A few nights ago I watched Colin Firth accept a Golden Globe for….something….what was it? Some category for the new film “The King’s Speech”. I do love Colin Firth as an actor, and seeing him last night took me back to a film that he starred in last year that, once overlooked, had one of the most gorgeous set designs I have ever seen—ever.
If you haven’t watched him in Tom Ford’s “A Single Man”, well, you should, if for no other reason than to observe utter 1960′s design perfection. The film, while brilliant, is dark and serious, sad and downright disturbing….. but the set design is GORGEOUS!
I would give my right arm (well, maybe that is a bit exaggerated, but I would give something meaningful…) to live in the home that Julianne Moore inhabits in the film. The vintage bedside table lamps, the unbelievable carved and gilded chests in her living room, the Moroccan inspired headboard covered in of all things: Laura Ashley for Calico Corners Ikat fabric!!!
Such fabulous-ness is rarely seen on a movie set, so I looked up some still shots to entice you…
When living in LA in a super retro 1960′s home, if someone had predicted I would move to Boston and become obsessed and fascinated with toiles, I would have called them crazy.
But, it happened.
My mother became worried; I think she imagined me drinking gin and tonics every afternoon, donning pastel colored Cable knit sweaters wrapped around my neck, sitting in toile covered rooms doing crochet, all while petting my poodle. For the record, this is NOT the kind of toile I am in love with.
The new, modern toiles, in crazy color combinations with even crazier depictions—are so much fun, I am dreaming of doing an entire room in nothing but a toile! (Yes, Mother!) The mere mention of toile sends some of my clients into a tizzy, but it need not be! Toile can be fun, fresh and even progressive!
No need to worry, Mom, I’m not getting a divorce!
For years, I have wanted a Moroccan rug, or at least the chance to use one on a project, and my dream may finally be coming true—I am very excited at this prospect. Moroccan rugs, to me, add that element of rustic, global, modern and whimsy—all at once. They can make any room look utterly cool. The combination of shaggy pile, geometric pattern and casual appeal translates into perfection for me.
Take a look at how a Moroccan rug looks in various settings:
Cheap Monday Challenge: My goal with Cheap Monday is to locate and select great pieces under $1,000. Let’s face it, cheap is relative, and $1,000 is a lot of money, but when we are talking home furnishings, this price point is tough to beat when looking at a piece that will offer you years of enjoyment.
1. Spotlight White Desk $499
This glossy number is just as at home in my office as it would be in your child’s room. Look at the size! Loads of surface space. Find it here.
2. Jules Large Accent Table $299
Can we say, glamourous? Beside a sofa, chair, in the living room or bedroom; looks alot more $$$ than it is! Find it here.
3. Vienna Black Barstool $179
Looks like it came straight across the pond from France. At this price, lacquer it any color you like… Find it here.
4. Carly Chair with Envy Green Frame $899
Imagine this upholstered in something fabulous. Great accent piece for a casual setting. Find it here.
A few nights ago I watched Colin Firth accept a Golden Globe for….something….what was it? Some category for the new film “The King’s Speech”. I do love Colin Firth as an actor, and seeing him last night took me back to a film that he starred in last year that, once overlooked, had one of the most gorgeous set designs I have ever seen—ever.
