sophisticating

design obsession: cabins

2012-02-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

happy monday!

maybe it's just me, but this monday has me longing for "the other." ANYTHING other than...this. now. the first month of the new year is over, i have successfully cannonballed into the deep end at work, the calendar is already jam-packed...and i find myself already yearning for a little escape. a little time to sloooooow it down.

if you're in the same boat as me, it's time to book a therapy session OR spend a minute or two or twenty on the photos below. i stumbled across these via bright bazaar via apartment therapy via cabin porn. just the sight of them was enough to give me a little moment of inspiration to carry me through. i'd love to own a splendid little place like this someday. not too big, not too fancy - just a room, a major view and lots of fresh air.

...happy sophisticating...

saturday splendor: steven gambrel

2012-02-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

i recently stumbled across the site of s.r. gambrel, a remarkable design firm in nyc. i'm quite familiar with their work, as they've been featured in the pages of just about every design magazine i scour. why i hadn't thought to go straight to the source and dive headlong into the splendor, i'll never know. but i have now and let me tell you...it's glorious.

steven gambrel is the mastermind behind it all and i love his work for a number of reasons:
1- his ability to seamlessly blend the modern and traditional. he will combine unbelievably timeless furnishings with pops of mid-century modern in a way that is so elegant and confident and right.
2- his pops of color. i think we all know how obsessed i am with neutrals right now, but i couldn't help but become lost in his use of color. he uses bright, fun colors in a way that is not the least bit juvenile or cliche. so inspiring.
3- he has a background in architecture, which becomes abundantly clear when you dive into his work. it's clear that he spends a significant amount of time understanding the structure of a space, and then uses the design to elevate that structure. i think this is why there is so much variety in his work - he has the ability to adapt to what the house itself needs, and not just impose his own sensibility on things. this is no one-trick-pony.

this is a rather photo-heavy post. as it should be. give in to the splendor.
...happy sophisticating...

okay, i just had to sneak in my neutrals.

i wish i could sit there for hours. unbelievable light.

there are no words. just, perfection.

again with the light. and that daybed? utterly fantastic.

i mean, that piece! unreal.

perfect.

almost trumps carrie & big's closet.

now THIS is a children's room.

design obsession: all white spaces

2012-01-27T12:55:00.001-08:00

happy friday. we are nearing the end of january so it must be admitted, 2012 is well underway. new beginnings are always inspiring to me - they make me want to toss out everything and start fresh.

i am finding myself inexplicably drawn to white spaces as of late. there is something so clean and new and hopeful about them. light always looks especially good in all white spaces, and i am nothing if not a sucker for good light.

image courtesy of house beautiful

this post is perhaps a bit image heavy, but they are all just too glorious. against an all white background, subtle variations have more substance, more depth. don't you just feel calm looking at all of them?

here's to a fresh start!
...happy sophisticating...

image courtesy of house beautiful

love the table. love the cushion cover. love the architectural molding. love. love. love.
image courtesy of house beautiful

those accessories just pop!
image courtesy of house beautiful

those white wood walls are SO charming. the neutral palate makes the rug such a statement.
image courtesy of house beautiful

image courtesy of house beautiful

so fun.
image courtesy of house beautiful

image courtesy of house beautiful

i almost can't speak about this, it's so perfect.
image courtesy of house beautiful

image courtesy of house beautiful

couldn't you just sit there with your coffee all morning?
image courtesy of house beautiful

image courtesy of house beautiful

that. door. holy cow!
image courtesy of house beautiful

all white with metallic pops. heaven!
image courtesy of house beautiful

unbelievable subtlety. fabulous mix of textures.
image courtesy of design sponge

this might be my favorite. love the porcelain collection featured in the dark cabinet. heaven!
image courtesy of design sponge

i just know i'd be more interesting and productive if this were my office.
image courtesy of design sponge

design obsession: balloons

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

happy chinese new year!
[true, i am not chinese, but i'm just kicking things off for 2012.]

it's a new year, people. let's get festive.
let's start with a bang...or a pop, as it were.
i want to highlight a major trend i'm seeing in events & design...balloons!
these are not your mama's party-city-elmo-threw-up-all-over-the-sky balloons.
these are chic.
sophisticated even.
the incarnation of "class has no price range."

i've been using balloons in unique, graphic ways ever since i started out in events - but i'm loving all of the new inspiration & creativity that is emerging in the wedding & event universe with these simple, child-like, often inexpensive design elements!

inspiration below. which is your favorite?
...happy sophisticating...

apropos for new years. love the monocromatic color palatte and the use of mylars. super simple but the absolute mass quantity makes it so fun and chic!
image courtesy of shelter interior design.

love this idea - a wall of balloons. great design feature for a party, or perhaps a backdrop at a wedding or photo booth. time consuming? yes. expensive? NOPE!
image courtesy of martha stewart weddings.

planning a birthday surprise? go big.
image courtesy of vogue italia january 2001.

