Win a $50 Gift Card from Local Pages

How does some extra cash to spend on furniture or home décor sound? The folks at Local Pages are giving Simplified Bee readers a chance to win a $50 gift card at a store near you.

Entering to win is easy…

Visit Local Pages and find a furniture or home decor store in your city. Leave a comment below with a link to that store’s page on Local Pages and tell us about your favorite room in your house.  The winner will be selected using random.org and will be awarded a $50 gift certificate toward the store you found on LocalPages.com.

For an extra entry or two…

* Mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.

* Become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.

Eligibility requirements…

In order to be eligible to win, commenters must be at least 18 years old, reside in the U.S. and must not have won any Local Pages giveaways within the past 30 days. There is a one prize per household limit per 30 day period.

Deadline to enter…
The entry period closes at 5pm {PST} on Monday, May 30, 2011.

Good luck!

Design Blogger Series #6: What Would You Do?

For the sixth  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?,  I invited four talented design bloggers - all of whom have up incoming careers in the design field. Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs, Kerry of First Time Fancy, Marissa of Roost, and Mackenzie of Design Darling were asked to design a space around the sleek,  white lacquer console by Jonathan Adler by incorporating four or so home décor items of their choosing.

Made in Vietnam using traditional, artisanal techniques, the “minimalist sparkle” Jonathan Adler console is coated in twelve layers of lacquer. It is quite a process; Every coat is allowed to dry for 48 hours and water-sanded before the next coat is applied.

{Foyer by Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs}

“My style is a mix of modern and vintage, so I knew I wanted to add a touch of vintage with the juxtaposition of a few whimsical items.  I can see this console table in a foyer. I imagine the walls painted this cool shade of gray {Benjamin Moore's Cobblestone Path} to add just the right amount of contrast between the white items and the walls. A classic zebra patterned rug in gray and ivory will cover the floors.  The curtains are consistent with the geometric shape of the console, but also point to a more vintage feel with the addition of the turquoise organic swirls. An echo of the turquoise is found in the lamp to be placed on the console. The modern white chair will sit to one side of the credenza, providing a chic place to slip on your shoes before you head out.  To brighten up the space, above the console I would layer an oil painting from Jen Ramos with an eclectic, mismatched mirrors ...and let's be honest, we all want to check our lip gloss one more time before running out the door!”

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Michaela’s design: the oil painting by Jen Ramos.

{Nursery by Kerry of First Time Fancy}

“Most of the time, if you give someone a console table, they will automatically think entryway or living room. Maybe it's because I have some serious baby brain recently, but I put together a sweet little nursery using the lacquer console. I picked the Jennifer Delonge Glam Glider because I love the simple lines of it, and think it looks like the perfect spot to curl up with a babe in the wee hours of the night. The Aerial Crib mimics the same clean lines, while the Tiger Boo rug brings some fun and colour to the space. Then, to give the console purpose in the space, I picked the Jonathan Adler Giraffe Lamp to go on top, and some Pottery Barn canvas buckets for storing baby toys underneath. If we had, had a bigger budget for our own nursery, I am sure at least a few of these pieces would have made their way in.”

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Kerry’s design: thinking out of the box and placing the console in a nursery!

{Foyer by Marissa of Roost}

"I am usually drawn to pretty traditional design, so it was fun for me to step out of the box to use this cool modern console in my imaginary entryway design! I started with Navy Bean Grasscloth from Phillip Jeffries. Grasscloth is so classic and works well with a lot of styles.  In my imaginary entry, there is a nice big set of windows, which I would frame with Lyrical Branches Curtains from World Market. A lot of the other elements I chose for this room are very symmetrical and/or geometric, so I like the flowing, organic lines of the branch pattern. Under foot, I chose the grey Riviera Rug from Calypso St. Barth, and overhead, Troy Lighting's amazing Sausalito Pendant. I love gold accents--so glamorous and refined. Under the console, more gold with a pair of Circe Benches with Greek key detail, which I'd reupholster in Tapdance by Stout Fabrics, available at Decorator's Best. I love mirrors in entry ways (or anywhere, really), and I chose Horchow's Bone Inlay Mirror as the statement piece for this entry. I can't get over how beautiful and intricate it is! This is a pretty pricey little design, but a girl can dream. Or surf Craigslist to DIY some of it myself!"

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Marissa’s design: it’s a toss up between the bone inlay mirror and the Greek key bench.

