fireplace: which one do you adore?

Although we're creeping up on June (can you believe it?) - I suddenly came across loads of fireplaces that gave me a lot of inspiration (which is probably due to the fact that it's cold and rainy in San Francisco today). Who knew it could be so chilly in May? I've had dreams about having a fireplace one day, but if I had to decide I can honestly say that I have no idea what kind of fireplace I would want. Would you have a modern or classic fireplace? I know we all dream of having one, so chime in!

Images: 1. Carol Bokuniewicz & John Smallwood's Home 2. Christian Larsen for Elle Decor Italia 12/10 3. Lonny Magazine 4. Convoy 5. Two Art Directors

Exclusive: A Look Inside Elle Decor’s Modern Life Concept House

Friends since our Design Club High School days, before the word blog existed, it is a treat to be asked by Caitlin to be her New York City contributor for Sacramento Street. As an Interior Designer in New York City, Sacramento Street is my go to Lifestyle Blog for design for a West Coast perspective. It is truly an honor to be apart of such an inspiring blog.

To kick it off I had a chance to work with the talented photographer Jamie Beck, from the blog From Me To You, to cover the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House in New York’s Chelsea gallery district. The ten Interior Designers selected by Elle Decor were each assigned a room and paired with vendors to create their vision in two, two bedroom apartments. After a quick sweep through both, I was drawn to the east apartment 10C featuring designers Beth Martin, Sara Story, Grant K. Gibson and Aurelien Gallet.

Beth Martin, one of Elle Decor’s A- List Designers to Watch in 2011, was selected to do the Living Room with Calligaris. New York City ‘alumni’ and now San Franciscan, Martin says the best thing about leaving New York after ten years was putting away her high heels! “New York has a masculine energy,” says Martin “I wanted this space to have the same energy, yet sexy with feminine elements through lyrical feminine forms in the artwork and walking female figure sculpture.”

The juxtaposition carried through out from the cement and metal base coffee table that sat on the soft white alpaca rug, layered with books, a large wicker tray and rock crystal paperweight, to the textured columns that were covered in a slightly metallic cork wallcovering takes the Living Room from cold modern to organic industrial chic.

One of my favorite pieces in the Living Room was the bark covered ‘Giacometti esque’ arm chair - a piece of art rather than a place to sit. Placed next to it, in perfect contrast, was a sculptural steel floor lamp with a single exposed filament bulb from, a new favorite source of mine, Battersea. Check out the rest of their inventory from vintage trunks to Moroccan pottery on 1st Dibs.

Martin’s design flows seamlessly into fellow San Franciscan and A-List Designer to watch in 2010, Grant K. Gibson’s Kitchen and eat in Dining Room with Bosch. Known for his “well edited, classic spaces that are not only beautiful but functional”, Gibson’s design is clean, simple and clever! My favorite part had to be the use of take out menu pages as the Kitchen backsplash - how genius and something anyone can do on their own. What would you use - newspaper? wrapping paper? pages from your favorite book?

The Concept House is open to the public now for three weekends until June 5th. If your in New York, make sure to put it on you weekend to do list and don’t forget to grab a copy of the June Elle Decor to see who else made the A-List!

Until next month,

Lauren

*Photo: All images taken by the talented Jamie Beck exclusively for Sacramento Street

a new week lies ahead . . .

The gorgeous simplicity of this entry is truly divine. Along with the unique woven radiator, which is brilliant. Why can't they all look this chic?

Hope each and every one of you had a marvelous weekend. Anything exciting happen? We had a wonderful low-key anniversary, which is exactly what both of us needed. A little drive up to Napa was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. Thank you all for the well wishes.

I'm ready for a lovely week of possibilities and the hopes that it goes by quickly.

Photo: Photography by Stephen Clement for Elle Decor via bluepoolroad

Sacramento Street on ElleDecor.com!

What a great way to end a wonderful week. I'm so tickled to have been featured on Elle Decor's website - one of my all time favorite magazines. Since it's a magazine that I've been reading since I can remember, it means even more to be part of their "Design Insiders’ Weekly Finds."

If you've never been to Jessica's utterly inspiring blog, Destined to Design - go now! When I need a burst of inspiration it's the first place I go. Plus, she's the sweetest lady out there in the blogsphere.

Hope of all of you have a lovely weekend - I'm off to celebrate with a little bubbly!

eclectic + contemporary

Matt Berman's New York City loft isn't a style I'm usually drawn to, but this living room gives me a burst of inspiration that I need to push myself to try something new. The huge windows and wall of books is something I want in a feature home!

Does anything strike your fancy?

*Photos: Photographed by Roger Davies for Elle Decor November 2010

What A Night: Kelly Wearstler + Elle Decor Showhouse

Last night Katie Armour and I were lucky enough to be invited to two fabulous events. First we met up at Gump's for the Kelly Wearstler book signing. Let me just say, she is beautiful and so down to earth. Best part, she recognized my blog name and asked me for my card - I almost fainted. I will treasure my signed copy of Hue forever!

After that we hopped in my car and drove over to St. Francis Wood to the Elle Decor Showhouse. It was spectacular - bravo to every single designer! I managed to snap a few photos even though the house was packed with stylish San Franciscans. Enjoy!

Entry Foyer - Kendall Wilkinson: Walking into the St. Francis Wood home you are greeted with this stunning light. It took my breath away. It's accompanied with art that both Katie and I want in our homes.

Row one - Grant Gibson's Youth Bedroom: Do you want to be transported back to your teens - just walk right into Grant's ultra fab teen bedroom. He nailed it! Not only are the pink walls and wallpaper fabulous, but he staged it perfectly. Just imagine twilight, Gaga, iPad, popcorn and the best part a lipstick heart with "edward" in the middle!

Row Two - Jay Jeffers's Master Bedroom: This sophisticated bedroom had a glam feeling with touches of black and gray throughout.

Row Three - Erin Martin's Media Room: As you walk down the stairs to the lower level you don't know what to expect, but we were graced with an ultra glam media room. A huge couch, fireplace, uber unique chairs - it's exactly how you want a media room to look.

Elizabeth Martin's Bedroom: Stepping into this tranquil bedroom I instantly felt as though I could live there - wish I could. The neutral palette accompanied with blues and a hint of yellow make this room perfection. A few of my favorite things; the custom-made headboard (I want it in my house now), the blanket Elizabeth made at the end of the bed and the blue velvet chair (I would curl up with a book or a stack of magazines every night if I had this chair). The last touch I fell head-over-heels for - a custom journal on the bedside table with Elizabeth's name on it. She saw me gasp and told me you can get one here. I'm running to Papyrus today to get my very own!