Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because it involves lots of sweets and things made with squash. Yum. I'm making a few fall leaf wreathes for the house and the front door this afternoon. Eeek! I have to run over and pick up some pumpkins too before the trick or treaters come! Here are a few shots of my mantle I decorated with squashes, bittersweet, and a leaf wreath. I found the leaves around my house. I have to make one more for my front door...so I have to run! Have a great weekend!

Grey Striped Wool Blanket

I just spotted this grey striped blanket on landsend.com. 100% wool and guaranteed itch-free. Would be pretty in a simple bedroom. Lands' End "Stripe Washable Wool Blanket" $169 queen, landsend.com.

Maissa Toulet

It's absolutely freezing in our house! Greg refuses to turn up the heat to 65 degrees. The only warm spot in the house is my office and bedroom. I might be glued to computer for the next 5 months. Good news for all of you because I'm on the internet searching for cool stuff! If I wasn't stuck to my computer today I would have never found these gorgeous art boxes by french artist Maissa Toulet (via designersblock.blogspot.com). Each box is a collage of what looks like a thought or memory. I really can't tell you anything more about them because I don't speak French. Check them out: maissatoulet.fr.

Blue Front Doors

The above door is featured in the November issue of domino. The door belongs to interior designer Miles Redd. The blue is a perfect shade and I love the silver hardware against the cool blue. I found a similar door via sosylvie.typepad which she found via designersblock.blogspot. Both are great blogs full of inspiration. The blue door below is from a home in the SW of London. I love the door knob in the center of the door! The blue stripe ban up the entryway stairs really ties the space together.

More Green Wall Inspiration

Image from November 2008 issue of Domino

I still haven't decided on a green wall color for the den. None of the colors I've chosen seem right. I want a darker green but something with a little turquoise to make the color sparkle a little bit instead of just lying flat? I guess I am being such a pain about picking a color being I'm a painter. I might just have to mix my own. Here are some more dark green walls for inspiration.

"A Smoky Green Library" found via housebeautiful.com.

Metropolitian Building from saipua.blogspot.com

Pineapple Fabrics and Wallpaper

Rubie Green "Megan" $90/yard, rubiegreen.com

I admit I've not always been a fan of pineapples. They have always felt so 1980's Waverly. But for some reason (maybe because I turn 30 in 2 months) I am suddenly seduced by the iconic pineapple. Must be pineapple voodoo! House Beautiful has a great little slideshow of some pineapple accessories and fabrics that caught my eye. The black and white fabric from Rubie Green would be sweet on covered bench or small chair. Below are wallpapers I have been gathering that I imagine in an entryway. The green and yellow pineapple wallpaper from Adelphi Paper Hangings is so saturated and fun. A more subdued palette from Studio Printworks rounds out my picks below.

Jenny Lind Beds

I've slowly been looking for a bed for our guest room. The room is really small and can barely hold a double bed. A twin would be better but I rarely have just one guest stay over. Right now, the bed is on the floor because we couldn't fit the box spring up the stairs. At first, I thought I wanted a bed that was bit more Shaker. Then, I discovered a few more modern versions on Room & Board. I like the large wood headboards and low footboards but they just feel too perfect. What about a Jenny Lind style bed like the one above. They feel rustic and just right for the space. But I'm afraid the footboard would be too high and strange. Maybe it will look more like a day bed?

I was searching ebay last night and found one for just $250. Most old beds are half beds so our modern mattresses never quite fit. I have to measure to see if it could work. My inspiration for the room is below and way below is our sad small guest room complete with heating vents. We'll talk about the plans for those vents being eliminated later.

Georgia Russell

I am suppose to be outside collecting leaves for my wreathes. I just can't...its just too cold outside. I'm being a baby and sitting inside all bundled up. But if I wasn't inside I wouldn't have come across these gorgeous paper cut books (via sfgirlbybay). Created by Georgia Russell "who uses a scalpel instead of a brush or a pen, creating constructions that transform found ephemera, such as books, music scores, maps, newspapers, currency and photographs". They kinda remind me of hair that has been electrocuted. Check out more of Russell's work: englandgallery.com.

