Jan

26

2012


After outgrowing his old digs in Almont Yard, interior designer Nathan Turner has moved his eponymous decor shop to a prime location on Melrose Ave and during my trip to LA last month I made sure to stop by to check out the new space. The shop’s vibe reflects Nathan’s eclectic and bohemian aesthetic and it’s filled to the brim with antiques, vintage, art and accessories plus treasures from Nathan’s globe-trotting travels. The back of the shop houses a mini showroom of sorts for his design pal and fellow Million Dollar Decorator Martyn Lawrence Bullards new flooring collection. Here’s a peek inside the all-new Nathan Turner. It’s a must-visit if you’re ever in the area!

Nathan Turner

8546 Melrose Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90069

Photos by Nicole Gibbons

 

Dec

21

2011

With less than a week to go before Christmas, it’s officially crunch time for last-minute holiday shoppers everywhere. If you’re still not sure what to get that special someone and need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with 41 great gift picks for everyone on your list. Happy last-minute shopping!

1. Christian Louboutin by Christian Louboutin Hardcover Book, $150

2. Kelly Wearstler Brass Knot Earrings, $125

3. Reed Krakoff Watersnake & Leather Luggage Tag, $85

4. Caudalie Beauty Elixr (I live for this!), $46

5. Givenchy Antigona Tote in Bright Orange, $1280

6. NARS Night Series Nail Polish, $17

7. Christopher Kane Laser Cut Leather Clutch, $530

8. Crystal Dot Hand-Enameled Bracelet in Bright Papaya, $68

9. Westside Kate Letterpressed Note Cards, $28

10. NARS Sheer Lip Laquer in Chelsea Girls, $24

11. Prada Candy Eau de Parfum, $108

12. Jimmy Choo Greta Lamé-covered Suede Sandals, $1095

13. Kelly Wearstler Chain Necklace with Pyrite Sphere, $425

 

1. Odyssey White Ice D.A.R.T. Putter, $179.99

2. 1 Year Netflix Subscription, $95

3. Steve Jobs Biography by Walter Isaacson, $17.49

4. Lanvin Knot Cufflinks, $215

5. Smythson Leather Cufflink Box, $160

6. Uniform Wares 200 Series PVD Rose Watch, $360

7. 2 Year Subscription to Car & Driver, $15

8. Cashmere Henley Hoodie, $298

 

1. Mophie Juice Pack Plus Charging Case for iPhone (Adds 8 hours of extra battery life!), $99.95

2. Fisheye, Wide Angle & Telephoto Lenses for iPhone, $20-25

3. Microsoft Wireless Touch Mouse, $79.99

4. Kindle Fire Tablet, $199

5. Eye-Fi 8GB Wireless Digital High Capacity Memory Card, $59.99

6. Nikon 1J Interchangeable Lens Camera with 10-3omm Lens, $599

7. Lady Gaga Heartbeats Earbud Heaphones for Beats by Dr. Dre, $129

8. Sonos Play5 Wireless Hifi Music Streaming System, $399 (+ you get a free $40 Target Gift Card with Purchase!)

 

1. ‘Live Love Decorate’ by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, $32.05

2. Rifle Paper Co Botanical Coasters, $18

3. Tortoise Glass Nut Bowl, $24

4. A Year of Live Flowering Plants, $499

5. My Father’s Daughter – a collection of recipes by Gwyneth Paltrow, $21

6. Ikat Coffee Mug, $8

7. Diane von Furstenberg Chainlink Tray, $80

8. Zoe Plum Throw, $135

9. Diptyque Patchouli Candle, $60

10. Jonathan Adler Elephant Salt & Pepper Shakers, $48

11. Staub Grenadine 4-qt. Round Cocotte with Four Miniature Cocottes, $179.99

12. Tory Burch Chevron Blanket, $295

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Aug

4

2011

Supermodel Linda Evangelista’s infamous words immortalized on a Jonathan Adler needlepoint pillow. Genius! Available here.  And while you’re at it, check out this number with more wisdom from Kate Moss:

Available here.

Jun

18

2011

A terrace from the book Rooftop Gardens, features red maple trees, ivy, cypress, blue hydrangea, boxwood hedges and more, making this a beautiful and  a colorful oasis in the sky, high above Park Avenue.

