Modern country kitchen remodel, Julie Paulino Design

When I asked my client what atmosphere was she looking to feel after this kitchen renovation, her response was, “I want something that feels more like a cottage,” I instantly loved the idea.  I loved the fact that she wasn’t looking for a pretentious looking kitchen which would’ve been in complete disharmony with the rest of her home.  It all started with a hand sketch of my vision, which she immediately fell in love with.  We stayed away from white kitchen cabinets and instead went with semi custom-made grey distressed finish ones.  For more of a country feel we chose beaded cabinet doors — Interior Design by Julie Paulino Design.

Modern country kitchen remodel, Julie Paulino Design

My client has other homes around the country, and she hardly uses this kitchen, so we were able to ditch some of the upper cabinets.  That last option made the kitchen feel grander and brighter.  For contrast, we chose hand-made glazed white subway tiles, which also add great texture to the walls.  Below, are three computer renderings that we provide our clients once the design is agreed.  Further down, a before picture of the old kitchen.

modern country kitchen remodel

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unusual color combination, pink and navy blue, Steven Grambrel

Nothing transforms a room more dramatically and for less money than fresh paint color.  And no, white paint doesn’t count unless you are starting off with a black painted room.  I love to see unusual paint color combinations that are unexpected and soothing at the same time.  As I’ve mentioned before there are a few Interior Designers that are exceptional at combining unique paint colors in a room.  On the top of the list is Muriel Brandolini, she knows how to come up with unexpected wall colors that are incredibly soothing and one of a kind.  Another one on the list is Steven Gambrel who can also create never seen before paint color combinations.  See for yourself, below are the most unique and beautiful rooms painted in one of a kind color combos.

unusual color combination, toupe, ecru and browns, muriel brandolini

Living room designed by Muriel Brandolini.  The walls are covered in a fabric she designed for Holland & Sherry in a color that can miraculously be every color from taupe, pink or even brown depends on the hour of the day.  She paired this beautiful color with touches of ecru, yellow, browns and honey and makes everything looks like a warm degradation of colors.

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As I have mentioned before many accessory companies think they are Hermes as their prices are way too pretentious.  I think I came up with the solution for that, we all want to look stylish but without being fooled.  So until we have the extra cash to spend on a Kelly, the answer is to go au naturel or maybe just classic boho.  You see, these straw or wicker bags don’t just send a feeling of forever summer, but they are also super feminine, and they are highly Instagrammable.

straw bags, jane birkin with wicker bag and baby

Straw bags are as classic as a bag can be and lately, they have been elevated in style, from unusual shapes to the use of appliques, wicker bags are the alternative to looking stylish and yes, classic as well.

wicker bag

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proper hotel, Kelly Wearstler, lobby 3

proper hotel, Kelly Wearstler, lobby entrance

Proper Hotel in San Francisco is housed in a Historic 1909 flatiron landmark building that has been re-designed and updated by none other than Kelly Wearstler.  You can see her signature style of Modernism mixed with Cubism all around the hotel.  It may surprise you to find a few chintz wallpapers and bullion trim here and there, coming from a modernist as Wearstler.  However, it makes perfect sense since those are design details that further enhance the retro look of the hotel.  I particularly love the restaurant, Villon, a sophisticated restaurant and bar with blue paneling walls and a very sexy color combo.  The overall style of the Proper hotel displays a great balance between feminine and masculine style.

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Pink tablecloth on a round table skirt in Janet de Botton's home

Live beautiful is this blog’s most recent post category in which I’ll be posting about how to live beautifully in a more precise way and with details.  Today, we start with how to soften up any space with a skirted table.  Regardless of the shape of the table, round, square, or rectangular covering it with a tablecloth can dramatically transform any space.  From your makeup vanity to the inexpensive table that can serve you as a T.V. stand, they can all be enhanced with a table skirt.

In the case of a T.V. table, for example, the skirt can also hide storage underneath-all that unpleasant but, necessary electric cord, cable boxes, and remotes, can be hidden behind a very tailored, ideally custom-made table skirt.  The design detail can go with any home decor, from traditional to modern.  As a matter of fact, many modern Interior Designers are fans of a skirted table.

Pink tablecloth on a round table in Janet de Botton's homeBring layers of fabric into a room, if you love layers as much as I do.  Above, Janet de Botton’s home in France.  The effect of the two cascading pink tablecloths on the table is noticeable- it softens up the floor, and it adds a level of elegance to the room.

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While walking along the beach early last week, I noticed how far we’ve come.  Nobody is interested in following swimsuit rules anymore.  This is the time for eneryone to wear whatever pleases us.  Whether you came with a short supply of bottoms or have some excess on your hips, you are free to wear whatever you wish.  From high-rise bikini or maillots as well as one-piece swimsuits.  It really is about anything you like or prefer.

swimsuit roundup

Before summer ends, here are six swimsuit to buy.

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