WORN IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

Overall, this look is a bit more organic than my usual, but I'm loving these wood paneled cabinet doors big time.

Paired against the sleek concrete counters (or what looks like concrete to me), the look is rustic but still very tidy. I could live with that.

I'm equally drawn to the aesthetic in this living room. The tall ceiling, wood beams, and white brick walls are wonderful, but the worn-in-all-the-right-places chairs and antique area rug are the true stars of the space in my opinion.

*images via here and here

COMING TO TERMS WITH BLACK

I never thought I'd have to say those words. Black is normally a favorite color of mine (a quick peek at my wardrobe makes that perfectly clear), but I've had such a hard time coming to terms with the black countertops in my new kitchen.

Until I was stuck with them, I never even considered black as option. I mean, who wants black when you can have beautiful, white carrera marble? Or so I thought...

My initial reaction was to change it. But with everything else I'm doing for my home make-over, I had to get realistic with myself. I don't have the time or resources to make this a priority, so instead, I'm learning how to embrace them.

The secret to working around this for me is contrasting the black countertops with lots of white to really make it pop (yes, I hate the overly used word pop, but it works to0 perfectly here...). So I'm going with white cabinetry, white ceramic dishes and vases, and will be bringing in a blueish gray for the walls.

In the meantime, if you have any kitchen inspiration pics with black countertops, I'd love to see them: plushpalate@gmail.com.

*images via Elle Decor and unknown

TWO SIMPLE THINGS

I just got back from a quick jaunt to LA followed by some R&R in Palm Springs, and am ready to tackle a week full of work, appointments, and home makeover tasks. But first, two simple things that make my heart sing.

Of course I love the open shelves, white ceramic dishes, and rustic farmhouse table (with marble table top to boot), but what really gets me is that upholstered bench. Bench seating is a trend I have yet to tire of. Pair it with the perfect, velvety gray and white piping, and I'm done for. It brings the perfect touch of warmth and and I couldn't love it more.

Again, so much to love here: wide plank floors, cut out mirrors, free standing tub, gorgeous marble countertop... But the show stopper for me is that diminutive little light pendant that more than holds its own in this space. Have you ever seen something so irresistibly sweet?

Aww, interiors, always making my heart happy over the simplest of things!

*images via Delight by Design and Met Home

Lustworthy Kitchen: Mediterranean Flair

Recently I was introduced to the incredibly talented Celia Tejada, PB Teen's Creative Director and fellow San Francisco resident. One look at her kitchen and it's plain to see: this gal is after my own heart! For starters, she shares my belief that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Perhaps it's that Mediterranean blood we both share.

From a design point of view, I love the light and airy feel she captured by choosing to work with white as the anchor color for the space. Such a choice could easily feel too stark and sterile, but this kitchen is anything but that! Layering the space with beautifully patterned rugs, colorful accessories, and a good dose of greenery, Celia creates a warm and welcoming place.

One trend that I have yet to get tired of is restaurant inspired kitchens. I love how Celia uses a stainless steel strip, like the ones used to hold order slips, to display her photos and hold dishware. A creative alternative to traditional cabinetry.

One peek at her stovetop and Celia's Spanish roots shine right through. You can tell that this isn't just a beautiful kitchen to look at, but one that gets used with lots of heart and soul.

What kitchen would be complete without a cozy little sitting area? If you're lucky enough to have the space, a comfy love seat invites guests and family to gather around as you prepare your meals. But most importantly, it provides a place for you to rest your head after that successful dinner party you just threw!

*images by Michal Venera for Elle Decor

I FELL IN LOVE

With the simplicity of this kitchen. Lots of clean lines. A muted seafoam color for the cabinetry. A free standing shelf. Lots of white dishes. And a no-fuss look make this irresistibly attainable.

It's the little things that make me happy. Like the blue ticking dish towels and industrial style flight fixture just barely visible above the plant. But my absolute favorite thing about this kitchen is all that open space above the shelf of bottles. It would have been so tempting to stick some photographs or even a painting there. The restrict to withhold speaks volumes to me.

*image via From Scandinavia with Love

Kitchen Musings + My Visit with Darryl Carter

What would you say is the most important room in a house? Is it the living room where we gather and entertain? Or the bedroom -- our place for soft repose? Or perhaps it's the dining room where we eat, drink, and are merry. I couldn't tell you. But one thing is for sure: I've got kitchens on the brain.

For someone who loves to cook, I sure haven't put enough thought into mine. But with the ebb of the season upon us, I'm feeling the need for change drawing near!

So, I've taken to making a mental list of my most pressing kitchen needs. And, at the very top of that list is a new light fixture. I don't even want to tell you what I currently have because it is that bad. I've waxed and waned between desires for so many styles, but after seeing this black and brass beauty - I'm sold! The hunt is on!

But perhaps this kitchen captures it all and takes the cake! My love for it is two fold. First, there's the fact that ever last inch oozes with sophistication, simplicity, and style. Secondly, it's because I've had the privilege and delight of seeing it in person. The gracious Darryl Carter, to whom the space belongs, had me over last November for coffee and a chat. And let me tell you, the picture just doesn't do it justice! The antique Italian étagère is more impressive and stunning than you'd imagine. The fireplace feels like the most perfect luxury you've ever encountered. And the French doors, which lead out to a table and sunroom is like a cool glass of water on a hot summer day. But, most memorable of all was the kindness Darryl showed in welcoming me into his home.

