Andalusian/Moroccan Fantasy -

I just came across this board we did many years ago. It was the mood board for a custom Mediterranean home we designed. I wish I'd had the chance to photograph it before the clients relocated to the East Coast. Thought I'd share nonetheless.

The overall vibe for the house was 'Ralph Lauren in Morocco' with an obvious Michael S. Smith influence. Many of the items pictured here were actually installed, like the brass Vaughan lamps from @Jaspershowroom, the black and gilt empire chairs from @Ebanista. Also from Ebanista, a gorgeous pair of Louis XVI chairs in an olive green leather. The pièce de résistance (and budget buster) was a custom chesterfield sofa covered in a #ralphlaurenhome navy, silk velvet. To die for.

All these years later, I am still inspired by this board. 

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My Lunch with Aerin Lauder

Okay, so I didn't actually get to have lunch with her. But, as you all know, Aerin Lauder's much anticipated fabric, carpet and furniture lines for Lee Jofa are now available, through the trade. Everyone has been chomping at the bit for their samples. Gratefully, mine came yesterday, via lunch in my office with my dear friend and Lee Jofa Representative Cheryl Anotti-West. 

Aerin Lauder tabletop

We ate, gossiped and went through some of the most beautiful textiles I've ever seen. (One of my favorite things about having my offices in my home is that I have the perfect excuse to cook up yummy treats to share with my favorite colleagues and clients while we peruse the latest lines, source perfect finds or walk through design plans. What more could you ask for: food, friends and shared passion for pretty things. Though the food was certainly not the star yesterday.)

My fresh prosciutto, provolone and arugula sandwiches. (Bristol Farms deli cuts never disappoints!)

The line is every bit as stunning as I'd expected. Actually, twice as stunning as I'd expected. She has such a brilliant point of view and phenomenal taste. What better partner for a talent like Aerin than Lee Jofa.

Chairs and table, Aerin for Lee Jofa

Hither, Aerin Lee Jofa

Watersedge Velvet, Aerin for Lee Jofa

I love this sofa. The velvet in person is fit for royalty. It has an incredible hand and the color variation, almost an ombré, is exquisite. Love the end table here, too. That's a piece from the line as well. 

I am so excited to carry this entire line! These are the types of quality furniture pieces you buy once in a lifetime. Pieces that, like Aerin, are timelessly stylish. 

If you're interested, contact me or your favorite designer. Have a great weekend. And try that simple sandwich. Even kids love it.

Another look for less...

The tables Kelly's craving

My living room with my salvaged coffee table

I just saw a table (top) that Kelly at Little French Nest is craving and thought this post might inspire her. Check out her post (and her amazing blog). And here is my follow up comment, which you all might find useful. And don't you just LOVE that mirror in her photo! Let's try to make one... some super-caffeinated day-after-never-gonna-happen.

Kelly, these tables are beautiful! They're very similar to the (outrageously expensive) ones from Vaughan that I've been cyber-stalking for years! (below) Then one lucky day I found a perfect square, glass-top, iron coffee table in a friend's garage. It wasn't the Vaughan, but it had nice lines, a glass top...sort of like finding Mr. Good Enough. The base was dark, rusted iron (she'd used it outdoors). I wired brushed it 'til it should have bled then set to recreating the Vaughan finish. (Sort of like taking Mr. Good Enough to Bradley Cooper's hairdresser.) After I tried many failed gold leaf techniques (don't even bother on something that spindly), I was finally resigned to layering it in various gold leaf paints. I still plan to add some dark undertones with a dry brush technique and then possibly one last try at a little gold leaf. Though the knot design isn't exactly what I'd wanted, it's kept me, my living room and my pocketbook pretty happy. Just saying, you might try it with something if you find one with good proportions and lines--or have one made in plain iron.

the Vaughan table

  sorry for the dark, unprofessional photo

I'd love to know where the ones in your picture are from. TDF! Here are those pricey beauties from Vaughan in all their catalog glory. Those Louis legs still have me swooning.