To me, summer is all about casual vibrant living. Weather that includes an exotic destination vacation, your weekend beach house, and just sipping lemonade in your backyard with friends. You can redo an entire room or beachy splashes of color or just change the throw pillows on your sofa. See below for ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Fabrics and Throw Pillows:

Quadrille: What is there not to love about Quadrille. You see their prints in magazines all the time and there is good reason! Chic and timeless with vibrant colors.

Potalla print shown above in both images as well as below

Saya Gata shown above and in image above

Ferns shown above and in image above

Cap Ferrat

Soho

Petite Zig Zag

http://quadrillefabrics.com/collections_alan.html

Aleta On Line Store:

http://aletaonline.infodine.com/index.php

Kathryn Ireland On Line Store: Her fabrics are divine and you can now purchase throw pillows:

http://kathrynirelandstore.bigcartel.com/category/kathryn-ireland-pillows

Rubie Green: Eco chic, Rubie Green’s fabric line and fun and you can sleep soundly knowing you have done your part for the environment.

http://rubiegreen.com/fabrics.html

Les Indiennes: Mary Mulachy developed linens that are fresh, simple, authentically indian, yet pleasing to the western eye.

These pillows are the perfect companions for a white chino slip covered sofa and a thickly woven jute rug.

http://www.lesindiennesshop.com/index.aspx

Carolina Irving: The vibrant colors printed on beautiful linen never fail to brighten my mood. I cannot choose a favorite.

http://carolinairvingtextiles.com/Fabric.html

Katie Ridder:

How much fun to make drapes in your summer house guest bedroom out of Katie Ridders fabrics.

Parlor Textiles: We are loving Anglea Clinton’s textiles! The patterns are beautiful and reflect her modern sensibility.

http://www.parlortextiles.com/index.html

Madeline Weinrib pillows- the perfect solution for a white sofa. Weather you choose a silk ikat, a block print, or an embroidered suzani you cannot go wrong. She also makes large floor pillows.

http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/ikat/index.html

Carpets:

Wisteria:

http://www.wisteria.com/Graphic-Flat-Weave-Rug-Blue/productinfo/W4045/

http://www.wisteria.com/Apple-Green-Striped-Dhurrie/productinfo/W4042/

William Sonoma Home:

http://www.wshome.com/products/p1195/index.cfm?pkey=crugs%2Dcrewels%2Dneedlepoints

** On sale!

http://www.wshome.com/products/p1196/index.cfm?pkey=crugs%2Dcrewels%2Dneedlepoints

** On Sale!

Madeline Weinrib carpets are a fun and inexpensive way to pack a punch.

http://madelineweinrib.com/carpetindex.html

Dash and Albert: We use these rugs all the time. The cotton weaves and indoor/ outdoor are ou favorite. You cannot beat the price point and they are very durable.

http://www.dashandalbert.com/

Furniture With Texture:

Opt for a textured bed or chair to bring the beach inside:

http://www.wshome.com/products/p1204/index.cfm?pkey=gthmbas

http://www.wshome.com/products/p1211/index.cfm?pkey=gthmbas

** we just used two of these in a show house- beautiful in person…and they are on sale now!

Ralph Lauren:

http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/Furniture/?haid=5

Shabby Chic: This brand is known for their laid back, deliciously squishy slip covered furniture.

http://www.mycremebrulee.com/furniture_page1_files/Beecroft_Sofa.html

Bed Linens:

Leontine Linens:

Classic New England prepster

Beautiful and understated celadon applique

Perfect for your little pirate!

http://www.leontinelinens.com/index.php/bed/

If custom linens are not in the beach house budget…

We love prints and the linens below can be the focal point of a bedroom.

Paint the walls a soft hydrangea lilac and white wooden shutters and you have a tranquil seaside retreat.

http://www.wshome.com/products/p9100/index.cfm?pkey=csheets%2Dbed%2Dsheet%2Dsets

Pair this coral with soft yellow or pale blue walls.

