabulous intern Mackenzie can vouch: As I thumbed through the book for the first time, the first sentence out of my mouth was, "How on earth did they find so many beautiful homes?! Each and every one of them is stunning!"

I've since had the chance to curl up with Decorate and am even more impressed after diving in. Not only are the images big, gorgeous, and inspirational, there are tons of fun and easy to implement decorating tips and ideas.

This is one of those books that not only looks pretty on a coffee table, but actually gets used as a reference over and over again! Have you had a chance to check it out, too?

P.S. Visit Bloesem tomorrow for more on Decorate!

*all images via Decorate

BOOK CLUB: ELEMENTS OF STYLE

A girl can never have too many books in her collection, wouldn't you agree? And thanks to a recommendation from Katie at a dinner party last week, I'm loving my latest addition. Actually, as an English major, I'm quite mythed I didn't already own this famous little writers manual - a manual that promises to make you a better writer, guaranteed. And with passages like this, I'm excited to dive right into Strunk and White's philosophy:

"Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all sentences short or avoid all detail and treat subjects only in outline, but that every word tell."

"...but that every word tell." I love that! I purchased the 50th anniversary edition in hardback because I adored the black and gold cover. Have I mentioned before that books are my favorite home accessory?

So tell me friends, what do you have in your collection of classics?

Gwyneth Paltrow's New Book: My Father's Daughter

Equal parts mystery, maven and majesty, Gwyneth leaves the whole world vying for her formidable good looks and bewitching allure.

With a husband who promises to fix you in a breathtakingly beautiful song and a story of loss so grievous you could cry - you can't help but root for the success of her latest endeavor: a cookbook meant to channel the ethos of her beloved late father, My Father's Daughter, out April 2011.

Perhaps it's the tug at the heartstrings that pulls me in, but one "daddy's little girl" to another, there's no greater gift than the tender bond between a daughter and a dad.

And if nothing else, I'll purchase the book because I've always felt tied to her for one special reason: When Gwyneth was ten years old her father took her to France and said, "I wanted you to see Paris for the first time with a man who would always love you, no matter what." When I was eleven, my dad took me to Paris and told me the very same thing. Precious.

*Mario Testino for Vogue, August 2010

I'm Not the Only One

Sometimes I get confused looks from visitors and friends because I keep my books turned right side in like this in my home. But I don't care because I'm absolutely crazy about the uniform, monochromatic look it creates. My home is decorated with muted tones and simplicity just like this space so the mismatch of colorful books just wouldn't work with my aesthetic.

People always ask, "how do you find the book you're looking for?" Call it instinct of a book lover or a person who knows her library inside and out, but I can tell by the color of the paper and the thickness of its pages exactly which book I'm looking at!

I'm so happy I stumbled across this picture because the next time I come across a skeptical visitor, I can show them that I'm not crazy after all, but instead, totally on trend! ;)

*image via This Is Glamorous

Tolstoy's Russian Country House

There's something magically eerie about wandering the former homes of the world's literary greats. Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, Pablo Neruda's La Sebastiana, and Pirandello's Sicilian farmhouse are all places I'd love to experience.

Thanks to the book Russian Houses, here's a glimpse inside the home Tolstoy once lived in. To think that this is the place where War and Peace and Anna Karenina were written excites the English major in me to no end! What I'm most drawn to in the space is the mix of seating options around the humble little table. I love that they've used a sofa with the chairs.

Beautiful wood floors and the curved benches evoke a sense of old world charm and elegance. The home now has me wondering even more about the real man behind the great body of work.

Which literary figure's home would you love to wander?

*discovered via Art & Lair

Bookshelves & Art Displays

I'm always fascinated by how people arrange their bookshelves. Do they incorporate art and personal pictures? Only books? Are they color coordinated or a mix of everything? Here's a look at five different displays that I love (especially the last!).

Which is your favorite?

*images via Domino and Martensen Jones Interiors

Darryl Carter + The New Traditional @ Pagoda Red

A couple of weeks ago I that mentioned I had the opportunity to meet my favorite designer, Darryl Carter, at his book signing for The New Traditional. The event was held at Pagoda Red in Chicago and proved to be a fantastic night!

The evening was captured by Chicago photographer, Calynn Berry. Not only is she talented (the pictures speak for themselves), but she's super sweet and lots of fun, too!

The Pagoda Red showroom is absolutely stunning. If you're ever in the Chicago area it's a must see. Specializing in 19th century Chinese furniture and decorative arts, this is where designers and collectors turn to as the trusted source for unusual finds from China. (That's me, above left!)

