a furnished life

A Little Holiday Cheer

2011-12-26T12:03:00.001-08:00

Nothing makes for a better party then a good old inspiration board. While this years New Years party was canceled due to exciting life circumstances I still thought it was worth sharing lovely Gillian's board...

Who wouldn't want to go to that party? While I'm at it here are a few other inspiring holiday pics.

The photo above killed me! Oh Martha Stewart you've still got it as far as I'm concerned. So clever!

Holiday Dress inspiration

2011-12-26T11:46:00.001-08:00

A few weeks back I was on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress. I wanted something with bows and sashes, vintage or even vintage inspired would do but the bottom line was it had to be over the top AMAZING! I even gave myself permission to spend a bit more then I normally would because if you find something truly beautiful you'll find excuses to wear it thus making the investment justifiable. Then a funny thing happened, I scoured all my favorite spots but nothing quite stood up to the image in my head. On a whim I went to Kate Spades website and found these images:

Now that I could do! Lord knows I have a million little black dresses and as luck would have it I also own red stockings! Whats that you say? An excuse to buy more costume jewlery? Dont mind if i do!

So I suppose the moral of this silly story is that often its not a new dress you need but rather a new perspective on what you have...

PS I wore my fancy getup to the Flickr holiday party at photobooth where they took these fun tin type photos!

Hello Santa ...

2011-12-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

Natasha Law

James Nares

Craft Hotel

2011-12-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

Buenos Aires has been at the top of my list of great cities I need to visit for some time now. Found via

Have You Met Miss Jones this seems to be the perfect place to stay. The Craft Hotel, located in Palermo Soho is calling out to me, "Come stay here, now!"

Photos via Craft Hotel

Colors to Love

2011-11-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

photographs by Ditte Isager for Ochre

Karen Knorr

2011-11-08T10:29:00.001-08:00

The New York Times did a great profile of English photographer Karen Knorr. Her portraits of exotic animals in stunning, and very man made settings, blew me away.

Doesn't he look like he's daring you to come closer. Or maybe he's pleading something along the lines of "I promise I won't eat you. I just want to cuddle."

More proof that I have got to get my tail to India and soon. How's a girl to resist such beautiful vivid color and architecture.

Open showers

2011-11-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

I have long made it a standing point of only posting things that inspire me but in truth sometimes you have to define what it is you DON'T like in order to better understand what you DO like. So with that said, there is nothing I'm more turned off by then an open shower!

I'm all for open airy spaces but there is a time and a place for everything! When I'm in the shower I want to feel safe and enclosed not exposed! This picture below just kills me! Just finish up the glass wall people!

Sorry for all the exclamation marks. Clearly I'm getting all riled up, so I'll do what I normally do and post something I love.

I know, I know, it still LOOKS empty but in fact there is indeed a shower door which means I can bask in the steam from my shower. Now was that so hard of an addition?

Three little bees

2011-10-28T11:18:00.001-07:00

With Halloween on the horizon I couldn't help but post these cute little bees. The photo was actually taken by Bill Cunningham. Which is surprising since most of his stuff is people on the street and everything about this shot screams fine art. In any case, if you haven't seen the documentary about him strongly suggest it. The man is the true embodiment of following your bliss and doing what you love.

Mad about stripes!

2011-10-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

I just couldn't resist posting this delightful bar! Stripes took a hold of me at a young age and make me smile anytime I see them in decor. On a recent trip to LA my best friend teased me for buying yet another stripped T-shirt. I didn't tell her that not only was it ANOTHER stripped T, I actually owned the same one in another color. What can I say? I know what I like.

The Statement Chair

2011-10-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Comfort? Not so much. Attitude? Definitely!

TomDixon- Fan Chair

Tom Dixon-Link Easy chair

Guest Blogger : Susi from Arcadian Lighting "Rustic in the City"

2011-10-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

A Furnished Life is happy to have our first ever guest blogger. Thanks for putting this together Susi!

Hi all, I'm Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in quality lighting fixtures. I love visiting design blogs like A Furnished Light to do guest posts. Rustic in the city sounds like an oxymoron. In reality, this is a design trend that pairs rustic elements with modern design to create a perfect style for the city. Mixing in rustic elements, and even a few farmhouse designs, into a mostly modern or contemporary space is a great way to add character. Here are some of my favorite examples of the rustic modern city style.

