Month: June 2017

22Jun

All Chic Classic Style: Oscar de la Renta

Even though the late Oscar de la Renta is not with us anymore, his legacy and excellent taste will forever be.  His exceptional training and career led him to creating one of the most admirable fashion brands in the world.  But as any extraordinary taste maker, his exceptional taste did not stop at Fashion, rather was represented in every single part of his lifestyle.  A true gardener, as his closest friends knew him and many witnessed, it was his homes, full of chic classic style that enchanted and inspired many.

oscar de la renta new york city bedroom chic classic style shared with his first wife, francoise de langlade

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20Jun

Modern While Still Warm Interiors by Ways of Julie Hillman Design

I posted about Interior Designer Julie Hillman‘s modern warm interiors a few years ago and while visiting her site lately I realized how avant-garde her work is.  She is capable of creating modern but still warm interiors by juxtaposing classic furnishings of clean iconic lines with modern abstract work.  Exactly what I believe dreams are made of.  A home that is far from common and boring, a home that interprets its homeowner’s lifestyle, travels and tastes but manages to be collected, sophisticated and mostly comfortable and livable.  And, if the home decor happens to meet half way between traditional and modern a.k.a transitional Interior Design, sign me up because that right there is what Chic Comfortable Interiors are to me.

julie hillman design living kithchen via belle vivir blog

Julie Hillman spent 10 years as a fashion designer before moving to Interior Design and she also went to Parsons, I’d like to think that we share a lot of things in common, the same awesome name, pardon my lack of modesty, we went to the same school and we have a love for 1940’s French furniture.   Julie describes her style as Modern Eclectic. A mixture of collected antique and modern masterworks, balanced with sumptuous fabrics and comfortable furnishings, tailored to each client’s individual needs.  I love how Julie can keep the color palette to neutral, of course always warm neutrals, and still make her interiors look exciting and warm perhaps that is due to her abundant use of quality art.

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19Jun

Out East: Houses and Gardens of The Hamptons

out east book via belle vivir blog

You might have seen images of a very Global Chic cottage called Woody House in the Hamptons featured in the current  Architectural Digest issue.  The home, designed by Peter Marino is one of the more than 25 houses, cottages, and pool houses appearing in the soon to be published book Out East: Houses and Gardens of the Hamptons by Jennifer Ash Rudick with photos by Tria Giovan.  I got a copy of the book over the weekend and had a great time looking at the pictures of beautiful, meticulously designed gardens.  Now that summer is here, I can’t think of anything more appealing than gardens and outdoor spaces.  Below, some of the images released by Vendome publisher.

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16Jun

10 Simple White blouses To Wear For a Casual Weekend

I love weekends.  As a matter of fact, my favorite day is Sunday…and love the idea of dressing casually chic on the weekends.  Sometimes all ends up in nothing more than a failed attempt but at least I try.  This stuff doesn’t come with a manual… it’s all about trying until you get to know what works for you and what doesn’t.  Simple white blouses, however, seem to be one of the few clothing pieces that seem to work for all… its classic simplicity makes it easy to style and accessories.  Pair a white blouse with boyfriend jeans and flats and you’ll have accomplished that perfect laid back vibe for your weekend.  For an unexpected look, switch the boyfriend jeans for a pleated skirt, the flats for a pair of stilettos and you’re ready for the cocktail hour.

white shirts

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15Jun

These 9 Stylish Laundry Rooms Will Make You Want To Do Laundry

There has not been a better time for the design industry than now.  The access to good design and good living has never been more available.  Everyone wants to live and do work in a beautiful environment, accordingly laundry rooms had to rise to the occasion.  Who could’ve ever imagined that stylish and laundry would share a sentence… These stylish laundry rooms are not the typical rooms you never want to be in, on the contrary, you would even find yourself making excuses to go into one.

Dina Bandman design de Gournay wall paper via belle vivir

How about a laundry room so exquisite that will make you want to come back every time.  This laundry room above has a de Gournay wallpaper, graphic floors and a pet shower.  Design by Dina Bandman for The San Francisco Show house.

Draza Stamenich laundry room via belle vivir

Draza Stamenich chose a hand painted wallpaper by Gracie for this sophisticated laundry room.  Love the chicken wire on the closet door.
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