ElleDecor.com quoted me in their "Design Insiders' weekly column about one of my favorite websites, Simply Breakfast. Check it out here. And many thanks to ElleDecor.com!!!
February 25, 2011
February 23, 2011
Pier 1 Imports' Spring-Inspired Chairs
Pier 1 Imports' latest offerings have spring plastered all over them. I'm especially smitten with the company's upholstered chairs in floral prints. These options would go really well with a chocolate brown dining table, or tucked away in a cozy corner of a living room. Can't you see it?
Teal Floral Cadman Chair, $199.95
Liliana Floral Chair, $$379.95
Josette Chair, $169.95
Addyson Chair, $299.99
February 20, 2011
Jenna Lyons' Chic Home
Here a few photos highlighting the home of J. Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons. I came across them on Brides.com, which has a great archive of photos from Domino. No explanation needed, right? Her home is chic, modern--just gorgeous....
February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Table Settings
Don't stress yourself out with over-the-top table settings for your Valentine's Day dinner at home. Grab a bunch of pink and red carnations from your local florist, throw a bag of Sweethearts candies or Red Delicious apples into a bowl (preferably crystal), and pick up two red cloth napkins to create the perfect evening. And don't forget a candle or two--they always make everything feel that much more special. Check out these fun images for some additional V-Day inspiration:
MarthaStewart.com
Better Homes and Gardens
Via Designs 4 Living
HGTV.com
February 9, 2011
Designer Diane von Furstenberg's New Home Collection
We all know Diane von Furstenberg made the wrap dress a staple in every woman's wardrobe. Now the designer has broken into the home category with a collection of vibrant pieces to dress up your bed and add an extra dose of style to your dining experience. Check out the collection on Bloomingdales.com and this New York Times review.
Miro Flowers Dinnerware. Photo: Bloomingdales.com
February 7, 2011
The Top 5 Reasons Why Domino Magazine Worked
The premiere and last issues via ShelterPop.
1. It wasn't complicated. There's something to be said about the way living spaces were showcased in its pages. Of course there was a lot of styling involved to produce the beautiful photos that we all connected with month after month, but there was also an element of simplicity about them. The homes never gave off the impression of being overdone and I could often envision myself living in the very spaces I read about in every issue.
2. Trend coverage. The editors did a nice job of capturing home market trends, which is one of the main reasons people turn to design magazines. You want to know about those of-the-moment pieces, even if it's a trend that doesn't fully resonate with you.
Photo: Paul Costello for Domino (via Brides.com)
3. The right dose of secondary content. In addition to stylish homes, there were often pages on beauty and fashion. This all made for a fun mix and, in my opinion, really helped to solidify the magazine as an expert. It demonstrates editorial strength when a magazine can delve into a subject that's not its main focus and still cover it in a way that seems to mesh well with its primary content.
4. Branding. Beyond the print issues, I loved perusing the photos on the magazine's interactive website and was thrilled when it published Domino: The Book of Decorating (which, of course, has a permanent spot on my bookshelf). Brand extensions build reader loyalty and the magazine was definitely on track in this regard.
5. The Covers, the covers, the covers. Covers help to sell magazines and make you want to dig into an issue immediately. There's no denying that Domino's editors mastered the art of crafting great covers. From punchy coverlines to models who looked so happy and comfy in the homes in which they were photographed, the covers were always just right.
Don't you just miss it? I sure do. And if you weren't aware, Brides.com carries some of Domino's images under its home section.
