Love Where You Live

Oval Office Makeover

2010-09-01T11:18:00.003-04:00

One of the most talked about makeovers right now is the Oval Office. Typically redesigned at the beginning of a President's term, President Obama just recently had his completed while the Obama family was on vacation in none other than Martha's Vineyard. Here's the before (from George W. Bush), which was much more traditional and in my opinion more fitting for the office of the POTUS.

photo from NYPost

And the after, a much more subtle what I would say more neutral, casual, and to honest...bland. I like the new lamps and the shape of the new sofas. However I'm not a fan of the fabric used on the sofas and I really don't like the pillows. The wallpaper is a nice addition and the coffee table is an interesting piece however doesn't it seem a bit out of place? They should have incorporated a few other more updated pieces to work with it. Sofa tables with a similar style, maybe? The border on the rug I love and is incredibly unique but having a solid neutral field is going to show wear easily. Overall, it's nice - but not fabulous and I think it should be fabulous.

photo from NY Post

LWYL,

Preparing for Fall

2010-08-30T10:33:00.005-04:00

Other than watching leaves change color, going apple picking or carving pumpkins there is one thing that truly excites me about fall. Breaking out the fall wardrobe. Yes I know, seems a bit extreme but it's true yet kind of ironic because I hate being cold and wrapped up in layers. I'd much rather be in a sundress than in boots, shirt, sweater, coat, scarf...need I go on? I guess after the 2010 Snowmaggedon I worry about having to spend hours shoveling myself out again.

Anyways, back to the clothes. Yes...clothes excited me about the Fall. Have you seen J.Crew's fall line up? I went for a visit a week ago and was like a kid in a candy store. Wood minis and leather pumps and dream sweaters oh my! Here are a few things at the top of my wish list:

(check!!!!!)

all photos from J.Crew

LWYL,

Happy Monday

2010-08-30T10:26:00.003-04:00

Love this handmade linen patchwork pillow by the creative and talented Laura Normandin at WREN Handmade. I would love to add it to my forever long list of projects to do.

Photo from WREN Handmade

LWYL,

All Dolled Up and Nowhere To Go!

2010-07-28T11:51:00.001-04:00

I was just doing some online shopping at J.Crew and was practically drooling when paroosing through the dresses. If anyone needs a date to a formal event and would like to purchase one of these dresses for me...do let me know! I have always gone to J.Crew for formal dresses and they last forrreeevvvver and always look fabulous. I think these dresses in particular would like to be added to my collection, I can just hear them begging me to take them home. The detail of pleats, tucks, and layers are to die for. Enjoy!

Wave Bodice

Silk Taffeta Bow Monde

Linen - Silk Bustier

Gallery Strip Marile Racerback

Ok, yes I realize these last two are technically Wedding Gowns, HOWEVER...maybe they'll customize one for me in a color so I don't look so bridal. Not that I wouldn't want to be a bride...just need the groom first!

Silk Taffeta Sascha

Chiffon and Organza Dune

2010 Hamptons Showhouse

2010-07-21T09:39:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Hamptons Showhouse is open to the public beginning this coming Sunday, July 25th. It's a beautiful shingle style home built by Frank Bodenchak of Edge Real Estate located in Sag Harbor, NY. The proceeds from this home (sales and admission) will benefit the Southampton Hospital. I'm looking forward to seeing bloggers post on the rooms since I won't be making the trip to visit. Here's the exterior of the home...stay tuned for interior snap shots!

Photographer Credit not listed visit www.hamptondesignershowhouse.com

2009 Hampton Designer Showhouse

photo taken from http://www.blog.johnhoushmand.com

2008 Hampton Designer Showhouse

photo taken from http://www.hauteliving.com

Love Where You Live (especially if it's in a Designer Showhouse)!

Designer Spotlight: Eric Cohler

2010-07-12T10:21:00.004-04:00

Eric Cohler, New York City based designer, has made it big. Known as the "Mixmaster" through his combination of contemporary materials with classical elements, Cohler is a House Beautiful "Top 100" designer. His products have reached some of the most well established companies such as Lee Jofa (photos from Lee Jofa website) and Visual Comfort & Co. Below is a sample of his line for Lee Jofa, which I envision for a rustic lodge outfitted with a classic perspective (aka no tree limb furniture).

