HAPPY FIRST FRIDAY

Happy first Friday of 2014.  Here's a lovely little dining room for you to enjoy. Love the gold chairs with the pale green tufted seat cushions.  The red chandelier of course is the piece de resistance of the room.  Nice.

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

Photo: Alex Papachristidis

DRAMATIC DINING DECOR - IDEAS FOR THE WALLS

Dining room with built in shelves with the back painted a high gloss red! (above)

The holidays are all about family, friends, giving, loving and dining.  I am cooking dinner for lots of family members on Christmas Eve.  Am doing all of the cooking at sis DS's house.  Need to start planning my menu.  Want to add some drama into the table setting and meal this time around.

Anyhooo...all of this planning got me thinking about dining room decor of course.  Sis DS's dining room looks out onto her small courtyard with ivy covered walls...dramatic view greenery.  Maybe I'll add a sparkle light or two outside this year...so guests can enjoy a backdrop of white lights.  Hmmm...need to find someone to put those up.

It is very cool when a dining room has dramatic walls I think - a backdrop of sorts to make the room look special.  Built in bookshelves, paneling, a mural, glossy paint, large pictures framed to create a bold floor to ceiling gallery wall.  Just some ideas.

Here are three very different dining rooms...all with their own dramatic walls.

A wall mural of a river makes a dramatic statement gives this dining room a modern Chinoiserie feel. (above)

A take on wood paneled walls using reclaimed wood beams is definitely high drama (above)

Do you have dramatic walls in your dining room?  Which of these three rooms is your favorite.

Holiday Quick Tips for Dramatic Dining Room Walls:

1. Pick up a more than abnormal number of large ready made framed prints that are all the same (saw some cute ones in West Elm's shop...fyi) and cover an entire wall from floor to ceiling with them.  By covering a feature wall from top to bottom (literally 2 inches above baseboards) with the same print or photo over and over again, you are making a dramatic wall statement.

2.  In time for New Year's Eve dinner...take your favorite photo and have it made it a large scale vinyl wall mural.  I searched the web and saw several companies that would deliver in 7 business days.  A personal made super huge on one wall will do the trick.  Was at a very high end designer's house this fall..she did just that in her dining room with a photo of her sons.

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

Photos: SR Gambrel; Muriel Brandolini; Suzanne Kasler

LIVING MODERN IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Once again, I feel lucky and happy. Simple things make me happy. Take for example, yesterday, when I received an email from talented New York interior designer Amy Elbaum of Amy Elbaum Designs. I had not met Amy before nor was I familiar with her work.  Her email was a simple introductory note to say hi and that she reads the blog and she wondered whether I might be interested in looking at her portfolio.  I was delighted to immediately see images of this well designed Washington D.C. modern apartment as one of the projects in Amy's portfolio.  I immediately wrote back asking her if I might be the first person to publish these newly released photos.  She said yes.  Eureka!  Bingo!  Woohooo! Yay! Hence, the lucky and happy feeling I have today!

So anyhooo...Amy, a Parsons graduate, just last year opened her own interior design firm.  Her aesthetic seems to be fresh and modern.

This apartment is in the Woodley Park area of D.C.  Apparently a brand new apartment that Amy was commissioned to decorate. A blank slate well filled!

Custom cobalt blue upholstered Pierre Paulin chairs from Ligne Roset surround the modern dining room table from B&B Italia. (above)

Living room is neatly designed with a graphic blue greek key rug, silver blue velvet gray sectional sofa, glass coffee table and a burgundy accent chair and ottoman.(above)

A sleek modern master bedroom with charcoal gray wallpaper, a leather platform bed, crystal chandelier and floor to ceiling windows (above and below)

The desk in the home off ice is custom built and designed. (above)

Amy, thank you for giving COCOCOZY a first look at your new project. Nice work!

Readers, which room or element is your favorite? I am loving the dining room and the custom upholstered blue chairs.

