gifts that give back

Looking for that perfect gift?  Why not choose one that gives back.  All of these lovely items are either from companies who donate a percentage of their sales to charity, or online shops which directly benefit the artisans in impoverished areas who make them.

Handwoven scarf

Nest birch candle

Leather passport cover

Two surfers at Rockaway photograph

Brass Rupee earrings

Printed foldover clutch

One Hope Merlot

cozy up

One of the easiest ways to add warmth to any space is through the use of sheepskin throws. Either casually tossed over a chair or placed on the floor these little throws do wonders for a room.  I threw one over a chair in my living room and haven't thought about the hideous cushion hiding underneath once since then. How easy!

The best part?  They are extremely easy to find.  Ikea sells a version (though you generally have to dig around a bit in person to find a good looking one) and Design Within Reach has some really lovely ones as well.

holiday decor

It's that time again!  The holidays are officially here and my mind is quickly turning to festive decor.  I love the simplicity and pop of unexpected color this wreath brings, made by the ever creative folks from Real Simple.

This sweet little "kissing ball" was created by Martha Stewart, of course.

I'm thinking of keeping things simple this year and a little tree like this seems doable.

Some other lovely images that have me inspired...

This gorgeous home is so perfectly decorated it's making me miss New England in the winter!

obsessed

I can't stop stalking these gorgeous items which feel rich, warm and perfect for the cool winter days ahead.

1.  geometric scarf

2.  dark geode earrings

3.  room with a view

4.  candied vanilla almond hand wash

5.  white leather and gold iphone case 

6.  resist die pillow

7.  ombre blue velvet pillow

6 days to go!

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week.  Time is flying!  We'll be spending Thanksgiving with my cousin at his wonderful girlfriend's home, along with their great friends.  I'm excited to have our first Aspen Thanksgiving after years of celebrating with friends in Manhattan.  The best part is that we'll spend the morning hitting the slopes for opening day!

If we were hosting dinner I would definitely be planning a table setting in the direction of these beautiful modern and simple designs.  I'll have to save these images away for next year.

I love how the gorgeous gold flatware really pops here!

via Dwell Studio

via digsdigs

Enoy the weekend!

rejoice: we have a coffee table!

I love brass and glass coffee tables and have been on the hunt for the perfect one for the last several months.   Tables like these are classic and work with so many different styles.  I can see having one for years.

I especially love tiered tables which can hold books and magazines on the lower shelf.

After an exhausting search I finally came across a gorgeous table which arrived today!  The living room is a little on the narrow side so it was a bit of a challenge to find one in the right scale for the room.  Not only am I thrilled with the details but it's amazing to be able to put my feet up again!  

modern vs. contemporary

One of the questions I'm asked most is what is the difference between Modern interior design and Contemporary.

Modern design actually refers to a period in time.  The style began in the late 1800s and was further developed by the German Bauhaus School of Design beginning in 1919.  Modern design places an emphasis on simplicity and function.  It plays heavily on vertical and horizontal lines, open floor plans and a minimalist uncluttered aesthetic.  Modern design celebrates natural light, makes heavy use of natural materials and uses color in moderation.

Contemporary design began in the 1970s as a blend of past styles.  It is current design from recent years and design that is produced now.  Contemporary design is broad and includes many variations.  Elements may include curved lines in architecture and furniture and the use of color.  But remember Contemporary design may still incorporate modern pieces of furniture or modern elements.  Contemporary design is ever changing and of the moment.

Any easy way to remember the term is Contemporary = Current.