1. Dara 2.Nanjing 3. Tail Lights

This post is a silly but friendly tribute to two of my favorite men in my Boston design posse: Timothy and Steve, both whom are taken with the idea of using designer textiles as summer clothing. For Timothy, it’s all about those floral pants. I will never forget that fateful day I met him in the Boston Design Center– he was wearing trousers sewn out of a wild floral Schumacher print. I knew we’d be friends right then and there.

Now Steve, my new twitter friend, DIY expert, taste-maker and fellow reality TV afficanado, suggests making a Mao Jacket out of Manuel Canovas’ Dara… A lady can only take so much, guys!

From a new series on spring color stories. Continued from yesterday.

This room I am envisioning as a possible Master Bedroom Concept. I love the unusual plumbish purple of the floral, and it lends itself well to bringing in other varying shades of purple, cream, even warmer red-orange-pinks. This would be all in a creamy wall space with some sort of textural floor covering, but not with a huge amount of pattern. I like the way this is both soft, sophisticated, classic with a tiny bit of a fun edge. Thoughts?

Spring is here and what a season it is for color. Neons everywhere trending, color “pops”– I am no fashion expert, but it has me in the mood to go wild and crazy with my work. I am in the middle of developing some great color palettes for a new client who shares my love of crazy color, so I thought I would put some of my initial concepts for bedrooms out there for you to see.

The household consists of mostly girls—they have lived overseas and love bright strong color. The way I usually approach my projects is to start with textiles and let that lead my way. The major pattern is typically (but not always) my suggestion for window treatments. Of course, I have room/furniture plans drawn and a basic grasp of the furniture pieces, shapes and sizes, but this is really where the room gets born in my eyes– and certainly where I see clients getting excited.

These color stories are not shrinking violets (no pun intended, as there is major use of purple)– so I thought I would show you one room concept at a time and let you take it in.

I see this as young and fresh. For a teenager. Blues, purples and silvers all combined in a soothing but very much alive color board. Hip, a bit boho, but not straying too far out there. What do you think?

I almost never purchase things One King’s Lane. For new items, why would I? I get better prices on certain merchandise as a designer with net pricing, truth be told. But the Tastemaker Sales do tempt me. Problem for me is the thrill of the hunt is part of the fun; I like to noodle around shops and touch things in real life. But I do visit OKL often… who doesn’t? Here’s what ideas cropped up when I went this morning:

I would snag these and hang them en masse in a teen’s room or a lady office:

If you are serious about curating your bookshelf space and want that super clean look, you may spring for some of these to add to your collection:

I really love this pillow. Like art, but not on the wall:

Coming from The White House designer, it looks like my post may have been on trend:

I collect vintage majolica and this is a decent price:

I’m going to email Mom about this one; looks like her: