Kara Mann Design

I recently stumbled upon Chicago based interior designer Kara Mann and I am obsessed. I believe she was part of Domino's Top 10 Decorators last year but for some reason I just found out about her. The amazing photos above are from a Lake Shore Drive Penthouse that KMD designed. Isn't it stunning? You can check out some of her other amazing projects here.

Modern Glamour in Chicago

Photos courtesy of AZ Republic. 

I saw these pictures of a glamorous modern Chicago home from designer Joan Craig, co-founder of architecture and interiors firm of Lichten Craig, and I had to post them. The fabulous pineapple wallpaper is from a company called Studio Print Works. Check out some more amazing patterns below:

Fresh and Modern Canadian Pad

Here is a little preview of Susie Wall's chic pad in the April issue of Canadian House and Home. I like that it's very modern and clean with a little touch of glamour in those imperial trellis pillows.

I Know Where I Am Taking My Next Vacation!

Although I have been to Paris several times, I have yet to visit Versailles. This has always been a huge regret of mine and I have resolved that I am going to visit Versailles the next time I am in Paris no matter what, and I know exactly where I am going to stay. Check out these amazing photos of the Trianon Palace & Spa, located just steps away from Versailles. Apparently it was designed by René Sergent, who also designed the fabulous Plaza Athénée Hotel in Paris. It looks like pure heaven to me!

Mary McGee Interiors

I really love the look of this living room by L.A. designer Mary McGee. I own the white parsons desk from West Elm- which I love, but sometimes it can get a bit crowded. I never thought to use the West Elm parsons dining table as a desk. Genius! I love the contrast of the white table against the dark brown bookshelves. You know I love that zebra rug as well! The ultra modern Louis Ghost chairs are paired well with the antique armchair. I love mixing the old with the new. I think too much modern makes a place feel sterile.

I've included some more photos of this L.A. bungalow below and to see more you can check out the April issue of House Beautiful magazine. You should also take the time to check out Mary McGee's portfolio online. Her style is very glamorous, modern, and chic but classic at the same time. Apparently Mary will also be coming out with her own line of furniture soon, so be sure to stay tuned for that. I know I will!

Myles of Style

Did anyone catch the show Myles of Style Sunday night? I was super excited to watch it because I voted for Kim Myles when she was a contestant on Design Star. In the first episode of Myles of Style, Kim renewed a living room with her theme of "cottage chic." I gotta say that I was a little underwhelmed with the makeover. I think Kim did a fine job but it seemed a little boring to me.

I did like the idea of the metallic stripes on the ceiling but I don't know if I would get tired of them. I also liked the idea of putting that medallion sculpture on the ceiling, but I really hated that lamp shade. I thought it was way too small for the space. I loved the peacock color of the fabric used on the side chairs, but I can't get over the fact that the coffee table was designed with gold stickers. Stickers! I know it was a creative idea and all but it was just not my style. I'm hoping that the episodes to come are better than the one tonight. I'll give her a break since it was the very first episode :)

Sunburst Mirrors

I'm not sure if sunburst mirrors are one of those trends that are already over but I still really want one and I think the sunburst mirror above from Horchow would suit me perfectly.

I think I need to go to Austin!

As I previously posted, I have been reading a number of new design magazines to make up for the loss of several of my favorite ones. Browsing Borders Book store yesterday, I thumbed through the latest issue of Homemagazine and fell in love with the home of Steve Schuck and his partner Bobby Jones. I am seriously dying over that fabulous pair of coffee tables and I am desperately searching for who makes them.

I discovered that Steve is the owner of Mercury Design Studio in Austin, TX, which carries everything from furniture from the 1960s, coffee table books, and jewelry, to Jonathan Adler pottery and scented pillows. Doesn't it look amazing!?

Sort of Genius

While reading through the latest issue of InStyle magazine I came across a simple but genius idea from Olga Polizzi, the designer for the Hotel de Rome in Berlin. Rather than having one large mirror placed above the desk, Olga decided to stack three full length mirrors instead. I think it gives the room such a unique artistic element and it is so simple to do. I have been to Berlin before and never thought of returning, but after seeing photos of the beautiful Hotel de Rome, I just might change my mind!

Some Alternatives

Although I am desperately upset that several of my favorite magazines have recently gone under, I have decided not to wallow in my misery but rather find some new and suitable alternatives. Below are a few magazines I've picked up recently along with a few photos I like. While I'm not sure they can replace a House & Garden or Blueprint, they sure do help alleviate some of the pain. If there are any others I should know about, please do tell!

Just Because

(Photograph by David Nicolas) 

I thought I would start off the first Monday of the New Year with a photo from one of my favorite spreads in Domino (even though they are pretty much all of my favorite). The above apt was designed on a budget by fabulous interior designer Steven Gambrel for his assistant Elizabeth. I would never think of painting my living room such a bright pink color (Benjamin Moore's Persimmon & Cool Lava) but it looks so great in this living room. Love the lime green Parsons desk, the chippendale style bamboo chair, and the Les Indiennes red paisley curtains. Love everything about it. I knew I should have been an interior design assistant! Damn!