{Foyer by Mackenzie of Design Darling}

"I love Jonathan Adler having interned for him last summer so this challenge was a real treat! I envision his divine lacquer console in a playfully chic foyer. My first move is to soften its straight lines with a curvy framed mirror and to-die-for vintage chairs. His traditional-with-a-twist zebra rug is a must and I love that the Quadrille Kazak pillow ties in both the orange and the hot pink. Topped with a sparkly chandelier, it's everything a preppy foyer should be!"

* Simplified Bee’s favorite thing about Mackenzie’s design: the pillow in Quadrille Kazak {swoon} – it pulls it all together beautifully.

Don’t you love what these gals have created? Each of these spaces has a distinct feeling, but I couldn’t help but notice the similarities: 1. Three out of the four used the lacquer console in a foyer, 2. Three out of the four coupled it with an animal print rug, 3. All paired it with a upholstered chair or bench, 4. All incorporated lighting that makes a strong statement. What similarities or differences do see?

Also, a big thank you to Michaela, Kerry, Marissa and Mackenzie for participating in this series!

xo,

Huge Fan - Amanda Nisbet

I have blogged many a-time about the fabulous designer Amanda Nisbet {who hasn't?!} Now you can have a piece of her at home - Gilt Groupe is having a flash sale of some of her gorgeous goodies!

Here's a round up of my favorites up for grabs:

I recognize the headboard from this kids' dream room:

Get it before it's too late!

Design Blogger Series #5: What Would You Do?

Today I am thrilled to have four more very talented interior design bloggers participate in the fifth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook, Caitlin Creer, Katie Denham of katiedid, Staci Edwards of {Inspired by Life} were asked to design a space using this Louis XVl style slipper chair:

It's a fabulous chair circa 1920 from France found on 1st Dibs. This classic chair could go in just about any room, so I was excited about how the designers would use it.

Founder of interior design firm, Pearl Street Interiors and the blog Little Green Notebook, Jenny Komenda has this to say about her design incorporating the Louis XVI slipper chair: “I have a pair of small slipper chairs that I'm considering using in my entry, flanking my console, so I thought it would be fun to pretend we have two of these gorgeous chairs and also use them in an entry or foyer. I love to mix different styles of furniture and I'm a firm believer that the key to a well-decorated room is finding balance. The slipper chairs are a bit on the delicate side, so I think I would use something bold and heavier as the console. You could find an inexpensive vintage piece to paint out black and add pretty brass hardware, but if you're not into DIY, this (somewhat pricey) piece by Noir furniture is amazing. Trust me - it knocks your socks off in person. I'd top it off with a Frenchie/Italian looking mirror like this reasonably priced version from Horchow (if the craigslist gods are not smiling on you). Try leaning a framed piece of art against your mirror. I recently found  an old etching of our NYC neighborhood in an antique store. I have it in our entry and I love that it's one of the first things people see in our home. Sort of an outside meets the inside kind of thing. Even if you don't live in a big city, try searching for old maps, paintings or photographs of your town on eBay or Etsy and I think you'll be surprised what's there. For my Upper West Side friends, check out this pretty painting of Morningside Park. These new lamps from Robert Abbey are going to be a HIT in the blog world. Available in all sorts of colors, they feel like the rebellious granddaughter of traditional ginger jar lamps we all know and love. This spotted tray was absolutely meant to be paired with that lamp. And what entry would be complete without a fabulous rug? If you're not interested in scouring eBay for the perfect oushak or Turkish number, this rug from Overstock is lovely. See those little bits of blue? Bring it all home with a petite electric blue silk pillows for a pop on one of the slipper chairs.”

Salt Lake City, Utah designer Caitlin Creer says, “The moment I saw this chair I was instantly drawn to it's classic elegant feeling. I don't get to do a lot of teenage rooms but I dreamt up a stylish and sophisticated space for a teenage girl. I'd use our beautiful chair as a desk chair and pair it with this beautiful desk from World Market. Against the main wall I'd use this amazing A-Twitter wallpaper from Schumacher (it can be purchased from Decorator's Best) for some impact. Four our bed, I'd go for something simple that will really let the wallpaper be the start of the show. I'm thinking this maison canopy bed from PB Teen should do the trick. I've also had my eye on these gorgeous striped panels that would play beautifully off of the wallpaper.

Just because this is a girl's room and it needs some feminine touches, we'll throw in a pretty floral pouf, and a sparkly lamp. Now I just wish this room was in my house!”

