My Top 20 Interior Design Idols: Part Three

{This iconic bedroom, designed by Miles Redd was featured in Domino Magazine.}

Last week, I posted the first two parts of my four-part mini-series on my design idols. After much thought, I found it was difficult to narrow down my list of favorites to a manageable number like say, 1, 3, or 5. Instead, I made it to 20. Truthfully, I like some more than others, but that’s only natural isn’t it? The group of designers on my Top 20 list not only create work that I find beautiful, but there are some who I admire for their joie de vivre, the gusto with which they set themselves apart.

Today’s five designers are what I would call “The Bold and The Beautiful”. If the first group contained a mix of designers of varying styles (and what would most likely be my short list), the second group featured a group of gentlemen who are the epitome of chic, sophisticated design, this third group contains designers who continuously set themselves apart from everyone else through their fearlessness and bold designs.

Miles Redd: Miles Redd’s sense of gusto and joie de vivre is evident in the interiors he designs. Even if daring colors are not your thing, you have to admire the fact that he just goes for it! I also love that like so many designers of generations past, his persona is as interesting and bold as his work. The bedroom that he designed for Domino (first image above) has become a sort of cult-favorite among bloggers and design lovers. Redd’s grand designs are sure to be talked about for many years to come. And let’s be honest, what’s not to love about zebra-print doors with nailhead trim? He certainly isn’t a shrinking violet!

Mary McDonald: Mary McDonald takes classic, traditional designs and turns them on their heads. Take the bedroom above, for example. Every classic element is present. Everything is quite tailored and chic, but Mary’s choice of color, a deep ink blue, and her flooring choices (the bold, graphic rug in the bedroom and the chevron stripes on the bathroom floor through the door) give it a completely modern spin.

Kelly Wearstler: Kelly is an icon for many young design lovers. She is supremely hip and fiercely original. It is difficult to mistake one of her designs for someone else’s. Her aesthetic is very well-defined as is her voice as a designer. She has completed both residential and commercial projects, of which I favor the latter. Personally, I feel that her avant-garde style is a little better suited for hotels and restaurants than homes, but that is just my opinion. I like grand-hotels with inspiring interiors, and Kelly delivers every time.

Melissa Rufty: While Melissa’s work is decidedly more traditional than that of the aforementioned designers, there is a certain energy present in her designs that makes her work incredibly memorable. Her use of color and patterns evokes thoughts of a type of genteel, Southern eccentricity. The spaces she designs each seem to tell a story. I would gladly sit and listen!

Amanda Nesbit: I simply adore Amanda’s whimsical designs and her fabulous use of color. Every room she designs is bright, welcoming, and completely chic. Even the children’s room’s she designs are extremely stylish. Amanda also uses patterns brilliantly and I love that she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She is a breath of fresh air.

 

Did I mention any of your favorites today? Do you gravitate towards the bold looks created by these designers or do you prefer a more restrained look?

This Week’s Quote

Happy Easter!

Wishing you and yours a lovely Easter Sunday! I have family in town that I am very excited to see. What are your plans for the holiday?

 

Image Credit: Source Unknown

Indie Film-Making: CA$H

I am beyond thrilled for my friend Azeeza and her sister, Zeenat for their incredible work on a new film called CA$H. The premise of the movie is centered around a struggling young couple who has been greatly affected in this economy. The husband finds a suitcase filled with cash and the thriller begins to unfold. What will they do with the money? Who does it belong to? Will the person it belongs to come looking for it?

The gorgeous Azeeza worked as Director of Marketing for the film and her equally beautiful sister, Zeenat served as Director of Media. Through their hard work and persistence, they packaged this independent film for Cannes and the American Film Market, eventually gaining Roadside Attractions (they released The September Issue) as their distributor. Film-making is a difficult, extremely competitive industry and it makes me so proud to see what these two talented young women have achieved, all while looking super glamorous, I might add.

