SMALL KITCHEN STRIPES - BOLD v. DEMURE - THIS OR THAT?

Two small apartments in Sweden for sale...two very different use of stripes in their very small kitchens.

I like a small kitchen with a feature wall.  If done right, can certainly add a nice design twist to a small space.

Here, one apartment kitchen has a bold colorful feature wall with horizontal multicolored stripes.  A no holds barred burst of color and pattern.

The other is an all white kitchen with a subtle gray and white striped wall paper on one wall behind cabinets.  A safe and subtle approach to decorating.

Which of these two kitchens do you prefer?  The bold or the demure?

Which one do you prefer?  In this case, I am going to go against my usual all white inclinations and say I like the first kitchen best!  Is that a design do or don't?  Hmmm....

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  While most people were celebrating Easter with lovely brunches and dinners and Easter egg hunts, I put my dear sweet mother to work all weekend.  We spent the weekend doing inventory at the COCOCOZY headquarters in Beverly Hills.  Lots of COCOCOZY fabric to count...lots of COCOCOZY product to organize and we are still not done. Spring organizing on over drive!  Was fun hanging out with my mom.  She is hard working!  And mom is very goal oriented...when I wanted to take a break...she encouraged me to push forward...like she has done all of my life.  A good parent indeed...pushing me through the challenging times and encouraging me to do the right thing and to be a good person.  She is an amazing role model!  Had a nice lunch with sis DS and mom too (our one break).  Very different kind of Easter weekend but still had a very nice time with family.  Thank you mom.  Thank goodness for my dear family....they are the most important people in the world to me!

COCOCOZY Arch fabric by the yard in Sea Green - spent the weekend counting yardage with mom at COCOCOZY HQ! (above)

Photos: Stadshem

TORY BURCH V. THOM FILICIA - BLUE FAMILY ROOM FACE OFF - THIS OR THAT

Tory Burch's pattern on pattern blue family room (above)

Today, I am putting fashion mogul Tory Burch and interior design maven Thom Filicia in a fierce face off.  Family rooms where the walls match the furniture. Tone on tone monochromatic or pattern on pattern  - you must decide which is best.

Above, Ms Burch took an azure-blue tree print fabric from Clarence House and upholstered her walls and sofa and chairs in the same pattern...a pattern play that really works.

Below, Mr. Filicia gives texture and a low luster gleam to a library den with cobalt blue walls that match the blue sofa.  Uniform monochromatic. I like.

Thom Filicia's den with Venetian plaster walls in a cobalt blue and matching blue sofa with piping (above)

Vote on which one you like the most in the comments or on COCOCOZY Instagram (@COCOCOZY) or COCOCOZY Pinterest.

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Shop the new COCOCOZY Resort Collection of pillows and throws at the COCOCOZY Online Store!

Photos: Wall Street Journal; Elle Decor

BRICK WALLS - PAINT OR LEAVE EXPOSED - THIS OR THAT

Charming exposed brick wall in a Los Angeles living room (above)

My friend A.Ro. sent me some photos awhile back of the adorable NYC apartment she moved into. The apartment is perfect and what makes it even better is that it has great exposed brick walls.  I love the look of exposed brick - charming, so full of character.

Found these photos of painted brick walls as well...got me thinking...to paint or not to paint exposed brick?  That is the question.  If you had a brick wall in your place...would you leave it exposed or paint it?

Black brick wall in a small loft apartment (above)

A large loft apartment is made to look sleek and modern with a white brick wall. (above)

I think I like a white brick wall or the classic exposed brick the best.  You?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. COCOCOZY Flash Sale - Our Chain cotton pillow below is 35% off on our new COCOCOZY Flash Sale page today.  Only a few of these pillows available at a super reduced price with free shipping.  If you didn't hear the Valentine's Day announcement about our Flash Sale page...every week I'll choose a pillow style (limited number) or items from the COCOCOZY Collection and put them on super duper sale.  This is new.  Trying it out for a bit.  So make sure to check in to see what is on sale!