Designer Katie Denham based in Sacramento, California says this about her design, “I have put together a Dining Room which combines a bit of modern with a bit of moody fantasy from times past. I love to use modern furniture in a traditional setting or traditional furnishings in a modern setting. In this case, the setting would be a traditional wood paneled room with old oak floors. I imagine one wall punctuated with large Palladian multi-paned arched windows. I took a cue from the blue velvet fabric on the chairs and expanded on a color scheme using a darker blue paint for the paneled walls from Devine Color. I wanted to create a shell of darker tones and contrast that with punches of white. So, to begin, I picked oak floors with a brushed black stain to keep the background darker. They add texture and have an aged quality. For the contrast in mood and color, I picked the white marble topped Saaranin table from DWR.  And around which would be six of the Louis chairs Cristin picked. (Lovely!) White Paper Chandelier from Moooi available  through Lumens. I think it is a witty take on a more traditional chandelier...very fun. For the walls, a large white plaster looking mirror...total fantasy....from Oly Studio. And for art, a monumental piece from Cosgrove Art. This piece is so dramatic and another nod to fantasy, ad the velvety blue colors are perfect. I also added these black and white onyx vessels from Oly Studio en masse for on top of the table. Oly Studio is available through Ruby Living or Jayson Home and Garden. There are also lots of retail stores available from the Oly Studio.

Thanks again, Cristin, for including me! It has been a pleasure.”

Ontario-based interior designer, Staci Edwards explains, “As soon as I saw this beautiful slipper chair I thought: seeing as I will probably not have my dream dressing room anytime in the near future, it would be fun to create the look here! The room would have warm white cabinetry throughout, and the back wall would be a feature wall, where these items would be… First, I would get the chair refinished by painting the show wood in Farrow & Ball’s Pitch Black, and reupholster it in this stunning ikat inspired print called Peacock by Trina Turk. Keeping with the 1920’s French feel of the chair, I chose this darling Avery Bombé Chest from Crate & Barrel {a cute feature to this piece is that the drawers are lined with hand-silkscreened paper, that would make me smile each time I opened them}. This stunning fashion print by David Downtown would be hung directly above the dresser with major matting in an oversized frame. Hanging from the center of the room would be this stunning Morris Ribbon Pendant at Studio B, the diffused light will create a very feminine feel, and I like how the ribbon pattern mimics the shapes in the fabric – a perfect “tie” in {pardon the pun}. Underfoot will lay this beautiful Faux {because it’s more friendly that way} Faux Zebra Hide from Jayson Home & Garden, which would ground the look while creating visual interest. And there you have it: my dream dressing room using the slipper chair provided – I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks to Cristin for inviting me to join in the fun!”

A huge thank you hug to designers, Jenny Komenda, Caitlin Creer, Katie Denham, and Staci Edwards for participating in this series. I love what you created and all very different spaces. Brilliant!

Don’t you love all the variations in designs incorporating the same slipper chair? 

Table Madness

I'm just mad for these new Nixon tables by Jonathan Adler. Totally head over heels and scheming up a spot for them in my home...

Look for Less - Serena and Lily edition

It's been a while since I did a Look for Less posting - but this one jumped out at me while I was perusing through my stack of catalogs last week... One of these shelves is from Serena & Lily and costs $1295. The other is from Home Decorators Collection and costs $399.

Can you guess which is which?

Ok, so I think it's kind of obvious, only because the photo quality of the second one is so much better, but #1 is the look for less by Home Decorators Collection, and #2 is the pricier version from Serena & Lily.

But once they were put in your home and styled up with books, candles, picture frames and tchotckes - would you be able to tell the difference? Maybe only by the $896 difference in your bank account.

Take Me Away

Yesterday was a tough day for me, and when I hit a tough day, sometimes I just want to hop on a plane and get far-far-away. I am totally jones-ing to get out of LA. Beach or city. Quiet or bustling. Doesn't matter, but I've got the itch to do something different.

So while I'm deciding where I should go to add another stamp on my passport, here are some gorgeous exotic ottomans that have me drooling.

{clockwise from top left, Emily Tufted Bench from Horchow, Essex Upholstered Ottoman from West Elm, Nate Berkus Metallic Pouf from HSN, Chatsworth Ottoman from Anthropologie}

On another note, I'm off this afternoon to film a {brief} segment for a reality show. Oddly, this is my second reality show this year {earlier this year, my best friends and I were filmed trying on bridesmaids dresses for a Canadian tv channel.} Clearly 2011 is my year to be on the boob tube.

