See-through Chic

Coffee tables, chairs, desks, ottomans or lighting fixtures - lucite and acrylic, crystal-clear furniture is all the rage. Just one see-through furniture piece can punch up an entire space. It offers a cool modernity!

Lucite pieces contrasted against bold patterns capture ones attention. Acrylic pieces mixed with zebra printed rugs or large-scale geometric fabrics gives a sleek contemporary look. The ice-like appearance of lucite furniture is simple and glamorous.

Plexi-craft is an amazing source for lucite furniture. New found love!

Here are some lucite pieces I love:

The Paris Apartment - Helena Rubenstein Chair

Plexi-craft - Trunk

Todd Hase - Madeline Coffee Table

White Webb - Clearly Classic Tangier Table

Allan Knight - Palm Beach Sofa

Plexi-craft - Lucite Headboard

Black & White Checkerboard Kitchen Flooring

A patterned floor in a great way to refresh and update your kitchen, giving it an elegant and fun touch. It is extremely important that kitchen flooring is in sync with the personality of the overall decor of the kitchen. Checkerboard flooring was extremely popular in the 50's and early 60's, and it has made a huge comeback.

Checkerboard floors have retained the sense of grandeur in less modest settings such as the Greenbrier Hotel designed by Dorothy Draper, one of my favorite interior designers of all time. This was one of the landmarks of Hollywood Regency design. The lobby has a graphic and elegant punch.

(Greenbrier designed by Dorothy Draper)

Black and white is the oldest checkerboard flooring style. It first appeared in paintings in the 15th century, but ancient artifacts from Iranian ceramic vessels showed origins of this pattern long before. These strong contrasting colors give a retro and contemporary feel.

Checkerboard floors are paired nicely with colored appliances; black appliances look clean and contemporary. Light airy curtains are a nice fit. Mosaic tile backsplashes work well with this flooring style.

Soho Beach House Miami Beach

The other day I was at Soho Beach House on Miami Beach, and I was amazed at the beautiful interior design. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio did it right!

The London-based members only club, private beach and spa sit on the historic site of the Sovereign Hotel on Collins Avenue. It was redesigned and expanded to include a 16-story oceanfront tower. It has 50 rooms, a screening snug, 2 pools, a beach club, Cowshed spa and Cecconi's restaurant, which is open to non members.

I had a delicious tomato, basil and burata frittata for brunch at Cecconi's, the hotel's classic Italian restaurant. It is stunning and romantic - a great date night spot!

Plum Chutney at Home

Plum Chutney, a contemporary Bollywood boho chic home line, was recently launched. Founder Anita MacKenzie lives in Britain but is originally from India. She grew up amidst the vibrant colors and chaotic bustle of India.

MacKenzie designs an eclectic and original collection of cushions, trays, throws, art prints and lamps. She wanted to capture the essence of India through her designs. Her themes include Indian royalty, tropical flowers, traditional motifs, chaotic street life, Indian people and truck art.

Laundry Room Luxury

Kitchens are equipped to impress a chef, bathrooms resemble spas, but laundry rooms and mud rooms seldom receive the attention they deserve. Now, people are giving their laundry rooms star treatment, hiring interior designers to completely renovate their space.

Renovations have gone beyond restaurant quality kitchens; people want limestone floors, crystal chandeliers and flat screen televisions in their laundry rooms. Give your laundry room the lap of luxury!

Pretty In Pink: Pink Rooms for V-Day!

Ode to Pink! Happy Valentine's Day. These pink rooms are A++!

Valentine's Day Decor

Happy Valentine's Day Seekers! Here's to creating a loving atmosphere with heartful Valentine decorations.

Interior design can be romantic. All you have to do is borrow colors and themes of the holiday and decorate your home. Valentine's Day decorating can be charming and is a great way to set the mood for the season. Accessorizing is key for this lovely holiday. Add red and pink pillows to your sofa or use a red tablecloth and sprinkle it with pink and white confetti.

Hang paper hearts from your chandelier for the perfect Valentine Chandelier. Add beads for that extra sparkle.

Cover your lamp shades with pink or red fabric. Use dark colors to dim the room and set the perfect mood.

Show your love by making heart-shaped pot holders, adding color and whimsy to your design.

Decorate your bathroom with stamped soaps.

Make a garland of hearts cut from fabric scraps and hang them on your headboard.

Hang a heart-shaped bonbon over your doorknob and fill it with candy.

Make red or pink fortune cookies to show your loved one you are fortunate to have them.