So Haute!

A Friendly Reminder That We've Moved!

This is a friendly reminder

that we now have

a new address!

Please visit us at:

www.sohautestyle.com

See you there!

(and please be sure to update your bookmarks,  your RSS feeds and your blogrolls!)

We've Moved! Find us now at SoHauteStyle.com!

The all-new So Haute is finally here and I'm so excited to share it with you! Please visit us at sohautestyle.com. Be sure to update your bookmarks, your RSS feeds and your blogroll links!

_{Image: Palm Pattern Announcement/Invitation from Iomoi}

A Brand New So Haute Coming VERY Soon!

Hi Everyone! Sorry it's been so quiet over here at So Haute! That's only because I've been super busy working on the brand new site that is set to launch in less than 10 days! I can't wait to reveal it! We'll have a new URL plus a brand new look! And we'll also be rolling out an exciting mix of new content in the coming months which includes video and other fun features! Stat tuned! And in the meantime, I'm currently obsessed with this beautiful sunny living room from designer Timothy Whealon's Hampton's home that is featured in Elle Decor's June/July issue. You can see more here and be sure to pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!

_{Photo: William Waldron for Elle Decor}

(Haute Obsession} Skirted Tables

I love the look of a crisp, tailored skirted table. Above is a skirted table in San Francisco designer Grant K. Gibson's home. That wide Greek key trim is to die for!

Grant loves his skirted tables. Here's another one he designed for a client's bathroom vanity that has the same Greek key trim.

And here's another skirted table in Grant's home that's used as a TV console. This photo was featured in House Beautiful.

This octagonal skirted table is the focal point of an entry in a home designed by Tom Scheerer that was featured in the July 2009 issue of House Beautiful.

Designer Timothy Whealon designed this skirted table for a vanity in a client's Park Ave apartment.

Decorator and blogger Jenny from The Little Green Notebook used an inexpensive ikat print fabric to cover a simple table in her entry way. Using a fun fabric or fun trim really adds a fresh, youthful take on a more traditional design element.

Blogger Nicole Cohen from Sketch 42 chose a dotted Kelly Wearstler fabric from Lee Jofa called "Confetti" to fashion her fabulous skirted console. I absolutely love this fabric!

She enhanced the look by adding this rich-looking jacquard trim from M&J Trimmings.

Palmer Weiss of San Fransico is another designer who loves herself some skirted tables! I see them appear in many of her projects. Here she used a geometric David Hicks fabric for thsi skirted table which she topped with glass. 

And here in an entry way she added a coral colored corner key trim to a simple natural linen fabric.

This is another entry way by Palmer Weiss and is the photo I used as inspiration for the skirted console in my own apartment. I took this photo in to my upholsterer to use as a guide.

Here's how my skirted table turned out! It's actually an Ikea expedit bookcase which I had a slipcover made for. It not only serves as my TV console but also provides a practical storage solution as well!

Underneath, I keep a stash of books, CD,s DVDs, electronics, etc and my archive of every issue of Domino ever published (tear). I prefer to keep things like this out of sight so my skirted table is definitely also functional!

_{Shelf Table, $149 and Linen Table Skirt, $99, from Wisteria}

For a similar look, Wisteria offers this linen covered table and skirt which you can view here. And check out this great no-sew table DIY tutorial from Jenny over at The Little Green Notebook!  

Lighting Dilemma Solved!

_{Thomas O'Brien Bryant Small Chandelier}

So after much debate I finally landed on a light fixture for my dining room! I chose the Thomas O'Brien Bryant Small Chandelier, pictured above. I think the silhouette balances nicely with the curvature of my dining table and chairs and really love its delicate feel. It's totally classic and the hand rubbed antique brass finish will develop a nice patina over time. It wasn't one of the options I iwas originally considering but I'm really happy with my choice. It's getting nstalled next weekend and I'll be sure to post pics!

$2.50 Peonies! (Plus Great Tips on How to Revive Wilted Flowers!)