LOVE the jumbos. what a fun way to add some sass to a large bridal party.
image courtesy of 100layercake.

love the use of poms mixed in. these don't require helium, just a little maneuvering. i'd imagine they could last a long time too. i love how the colors transition from blues to purple. tres chic!
image courtesy of 8foot6.

ombre balloons. BRILLIANT. so simple and so chic - proof positive that you don't need a large budget to host a sophisticated party.
image courtesy of jillian harris.

and a close up.

love this. it's a little cray cray, but so fun. the strings are tied to the inner border of the table, so they really wouldn't be that obtrusive. suddenly simple white linens become breathtaking!
image courtesy of lovelornunicorn.

white jumbo balloons featuring a custom monogram - from my own nuptials nearly 4 years ago! they made graphic statement in mass quantity, not to mention a whole lot of fun.

design obsession: pinterest

2011-10-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

if you were to write the history of "sophisticating" and were required to classify the last two months of my blogging life, you'd undoubtedly refer to them as "the quiet years." rather than bore you with a million excuses as to why i've been so silent, suffice it to say: the day job launched into full swing (and took its rightful place as afternoon and evening job as well)...and... i have discovered PINTEREST.

perhaps you're living under a rock and have not embraced the wonder that is pinterest. it's essentially a giant virtual pinboard for everything you stumble across that you want to remember. "but i bookmark," you say. oh no. no, no no my friend. you must pin. it's all about pinning now.

i thought i'd spend my "excuse" blog post instead giving you reason to thank me. albeit distracting, pinterest has given me the opportunity to feel that my late night internet foraging is not in vain, even though it hasn't resulted in a blog post. until now.

here is a sneak peek from each of my "boards." you see, dear friends, with pinterest i am not limited to discussions of parties and interiors. oh no. i am extending my sophisticated search to all corners of the world. clothing, accessories, travel, hair-dos--you name it. it's all there.

...happy sophisticating...

board: home sweet home

board: home sweet home

board: home sweet home

board: home sweet home
i wish i was typing this from a space like this. heaven.

board: loft design inspiration

board: loft design inspiration

board: threads

board: threads

board: slippers

board: slippers

board: wanderlust
sorrento, italy

board: party time!

board: party time!

board: health inspiration

board: health inspiration

board: gifts

board: gifts

board: lovely locks

board: lovely locks

board: bags & bling

board: bags & bling

board: outdoorsy

board: outdoorsy

if you're looking to a link to the original source, visit my pinterest page:
http://pinterest.com/victoriasmith/.
that's the genius - it saves all of the links FOR you.
if you would like to be invited to pinterest, leave a comment.
i'm happy to oblige.

setting the mood: scent

2011-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

next up in our series on "setting the mood" is SCENT. i've gone on and on about some of my favorite home fragrances, such as:

elysian garden by voluspa

tomato blossom candle from target

i needn't attempt to describe a bunch of abstract scents or scent combinations for an entire blog post--that would be about as interesting as...well...something boring.

SO here are my scent ground rules for dinner parties, events and the like!

1- your home (or venue) smells. it just does. whether you know it or not. it has A smell. wouldn't you rather decide what that smell is? rule number one is: choose a scent.

2- feel free to fill the house with scent, but when you are trying to fill a large space, pick something subtle and be consistent from room to room, with only subtle variation. vanilla is safe--people have positive scent memories with vanilla, and rarely is it too overwhelming. for that reason it can also be a little boring. fresh, natural, organic scents are always pretty safe. stick with nature. oil reed diffusers can be great for this sort of thing, because they give you a strong first "whiff" but mellow out throughout the rest of the space. avoid anything too flowery, gardenia-y or musky and you run the risk of having a few offended noses.

the only exception, in my mind, is the volcano candle from anthropologie.
anyone who doesn't like it is basically not welcome in my house. so that's that. ;)

3- be sure to place scent strategically in the...powder room. can you sense my attempt at subtlety? ;) and i'll leave that one alone.