What Wilson Wants

This incredible staircase is a great example of mixing modern (the space) with rustic (the wood of the stairs) into a style that is perfect for the city. Loft style combines rustic elements, like exposed beams and brick, with modern lines in furniture and accessories.

Apartment Therapy

Mixing rustic and modern works well for a dining room in the city. A large table made from reclaimed wood surrounded by modern chairs makes for a stylish combination.

Pinterest

School house style lighting creates a modern feeling space even when set against a more rustic table. Love all the texture and character in the table against the smooth lines of the pendant lights.

Apartment Therapy

This console table is made from reclaimed wood and steel. The materials are rustic yet the style is decidedly modern. Perfect for an entry hall in a city apartment or loft.

What Wilson Wants

Weathered and aged surfaces paired with sleek, clean lines is a great way to create city style with modern and rustic pieces. An aged painted piece of furniture with tons of patina looks amazing when combined with contemporary piece of furniture or light fixture.

Censtational Girl

Rustic paired with white, black or neutral colors puts the emphasis on line and form. This rustic island in black, with an industrial pendant light overhead, becomes the focal point of the kitchen.

Marjam Elamaa

Rustic wood adds tons of texture to a minimalist modern space. It creates a great contrast for the smooth surfaces and lines of modern furniture.

Censtational Girl

Love the barn wood wall that divides the living space and sleeping area in this studio apartment. Reclaimed wood adds nice warmth and character to any space. Such an interesting mix of styles in the ceiling light, chairs and benches.

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What do you think of the rustic yet modern style? Comments are welcome! Come check out Arcadian Lighting to get some lighting fixtures for your city style!

Cool Concept

2011-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Louise Roe pillows pillows found via Trumpet and Kool and Kreativ

cahetu

Take a Peek...

2011-10-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Photographer Paul Barbera's blog has been published in a book of the same name, Where They Create. He has kept a visual diary of designers and artists' spaces via his travels while photographing spaces around the globe. These spaces are deeply personel to those that inhabit them, inspirational, functional, and oh so inviting.

ijm

Kessels Kramer

ijm

9 Rosalyn St. Studio, Sydney

The Monkeys, Agency Sydney

Printink Textile printers, Sydney

Project Projects

republic of everyone
All photos Paul Barbera

Hello Lanky and Loud

2011-09-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't stop smiling when I saw this story for Vogue Russia. So tired of the sweet, pretty, romantic girlie thing. And yes, I am hoping that Mad Men returns to us circa "already into the 70"s"

Ben Toms and Katie Shillingford for Vogue Russia

The Beholder

2011-09-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

I keep finding my way to websites or blogs of stylists turned photographers. This past weekend I was drawn to the work of photogrpaher Maura McEvoy. Honest, inviting, whimsical....need to stop writing and unpack my camera!

all photos Maura McEvoy

Let the color wars begin...

2011-09-05T13:13:00.001-07:00

I'm a firm believer that our creative impulses are generally rooted in deeper emotional states of being. Thus I was amused to see that the color schemes i've been attracted to lately are drastically different. Part of me loves the idea of a soft feminine pink room. The kind of sunny, inviting and almost indulgent room you never want to leave. Then the other side of me wants to paint my future space a dark and moody grey ala the always daring Abigail Adhern. The kind of room that forces you to take notice and says "love me or leave me." And this is of course exactly how I've been feeling lately. Part of me wants to nest - read novels, take naps in the sun and eat ice cream all day. Meanwhile, another part of me is dying for some action and adventure. In any case enjoy the feast for the eyes. Will keep you posed on my internal battles.

2011-08-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

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Blue Harmony

2011-08-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Shibori

No Headboard Needed

2011-08-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Est

2011-08-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

So many online shelter mags, so little time.

The new Australian design and lifestyle magazine Est is a must read!

Est

My future apartment

2011-05-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

While I adore my apartment in the sunny Duboce triangle lately I've been craving a change of scenery. Am not sure how it will take shape but I have a feeling it will be amazing. So if any of you or someone you know are looking for a charming tenant for your 1 bedroom look no further. In anticipation of this amazing spot I've already picked out colors.... The first is a moody black for the bathroom.

Next up is the living room. Actually I already have this grey in my current room. You honestly can't go wrong with that shade and I have the perfect yellow couch to go beneath a gallery wall.