I scored these peonies at the Union Square Farmers Market on Sunday...for two dollars and fifty cents a bunch! Yup, you heard right! I got to the market at the very end of the day, just as all of the vendors were packing up and clamoring to get rid of their leftover product, hence the steep discount. They were going for $10 a bunch that morning! It's true the early bird may catch the worm but it's the patient shopper that scores the best deal! I bought four bunches and made 2 beautiful arrangements...this one and another smaller one for my coffee table. When I got them they were a little wilted but I have a great florists tip for reviving wilted cut flowers which I used to perk up my peony blossoms. Here's a close-up of the beautiful blooms and just below are my tips on how to revive fresh flowers.

HOW TO REVIVE WILTED FRESH CUT FLOWERS:

1. Trim the stems on a diagonal, preferably under running water. This gives the stems more surface to drink from.
2. Fill your vase with very warm (almost hot) water. If you have flower food, great - you can add that to the vase as well.
3. Place your flowers back in the vase then find yourself a spray bottle which you'll fill with very cold water.
4. Spray the cold water directly onto the blooms. Give them a light spraying, do not drench.
5. If possible, temporarily place your flowers in a cool place. (not in a refrigerator)
6. Your flowers should be revived in no time!

Haute Obsessions! Our June Top 10 Picks for the Home

This is the first of a new series of monthly posts where I'll be highlighting my top 10 picks for the home that I'm obsessed with right now! Hope you enjoy!

1. Pottery Barn Grand Embroidered Duvet Cover & Shams

Crisp white cotton percale with three-stripe embroidery detail make this bedding chic and timeless. I just ordered this duvet set for my bedroom with monogrammed shams and I LOVE it! The best part? The collection is on sale! $79.99 for a full/queen duvet and $19.00 for a standard sham.

2. Nate Berkus Dhurrie Rug with Fringe from HSN

Nate Berkus can do no wrong in my book! His fabulous dhurrie rugs for HSN are stylish and affordable. I also ordered this rug for my home and can't wait to receive it! Prices start at $74.95 for a 2'x9' runner. Available here.

3. High Street Market

High Street Market is one of my absolute favorite Etsy shops and offers chic vintage finds for the home. I've been browsing their goods for a while and recently made my first purchases - a stylish brass pineapple box and a crystal Wedgwood paper weight. The customer service couldn't have been better and my pieces arrived quickly and very well packaged. The inventory at High Street Market is updated often so visit the shop here to see what's new and be sure to also visit the fabulous and inspiring High Street Market blog!

4. Jonathan Adler Greek Key Letterpressed Note Cards

A bright pink and blue color scheme add a modern twist to these classic letterpressed note cards with Greek key motif. $14.95 for a pack of six cards.

 

 

5. Linen Tea Towels from 5 O'Clock Crows

I just discovered this Etsy shop and am obsessed with their linen tea towels that are hand dyed with batik patterns in fun, bright colors. A great way to add color and style to your kitchen! $21.00 per towel.

   6. Greek Key Nut Bowl from Williams Sonoma Home

Can you tell I have a thing for the Greek key motif? This stylish glass bowl has a brass Greek key base and is perfect for entertaining! $28 available here.

 

7. H. Bloom

Love fresh flowers? You can have beautiful floral arrangements delivered to your door as often as you like with this innovative subscription based floral service! I'm so tempted to sign up! Right now H. Bloom only serves the New York area but hopes to expand to other markets in the future. Subscriptions start at just $35/week and you can get more info here. 

8. Leopard Chic 44 Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set from HSN.

Add a wild streak to your table setting with this chic leopard patterned dinnerware set. A steal at $99.95 for service for 8.

9. Abbey Mirror from Ballard Designs

Mirrors are a great way to add dimension to any space. This stylish option from Ballard Designs features a quatrefoil pattern with an antique gold leaf finished frame. $89.00 available here.

10. Blue & White Tea Jar Lamp from Wisteria

I can never get enough of classic blue and white porcelain and this tea jar lamp from Wisteria is just perfect. The drum shade provides a modern contrast to the very traditional Asianscenic pattern. $299 at Wisteria.

Lighting Indecision!