P.P.S.  Spent a fantastic long weekend in Ojai with my lovely guy TE.  He took me there for a spa getaway.  Follow along on COCOCOZY Instagram to see more of those personal photos from our trip!  I also share a few of my favorite Ojai spots later in the week here on the blog.

Photos: Nickey Kehoe; Jason Busch, The Names Agency

WINTER HOME LIVING ROOMS - THIS OR THAT

Aerin Lauder's amazing modern ski house! (above)

Snow storms, cold weather, the Winter Olympics on t.v., and did I mention the daytime temperature in Los Angeles hovering in the 60's...clear signs that we are definitely in the middle of winter!  I stepped out of my office in L.A. yesterday and shivered from the cold 65 degree air hitting me in the face! (I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so any temperature below 70 feels icy to me...)

I do not ski...or I refuse to ski...or I would probably injure myself if I tried to ski again.  Last time I went skiing was years ago with best of friend FF in Aspen...it was a comedy indeed...we had an Austrian ski instructor who kept saying to me "Get up...get up out of the snow Coco" and "If you do not go back up on the lift again, you will feel bad about yourself tomorrow."  I spent most of my ski time in a heap of poles and skis on the side of the mountain with 5 year olds swooshing by me with the greatest of ease.

Anyhooooo...just because I don't ski, doesn't mean mean I don't enjoy the mountains during the winter or ski in ski out living.   I spent some time last year at FF and CCF's Bachelor's Gulch home just outside of Vail...ski in ski out...with a jacuzzi...lots of fireplaces and more.  Quite lovely.

Wonder what kind of ski house living room I would rather spend my time in sitting and waiting by the fire watching skiers glide by...a quaint rustic cabin setting or a stunning modern chic mountain home?  So I bring you today a THIS OR THAT...featuring a lifestyle maven Aerin Lauder's modern ski house  living room in Aspen and another cozy classic ski lodge living room...you decide?

THIS

Aerin Lauder's modern winter home in Aspen stunning mountain views from large floor to ceiling windows.(above)

OR THAT

A cute fully wood paneled mountain house living room with stone slab fireplace and window seat. (above and below)

I think I would be most comfy in Aerin's modern ski house living room...simple, uncluttered and spectacular views and love the exposed beam ceiling.

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Vogue; Axel Vervoordt

FOUR POSTER & CANOPY BEDS - HIGH STYLE

I imagine one day I'll have a guest room with a canopy or four poster bed in it. I like this high style in the bedroom. Something regal and romantic about a bed with so much height to it!

Here are a few I like:

What do you think of these beds...take or leave?

Happy Friday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Anouska Hempel;Country Living; Ken Fuchs

FIREPLACE MANTLES - THIS OR THAT

Fireplace mantle 1 - Traditional Antique Collector -  White subtly striped walls, traditional oil painting and antique clock (above)

Was reading an article on Vogue's website the other day. It is about a townhouse in New York owned by documentary filmmaker Maggie Betts.  Maggie invited former first daughter Barbara Bush and friend Elliot Merck to live in two of the apartments as well.  The each created unique living spaces in a city home with unifying architectural features.

The NYC townhouse features 9 original fireplaces...all unique.  Each apartment has at least one noteworthy ornately carved stone fireplace mantle.

So which of these three fireplace looks do you like best?

Fireplace mantle 2 - Eclectic - Green Blue paint from Farrow & Ball on the walls, a large painted mirror, a Swedish crystal chandelier in the reflection. (above)

Fireplace Mantle #3 - World Traveler - Lavender walls, a tall black mirror, framed portraits of artists Frieda Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) black and white skull adorn the mantle of former first daughter Barbara Bush. (above)

I am loving Fireplace 2 - Eclectic.  I love the wall color, the grand painted mirror, the small painting leaning against the mirror that is framed by a large modern painting on an opposing wall.  Like!

To see the rest of this townhouse and the three different apartments on Vogue's website, click here!

Which fireplace is your fave?