4- NEVER--i mean NEVER--have scented candles in your dining room or around your food. it will totally throw off your guests' taste buds and they will miss out on the subtle flavors of the delectable fare you are providing. the only scent your dining room needs is that of wafting food. no one wants a nose full of gardenia when they are trying to enjoy their filet mignon.

5- get seasonal with your scent. vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate-dipped-sugar-cookie-star-munchie are all great choices for the holiday season. keep it light and fresh in the spring, a bit more fruity or tropical in the summer, and bust out the pumpkin spice in the fall. instant "feel-good" points.

6- try mixing up scent throughout your event. what if you had a nice fresh scent as people arrived, mellowed things out during the main activity, and then brought in a warm, spicy scent at the end of the event. something so subtle, but it could really subconsciously set the mood. wait, what was that? set the mood?! bingo.

okay, now spill your secrets. what are your favorite scents?

...happy sophisticating...

setting the mood: sparkle

2011-07-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

next up for setting the mood at your event is the SPARKLE - or lighting! i have to admit this is something i obsess over, both at simple backyard dinner parties, and at special events i plan at work. truthfully, i think might be the most important element of any event.

there are two layers to lighting--the lighting on your table, and the lighting of your venue. both are equally important and powerful. here is a great example of both:

a simple placesetting becomes unbelievably sophisticated with a mass of taper candles and some seriously cool metal lanterns. they set such a special mood!
photo via cubesedenwedding

some quick tips to create sparkle at your event:

1- rarely does an occasion call for "full, bright-as-day lights." NEVER does an occasion call for florescent lighting. ew. everything feels more special in dimmed light. everyone looks better in dimmed light. you kind of can't go wrong. if the lights in your home are not dim-able, SHUT THEM OFF. put tons of candles everywhere and i swear, you could serve mcdonald's happy meals and your guests would still think it was fabulous.
2- simple things become sensation in mass quantities, as mentioned above. buy a bulk bag of tea lights, but them in interesting (or not-so-interesting) containers, line them up in a straight line, or a strategically un-straight line and BAM. you've got sparkle. don't overthink it. don't feel like everything has to match perfectly. anything, i mean ANYthing, can become a fun theme if you just go all out with it.
3- in a room, look for architectural elements to highlight. does your dining room have built-ins? find a way to light them up. does your wedding venue have an amazing ceiling? throw some uplights on it and suddenly you have a show-stopping venue - and a much more affordable decor solution rather than, say, draping the ceiling.
4- a little goes a long way. if you want to hang a ton of paper lanterns above your dining area, or wedding venue, don't feel obligated to light them all. haphazardly choose which ones should contain light and it will add a sense of mystery to the space. bare edison bulbs are becoming really popular now. if you intend to clump a ton together for a makeshift, industrial chandelier, don't light them all. it'll be way too overwhelming. light a few and the reflection off of the other bulbs will do the work for you! if you are going to ere on the side of too bright or too dim, always lean toward too dim. it's sexier.

below are some of my favorite examples of fabulous and sophisticated sparkle. which are your favorites?

...happy sophisticating...

this all white color palate truly sparkles!
photo via pinterest

LOVE the simplicity of this design. you don't even need to worry about centerpieces in the midst of this fabulous candlelight. the linear placement plays up on the long tables and the scope of the room. brilliant!

candles on every flat surface make the room glow.
photo via serendipitydesignsblog

LOVE the use of lanterns mixed with simple tea lights. notice how dark the rest of the venue is? but it doesn't even matter.
photo via stylemepretty

some of the tables have candles, some don't. paper lanterns but NONE are lit, because there are twinkly lights surrounding. brilliant, beautiful and cost-saving!

this is a great example of good indoor lighting. rather than leave all of the work to one chandelier, there is supplemental candlelight surrounding the room, making the entire room glow.
photo courtesy of house beautiful

mason jar lanterns. the ultimate diy touch, and SO chic.

simple lanterns hung at a variety of heights become extra special.

could this be any more stunning? look at the sparkle on that stemware because of simple tealights. and notice the paper lanters--randomly lit. this is the epitome of event sparkle.
photo via 4bostondj

shifting into venue lighting--this is an event i did at work. we did a simple ceiling drape inside a tent, but the lighting really made it sing. when in doubt--go with amber washes on lighting--it warms up a space like no other.

another one of my events. sometimes if you can't afford a lot of complex lighting, it's best to go with one stand-out statement. once this chandelier lit up the room, no one remembered they were in a tent.

having a simple outdoor event? hang some cafe bulbs--it will become special instantly! my backyard is pitch black at night--we strung tons of these lights in a canopy from our house, through our trees--so charming!