Hang a grasscloth on the walls and ceilings and paint the moldings a crisp white.

http://www.luludkmatouk.com/patterns/index.html

OR…. Keep it classic with rope embroidered bedding. Choose a spicy fabric for your drapes and a grasscloth on the walls.

http://www.wshome.com/products/p4001/index.cfm?pkey=csheets%2Dbed%2Dsheet%2Dsets

The Table:

We love a classic greek key pattern and Pomegranate Inc. has nailed it:

Below is one of their embroidered place mats:

Their chunky straw place mat with a shell is a nice touch:

http://www.pomegranateinc.com/store.htm

Les Indiennes:

You can use as a table cloth or a spread on the beach for a picnic.

http://www.lesindiennesshop.com/index.aspx

Roberta Roller Rabbit: Fun prints on cotton- a great gift for your hostess:

http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/robertarollerrabbit/the-Home/Categories

Ralph Lauren: Classic all american summer.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=4006050&cp=1760785&ab=int_060210_HOMELP_LAPLAGE_SHOPNOW

xo,

S

I design a home with the client in mind. I want their personality to shine through rather than mine. Their friends should walk in and know who lives there rather than ask “who designed your home?” The same goes with fashion, and last nights Met Ball had a number of personalties dressed by the best designers in the world. Some of my favorite modern American looks below:

Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa created simple, classic, and timeless gowns for Zoe Saldana and Diane Kruger.

Mr America himself, Michael Kors escorted Brooke Shields in one of his creations.

Another Kors masterpiece.

Rachel Weisz in Oscar De La Renta ( Oprah was also wearing Oscar)

Country singer Taylor Swift couldn’t look more all-American in Ralph Lauren

American model, Amber Valetta in RM by Roland Mouret. I love the clean classic lines.

America’s sweetheart, Kate Hudson glams it up in Stella McCartney. Glimmering gold, clean lines, and a tan.

Kerry Washington wore a bold red Thakoon number ( one of the First Lady’s favorite designers).

Though this may not be a dress I would wear…who looks better than Gisele and Tom Brady??

Barry Diller and Diane Von Furstenburg. I love that she wore stars!

Nicole Richie paired her darker locks with a Marc Jacobs gown.

Not all were in gowns… Alexa Chung wore Philip Lim. Perfection.

How stunning does Camilla Belle look in her Jason Wu gown?

Sienna Miller wore Pucci. I love the low cut top with the fuller bottom.

Naomi Watts in Lanvin. I love the color, the shoulder, and her clutch.

The ladies of Marchesa and Eva Longoria. Georgina Chapmans feathers may have been a bit warm for last night but the dress is still stunning.

America’s Gossip Girl, Blake Lively looked gorgeous in Marchesa as well. I love the shoulder and the hem of the dress. Her Christian Louboutin shoes are also fabulous.

Channeling her inner Betty Draper, January Jones donned an embroidered YSL dress with more modern make-up.

xo,

S

The rise in temperature in NYC has vendors changing their windows. Though it may be a bit premature, it is a welcome change!

The Ralph Lauren window on Bleeker Street in the West Village is leading the charge towards spring fever.

xo,

S

As an interior designer I am constantly meshing my style with a new client’s. I am challenging them to leap out of their comfort circle with a bold new color, texture, piece of art, or furniture shape. I cannot get enough of pattern, color, and texture but a room needs a few classic staples to ground it and make it feel comfortable. The same goes for your wardrobe. In this post we have included our classic picks for women, men, and the home. Stay tuned for our future post on the classics with a twist.

Her Wardrobe:

The LBD: This neckline and cut reminds me of Audrey ( can’t go wrong with that!) The twist in the front makes it modern day.

http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6244&sid=24&pid=

The deep v flatters most figures and it has some stretch to it:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/47496#

The Bandage dress by Herve Leger: I wore one (in blue) on New Years! They are so comfortable and suck you right in!

