Loving Society Social

Are you loving Society Social as much as me? Since the launch of this company in August of 2011 it has been on my radar screen. Society Social offers fun pieces for the home at an affordable price point. Roxy, the gal who followed her passion in creating Society Social is someone that I look forward to meeting...she signs all her emails with "cheers" and has a zest for life that I feel through our email communications. Believing that life was too short to continue the rat race of the corporate world she had been living, she ventured out on her own...kudos to that spirit!

With her passion, Hollywood smile and colorful offerings, Roxy's Society Social is off to a running start.

The Darlington set of chairs offers thirteen different color choices and each one is a winner. I'd love to see  these around a kitchen table, at a desk, in a foyer or placed in a living room for extra seating...the pops of color are perfection yet the classic black one is eye catching too. Where would you use this chair?    

I am wild about the Draper end or accent tables...how fabulous are these? Available in ten colorways this accent table can be used anywhere in a home.  

Society Social's pillow collection  makes a wow statement!  

All images were used by permission and can be found on Society Social 

Society Social is not a to-the-trade only company...so have fun shopping! See anything you like?

Thibaut's New Geometric Wallcoverings

I am always smitten with the wonderful wallcovering offerings by Thibaut. Their recently introduced new line Geometric Resource, is eye catching. From geometric patterns to traditional trellis designs the product line offers an array of  beautiful prints and colorways.

This pattern, Allison, is timeless and with ten colorway options there is a shade for everyone.

Etosha is my favorite and offers five color options. I love the chicness and boldness of the zebra print.   

With eight colorway options the Wilton Trellis is perfection for a foyer or man's study.

 With ten colorways, the Rothbury Trellis, is sure to prove itself a winner in any room.

 Another wallcovering option with ten colorways is the Merrill. Simple, yet stunning!

The Grayden now has me thinking of its nine color options and where it can be used.    

The Prescott option is a fresh pattern (with seven colorways) that is unexpected, yet refined.

 All images were used with permission and can be found on Thibaut's website.

Do you have a favorite? Where would you use that pattern? Here's to the power of wallpaper!

NYIGF

Here is your tour of the New York International Gift Fair...

Merben International had a colorful line-up of mohair throws with "rescued" pieces of yarn for the fringe. How wonderful that instead of tossing excess yarn pieces they've added them to the mohair for a playful looking throw.   

Oh how I would love to see this lighting fixture from Oly in a beach home! 

This monogrammed dining chair by Tara Shaw Maison was stunning! I would love to use it for a ladies desk/writing area. The monogram on the center medallion makes it extra special.

The faux florals by Diane James Home are for clients with a discerning eye. They are beautiful and will have your guests thinking you've got the best "green thumb!"

Dunes and Duchess was bursting with color and beauty! The sconces, candlelabras and lamps are the perfect "wow" piece!  

This chair by Design Legacy (shown in two different colorways and bases) would make for striking host and hostess chairs or an area where you need a comfortable statement chair.  

Worlds Away is one of my favorite sources for chic offerings for the home. This new marble top table is  striking!          

I am smitten with Ro Sham Beaux! I am now itching to use some of their fabulous lighting fixtures in my work.  

I blogged about Tritter Feefer here in my all American post for Tobi Fairley...love this vendor! They added several new items to their line-up that had me taking a second look. 

The Lizzy Deux  

The Greta Desk 

The Lido (the top table)

Sea Island

I hope you have enjoyed your "visit" to the NYIGF. Happy Thursday!

A simple wallpapering tip

When hanging anything on top of wallpaper, I recommend you don't put the the nail through the wallpaper. You will create a small whole in the wallcovering that can not be fixed or hidden in the event you want to move the artwork or frame. Instead, using a utility knife, cut a small upside down V, pull the wallcovering back gently and then put the nail through the drywall.

If you ever wanted to move your hanging you could just dab a little wallpaper paste on the drywall (V area) and pull up the wallcovering to make it whole again. This works well if you are "fixing" an area where you had one or two frames, the repair will usually go unnoticed.  A simple tip that works like a charm!

Another closet transformation

Over the weekend I completed the closet transformation in my five year old daughter's bedroom.

Here's a transition photo, notice the difference between the area I applied wallpaper and the areas that had yet to be done?    

I keep walking into her room and looking at her closet. She asked me "Mom, what do you keep looking for in my closet?" Oh, nothing dear, I just wished my closet looked this good. I'm itching to do my closet now!

The little hooks on this sliding piece are meant for belts and ties...we are using them for her necklaces. 

Do you believe that an organized closet makes for a happiness?

Here's the skinny

Switching gears when it comes to careers takes guts. Even more guts when you are thinking of starting a family. It isn't easy to walk away from something comfortable and pursue the unknown, even if it is your calling. Yet in 2005 that is exactly what I did. Why? Because I believed in myself.

I landed a coveted internship with one of the greatest, Bunny Williams and worked hard, very hard. Going to Bunny's office every morning was a dream to me. I was eager to learn and willing to listen.

In 2007 (while home with my firstborn) I got a call from one of Bunny Williams former proteges, Todd Gribben. Todd spent a decade with Bunny and was now branching out on his own. He thought I had a great eye and offered me part-time work as his design assistant. I jumped at the opportunity. Besides his own design firm, he owns Gris - an antique shop , he's part of 1st Dibs and was a tastemaster on One Kings Lane. Class act and very talented.

After my stint with Todd, I formed my own corporation and branched out on my own. I have been mindful to build my business slowly, but steadily with quality work. I have been determined to balance motherhood with working, even if limiting projects up until now. Being a doting mother is important to me, and so is following my passion.

Why all of the sharing? Traditional Home is asking bloggers to nominate the next top 10 New Trad designers! Nominating yourself is not an option, so I'm asking my blogging friends...who wants to see images of my work (that aren't on my blog) and if you think I'm worthy, nominate me? I'm ready...are you ready to be a guest editor at Trad Home if we are both chosen?

Image property of Trad Home, with permission it's shared.

I'm putting myself out there. I'm okay with taking chances. I support whomever is picked as the the new Trad Home designers, good design is good design...whether mine or some elses. Good luck to everyone who nominates and is nominated!

Happy Friday!

Is there a grandparent trend?

Nowadays, little ones are getting their own special spaces and toys when visiting grandma and grandpa.

Here I blogged about grandparents who created a stylish bedroom for their two grandsons. The same set of grandparents created this pirate ship for their grandsons in their backyard! The grandfather designed and created this impressive backyard toy with his own two hands. Wow!

I'm currently working on a bedroom for two little granddaugthers. The grandparents ordered this headboard and toybox before contacting me to assist on the project.

 

Do you think there is a grandparent trend? Are you a grandparent who is creating spaces in your home for the grandchildren? Are you a parent who has seen your parents or in-laws transform spaces for your children?