Betsy Nathan (above left) opened the doors to the showroom in 1997 after years spent living in Beijing. When I asked her if she had a favorite piece in the space, she said she couldn't pick just one. Since she hand picks each one on her trips to China, everything you see in her showroom is there because it spoke to her in a special way. 

The book signing brought a great crowd of Chicagoans in the industry to the event, all of whom couldn't say enough good about Darryl's work and The New Traditional. I personally have my signed copy on my nightstand and devour it each night before bed. 

Not only is it filled with gorgeous images, in his book Darryl walks us through his thought process for his design decisions and emphasizes the importance of comfort and practically first, He pushes us to think outside the box and ask ourselves questions like, "If you're not one to throw dinner parties, why not convert your hardly used formal dining room into a reception, second living room, or library that will get much more use?"

I'm so thrilled I had the opportunity to attend this lovely evening of honoring an industry leader, getting to know the Pagoda Red family, and meeting new friends!

*all images courtesy of Calynn Berry

In(her)view with Annette Tatum + GIVEAWAY!!

I'm so thrilled to have Annette Tatum, Santa Monica interior designer and textile creator, here with us to talk about her new book, The Well Dressed Home, which hits stores tomorrow! I first 'met' Annette when I came across the nursery she did for actress, Minnie Driver's new son. I was so impressed, I sent her a tweet to let her know! I was even more excited when I learned about her new book and the unique concept behind it. We all have the decor and fashion books, but one that combines them both? Genius! The Well Dressed Home fills that need by illustrating how your personal fashion choices can be the inspiration for your home decor. And the best part? Annette is graciously giving a signed copy to one lucky reader! All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of the In(her)view and the winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 2nd. Good luck!

Plush Palate: How and when did the idea for the book all begin?

Annette Tatum: About three years ago I started to license some of the prints from my library through an agent. One day she asked me, "If you could do anything creatively for a book what would you do? What would you want others to know and learn about your creative process and who you are other than from what your company makes and sells?" I was intrigued because I often design for a certain type of customer who enjoys a more vintage style. That was my company's direction, not necessarily my own. It was like someone gave me permission to break out of my 'box.' With that said, I shut myself into my studio for three days and created a 'mini' book of what I would want to see and buy in a decor book. I asked myself the following questions: How do the layers of our lives effect the design of our home? Do we have children or do we live alone? Where have we traveled? What do we like? I then looked at my love of fashion and my own fashion choices and how they inspired my own home design. Styles come and go in the fashion world as do home decor trends. Like our closets, one year we like the miniskirt. The next year we are into tailored blazers and khakis. When I emerged from this creative explosion, I sent my work out into the publishing world. I often say I put it on the back of a boomerang and it came back to me with a prize. It was a total surprise to me when one day I received a phone call from a top Editor at Clarkson Potter. The rest has been an incredible journey of collaboration and creativity. It has taught me to fully believe in possibilities and to remind myself and others that anything can happen!

PP: In addition to being an author, an interior designer, and creator of your own textile line, you're also a wife and mother of four! What's your secret to balancing work and life?

AT: It's a question that I am often asked. Firstly, I am a list maker. I do a daily list of what to do and at the end of the next day, I add to the list. Secondly, I am very good at juggling many things at once. I come from a very large, chaotic family so maybe that helps. I often joke that I could also do well as a short order cook or a stock broker. Thirdly, I give myself permission to be human. I can't do it all. I have been very fortunate to have other talented people around me who help me make all my dreams and visions come true. I do have one new rule I am trying for myself - no homework for me after dinner.

PP: Many readers here are aspiring interior designers and entrepreneurs, can you walk us through your background and the first steps you took towards your current career path?

AT: Funny, if you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up as a young high school student, I would have said a nurse! I do love what I do and if I look back as to what I did to get here, I followed what I loved. Although I went to Design school and later attended Architecture school, I still believe that most of what I learned I learned while on the job. My early professional work had me very involved in product design - lighting, furniture, and packaging which I feel has served me well in that I learned how to 'make' things. I learned how to get products developed and out to market. I also had some early jobs in the fashion industry which gave me permission to think outside the box when looking for materials for projects. I also had a boss early on who taught me that there is never a 'no' when it comes to figuring things out. I have found his words still ring true today. There is always a way to get things made. Sometimes you have to get creative, but there is always a solution. Once I discovered that I might have some entrepreneurial drive I began to start creating manageable projects that I could handle. In the beginning I still had to stay employed, so I worked at night and on the weekends. Early ventures were in the furniture business and then into the pajama business. I have to say where I ended up today has just been an evolution of a journey. The reason I have a baby bedding line as part of my product selection is that I had 4 small children who needed bedding. The reason I wrote a book on design and fashion is probably that as my children have gotten older, I once again have had time to ask myself what do I like? As a result, the choices in my life reflect my interest and desires. I am attracted to what I want to design so the process is easy. I would have to say to anyone starting out, don't try too hard. Look for what is obvious. I struggled trying to figure out the perfect name for my company, the perfect color for certain prints, and in the end I drove myself crazy. Better to go with the flow and have fun!

