Client Work!

I'm beyond thrilled to announce that I have begun to take on a couple of interior design projects! This is an idea board I drew up for a New York City loft where we're trying to incorporate the client's impressive Danish modern furniture collection into a more colorful, Lonny-inspired space that feels effortless and family-friendly. What do you think? 

I'm beyond thrilled to announce that I have begun to take on a couple of interior design projects! This is an idea board I drew up for a New York City loft where we're trying to incorporate the client's impressive Danish modern furniture collection into a more colorful, Lonny-inspired space that feels effortless and family-friendly. What do you think? 

Must. Catch. Up.

Design Darling is looking a little empty today. And I'm looking, well, a little wiped out. I hope you won't mind me taking the day to conquer my inbox, actually open the new Rue, and write some pretty posts for tomorrow. Send your best tips for overcoming stress and getting productive my way : )

P.S. I'm compensating for my lack of posts today by sharing "My Stuff" on my friend Helena's gorgeous blog, A Diary of Lovely!

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

Design Darling is looking a little empty today. And I'm looking, well, a little wiped out. I hope you won't mind me taking the day to conquer my inbox, actually open the new Rue, and write some pretty posts for tomorrow. Send your best tips for overcoming stress and getting productive my way : )

P.S. I'm compensating for my lack of posts today by sharing "My Stuff" on my friend Helena's gorgeous blog, A Diary of Lovely!

{photo by Pamela Hanson}

The Design Dialogues {Mrs. Lilien}

I pretty much cried tears of joy when Kelley Lilien agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues. A busy Mrs. with a styling house and a delightful blog under her belt, Kelley has a covetable style that's all her own. I could not be more enamored with her punchy portfolio, her poetic blog posts, and her cheery outlook on life. Without further ado, my very favorite Mrs.!

Never has a stylist's portfolio made me quite this happy.

Who you are: 
Mrs. Kelley Lilien

What you do: 
Prop Stylist + Graphic Designer + Poetic Blogstress

Where you do it: 
Coronado, California

 

Pictures from the "7 Persuasions of a Successful Mrs." shoot that Kelley styled for her portfolio.

Five words to describe yourself... 

Enthusiastic, convivial, ostentatious, passionate, and excitable.

How do you define your aesthetic? 

Old school country club cocktail party meets modern day glam on her way to the glitter parade.

Who are your style icons? 

Carmen Miranda, Lilly Pulitzer and Cher.

This Mrs. thinks of everything. Design is in the details!

Favorite destination: 

I have a soft spot for Palm Springs, but say Ibiza and my knees go weak.

Favorite quote: 

"The sky's the limit!"

Favorite site: 

It changes all the time; however, today I am really loving Pintrest. Admittedly, I'm late to the party, but I'm having all kinds of fun with this!

Favorite store: 

Jonathan Adler, it's the happiest place on earth.

I have always loved this shot!

Favorite thing to read: 

The thesaurus.

Favorite thing to watch: 

Re-runs of The French Chef with Julia Child.

Favorite thing to wear: 

Giant costume jewelry and bright lipstick.

Kelley (second from right) and friends pose for another portfolio shot.

How did you decide to launch your own styling house? 

I concocted my imaginary dream job and, with some good advice and encouragement, I made it happen.

What is the most glamorous aspect of your job? 

Spirited praise from perfect strangers and getting recognized in public.

And the least glamorous aspect? 

Late nights, long hours, closets bursting at the seams with mounds of carnival-esque items.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Knowledge is power.

And the advice you’d offer aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Follow your heart. If you have the talent to back up your dreams, everything will fall into place.

Mrs. Lilien's dream home.

Three tasks on your to do list. 

My to do lists frighten me; I'd prefer not to talk about them!

Three items on your wishlist.

1. Caviar Sudan Sunglasses 

2. Giant Inflatable Pool Swan 

3. Meyer Lemon Tree

Three tasks on your bucket list. 

1. Ride a camel in the Arabian dessert.  

2. Live in London for a year.

3. Have a heart-shaped pool like Jayne Mansfield in my back yard!

- - -

Thank you so much for participating, Mrs. Lilien! Isn't she fabulous, everyone? If you're like me and can't get enough of her work and witticisms, do check out her blog and portfolio!

