{décor inspiration: the return of romance}

" I think sophistication and elegance always last. For me, if I go into a direction that feels sexy or more “trendy” I try and infuse a feeling of sophistication to ensure classic style. For me this achieved through rich fabrics (silk, velvet, cashmere, boucle) great art (usually figurative and abstract paintings) and sculpture."

~ ryan korban

. . . and on this bright and chilly mid-january day, hopelessly drawn to romance of layers upon layers of luxurious and warm textures -- silk canopies and corduroy bolsters and faux fur throws, and velvet sofas intermingled with soft light and chandelier crystals and, always, always, bits of gold . . .



{p.s.} more work by ryan korban : one // two // three



{images: interior design by ryan korban; images via traditonal home & decorati access}

{décor inspiration: leopard print & winter white}

. . . and while on the topic of leopard print & bright winter whites, positively enchanted with the romantic and dusky light flooding through this home in buenos aires, and, of course, the leopard print against white walls and floor-grazing draperies, intoxicatingly intermingled with warm wood, velvet and florals . . .


{images: home of boutique owner Silvia Álvarez Castillo in Buenos Aires, January 2008 Home Journal Hong Kong, photography by Daniela Mac Adden for Surpress Agency; stylist: Mariana Rapoport via Felicity & All Things Bright and Beautiful}

{lookbook: liu wen for j.crew}

. . . such fun to see liu wen in j.crew's latest lookbook, and in stripes, no less, as well as velvet city shorts, fitted blazers and wide-legged jeans, silk blouses and soft cardigans in the prettiest shade of pink . . .









{p.s.} also fun: jessica stam for j.crew

{images: liu wen for j.crew's looks we love lookbook via fashion gone rogue}

{two lovely things: chalkboards & garden sheds}

. . . a grand and gilded chalkboard intermingling with dusky olive velvet and always elegant chevron floors . . . and a charming gardening shed with wonderfully ornate bracketed shelves and a porcelain sink overflowing with delicate late-spring blossoms . . .

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{p.s.} recent two lovely things
* a paris apartment & hermès
* green & white
* open shelves & elegant black
* bar carts & blossoms
* books & bouquets


{images: 1 - original scan from côté paris via belle vivir, discovered via head over heels; 2 - country living via brabourne farm & also seen at the french tangerine}

{décor inspiration: tufted velvet}

. . . keep coming back again & again to this stunning chaise -- the watery hue and luxurious sheen . . . what is it about tufted velvet that captivates so?


{image: vt interiors, the cherry blossom girl via seaside dreams}

{things to look forward to}

. . . with next week's trip to paris and valentine's day quickly approaching, there many beautiful things to look forward to, and a feeling of magic in the air and an excitement uncontained -- but at this moment, can think of nothing lovelier than to fall into a luxurious pile of bright velvet pillows, or become utterly lost in the scent of a thousand perfectly pink roses . . .

{images: red magazine via bright bazaar; susie bubble; tumblr}