Lounge Chairs

Trim for Skirt on Lounge Chairs

Trim for Throw Pillows on Lounge Chairs

Sofa

Window Treatments &

Throw Pillows on Sofa

Occasional Chairs &

Throw Pillows on Lounge Chairs

Throw Pillows on Sofa

LWYL,

Sweet Dreams

2010-07-08T16:10:00.005-04:00

There's been one particular piece of furniture on my mind lately and it's an upholstered headboard. I don't know if you'll meet someone that loves to sit in bed more than I do. Maybe it's my mattress, maybe it's the thought of being asleep, nonetheless I love being in bed. I currently have a wood headboard and footboard, which is not the most comfortable situation when sitting up in bed reading (or brushing my teeth while watching the Today show) so I get a pile of pillows and stuff them between my head and the wall. My solution: Upholstered Headboard! Here are a few that are currently on the market - some from retail stores others from designer showrooms available to the trade (aka...me!).

West Elm - Leather Tufted

West Elm - Diamond Tufted

Pottery Barn York

Pottery Barn Riley

Edward Ferrell

Edward Ferrell

Ballard Designs Adriana

Laura Kirar for Baker Furniture

Love Where You Live (especially sleep)!

Words

2010-06-29T14:55:00.003-04:00

Check out this light fixture by Alison Berger for Holly Hunt. I could really get used to seeing this in my house everyday!

The Chandelier Version

photos from Holly Hunt

This would certainly make me Love Where You Live.

The End of an Era

2010-04-29T19:36:00.005-04:00

The end of an era is approaching. I will be leaving Custom Design Concepts Architecture + Interiors, the firm I have been with for over 4 years. I have accepted a position with the lovely and talented team at Barbara Hawthorn Interiors. It's a bittersweet moment for me because I have grown to love and respect CDC and the people that I work with there. So without further adieu, I present you the breathtaking talent of Custom Design Concepts...

photographer: Anice Hoachlander

photographer: unknown

photographer: Kenneth Wyner Photography

photographer: Joshua Curry

LWYL

A Vogue Sneak Peek!

2010-04-15T11:43:00.005-04:00

I was just surfing Vogue.com when low and behold two of my favorite women on the homepage. SJP and TS - Do I really have to spell it out? Ladies get ready - I cannot wait until the May issue of Vogue hits the stands!

Photograhper: Mario Testino

Photographer: Annie Leibovitz

Brightens My Day!

2010-04-15T10:43:00.006-04:00

I recently received an email from Circa Lighting announcing several new products to their line. Boy oh boy do I love Circa Lighting! Seriously, I would use them for every light in my house if I could! The great thing about CL is that they have a great price point and they are wonderful people to work with. I frequently surf their site and take a look at each piece they have - it never gets old. So here are a few of my favorites and places where I would hang them! (all photos from Circa Lighting)

Yoke Pendant - Kitchen Counter, 3 in a row

Westport Chandelier - Guest Bedroom

Vendome (Small) - Breakfast Room

Sophia Flush Mount - Kid's Bathroom

Small Aspect Articulating Sconce - Living Room Fireplace

Simple Scallop Pendant - Girl's Bedroom

Short Linear Lantern - Exterior Doors

Perfect Pleat - Master Bedroom

Kassel Hanging Pendant - Kitchen Island

Club Hexagonal Flush Mount - Foyers

Calliope Reeded Ceiling Light - Laundry Room

Light What You Love :)

Bloom Watch

2010-03-27T10:08:00.003-04:00

The Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off today right here in our Nation's Capital! One of my favorite things to do to kick off Spring is to see the blossoms doing their thing - bringing in people from all over the country and probably world! If you're in the DC area be sure to stop by and smell the...blossoms!

Here's the Cherry Blossom's itinerary! :)

Average Peak Bloom Date: April 4
Peak Bloom Date Forecast: April 1 and April 2
Blooming Period: March 27 through April 8

LWYL!

A Papery kind of Saturday

2010-03-27T09:57:00.005-04:00

I have to spend my blue sky afternoon at The Papery today so I thought I'd share one of my favorite paper companies with you! Caroline Gardner is based out of London. Her products are so colorful and usually my favorites on the shelf. Enjoy and Happy Saturday!

all images from Caroline Gardner

Love Where You Live...and work!

Pink, Preppy, and Polka Dots...Oh My!

2010-02-23T23:23:00.004-05:00

While out doing some Christmas shopping (doesn't that seem forever ago?) back in December, I visited a fairly new store in McLean that screams...well, ME!

The Preppy Pink Pony, McLean VA

If you are a big believer in having anything and everyone with your monogram on it, this is your store! From key chains to decals for Ghost Chairs! If this is your thing, you must go in for a visit. I wouldn't count on leaving empty handed-not sure how anyone could!

close up of Louis Ghost Chair w/monogram

a Lilly Santa!

it's the climb

2010-02-23T23:16:00.004-05:00

(That blog title is for you Nicole!)

