November 30, 2015

DIY: A Broke Gal's Hanging Solution

I have been anxious to hang my antique Paris road map since I brought it back with me from Paris in October. Frames, though, can be prohibitively expensive and the thought of spending more on a frame than I did on the antique map is enough to make me want to vandalize all of the frames in my home. I headed to the garage to find a simple (i.e., no wood cutting) DIY solution. Here's what I came up with: binder clips, metallic brass spray paint, and wire nails.

The essentials - binder clip and spray paint.

This broke gal's binder clip hanging system was the perfect solution for three reasons. One, it cost $0! Two, I plan to hang the antique map in my two year old's bedroom, the decor of which will continue to evolve for years to come (hence, I cannot commit to an expensive sedimentary frame). Three, the informality and lack of glass allows me to hang the map above my son's bed (we live in earthquake country, y'all!).

One day the glory of my antique road map will be properly displayed but, until then, I love the simplicity of this!

{Images by Brooklyn Boheme}

November 23, 2015

Interior Therapy with Ken Fulk

by Brandi Brown in Interiors

I'm already feeling the stress of the holiday season. With a jam packed work schedule, I realized today that I have only six days (3 weekends) to get my holiday spirit together - shopping, baking and decorating (oh, and of course some- many, cocktail parties)! In stressful times like these, I need a big dose of interior design therapy with my favorite bon vivant designer, Ken Fulk. It's no secret that I have a serious design crush on Fulk - He's a style maestro of bespoke and high gloss glamour with a trademark flair for taxidermy. Here's to feeling Merry with interior therapy featuring some of my favorite Ken Fulk interiors.

I love the juxtaposition of the worn antique trunk against the mid-century modern chairs, but the gilded religious bookshelf is the ultimate statement piece.

Who knew mint green could be an AMAZING interior color!

This bold wallpaper would transform any space into pure chic.

Forget the walls and focus on the ceiling.

Crushed green velvet normally wouldn't sound so nice but, in Fulk's hands, gorgeous!

No space is too small for large scale drama.

Ceiling to floor gallery wall and muted organic tones.

I never tire of artwork above a bath tub.

A vintage retail display houses Fulk's shoes at his home in San Francisco.

Vintage collars are artfully displayed next to stacks of vintage luggage.

Morocco meets minimalism in this serene living room.

I love the unexpected cow hide on the head chair.

Layers of patterns are surprisingly in harmony with the bold blue lacquered walls.

Bespoke luxury - stacked trunks and stacked books.

The sink makes this basic farmhouse kitchen swoon-worthy.

After seeing this, I'm convinced that every bathroom should have a chair in it!

I love the contrast of the eye popping tapestry against the moody brick walls.

Monogrammed garment bags keep orderly fashion of Fulk's clothing.

I usually don't like themed rooms, but there's something I can't resist about this room.

This glamorous space would surely lift your spirits during the holidays.

Black and white still reign as king of simple-chic luxury.

{Images via Ken Fulk Design}

November 19, 2015

At Home: Chinoiserie Chic Thanksgiving Table

by Brandi Brown in Decor

With Thanksgiving a mere week away, it's time to set the table! I spent the weekend searching through my closets for seasonal decor and found my tablescape inspiration in a vintage Chinoiserie urn (there's more to Turkey day than cornucopias and gourds!). While not a traditional choice for a seasonal bountiful table that is generally drowned in moody browns and oranges, this Chinoiserie chic centerpiece is a vibrant twist on tradition with its hand painted fauna and unexpected colorful pops of pink and high-gloss black.

To add dramatic flair and modernize the urn, I paired the urn with a pair of high-gloss black peacocks (scored at Home Goods). Peacocks.. turkeys, they're both birds and oh so appropriate for a Thanksgiving table! The overall effect is a statuary table runner. I wanted the florals to be light and simple (as not to overtake the focal point of the urn), so I picked up a seasonal bouquet with pinks and Fall brassy tones from our local market.

Inspired by the gilded glamour of the Chinoiserie urn, I decided to go for gold by adding copious amounts of gold spray paint to Fall leaves and wishbones (saved from prior Thanksgivings). The gilded coat elevates these organic elements to chic.

In lieu of a tablecloth, I dressed the table with a vintage French linen sheet. The soft organic linen grounds the glitzy drama of the tablescape and adds a layer of warmth sure to encourage friends and family to gather around the table. I also like the symbolism of having an heirloom linen, emblazoned with an old French family's monogram, as the cornerstone of my Thanksgiving table.