So I really need to get rid of the cookie cutter nipple-looking light fixtures that I inherited when I moved into my rental apartment. There are two in my living room that I need to replace and I'm starting with the fixture above my dining table. Below are the lighting options I'm currently considering. I'm leaning towards the Jonathan Adler Meurice pendant or the Thomas O'Brien Hicks pendant. Which do you like best? Thanks for your opinion! xo

Jonathan Adler Meurice Small Brass Pendant from Lamps Plus

 

Thomas O'Brien Large Hicks Pendant in antique brass from Circa Lighting

Pearson Pendant from Restoration Hardware

Thomas O'Brien Reed Small Chandelier from Circa Lighting

West Elm Pleated Pendant

de Gournay Wallpaper: Get The Look for Less

A reader recently emailed me to ask if I could identify the wallpaper in this Miles Redd designed room which I posted here on the blog several times in the past...it's one of my favorites! You may already be familiar with its maker but if not, this isn't just any wallpaper... it's de Gournay, an exquisite hand painted wallcovering which at a cost of around $650 and up per panel, is truly a luxury. The brand specializes in reproductions of historic prints particularly 18th century Chinoiserie and 19th century French designs. Here are a few other example of genuine de Gournay goodness:

Since a fine hand painted wall covering like de Gournay may be out of reach for many, here are some similar papers that can help you achieve the look for less:

1. Vanuatu Twilight. $198/roll available at Anthropologie.com.

2. The India Paper by Cole & Son. Approx $196/roll available to the trade through Lee Jofa. 

3. "Newman" from Thibaut's Gatehouse collection. Approx $104/roll available to the trade through Thibaut showrooms.

4. Large Rose & Vine by The Wallpaper Company. $44.98/bolt at Home Depot.

5. Pattern #SW2AH189 from York Wallcovering. $29.99/roll. Available through Sherwin-Williams.

 

_{Top photo by Paul Costello}

Kips Bay Show House Pop-Up Shop!

If you're in New York this weekend you don't want to miss the Kips Bay Show House Pop-up Shop! You may be aware that the annual Kips Bay Decorator Show Souse which usually takes place in the Spring was pushed back to the Fall so in the meantime, much needed funds will be raised for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club through this fun pop-up sale which will feature plenty of fabulous design merchandise. You can shop for antiques, home furnishings, art, lighting, fabric, accessories and more - all donated by top designers, dealers and private donors. The sale is free and open to the public all weekend. Here are the details:

Kips Bay Show House Pop Up Shop

207 East 57th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

New York City

May 20-23, 2010

Thursday & Friday: Noon to 8PM

Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 6PM

A Peek Inside Rose Tarlow's New NYC Showroom

LA based designer Rose Tarlow's aesthetic is synonymous with beauty, comfort, artisan quality craftsmanship and old-world sophistication. With a career spanning more than three decades she is one of the most internationally renowned and influential designers in the industry. Tarlow began her career as an antiques dealer and then went on to design her own lines of furniture, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting and accessories under the label Rose Tarlow Melrose House which is also the name of her flagship showroom on Melrose Place in Los Angeles that first opened in 1979. Now, more than 30 years later, Tarlow has opened her first New York City showroom in the famed Design and Decoration (D&D) building and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to get a sneak peek just before it opened in April. The beautiful, 3,000 square-foot space is flooded with natural light to evoke a residential feeling and features four beautiful rooms envisioned by Tarlow which showcase all of her her signature collections in addition to one-of-a-kind decorative finds from her travels. Previously Rose Tarlow Melrose House products were only available at Holly Hunt.

_{The entry table inside Rose Tarlow Melrose House brand new NYC showroom.}

"Having a shop here means I can offer New York designers and interesting collection of my favorite designs and fabrics and of course my new contemporary pieces and rugs," says Tarlow.

_{A peek inside the new Rose Tarlow Melrose House showroom located in New York's D&D building.}

I am especially a fan of Tarlow's textile designs with their worn and washed out looking patterns in subtle hues. New fabrics which I was able to see up close in person include gorgeous glazed linens and an exotic collection of African inspired fabrics that were hand woven in Senegal.

