Marbleizing

It all began with an episode of The Martha Stewart Show. Then, a visit to John Derian's amazing booth at the recent NY Gift Show took it right over the edge. I'm officially obsessed with marbleizing. I even felt compelled to dig up the feature on Nick Olsen's place in a back issue of Domino, to once again marvel at the genius behind his idea to cover an IKEA coffee table in marbleized paper from Paper Mojo. Something about this age-old technique feels really fresh to me right now, with just the right touch of glamour.

One viewing of the Martha segment and I promise, you too will be hooked. There are definitely some marbleized magazine caddies in my near future.

Not only are these John Derian goblets gorgeous on the outside, but the inside was done in a DIFFERENT marbleized pattern!

These papers are just a taste of the gorgeousness they create during the Martha segment.

Images: Domino, November 2006, Paul Costello; marthastewart.com

IKEA Rugs

Speaking of rugs, it looks like IKEA has borrowed a page from the Madeline Weinrib playbook:

IKEA Stockholm Rug, $179

IKEA PS Stuga Rug, $299

With a little bit of Oscar and Missoni thrown in the mix...

Jorun Rug, $179

Gedser Rug, $249

Elson & Co.

Fashion Underfoot II - Thakoon

Elson & Company, one of my all-time favorite rug companies, has launched a new Fashion Underfoot II collection, and the designs are unbelievably beautiful. With all the big names out there like The Rug Company, Safavieh, and the like, Elso & Co. always seems to coast somewhat under the radar. However, their designs, and the creative talent they work with, are both top notch. One of their best know collaborations is with Oscar de la Renta, but they've also done collections with Fabien Baron, Kathryn Ireland, Hable Construction, and Lulu DK. The owner, Diane Elson Bankoff, also happens to be one of the loveliest people I've ever worked with. Just wanted to share some of the new collection, along with a few of my favorite oldie but goodies from Oscar.

Fashion Underfoot II - Marchesa

Fashion Underfoot II - Peter Som

Fashion Underfoot II - Oscar de la Renta

Fashion Underfoot II - Tory Burch

Fashion Underfoot II - Cynthia Rowley

Fashion Underfoot - Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta Durrie Collection - Sevila

Inspiration: Australian Gourmet Traveller

I really love to cook, but what I'm finding I love almost as much is food photography. What was once a huge thorn in my side (long story) has now become a total obsession. Some of my favorite photographs are from the website of Australian Gourmet Traveller. Not only are the recipes great, but the images are so lush and tactile, it's enough to make you start salivating. Here's a little taste of some of the gorgeous photography you'll find on their site, but believe me, there's plenty more where these came from. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Roberta Roller Rabbit

Apologies for the lack of posts lately. I just started at a new job and am still trying to work my daily routine. Looks like the globetrotting Roberta Freymann of Roberta Roller Rabbit has finally made her wonderful prints available to online shoppers. The tunics are perfect as beach cover-ups that can easily take you from the sand to dinner (I'm thinking a belt and some jewelry would do the trick) and the price for her printed pillows is incredibly reasonable at a mere $40. Not to mention her great tablecloths - I'm thinking I might just need one of those for my next summer dinner party. Happy shopping!

VOGUE Living Australia

I wanted to start off the week with these beautiful images from the May/June issue of Australian VOGUE Living. The issue is guest edited by Catherine Martin, the Academy Award-winning set and costume designer, and frequent collaborator of husband, director Baz Lurhman. The entire issue is amazing, but one of my favorite stories was the home of Gael Boglione and her husband Francesco, located on the outskirts of London. The couple describes how they paired down the swags of fabric that were almost suffocating the house, and cleared out the cluttered rooms filled with long forgotten antiques. They also started a garden center next door, which includes a restaurant serving up seasonal dishes. It's just so rare to see a storied home done with such elegant simplicity, and I can't get over the depth and beauty of their limewashed walls. Another highlight for me was the couple's incredible art collection with works by Lucien Freud, Damien Hirst, and Gary Hume. For anyone who's ever been afraid to mix contemporary pieces with antiques and vintage finds, I hope this home inspires you to give it a shot. Happy Monday everyone!