love the atmosphere created with these cafe bulbs.

this is a great example of creative venue lighting. these lights are called pinspots. they take a great deal of expertise to hang, but a little can go a long way. notice how the center portion of each table is perfectly lit? so simple, but so stunning.
photo via ocaudiovisualsolutions

this technique is called uplighting. an all white venue is completely transformed with blue gels on uplights--the lighting takes the simple tent draping to the next level.
photo via ocaudiovisualsolutions

the last lighting technique: gobos. those incredible shapes on the ceiling are the result of a gobo--a metal stencil that is placed over a light to cast an incredible design on any surface. have them custom made for your event--you can feature designs, pictures, words--the sky is the limit. what a way to customize an event!

setting the mood: soundtrack

2011-07-27T09:26:00.001-07:00

part two in setting the mood is all about music. so, for starters, i am of the mind that you NEED background music. it's like a social safety net--hides silence if there is a lull in the conversation, offers you a conversation topic if you are at a loss--but above all, music can help you set the tone for your party. so, here are some great principles for you to apply as you pick music for any kind of event!

1- consider soundtracks! often times movie or television soundtracks have done the work for you. if you liked the feeling you walked away with after a movie, chances are the soundtrack is one you'll really enjoy! so if you want your guests to walk away from a party with a similar feeling, consider featuring the soundtrack throughout your larger party playlist. having said that, be sure to eliminate the inevitable "susie finds out the bad news" or "mr. darcy fights with lizzie" that can sneak into any soundtrack. ;)

my hands-down, go-to soundtrack is from the movie "something's gotta give." lots of great french music, some classic jazz--every song on the album really captures that sophisticated, romantic, relaxed feeling--just like the movie. more of my favorite soundtracks are featured below...

2- consider your audience. if you've got lots of young kids, pick music that will be fun for them, but also be enjoyable for their parents. an older group? go with the classics -- like jazz standards performed by new artists. an indie crowd? steer clear of top 40 pop. do you want the party to feel upbeat? mellow? celebratory? pick accordingly. as a rule, dinner parties need to strike a balance between perky and mellow while hors d'oeuvres or cocktail parties need a bit more energy.
3- consider your theme. often times this rule can pick the playlist for you. if you are having a theme party of any kind, use music as an opportunity to tie everything together. i always think it's best to aim for "middle of the road" thematic music. for instance, if you are having a fancy bbq, or a western theme, shoot more toward carrie underwood or rascall flats, less toward billy ray cyrus. you never want to divide your group over the music--keeping things more middle of the road will ensure that your theme is highlighted, but you aren't isolating any of your guests with an extreme style of music.
4- consider the flow of your event. music has the unique ability to help you create a variety of moods throughout an event, so be mindful as you order your playlist.
as an example, this is how i would select the music for a classic dinner party:
as people arrive, select music that is calming, but perky. instrumental can be good (soundtracks in particular) but choose songs that are positive and help them relax, and ease in to the party mood. keep the volume just high enough so that any awkward silences existing between guests feel minimized.
during dinner, keep the volume low, but the music should be increasingly upbeat. you never want to reach the point of dance music, but ideally the music should be carrying you to a peak right toward the end of your entree. throw in a few "classics" or "throwbacks" that everyone knows, but haven't heard in ages. they are sure the keep the energy up, and who knows? maybe everyone will burst into song! ;)
as dessert and after-dinner coffee is served, start bringing the energy level down again. you can take things a bit lower than when guests arrived--but not so low they want to ask for a pillow and stay the night. keep things mellow and a bit interesting--a lot of times newer artists covering older songs are great as the evening winds down. songs feel familiar, but not entirely recognizable. but always, end somewhat mellow.

as far as specific recommendations---where do i begin???
so, i thought i'd feature the albums i look to as kind of "across the board" great music for a variety of age groups, but they certainly only scratch the surface.