Happy Thursday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Have been helping best of friend AM with her holiday card choices this year.  Every year she sends me photos and layouts for her holiday card.  She finalized the look on Tuesday and ordered.  Then yesterday she and I went at it again on designing another second card look.  When she sent the new card to her husband JE, he wrote us both back and said "Looks great. But I thought this was finalized already?"  Oh JE!  He just doesn't understand that girls like us could deliberate over things like this forever!

P.P.S.  Going to another work dinner with TE tonight.  Must find something that is cute, festive, and business.  Got to run to pick out outfit and to chat on the phone with London best of friend AT (we are cooking up something...a plan...).

P.P.P.S.  COCOCOZY Online Shop 20% off sale ends today - Today is the last day for the 20% off sale on the COCOCOZY Online Shop.  If you have been coveting a COCOCOZY pillow, throw, lucite tray, candle or anything else...now is the time!  Happy Holidays!

LIVING WITH LAVENDER - THIS OR THAT

Saw these two living rooms the other day where lavender is the connecting theme.  The first is a living room with very subtle accents in a light shade of purple.  While the second, takes on lavender living with zest by incorporating a lilac colored sea grass wallpaper and then punches up the decor with even more purple with the ikat upholstery on the side chairs...oh and did I mention the orange sofa.

So today I ask you...which of these two living rooms do you prefer?  Could you see yourself living with lavender?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco


Photos: Brendan Wong; Lilly Bunn

MOUNTAIN RUSTIC BEDROOMS - CABIN FEVER THIS OR THAT

1. Chic - Cabin bedroom elegantly decorated with hide rug headboard (above)

Came across a panoply of mountain rustic bedrooms when I was browsing through the portfolio of photographer Audrey Hall.  Got me in the mood for winter coziness.  I am not really a mountain cabin type of girl AT all...but I do love a wonderfully rustic well decorated mountain house.  Love the idea of snuggling up for a weekend stay at a cozy lodge.  Lots of rustic places fall into a cliche...kind of like a lot of country decor...but then there are the stand outs filled with charm, natural materials, design that hearkens back to a time before modern amenities and

Anyhooo...take a look at this selection of mountain bedrooms and let me know which is your favorite.

2.  Fit for a king - Log cabin bedroom with iron chandelier, blue velvet sofa and a grand canopy bed(above)

3. Preppy - Tree branch bed frame and a bright orange dresser give this room a crisp preppy look. (above)

4. Luxurious - A stone fireplace with a roaring fire, a fur throw and a window seat replete with pillows. (above)

5. Ultra Modern - A manicured mountain cabin bedroom brings in the rustic with with the canopy bed's fur blanket and flokati rug. (above)

If I had to choose one, I would take the #1, the Chic bedroom. I love the hide rug on the wall behind the bed and the single wood log beam adding a touch of rustic.

Which is your favorite? Do you like mountain style?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

WILD WALLS - FEARLESS HOME DECOR - THIS OR THAT

A 1966 room with boldly upholstered walls. (above)

So intrigued by the idea of making a daring no-holds-barred pattern-on-pattern wall-to-wall interior decorating statement in a room.  Came across the photo above...a blue and white room where the walls and sofa are upholstered in a bargello (flame stitch) pattern...the room was featured in the April 1966 House Beautiful issue.

Then there is the current day seemingly Moroccan inspired room from uber designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. In lieu of wallpaper or paint, graphic patterned fabric in rust burgundy and brown is used to upholster the walls and ceiling.  (above)

Which of these two rooms do you like best? THIS OR THAT?

I like both spaces but I think I would pick the first picture if I was going to take a risk in a small space...love the color palette.

Which would you pick?  Would you every dare to be fearless in decorating a room?  If so, what might you do?

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

BEDFORD BEAUTIES - MULTI MILLION DOLLAR THIS OR THAT

The sun room in a multi million dollar home in Bedford, NY that is for sale. (aboev)

Have become obsessed with the town of Bedford in Westchester County New York.  "Why would a California girl living in a tiny cottage in the Hollywood Hills become obsessed with a town and the real estate there that is thousands of miles away?", you might ask.

