TRENDING-- WALLPAPERED CEILINGS ON THE RISE

Lacquered, wainscotted and stenciled, ceilings have gone from flat to fabulous bringing the eyes upward making "the fifth wall" decors latest star. Kelly Wearstler kick started the trend by featuring her bold and graphic designs on top. Her graphic stripes, bold geometric designs and whimsical spatter's have graced the ceilings of stars like Cameron Diaz bringing an added layer of energy and artistic elegance to the room. 

Wearstler's mod and playful girl's bedroom

Love the horizontal lines juxtaposed with swirled granite

Cameron Diaz's muted bedroom gets a boost from gold caned wallpaper

Malachite on the ceiling? Yes! Shelly Johnstone Pashke has embraced the trend with gorgeous results.

Muted wallpaper balances the rich lacquered walls.

Cole & Sons Hicks wallpaper looks gorgeous paired with blue kitchen cabinets

I'm ready to jump on the trend. My latest design project includes a sitting room layered with texture in soothing shades of cream and white. The element of surprise? A wallpapered ceiling-bold and graphic or subtle and sophisticated?  I'll keep you posted...

A LITTLE BLACK FOR YOUR FRIDAY

Black Friday-Gorgeous Black Interiors
 Not for the faint of heart, black interiors definitely make a statement and translate well in both contemporary and traditional interiors.  Like any good neutral, pair black with a touch of color and the rooms temperature and tone completely changes. I love dramatic glossy black paint in a small hallway or on a row of wood cabinets (think butlers pantry) -its surprising what a little black can do to boost the mood in your room!

How are you spending your Black Friday?
Photos:courtesy of Marie Claire Masio, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda

SHELL COLLECTOR

Glittery and glamorous, this guest bathroom in Southampton has taken the ubiquitous shell motif to new heights. The  giant clam sink, glamorous capiz shell wallpaper, shell encrusted mirror and matching sconces are spectacular on their own, but together, the multitude of shell elements feels a little over the top.

Maybe it's just me, but I would much prefer a few well chosen sea inspired pieces that really make a statement. A recent project included the refurbishing a small, dark powder room in a 1920's townhouse. The original black and white checkerboard marble floor were complimented by Maya Romanoff's capiz shell wallpaper on the walls. We installed an Ann Sacks dark bamboo, granite topped vanity and finished the room with a fanciful shell encrusted mirror.  The contrast of natural elements and subtle layering of tones and textures brought an unmistakable beachy character and charm to the little powder room.

There's a wealth of beautiful shell fixtures, furniture and decorative objects; some of my favorites include:

Bathroom Photo:House Beautiful, Conrad Vanity by Ann Sacks, Maya Romanoff Capiz Wallpaper, Oly Studio Wellfleet Sconce, Capiz Encrusted Dressing Table by Stephen Miller, Oly Studio Neptune Mirror, Isabella Mirror by Made Goods, Venus Mirror by Made Goods, Irene French Side Table by Made Goods, Alba Coral Disk Mirror, Oly Studio Atlantis Sconce

GREEK KEYS-THOM FILICIA'S NEW FURNITURE LINE

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

I was reading a post from fun and fabulous Maison 21 earlier this week that featured the classic klismos chair in weather resistant aluminum from Restoration Hardware.  The chair was a great find, a beautiful example of classic form meeting an updated function-perfect for chic outdoor entertaining or as Christian mentioned, "paint them up and put them indoors!"  I love the klismos chair's iconic silhouette and remembered a piece I did last year on Thom Filicia's show house rooms inspired by The Big Chill movie for House Beautiful.  Last November he launched a collection of furniture and accessories that were based on classic pieces but interperted with a decidedly fresh and modern flair for Vanguard.  My favorite piece, and apparently Thom's too, is his interpertation of the klismos chair, renamed the Greek Peak chair.  It's sleek and modern while still staying true to the klismos traditional lines. The punchy yellow paint and nail head trim is sexy and modern-wouldn't they be great in a dining room?

 

  

 Greek Peak side chair is named after Thom's favorite childhood ski resort. 

  

The beautiful Copake eagle console table makes a statement in an entry foyer.

 

  

Modern lines in the Slocum Hall end table finished in wrapped linen.

  

 Wellington house hutch in Geneva grey finish bridges the traditional with modern finishes.

  

 Robineau Road round mirror with leather and nail head trim-a great pop of color and perfect for a hallway.

  

 Marshall Street four poster bed in walnut is modern and handsome.

  

Restoration Hardware's chic klismos chair.

GET THE LOOK-HIGH STYLE FOR A SMALL FOYER

It's such a pleasure to receive comments and feedback from readers. I'm especially happy when someone asks for design advice and I can help.  Here's a recent post-

Dear H.H.,

I saw this photo of a  foyer designed by Steven Shubel in January 2009  House Beautiful and would like to replicate the look at home.  I have a small, dark entryway and thought the light walls and furniture would open up the space-any suggestions? 

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

Your inspiration photo is great!  The delicate Louis XVI chair contrasts nicely with the large black and white horse photo and black and white zebra rug. Remember to personalize the space-perhaps there is a black and white photo from a trip that you can blowup and put on canvas or you have inherited a candlestick or family heirloom that holds special meaning for you. I used sources to replicated the pieces in your inspiration room that are readily available via the internet.  Hope this gets you on your way to a beautiful new foyer.       H.H.

Ballard Designs created this reproduction Louis XVI square back chair in a distressed white finish with  chair fabric in Springwood Floral.

A great source for black and white photos is Fine Art America.  This equine picture titled  Sundance by Jim Cazel can be mounted on stretched canvas.

West Elm created this orb ceramic drum table.

This wool zebra shaped rug from Z Gallerie is the finishing touch.

ORANGE- AUTUMNS "IT" COLOR

Jeffrey Bilhuber, from Defining Luxury

Open any shelter magazine this month and the color orange is bound to pop off the pages--from Tuscany toned terracotta to a Fanta bubbly pop, orange is undoubtly the hot color this fall.  While I love orange as an accent to a beautiful blue or brown room, I must admit that I have never given it first class status in any room I've designed. I think my bias for the color started in the 80's when my mother surprised my sister with an orange bedroom with purple accents. Wow...it was really loud. It's no wonder she became an insomniac.

But after seeing some of the fabulous rooms, I am slowly coming around. Perhaps an ambrosial Morroco inspired orange dining room is in my future? For now, baby steps.  I think I'll start with a pair of upholstered Persimmon Linen club chairs for the library-sounds pretty spicy to me.

    

 

 Miles Redd, House Beautiful

 

Miles Redd, House Beautiful

 

Metropolitan Home, Min/Day Architects

 

Muriel Brandolini, Elle Decor

 Ronald Bricke, Metropolitan Home

Healing Barsanti