...happy sophisticating...

this one is a more recent discovery for me--i love the tv show, parenthood, and finally thought to check out the soundtrack. utterly delightful! everything from bob dylan to amos lee, this is just an all around great soundtrack, with some fabulous party music.

strangely, this has become an oldie but a goodie, but the garden state soundtrack is just great music. crafted by zach braff himself, it was the best of the best, the newest and freshest when it first came out. now, it's still pretty stinkin' awesome. good "wind down the party" music.

once again, a fantastic zach braff creation. this one's a bit more upbeat, but equally fabulous.

mostly instrumental, with a few well chosen non-instrumentals. this has a very family-friendly, perky, good vibe. the talented composer, sondre lerche, is just so so good. this will just make you feel happy.

given the fact that this film featured a ten minute montage of paris in the 60s, you can bet the soundtrack is amazing. a few great instrumental pieces, but mostly fun, jazzy party music. it's just heavenly.

you can probably tell i have a thing for french music at this point, but the french are just SO great at capturing a feeling. carla bruni is no exception. and she's married to the president of france so, you know, she has that whole royalty thing going on.

earth, wind and fire are great for ramping up the energy. i'm telling you--everyone from small children to the grandparents will be singing along. one of those "i haven't heard this in AGES, i LOVE this song" artists.

i'm telling you--listen to an album like this and you will be amazed again at all of the incredible music michael jackson made. throw in a few "old school" classics and your guests will love it.

duh.

you'd be surprised how happy everyone becomes humming along to "every little thing...gonna be alright." just one or two, but you can't go wrong.

diana krall is the epitome. jazz classics, redone in the RIGHT way. i don't know what more to say--perfect at the start and end of the party. your guests will feel like they are in a movie.

had to end with james vincent mcmorrow, because he's my new fave. some of his music is better for the hosts to fall asleep to, but there are a handful of perfect "wind down the evening" songs that will have all of your guests asking "oh my gosh, who is this? this is amazing."

what are some of your go-to party songs?

setting the mood: seating

2011-07-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

this week i am going to be featuring a series on "setting the mood." aside from major occasions and milestones, a lot of people just don't entertain anymore. maybe they are too busy, or intimidated at the prospect of hosting people in their home.

most of these tips will pertain to the "at home dinner party"--it's accessible, intimate and has SO much potential to become truly special. however, any of these tips can be applied to everything from birthday parties and weddings to home decor.

the first element of setting the mood is SEATING.
often overlooked but, in my mind, pretty obvious. you're having a dinner party, you want people to experience comfort, so for heaven's sake, give them someplace comfortable to sit!

photo courtesy of sarah richardson

first off: sit in your dining chairs. if after five minutes you are uncomfortable, chances are your guest certainly won't want to sit for an hour or so over a long, leisurely dinner.

secondly: pay attention to the height of your chairs. if the chair is too high, they won't be able to cross a leg, or they'll be leaning down over their plate the whole evening. too low and they will feel like a little kid, shoveling food into their mouths the whole evening.

third: if you have arm chairs at your table, make sure there is enough room for someone to scoot in and out. armless chairs, you can really cram in. true, in an ideal world you want to have a comfortable amount of distance between each guest -- but i am of the mindset that it's kind of sexy to have people sitting in close quarters--let them bump elbows a little...it might start something ;)

four: get creative! "that chair belongs in the living room," you say? nonsense. feel free to use living room chairs in the dining room. in my opinion, SO chic. grab that old bench from the backyard and put it at the table too! little unexpected touches make things novel and fun. having a gourmet menu? consider rustic, casual seating to keep things accessible. backyard bbq? drag those chairs from the living room and class it up a bit!

enjoy some of my favorite seats below.
...happy sophisticating...

love the grown up chairs with the relaxed slipcovers. so comfy!
photo via lifeinthefunlane

i can't say enough about this. the color palette, the bench, the wingbacks. it's all fabulous. wouldn't you feel special being invited to this dinner party?
photo via decorpad

love the dining room IN the kitchen. LOVE the seating.
photo via decorpad

you know this dinner party will last for hours and hours.
photo via simplyseleta

love the mix of seating here. you just know your guests will be fighting over who gets to sit on the fun pillows. suddenly a traditional setup become fresh and innovative.
photo via decorpad

wondering who sits next whom? check out this adorable seating strategy guide from real simple!

coming next week: SETTING THE MOOD!

2011-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

aside from recipes, i know i don't tend to offer much in the way of "how to's" on this blog. it has tended to be a bit more "do as i do" or "let's admire pretty things together."

SO next week i will be featuring a series on "setting the mood" at an event, wedding, birthday party, dinner, get together...you get the idea.

each day i'll be revealing some of my favorite tips & tricks to turn any gathering into something truly special.

stay tuned! you are in for a treat.
until then, here is a quick sneak peek of one of the upcoming features to inspire you!

photo courtesy of 4bostondj

...happy sophisticating...

tidbit: dreamy garden room

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

i leave for vacation in four delicious days, but this photo has me dreaming of a slower pace already. LOVE the slouchy white slipcovers, chandelier and those fabulous french doors.