Good Shape Design

I'm off to the craft store to buy some supplies to make some leaf wreaths. Before I go I wanted to share a great affordable art link. Good Shape Design has a great selection of colorful and graphic prints. All the images are silkscreen and range in size from 16 x 20 to 18x 24. Right now, I am checking out "Urns" above. I don't know what I love more the pink or the urns. Maybe it's the combo. A great piece for just $30. Check out more: goodshapedesign.com.

J.Crew Collection Store: Striped Bathroom

Last week I attended a party to celebrate domino's November cover girl at J.Crew's new Collection Store. To get the inside scoop on the celebrities and some shots of the store check out: habituallychic.blogspot.com. For a look inside the store's awesome striped bathroom you can stick with me. I have to admit my sister was the first to spot the bathroom. I don't know what that really says about her...but honestly it was one our favorite parts of the new store.

The bathroom was pretty small but the vertical black and white stripes really enlarged the space. The walls were covered with animated line drawing by Hugo Guinness (available at John Derian). We were enamored with the brass faucets and pipes on the sink and toilet. Does that seem strange? The brass really made the utilitarian objects feel sophisticated. The topping on the cake was the dressy flushmount light above.

What makes the bathroom so great is that it doesn't feel like a bathroom. The room is decorated and warm. Incorporating elements that don't normally belong in a bathroom—aka small curated art gallery—really change the space and make it inviting. Seriously, I ban white bathrooms covered with subway tiles. Well at least in the guest bathrooms...

J.Crew Collection Store
1035 Madison Avenue at 79th Street
New York, NY
212-249-3869

Russell Orchards

I took these photos a few weeks ago at Russell Orchards in Ipswich, MA. Since then I've been back twice. Once because I thought I lost my wallet and then again once they found my wallet. I am sure that "Pig that bites" got a hold of it. Or maybe it was the duck I was taunting with my apple cider donut? Luckily, everything was returned in tack—no significant bite marks.

Russell Orchards
143 Argilla Road
Ipswich, Ma
978.356.5366

Mini Race Car

Greg and I spotted this Mini race car down the street from our house.Awesome. I love the leather straps that hold down the hood. Can you imagine this little guy racing down the track? Mini Blue would smoke the competition with a huge cloud of dust rolling behind it. I so want one!

Saipua

I love these flowers by Brooklyn based shop Saipia. Great textures and colors. Saipia has a great blog that chronicles the real life of being floral designers. A really fun read. Above and below are some of my favorite arrangements from their recent events. Check out more: saipua.blogspot.com.

Crewel Duvet at WS Home

How about this gorgeous crewel duvet from William-Sonoma Home? Really gorgeous and elegant. Way too pricey for my budget. A full/queen duvet runs you $598. The duvet would never stay clean in my house. I admit I'm not the best at making the bed every morning. Oh well. Pillows I can do. Reminds me of the gorgeous crewel I spotted a few weeks ago. I need to investigate that fabric a little more....

Fall Leaf Garland

I was thinking about attempting making this leaf garland to around our front door. I checked out the leaves around the house this afternoon and they all seemed pretty dried out. Maybe I could collect enough to make a wreath? The above image is from Martha Stewart November 2007. Click on the image above for full instructions on how to make your own falling leaves garland.

My Deco File on dominomag.com

My deco book is featured on dominomag.com today. My deco book is full of ideas that I have been gathering for my living room renovation including lighting, furniture, and art. I love that I can organize all my ideas in one space. I get inspired by just looking at my own book. Make your own and share with your friends!

One Lazy Voter Video

I don't usually talk about politics on my blog but this customizable video is beyond hilarious. Go the website and add your friends and family's names and e-mail addresses. Within a few minutes the video will be sent completely customized with their name. Send this video to everyone that is an Obama fan! It will scare the crap out of them! Pass along and remember to vote this November 4th. Check it out here: cnnbcvideo.com.