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. HALLOWEEN - I am not one who dresses up for Halloween on a regular basis. I have not had a costume on in years.  I am not even sure I really love Halloween for adults.  I think it is great for kids and I love seeing little kiddies all dressed up.  For adults, not sure.  In the distant past, when I was forced to wear a costume to attend a party, my costume was always a makeshift brain teaser; only because I couldn't be bothered with really pulling together a costume and pretending for an evening that I was some imaginary character. My staple non-costume costume is as follows...I would wear all black, red gloves, plastic handcuffs, carry fake jewelry, and wear a mask...what was I? "Caught Red Handed"...I know...silly...right? Even though, I am not a die hard Halloween type of girl nor am I invited to a single Halloween party, I have, however, spent the last few days freaking boyfriend TE out because I have been begging him to wear matching Halloween costumes with me. He keeps on mumbling into the phone "No. I'm not doing that. No."  Just because he is so apathetic about Halloween, I have all of a sudden taken on Halloween as my "cause celebre".  I told TE that we could do something simple like wear all black, put yellow tape on our shirts in the shape of half of the letter Y and carry forks. He asked, "What kind of costume is that?" I smugly replied "We'd stand side by side and be a "Fork in the Road". This suggestion was met with a groan. Oh well...he's a Halloween stick in the mud!

DELIGHTFUL DOOR

A doorway from a covered patio into a home.  Everything about this semi outdoor space seems lovely to me.  The arched glass door, the weathered gray deck flooring, the built in bench seating.  The neutral color scheme and of course all of the natural light.  I love this.

Am headed to Chicago right now...am on the plane with TE and his son EE.  We are going to Chicago because TE is running the Chicago Marathon on Sunday!  Why would anyone want to run 26.2 miles?  I've spent the last 19 weeks of his training trying to figure it out.  It has been quite inspiring watching seeing him go out 6 days a week to run.  Whoa.  Amazing.  One weekend, I dropped him off to go run and he ran for 3 hours straight...20 miles.  During that time, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items for him (just a few) and then I went home and turned on my computer...just turned it on.  I certainly felt under accomplished when I picked him up and he asked me "What did you do while I was running?".

Anyhooo...back to this space...love it.

Will send pictures via COCOCOZY Instagram and COCOCOZY Twitter from Chicago...please follow me there.

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOME IN AMERICA - SEE THIS HOUSE

Aerial view of the highest priced home in the country (above)

A $190 million dollar home! Yes it is true.  Built in 1898, this 13,500 square foot mansion sits on 50 acres of land and boasts about one mile of shore front.  It is called Copper Beech Farm.  Located Greenwich, CT, a town known for its unbelievable mansions, the real estate listing says this home "has no peers".

Listed by Christies International Real Estate, this estate has 12 bedrooms, 7 full baths, 2 partial baths, a 12 foot ceilings in the main rooms, paneled library, pool and pool house, greenhouse, a beach, a carriage house, grass tennis court, a separate staff kitchen and spectacular water views.

The home was originally purchased by the Lauder Greenway family in 1904.  Harriet Lauder Greenway whose father helped Andrew Carnegie found U.S. Steel apparently sold it to timber tycoon John Rudey about 30 years ago.  Rudey now, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal a few months back, is selling the Victorian French Renaissance mansion because his children are all grown.

Stone towers flank the front door of this Greenwich, CT mansion. (above)

Dining room with carved ceilings and wood paneled walls. (above)

The wood paneled library with fireplace is fitting for multi million dollar home. (above)

A garden gate on the grounds of the 50 acre property (above)

The pool and spa in the backyard overlook the Long Island Sound. (above)

Wow.  Wish I could see more views of the upstairs bedrooms in the home.  Need to assess whether I would spend my $190 million dollars here.  Now...let's say there was a nice person who decided to give me this grand manse, I would take it in a minute...dress it up a bit and settle in right by the pool or walking the gardens.  Would be a great place for parties too.  Anyone offering this home to me?  Hello?  Anyone???

Would you take it or leave it? Do tell!

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

STRIPES & CHEVRON TOGETHER? - FEARLESS DECOR PART 2

Last week I showed you a bright pink living room and said that was fearless.  This week I bring you a home in Morocco with a wild blue chevron pattern floor and bold stripe walls!  Wow!

Could you do it?

Would you go fearless or play it safe?

FEARLESS - Cement handmade tiles...

Zigzag cement tiles (above)

SAFE - Or try a rug to get the same look!

Wool flat weave ikat chevron rug (above)

So regarding the rooms above...I would probably do the floor but not the stripe walls.  I love the idea of a beautiful graphic pattern tile on the floor.

See the rest of the decor on decor on Elle Decor's site.

