Spied Raoul Textiles

Lovely living room by Palmer Weiss. Note the center pillow fabric by one of my favorites Raoul Textiles. I have two large pillows for my living sofa in the same fabric, one day I plan to get a similar colored sofa for them to rest on. But for now my pillows are relegated to the study out of reach of my four toddlers. And good thing too, my white slip covered sofa has taken much abuse. The latest of which is today's abstract art with green, pink and chartreuse paints. I'm wondering if the bleach will work on today's masterpiece.

Lulu DK

Lulu DK has been one my favorite fabric designers for a while. Here is a fabulous room showcasing some of her lastest fabrics.

I have been enjoying having a bit of her clark fabric on our window seat bolsters.

Digs by Katie

While searching for Nate Berkus photos yesterday for the bachelor I stumbled upon a fabulous design blog, So Haute, and have fallen head over heels for a designer she featured.

This must be how the fisherman feels when he captures that dream fish. Instead of trying out every waterway and variety of bait, I search blogs and design magizines for the big catch, a room that is so inviting and artistic that you want to move right in. Here are a few photos from her firm Digs By Katie.

Bachelor Pad Basics

First things first, we needed to get a sofa on order so the bachelor could have a place to relax. I ordered this Lee Sofa with blend down cushions from Caffrey's Furniture here in Austin. They have a great selection of Lee furniture on their showroom floor and have all the fabulous Lee fabrics on display. Even though the sofa is custom we are expecting to receive it in a little over a month. I couldn't ask for more.

We went with one of the new linen/polyester blends in this dark charcole, graphite. It is a gorgeous handsome color and a great fabric with the look of linen but more durability. And no glossiness that sometimes appears with the more sturdy synthetic fabrics.

For the floor we ordered a large seagrass rug. I like sisalrugs.com, they are nice quality and have great prices including free shipping and speedy delivery.

Then we picked up this mid-century media cabinet from Crate and Barrel that we will stack with his coffee table books and a few treasures from his travels.

Bachelor Pad

I'm helping a friend with some design ideas for his new home. We are going for casual eclectic, bohemian with a dash of industrial. He has lived abroad and enjoys travel and literature so I want to give him a layered comfortable look that reflects his personality and interests.

I like to see something a bit unexpected in the entryway like this twisted vine lamp from Jaime Young. I spied the top photo at Brock Street with a similar lamp. The artwork in the photo is by Rosemary Warner.

Obama bed

Rumor has it that this is the bed that Smith purchased for the Obamas. Thanks Cote de Texas for this tidbit.

Here is another Michael Smith bedroom also posted by CdT which is traditional, peppered with high end American antiques yet still warm and cozy. Brilliant.

Presidential Design

images courtesy of domino

It's official, Obama has appointed Michael Smith Secretary of the Interior. Interior to the white house that is. Appologies, I'm feeling a bit punchy.

Anyway, we are in for a treat as we see what Michael concocts for the Obamas. Here are a few glimpses of his portfolio to whet your appetite.