Stray Dog Designs for West Elm

I was recently introduced to Stray Dog Designs. The business was founded and is run by a husband and wife duo, Jane Gray and Bill Pritchard. The couple began exporting Mexican pottery, working with local Mexican artisans and factories. They soon designed and produced their own furniture and accessories in a variety of recycled materials - blown glass, iron and papier-mache. Jane and Bill now own and operate Stray Dog Designs from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

I am in love with this vendor! The designs are contemporary, flirty and fun. Now they have collaborated with West Elm on a collection of pure white papier-mache. Mostly aquatic themes, pieces are inspired by coral, starfish and sea plants. My last post was about the comeback of the chevron pattern - the Stray Dog side table in their collection for West Elm has this pattern applied to it!

Chic Chevron

We have seen a rise in the chevron pattern. I love this zig zag pattern as it breaks up monotonous spaces and adds a punch. Missoni is famous for its colorful chevron patterns, and so this is a pattern that never fades! From warm neutrals to vibrant funky colors, this pattern works in any design style.

Chevron tile and wood flooring are coming back. I love chevron tiles used on kitchen backsplashes and in bathrooms. Whether it's chevron accent pillows or a painted patern on a furniture piece - it is hot and a true classic!

1. Chevron Invitations

2. Rubie Green East Village Fabric

3. Chevron Contact Paper

4. West Elm ZigZag Rug

5. Martha Stewart Chevron Decorative Tray

6. Jonathan Adler Zig Zag Throw

Christian Siriano's Chelsea Apartment

Yesterday my sister e-mailed me a link to a tour of fashion designer Christian Siriano's stunning Chelsea apartment. The first words to come out of my mouth were "Fierce, Ferosh!" This chic pad is shared with Siriano's boyfriend Brad Walsh. 

As a major Season 4 Project Runway addict, I remember the episode where Tim Gunn visited Christian Siriano's home - a tiny apartment with barely any room for sleeping. His new apartment is drop dead and definitely not a "Hot Tranny Mess." The crib is sophisticated and elegant, but what would you expect from this avant-garde fashion designer?!

Inspiration for his new home was taken from travels around the country and Europe. Mixing antiques with beautiful new pieces, the outcome is a breathtaking and fabulous residence! I'm in love -- with the apartment, Christian Siriano and his unbelievable designs.

Barbara Barry Indochine Collection for Kravet

Fresh out of the Orient, Barbara Barry has released an Asian-inspired collection exclusively for Kravet. The collection is called Indochine, and it is a collection of trimmings, fabrics, carpet, drapery hardware and wallcoverings. The colors, textures and patterns are inspired by her travels through Asia.

Barry's fabrics range from sheers, light linens, and silks to wovens, damasks and embroideries.

"Mine is a search for beauty in all that surrounds us. The fierce green of the Thai rice fields; the Chinese red lacquer doors of the Forbidden City; the dark and mysterious Kyoto alleyways; the subtle colors of Oolong and Darjeeling teas - these are the impressions of Asia I have taken back with me from my travels. I have woven these reflections into a collection, Indochine. A memory of a far away place that feels very at home...in your home and in the homes of your clients. It is my hope that it will INSPIRE designers like you to create beautiful rooms," Barbara Barry.

Franco Senesi Fine Art

While in Positano, I discovered Franco Senesi Fine Art. Franco Senesi Fine Art is composed of a dynamic team dealing in art with people from around the world. I visited the gallery and was truly taken by the level of beauty and sophistication.

The sculptures, paintings and photography are absolutely breathtaking. Some of my favorite artists featured in the gallery include Alessando Verdi, Claudio Malacarne, Giuseppe Tirelli, Marco Grassi, Roberto Di Viccaro and Umberto D'Aniello.

Burano Lacemaking!

After visiting Murano, I traveled to Burano, an island in the Venetian Lagoon. The houses were brightly painted; the colors of the houses follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development. For example, if someone wanted to paint their home, they would have to send a request to the government. 

I was able to watch an old woman fabricate lace. In the small shop, I viewed hand initialed lace napkins, lace baby clothing and lace garters. 

My favorite lace shop was Emilia Burano, a store and workshop that has been open for three generations. All of the tapestries, bedding, napkins, runners and table linens were beautiful and excellently crafted by artisans of Burano. 

Murano Glass Lighting

I recently traveled all throughout Italy with my fiancé, Jonathan. We flew into Venice, and the second day of travel, we took a water taxi to Murano. Murano is most famous for its glassmaking factories, showrooms and gift shops. 


First, we watched glassblowers create unique, exquisite designs, and then we viewed all the magnificent traditional Venetian glass artworks. Many of the orginial glass pieces were contemporary with vibrant, bright colors.


We went to an exquisite Murano glass lighting showroom, Guarnieri vetreria artistica. I was blown away by the amazing collection of glass chandeliers and lamps. The pieces were "crème de la crème!"