Caitlin Wilson Design Textiles Launch

Uber-talented, fellow blogger, Caitlin Wilson, has launched a new line of textiles, and the line is so awesome I just had to pass along the news! Inspired by her world travels, this line is fresh and colorful and comes with a very accessible price point, which I love!

My personal favorites are the Navy Fleur Chinoise and the Peacock Scallop Fabrics! Love, love, love!

From her teals, to the oranges, to the pinks, and navy blues! It's like she designed this line of fabrics with me in mind! I've recently gotten some samples, and I am planning on using the Navy Fleur Chinoise on a bench project I have up my sleeves.

The best part is that you can order fabric by the yard from her site, as well as already made pillowcases.  Hop on over and check out her site!

Not for The Faint of Heart!

Art is such a subjective matter that the only way to really talk about it is in terms of how it makes you feel....good or bad, really. I tend to be drawn to abstract art for some reason and to really strong colors. Pinks, yellows, and strong hues of blue are all up my alley. So, when I saw these two art pieces below, the colors alone stopped me on my tracks!

Image via Amber Interior Design

Image via Amber Interior Design

Then, I looked a little closer and realized what the first image was and thought well, nice but not for my home. And then I looked at the second and it took me some time to figure it out. Go ahead take a look again! It's ok. I thought, well definitely not for my home!!!! But inspite of my objection to the image itself, I can appreciate how this art made me feel. It took me out of my comfort zone and in doing so made me question why! 

How do you feel about this art?

Trade Secrets Revealed: South of Market

A good friend recently asked me about my process for resourcing projects. The question really got me thinking, "Is it process or is it simply access to a trunk full of resources gathered over the years?" I think it's both. Knowing where to go for great pieces, certainly facilitates the process. 

So in the spirit of what this blogging thing is all about, I've decided to start pulling out resources from my trunk and share them with you. I promise to share with you my go-to shopping spots, as well as any new ones I may discover along the way.

Today, I introduce you to South of Market! This store has a fantastic line-up of unique furniture, lighting, and accessories. If you are looking for pieces that add character and gravitas to your home, this is a great place to start!

That green settee is one of my absolute favorites!

Which one do you like?

Blogger Crush

Every so often I run into a new blog that is so inspiring and addictive, that I find myself giddy with anticipation of their next post. There are a few that I found this summer, and I intend to share them with you here on this blog. Stay tuned, folks!

Today, I present you Luella & June! This blog is like my cup- of-joe every morning. Created by the dynamic duo of Bradley Agather and Alison Gross, this blog is full of tips, ideas, resources, and inspiration for all things fabulous with resources scoured from all over the web. 

While they focus primarily on fashion, they do occasionally strike the interiors note with the same stylish zest that they have for fashion.

Image via Luella & June

I will tell you that this fur vest has been on my wish list since last year. I may just have to get one this year. Check them out and tell me what you think.

Room of the Week

This room just makes me smile for so many reasons. The style is decidedly country and subtly modern at the same time. The modern pieces in this room give it a crisp feel, yet the more country aspects of the room, such as the exposed beams and the fireplace, lend it an air of comfort and relaxation. 

I simply love it! 

Image via rickshawdesign

Doesn't this room make you just want to kick your feet up and relax?

A Blissful Seaside Master Bedroom

A good friend recently asked me to collaborate with her on redesigning the master bedroom of her seaside retreat, and I jumped at the chance.

Her inspiration for the room is this elegant and tranquil bedroom below.

Image source unknown 

The starting point was a tufted headboard that she is smitten with. The challenge is that the room should not feel too feminine as it still has to accommodate the man of the house, of course. My approach was to balance the feminine details with stronger masculine pieces such as the wing-back chairs, the stone lamps, and the more angular nightstands.

I also wanted to add details that are reminiscent of nature such as the driftwood mirror, the tree-stump stool, and the pillows (one which resembles the sand both in color and movement).

I took the process one step further and created an alternate look with a more streamlined, upholstered headboard to show her what the possibilities could be.

For this second look, I changed the lamps for a softer, warmer touch and introduced the Louise chairs. The painted wood details on the chairs make for a more laid-back look. I kept all the accessories the same.

Which is your favorite?

The look, of course, is not complete without some very fine linens to sink into, don't you think?