I pretty much cried tears of joy when Kelley Lilien agreed to participate in The Design Dialogues. A busy Mrs. with a styling house and a delightful blog under her belt, Kelley has a covetable style that's all her own. I could not be more enamored with her punchy portfolio, her poetic blog posts, and her cheery outlook on life. Without further ado, my very favorite Mrs.!

Never has a stylist's portfolio made me quite this happy.

Who you are: 
Mrs. Kelley Lilien

What you do: 
Prop Stylist + Graphic Designer + Poetic Blogstress

Where you do it: 
Coronado, California

 

Pictures from the "7 Persuasions of a Successful Mrs." shoot that Kelley styled for her portfolio.

Five words to describe yourself... 

Enthusiastic, convivial, ostentatious, passionate, and excitable.

How do you define your aesthetic? 

Old school country club cocktail party meets modern day glam on her way to the glitter parade.

Who are your style icons? 

Carmen Miranda, Lilly Pulitzer and Cher.

This Mrs. thinks of everything. Design is in the details!

Favorite destination: 

I have a soft spot for Palm Springs, but say Ibiza and my knees go weak.

Favorite quote: 

"The sky's the limit!"

Favorite site: 

It changes all the time; however, today I am really loving Pintrest. Admittedly, I'm late to the party, but I'm having all kinds of fun with this!

Favorite store: 

Jonathan Adler, it's the happiest place on earth.

I have always loved this shot!

Favorite thing to read: 

The thesaurus.

Favorite thing to watch: 

Re-runs of The French Chef with Julia Child.

Favorite thing to wear: 

Giant costume jewelry and bright lipstick.

Kelley (second from right) and friends pose for another portfolio shot.

How did you decide to launch your own styling house? 

I concocted my imaginary dream job and, with some good advice and encouragement, I made it happen.

What is the most glamorous aspect of your job? 

Spirited praise from perfect strangers and getting recognized in public.

And the least glamorous aspect? 

Late nights, long hours, closets bursting at the seams with mounds of carnival-esque items.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Knowledge is power.

And the advice you’d offer aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Follow your heart. If you have the talent to back up your dreams, everything will fall into place.

Mrs. Lilien's dream home.

Three tasks on your to do list. 

My to do lists frighten me; I'd prefer not to talk about them!

Three items on your wishlist.

1. Caviar Sudan Sunglasses 

2. Giant Inflatable Pool Swan 

3. Meyer Lemon Tree

Three tasks on your bucket list. 

1. Ride a camel in the Arabian dessert.  

2. Live in London for a year.

3. Have a heart-shaped pool like Jayne Mansfield in my back yard!

- - -

Thank you so much for participating, Mrs. Lilien! Isn't she fabulous, everyone? If you're like me and can't get enough of her work and witticisms, do check out her blog and portfolio!

Getting Personal...

Big hugs to everyone who has filled out the Design Darling Reader Survey! (It's still open for those of you who have yet to weigh in!) Your input has been incredibly insightful and I'll definitely be incorporating your advice as I continue blogging. One of the most popular requests has been to get a little more personal with you all, to let you know what I'm up to at school and what I'm planning for after graduation — something I never knew until I read your answers! I'm flattered and I'd be happy to oblige! 

In fact, I just participated in the Designeries interview series on Erika's blog where I'm talking all about my internships with Jonathan Adler (that's us above!) and Rue, how I got my start in blogging, and what I have in mind for next year and beyond. So if you're interested in learning a little more about me, I couldn't think of a better way to get started!

Big hugs to everyone who has filled out the Design Darling Reader Survey! (It's still open for those of you who have yet to weigh in!) Your input has been incredibly insightful and I'll definitely be incorporating your advice as I continue blogging. One of the most popular requests has been to get a little more personal with you all, to let you know what I'm up to at school and what I'm planning for after graduation — something I never knew until I read your answers! I'm flattered and I'd be happy to oblige! 

In fact, I just participated in the Designeries interview series on Erika's blog where I'm talking all about my internships with Jonathan Adler (that's us above!) and Rue, how I got my start in blogging, and what I have in mind for next year and beyond. So if you're interested in learning a little more about me, I couldn't think of a better way to get started!

Lately Loving...

The circular shape breaks up the straight lines of a fireplace and a desk, creating an organic and undecorated look that I just love.

{Lonny and Max Kim-Bee}

P.S. The third edition of The Design Dialogues is coming at you first thing tomorrow morning! Just wait 'til you see who's featured...!