Miles Redd loves velvet sofas...and so do I

Most designers tend to have a few favorite things (be it a particular color, pattern or even piece of furniture) that they use over and over again in their work. And sometimes that repetition can become a designer's trademark, their personal signature on a space. For Miles Redd, there are a number of elements  that the New York based designer returns to again and again: bold color on the walls (often in high gloss), animal print and Chinoiserie all immediately leap to mind. But one thing I hadn't noticed until today was Redd's penchant for rich velvet sofas, often in bold jewel-tone hues. And like Miles, I can't seem to get enough.

Why velvet? Well you'd have to ask Miles himself; however, in my opinion, velvet has the perhaps unique ability to feel at once incredibly luxurious, but also incredibly comfortable and inviting. I can never keep my hands off of it -- and it's this gorgeous textural experience that I suspect keeps Redd coming back. Besides that, velvet works anywhere, from a TV room or study to a more formal salon or living room. It's unquestionably the star that plays so beautifully with Redd's maximalist style.

Is there anything sexier than red velvet? Maybe just red velvet set against pink walls. I love how Redd sets these feminine colors off against the serious artwork and otherwise more masculine feel of the room.

The rich olive green is a nice visual rest from the bold patterns of the rug and pillows. By repeating the wall color in the center of the large room, it also helps ground the floating seating group and keeps the space from feeling too expansive.

A rich chocolate brown velvet feels positively decadent, especially when played off against bold stripes and cheetah print chairs. The ruffled taffeta curtains in the icy blue bring in some coolness to the otherwise very warm space.

The shape of this sofa (enhanced all the more with the nailhead detailing) is absolutely to die for. The green is a nice counterpoint to the rich reds in elsewhere in the room. And those Elkins chairs? Love!

More red velvet, this time with a fringe skirt. The black and white fabrics and art are such a great balance, lending this room a decidedly modern edge despite the traditional furniture and layout.

When I think of orange velvet, I think of this hideous orange chair from the '70s that Dave had when I first met him in Austin. And yet somehow, this orange velvet seems to work. If I were that little girl though, I'd be napping on it rather than on the floor.

More olive green velvet! Such a rich pairing with the deep teals and oranges in the room. This has to be one of my all-time favorite rooms of Redd's.

So what do you think of velvet sofas? Love 'em, too, or hate 'em?

Rainy Day Ottoman

A pop on rainbow color on this rainy day!
{from Anthropologie}

I Get By With A Little Help from My Friends

My favorite thing about my path as an interior designer is the amazingly inspiring friends and colleagues I've met along the way... I'd like to introduce you to one: Gulla Jonsdottir.

She was the vice president and principal designer at the last firm I worked at before jumping into my own design firm. Her designs and ideas are truly original, and I was THRILLED to see from the website of her own design firm, G+ Design, that she is offering up a product line of some of her gorgeous furnishings!

I'm super into these bookshelves, called the PLUS, they can come in different colors, sizes and configurations.

The ALBERO screen would be my dream to create a little privacy in a downtown, modern loft.

The UNA table is kind of perfect industrial-chic.

If you need somewhere fabulous to go this weekend, visit Red O, her most recent gorgeous project (and an amazing Rick Bayless restaurant.)

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am so excited to have four more talented and very crafty design bloggers participate in the fourth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Kate Riley of Centsational Girl, Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone, Megan of Honey We’re Home, and Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage {all amazing DIYers} were asked to design a look around the Bailey Bench from Jayson Home & Garden by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

This chic upholstered bench with with hand-rubbed black mahogany and antique bronze nailheads is 61"W x 20.5"D x 18"H. 

{Kate’s from Centsational Girl}

"When Cristin asked me to design a room around the Bailey bench, I immediately began dreaming of a 'money is no object' serene and sophisticated bedroom space, one I would surely design just for me if I was a single gal with a large bank account!  Cool grays, crisp white, soft teals, golden hues, mixed with linen fabrics and the softest patterned textiles.  I love so many of these accessories, I may have to sneak some of them into my own shared master bedroom!"

Sources: Eclipse chandelier from Z Gallerie, Filmore headboard {mist} by Serena & Lily,   Italian sheeting by Restoration Hardware, White lacquer nightstand from Era Interiors {pair to flank the bed}, Peacock azure pillow by Dwell Studio, Capri bottle lamp {gray} by Jonathan Adler, Circle fret rug by Dash & Albert, Devon mirror from Z Gallerie.

{Stefanie’s from Brooklyn Limestone}

“Hi everyone - its Mrs. Limestone of Brooklyn Limestone here.  As far as I'm concerned, nothing is better than imaginary shopping - all of the fun and none of the guilt!

Don't ask me why but this lovely bench made me think of Paris.  And for a travel lover like me, there is nothing better than decorating around wonderful memories abroad.