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Packing day at COCOCOZY!  We're shipping off a lot of COCOCOZY product to many of our customers including one of our newest retailers...Candelabra in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  VP of Operations CM sent me this picture from our headquarters in Beverly Hills!  Yay CM and NG!  Nice work.

Packing day at our COCOCOZY offices!

P.P.S.  Ask Me a Design Question & Pillow Giveaway - I am so excited and thrilled to be this week's Ask the Expert over on Interior Collective blog.  Head over to Interior Collective to ask me a decor related question about color!  Also, if you ask a question, you are then eligible to possibly win a COCOCOZY Pillow!  Next week my answers to selected questions will be answered! Woohooo!  Can't wait to hear what you have to ask!

Photos: Elle Decor

LIVING & DINING RIGHT - 5 REASONS TO LOVE

Here are the 5 things I am loving about these two spaces...

1) Light hardwood floors in a herringbone pattern

2) Black framed pictures against a white wall

3) The color combination - blue, white, silver and black with a touch of green in the form of plants

4) The lighting - Love the 3 bold black wall sconces in the living room the two blue glass pendants in the dining room.

5) Seating - The squishy armless daybed and chair in the living room are so inviting.  The silver cafe chairs and banquette seating in the dining room are functional and stylish.

Can you name 5 more things you like about these rooms?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Interior Collective Guest Post - Please check out my latest guest post over on Interior Collective blog.  Fab ways to embrace the latest interior design trend!  Check it out!


Photos: Lisbett Wedendahl

HOW TO MAKE A LIVING ROOM LARGER - DESIGN IDEA

Have a small living space? Here is a design solution for making it bigger.

It's simple...create an outdoor living space on an adjacent patio and mirror what is going on inside.

I like this small 2 bedroom home on the island of Majorca, Spain.  The owners took a very small open floor plan living room, dining room, kitchen combo and increased the size by using the outdoor space wisely.

Conventional design floor planning would probably have the furniture on the patio facing the garden.  In this case, the owners faced the outdoor furniture in towards the house...so when the large sliding glass doors are open...the conversation area of the living room is doubled!

Good idea I think!

The pretty much all white interior makes this small open floor plan living area seem larger...love the use of  natural materials like the tree stump stools and sea grass rug combined with the modern furniture. (above)

FLOOR PLAN (below)

The public living areas are to the right...the outdoor space almost doubles the size of the living room! (above)

To see the rest of this home click here.

What do you think of this design idea?  Any tricks you might have to grow a living room without doing a full remodel?  Please comment below!

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Mi Casa Revista

FOUR DESIGN IDEAS FOR A SMALL HOME

Idea #1  - Incorporate a sectional sofa instead of a sofa and separate chairs n a living room...this cuts down on the visual clutter but provides extra seating. (above)

I like this little 700 square foot bungalow.  Such a great use of square footage.  Good ideas for those of us who live in a small space!

Idea #2 - Never get rid of built ins - refurbish existing built in cabinets or build new ones...they are great space savers  for storage and can look good too! (above)

Idea #3 - Add in floating wall shelves - floating shelves are great for storage as shown here in this small home office (above)

Idea #4 - Don't be afraid to use color  - This color blocked small kitchen with black floor and counters, white cabinets and red accent wall and door actually make this tiny space quite cheerful! (above)

What do you think of these tips?  Any you might use in one of your smaller rooms?  Any ideas you can share?

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  I'm still working on that COCOCOZY partnership announcement I mentioned. So excited to share with you my latest collaboration.

P.P.S.  Last night, TE and I went to a party for Nylon Magazine.  There was a dinner in honor of the magazine's Young Hollywood Edition.  Spent the evening chit chatting with lots of cute adorable young Hollywood types. Dinner was followed by a fantastic party at the Roosevelt Hotel.  Thanks to KA and TH for inviting us!  So much fun.


Photos: Daniel Hennessy

DESIGN IDEA - MIX MATCH DINING ROOM CHAIRS!

Hey...how about this look...a modern eat in kitchen with a long dining table populated with a mix of styles of dining chairs. Mid century modern to classic in all shapes.

Think it could be cute...also think you have to have at least 2 of the 6 chairs match. Deliberate mix and match.

Hmmm...could work!

Here are some dining chair options.