The circular shape breaks up the straight lines of a fireplace and a desk, creating an organic and undecorated look that I just love.

{Lonny and Max Kim-Bee}

P.S. The third edition of The Design Dialogues is coming at you first thing tomorrow morning! Just wait 'til you see who's featured...!

Diamond is a Girl's Best Friend

New York interior designer Diamond Baratta isn't afraid of color. From the purple seating in a well-stocked library to the sky blue tiles in a client's kitchen, her portfolio is brimming with brilliant hues. 

New York interior designer Diamond Baratta isn't afraid of color. From the purple seating in a well-stocked library to the sky blue tiles in a client's kitchen, her portfolio is brimming with brilliant hues. 

Style on the Go

As a student, I know how tempting it is to roll out of bed and head to class in a sweatshirt and jeans. My school day style has definitely been lacking lately, so I was thankful for the reminder from Reese Witherspoon that on-the-go oufits can be easy and chic. A navy blazer over a plain t-shirt or shorts with tights are classroom- and errand-appropriate looks that are as effortless as your go-to yoga pants. 

P.S. Have you taken the Design Darling Reader Survey yet? I would love your input!

As a student, I know how tempting it is to roll out of bed and head to class in a sweatshirt and jeans. My school day style has definitely been lacking lately, so I was thankful for the reminder from Reese Witherspoon that on-the-go oufits can be easy and chic. A navy blazer over a plain t-shirt or shorts with tights are classroom- and errand-appropriate looks that are as effortless as your go-to yoga pants. 

P.S. Have you taken the Design Darling Reader Survey yet? I would love your input!

Design Darling Reader Survey {and the cutest picture you've ever seen}

I want to make Design Darling as good as it can be — and to do that I need a little help from you, my readers. I have prepared a quick seven-question survey (completely anonymous) that will help me learn more about you, what you're loving, and what you could do without. I would be so thankful if you could spare a moment to share your thoughts! 

{irrelevant but adorable picture via Bleubird Vintage}

I want to make Design Darling as good as it can be — and to do that I need a little help from you, my readers. I have prepared a quick seven-question survey (completely anonymous) that will help me learn more about you, what you're loving, and what you could do without. I would be so thankful if you could spare a moment to share your thoughts! 

{irrelevant but adorable picture via Bleubird Vintage}

Baby Bliss!

Today I'm sharing a couple design boards for the nursery I'm envisioning for Bailey's first baby. You know I love me some Bailey (remember her Design Dialogues interview?) so why don't you hop on over and check it out? I'm kind of obsessed, if I do say so myself!

Today I'm sharing a couple design boards for the nursery I'm envisioning for Bailey's first baby. You know I love me some Bailey (remember her Design Dialogues interview?) so why don't you hop on over and check it out? I'm kind of obsessed, if I do say so myself!

Easy on the Eyes

The colors of this photograph make me happy, plain and simple. Perhaps I ought to spice up my predominantly navy wardrobe with a big pink flower?

{Marie Claire via coco+kelley}

The colors of this photograph make me happy, plain and simple. Perhaps I ought to spice up my predominantly navy wardrobe with a big pink flower?

{Marie Claire via coco+kelley}

A Polished Parlor

This morning I'm daydreaming of a light-filled living room with impeccable architecture and ladylike polish. With its floor-skimming silk curtains, chic black-and-white palette, and exotic ikat pillows, this sunny parlor by McGill Design Group definitely does the trick.

This morning I'm daydreaming of a light-filled living room with impeccable architecture and ladylike polish. With its floor-skimming silk curtains, chic black-and-white palette, and exotic ikat pillows, this sunny parlor by McGill Design Group definitely does the trick.

Quote Du Jour {Inspiration For Your Weekend}

Happy weekend! Whether you spend it reading or dancing, I hope you'll be back Monday feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead. Enjoy!

{clockwise from left: one | two | three}

Happy weekend! Whether you spend it reading or dancing, I hope you'll be back Monday feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead. Enjoy!

{clockwise from left: one | two | three}

Guest Posting!

Please join me at Danielle's lovely blog Sweet Nothings today, where I'm gushing about my love of Loren Hope jewelry!

Please join me at Danielle's lovely blog Sweet Nothings today, where I'm gushing about my love of Loren Hope jewelry!

