It would take more time than I have today to link to every item here, so I dedicated a pinterest Board to this sale. and you will find every item here (and more). Then click on it and you will go right to that item at Nordstrom.With so much brick in my new place, I’ve inevitably stumbled black into my comfort zone of a very black and white palette in planning the decor, so this dining room by Brooke Harris had me at hello… The key to this look (for me, anyways) is the addition of wood, plants, and inviting textures to warm everything up. I feel like I should be so sick of these Moroccan rugs by now, but I have to say that they just work so well, it’s hard not to love them. I’m trying my best not to use one in my new place, but I may have to sneak a small one in! The grain on that dining table is just gorgeous, and are those beautiful brass legs I see? The bounty of plants provide a greenhouse effect in this room full of windows, which I love. If I had more privacy, I’d be all about those roman sheers in my place too.

I’m also impressed by the placement of the dining area in the windows as opposed to closer to the kitchen. I’ve just done the same thing (in my much smaller loft) moving the dining space by the windows and I love it. That pendant certainly never gets old, does it? Of course, a little architectural detail goes a long way as well. The way the art and the piano are placed allow for a nice transition space between the dining room and living area. If you check out the entire project you’ll see how this room flows into a living area, and another casual living space that has been designed into the kitchen. I am all for this idea of having a comfortable seating area closer to the hub of the house, and placing the dining room further away in a beautiful setting. images :: design by  blair harris // photography by jessica glynn We’re so happy to have you. Let's stay in touch Subscribe for the latest news, special events, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.

Posted in kara mann, ochre, richard shapiro on January 10, 2011 | Today’s post features an artful and edgy interior by Chicago based interior designer Kara Mann. The first time I heard about the incredibly chic and talented designer was in an article published by the 1st dibs online magazine “Introspective” as part of their “The Talent” series. chandelier gala elgin winter gardenShe grew up in a home designed by her mother who had an incredible eye for all things beautiful, think Coco Chanel meets Julia Child! chandeliers slownikKara’s childhood was filled with “beautiful meals, beautiful rooms, a beautiful life…but, she exclaims, we never knew where the sofa would be when we came home!” chandelier iles ballestas

This early and consistent exposure to great design helped her evolve into the successful and passionate designer she is today. Her design firm, Kara Mann Design, opened in November of 2005 followed by her Chicago showroom, featuring lines that were not yet available in the mid-west. “I felt as though Chicago could not only embrace them but deserved the best, so we took on a loft-like space to properly represent them,” says Kara. Richard Shapiro, Ochre and Trace are just some of the extraordinary lines you will find at her unique showroom. (check out my archives for posts about Richard Shapiro and Ochre!) Recently named to “The Vogue 100,” she is a trendsetter and style maker for the 21st century. May you enjoy this innovative and provocative interior as much as I do…I absolutely love her use of large scale photography…my favorite, the trio of images in the dining room set against the strong dark wall…so powerful and confident… above and below, Lake Shore Drive Penthouse ~ photos & resources from Kara Mann and 1st dibs

Share this blogLike this: Read Full Post » ochre ~ part two Posted in ochre on December 5, 2010 | above, private residence, New York City, USA ~ specified by James Rixner, September 2006 Today’s post features a few Ochre bespoke chandeliers! Commercial or residential, they are works of art! I love that Ochre works directly with the designer and/or homeowner to design lighting that is both personal and innovative. below, chapel street, London England ~ specified by Candy & Candy, September 2001 below, private residence, Saint Tropez, France ~ specified by Thebaide, August 2007 below, private residence, London England ~ specified by Kelly Hoppen, February 2006 below, condes hotel, Barcelona, Spain ~ specified by Ou Baholyodhin, September 2005 Posted in ochre on December 4, 2010 | above, eucalyptus candle holders While reading the new Elle Decor (Dec 2010/Jan 2011), I came upon an ad for Ochre. The striking blue gray wall, adorned with what looked like metal sculpture, enhanced the beauty of the even deeper gray blue upholstered chair.

I was struck by the sophisticated simplicity of the composition so I decided to research the company, and I’m so glad I did! Based in London, the Ochre collection consists of furniture, lighting, accessories for the home and bespoke chandeliers. The designs are both timeless and contemporary using high quality materials and flawless craftsmanship. I’m so pleased to share with you these gorgeous images…I love the juxtaposition of rough and smooth, hard and soft, warm and cool…enjoy! below, snooze sofa, small “The simplicity and honesty of form and proportion, together with the luxurious materials result in an understated elegance, which has become the signature for OCHRE” ~ Ochre below, daxie ottoman, single below, divine recline sofa, high back extra deep below, divine recline corner chair & stool below, divine recline long banquette (hey, who’s that greyhound in the photos! looks a bit like mimi!) below, divine recline chaise longue below, divine recline banquette