...happy sophisticating...

photo courtesy of canadian house & home

tidbit: hither & thither

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

my husband and i have a bad case of wanderlust. while we love our [relatively] simple life in our little cottage, we love to travel -- which, for us, usually means lots of wandering, peacefully taking in the sights and quintessential "local" experiences, scoping out fabulous restaurants, dipping into shops and trying to gather the feeling of a place.

well, when it comes to travel guides, we have hit the jackpot.
hither & thither.

the couple in venice, italy.

a darling couple, living in manhattan, who love to travel just like us. i knew we'd struck gold when i read through their post on napa and it looked like they photocopied the photo album of our trip. the will, heretofore, be our "go to" travel resource.

check out their blog. beautiful photos. incredible tips & recommendations that seem to really capture the spirit of a place. even the way they document their everyday life will leave you inspired. whether you're planning a trip, or you want to escape for a few minutes, you will certainly enjoy hither & thither!

...happy sophisticating...

enjoy a smattering of photos from their travels,
and from a local farmers market in manhattan!

sophisticateurs: the novogratz

2011-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

a little over a year ago i discovered the novogratz family. i became immediately obsessed with the unbelievably fashionable, new york-based couple -- house-flipping, avant garde, interior designers -- and their 7 [yes 7] children. imagine my delight at the news that they've landed their new design show, home by novogratz, on hgtv.

i love their outside the box approach to design. the normal rules don't apply to them, because they design in a way that works for THEM. large, open floor plans, communal living spaces, bright colors, white, fabulous flea market finds.

the homes featured below belong to them. they are famous for purchasing dilapidated, sometimes condemned properties and utterly transforming them into these unbelievable spaces. i'm smitten. you will be too.

tune in tonight, 7/16 at 10pm on hgtv.
...happy sophisticating...

their children's names? wolfie (wolfgang), tallulah, bellamy, breaker, five, holleder & major.
did i mention the entire family is signed with ford models? no, seriously.

before and after

they had this fabulous rooftop space where they loved to play basketball, but they kept losing the ball. so, naturally, they constructed this unbelievable chain-link dome to solve the problem. brilliant.

want more? check out more of their incredible designs at the
website for their company, sixx design.

tidbit: delectable dining

2011-07-07T07:00:00.001-07:00

a tidbit of delight. so fresh, so clean.
love the "interpretations" of red--from toile chairs, to high gloss chairs, to the deeply distressed light fixture--it's spot on!
i am convinced meals would taste better in this dining space.

...happy sophisticating...

photo courtesy of house beautiful

sophistikitchen: roasted beets & sauteed beet greens

2011-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

my friend carrie is pretty much amazing. matron of honor in my wedding, she is a dear friend, wife, mother of 3, educator, GOURMET chef, artist, gardener, raiser of chickens, caretaker of piper the labradoodle...the woman does everything, all the while making it look effortless & chic.

she & her family just left on a long vacation, so she gifted me her latest crop of beets. that's right.
HER. latest. crop.
i love beets, but had never roasted them, cooked with them, had them in my home in any form other than a can--you get the idea.

so i poked around the good ol' world wide web and came across this recipe that utilizes both the beets and their delicious greens, so that not one delicious morsel is wasted.

one word: YUM.

the result was a truly special thursday dinner. i'm hooked!

...happy sophisticating...

Roasted Beets & Sauteed Beet Greens
recipe courtesy of all recipes

Ingredients

1 bunch beets with greens
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped onion
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Wash the beets thoroughly, leaving the skins on, and remove the greens. Rinse greens, removing any large stems, and set aside. [Tip: Cutting the stems will result in purple hands. Twist them off for a much tidier experience. :)]
Place the beets in a small baking dish or roasting pan, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If you wish to peel the beets, it is easier to do so once they have been roasted.
Cover with foil, and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a knife can slide easily through the largest beet.
When the roasted beets are almost done, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and onion, and cook for a minute. Cut stems off of beet leaves, then tear the beet greens into 2 to 3 inch pieces, and add them to the skillet. Cook and stir until greens are wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the greens as is, and the roasted beets sliced with either red-wine vinegar, or butter and salt and pepper.We went "as is" and they were unbelievably rich and delicious!

photoshoot: ashley & ken

2011-07-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

i recently had the chance to work with the amazing husband & wife duo that is d'avello photography.

i coordinated mike & brynn's wedding last august, and was delighted when they called and asked me to style this engagement photoshoot with ashley, an old friend from high school, and her fiance, ken. we started at the fullerton train station and rode the train to union station in los angeles.

i am a sucker for classic architecture, so union station provided endless opportunities for incredible light, great lines and unbelievably romantic nooks and crannies. i didn't want any of the styling to interfere with the feeling of the station, or the romance between ashley and ken--so we went with a monochromatic color palette and some classic accessories. brynn & mike did an incredible job of capturing every little moment between ashley & ken, while capitalizing on the incredible venue. the results were stunning.