In New York City outdoor living space is an extreme luxury that most people covet. There are a few who are lucky enough to enjoy a tiny sliver of outdoor space in the form of a balcony or maybe even a small terrace. And then there are the ultra-privileged ones who can claim ownership to the most sprawling and enviable terraces and outdoor gardens that the City has to offer. These spaces, like the one above, are like little slices of heaven in New York and a new book published by Rizzoli and written by Denise Le Frak Calicchio and Roberta Model Amon, is devoted to exploring these lavish outdoor gardens. From Park Avenue to Soho, Rooftop Gardens, gives us a rare glimpse inside the posh private terraces and balconies and conservatories of the city’s toniest residences and the glamorous lives of the people that live in them.

I received an advance copy of the book and one of the spaces I was completely smitten with is this wraparound multi-level penthouse terrace in Tribeca that is complete with two dining areas and stunning views of New York City. It’s planted with lush, gold-tipped arborvitae, juniper, fernspray and white hydrangeas which are one of my favorite flowers.

The garden can be seen directly from the penthouse’s windowed living room, which creates the perfect visual flow between the well-appointed indoor and outdoor spaces. (In case you were wondering, the sumptuous interiors were designed by Thomas Jayne who I’ll be profiling here on So Haute very soon!)

You can order a copy of Rooftop Gardens here through Rizzoli or here from Amazon.com

Photos by Norman McGrath, courtesy of Rizzoli

May

4

2011

Whenever I’m in LA I always hit up the city’s best design shops but one place I never managed to get to until recently is Nickey Kehoe and I’m so glad I finally had a chance to check it out! Located on Highland Ave just north of Melrose, the rustic space is filled with a worldly and well-priced mix of furnishings and accessories, vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. The shop’s owners are interior design duo Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe whose design work exudes a modern, bohemian aesthetic that is sought after by celebrity clients like Natalie Portman and Mark and Sunrise Ruffalo. The two were also recently named one of the 5 Designers to Watch in 2011 on Elle Decor’s annual A-List! Check out the eye candy below from their shop and I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area!

Nickey Kehoe
730 North Highland Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323 957 0370
nickeykehoe.com

Mar

21

2011

On April 5th luxury publisher Assouline will release a new coffee table book that celebrates the beauty and magic of St. Barths which happens to be one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations. Written by Pamela Fiori (who also authored In the Spirit of Capri), In the Spirit of St. Barths is full of captivating photos, giving us an up close look at the posh Caribbean isle that evokes the glamour of the French Riviera and is synonymous with chic. Think yachts, champagne, beautiful beaches and beautiful people. Below is a little peek at what you’ll find inside! (Photos and captions from In the Spirit of St. Barths are courtesy of Assouline).

“Sunset on Shell Beach in Gustavia is a good time to find treasures from the sea.”


“Gustavia watercolor on paper by Stanislas Defize.”

“Gustavia harbor lit up at dusk.”


“A colorful harbor view.”

“It takes a skilled pilot to land on the 2,170-foot-long runway without ending up in the Baie de St. Jean.”

You can order your copy of In the Spirit of St. Barths here. And since we’re on the subject, I thought I’d share a few of my own photos of St. Barths that also capture the spirit of this idyllic little island. Now who’s ready for a vacay?!

Mar

17

2011

PB Found Vintage Kilim Rugs $1,699.00 – $3,299.00

I came across these limited-edition vintage kilim rugs that Pottery Barn is currently offering and thought they were fabulous! Such rich colors and patterns! Sourced from a collector in Istanbul, each rug is unique and is anywhere from 40-80 years old.  I’ve been hunting for something similar to hide my ugly rental kitchen floor. I totally love the rug Jamie Meares used in her kitchen which was featured in High Gloss Magazine:


Design by Jamie Meares. Photo via High Gloss Magazine

If you love this look too below is some more inspiration from designers Sara Gilbane, Commune Design and Tia Zoldan. And if the Pottery Barn vintage kilims are out of your range, eBay has an incredible selection at all price points to help you achieve this look for less! Click here to browse eBay’s selection of beautiful vintage kilim rugs!


Design by Sara Gilbane. Photo via Lonnymag.com

Photo: Commune Design


Design by Tia Zoldan. Photo via High Gloss Magazine

Mar

8

2011


Undecorate – by Christiane Lemieux.

