Month: May 2019

I’m reposting this beautiful and elegant home, originally published seven years ago since I’m working this week in New York City.  I’ll be back on regular posting schedule next week.

Now that we’re moving into a new home, I’ve been revising my favorite homes and this one designed by J. Randall Powers is one of those.  Powers is an Interior Designer based in Houston, Texas.  One of my favorite things about this home is how none of the furniture actually relate to each other but the combination of all of them is pure genius, fresh and elegant. How is it that Elle Decor described it? “Cool and Elegant”. The first image below made the cover of Elle Decor magazine when the house was published and no wonder why… J. Randall Powers style is one that is transitionalRandall perfectly combines furniture of different styles and eras and make them look cohesive and most importantly livable. His interiors are free of excess and useless items instead they are full of comfort looking items.

J. Randall Powers, living room via belle vivir blog

 This is the shot that was used in the cover of Elle Decor.  The cabinet and coffee table were designed by Powers.

J. Randall Powers, living room design belle vivir

Lovely composition of upholstered, bare wood and mirrored furniture.   The symmetry in the art and convex mirror brings stability to the informality of the furniture placement.

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Even though I consider myself a modern woman in beliefs and way of living, I sill like traditions, as a matter of fact, I’m a traditional girl at heart, so let’s keep this Memorial Day weekend outfit traditional with a modern twist, shall we?  After all, that take on style, it’s not only limited to interiors.

memorial day weekend outfits

Photo via Vogue Magazine

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chic color combination, moss, ecru, brown and black
sophisticated color combinations, yellow curtains, grey walls, and brown chairs

Alisa Bloom’s Chicago penthouse

When choosing paint colors for our homes, the first color combinations that come to the majority of people’s minds is either blue and white or black and white.  And while those color palettes are timeless and classic, there is plenty of other unusual and sophisticated color combination to choose from.  Monochromatic rooms may as well be soothing, but it’s a room with a striking combination of sophisticated paint colors that keeps us enchanted.

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Phillip Gorrivan design, blue and white striped banquette, louis xvı chair and Joan Miro art

Banquette seating used to be mostly for kitchens.  Nowadays we can find them in any corner inside the home.  A custom banquette is the best way to save space and add coziness to a space.  Regardless of what interior design you prefer, there is a style for everyone, from elegant ones, upholstered in sumptuous velvet to more casual ones covered in stripes.

A banquette in the kitchen adds functionality and a multi-use area where families can not only eat, but also do homework, play games, and enjoy a morning coffee.  Below, a few cozy options that will sure inspire you.

Phillip Gorrivan design, blue and white striped banquette, louis xvı chair and Joan Miro art

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It’s starting to feel a lot like Spring.  So if you don’t have your straw bag yet, this is the season to buy one.  There are a handful of items that are a staple of Spring, floral skirts or dresses, balloon sleeves top, and pretty embellished sandals.  The best part is that we all know how that works.  Soon it’ll be Memorial Day Weekend and sales start popping up everywhere making it the best time to get your closet ready for Spring.  Below, Ten beautiful pieces to get that are already on sale.

Floral printed maxi skirt

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Julie Paulino Design, Designer Showcase, columbus

I’m thrilled to reveal photos of my room ” The Guest Bedroom Suite” for this year’s Designer Showcase which takes place at the Columbus Museum of Art.  I was one of a handful of Columbus based Interior Designers asked to participate in this year’s Showcase.  I’m very happy about how the room turned out.  Since it’s a guest bedroom, my priority was to create a space that was welcoming, inviting, and cozy while still sophisticated and uplifting.

Julie Paulino Design, Designer Showcase, columbus ohio

As I have stated here in Belle Vivir blog for years, I’m a firm believer that living beautiful goes beyond the visual.  It’s a lifestyle where all the senses are at play.  Consciously or not, we are uniformly influenced by our surroundings, from our choices in food, fashion, and home decor, the things we surround ourselves with influence our moods and emotions daily.  On that line, this room was designed with that in mind. It is furnished with furniture that is not only comfortable but also timeless.  The overall look of the space is timeless.

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