...happy sophisticating...

could they BE more photogenic? love it.

love the original seating--and check out that color palette! gorgeous washed out earth tones.

i love the way mike & brynn captured this moment.

we were shooting in front of a large area of the station that is roped off for special events. we very obediently adhered to the "no trespassing" rules, and it paid off! the security guard let us in for ten minutes!

the light was unbelievable.

i saved the best for last. they look stunning, the light is unreal--this makes me think of those classic portraits of french royalty.

more to come, as i'll be coordinating ashley & ken's september wedding!

design obsession: lake house

2011-06-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

i will be a bit "MIA" this week, as i am at a conference in minnesota. SO, in honor of the "land of 10,000 lakes," and to tide you over, feast your eyes on this incredible lake house, featured in house beautiful. this one's in alabama, but you get the idea. makes me want to escape and stare at the water for a good hour or two.

...happy sophisticating...

tidbit: lovely landscape

2011-06-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

the husband and i did some yard work this weekend...it's coming along!
we aren't quite HERE yet......you've got to have something to shoot for, after all :)

love the grand simplicity of it all--the boxwoods, the topiaries, and that porch? to die for.
photo courtesy of canadian house & home.

...happy sophisticating...

tidbit: preppy paradise

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

this fabulous space was designed by none other than tommy smythe, the quippy & always entertaining "design sidekick" of sarah's house fame.

check out the full house tour over at apartment therapy!

if you haven't seen the hgtv show, do yourself a favor and sophisticate your dvr space.

fabulous design
+
witty banter
+
the comfort of your own home
=
something cooler than your current saturday afternoon plans

...happy sophistcating...

obsession: sophistcated cleaning products

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

i know...i am SUCH a dork. BUT i am a firm believer that a sophisticated home, is a CLEAN home. i couldn't title this one a "design obsession" because i feel i need to be more honest than that. i can get a little nutty over cleaning products. i'm publishing this post at the risk of everyone i know expecting my house to be spotless all the time...or knowing better and thinking i'm a hypocrite. truth be told, i am no "martha stewart," but i do love a good "tidy" and these products, oddly enough, make the process almost enjoyable!

...happy cleaning, er, sophisticating...

i think i keep clorox in business with these bad boys. SO easy--i use them on everything. counters, floors, walls...whatever. they are "all natural"--not sure what that means, but it makes me feel a little superior. fully compostable, not too smelly and work like a charm. these have a permanent home on the counter.

ladies and gentlemen, i present my secret weapon. the eureka quick-up cordless vacuum. this is a great "pre-deep-clean" or "in-between-deep-cleans" tool. with hardwood floors and two puppies, i use it almost every day and it is incredible! great on carpets, too!

this is hands down, THE best wood floor cleaner out there. spray and mop (with the fancy micro-fiber moppy thing that comes with it) and your wood floors have never looked cleaner or more conditioned. makes the whole place just sparkle.

i hate smelly cleaning products, but i love products that actually do what they are supposed to. so consequently, i am obsessed with williams sonoma pink grapefruit products. your house will smell so fresh...almost magical.

washing windows is my favorite. why? instant gratification! it was dirty, now it's clean. love. enter williams sonoma microfiber spray window washer. whaaaat? too fabulous for words.

this is a big "duh." these things are insane. you THOUGHT you needed touch up paint, but really, you just needed a magic eraser. i have these on hand at all times. keeps everything looking new and freshly painted.

it's just hand soap, but it cleans like a dream--no grimy residue--and smells SO fresh. even perfumeaphobes will admit...this scent is heavenly!

now tidy up ;)

tidbit: sunflower heaven

2011-06-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

i have been putting off planting some iceberg roses...and these photos make me wish i could just fast forward to THIS:

ADORE the rustic diamond pattern. love the dining area nestled amidst the sunflowers. couldn't you just sit there for hours and hours?

love these planting beds and the old tin containers as planters. heaven!
photos courtesy of house beautiful.