I'm pretty set on the kitchen color above which came from Drew Barymore's LA office but my number two choice would be the one below which Abigail Adhern designed for her sister.

Am off to bed to dream about my future home....

Inspiration

2011-04-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

So it all started with this picture... The lovely Meghan Rand sent it over as a daily door for my other blog. Something about the picture sparked my imagination. The cobalt blue against the green just popped in a magical way. A few days later I saw this on a Swedish blog...

Then I saw these images on a travel blog about Shanghai....

Obviously, its undeniable that color is everywhere, especially when you live in an urban setting. However, I think what really caught my eye about these images was that we've been living in such a neutral world of design for the last ten years. Their is no denying that their is a time and a place for neutrals but lately I've been dying for some bright bursts of color to disrupt the beige landscape and frankly I think that time has come. Below is a great image of one of the Ace Hotels latest ventures. I love the bright bursts of color against the black subway tiles. It's both bold and playful all at once.

There's my favorite green once again - this time popping up at an LA burger house (if anyone knows the name of it please let me know - I've got to get better at labeling my pictures). So it looks like I've got my next color scheme picked out now all I need is the business to pay me to do it.

-Whitney

2011-04-02T11:50:00.001-07:00

Loyal readers may have noticed my love for boutique hotels. What makes smaller hotels so great is designers have the opportunity to make intimately personal spaces. In many cases the design might get a bit tired if you had to live with it every day but feel perfect for a long weekend. Here are a few shots from the Palm Springs Ace Hotel.

Dreaming of a weekend in the sun...

Our Website

2011-04-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

It's finally up! We are so excited to announce the unveiling of our website! Check us out at riterandfeltham.com

My newest obsession

2011-02-28T18:20:00.001-08:00

It's official. I am addicted to svpply. For me it's akin to reading a catalog and dog earing what you'd buy if you had a limitless budget. The difference is with svpply you can follow other users products. Am not sure how they've managed to limit the spam products but so far I've found nothing but unique beautiful things. Below are a few of my favorites...

Heidi Lender

2011-02-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

Desire to Inspire did a post on photographer Heidi Lender's home in Uruguay, a beautiful old ranch that they are in the midst of renovating. I followed the link to her personal website and was mesmerized by her gorgeous portraits in the Once Upon series.

Photography: Heidi Lender

My kind of cottage

2011-02-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

Staying on topic with Whitney's love of German design, I loved this article and slide show in this past Sunday's NY Times. Architect Thomas Warnke found this funky old carriage house in Red Hook on of all places, Craigslist.

Old ceiling beams re-purposed into shelves.

I'm always a fan of fresh pale blue walls, and I think the little lounge area under the stairs just rocks!

Credit: Trevor Tondro for The New York Times
New York Times

Imagineknit

2011-02-20T12:18:00.001-08:00

Am in love with german designers Llot llov's beautiful knitted light fixtures. There is something so magical and whimsical about them which is all the more special when you read about the company behind the product.

As stated on their website, "In a world of mass production where the quality of the products and the people involved in production is less valued than the final profit, this design company desires only to work with smaller companies to ensure final quality of products, and personal communication."

This message is near and dear to the hearts of Riter and Feltham. The best part of our job has always been that we have an opportunity to engage with local artisans and small businesses. It's so encouraging to see that artists around the world are all essentially coming to the same conclusion. Support businesses you believe in.

Enjoy the eye candy...

Lucky Me!

2011-02-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I had the good fortune of stumbling upon Off The Grid. As described on their website: "Off the Grid is a roaming mobile food extravaganza that travels to different locations daily to serve delicious food, with a free side of amazing music, craft and soul." Boy oh boy did they deliver on their promise to serve delicious food. In fact the most trying part of my experience was deciding which food truck to purchase food from. After a laborious process I finally settled on the tuna sliders from Curbside but have to admit I was equally tempted by kung fu taco's.... Check out their website for locations and future events.