Curved Corners

I love these three living rooms for varied reasons, but the common denominator is the subtle curve of each of the sofas. The rounded edges are an unexpected alternative to traditional arm rests and lend a certain understated elegance to each space.  

{one | two | three}

I love these three living rooms for varied reasons, but the common denominator is the subtle curve of each of the sofas. The rounded edges are an unexpected alternative to traditional arm rests and lend a certain understated elegance to each space.  

{one | two | three}

'Ray Bucknell!

My tiny little liberal arts college in Pennsylvania made it into the NCAA basketball tournament for the first time in my four years and I couldn't be more excited! This is the first year I've kept a bracket and the first time I've ever thought twice about basketball. Are you into March Madness at all? Even if you're not, do you think you could cross your fingers for a Bucknell upset over UConn this evening? This soon-to-be graduate would really appreciate it. 'Ray Bucknell!

My tiny little liberal arts college in Pennsylvania made it into the NCAA basketball tournament for the first time in my four years and I couldn't be more excited! This is the first year I've kept a bracket and the first time I've ever thought twice about basketball. Are you into March Madness at all? Even if you're not, do you think you could cross your fingers for a Bucknell upset over UConn this evening? This soon-to-be graduate would really appreciate it. 'Ray Bucknell!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

House Beautiful put together a slideshow of green interiors to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and I was thrilled to stumble upon this kitchen designed by Gideon Mendelson. The combination of white cabinetry, dark flooring, the punchy green island, and just a hint of turquoise in the plate display is brilliant — but it's the gingham ceiling that stole my heart. Mendelson had the design painted on the ceiling but I imagine you could achieve the same effect with wallpaper. Do you love it as much as I do? Happy St. Patrick's Day!

P.S. Happy, happy, happy birthday to my friend and housemate Kelly, who turns 22 today!

House Beautiful put together a slideshow of green interiors to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and I was thrilled to stumble upon this kitchen designed by Gideon Mendelson. The combination of white cabinetry, dark flooring, the punchy green island, and just a hint of turquoise in the plate display is brilliant — but it's the gingham ceiling that stole my heart. Mendelson had the design painted on the ceiling but I imagine you could achieve the same effect with wallpaper. Do you love it as much as I do? Happy St. Patrick's Day!

P.S. Happy, happy, happy birthday to my friend and housemate Kelly, who turns 22 today!

I Love Elephants.

A bit off topic, but these pictures are just killing me with cuteness. 

A bit off topic, but these pictures are just killing me with cuteness. 

Christopher Maya

In an ongoing effort to better define my interior aesthetic, I find myself poring over portfolios of new-to-me designers like Christopher Maya. The juxtaposition of this traditional living room's dramatic windows and stormy palette drew me in immediately. I'm finding that I gravitate toward traditional pieces done in unexpected colors, so the blustery blue of the floor-length curtains is right up my alley!

In an ongoing effort to better define my interior aesthetic, I find myself poring over portfolios of new-to-me designers like Christopher Maya. The juxtaposition of this traditional living room's dramatic windows and stormy palette drew me in immediately. I'm finding that I gravitate toward traditional pieces done in unexpected colors, so the blustery blue of the floor-length curtains is right up my alley!

A Cozy Cottage

I dream of having a little cottage in a backyard garden. A place of retreat for writing, napping, daydreaming...

{via Patterson Maker}

I dream of having a little cottage in a backyard garden. A place of retreat for writing, napping, daydreaming...

{via Patterson Maker}

Sienna The Sophisticate

Sienna Miller's simple steps for sophisticated style. (Say that five times fast.) (I love alliteration.)

Sienna Miller's simple steps for sophisticated style. (Say that five times fast.) (I love alliteration.)

Desk Du Jour

Glossy glamour.

{Photographed by Joe Schmelzer}

Glossy glamour.

{Photographed by Joe Schmelzer}

A Little Color, A Lot of Impact

This living room is a little too rustic for my taste but I think it proves a major point: you don't have to spend lots to achieve high style. In fact, just one surprise — in this case, the pop of the yellow throw pillow against a sea of neutral tans and whites — is all it takes to go from blah to blown away.

{Cottage Living via The House Home}

This living room is a little too rustic for my taste but I think it proves a major point: you don't have to spend lots to achieve high style. In fact, just one surprise — in this case, the pop of the yellow throw pillow against a sea of neutral tans and whites — is all it takes to go from blah to blown away.

