Designer File: Lindsay Brier

I looove discovering new designers and so I was delighted when I received an introductory email to Lindsay Brier, owner of Anyon Interior Design. In reading about her, I was even more thrilled to discover our relatable pasts - we both grew up on the West Coast, attended colleges in New England, and augmented our studies at universities in Italy. I knew I'd like her!

Based out of the Bay Area, Lindsay just completed this gorgeous project for the Sherrill Collection showroom in the San Francisco Design Center. She designed a cozy sitting room of deep chocolates and warm neutrals, aptly named "Manhattan Library."

Because I can't get enough of bar carts, I can't help but love this little sitting area where I can imagine someone pouring themselves a nice little nightcap. The next thing that catches my eye is that oversized painting of the Empire State building. It helps modernize the space and keep this corner from being too heavy with its light colors and sense of humor.

There's much to adore about this room, but what I'd like to point out is how much I love the placement of the circular pedestal table and tall pussy willow arrangement in the middle. This helps divide the two sitting areas and visually define the purpose of each. It also helps create dimension and height in the space - something so essential to creating a successful layered look.

So what do you think? What's your favorite part of the room?

Designer File: Ryan Korban

I first learned of Ryan Korban when I stumbled across his home on The Selby. It was love at first site. I fell hard for the stacks of books, brass finishes, antiques rugs, and hints of metallic. A mix of everything seemingly unrelated but somehow working so harmoniously as one.

Thumbing through his portfolio, I've fallen even deeper in love with his confidence in mixing materials and finishes. His signature look of thin metals (seen in his choice of lamps, tables, bed frames, and chairs), fur throws, exotic skins, and topiary is perfectly restrained and unabashedly bold all at once.

And guess what. He's only twentyfive! A self-taught designer with an impeccable eye and exquisite taste make him one of New York's finest.

Perfectly layered textures, finishes, and furniture - to me this space summarizes all the reasons I love him and says it all.

Designer Spotlight: Miles Redd

Miles Redd could quite possibly my new favorite designer of the moment. With a career opener as design assistant to Bunny Williams, I'd say he got off to a really good start. 

Since then he's made quite the name for himself and is a design leader in his own right! 

Miles' work feels fun to me. It's theatrical and dramatic, with an occasion touch of 'circus.'  

I'm drawn to the way he takes a traditional approach but pulls that from under our feet with surprises of pattern and surface (lacquer and plaster, satin and linen...). It's practical design with a healthy dose of playfulness!

I'd say he's mastered the art of layering, wouldn't you? My eyes dance around these spaces, forever finding new pockets of depth and visual delights.  

I'm particularly loving this last room as whimsical inspiration for my own bachelorette pad. Pink walls, plush flokati rug, zebra fabric? Yes please! 

Happy weekend everyone! Thanks for another great week of blogging and your generous comments. See you Monday.

xo,

Crystal

Riveting Rental in San Francisco

The other day I stumbled upon this fantastic San Francisco apartment on the New York Times and haven't been able to get it out of my mind since. The tenant, Grant Gibson, an interior designer, offered his landlord a deal: for two months' free rent ($3000) he would renovate the place. This sounds like a win-win situation to me and one I'll definitely keep in mind for futures moves!

He sanded the floors and stained them walnut. He also framed pages out of an old book and used hand-me down items, like an antique Turkish rug for a budget friendly way to create high impact style. 

Mr. Gibson added built-ins to heighten the architectural presence of the space and added mirrors at the back of the cabinets to create depth. 

A few investment pieces, like the beautiful secretary and painting above, matched with practical touches like these bamboo Roman shades from Target, are the perfect blending of old and new, expensive and economical. The result? A cozy and luxurious rental, anyone would be happy to call home!

*Be sure to check out Mr. Gibson's portfolio. It's stunning!

Nate Berkus: How to Make a Small Place Feel Big!

I finally had the chance to catch up on my October issue of Glamour yesterday during my flight out of town. I loved this article in which celeb designer, Nate Berkus, transforms his sister Marni's one-bedroom New York City apartment into a chic pad!

I love the soothing palette of grey, beige, and cream spiced up with a few colorful throw pillows for added interest. 

With a small desk area, decorating vertically with a corkboard to make good use of your limited space is a must!

With studio style living, creating a separation of living spaces is so important. I love the way this high back sofa pushed up against the bed achieves the illusion of division. 

I adore is this little Moroccan side table (where can I get one?)! It's the perfect way to personalize the living room while adding function. 

Why not paint one piece of furniture in an unexpected, energizing color? What a fun DIY weekend project this would be!

In open plan living spaces like a studio, everything is on display! So invest in making your bed a beautiful centerpiece you want people to see!

How clever is this? Organizing your clutches in magazine files! I will definitely be borrowing this idea! Nate never fails to turn beauty and function into anything he touches!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! Happy Friday! xoxo Crystal

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