Pure Renovation and Re-Invention

2011-02-13T14:21:00.000-08:00

The iconic IHOP architecture isn't Googie, but it is refreshing to see a tired old building brought back to life. Designed by Sean Knibb, A-Frame opened last fall in Culver City, and features a menu by Roy Choi of the Kogi food trucks.

images via Designtripper

I love the simplicity of space, and the furniture by Knibb Design is fun, functional, and sustainable.

images via designtripper

Website Picture

2011-02-12T15:52:00.001-08:00

We have been hard at work here at Riter and Feltham putting together a website. Let me tell you its no small feat. However it helps when you have talented friends. The lovely and talented Meghan Rand took the following beautiful picture of Denise and I for our about tab. It pretty much sums our dynamic up. I'm smiling up a storm while Denise is deep in thought imagining what lies ahead.

Making the kitchen personal

2011-02-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

So lately I've been finding myself kitchen obsessed. Maybe it's because my own kitchen is super tiny. Or maybe its because the kitchen was always where the action was in my house growing up. Whatever the reason, I'm all about creating a welcoming colorful kitchen.

I love the idea of bringing lots of artwork into the kitchen. My mother has the cutest painting of a pink frosted doughnut with sprinkles that makes me smile every time I see it. Little details, make a space home.

In my opinion you can never have enough beautiful tile work.

Built in booths are another personal favorite.

New playground in town....

2011-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

if you love old industrial beauties re-purposed into home decor.
Welcome to San Francisco Big Daddy's Antiques!

Big Daddy's Antiques

Lonny magazine

2011-02-03T20:01:00.001-08:00

I was a little late getting on the Lonny magazine band wagon but was converted by last months issue. Below are a few of my favorite pics. I love the idea of treating your flat screen like art work.

Well Done West Elm

2011-01-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

I like where West Elm is going these days. I'm a huge fan of the Windsor Chair and their take on it is smart, fun, and accessible.

West Elm

West Elm

Martha Stewart

This is such a great combination, the dark formal table with the playful blue
chairs!

Karl Jungel

So very good!

2011-01-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

I can usually spot the work of Robyn Glaser immediately.
The angles, colors, textures, composition.....so alluring.

http://www.robynglaser.com/

Shona Heath

2010-11-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered the work of set designer Shona Heath and just had to share her whimsical images with you.

A Few Good Chairs

2010-10-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

D'Espresso Cafe

2010-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Normally I despise commercial spaces that are too theme-y (yes I did just make up a word), but something about the beautifully executed D'Espresso Cafe on Madison Avenue caught my eye. Quite possibly its the the theatrics of it. It actually feels more like a set or window design. In any case it tickled my fancy so I thought I'd share it....
If you turn the photo sideways it looks like an old library. Very clever.

Form and Function

2010-10-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662349/norman-foster-completes-moving-gallery-in-a-giant-elevator

Loving....

2010-04-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

The New Traditionalists

Unhappy Hipster

2010-03-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Am loving the blog Unhappy Hipster - who says modern design can't have a sense of humor. Below is my recent favorite post...

"Choosing a chair without hurting anyone’s feelings was the toughest part of his morning. He couldn’t even make eye contact with the chaise longue."

Provocateur

2010-02-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen...Rest in Peace

The language of design

2010-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

When trying to write this post one of my favorite quotes came to mind "writing about music is like dancing about architecture." One of the hardest parts of working in design is communicating what gives something an aesthetic value because the language used to describe design is so subjective. I love this dining room because the paint highlights the architecture in a dramatic fashion but there is something else amazing about it that I can't quite put my finger on so I'll just let the image speak for its self.

Inspirations

2010-01-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

Meet the Residence

2010-01-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

So this is where I've been for the past few months.

More photos to come, but for now a little rest.

Bad Blogger Girl....

2009-12-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolution:

Devote time to blog!!

Larry Fink 1981

More to be revealed....

Feature Walls

2009-08-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the infrequency of posts lately. We are currently in the process of redesigning the lovely La Victoria located the mission district. Much more to come on this project very soon we promise! In the meantime, one of the major elements we have been working on is the focal wall – so before unveiling our work (its still in progress) I thought I’d share some of our inspiration pics. Enjoy!

As luck would have it La Victoria had scores of old wooden soda crates in the basement that now grace the walls.

Joe's Taco Lounge in Mill Valley.

It's personal

2009-06-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Architecture draws you in, but how we furnish our spaces encourages us to stay, and it get's personal.

Two rooms with very similar architectural elements.

To me, this makes sense. It looks warm and inviting, casual.

This, not so much. It feels forced and awkward, I love combining modern and rustic elements, but those chairs and table on that floor, it's cold.