Resources

Look 1:

Tufted headboard: Wayfair

X benches: Ballard Designs

Nightstands: Bungalow8 at Gracious Style

Floor lamp: Layla Grace

Pillows & linens: Savannah Fine Linens

Vintage table lamps & table accessory: 1stdibs

Tree-stump side table: West Elm

Driftwood mirror: Restoration Hardware

Anderson Wing chairs: Williams Sonoma

Curtains: Potterybarn

Curtain hardware: The Curtain Rod Shop 

Paint: Benjamin Moore Providence Olive

Rug: RugsUSA

Look 2:

Upholstered headboard: Serena & Lily

X benches: Ballard Designs

Nightstands: Bungalow8 at Gracious Style

Floor lamp: Layla Grace

Pillows & linens: Savannah Fine Linens

Blue table lamps: Potterybarn

Driftwood mirror: Restoration Hardware

Tree-stump side table: West Elm

Bronze bird antique: 1stdibs

Louise Chairs: Serena & Lily

Curtains: Potterybarn

Curtain hardware: The Curtain Rod Shop 

Paint: Benjamin Moore Providence Olive 

Rug: RugsUSA

Black on White Tuxedo

I've had my eyes on a black on white tuxedo for some time now ever since I saw these pictures of Charlize Theron and Katie Holmes wearing one. There's something so chic about this look!

Images via Coolspotters

The challenge, of course, has been cost...coming in well over $500.  I've had my eye on a few, but they are still not quite "it".

Images via Emmersonmade and Victoria's Secret

Until this week when the Bloomingdale's fall catalog came in, and there it was in all its glory and totally affordable. So, it's mine!

Images via Bloomingdales

This line, AQUA, has so many fabulous pieces I might order much more than just the blazer. Check it out. Aren't they lovely?

Images via Bloomingdales

Transitioning into Fall!

It's been quiet here at ChicDelight this summer, as you may have noticed, and not for a lack of wanting. However, I am back!!!!!! I will be updating you on some of the projects I spoke about and many more projects I have coming up. Exciting stuff happening here!

In the meantime, I'll share with you some of the things I've been lusting after.

Images via Gap, Paul Smith, Yumi Kim, J.Crew, Yves St. Laurent, and Emmersonmade

As the weather fluctuates between warm and cool, these chic pieces make for comfortable transitioning into the cooler days of Fall. And of course, no outfit is complete without a great accessory or two, such as those Paul Smith sunglasses and that fabulous Yves Saint Laurent ring. 

A Gilded Affair

Gold is in, people! I am so taken with this whole trend of accenting with gold that I am obsessing about getting a large-scale, ornate, opulent mirror. I seem to be seeing these everywhere in interiors lately, and I am on the hunt. I especially love the idea of juxtaposing it with more modern pieces in a room. So glam!

Here are some inspiration images of what I'm talking about.

Images via House Beautiful, Ivy & Piper, Lonny, and Lonny 

And here are some mirrors I'm coveting! I can't decide on the one. Which one would you choose?

Sources: Ebay

A Patio Set to Love!

I've been looking at a whole lot of patio furniture lately for inspiration, as I prep my backyard for the summer. I love comfortable furniture with lots and lots of vibrant accessories. During my search,  I ran into this set on eBay. And it's at a very affordable price too!

Image via eBay

It has a very California-Palm Springs vibe to it, which I love. It reminded me of this patio designed by California designer, Krista Ewart. Isn't it lovely?

Image via House Beautiful

And here is a similar design in black by designer Hillary Thomas.

Image via Lonny Magazine

Love love! I wouldn't know which one to pick if I had to. On the one hand, the white set is so lively and light, but the black has a more traditional appeal, which works well with my house. Which one do you prefer?

Loving the Modern Clutch!

The envelope clutch has become the go-to bag these days. So simple and yet so chic!

I am currently obsessing over these babies:

Image via Clare Vivier

Image via Chance

Image via American Apparel

Image via CurlyInTheCity

What do you think of these clutches?

Cottage House Curb Appeal

A friend of mine owns the cutest cottage and is in the process of working on the curb appeal of this little gem. The house is brick and painted in white. So, the question is how do you bring appeal to a home like this without breaking the budget. The answer I believe is in the details. I set out in search of inspiration and found the following. 

And what do all of these have in common?

Image via Country Living Magazine

Well color of course! Here we have mustard yellow and green and black. Divine!

Images via Country Living Magazine

And a touch of red!

Image via Benjamin Moore

Red and more mustard yellow!

Image via Farrow & Ball

Enter green accents with a more subdued yellow!

Image via Benjamin Moore

A beautiful and striking painted front door! I love the impact and the character it adds with just a simple punch of color! 