Well it is simply.  A few weeks ago, I went to New York to visit best of friend AM and to do something called editor desksides...where you go and sit and chat with magazine editors and talk about your product.  One of my desksides was with the very venerable Margaret Russell, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest (seen here with fashion icon Ralph Lauren).  Margaret was so nice to take a half hour with me in her Conde Nast office to chat about the COCOCOZY home furnishings collection and blog.

Anyhooo...after seeing Margaret, I was getting on a plane back to Los Angeles, so I picked up the September issue of Architectural Digest and there was an article about Ralph Lauren and all of his homes...including Lauren's spectacular estate in Bedford, NY.  Lauren has a rather lavish estate...a little too grand for me...but made me think...what if I could get a farm in Bedford one day and grow it into an estate?  I mentioned this to TE...he seemed perplexed as to why Bedford and somewhat surprised when I told him he would be getting the farm with me!

So I did a little research on Bedford and found that in addition to Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart has a farm there, actress Blake Lively and actor Ryan Reynolds, actor Richard Gere, billionaire George Soros and the list goes on.  It is a small town with a population of just over 17,000.  Founded in the 1600s this small quaint village is only about an hour from New York City.  The real estate opportunities all seem to include lots of acreage...good for a horse farm potentially.  Maybe the next name on the list will be Coco of COCOCOZY.  Who knows!

Here are a few Bedford beauties to chose from...like any of these?

BEDFORD BEAUTY #1

Bedford Beauty #1 - Old Post Road - Listed for $14.5 million dollars. 12,000 square feet on 75 acres with 9 bedrooms.  Listing here. (above and below)

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BEDFORD BEAUTY #2

Bedford Beauty #2 - Pine Brook Road -  Listed by Coldwell Banker at $4,850,000, this 9900 square foot home sits on a 4.4 acre lot in Bedford NY. (above and below)

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BEDFORD BEAUTY #3

Bedford Beauty #3 - East Field Drive - Nearly $8 million dollars for this 12,000 square foot estate. 7 bedrooms, 8 baths, and indoor tennis court and pool! See full listing here. (above and below)

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Which of these three homes might you take if offered to you?  I think I would pick #2.

Happy Tuesday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Had a fab Labor Day weekend.  Hope you did too.  Check list got worked on.  Got a new car (after TE and I walked out of the first dealership, found a car the next day at a nice dealer closer to me), had house re-painted, got guys working on deck too, had some minor repairs done around the house,  had new cushions done for all outdoor furniture (this was an ordeal of taking close to 20 seat cushions and pillows to JF, getting fabric and then picking up said completed cusinos), met TEs dad and stepmom (who are just fantastic) - had breakfast one day and dinner one night with them and TE's son,  drove out to Claremont and visited with my mother who is back from Paris (nice time catching up), went to a large family luncheon and saw relatives I haven't seen in years (so nice to see everyone including my aunts AJ, SS, LS, RM, and JS), made two visits to Home Depot...and the list goes on and on.  Productive.

P.P.S.  Running off to work!

P.P.P.S.  Happy September!

ALL WASHED UP - FLOOR TO CEILING BATHROOM TILE - THIS OR THAT

 Who doesn't love a bathroom bathed in tile?  If you are out there, raise your hand.  I'd like to hear why not.  Don't be shy.  You might have good reason.  For me, if done right, a fully tiled bath can be quite beautiful.

I love the idea of making a dramatic design statement with tile.  Covering a bath area in tile from floor to ceiling.  Creating a room with a uniform interesting surface.  The look can make any bath feel like one big wet room.  I like.

Okay...here are two baths...fully tiled from head to toe...which of these two looks do you like better?  The bold and brash black and white marble tile bath above OR the showering room with arched ceiling, white porcelain tile with dark black grout?  Yoohooo...which one?

I think I would pick the first bath...much to even my surprise.  I think it would be cool to do one smaller bathroom in this look.