{At the World Premiere of CA$H, Azeeza (left) wore a Tibi dress, Nude Patent Very Privé Louboutin heels, and a Meera Mahadevia Clutch. Zeenat (right)wore a Tarun Tahiliani dress, black patent Louboutin Noeudette sandals, and a Meera Mahadevia Clutch.}

{The Girls with Producer, Naveen Chathappuram at the World Premiere of CA$H}

{Looking fabulous yet again at the screening of the film: Azeeza has on   high waisted skirt from TopShop paired with a Zara boyfriend blazer, Christian Louboutin “Cool Moto” ankle booties, a  Jimmy Choo necklace and Black Chanel Medium Flap in Caviar.Zeenat is wearing Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee flat boots with a black Phillip Lim dress under a Rachel Roy power-shoulder blazer along with a Red Chanel Messenger Purse in Suede.}

 

To learn more about the film, visit the official website for movie trailers, plot summaries, and information on where it is playing.

 

Image Credit:Amna Siddiqui photography

Fabulous Room Friday 04.02.10

While searching for images for my posts on my Top 20 Design Idols the other day, I stumbled across Baiyina Hughley’s blog, Quirky Living. I was immediately drawn to this fun living room she designed for a couple in Los Angeles, where she is based. Isn’t the sofa lovely? I love its shape and the color is just gorgeous! The modern lines of the wing chair are pretty darn fabulous, too. The artwork, lamps, and end tables are all vintage finds.

{The room is filled with personal touches and eclectic accessories.}

{Hughes had a console custom-made to hide the television stand. The diamond pattern on the slipper chairs is fantastic. I’ve seen something very similar at Calico Corners.}

Be sure to check out Baiyina’s website for the rest of her fabulous work! She was on A&E’s “Tackling Design with Keyshawn Johnson” last year. I meant to do a post on that show ages ago, but never got around to it for whatever reason. I was glad to see some of the projects again on her website.

Sneak Peek: New Seasons of The Hills & The City

MTV Shows

The Hills and The City are set to return on April 27th and they are both jam-packed with drama. The Hills is in its sixth and final season, and truth be told, it’s about time. After Lauren left, things really went downhill, especially the show’s ratings. I wouldn’t be complaining if I were anyone of of the cast members though. I recently read that Kristin Cavallari and Audrina Patridge each earn $90,000 per episode. Insane!

MTV Shows

I am looking forward to this season of The City. It’s filled with so much drama and I love the appearances by Kelly Cutrone and Joe Zee. Despite being a style icon, Olivia Palermo could stand to learn a thing or two about honesty and integrity, at least on the show. I can imagine how frustrating it must be for Erin and Whitney! It seems everyone usually has an Olivia in their life, but most aren’t anywhere near as stylish or beautiful. She makes for good television. That’s for sure!

Do you plan to watch either show this season?

Style Profile: Brittany Stiles

I recently came across Brittany Stiles’ work on Balustrade & Bitters and was quite taken with her style. Her experiences traveling, studying at FIDM, and working with her Southern California clientele have made Brittany “appreciate all types of design - from traditional to modern; and cottage chic to Asian inspired. Brittany’s designs take what is best and beautiful of these styles and mixes new furnishings with vintage and antique finds, while still keeping the look current and fashionable.” Each space exudes a bit of feminine charm through the use of textiles and color. I love that she mixes different styles of furniture to achieve a polished, eclectic look.

{I love the gorgeous turquoise garden stool and Colleen & Company Tole Tent Lantern in this living room.}

{Brittany manages to make a moody palette feel bright in this room. How great are those pillows?}

{This serene bedroom gets a modern touch through the use of graphic wallpaper. The room is lovely in its simplicity.}

{Brittany has a real knack for mixing patterns. Just notice all the different patterns she used in the upholstery and pillows in this room! They all look great together. This room feels so relaxed and inviting. I love the buttery yellow of the bookcases.}

{This little vignette is fabulous! I absolutely love the chair and the fabric used for the upholstery as well as that gorgeous little end table.}

 

Image Credit: Brittany Stiles