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/64994#

The Striped Tank: I own this and wear it at least once a week!

http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6150&sid=24&pid=

A pair of skinny jeans and a pair of flared jeans: my two favorite pairs I own as I gravitate towards a 70s relaxed bohemian look or a modern classic look:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/35074#

Favorite movie/ Favorite Jeans: Love Story by J brand:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/35070#

Cotton trench by Burberry:Instant chic. I throw mine on rain or shine. If my outfits leaves something to be desired this is the perfect cover up. You can also belt it with one of your own belts.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/76693#

The Knot satin clutch: I LOVE the color and the woven pattern is a Bottega classic. It is the perfect size to fit your blackberry, lip gloss, and camera.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60777#

Tote Bags: weather they are in linen canvas, leather, or alligator skin I can’t seem to get enough of them. I carry clients fabrics and floor plans in a large tote from LL bean:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381?parentCategory=504173&feat=504173-tn&cat4=504161

I love the deep green color and the square brass hardware – a modern classic!

http://www.sanga.com/store/shop_item.htm?itemid=76&sid=24&pg=1

ivory and navy canvas tote by celine:

http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/Bags/celine-cel-x-16457-2dbf-bags/15749?colour=white

The blazer: as we have seen in 2009, paired with a cocktail dress or jeans and a t-shirt this can be far from boring:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/64645#

divine layered lapel and white silk inside the cuffs- the devil is in the details:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/63344#

Equestrian Boots for the City: I have several pairs and live in them in the New York Falls and Winters. Your utfit looks immediately pulled together:

refined: Chloe:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48246

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60159#

worn in chic:

http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6120&sid=172&pid=

Rainboots: we have all seen this one. Works with a dress or your jeans tucked in!

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48443#

Staple Black Pump: every girl needs a pair or two – these will sass up any outfit:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/48414#

Staple Black Flat: these will go with anything and both are unbelievably comfortable. Wear with your favorite pair of skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and skinny jeans- voila!

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60212

Similar shoe different company:

http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=6181&sid=168&pid=

Classic color, height of fashion: These beautiful tan leather platforms will modernize any LBD in your closet- an investment piece:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60225

The bikini: This brand has been creating classic pieces for years. I am not one for the plain black bathing suit. I go classic with the print and bold with the color:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/61998#

My favorite sunglasses: The classic gold rimmed ray-ban. This style works with any outfit.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/41762

An Hermes Scarf: You can wear as a belt, a shawl, a halter shirt, tie around a bag or frame as art.

http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=10738&leftCategoryId=10707&topCategoryId=127524&parentCategoryId=127531&currentColorId=10738&displayUnitCategoryId=0&nbItem=0

His Wardrobe:

A cashmere sweater will get you through cool summer nights as well as autumn, winter, and spring. This is an investment all year round.

Jeans: A few classic pairs in different washes:

http://www.earnestsewn.com/pages/#page=top,denim,mens,hemingway,Hemingway.220

http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3935094&cp=3146842.3146844.3146855.3146924

A Barbour Jacket: A waxed cotton shell ideal for staying dry.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=8978&dir_id=885&cat_id=15997&subcat_id=11296

RM Williams Boots:

http://www.rmwilliams.com.au/

The Blazer: A classic navy blue 3 button blazer.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3002707&cp=1760781.1760816&ab=ln_men_cs1_sportcoats&parentPage=family

Button-down shirts: Whatever your color preference. A simple blue and white check works with many color combinations and sport coats.

http://www.us.thomaspink.com/fcp/categorylist/men/Shirts?resetFilters=true

Ties: A solid, a stripe and a pattern.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3951787&cp=1760781.3157011&ab=viewall&view=all&parentPage=family

Similar ties available at: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductArray.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374304398417&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1264417393866&SECSLOT=BR-Salvatore+Ferragamo&brandname=Salvatore%20Ferragamo

http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3951782&cp=1760781.3157011&ab=viewall&view=all&parentPage=family

*similar ties found at Ben Silver: http://www.bensilver.com/fs_storefront.asp?root=1&show=21

A pocket square: This is a guys chance to show his flair. You should have one simple white linen pocket square in your arsenal if you are wearing a busy shirt or tie. Note- your tie and pocket square should NOT be matching patterns!

A Classic watch that works with all of your clothing:

http://www.rolex.com/en#/?s_kwcid=TC%7c7853%7cmens+rolex%7c%7cS%7cp%7c3833178341

Home Design:

An english arm sofa: These sofas can work in any setting. The gentle slopping arms and tight back are timeless. Your sofa should be an investment piece. The better it is made the longer it will last. You will be able to update it by reupholstering.