Book Release Party: Boston

Do you live in the Boston area? This Saturday Louis Boston invites domino fans to celebrate the release of domino: The Book of Decorating. The event runs from 2-4pm. Check out more book release parties on dominomag.com. I'll be there, will you?

domino Book Release Party
Louis Boston
234 Berkeley Street
Boston
October 25
2-4 pm

Annabel Club Chair

We shot this chair for a recent story in domino. I remember seeing it the hall and totally loving it. The shape and color are great. I took a sit almost everytime I walked by. The chair is super comfy and classic. At first I wanted the chair for my living room now I am a little afraid that the fabric might be too dark? In real life the fabric is a bit darker. What does everyone think? Annabel Club Chair in Corn Flower, $1,313, aidangrayhome.com for info on purchasing.

Jenna Lyons on Domino Cover

The new November issue of domino is now out on newstands. I am in love with the new cover featuring the home of Jenna Lyons the creative director of J.Crew. The dark walls are so crisp and stunning. Her bedroom has such a great assortment of antique rugs that really make the room pop in the dark space. Maybe I should paint my living room darker? Jenna's house has so much inspiration that I sure all of us will be stealing! Check out a slideshow and video of this stunning interior on dominomag.com.

Yoran Morvant: Pierres Graphiques

I find these patterned drawn stones so intoxicating and interesting (via design*sponge). Kinda reminds of being a kid and painted rocks. I have to admit Yoran's are much cooler then anything I could have come up with. A decorative rock would be perfect resting in my bookcase. Check out more from the new site that features Yoran's rocks: ashesandmilk.com.

Rapture & Wright

I am only a total English kick this week. So why not start the morning off with the husband and wife textile team of Rapture & Wright. All of their designs are concieved and hand printed studio. The colors and patters feel so fresh but still firmly planted in English grace. Maybe one of these would work for curtains in my living room? Check out more: raptureandwright.co.uk. To purchase stateside visit: lucyrosedesign.com.

Maison Bengal: Jute Baskets

One last find for the day: jute baskets. Maison Bengal is fair trade company in the UK that works with NGOs and artisan cooperatives in Bangladesh. All of the products on site are all hand made using natural materials. I really dig the jute baskets. Jute baskets are great clutter solution for a stack of magazines, toys, or laundry. The natural material adds warmth and texture to a casual and laid back space. Check out more: maisonbengal.co.uk.

Molly Rauch: Postage Stamp Paintings

I am totally obsessing over Molly Rauch's Postage Stamp Paintings this morning. Each piece begins with an actual postage stamp that Molly then paints around using watercolor and gouache paint. The paintings are pretty tiny—most are around 3 inches. Prices range from $250-$300 per piece. Molly does accept commissions. Just choose a subject or destination and she will mail a few stamps for you to choose. A great gift for a special someone to remember an event or adventure. Check out more: postagestamppaintings.com.

Johnstons Blankets & Cushions

I had to share these super sweet pillows that match the "noughts and kisses" blanket I found yesterday. The print is just perfectly lovely and feminine. Do I need them too? Prices range from about $100-$160. Maybe they are to expensive? That damn exchange rate...gets me every time! I'm also kinda digging the muted palette in the plaid blankets below. The printed 100% wool blanket is exclusive to Johnstons. Check out more: johnstonscashmere.com.

Heather Bray

I spotted Heather Gray's whimsical work in the October issue of Country Living British Edition. The artist work is inspired by her surroundings in Cornwall, England. A self taught artist Heather tends to paint simple harbor scenes in gouache. Check out more of Heather's work at: wrenfineart.com.

Atlantic Blanket Co.

I am down in New York this week working at Domino! Every morning has been freezing cold. I'm not sure if I am ready for 6 months of cold weather. I guess it gives me an excuse to buy warm wooly blankets like these from Atlantic Blanket Co. My favorite is "Noughts and Kisses" made of 100% lambswool. The modern day fairisle print would be sweet on a sofa or bed. Check out more: atlanticblankets.com.

Choosing Paint Colors for Den

I went to the paint store this afternoon to purchase a few paint samples. I just can't decide on a green for the den. In the photo above I painted six large samples. I choose the colors from the 20 paper samples I had up on the wall last week. I'm just not sure which green to choose. I kinda want to ditch the whole green idea and maybe go for pinks? I am dreaming of this room designed by Steven Gambrel featured in domino a few years ago . I remember instanly falling in love with the warm color palette. Maybe I should just save the green for another room like the kitchen?