A New Era: Class

Bling Barf

This post I'll be using one of my fave designers, Christopher Maya as an example of somebody that I admire. He is understated, classic, traditional, and most importantly, economically appropriate. Everyone's been talking about being thrifty and cutting back because the economy is bad, and it's probably time to stop looking for the perfect $20,000 crystal chandelier that you want just to show off the fact that you could pay for it. Looking thrifty is in. I'm not saying dress in rags and live in a box, but be appropriate. Be tasteful. Enter Christopher Maya:

This bedroom is calming, interesting, and beautiful. I super love the geometric bedspread and the bench at the foot of the bed. It's very nice how he mixes Swedish with Queen Anne style antiques.

Maya really embraces this nook in this room, then accentuates it with the sweet pierced wood embellishment all around it. Looks so cozy.

In an aerial view of the dining room, this room looks quite exotic.

I adore this room, the living room, the most. The color palette is so restful and beautiful, and I'd love to have large floor to ceiling windows like this one day.

A little hiding place for the kids! SO CUTE.

The living room, again, is making me want to curl up and read a book. I love the furniture choices in this room. It's a large room but I don't see overstuffed oversized anything in here.

And finally, the entrance. The wide plank flooring and the adorable blue door? Are you kidding me? I also love that little bench pushed off tot he side with the brown and white gingham fabric. Ps, these are all from a spread in House Beautiful here.

Clearly these are expensive interiors, but they are understated; that's what matters. I read a really cute article in the NYTimes HERE about wedding dresses and how it's now quite admirable to find a great deal on a dress. There are brides that are shopping at second hand dress stores and then having the dress tailored. Seems practical, right? Coming from New England (yes, a personal tidbit about me!), this concept of understatedness really makes sense. I used to be sad that we weren't driven to school in a Mercedes, but rather a Subaru, and that we didn't have a house on the shore but took vacations out west. Now these are the things that I love most about my childhood. We weren't poor, but my parents just didn't believe in decadence. You know, keep you're pearls on, but go shovel the driveway. Now, I love DIY projects. Making something on my own rather than having someone do it for me involves more time, but it is admirable and shows your strength, independence and resourcefulness. So, gone are the days of "bigger is better" and "I want that gold plated" because even if you have the wherewithal, it's looked down upon...you're tacky.


Alicia B.