And the Pantone Color of 2011 is...Honeysuckle

Happy New Year Seekers! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and happy holiday. Color forecasting is one of the most exciting things in design. Each December, Pantone Color Group introduces the color of the year. Pantone 18-2120, Honeysuckle, is the color of 2011.

Honeysuckle is an uplighting color and is captivating if applied correctly. The color is eye-catching and works well in interiors. It tends to be a feminine color, so it is preferred in small doses, possibly on a ceiling contrasted against white walls. I would upholster an accent chair in a honeysuckle-colored fabric or decorate with pillows or accessories in the color.

Pieces - Honeysuckle Fiberglass Side Chairs

James Duncan - Canape Louis XV Gondole Sofa 

Kim Parker - Manhattan Plush Designer Rug

Romo Wallpaper - Miraflores

John Robshaw - Primrose Bolster

Honeysuckle is great paired with Navy and Beige. Hello 2011! 

Excited for Chanel by Jean Leymarie: A Collector's Book Revisited

Legendary collector's book Chanel by Jean Leymarie will be released January 15, 2011! The book was first published in 1987 and was impossible to find. Only the most determined could track down this collector's book. It was published in French and English. 

I preordered the book today, and I cannot wait until it is shipped out at the end of January, so I can add this amazing book to my coffee table. Author and art historian Jean Leymarie recounts the life of Coco Chanel and chronicles her life work with vivid photographs. The book is so secretive; it is impossible to locate images of what's inside the book. I am excited for the mystery and journey through Gabrielle Chanel's life.

(The book can make any average table look like a million bucks)

Fool The Eye: Tips for Tiny Bedrooms

Everything counts in a tiny bedroom!

Use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and make a room feel and look more spacious. A reflecting wall makes a room look twice as large.

Brighten the walls. Paint a small room in a light and airy shade. Use crisp white linens and accessories. The bedding will become the main focal point of the room. You can use dark colors for crown moldings or chair rails.

Store in creative ways. Add a bookcase behind the bed or storage bins underneath the bed.

Don't clutter the bedroom with furniture. Make the bed the main focal point in the room - a singular space with sleeping as the main purpose. Too many furniture pieces can clutter a space.

Illuminate a room. Use wall mounted lamps, add a beautiful chandelier and fun lamps on each nightstand. Make sure to open the curtains, allowing for ample light to flood into the room.

Totally Turquoise and Teal

Turquoise or teal walls are wonderful paint choices. Turquoise is a nice refreshing mix of blue and green and has a calming effect; teal shades add a lively sophistication. The colors are bold and beautiful and pair well with purples, golds and other jewel-toned colors as well as neutrals.

Turquoise can work well in a child's bedroom or living room with large windows so light can enter. It is important to be careful when choosing a turquoise paint color; the color is very intense and can become tiresome if put in a room too large. Soft teal walls reflect the whispers of the ocean.

Brilliantly Beautiful Coffee Table Books

Coffee table books inspire conversation. I have listed some of my favorite coffee table books; ones filled with thought-provoking images and abstract illustrations. Here are some chic, jumbo volumes on fashion, design, science, art and photography.

This book is fabulous and features the most celebrated actors, actresses, models and social figures. The book is filled with photographs and stories that have appeared in Vogue over the last four decades. Unpublished photographs are unveiled. 

Chanel: Collections and Creations is a classic. The book shows many of Chanel's collection pieces. It displays jewelry, makeup, perfume and couture garments. Chanel Forever!

Edith Head is one of old Hollywood's iconic costume designers. She designed costumes for more than 1,000 films. Some of her beautiful creations were made for Audrey Hepburn, Robert Redford, Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. The book features her best designs and sketches.

This one is a favorite of mine. Kelly Wearstler is a brilliant interior designer with a colorful palette and eclectic, fun style. I am a huge Kelly fan! This book features some of her recent, unpublished projects including her home in Beverly Hills and celebrity homes she designed. 

100 More of the World's Best Houses presents stunning views of amazing architecture. The homes are varied in location and style. The book shows the original architectural plans and drawings as well as large photographs of the final projects. An interior designer or architect's dream book. 

Earth from Above: 365 Days is a must-have book. It has striking perspectives of Earth, and the pages are filled with vibrant images. The views of the surface of Earth are breathtaking and truly provoke wonder and mystery.

Art: Over 2,500 Works from Cave to Contemporary is the ultimate book of art history. It features unique artistic styles and well-known artists.

MaRio De Janeiro Testino is an all time favorite of mine. The photographs are what you would expect from this photographic genius. There are images of the beautiful Giselle Bundchen as well as gorgeous beaches and Brazilian bodies. The book is sexy.

$68 Million Mansion in Alpine, New Jersey

Want to be neighbors with Chris Rock, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Lil' Kim, Wesley Snipes or the Jonas Brothers? Well, it will sure cost you a pretty penny - $68 million I might add.

Rarely does a home this expensive go on the market, but this American beauty built by Richard Kurtz is listed. Only eight miles from Manhattan, this house called the "Stone Mansion" is 30,000 square feet and sits on two acres of land. The pad is five stories tall with an 11 car garage, 12 bedrooms and 19 baths.

Kate Spade Bedding Collection Launches 2011

Best known for her handbags and accessories, Fashion Designer Kate Spade is expanding her empire with a new line of bedding. In 2011, Kate Spade will launch a home collection that will include sheets, duvets, shams, bedding accessories, bath towels and rugs. Seven bright and bold designs will debut in February.

The bedding collection is punchy, graphic and full of bold colors. Finding the perfect bedding can be a challenge, so I am very excited for her contemporary and sunny patterns! The best part is that her bedding line is reasonably priced. For a 300 thread count duvet, the price is anywhere from $129-$179. Not bad for designer bedding!

Joan Karron, Executive CP of CHF Industries said, "The collection will include details that are synonymous with the brand, including fresh color, charming prints, classic fabrics and signature trims."

Check out Kate Spade's creative director Deb Lloyd's Brooklyn townhouse featured in Elle Decor:

(The safari-inspired sitting room is stunning)

(The dining room is set with Kate Spade china)

Loving Grasscloth

Grasscloth wallpaper from plant fibers is reemerging as the wallcovering of choice. It adds warmth and texture to a room. Grasscloth wallpaper gives a serene effect, bringing a bit of the outdoors to an interior space. It is a great way to add glamour, character and hide wall imperfections.

Grasscloth is eco-friendly, produced from natural elements such as bamboos and reeds.

Phillip Jeffries Ltd. has a wonderful selection of natural textured wallcoverings. The Juicy Jute Grasscloth collection is amazing. It is a collection of twenty-nine grasscloth wallcoverings in an abundance of colors from super bright to more natural tones. 

Stacked Firewood: An Art

They say wood warms you three times: cutting it, stacking it and finally burning it. I love the rustic, cozy feel that stacked firewood adds to a room. The look is great!

I live in Miami, so the temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees. Perhaps this is why I want the look so badly. Fireplaces warm the home and warm the soul.