_{A bedroom vignette inside the new NYC Rose Tarlow Melrose House location.}

Very meticulous and the consummate perfectionist, Tarlow occasionally takes on interior design clients although she is extremely selective about the clients and projects she takes on. Her design style combines California casual with European influence and is slightly rustic in feel. Although she has an exclusive roster of celebrity, music and film industry clientele for which she has designed homes, Tarlow prefers to refer to herself as an antiques dealer and product designer rather than a decorator. She can also claim the title author as her hugely successful book titled "The Private House" which released in 2002 is now in it's third printing. For more information on Rose Tarlow click here and I hope you enjoyed this little peek inside the new Rose Tarlow Melrose House New York showroom!

Rose Tarlow Melrose House

Design & Decoration Building

979 Third Avenue - Suite 1616

New York, NY

_{Top photo via architecturaldigest.com. Second photo by Nicole Gibbons. Additional photos courtesy of Rose Tarlow Melrose House.}

Design on a Dime 2010

_{A fabulous bedroom vignette by Alan Tanskly. (I LOVED the John Robshaw bedding!)}

A couple of weeks ago I attended the opening night party for Housing Works' annual Design on a Dime fundraiser. Housing Works is a wonderful charity and chain of thrift shops in New York City that benefits homeless and low-income people living with HIV & AIDS. Each year the organization hosts a shopping fundraiser and enlists some of the top names in design to create fabulous room vignettes with donated, brand new luxury home furnishings as well as vintage and antique pieces which are sold at 50-80% off retail with all proceeds going to Housing Works. This year's roster of participating designers included James Huniford (who chaired the event), Charlotte Moss, Ernest de la Torre, Steven Sclaroff, Steven Gambrel, Laura Kirar, Miles Redd, Nathan Thomas, Jarrett Yoshida, Laura Bohn, Todd Romano and more! I was so excited that I was able to meet many of the designers at the event and had the opportunity talk with them about their room vignettes and exciting projects they had coming up. I had a special post planned featuring interviews and insider information from the designers (especially some fun stuff from Miles Redd) but I recorded all of the interviews on my blackberry which was recently stolen so unfortunately I lost everything:( Instead I'll simply leave you with pictures of some of my favorite room vignettes of the night along with a few of my own anecdotes. 

One of my favorite vignettes was this one from Miles Redd who is the ultimate maximalist.

His room definitely illustrates the idea that sometimes "more is more"!

I loved his chic bar table!

This is a vignette by Steven Gambrel whose style has such a modern yet classic American sensibility. This room looked as if it belonged in a chic Hamptons beach house.
   Todd Romano designed this vignette. I loved that ticking stripe settee and the juxtaposition of the comic book pop art over the antique bureau.

I fell in love with the wallpaper in this room by designer Brett Beldock. I have to admit that before this event I wasn't familiar with Beldock or her company Brett Design but now I'm a fan! She has a line of fabulous wall coverings which includes this butterfly scenic pattern which is one of her latest designs.

It sort of reminds me of de Gournay or Gracie and is a modern take on a very traditional Chinoiserie motif. The wallpaper is vinyl and self-adhesive which makes both installation and maintenance super easy. You can see this and more of Beldock's wall coverings here.

The bold blue walls in this room by Daniel Pafford really jumped out at me. If you recall, Pafford was named one of Domino magazine's 10 young designers to watch back before the magazine folded. I'd say Pafford has definitely come into his own since then!

Another designer I was unfamiliar with before the event was Oskar Torres who designed the bedroom vignette above. I fell in love with that chandelier above the bed and contemplated buying it but when I went back to get it someone had already snapped it up! Although I didn't end up buying anything at this year's Design on a Dime, I didn't exactly leave empty handed. I met lots of great people and left the event feeling incredibly inspired by all of the ideas and creativity on display! Can't wait to go back again next year! For more info on Housing Works and how you can support its programs, visit their website here.

I'm One Step Away From Becoming a Finalist in Apartment Therapy's Smal Cool Home Contest! Please Help Me Go All the Way! Vote Now!!!

 

Hi everyone! I'm so excited that after several rounds of voting my apartment is just one step away from being a top 5 finalist in Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Home Contest! Today's vote will determine if my apartment makes it to the final round! I'm up against another great apartment so the competition is tough and I really need your support! Please help me go all the way by voting for me here. (Tell your Facebook and Twitter friends to vote for me too!) And a huge thank you to everyone who has voted for me so far or has taken the time out to send me a note of encouragement. Your support means the world to me!