I really cannot wrap my head around these. Though back in the 80's I vaguely recall using them in a high school interior design project. One maybe, but two?

Similar space, with modern pieces, but this feel's like a home. As a stylist you do what you need to do to get the shot and illustrate the story. Sell the lifestyle.

How about living a life styled personally for you and your family?

"The movement you need...

2009-06-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

I read this book.

I'd rather sleep here,

then there.

I've spent more years living 5 minutes away from this bridge,

but feel much more at home living 5 minutes from this bridge.

Na, na na, na na na, na na na...

Who says good design has to be expensive?

2009-06-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Have you stopped to notice how often people start their sentences with "in this economy..." It's become such a common occurrence that me and my friends have started a little game where you can use the economy as a scapegoat for any occasion. Jokes aside, I'd like to add one more to the list: "In this economy, you can't afford not to travel in style."

The hospitality sector is finally catching on to the notion that you don't have to spend a fortune to make a space stylish. Travel and Leisure put out a great article this month about some of the beautiful budget hotels popping up around the world. This all points to what I think will be one of the many lessons our country can learn from economic hardship: good design often takes place when we are faced with budgetary obstacles and are forced to be creative.

The Standard Hotel in downtown LA.

The Jane in New York

Mama Casa in Paris

The Ace Hotel in Portland

The Ace Hotel in Palms Springs

Summer in San Francisco

2009-06-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Simple and Bold

2009-05-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day

2009-05-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Go slow...

2009-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

And be...

selective

mindful

patient

imaginative

resourceful

considerate

creative

playful

Personality

2009-05-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

No matchy-matchy

2009-05-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Color or not

2009-05-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Action encouraged

2009-05-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

As I write this I am seated on a couch, feet on coffee table, warm Macbook on my lap. More people are working from home these days. Currently a great many more are spending time looking for work from their homes. Technology makes it easy for us to work from just about anywhere, but creating an effective and organized space at home may foster a more productive process.

Just a corner will do.

Food for thought...

Consideration = Confidence

2009-04-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we attended the Dwell Conversation Series, Objectified in America: Design, Consumerism and Sustainability in Our Changing Economy. One of the topics focused on whether our struggling economy will create more confident consumers. One of the panelists' suggested to gain confidence we need to be considerate consumers first.

Lucky's Break is a great editorial about a young family who set out to renovate a home, armed with a modest budget and some serious consideration.

Balance

2009-04-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Celebrating our differences, so cool. We all have something distinct and special to offer in this world, in a way hopefully encouraging some sort of balance. Yin and yang, opposites joining to complete a thought or just leaving our comfort zone behind for a few moments to experience something in a totally new way.

Balance as opposed to symmetry in a room can create very warm and inviting spaces.

Painted Furniture

2009-04-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's generally my feeling that their are very few occasions when one needs to buy brand new furniture. Why be a consumer when their are so many great pieces out there that were truly meant to last. With that spirit in mind I am currently re-doing my kitchen and have been on the look out for great examples of painted furniture. I have some amazing old chairs that my roommate found on the street (gotta love San Francisco), and all they need is a fresh coat of paint. Here are a few of my top picks...

The green color above may just be the winner. I have some fabric for the seat cushions that will complement it quite nicely!

So next time before you run to your local Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel, I suggest you look around your own house - you may be surprised at the treasures hidden beneath tattered wood or old paint.

Do what you love...

2009-04-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

I love stripes. Where ever I go I'm drawn to them. This blog hopes to encourage others to recognize those little things that make them smile,and how they can incorporate that feeling into the design of their homes.

Fishnet Curtains

2009-04-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the look out for clever ways to divide a space so I was thrilled to see the use of the jute gossamer fishnet below . Even though you can see right through net it subtly makes a seperation between the two rooms while still leaving the original airy feeling intact.

The curtain works beautifully because it combines what could be a rough and rather auster element (the fishnet) with a more refined trim. For me this is the key to a well rounded space.

Wood

2009-04-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

In tables it bares the memories of meals shared with friends and family. Bureaus and sideboards store and protect our belongings, and benches invite us to sit and rest.

Bedrooms

2009-04-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Since the point of this blog is to provide inspiration for any design project big or small we thought it fitting that our first post should be all about the bedroom. The bedroom is the most personal part of the home and when done right its a very tricky place to make yourself leave in the morning. Below are just a few of our favorite spaces.