Hollywood Glamour

This fantastic Hollywood guest house belongs to talented interior designer, Mary McDonald.  Isn’t it truly gorgeous?  This has to be one of my favourites.  I’m really into my stripes at the moment; the wallpaper in the image below looks so sophisticated.  I love Mary’s great attention to detail, for example where the pink colour of the stripe is reflected in the cushion pattern and again in the flowers, bringing everything together nicely.

She seems to have a good eye for colour and is an expert on introducing bright shades without the overall result being ‘OTT’ or brash.  The strong, clean lines and large, bold shapes make this a very modern home.

Looking at her stylish portfolio, I’d be more than happy to let Mary loose in my home to work her magic!

posted by Emily

Will Luella live on?

I was so sad (and shocked!) to hear that one of my most favourite designers, the fabulous Luella Bartley, became a victim of the recession earlier this month.

Her label wasforced out of business after one of its main suppliers, Carla Carini, closed.  The closure meant that orders for the spring/summer 2010 collection could not be fulfilled and so the Singapore-based company in charge of distributing Bartley’s clothing and accessories, VSQ, then withdrew its backing.  The fact that it had been ‘business as usual’ right up to the last minute just shows how quickly a company can be affected.  Scary, isn’t it?

I used to love browsing in her flagship store on Mayfair’s Brook Street; her designs are so fun and girly!  The perfect fusion of traditional British influences with quirky modern details. 

Bartley was crowned designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2008 and has had great success since the launch of the label in 1999. 

Here’s hoping that investors will see the label’s commercial potential and that Luella shall live on….

posted by Emily

A Stark Contrast

Brooklyn based event planner and designer david stark likes his surroundings to inspire him and reflect his artistic tendencies.  Here’s a little peek into his colourful home; an eclectic mix of modern and retro!

Notice how Stark has made slight changes to the room below by simply switching the throw on the back of the chair and swapping the cushions around.  A rug has been added too!  It all about having fun and allowing change into your life; so many of us seem to be stuck in a routine, scared to try new things.  Stark is lucky in that he has a studio downstairs where he can store his new ideas and extra furnishings.

” My house is a constantly changing gallery of art pieces, ” Stark explains ” from pieces that my studio has created for events to art pieces that I have purchased. I adore residing within an ever-changing collage… “

His bedroom is actually icy-pink with white furniture,  believe it or not.  I was quite suprised due to his clear love for brights, however the bedroom is a place for peace and tranquility after all!

with thanks to Design Sponge

posted by Emily

Indian Inspiration

I can’t believe I’ve never come across this beautifully authentic home in Jaipur, India, before!  It is owned by London-based swimwear designer Liza Bruce; isn’t it simply amazing?  The two-bedroom apartment was once the mens’ quarters of an 1880 mansion… I can’t get over how spacious the rooms are.

I lovethe attention to detail; the beautiful architectural features, the original stone floors, the vibrant color and intricate detailing adorning the walls… all in keeping with the original features of the building.  Although this home is quite ornate, it still remains modern and fresh.  I bet Katie loves the fuschia colours! 

Understandably, such surroundings have had a profound affect on Liza’s work.  Her collection of resortwear includes handpainted silk kaftans and sarongs.

Liza’s wonderfully exotic home was featured on the cover of Elle Decor in 2005 and the article makes for an interesting read.