DWR - Bertoia Side Chair - $539 (above)

Wisteria - Louis XVI Dining Chair - $299 (above)

Ballard Designs - Louis Side Chair - $541 (above)

What do you think? Do you like the idea of mixing and matching chairs?

Happy Wednesday!

xo
Coco


Photo: ESNY

COCOCOZY EXCLUSIVE: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL PREVIEW OF DESIGNER TOBI TOBIN'S HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME!

Am obsessed with sisal, sea grass, grass cloth and more lately.  It could be a phase I am going through.

Imagine my delight when SA who does publicity for House Beautiful sent me these photos of  the Hollywood Hills home belonging to interior designer Tobi Tobin.

These photos are from House Beautiful's May 2013 issue hitting stands on April 23rd.

I love the sisal rugs on floors throughout, grass cloth wallpaper in the foyer, the sea grass runner with black trim on the stairs.   Natural woven fibers...I like this look..especially as we approach summer.

Foyer with glossy black front door. (above)

Sisal runner with black trim on the stairs. (above)

Rustic modern dining room with natural fiber sea grass rug, Parsons chairs, capiz shell chandelier and a reclaimed wood dining table make for a nice place to dine and entertain (above)

A sparkling chandelier, white counters and glossy black kitchen cabinets! (above)

An outdoor living room and fireplace surrounded by trees - the woven furniture and gray pillows blend will with the garden setting. (above)

What do you think of this Hollywood Hills home?  Do you like the use of natural fibers?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Fab weekend in San Francisco.  TE took this photo below on one of our long walks with his so nice sister -in-law SE and brother ME.  San Francisco is gorgeous!  Ate at some fantastic restaurants and shopped around town.  A nice weekend getaway.

TE took this beautiful photo as we were walking near the water in San Fran this weekend.(above)

REAL WELL DESIGNED HOMES!

Mix and matched red and green chairs, white wood floors and a black painted feature wall make this eclectic dining room a lively eating space. (above)

Was browsing through Dos Family, a decor and design website created by Swedish designer Isabelle McAllister and photographer Jenny Branch when I popped into their House Tours segment.  Lots of interesting real homes in Sweden.  I use the word "real" because I do recognize that a lot of the homes that I feature here on COCOCOZY are "fantasy" high end homes with endless decorating budgets...well at least they are my fantasy.  I do however think it is equally as fun to sneak a peek into homes that are real and accessible and well designed.

Anyhooo...found quite a few fab vignettes on their site.  Here are just a few rooms that got me inspired!

Love the all white decor aesthetic in shown in this home's entryway. (above)

Minimalist decor with a classic silhouette sofa on brass casters and a stack of magazines used as a side table in this Swedish living room. (above)

Floral wallpaper and a collection of plates and accessories on the wall create a visually interesting living room space...and uh love the herringbone wood floors. (above)

I like the use of the backsplash in this kitchen...shelving, a magnetic knife rack and dangling cooking utensils free up the counter space for the cook. (above)

See anything here that inspires you?

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Floors in my little tiny cottage in the Hollywood Hills have been refinished...as you might recall, just weeks ago, I had new floors installed and finished.  Once done, I was not happy so the guys re-sanded and refinished my new floors.  I went to the house the other day to view and now I am happy.  Was going for a matte finish medium to light brown color with some gray. We used 7" wide white oak with a beveled edge so the yellows in the wood also come through.  I wanted to achieve more of a rustic cottage look...and I think these floors now work.  I am happy now.  5 days of painting and then I move back in!  Woohooo!  Floors are shown below.

My newly refinished wood floors at my tiny little house in the Hollywood Hills...these are 7" white oak boars with a beveled edge using a custom mixed stain of 3 parts white, 1 part ebony and matte water based varnish. (above)

P.P.S.  Will show you some paint options later in the week.

P.P.P.S.  Am so thrilled and excited...in just over a week or so I'll be in High Point, NC debuting my full rug and full bedding collections at market there!  Will preview all this week and next!

P.P.P.P.S. TE and I are going to San Francisco this weekend to see his brother ME and his sister-in-law SE! Can't wait!  Am so excited to see them again.  They are so sweet.  Will be fun hanging out with TE as well!  Of course...have not a thing to wear. Oh...TE's brother said "bring walking shoes"...had a panic attack...can imagine myself huffing and puffing my way up and down the hills of San Francisco and the rest of the group's shock at my lack of endurance! Oh dear.