DwellStudio Founder and Creative Director Christiane Lemieux has just released her first coffee table book, out today, that celebrates the art of achieving an unfussy, effortlessly chic home. It’s titled Undecorate: The No-Rules Approach to Interior Design and after eagerly anticipating its arrival for more than a year, I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy. As expected, the book is chock full of inspiration and I’m utterly obsessed with it! Undecorate gives us a glimpse inside 20 real homes across America to explore the concept of “undecorating” – a term Christiane coined to describe perfectly imperfect approach to decor which really boils down to achieving a comfortable, lived in home that’s designed over time and truly reflects your personal style. I think it’s worth noting that the book’s foreward was written by Deborah Needleman who now helms WSJ but was the founding Editor-in-Chief of Domino – a magazine I credit with giving this effortless decorating style its mainstream appeal.

One of the excerpts from the book that resonated with me was when Christiane talks about how the rise of the internet and design blogs have influenced her decorating decisions in recent years. Whereas she used to look to top tier decorators for design direction, she now prefers blogs and finds more inspiration from decorating amateurs with real ideas and a totally fresh approach. In fact, there are even a few blogger homes featured in Undecorate including the homes of Lisa Borgnes Giramonti from A Bloomsbury Life and Valerie Hart from Visual Vamp!

Christiane was kind enough to share some insider scoop about the book with me as well as reveal details on other exciting projects DwellStudio has in the works. Read on to hear all about it plus get a little sneak peek inside Undecorate!


What made you decide to write a book?

It’s funny – it was very organic and a natural next step. I had been noodling this idea in my head and then I had a meeting with Clarkson Potter and it all fell into place.  The part I did not take into consideration was the actual execution. Getting a book done is a lot of work…wow!

Tell us about how the project finally came together…

You know – I’m not even sure. I gave my amazing editor Doris Cooper some ideas and voila – we had a book. It was totally fluid.  I am so glad it happened because it was one of the most amazing things I’ve done.

How did you land on the title Undecorate?

It really says exactly what I am getting at in the book.  I really believe we look at interior design and decor in a more fluid way these days…we do things ourselves and the project is never really done. It’s never really decorated. We also – through blogs and social media – invite each each other in and work together and decorate together. It’s always an evolving process.


I love that you chose Melanie Acevedo to shoot your book – I’ve always been drawn to her photographs! Was working with her an obvious choice? What was it like collaborating with her?

I had another photographer lined up and then Mel came to my office with her portfolio…it was love at first sight! AND one of the dummy spreads we had created for the book for concept board had her photography – talk about a sign! We had an amazing time working together.  We went on a journey across the country and got to photograph these amazing homes and people.

Of all the amazing homes and people you photographed for Undecorate…do you have a favorite?

I fell in love with each and every person we shot – seriously.  It was like 20 amazing parties.  We did have an amazing cocktail-infused evening with Chase Booth and Gray Davis at their gorgeous place in Copeck lake.  We all cooked dinner and went swimming.  It was perfect.


Your book refers to undecorating as a movement…what do you think it is about this effortless style that resonates with people?

I think there are no barriers to entry. If you love something – you can make it work in your interior.  We shot to the most amazing place in Chicago where the owners Heidi and Art lived with their Jaguar cars…it was gorgeous.  The cars functioned like sculptures.

What do you think is the key to achieving an “undecorated” look?

I think it’s personal.  Don’t follow rules – follow your instincts.  Do the things you like and it will come together.  There are a lot of interiors out there that look the same.  Undecorating is about soul and personality.

Aside from Undecorate, what’s next for the brand?

We are launching furniture in 3 weeks at High Point. Now that was a project!  I will say that everything we designed is very influenced by my experience with the book…It’s personal, eclectic and people can truly put this collection together and make it their own.


Finally, what does home mean to you?

Home is the place I go for refuge.  The place where I get comfort….It’s family and being surrounded by the things and people I love.

Thanks Christiane!

You can order your copy of Undecorate here and to check out DwellStudio’s latest offerings visit DwellStudio.com!

Book photography by Melanie Acevedo. Photography of Undecorate by Nicole Gibbons

Dec

20

2010

Christmas is less than a week away so if you’re stumped on what to get that special someone, don’t panic! From the latest lust-worthy gadgets and fashion-forward accessories, to luxe items for the home and cool duds for your dude,  here are some seriously stylish suggestions to inspire your last minute shopping for everyone on your list!

1. Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm – $28, Barney’s New York

2. NARS Precious Mini Nail Polish Set – $30, Neiman Marcus

3. Tory Burch Sequin Scarf – $193, Tory Burch

4. Threaded Chain Bracelet –  $22, Madewell

5. Sleep Shirtdress – $49.50, J. Crew

6. Emily Leopard Clutch – $138, Club Monaco

7. Smythson of Bond Street Wish List Panama Notebook – $69, Net-A-Porter

8. Rachel Roy Pakistan Tote – $20, RachelRoy.com (100% of the proceeds benefit UNICEF’s relief fund for victims of the July 2010 Monsoon floods in Pakistan, making this the chic gift that keeps on giving!)

9. Flora by Gucci – $47-90, Sephora

10. Byredo Rose Noir Body Wash – $50, Barney’s New York

11. Rag & Bone Chunky Knit Cardigan – $240, Net-A-Porter

1. Gingham “Secret Wash” Shirt – $59.50   , J. Crew

2. Ray Ban Classic Aviators – $139.95  Sunglass Hut

3. Shiny Cocktail Shaker – $14.95, Cb2

4. Beats by Dr. Dre “Solo” HD Headphones – $199, Apple Store

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shiny Traditional Wallet – $128, MarcJacobs.com

6. Mill Leather Box Dopp – $155, Jack Spade

7. Gran Patron Platinum Silver Tequila 750ML – $199.95, Crown Wine & Spirits (or your local premium liquor store)

8. John Varvatos for Converse Slip on “All-Star” Sneaker – $95, Barney’s New York

1. “With Love” Red Wine – $25, Swanson Vineyards

2. L‘Objet Asian Key Wine Stopper – $88, Vivre

3. Tyrol Horn Vase - $48, Jayson Home & Garden

4. Luxe Faux Fur Throw – $350, Calypso

5. Nouvel Studios Twisted Tumbler - $24, Barney’s New York

6. Apothecary Oatmeal Soap Set – $22, Jayson Home & Garden

7. Adrienne Landau Mongolian Lamb Fur Pillow - $225, Barney’s New York

8. R&Y Agousti Shagreene Mini Frame – $70, Calypso Home

9. Hollywood Coaster Set – $68, Jonathan Adler

1. Sony Bloggie Touch Camcorder – $167.99

2. MacBook Air, – from $999, Apple

3. Lumix GF-1 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera – $799, Best Buy

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumbo Logo Laptop Case, $48, Saks Fifth Avenue

5. Music Balloon Portable Speaker - $39, DWR

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Dec

13

2010

If you’re like me and have a passion for jet-setting and shopping then you’ll love L-Attitude, a new e-commerce site I recently discovered that allows you to virtually travel and shop some of the most stylish and exotic cities across the globe. L-Attitude brings you unique clothing, jewelry, accessories and home goods from places like Bombay, Istanbul Manila, Bagota, Hong Kong and New York. I’m especially loving their chic selection of ikat pillows direct from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which the site tapped chic street style blogger/photographer Garance Dore to photograph. Above and below are a few photos from the site! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, L-Attitude will soon be launching a bespoke service where you can have whatever item your heart desires hand crafted by their partner artisans and designers around the world. Talk about customer service! The site also has an awesome blog that profiles stylish taste-makers and chic travel destinations but be warned…it’s guaranteed to induce serious case of wanderlust! You can check it out here!


Left: KUYUMCU, Evil Eye String Bracelet, Istanbul. Middle: GRAND BAZAAR, Ikat Pillow, Istanbul. Right: ANUPAMAA, Purple Laburnum Scarf, Mumbai.

Top Photos: Garance Dore

Aug

3

2010

Etsy is one of my favorite online shopping sources and right now I’m loving these soft hued, vintage inspired prints from the Etsy Shop Simply Hue. Prices range from $20-25$ and the shop is offering free shipping on all prints through August! Visit the Simply Hue shop on Etsy here.


Jul

26

2010

If you love the stylish hotel suites recently designed by Diane von Furstenberg for London’s Claridge’s hotel, then you’ll love this fabulous cashmere blanket that is currently available at DVF.com. It features the same berry and chocolate ikat print used in her Claridge’s project and is also available in two other colorways. Luxury certainly doesn’t come cheap though as this 100% cashmere blanket is quite pricey at $750. Available here.


Jul

14

2010

Here are our picks for the 13 perfect pieces you need to host a fabulous outdoor soiree this summer…and they’re all under $100!