Which do you like best?  Do tell in the comments below!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S.  Am in NYC for a few days.  Visiting with best of friend AM and her hubby JE and their kids.  AM, her kids, her friend AHC and I drove out to the Hamptons this weekend - JE had to stay behind to work.  Of course was a thrill to get to spend time with AM...and also have known AHC for years and enjoyed road tripping out the Hamptons with him too.  AM, her family and AHC have rented a barn house in Watermill for the summer.  A rickety cool old house filled with vintage farm themed  collectibles.  It is kind of cool and very spooky at the same time.  Anyhooo...I took this photo below through some vintage pressed metal item hanging on the window overlooking the pool.  That is AM in silhouette!  I'll post a few more photos of the house itself on COCOCOZY Instagram...so make sure to follow me on Instagram @COCOCOZY!

Abstract photo overlooking the pool at best of friend AM's house in the Hamptons (above)

P.P.S. Today among other things I plan on stopping by the NY Now trade show.  I have a few collections of COCOCOZY home furnishings showing there including my new line of embroidered COCOCOZY Pillows and COCOCOZY Bedding.  So excited to see my designs on display!

My new COCOCOZY embroidered linen pillow line from Peking Handicraft will be launched at NYNow trade show this week in NYC! (above)

P.P.P.S. I got a press pass this time for the NY Now trade show so I could freely take photos of cool market items I find to share with you!  Here is the bad news...my Canon Elph broke over the weekend!  I took it to the beach with AHC one day...left it face down in the sand while watching him take an afternoon swim and now it doesn't work....ARRRRRGGGHHHHH!  Once again...a critical moment in my life as a blogger and I don't have a camera!  Oy va voy va voy.

P.P.P.P.S.  Am looking forward to seeing some cool things at market ...even though I do not have a camera.  Especially love stopping by the Made Goods booth at these shows.  They make so many cool furniture pieces and home accessories.  I saw these cute boxes covered in tribal cloth from the Philippines in Atlanta...love them...hope to see more from the Made Goods guys today!

Emily green blue and white  upholstered decorative boxes I spotted at the Made Goods showroom in Atlanta...love! (above)

P.P.P.P.P.S.  Remember to weigh in on which bath you like the best!

Photos: Unknown source (please let me know if you know the source of the black white marble bath); Jonas Ingerstedt; Coco of COCOCOZY

DEN DO OVER - THIS OR THAT

Neutral casual den (above)

Which version of this den do you like best.  Same room...two totally different looks.

The version of this room above is very neutral - white drapes, an off white solid rug, a leather mid century modern leather sofa and modern built ins and desk against the wall.

Below, the room's decor is punched up quite a bit with bold striped drapes, a vibrant blue rug, shiny brass accessories and more.

Which version of this room do you like best?

Bold den with an attitude (above)

Neutral/chic vs. Bold/attitude...which do you prefer?

Can you guess which version of this den is the later version? The do over so to speak?

Happy Thursday!

xo

Coco

P.S. COCOCOZY Pillow Giveaway - Head over to Interior Collective to read my guest post and find out how you can enter to possibly win a COCOCOZY Pillow!

Photos: House & Home

LIBRARY LOOKS - THIS OR THAT

Option #1 - Abstract modern built in book shelf (above)

Where oh where to put your books...oh where or where could that be?  Do any of these home library looks appeal to you?  All are different but all of these built in bookshelves provide nicely designed storage for precious reading materials.

Option #2 - Going with the architectural flow - built in bookshelf wall surrounding a double interior doorway. (above)

Option #3 - Classic library with cut out for art! (above)

I like Option #3 the best - more traditional but with a modern feel. Which of the three do you prefer?

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

P.S. Remember to follow me on COCOCOZY Instagram.  I am @COCOCOZY.  Keep up with design, decor and more with me!

P.P.S.  Still on vacation with TE!  It is delightful.  It is our last day in paradise.  Have fully enjoyed.  Off to the pool.  Here's a snap from yesterday's sunset!

A tree, the bay, green grass and a sunset in Princeville, Kauai - dream vacation (above)

Photos: Arkpad