Fireplace before & after

Our basement consists of two guest bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry and a playroom/family room with a fireplace. The fireplace was in need of desperate attention, as this is what it looked like before we moved into our home. 

Before

The day after signing papers of home ownership, I found myself at a stone yard placing an order to create a new look. Since the family room/playroom is on the basement level I desired to create a comfortable, warm and inviting place to gather as a family. Also, I switched out the carpeting for a warmer option and replaced all trim work with six inch baseboard.   

After

Fireplaces in formal living rooms, master bedrooms and dining rooms usually look nicer with a mantel, but for casual spaces I prefer not having a mantel. What a difference a little stone work makes!  Your thoughts on mantels?  

winner of the sister parish design book

Congratulations to Natalie of http://designerbagsanddirtydiapers.blogspot.com/!

Natalie is the winner of the Sister Parish Design book giveaway! I had it signed by the two authors while at the NYIGF.  The authors, Susan Bartlett Crater (Sister Parish's granddaughter) and Libby Cameron (Sister Parish's last protege) authored this book along with a stellar list of interior design contributors. The authors and contributors weigh in on various design topics.      

 

Enjoy Natalie! 

your tour of the nyigf, part two

Another tour of the NYIGF! 

Go Home Ltd.'s blue bamboo lucite chair is fabulous...it will soon be in my daughter's room!   

This handsome bookcase has "ski home" home written all over it!     

Paulette Rollo has gorgeous cashmere, lambswool and merino wool throws. Exquisite!

I'm absolutely loving this mirror by Royal Pacific Designs!    

Diane James Home offers stunning floral arrangements. There was a time when I had an adversion to faux flowers and it was certainly related to the fact that I wasn't shopping at Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus for my faux florals, where Diane James is sold. I think it would be nice to have orchids that look this good all year round!  

Lazy Susan USA always has so many pieces that add chicness to a home. This vase is the perfect dose of yellow to keep a space feeling fresh/modern day.   

Oh, how I love these leather baskets with amazing braided handles. Perfect for tossing the paper, magazines or the kiddies toys!  

Leyla's makes this super adorable pillow! The below images are of one pillow with several detachable "outfits"...what little girl would not love to design ensembles on her pillow?     

 

 

 All felt clothing pieces are stored on the back of the pillow in this heart.

Any favorites?    

Visit yesterday's post to enter the giveaway!

A giveaway & your tour of the NYIGF

I spent all day Saturday and Sunday at the New York International Gift Fair  which opened this weekend. Here's your tour...

There was quite a buzz over the Dunes and Duchess candlelabras, sconces and hurricanes. Here's the Dune with his gorgeous Duchess! Their newest colorway, coastguard orange, caught my attention, was ordered and will soon be sitting in my office in the form of a lamp! 

Mr. Brown, the little sibling to Julian Chichester, made a debute at the show. This furnishings line is considered to have English informality with a modern day touch. 

Julian Chichester never disappoints. There were loads of new pieces to the line-up. 

Tritter Feefer Home Collection was absolutely fantastic. Loved several of their American made pieces. Any of these side tables would be great in a living room or as a bedside table.

Sister Parish Design a line of accessories, wallcoverings and textiles just launched this weekend! I liked their dog collars and leashes. 

Bartlett Crater, the granddaughter of the late Sister Parish and Libby Cameron, a former protege, are the creators of the line and the authors of this book. They took the philosophies of Sister Parish along with some of the biggest interior design names and all weighed in on topics such as small spaces, the under-used dining room and anchoring a room. 

I'm giving away one autographed book to one lucky reader!  Become a follower and leave a comment, also feel free to tweet about this giveaway!  I will annouce the winner this Wednesday!    

What pieces speak to you? Enjoy your week! 

Two tickets to Paris

My husband and I are heading to Paris this spring, for the first time! Interior design and lifestyle bloggers, followers and readers are a savvy group of individuals! I'd like to tap into your recommendations for places to eat, where to shop, sights to see, hotels with lobby's that will have me standing in awe and where I'll find the best croissant! Tour guide, good idea?

http://www.world-city-photos.org/Paris/photos/Eiffel_Tower/Eiffel_Tower_orange/

I'll be sharing my trip with you...images of architecture, inspirational photos of interiors and all things fabulous! 

Side table selection

I'm designing several spaces right now that are in need of stylish side tables...two master bedrooms, a "lady of the house" sitting room and a "modern day" formal living room. Here are some possible considerations...loving them all!

This Greek key table is a favorite of mine (it's in my home!)  

All tables: Worlds Away (to the trade) http://worlds-away.com/

Do any strike your fancy? 

Whipping up a meal

I know my way around a kitchen, I would not be shaking in my high heels slippers to whip up a fabulous meal for a chef or the future princess of England! I've got some sure fire recipes, yet I'm always creating new ones or looking for new ones to try. This weekend I had fun cooking some meals from Katie Lee's The Comfortable Table.

I cooked her meatloaf sliders to rave reviews! (She calls it "manloaf"...that it won't take long for a proposal after whipping up this recipe...actually, I think it's because she is gorgeous, talented and knows how to cook that she won't be single long!)

Looking for a cookbook that offers yummy recipes, complete meal plans down to the music selection, photos of what you'll be making...The Comfortable Table is a sure winner!

I make homemade meals on a near daily basis...it's enjoyable for me, but most of all it's about creating memories and traditions in my own home. There are certain meals, entrees or nibbles that the mere mention of, conjures up amazing memories of sitting around a table with family and friends.

Do you like to cook? Do think of cooking as creating traditions in your home?