Dining In

I am eyeballs deep in a full apartment renovation and instead of losing my mind I am *trying* to focus on one room at a time.  For now, my obsession lies with the dining area, it's small so I need to get creative with the furniture and layout.  I love the feel of a round table so I've included some options on my inspiration board but I've also pulled some great ideas for a less space-needy arrangement.  My muses...

 

Photo credits:  DecorPad, Rue, Decorati

Mirror Mirror Not On The Wall

Time to break out the Windex, today is all about mirrored furniture. This trend has been around for a while, and some may argue has been overplayed, but I think done in moderation the right amount of reflection is perfect in every room. If you can tolerate the constant cleaning of fingerprints then consider one of these great pieces.

.........................................

I recently purchased this chest for my nursery - we're converting it into a changing table. Practical? Perhaps not. Chic? For sure.

"Milk" Mirrored Chest from Horchow

Loving the gold and black combination of this entertainment cabinet.

"Aaren" Entertainment Cabinet at Horchow

I wish I knew where this table was from, if you do, let me know!!

Gold and Mirror coffee table. Photo courtesy of Decor Pad.

These mirrored tables add just the right amount of glamor and are SO inexpensive it's a no-brainer.

Faceted Mirror Side Tables from West Elm

You have to be really comfortable with how you look in the morning to have a mirrored bed.

Photo courtesy of Domino Magazine (we miss you!)

The delicate lines of this vanity are so sweet and I am also loving the black feather curtain tie-backs!

Barcelona Mirrored Dressing Table

Since you can see a reflection in Aerin Lauder's gold desk I'll classify it as mirrored. It's so stunning I had to include it!

Vintage Desk Designed by Gabriella Crespi available on 1st Dibs

Reflect on that for a while!

Guest Stylist - Tiffany English

You can't get a more worldly existence than Tiffany English, the director of Ware Malcomb, a design firm specializing in commercial real estate. Raised in Africa, Japan and India, she has an exotic style mixed with modern lines. We certainly wish we could have joined her on the Herman Miller tour!

Tiffany English

Who is your style icon?
Jessica Alba’s casual ‘mommy’ style and her classy dress up style. She can pull both off so easily!






What is the one item in your closet you cannot live without?
Seven for all Mankind Jeans






Where is your favorite place in the world?
Too many to name but if my family and friends are with me it could be anywhere!





What are you obsessing about owning right now?
Classic furniture pieces, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Herman Miller furniture factory in Michigan just recently and was able to see original sketches from Charles and Ray Eames and other fabulous classic furniture designers and I want to fill my home with all of them.

Eames - La Chaise Chair


Arne Jacobsen - Egg Chair


Nelson - Marshmallow Sofa

What is the most used item in your makeup bag?
Channel Glossimer in Unity





What is your favorite neighborhood restaurant?
Tomoyama Sushi in Carlsbad, CA





What is your necessary extravagance?
Shoes

No, this isn't my closet but maybe one day?

How do you define perfect happiness?
My family’s laughter.

Friday Favorites - Websites

Since we all seem to spend so much time on the web these days we thought you might like to hear about the sites we frequent for inspiration and shopping. We'd love to hear your favorite bookmarked sites so post comments below and let us know!

Sybils' favorites...

www.artandcommerce.com
My all time favorite website is not a place where you can shop (surprise!) but hosts photographers portfolios. This is my go to source for styling and photography inspiration. If you have an appreciation for photography, this agency represents the best of the best and you will find no end to stunning images that leave you wanting more.

These are just a few of photographers on their roster but some of my favorites:

Patrick DeMarchelier



Solve Sundsbo



Ellen Von Unwerth




www.moderndose.com
When it comes to shopping, I have a long list of go-to-sites but for interiors I am really liking Modern Dose for their eclectic selection of home goods. The lighting section is particularly fun.

click on the images to purchase




Laura's favorites...

www.whowhatwear.com
Interested in who makes the amazing handbag Alexa Chung was seen carrying last weekend? Wondering where Kate Moss procured that perfect black blazer? Then Who What Wear needs to be added to your bookmarks ASAP. Created by two stylists, this website is the ultimate online resource for the ‘who’ and the ‘what’ behind runway trends and celebrity style.

My favorite feature is called ‘What Was She Wearing’. It gives a detailed rundown of where Model X bought her boots, or where Celebrity Y found that perfectly worn in leather jacket. Plus they research alternatives for those pieces that are either sold out, no longer in stores (past seasons), or one of a kind vintage. You can even send them queries about a specific look you’ve seen in a magazine or online and they will track down the details for you. Making fashion that much more attainable. Brilliant!





www.net-a-porter.com
Once you've solved the mystery of the origin of Kate's blazer, you can log on to net-a-porter to purchase from the web's best curated collection of clothing, lingerie, bags, shoes and accessories from established and up and coming designers alike. I promise you will not leave this site without filling your virtual shopping bag!


click on the images below to purchase



Leslie's favorites...

www.bluehillfarm.com
As a graphic designer I love this site because I think it's really beautiful and smart. I love how the design aesthetic sets the tone immediately and you know you're entering a place that is thoughtful, just like the dining experience at the Blue Hill restaurants. As a foodie I love the site because it inspires me to go to my local farmer's market, take time preparing a meal, and really savor the experience of food. Put down the take out menu and get motivated to cook something!



www.kellywearstler.com
I am not sure if there is a Kelly Wearstler fan club but if there is I may consider joining. I think her interior design is genius. She has inspired trends that we'll be emulating for many years to come and when I am feeling low on my creative mojo I spend a few moments on this site. I've seen these photos so many times, but I always find something new that gets me inspired and ready to design. Go get your dose of Wearstler.



Happy browsing!