PP: Which inspires which for you? Fashion of interiors?

AT: I have to say I am more excited these days about fashion. Probably because of the two it is the one I know less of. I am so curious about how it all works. How products at Dior get from an amazing runway collection in Milan to the department stores of the world. Where do they find some of the fabrics they use? The combinations are incredible at times and I am often wishing the home decor market were more bold. Fashion is full of drama! Its has no rules. I love that!

PP: New York Fashion Week just wrapped up, did you see a collection you absolutely love or have a favorite fashion house?

AT: I have been following the girls at Rodarte for years. I love that they received the award this year. They are so inspiring and their ideas are so new and exciting. I also love anything couture. I love Dior and the collections this year. Anything Galliano I am in awe of. Some of the shows are like watching mini operas for me.

PP: Your book reveals eleven of the most universal fashion styles, - romantic, couture, classic, casual, bohemian, retro, resort, modern, eclectic, vintage, and eco - which one best describes your personal aesthetic?

AT: I would have to say bohemian/classic today. Last week it probably was bohemian couture. I do have trouble sticking to one style. I like everything!

PP: When you're not working, what can we find you doing in your free time?

AT: This year in retail and manufacturing has presented new problems our company and others have never had to face before. As a result, I starting running and run quite a lot lately. It keeps me sane and allows me to have some quiet thoughts while dumping some stress. I also am a 'home body.' I always think I should be out and about seeing the latest home trends or scoping out new shops. But I have to say, I love being home; in my own studio or organizing. I am so into having things organized these days! I also love to visit Anthropologie. I find the way they do store displays and the materials they use to make beauty from seemingly nothing is amazing. I would love to do an internship there in the store display area.

PP: Which celebrity would you love the opportunity to work with?

AT: I think I would like to work with Madonna. She is always evolving and incorporates all the elements I love. Fashion, concerts with great sets and staging and music. I think it would be a fantastic combination to be part of. She has lasted forever by always pushing the envelope and I love that.

PP: Many people dream of starting their own business the way you have but are afraid to make the plunge. What helped you get to that point and what advice can you give others interested in doing the same?

AT: Start small. Realize that you will make what you think are mistakes but they will actually end up to be valuable lessons later. Experience is essential. You won't know until you try. And don't print all the stationary and business cards until you have been going for at least 6 months. You might change your mind. And always remember to remain open to knew ideas.

PP: Where do you see yourself in five years?

AT: I have become more uncomfortable with the unknown so I would have to say...I hope I am still on an adventure!

Many thanks to Annette for letting us in on her creative process and walking us through her background and experience. I love the message of letting what we love guide our path and valuing our mistakes as an integral part of the learning process!

Don't forget to leave a comment if you'd like to enter the giveaway for your own signed copy of The Well Dressed Home! But if you're like me and just can't wait to get your hands on one in the meantime, you can order your book right here:

update: readers anywhere in the world are eligible for this giveaway!

Decorating with Abigail Ahern, Style Extraordinaire!

When I heard London-based designer, Abigail Ahern, described her own aesthetic as "Alice in Wonderland on acid," I knew this was going to be good!  Her work is every bit as attention grabbing and innovative as I'd imagined it to be, and more!

With an eclectic, forward thinking design sensibility, it's no wonder Abigail has made quite the stir. She's been coined, 'Style Spotter Extraordinaire," by the Times of London and continues to collect new fans around the globe, from Alexander McQueen, to The New York Times to Elle Decoration Japan. And of course, you can now add me to that growing list!

Looking around her rooms is a continuous stimulation of visual delight. There's not a boring corner or cove in sight. She keeps the surprises coming. Like this bookshelf wallpaper down below. Did you think it was real like I did?

Her wallpaper collection says it all! It's whimsical and colorful, just like the designer herself. Imagine the conversation starter you could have with these!

As if it wasn't already exciting enough to learn she has her own decor shop just North of London 'ATELIER Abigail Ahern', now she's teaming up with Bluebird - the famous 10,000 square foot style market on King's Road in London! Soon all you lucky Londoners will be able to shop Abigail's collection for those hip decor objects at 'The Shop at Bluebird.'

And for those of us not immediately in the London area, we can still experience a piece of Abigail's vision in the form of her new book, A Girl's Guide to Decorating. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and check it out. Every once it awhile I need something to jolt me away from neutrals and wake me up with a bright pink coffee table!

*all images via designer's website