Brass chargers layered with crisp white Vintage dinnerware, and topped with a bright orange pumpkin, compliment the Chinoiserie centerpiece without fighting for too much attention. Unexpected pink napkins compliment the colors of the Chinoiserie urn and are corralled by vintage French curtain rings. Faux leaves inscribed with gilded names (I love gold Sharpies!) serve as simple name cards.

Design Notes
Creating an unpredictable and inviting Thanksgiving Tablescape.

Rethink the Palette. You can avoid the expected dark and heavy seasonal colors while still honoring the season. Pops of bright orange modernize the Thanksgiving table in a pop art fashion while at the same time saying "hello pumpkin". Pinks are the perfect soft counterpoint to brown(ish) seasonal elements.
Transform and Honor. On a day that's all about being thankful, think of ways to honor the past by incorporating them into your tablescape. Vintage brass curtain rings make stylish napkin holders while vintage bed linens double as table cloths. An antique silver pitcher would be a lovely vase.
Mix n' Match. Mix vintage silverware and dinnerware with modern high-gloss drama. Pair simple with sophisticated.
Affordable Glamour. A can of gold or silver spray paint can elevate almost any item to glamour. Seasonal elements outside your door, such as leaves, pinecones and sticks, are free accessories perfect for spray paint gilding.

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.

November 14, 2015

Holiday Wish List - Jayson Home

by Brandi Brown in Shopping

While in Chicago this past week, I peeled myself away from my lawyer conference and jumped in a cab to head to Chicago's Clybourn Corridor neighborhood so that I could finally shop the design mecca Jayson Home (a girl was in need of retail relief after hours of legalese). And, it did not disappoint - Jayson Home hits all the right notes for this holiday season. Boasting two floors impeccably designed with greater goods and flea market finds that overflow onto the courtyard (oh, and a flower shop!), Jayson Home is a treasure trove that should not be missed this holiday season. From curated global vintage goods to decadent candles and dramatic light fixtures, Santa's list could easily be checked off with one stop shopping at this mecca. Can't make it to the Windy Cindy this holiday season, not to worry, Jayson Home's goods are available online! Here is my Jayson Home holiday wish list...

The candy colored Cinque Terre nail gloss from Odeme would be perfect for any gal's stocking. One could never have enough Paris guides, and the bone Inlaid back and white frame would add instant chic to any room.

I love the colorful graphics of these Fashion Insiders' City Guides.

These decadent Illume candles are gift-wrap ready.

Vintage leather gym mats would be a fashionably durable floor covering choice.

I love stacks of vintage French books - on a tray, on a cupboard, well anywhere!

White dishware - a classic gift for any entertainer.

{Turkish Towels and Moroccan Rugs - image via Jayson Home}

November 7, 2015

Vibrant Indian Wedding in the OC

by Brandi Brown in Fetes

Indian weddings are known for being a vibrant affair with so many gorgeous details that guests clamor for an invite. Case in point is this wow factor wedding that preserved beautiful traditions in a sublime beach side setting at the Hyatt in Huntington Beach. The two day celebration was filled with time honored traditions, from the bride's intricate Mehndi and authentic red wedding sari, to the groom's Baraat wedding procession and the traditional rich-red Hindu ceremony surrounded by California palm trees and the Pacific Ocean's salty breeze. This was a culturally stunning fete, with a Western twist.

Featured

To ensure authenticity, the bride traveled to India to search for the perfect sari, jeweled bangles, bead work sandals and attire for her bridal party - who wore traditional blue and gold saris (every former and to-be bridesmaid was jealous over this bridal party's garb). A wedding runner of rose petals artfully arranged gave a chic modern twist to the traditional fete. The groom was decked out in cream + gold with a traditional red head dress.

Following the ceremony, the couple changed into Western wedding gear – a silky cream gown for the bride and a fashionable suit for the groom. Traditional bright colors of blue and gold decked the reception tables. In lieu of table numbers, tables sported names of the couple's favorite authors and the centerpieces incorporated books (a nod to the couple's favorite pastime). Guests were greeted at the reception with an overflowing bar of cocktails and a photo booth complete with props. Guests are still talking about the deliciousness of the Indian feast that seemed to never stop coming. The party continued into the early morning, with a late night spread appearing sometime after midnight (but, really, who could remember the time with so much booze, food and fun?).

Featured