Available through: http://www.wshome.com/products/p139/index.cfm?pkey=csofas%2Dloveseat%2Dsofas

For a high quality sofa call Geroge Smith: http://georgesmith.com/
For a better price look at restoration hardware- go with white and spruce it up with throw pillows: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1622099&navAction=jump&navCount=3

A tufted leather chesterfield sofa: Though I am not a fan of leather sofas in general, this worn tufted leather sofa speaks to me. The arms and the tufting make this the perfect lounging sofa for men or women. It reminds me of a sofa that stars in the Thomas Crown Affair ( the original). I would throw two ikat pillows on it to punch it up and call it a day.

http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=5790&haid=7&t=1#mce_temp_url#

same look better price: http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1605024&navCount=7

*Buy an hermes scarf and turn into a pillow or buy at Vivire.com:

http://www.vivre.com/product/Shop_By_Category/Home_Decor/Pillows/HERMES_-x22-VUE_DU_CAROSSE-x22-_SILK_SCARF_PILLOW

Also: see Ankasa throw pillows in Lexington Ave post

striped wallpaper from Farrow and Ball: block printed striped wallpaper is a great way to add height to a space. It takes the eye from the floor to the ceiling. In a neutral color this will serve as the perfect backdrop to pops of color or a art. The stripes lend a tailored pulled together look to the space:

http://www.farrow-ball.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=WFBP7057&cid=WPL&language=en-GB

Standard woven tortoise shell bamboo shades:

http://www.theshadestore.com/product/standard-woven-wood-shade?

Sisal Carpet: great to layer traditional oushak carpets or a more modern dhurrie on top of this to create warmth and character. Sisal also tones down any glitzy pieces you may have in the room. They also look great as a backdrop for more modern furniture.

Available through cB2: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=114&f=700

Available through: http://madelineweinrib.com/ama/cotton_flatweaves/Olivia-RobinsEgg.html

Lamps: If I have grounded the room with other objects I may opt for a spicy pairs of lamps to add some personality. However a pair of these beautiful lamps are a great additional to any room. Christopher Spitzmiller’s pieces are traditional with a modern twist. He uses the finish, the shape, and the color to set his lamps apart from the pack of imitations out there:

http://christopherspitzmiller.com/lamps.asp

Chest of drawers: The serpentine shape of this piece can be masculine or feminine. I love the deep mahogany color:

http://mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=7418

Faux Bamboo arm chair: Great as a dining chair or desk chair. You can move this all over your home and never get sick of it. Repaint it, reupholster it!

This side table is wrapped in leather and hand stitched. Very vintage hermes looking. The simple shape keeps it modern and the hardware is beautiful.

http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=14300&haid=8&t=0

Chandeliers:

Antiques will take you far- don’t abandon them because you can only imagine them in the setting of your childhood home! Surround them with modern new pieces and you have created a sense of history. I love the brass and crystal chandelier below. I picture it above a dining table with clean modern chairs and lacquered grey walls.

Email Sara Gilbane Interiors for pricing: http://www.sentimentoantiques.com/go.php?page=detail&cid=5&scid=15&inum=K1150

Breakfront: Now that everyone has a flat screen tv they are finally making pieces to hide them! I cannot resist this chippendale piece! The design on it is so fun. Paint this a dashing teal and add antiqued mirror and hide your tv today!

email us for purchase info: http://www.cbellfurnishing.com/palm-beach-collection/palm-beach-collection-cabinets/1406772

Bookshelves: Free standing open with open sides. These will keep your space feeling open and the shagreen detail on the shelving is beautiful. Perfect to display your most treasured items.

Available through Mecox Gardens: http://mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=7311#

Charles V club chair: Everything about this chair is wonderful! Shown in the stripe below it is masculine, clean, and classic. Reupholster with a new fabric to completely change the look. The deep tufting, and the gentle slope make this a chair you could sit and read in for hours ( and look fabulous doing so!)

http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/rlhome/products/furniture/item.asp?item_id=13729&haid=6&t=0

A cashmere throw: keep yourself as warm and cozy as your room now feels:

Above available through: http://mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=2642#

Similar look lower price: http://www.wshome.com/products/p126/index.cfm?pkey=cdecorative%2Dpillows%2Dthrow%2Dblanket

xo,

S