1. Bianca Melamine Dinnerware, $2.95-4.95 at Crate & Barrel: This elegant classic white dinnerware has the look of ceramic but is made of melamine for durability, making it perfect for outdoor dining.

2. Aqua Market Umbrella, $69.99 at Pier 1 Imports: Take refuge from the sun under this colorful umbrella that’s sure to brighten up your next outdoor gathering.

3. Utensil Holder & Condiment Caddy, $6.95-8.95 at Crate & Barrel: You can add color to your outdoor table setting by storing your flatware and condiments in these sunny hued caddy totes.

4. BLANDA Serving Bowl, $4.99-14.99 at Ikea: These turquoise colored serving bowls are dishwasher safe and come in a variety of sizes for various serving needs.

5. Silvertone Plastic Cutlery – set of 24, $7.99  at Walmart: Stylish and affordable, this plastic cutlery offers the look of real silver without the silver price tag!

6. Acrylic Margarita Glasses, $4.95 at Crate & Barrel: No outdoor soiree is complete without fabulous cocktails and these acrylic glasses are perfect for serving margaritas or other frozen drinks.

7. SIGRID Striped Tablecloth $14.99 at Ikea: Add a bold splash to your picnic table with this  colorful striped tablecloth from Ikea!

8.  Acrylic Stacking Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, $2.50-4.50 at Crate & Barrel: These practical, all-purpose glasses come in fun summer colors and are both stackable and dishwasher safe!

9. BORRBY Lantern, $6.99 at Ikea: For summer parties after sundown, you can’t forget about lighting! The Borby lantern from Ikea holds a block candle to add a soft, illuminating glow to your table.

10. Bash Party Tub, $24.95 at CB2: Keep your beverages cool with this stylish, curved party tub.

11. Spun Rattaan Serving Trays, $16 at West Elm: These rattan serving trays will add texture to your table for a layered and organic look.

12. TEKLA Dish Towel , $.049 each: At less than 50 cents each, you can re-purpose these cotton dish towels as napkins, adding a nice touch for your guests and are also more eco-friendly compared to disposable napkins.

13. Mason Jar Drink Dispenser, $69.00 at Pottery Barn: A good old fashioned mason jar drink dispenser allows your guests to help themselves to their favorite summer beverage!

Jul

13

2010

Recently launched New York based floral delivery service H. Bloom is offering up a sweet discount for So Haute readers! If you’re not familiar with H. Bloom, the company delivers beautiful floral arrangements to your doorstep with its innovative subscription based service, making it easy for New Yorkers to enjoy extraordinary flowers every week. H. Bloom imports its flowers direct from growers around the world and its selection is full of gorgeous and unique flowers that you won’t find anywhere else. Subscription prices start at just $35 a bundle! I always say that incorporating fresh flowers into your decor is one of the easiest ways to add beauty, life and color to your space. So go ahead and try H.Bloom today and receive a special discount just for being a So Haute reader! Simply enter “sohaute” at checkout you’ll receive $25 off your first delivery! That means you can get your first delivery of the $35 classic bundle for just $10! A pretty amazing deal if you ask me! Visit the H. Bloom website now to subscribe!

Jul

9

2010


“Brilliant Splendo”, Oil on Wood, by Kit Hevron Mahoney

I just discovered an amazing new resource for affordable original art that I couldn’t wait to tell you about! Zatista is is an innovative new online marketplace for high-quality original art which gives you access to fine and contemporary works from artists across the globe.  Zatista’s virtual gallery makes browsing its broad selection of photography, paintings, drawings, digital art and mixed media works a breeze and you can find pieces at all price points to fit any budget. And if you’re new to collecting or don’t know where to start, the site’s Art 101 section provides useful information and resources to help the novice art buyer take the first steps towards building a collection. Be sure to check out Zatista and below are my top 5 picks for amazing artwork…all under $100 and all available at Zatista.com!


“Serene”, by Kelley Sanford Oil on Canvas, 4.0 ” x 6.0 ” $95


“Sugar Spoons”, by Justin Wheeler , Archival Ink Jet Photograph, 11.0 ” x 14.0 ” $55


“Poppies”, by Becky Joy, Oil on Canvas, 6.0 ” x 6.0 ” $100

“Barnstorming 1″, by Tracy Mewmaw, Archival Ink Jet Photograph, 19.0 ” x 13.0 ” $80


“Out of the Limelight” by Latisha Yates, Archival Ink Jet Photograph, 16.0 ” x 20.0 ” $35

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