Design Crush - Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad = actress, fashion designer and blogger's home was featured in InStyle magazine a while back. I love the carefree mix of color, texture and vintage finds. And THAT BAR??? To die for! I am in the process of styling my own bar area, don't think vintage glassware with gilded details won't be part of the mix. Lauren is best known for her role in the show, The Hills (2006-2010). She also pens a blog full of beauty, fashion and decor tips. Lauren designs a very chic fashion line, Paper-Crown as well. She's a busy girl....

 Here is a peek inside Lauren's design offices. images via.

Inspired!



By the fashion house Marchesa and their intricately designed evening wear.  Designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were ultimately influenced by fashion muse Marchesa Casati. {1881-1957}. Marchesa Casati desired to be a "living work of art." The vintage inspired and highly detailed creations are elegant but edgy; pictured are designs from their Fall, Resort and Spring Collections. I especially adore their gorgeous handbags. As most of you know, I've slowly been designing and sharing my home with you. I love to use my house as a design laboratory of sorts. I'm currently focusing on completing my dining room and after seeing this crystal purse pictured above I am now completely convinced I need to add a bit more drama to the room with a crystal chandelier.. It may be modern or vintage, I'm not sure, what I do know is it needs to glamorous! I love to entertain, so i want to create a space that feels special but relaxed. It is going to be a mix of casual and refined elements. I can't wait to finish and share it...



Some crystal beauties...

I would even be open to a vintage murano look...not sure my wallet is ready for that though. We'll see what I find! I love the thrill of the hunt. I know most of you do too

images: Decor Pad, Coastal Living

DVF home line?

How do you feel about Diane Von Furstenberg's design for the Claridge in London? Her twenty guest suites launched in June 2010. Does her signature mix of textiles and prints work for you here? or not? Her full fabric-home line will be available January 11'.

Image credit: Town and Country image one,

Sitting Pretty..

Atlanta is such a hot "design" spot right now! I'm continually wowed by the design talent in this southern city. I'm a big fan of Melanie Turner's work, and this room for the Atlanta Designer Show-house is another example of Turner-Davis Design's detail design approach. This sitting room's subtle mix of soft color and modern glamour is working for me..for more on this room and the entire showhouse visit Atlanta Homes Magazine..and for more on Ms. Turner see her site here.

Picture Perfect - Room of the week

Often all white rooms can feel flat, the key is to vary the shades of white and texture in the space! Mary McDonald has done so beautifully with this bedroom...the gorgeous canopy bed is fit for a queen! I am anxiously awaiting the release of Mary's new book, The Allure of Style. It's set to release on October 5th! A couple of weeks before my Birthday, so this one's officially on the "wish list"

Of Note..so cute..

Remember Krista Ewart's {once an assistant to Ruthie Sommers} photo shoot from Domino a few years ago? and then we didn't hear from her for a while..I would periodically check her site and it was never updated, until now that is! It's so darn cute and so is her work! (here's a quick peek -for more see her site here!

images: Krista Ewart Design, House Beautiful, Domino