I came across this picture in the current issue of This Old House Magazine. How fun are these stair treads? It's wallpaper!! If I lived in an old house that had stairs in bad shape, this is how I would give them a makeover. Or imagine them in a wide vertical stripe, like a rugby stripe. What would your tread be?

This Old House Magazine, March 2010

LWYL!

PB Obsessed

2010-01-19T17:22:00.006-05:00

Hello Friends! I apologize I have dropped the ball so early in my blogging career! I'm excited to see what Twenty-Ten brings to me...hopefully more blogging time.

I was flipping through Pottery Barn's (PB) latest catalog today and had to share my latest PB obsessions with you.

This is the Savannah Chair and I am OBSESSED. I love the skirt - the pleats!! I wouldn't want this chair any other way - love the Natural Linen fabric on it.

Unfortunately for my next item, this is the only photo that PB has...can you guess? Look closer! The embroidered linen tissue box cover but of course!! Something EVERY guest bathroom needs! It will be in my powder room before you know it! (Sorry EMN - I know they're not your initials!)

For a long time now, I have been wanting an upholstered headboard. It's time I give in and just get one already! I know I want a simple shape (I'd rather feminize it with my bedding) and might even eventually have my monogram embroidered on the slipcover.

Lastly, something to dress up the bed! I have Simply Shabby Chic bedding from Target so something subtle yet more than just plain sheets is just what I need! The Embroidered Pearl Collection from PB is perfect! It's simple yet elegant! I would get the neutral Sandalwood color to complement my new neutral headboard and my existing natural linen bed skirt.

I'm not trying to be a PB spokesperson - I promise! I can't help but love their products. And since this is a year of making my (and Em's of course) own (rental) house more like me-I should conclude by reminding yall to...

Love Where You Live!

Snow Scenes

2009-12-05T11:13:00.004-05:00

It's a snowy Saturday in Virginia! If there's not a snowy scene outside your window, here are a few winter wonderlands for you to enjoy!

It's a Crane & Co Christmas

2009-11-22T09:18:00.008-05:00

On weekday evenings and weekends I work part time at The Papery of Arlington in Clarendon. For a paper/stationary/wedding invitation lover it's the best place to be! While working last night I started decided what Christmas cards I wanted to get to send out to friends and family this year. Although we don't carry all of these it made me want to post on the wonderful cards Crane & Co has put out this season.

Crane - Advent Calendar

Crane - Knitted Stockings

Martha Stewart for Crane - Calligraphy Tree

Martha Stewart for Crane - Santa's Best Friends

kate spade for Crane - Christmas Greetings

kate spade for Crane - Holiday Ornaments

Crane - Christmas Letters Thank You

Last but not least...don't forget to send your Thank Yous!

So which one is your favorite? Can you guess which one is mine? Swing by and pick up your Christmas cards to start sending out over your Thanksgiving holiday!

LWYL!

Annie Selke

2009-11-15T20:32:00.008-05:00

Annie Selke’s work has been a great love of mine over the past several years. It has been amazing to see her company grow, starting with bedding and rugs and most recently launching her furniture line through Vanguard right along with the most cheerful of fabrics. She even throws in a few surprises like her comfy sleepwear through Pine Cone Hill and tote bags and throws from Dash and Albert. Her colors are bright yet soothing, country while still modern, traditional lines juxtaposing contemporary patterns.

Shalini Fabric

Cocktail Ottomans

Norway Cotton Woven Rug

Just got this one as an accent rug in my bedroom.

Indra Fabric

Gypsy Rose Runner

In my front hallway - SO bright and colorful!

Oh So Chest

Wouldn't this look great as an entry table? With a lamp and a basket to drop your keys and mail after you walk in the front door?

Everly Round Dining Table

Perfect for your Breakfast Room!

King Canopy Metal Bed

All photos courtesy of Annie Selke Home and Vanguard Furniture

Everything about Annie Selke’s work make me want to brighten up my home! Love Where You Live!

Trick Or Treat!