I imagined a glamorous couple that has fabulous yet intimate dinner parties with the best food, wine and company. This space would be just off their impossibly gorgeous kitchen - a spacious eat in area with a French twist - perfect for reading the paper and eating croissant or throwing a fabulous fete.” The space would include lots of flicking candles on the flat surfaces and lots of black and white travel photography covering the walls.

Sources: Marble top dining table, Oversized clock from Restoration Hardware,  Window treatments in Summer Palance Fret fabric, reclaimed herringbone floors,  Sideboard from Wisteria, a pair of Louis XVI square back side chairs from Ballard Designs, Glass pendant lighting by Pottery Barn, Paris B&W photography by Mrs. Limestone.

{Megan’s from Honey We’re Home}

“I started with the bed, feeling that the streamlined bedposts paired well with the legs of the beautiful bench.  I then added the suzani inspired rug for a graphic punch.  I’ve had my eye on those octagonal horn mirrors forever and since they are only 12 inches, thought they would look great in a pair, stacked on top of each other.  The mirrored side table and chandelier brought in the glamour.  Feeling Spring on the horizon, I wanted to add a bit of color with the pink pillows and tulips.  The aqua patterned drapes complete the look."

Sources: Oly Studio Willa bed from Layla Grace, Tuxedo chandelier from Z Gallerie, Park mirrored dresser from Pottery Barn, Octagonal horn mirrors from Wisteria, Flower bowl by Kate Spade, Drapes by Cococozy, Throw pillows by Fabricadabra & Cococozy, Rug from Wisteria.

{Layla’s from the Lettered Cottage}

“The bench has sort of a "yesterday-meets-today" feel. The lines are classic, but the finishes and colors are contemporary. What a great combination!  I chose a variety of items that spoke to both styles. An industrial-looking dresser from Anthropologie that says, "Hi. I'm old- but check out the big, bold graphics on my drawer fronts." A button-tufted, but boxy-shaped, charcoal-gray suede headboard from West Elm. Smooth and shiny bedside lamps, with rough and rustic shades from Pottery Barn. Crisp, white bedding (complete with little gray pinstripes) from Restoration Hardware, paired with a vintage-washed gray quilt (also RH) and colorful, and boldy-patterned, accent pillows from Luna Bazaar. And because I love the way plants bring movement and life into a room, I threw in a few mossy terra cotta pots filled with fresh greenery. :-) ”

Sources: Headboard material faux suede in charcoal herringbone from West Elm, Anthropologie Dresser, Navy & white throw pillows, White and gray bedding from Restoration Hardware, Gray quilt from Restoration Hardware, Mercury glass lamps from Pottery Barn.

A big thank you and hug to Kate, Stefanie, Megan and Layla for participating in this series!

Each design is gorgeous in my book. Which one catches your eye?

And the winner is…

Congratulations Lacey! Your comment {#208} was selected from random.org and you have won a $75 gift certificate to CSN Stores. 

Many of you may be bummed you didn’t win. But don’t worry... tomorrow morning I am announcing another fun giveaway!

Footstool in Schumacher’s Chiang Mai Dragon Fabric

A few months back, I won a remnant of Schumacher’s fabulous Chiang Mai Dragon fabric in aquamarine from Mr. Goodwill Hunting {great blog - I’m a fan - you must stop by!}.  

This fabric is so beautiful {not to mention pricey}. I was nervous and didn’t want to ruin it. Therefore,  it sat idle until I could find the perfect application. 

This sweet footstool with brass curved legs was stolen purchased for $2 at a local estate sale last summer. This was it. It needed a new life.

With a pair of scissors and a staple gun, I transformed the once tired footstool. It 's now so Chinoiserie chic. I love it. I hope Mr. Goodwill Hunting approves too. Do you?

Hopping over to Miss Mustard Seed's furniture blog party... will you join me? 

Trina Turk Residential Sale & Joss & Main Invitation

You know I am a Trina Turk fan. So, I wanted to spread the word when the folks at Joss & Main {the new online source for high-end home furnishings at up to 70% off retail} told me they will be running a Trina Turk Residential sale tomorrow - Monday, January 31st. The sale will be featuring some of Trina’s fabulous pillows and rugs like the ones seen below. 

Powered by CSN Stores, Joss & Main is a private, members-only site offering daily collections of home décor merchandise. Sales start at 11:00 AM EST and last a short time – most are only 72 hours.

Click on this link to join Joss & Main:

http://www.jossandmain.com/store/myinvite/3pE

Happy Shopping!