*images via elle decor

Color Inspiration: Gray In the Kitchen

Right now gray seems to be the hottest color, from bedrooms to bathrooms, we can't seem to get enough. It's calming and moody, and can be used as a neutral or for drama. Gray's versatility and universal appeal make it the color of the moment and a perfect choice for a kitchen makeover.

Gray floor to ceiling cabinetry wrap this kitchen up in a cozy cloak of warmth.

A simple gray island in the middle is just enough to turn up the color appeal in this space.

Gray mixed with whites and woods, arches and doorways, makes for a beautiful weathered look.

*images via From the Right Bank and Frank Features

Cute & Quirky Kitchens

How adorable are these?! While I love a modern, high-end kitchen, these are so endearing! Packed with personality and creativity, they make for so much inspiration.

*images via Fondly Seen, Canadian House & Home, Delight by Design, unknown

Delightful Dish Displays

Next time you can't decide on that perfect cabinetry for your kitchen remodel, why not bag the idea all together and just display the dishes instead? It's an 'I don't take myself too seriously' look I find hard to resist!

Add a little whimsy to the casual look with a splash of something bright, like apple green! Then pair it with ceramic whites for instant pop!

Dishes of varying shapes and sizes create loads of dimension and interest to any kitchen. The key is keeping it visually clean through a simple color palette, like soothing taupes and creams. 

Of course, some dishes are just too pretty to keep hidden behind closed door. So bring them out, showcase them like art, and create your own little display. How delightful!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, my dears! I'll be attending a cocktail party and book signing tonight with this talented man....post to follow, I promise :)

*images via Martha Stewart, Belle Maison, Katy Elliott

Inspirational Quote: What Makes a Room Great?

"What makes a room great? A point of view. This means you come up with an idea for a scheme and you determine what the use of the room is and its overall spirit - and you stick to the concept until you bring it to fruition. You don't deviate along the way, which means you can't buy everything you fall in love with." - Interior Designer, Steven Gambrel

What makes these spaces from Steven's portfolio great for me? 

The frosty photographs and matching throw pillows.

The beach scene painting above the couch.

The curvy stool all by itself. 

The gilded mirror above the fireplace.

The scale of the wall art and window paired with the low sofa.

The light fixture.

The large plank wood floors. 

The fact that there's a desk in the living room.

The green accent wall with paneling.

I absolutely need to keep this quote in the forefront of my mind (especially as I move into my new apartment). When there are so many styles and pieces you fall in love with, it can be difficult to commit to just one. But I think if you master this, the space is all the more glorious because of it!

On a side note, be sure to stop by tomorrow for Installment #3 of Fall: Get Ready/Get the Look from a special guest! If you missed the first two, you can catch up here and here!

Black Chandeliers: Drama + Glamour

I have a love affair with chandeliers. I love them for the drama and glamour they create. As room jewelry, they're like the diamond on a finger - sparkly and precious. And what I'm loving even more these days are black chandeliers. Ten times the drama. Ten times the glamour...

When it comes to style, I like anything that shows confidence and sets you apart from the crowd. Choosing a black chandelier is like that girl who selects a black diamond engagement ring when everyone else has white. 

*images via busy being fabulous, skona hem, the english muse

Style 360º: Easy Elegance

I love what Alexander Wang gifted us with this year in his 2010 Resort Collection. The effortless, downtown vibe is perfect for day yet chic enough for a (summer) night! Really, isn't that what good fashion and design are all about - the perfect marriage of style and ease? And wouldn't you say these rooms via Skona Hem are rocking that same, desirable balance? A deliberate mix of unassuming elements like wood and steel paired with chic gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers create lustworthy spaces that don't intimidate. 

P.S. I have an exciting In{her)view coming later in the day! So, be sure to check back and visit again! You'll be totally inspired by this fearless and stylish entrepreneur!

A Peek Inside Celebrity Interiors

I love catching a glimpse inside celebrity homes. The home is such a personal place that when we get a peek inside, it's always such a pleasant surprise. I often day dream about the different ideas I would set into place if I had an unlimited budget. These stars are lucky enough to have that luxury and the best designers at their finger tips.

Sarah Jessica Parker's Manhattan Home. I absolutely love the varying heights and styles of the chairs

Nicky Hilton's LA Abode. Very Hollywood glamour and hotel inspired.

Molly Sim's Manhattan Pad. This southern beauty chose girly and shabby chic. 

Jennifer Lopez's Long Island Mansion. I love the calming, natural elements mixed with a little bling and glamour.

Nate Berkus's Chicago Pad. The green cabinetry and kitchen table are perfect!

Gwenyth Paltrow's Hampton Home. Classy, elegant, feminine, modern, just like the star herself.

Claire Danes's Living Area. I love the wide open space and minimalist approach, which still manages to make the area look filled.