2009-10-30T22:36:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

images courtesy of Martha Stewart

Passementerie - Originally From Reinvent Yours

2009-10-29T22:36:00.007-04:00

Before a lady goes out she adorns herself in jewelry to add that last bit of pizazz. Just like a neckline, earlobe, or finger that needs embellishing so does a pillow, drapery panel, or even a lamp shade. Thursday, I had the pleasure to hear and meet Lori Weitzner, an incredibly talented textile designer from NYC. She has recently designed jewelry or technically known as passementerie for Samuel & Sons, which happens to be my favorite source for decorative trims. Step aside braids, fringes, and tassels! Passementerie isn't just for fancy, overstuffed pillows anymore. It's so great to see trimmings that are fit for more modern homes. Here a few pieces from Samuel & Sons Passementerie collection.

photo courtesy of Samuel & Sons

photo courtesy of Lori Weitzner

photo courtesy of Lori Weitzner

Love Where You Live!

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

2009-10-28T22:30:00.005-04:00

Tuesday evening I had the opportunity to hear West Coast designer turned Washingtonian, Michael S. Smith speak at the Corcoran Gallery. Lets just say he was extraordinary! (a word he tends to use excessively) Michael’s top client right now is a family you may know quite well…The Obamas!

photo courtesy of Michael S. Smith Inc

Mr. Smith began with a slide show of work that he has completed over the past years. He describes his style as European Tradition and American Modernism. Michael recommends to buy classical upholstery pieces so it will last forever and you can recover it and add elements in the room to make it different such as an old master painting with modern furniture or vice versa. Below is a photo from a project where he did just so.

photo courtesy of Michael S. Smith Inc

This image is of a guest room with a soffit (probably HVAC running through) that is very well disguised by the wallpaper. What I think is fabulous about this is that he did not build out soffits on the other three walls to create a more intentional appearance of the one. So many times we try and fix the problems through construction, rather Michael took an element and worked with it as is. He papered the face of the soffit to appear that it is one complete plane rather than two. If you can see the width of that room is the width of the bed and the camera is probably as far back as it can go. If he were to have repeated the dropped ceiling around the entire room it would have made it seem even smaller than it is.

photo courtesy of Michael S. Smith Inc

One of my favorite design styles that he incorporates into many of his projects is layering of rugs. I, like Michael, am a LOVER of textiles. I love to take time to touch them, look at the weave, dye, pattern and take it all in. Sometimes I even like to do all this and guess the contents/fibers used and check to see if I was right. I love to layer them whether it is solid on pattern or pattern on pattern. Michael does the same with his rugs. Its hard to see, but in the image below you will notice a wood floor to the far left, then a sisal on top, and then a wool rug which appears to be an antique oriental of some sort. This is a very typical look for him and it makes sense! He said that many times he finds rugs and they are not an ideal size, so he layers it on top of another rug that is!

photo of Michael S. Smith Inc

Lastly, Michael said something that I am a big believer in, “be connected to the environment where you live.” He compared it to wearing somebody else’s sweater, meaning it’s not yours, it might not be the right size, style, whatever…make your space your own.

Oh and I guess you all might be curious to know to status of the White House redecorating project! He kept silent, as I suspected, but did mention that the private quarters are pretty much complete. Other than that he was wonderful about keeping their private life, private.

I think I can say on behalf of all that attended this sold out event, he was a wonderful speaker and we were honored to hear such a successful designer share his work with those that aspire to be him.

Home Sewn - Originally from Reinvent Yours

2009-10-25T21:44:00.006-04:00

About nine months ago I bought beautiful upholstery fabric at a store that was closing. I was sure to stock up since the deals were amazing. Yesterday I was determined to make at least one pillow with the fabric so I went to G Street to pick up some buttons and piping then headed over to Barnes & Noble to check out their books in the Sewing/Craft section. I came across a book I had seen before and decided I needed to add it to my library. Author and craft connoisseur Kaari Meng has published several books including French General: home sewn 30 projects for every room in the house. It has tip and instructions to create everything from a coasters to a bed skirt. Next time you're at a bookstore check her out!

courtesy of Amazon

Voila! The pillow behind is from Pottery Barn. When designing this pillow I wanted to close it with buttons. These wooden buttons were the perfect fit for the casual french country look I was going for. Hopefully many, many more to come! If only I had more time...

Love Where You Live!

New Blog...Same Ideas!

2009-10-25T20:35:00.000-04:00

Love Where You Live is a blog inspired by beautiful design. Interiors are my passion and I hope to show you ideas and concepts so that you in turn may be inspired by as well. I used to write on a blog - Reinvent Yours - this is a new chapter in my blogging career, just as I have started a new chapter in my working career. Rebecca Foley Interiors is a side business I have started in order to begin a portfolio of my own. Stay tuned for more details!

For now, enjoy reading what motivates me as a designer. The first several posts are from the archives at Reinvent Yours for those who are new to my blog. Devoted followers of mine, hang in there I've got some great stuff up my sleeve!

Love Where You Live!