Lots of Love,

Nicole

The New Traditionalists

_{Chair no. One Five and Credenza no. Two Twenty Five}

I'm utterly obsessed with The New Traditionalists - a fresh, new home furnishings collection brought you by the team who created the modern childrens furniture line ducduc. I had the opportunity to visit The New Traditionalists showroom in Soho a couple of weeks ago to check out the line and chat with the company's founding partners and was quite impressed with the thoughtfulness and attention to detail that went into creating this collection.

_{Desk no. Two Eleven and Chair no. Twenty Two}

The New Traditionalists furniture collection is actually made up of two lines - MasonGray, a traditional-with-a-twist children's line that launched last year and Union House, a more grown up version of MasonGray which officially launched this April. The New Traditionalists collection is inspired by classic silhouettes and blends traditional design elements with a modern sensibility to create pieces which prove that traditional can also be cool.

_{Armoire no. Five Sixty Four, Bed no. Sixteen and Side Table no. Five Thirty Five}

The creative team paid exceptional attention to detail when designing the line, referencing details from bespoke menswear tailoring and ensuring that each piece is highly customizable. 

_{The variety of finishes available from The New Traditionalists}

The line is designed in New York City and manufactured in Connecticut using sustainable woods and proprietary water based finishes that are also eco-friendly and available in a beautiful variety of colors as shown above. The finishes are hand rubbed and can be combined to create a completely custom look.

_{Dresser no. Seventeen}

The New Traditionalists definitely fills a much needed void in the market. Finally we have collection which combines style and quality with timeless yet modern furnishings. I'm excited about this innovative new collection and can't wait to watch how The New Traditionalists continues to extend its brand. I'll leave you with a few more images of the line and these words which sum up the company's design approach perfectly:

"If you think traditional and cool are not mutually

exclusive, then you are one of

The New Traditionalists."

_{Desk no. Two with matching chair}

_{One of my favorite pieces in the collection - Cabinet no. Two Seventy - which features dark oil rubbed walnut with embossed leather panels.}

_{Chair no. Sixty Six, Coffee Table no. One One, Dresser no. Nine and the beautiful Sofa no. Two Twenty in navy blue distressed leather with contrasting quilt stitching}.

_{A close-up of Dresser no. Nine}

_{A room vignette featuring the Savanah crib and dresser from MasonGray}

Photos above without the So Haute watermark are courtesy of The New Traditionalists

John Robashaw Sample Sale!

If you're in New York this week you'll want to mark your calendars because John Robshaw is having a sample sale! Starting tomorrow, excess inventory of Robshaw's signature textiles including luxury bedding, decorative pillows, table linens and more, will be on sale at deeply discounted prices. You don't want to miss it! All the details are above. If you stop by, let me know what you scored!

My Apartment Made it to Round 3 of Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Contest! Vote NOW to Send Me to Round 4!

I'm so excited to report that my apartment has made it to round 3 of Apartment Therapy's Small Cool contest! I'd love to go all the way! Please help me win by voting for my entry "Nicole's Perfect Pieces" here! Voting only lasts 24 hours so please vote today...Your support would mean the world to me! Thanks a million!!

xo

Nicole

_{Photos of Nicole Gibbons' Apartment by Austin Irving}

 

Furniture Envy! Inside Kelly Wearstler's Storage Warehouse

In this weekend's edition of T: The New York Times Style Magazine there's a great profile on interior designer Kelly Wearstler which included this photo of her 10,000 square foot warehouse where she stores her furniture finds collected from all over the world. Yes, you read correctly - that's TEN THOUSAND square feet! This goes way beyond the idea of having a simple storage unit! Could you imagine what a treasure trove of goodies this place must be?! All those gorgeous chairs! A girl can only dream! To read the T Magazine profile, click here.

David Stark Design

Out this week is a brand new book by renowned New York based event designer David Stark. Stark is known for creating the most glamorous, imaginative and over-the-top events for a wide range of elite clients including everyone from Vogue, Glamour and InStyle magazines, to Zac Posen, Tory Burch, Beyonce Knowles and Jon Stewart.

