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Are You A Boy?

5:50 AM

So, hubby and I are expecting baby #1! I didn't want to tire everyone out with baby this and baby that, but since we're finding out on Friday whether the little nugget (as we affectionately refer to him or her in the office) is a boy or a girl, I thought I could break down and share a thing or two about the way I imagine the nursery to shape up over the next 4 1/2 months. We just moved into a new apartment with a bedroom for the baby. The only thing in there at the moment is a shabby chic yellow chest to be used as a changing table. It's basically a blank slate, so I want to fill it with some beautiful stuff.

If it's a boy...

I love the Owls Sky Crib Set from Dwell Studio. It's bright and cheerful with the turquoise and kelly green!

Tough camo socks from Trumpette will keep baby's feet nice and toasty.

I've had my eye on this Sheep Mobile from Blabla since before I was pregnant. It's so sweet!

It's not that I've never changed a diaper. It's that I've never changed a diaper under the influence of massive sleep deprivation. These are just too hilarious not to get. Blue Clown Hat Pee-pee Teepees from Beba Bean.

Tomorrow, I enter more familiar territory: the baby girl. (Because I was one.)

Interior Design in NYC Apartment

12:47 AM

I was impressed by the interior design of Stefan Boublil, creative director of The Apartment Creative Agency (via Contemporist). The Apartment Creative Agency offers fully integrated branding, marketing, architecture, and interior design services. A very eclectic mix of services indeed. I'm not sure how their other services are, but they do offer a great interior design service. Here are photos to prove it.

They combined 3 units on the 61st floor of the Metropolitan Tower. Working with that square footage, they were allowed to incorporate a very large sectional to accommodate the space.

They artfully built custom bookshelves and were able to incorporate the flat screen TV.

Not sure why I never thought of putting a stool in the shower. Brilliant!

Photography by Michael Weber

I love the rustic table with the iron legs. I'm evening digging the paper mache T-Rex.

Rarely do you see built-ins for a piano. It works.

I would read more than I do if I had that view of the NYC skyline and a hanging chair.

Usually your pedestal sinks are varying shades of white. I like role reversal with the white, muted tiles and the apple green pedestal sink being the star centerpiece in the bathroom.

Architecture , Hotels , Interior_Design , Travel

The Yas Hotel

12:23 AM

The interior design for the immaculate Yas Hotel was done by Jestico + Whiles (via Contemporist). For a cool $250 per night, you can stay at this luxurious 5-star hotel located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The recessed wall and ceiling are a great touch.

I always appreciate a nice bench at the foot of the bed.

The ceiling fixture is cool. I love the tone of the wood floors. You don't see that color very often.

Everyone I talk to wants wall faucets. I can see why.

Someone paid great attention to detail to create a nook just for candles.

Poly carbonate chairs are awesome for commercial use. Easy to maintain and looks great over time.

The fabric on the back booth is very rich.

The Yas Hotel just glows from the outside.

I've never seen a hotel pool quite like this.

Just a beautiful architectural structure!

Furniture , Home_Decor , Interior_Design , Trends

Photographer Extraordinaire: Ditte Isager

12:22 AM

Thanks to desire to inspire for the tidbit on Ditte Isager, an uber talented photographer. Check out her wonderful interiors portfolio below:

I tell customers all the time to put a great, comfortable chaise near a window. If you like to read, it's the best seat in the house.

A classic, mid-century modern sideboard!

White and black always makes a statement, whether it's apparel fashion or home interiors.

Butter leather, tufted seating that cantilevers off the wall. That is cool.

I always like the library-look in a house. It makes you appear smarter than you are.

Old school spiral staircase. Fond memories. That is a great vintage leather chaise.

A nice, blue canvas chair.

The quilt goes perfectly with the flooring.

I love white marble dining tables. Only if we could find a good source. Every time we buy one for the store, it comes in damaged.

I'm telling you. White marble dining tables look good in any setting. It looked great in the minimalist, contemporary space in the photo before this. It looks great in this old, traditional space.

Architecture , Color , Furniture , Home_Decor , Interior_Design

Modern Tree House

12:37 AM

This tree house inspired home was designed by KAA Design Group (via Decordir). This is a great example of modern design that feels very warm and livable. The combination of wood, concrete, and glass enhances the natural aesthetic.

A study area that opens up to the outside. Sign me up for that!

I like the little wine storage that is to the left of the stove. The bar height counter provides a great alternative to a traditional dining table.

Frosted glass serves a dual purpose. It allows for natural light, yet cools the home during the afternoon sun.

Skylights...love it if you afford it.

How would you like a master bathroom with a sliding glass door that opens up to a gorgeous, private patio space?

An outdoor fire pit under a covered canopy. There are definite reasons to be jealous of the Southern California weather.

With the location being in the highly desired, tree section of Manhattan Beach, the accordion glass doors helps with the outdoor, beach house vibe.

I feel at peace with the sunlight slightly piercing through the greenery.

Just for fun, I saw the next few photos on the KAA Design Group website. I like the multi-tiered coffee table.

The punch of butter yellow reminds me of my brother's "vacation" home. I love crisp, white tailored sofas.

That's a cool, sushi restaurant design.

Architecture , Furniture , Home_Decor , Hotels , Interior_Design , Travel

A View From Paradise!

12:10 AM

For $2,800,000, you can live in this slice of heaven, located in Byron Bay, Australia (via desire to inspire). The beautiful, minimalist decor takes a backseat to the natural surroundings of the home. Prepare to be blown away by the awe-inspiring scenery that is Australia.

That's a backyard you can be proud of.

It's not quite a hotel-like paradise until you have a nice pool accompanied by a jacuzzi.

Love the clean, light hardwood floors. I spy the Aldo Dining chairs' cousin.

This house would be the ultimate dinner party space. When you have a backyard like that, you need the big, tall windows that connects the interior with the outdoor space.