I'm LOVING the new Arch Dig

The cover of the latest AD. BTW some lunatic is trying to sell this for 5.99 on ebay...Bid here.


I knew Margaret Russell would be just the one to whip Architectural Digest back into shape as it was the most boring yet well respected shelter mag out there. I just picked up the latest copy because it wasn't desperately trying to attract me with a celebrity on the cover but a beautiful looking interior instead.The spreads inside were colorful and different, not monotone bad modern homes that nobody could relate to or overly done overly traditional messes (Gerard Butler's home).

My favorite spread in the December issue is a tiny 12,000 square foot home by Stephen Sills. It's. Major. The home is in CT, the facade traditional, but the interior is fresh and interesting. Also if you look on the lawn there is the CUTEST little dog.

The large library is filled with beautiful antiques and fabulously faded wallpaper; "burlap hand-painted in a faded ottoman design" by Patricia Arnillas. I mean it looks just A-MAZING. There are little wooden mushrooms crowding around the coffee table, books galore, a library table that looks like it's propped up on frames, a small niche by the fireplace, and a gorgeous lantern. All that's missing is an invitation for me!

The living room is just as large, with tall windows and more beautiful antiques and soft calming colors. I'm still waiting for my invitation...

The study, a slightly more modern looking room looks cozy, don't you think? The white cut-out screen (LOVE) is surrounded by paintings of Islamic pottery. Love the shape of the bookcases--these people like to read.

An antique pineapple hangs over the breakfast table--why wouldn't it? The view from this room is incredible don't you think? I'd never tire of looking at all the beautiful objects and textiles though.

The bedroom is so surprising. There is hardly any real furniture here--I was expecting some upholstered club chairs--but I love the addition of the two modern hanging chairs and how they contrast the ornate frames above them. The large oriental rug and the dog bedside table are exquisite.

I've always loved Stephen Sills' design work--he's SO talented. You must must must go pick up or resubscribe to Arch Dig right away. This spread is one of many in this months magazine.

Paige Rense will always be the "legend" at Architectural Digest but let's face it--we were all pretty bored by the magazine. Margaret Russell has already made this into an interesting and UBER dynamic mag and I'll be hoarding my parents' copies once again.

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

This has been a super stressful week, to say the least, as I had my midterm presentation on Wednesday for my class. The night before I was at a Fed Ex/ Kinkos until 3AM trying to print out my presentation from my Mac and needless to say, the employees there didn't seem to care about my troubles. The presentation went well, I think, considering how tough the prof is! Now I can sit back and enjoy some good old fashioned interior design. Shall we?

Cullman & Kravis is one of my favorite design firms so I was thrilled when I heard that Ellie Cullman and Tracey Pruzan were picked for "Saturday Shopping" on 1st Dibs this week! She has impeccable taste--isn't this hall gorgeous? That archway is so inviting and from what I can see of that round fixture, I love it!

I may or may not have gone to another Margaret Russell event, but this time, she signed my new book, Style and Substance! The book (I've paged through it 4 times so far) is gorgeous and, like she said, full of timeless interiors.

This is a really cool old barn converted to a home in the Finger Lakes region of NY! Yay Finger Lakes! I wish I still knew how to play the piano because this one is beautiful. From Martha Stewart.

I have the rest of the week off from school so I can finally relax and have a fun Halloween! The beau and I are going to be Bella and Edward from Twilight! Do you guys have any fun plans? Dressing up? Tell me everything.


Alicia B.

Elle Decor: Women In Design Night!

Last night I attended the Elle Decor: Women In Design, a celebration of 20 years of Elle Decor and five amazing women in interior design. Among them was Charlotte Moss (who won an award!), Michelle Nussbaumer, Holly Hunt, Kelly Wearstler, and Josie Natori (who couldn't make it). It was amazingly inspiring and the panel discussion format made it a fun and interesting discussion. We were able to see each designers real personality, instead of a staged personality on a reality show (Top Design).

Margaret Russell was monitoring the discussion and she was SO gorgeous. Wearing a little black dress, four inch heels (and an ankle brace), she was graceful and so funny!

I don't know much about Michelle Nussbaumer but from what I learned about her last night she has impeccable style and amazing design. I can't wait to learn more about her.

Charlotte Moss was so feisty and hilarious but beautiful and graceful, as always. She said she keeps a little notepad (or blue leather bound Hermes notepad!) in each purse to write down ideas as they come to her. She also has a blog Tete a Tete that she updates every few weeks.



Kelly Wearstler was quite inspiring, actually. She has such a passion for art and design and beautiful things.



Holly Hunt is another successful entrepreneur and founder of Holly Hunt which started out as a tiny little shop in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago and how she has a huge design empire and amazing showrooms; one in the D & D!

What was the most inspiring thing for me, as a student was that all these women followed their instincts and passions. In school, there are so many rules that often times you get bogged down and inspiration is hard to come by. These women didn't live by a set of strict rules, and though they've made their fair share of mistakes, they live just by their passions. BTW most of the pictures are from Point Click Home. There is a Margaret Russell book signing October 29th at the D&D as well! I can't wait to go.

Alicia B.