Not many folks would have the courage to use such striking colors, so the following palettes from Benjamin Moore do offer a more subdued effect while still delivering impact.

Image via Benjamin Moore

So what do you think? Would you have the courage to paint your door a bright and spirited color?

Designing a Sunroom

Well friends, as promised here is the design board for my sunroom. What do you think? Do you feel J.K. Place Hotel in this design board?

The bench is going to provide not only additional seating but most importantly storage for unsightly items. To add visual interest and comfort, the bench will get a cushion covered in the black and white stripe fabric. The other two fabrics will be used for pillows to add an unexpected punch of color in the room. 

I'm working on more accessories, but the general direction is sculptural, interesting white ceramic figurines, and understated nautical pieces such as the driftwood sculpture here. 

I can't tell you how excited I am about this project! Please come back again to see the reveal in a few weeks. 

Sources: 

1) White owl umbrella stand: Real Simple

2) Stool: ebay

3) Ceiling fan: Amazon

4) Besta Bench: Ikea

5) Fabrics: Decorators Best

6) Ikat rug: Flor 

7) Teak wood root: West Elm

Current Summer Project: My Sunroom

With the summer just around the corner, my mind is turning to rooms that are comfortable, fresh, outdoorsy, and beach inspired. Enter my sunroom. It is quite possibly the most neglected room in the house, and yet it's the one with most potential. I have, thus, committed to styling it this season and turning it into our summer retreat.

Drawing on inspiration from the J.K. Place Hotel in Capri, Italy, I am determined to make this the go-to room in our house. This hotel is just so chic! Have any of you been there before? What do you think?

I love how this nautical theme feels comfortable, cozy, and slightly unexpected.

So fresh and airy.

Images via Lonny Magazine

The classical elements in the room add a touch of elegance without making it feel too fussy. Stay tuned for my design board. I'll post it tomorrow. Happy Monday!

About a Stool

I've been looking for a brass stool for my sunroom for sometime. I found all these lovelies, but as always all things lovely are way out of my price range. I'm talking hundreds and even in the thousands for a stool. They are beautiful, though! 

Can you guess which one I am smitten with?

Images 1, 2, & 4 via 1stdibs; 3 via Wisteria

Yup, this one!

Image via 1stdibs

The only problem is that this baby runs anywhere from $800 to $1200. The funny thing is that I had just seen an exact one on ebay for a steel! So I got it!

Image via ebay

Okay so it needs a little elbow grease and some love. Stay tuned for this makeover. I can't wait!

My Bathroom Redo

I have been wanting to redo my bathroom for some time now but have been struggling with direction. It's a small bathroom that's fairly new, but it simply doesn't work for a family of four. Storage is the main challenge. With a pedestal sink in place, the only storage unit is a medicine cabinet---that's bulky and worn out.

After months of deliberation, here's what I have come up with.

Sources: 1) vanity & mirror: ebay, 2) floor mat & shower curtain: West Elm, and 3) penny tile: Homedepot

What do you think? The bathroom gets a lot of light, has white subway tiles, and is pretty boring. I wanted to insert a sharp contrast to all the white and brightness, while creating a modern and interesting space. So, I decided that black was the way to go....with a punch of citron. 

Stay tuned for the reveal later this summer....

Waiting for Summer

It has been such a long winter here in the East Coast, and warm weather just hasn't come fast enough!! But at long last, it is beginning to feel like winter is leaving us, and I eagerly await summer. 

Doesn't this picture make you want to sip a lemonade in the shade?

 

Image via 79ideas

J.Crew Jeweled Jardin Jacket

I was watching Oprah today (one of her last few shows) and saw her wearing my jacket! I wanted this baby so badly from last year's collection, but it was just out of my reach at $495. Yikes. She looked simply fabulous in it. 

If anyone has one or knows where I can pick it up today for less than the above price, send me an email please! I am still holding out for it.

Image via J.Crew

Loving Kate Spade!

Now my love for flamingos has been well documented here on this blog, I know. It seems, though, that the folks at Kate Spade are also enamored of them!!! Mother's Day is just around the corner, and I think this bag would make a great gift for many a stylish mommy. Don't you think?

Source: Kate Spade

Room of the Week

Today I am loving this living room! At a quick glance, it's a traditional room but upon closer inspection the furnishings are unexpectedly modern. I am particularly taken with that wingback chair....loving the curves and fabric. 

Have a great weekend, friends!

Image via Chicago Home Magazine