His book, David Stark Design, takes a look at 30 of the most unique and stunning events David has executed since he started his company in 2005 and uses imagery to illustrate the design philosophies and creative process that has made him one of the world's most sought after event designers. This is David's fourth book.

Aside from designing high-profile events and publishing books, David Stark has designed collections for West Elm and is regularly featured as an expert on party planning and entertaining on shows like the CBS Early Show The Today Show, The View and Martha Stewart. His work has been featured in publications such asThe New York Times, Elle Decor, Glamour, Interior Design, In Style, House Beautiful, Town & Country and more. To order a copy of his newest book, click here and below are photos of some of the amazing events David Stark has designed. Enjoy!

 

_{Photos via David Stark Design}

Color & Candlelight with Eddie Ross

Over the weekend I attended a fun event hosted by lifestyle guru Eddie Ross with Creative Candles called Color & Candlelight which focused on inspiring ways to add color to your home with candles. The event took place at Gracious Home which is one of my favorite NYC stores for housewares, linens, lighting and more. Through discussion and slide show, Eddie demonstrated just how easy and inexpensive it is to brighten up a space or a table setting, simply by using colored candles. Here's a perfect example:

 
_{Photo: eddieross.com via Martha Stewart Living}

This room is absolutely beautiful but features a completely neutral palette. The only color is brought in through the pretty arrangements of pink peonies on the chest to the left. And see the silver candlesticks with white tapers on the cocktail table?

_{Image: Pink color options from Creative Candles. Photo via eddieross.com}

Imagine if the stylist had used tapers in a fun hot pink or raspberry hue to play off the color of the flowers? It would have added another pop of color that would really bring the space to life!

In addition to educating us on color and candles, Eddie also spoke about the basics of creating an elegant tabletop. Here he is discussing how mixing up your flatware can really add a stylish flair to a place setting.

Here's a closeup of the tabletop Eddie designed for the event. It's so pretty and perfect for Spring! To create his tabletop, Eddie used many items from Gracious Home mixed in with vintage pieces from his personal collection and his Etsy shop. Notice the different flatware styles used here? Although the flatware varies, each place setting is identical which adds uniformity that totally makes it work!

_{Nicole Gibbons and Eddie Ross}

After the lecture finished I went over to congratulate Eddie on a fabulous event. I'm always so inspired by his talent and creativity! When I watched him as a contestant on Top Design, I knew he would go on to become a huge success and as soon as the show wrapped he already had a slew of exciting projects on his plate. At the Gracious Home event Eddie filled us in that he is currently writing a book with his partner Jaithan and is in the midst of shooting a television pilot! His accomplishments are quite impressive and I can't wait to see what he's up to next! For more on Eddie Ross, visit his blog here.

My Home in Apartment Therapy's Small Cool Home Contest! VOTE NOW!

I recently entered my home in Apartment Therapy's Sixth Annual Small Cool Home contest! Click here to view my entry and if you like my place please give it a thumbs up! Thanks for your support!!

xoxo

Nicole

 

 

Thibaut Launches Shangri La Inspired Fabric & Wallpaper Collection!

Since we're on the subject of Doris Duke, Thibaut, one of my favorite fabric and wallpaper showrooms, just launched a beautiful new collection inspired by and named after Shangri La! Below is a description of the collection along with photos. I especially love the pattern above. The wallpaper pattern is called Ivana and the headboard fabric is called Jakarta. You can see more here!

"Fusing decorative elements from cultures worldwide, Shangri-La is a worldly assortment of sight and texture.  Reflecting notes of paradise and harmony infused with graceful beauty, Shangri-La provides a profound sense of peacefulness.  The liberal use of bold, contrasting colors in clean, organic designs are present throughout the entire collection, comprised of thoughtfully selected natural linens, textured wallcoverings, and rugged cottons.  Mystical in its appearance, the Shangri-La Collection by Thibaut translates worldly motifs into modern accents and encourages designers to transition between rooms and themes with masculine, feminine and ultimately elegant touches."