{Cottage Living via The House Home}

Write The Rainbow

I always carry an extra notebook to jot down thoughts as they come to me: blog posts, to do lists, and ideas for the brilliant business I intend to build (once I have my lightbulb moment, that is). These colorful notebooks by Paperthinks are ideal for this habit; they're reasonably priced at $17 and, best of all, they're made of 100% recycled leather. A way to go green but carry pink? Kate's Paperie knows me too well.

I always carry an extra notebook to jot down thoughts as they come to me: blog posts, to do lists, and ideas for the brilliant business I intend to build (once I have my lightbulb moment, that is). These colorful notebooks by Paperthinks are ideal for this habit; they're reasonably priced at $17 and, best of all, they're made of 100% recycled leather. A way to go green but carry pink? Kate's Paperie knows me too well.

Toilette en Toile

In high school, I babysat for a family whose powder room was wallpapered in black and white toile. I still think it's the most glamorous thing I've ever seen.

{Bathroom featured in Lonny}

In high school, I babysat for a family whose powder room was wallpapered in black and white toile. I still think it's the most glamorous thing I've ever seen.

{Bathroom featured in Lonny}

Why Not...

...make like Sarah Jessica Parker and fancify your frock with a vintage brooch? Find your own affordable vintage bling on Etsy.

...make like Sarah Jessica Parker and fancify your frock with a vintage brooch? Find your own affordable vintage bling on Etsy.

Gray + Orange

Happy Monday! I thought we'd start this new week with an unexpected color combo that I find delightfully easy on the eyes. While there are a few pieces in this room that would never find their way into my home (that chair on the right looks so uncomfortable), I adore the way the orange velvet throw pillows pop against the heather gray couch. I'd ditch the bell, antlers, branches, and white stool — but keep those fab faceted coffee tables! — for a look that's modern but not stark.

{Designed by Steven Volpe}

Happy Monday! I thought we'd start this new week with an unexpected color combo that I find delightfully easy on the eyes. While there are a few pieces in this room that would never find their way into my home (that chair on the right looks so uncomfortable), I adore the way the orange velvet throw pillows pop against the heather gray couch. I'd ditch the bell, antlers, branches, and white stool — but keep those fab faceted coffee tables! — for a look that's modern but not stark.

{Designed by Steven Volpe}

Au Revoir!

I'm off to Florida with my family through Wednesday and I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and the sand between my toes! I'll be spending lots of quality time with my grandmother, catching a few of my sister's softball games, and — eek! — catching a Red Sox vs. Yankees spring training game with my dad! (We might be Boston's biggest fans; we even have a pup named Fenway!) Thanks to the magic of scheduled posts, however, you'll find new posts here starting Monday. Ta ta for now!

{photo from Calypso St. Barth}

I'm off to Florida with my family through Wednesday and I can't wait to feel the sun on my face and the sand between my toes! I'll be spending lots of quality time with my grandmother, catching a few of my sister's softball games, and — eek! — catching a Red Sox vs. Yankees spring training game with my dad! (We might be Boston's biggest fans; we even have a pup named Fenway!) Thanks to the magic of scheduled posts, however, you'll find new posts here starting Monday. Ta ta for now!

{photo from Calypso St. Barth}

A Compact Collection

The shallow built-in bookshelves in this Lonny living room pack a dense book collection and even a flatscreen TV onto one wall. Paired with the floor-length mirror, they're a great way to contain your collections and create visual interest in a small space.

The shallow built-in bookshelves in this Lonny living room pack a dense book collection and even a flatscreen TV onto one wall. Paired with the floor-length mirror, they're a great way to contain your collections and create visual interest in a small space.

Kate Moss in Valentino

She may not look her happiest, but Kate Moss is definitely dressed to knock 'em dead in this Valentino cocktail dress. I can't get enough of her pink/cheetah combo and the sheer shimmer of her frock. Ideal inspiration for girls' night out this weekend!

{photo via InStyle}

She may not look her happiest, but Kate Moss is definitely dressed to knock 'em dead in this Valentino cocktail dress. I can't get enough of her pink/cheetah combo and the sheer shimmer of her frock. Ideal inspiration for girls' night out this weekend!

{photo via InStyle}