...happy sophisticating...

design obsession: barn doors

2011-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

sorry for my brief absence--i was busy planning a commencement celebration for about 10,000 of my closest friends. :)

but i'm back! and with one of my favorite design obsessions to date.
barn doors.
i could go on and on.

before my husband and i purchased our little cottage, we put several offers in on the most fabulous loft spaces. i had BIG plans for incorporating some barn doors into our space but, alas, 'twas not meant to be. SO, here is a sneak peak at my inspiration photos.

i love them for the following reasons:
1. they are more interesting than your average door.
2. they are practical: now you see it, now you don't---with no bulkiness invading your living space when they are open.
3. they can go rustic OR modern.
4. they just look fabulous.

...happy sophisticating...

gorgeous.

these make such a beautiful design statement, while being so practical. i LOVE the whitewashing.

yellow! what a fun way to infuse the room with color. and that track is a work of art in its own right.
photo courtesy of modernfurnitureideas.net

such a fabulous, space-saving idea for an itty bitty bathroom. love the vintage, claw foot tub with the modern spout, and more modern barn doors.
design by max levy.

what a clever way to close off an indoor/outdoor space. perfectly weathered to match the decor.
photo courtesy of southern living.

what a way to jazz up a pocket door!
photo courtesy of sunset magazine.

made from oak wine barrels. wow.

a new way to hide kitchen clutter during a dinner party. LOVE that modern aesthetic.

i love that this warm wood is one of the only shots of color in the room. stark and industrial meets rich and organic. brilliant.
photo courtesy of house beautiful.

probably my favorite hardware of all time. so fresh and clean!
photo courtesy of house beautiful.

love love love this neutral aesthetic and love the wood detailing on the door! it looks like a union jack flag!
photo courtesy of habitat girl.

so fresh and modern!
by feldman architecture.

another shot of yellow. gorgeous!

i love how the blue is picked up by that artwork above the drafting table. love this color palate and love that hardware!

glossy red = fabulous!
photo courtesy of bestor architecture.

a more modern take---check out that hardware!
courtesy of bartels usa.

so rustic. so fabulous.
photo courtesy of design sponge.

this might be my favorite. the neutral aesthetic of the room is so serene---but what a brilliant way to handle two doors in a corner! gorgeous.
by darryl carter.

sophisticateur: erin fetherstone

2011-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

the recent edition of vogue's "APT with LSD" features designer erin fetherstone...it is so lovely, in fact, that i am blatantly featuring it here. it's just that fabulous. the full post is available at the vogue website, but here are a few sneak peeks so you can take in the loveliness with me.

could she be any more adorable?

...happy sophisticating...

love the sheep!!!

omg. swoon.

YES.

darling!

tidbit: sunny kitchen

2011-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

i have a long week ahead, but this kitchen just puts a pep in my step.
don't you agree?

THE perfect blend of modern and vintage.
love the white paint and the absence of upper cabinets.
really makes those ceilings soar!
love the modern cabinetry and clean artwork juxtaposed against the classic stove and distressed farm table.
i think it adds a really human element to the modern aesthetic.
and i'm sorry--double farmhouse sinks? to die for.

...happy sophisticating...

photo courtesy of canadian house & home, may 2009.

sophistikitchen: elegant chicken

2011-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

i come from a long line of entertainers. like, party planners, not clowns, or carnival people or something.

this is one of our "go to" family recipes for company.

simple. uncomplicated. but special and oh-so-sophisticated.

chicken in a white wine mushroom cream sauce---i am telling you: men, women, children...LOVE this sauce. it's addicting.

...happy sophisticating...

chicken élégant

ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
butter (1-2 T)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 T good season italian dressing mix
4 oz. chive cream cheese
1/3 C white wine
1-2 jars of button mushrooms
slivered almonds

preheat oven to 325 degrees.

melt butter in a frying pan. quickly sear chicken breasts on both sides
(do not brown! make sure they stay white.)

in a separate bowl, mix mushroom soup, italian dressing mix, chive cream cheese and white wine until smooth.

in the bottom of a 9x13 glass casserole, pour just a little sauce.
lay chicken breasts side by side and pour remaining sauce over them.
drain button mushrooms from liquid. sprinkle mushrooms over the chicken.

bake for 60-90 minutes.
(just keep an eye on it. sauce should be pretty bubbly--but don't leave it too long or chicken will dry out!)

serve with lots of sauce and sprinkle with slivered almonds for garnish.

best with long grain & wild rice + peas or grilled asparagus!

tidbit: the country home

2011-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

to send you off into the weekend with a little something special:
i think it's safe to say this is my dream home...no, dream LIFE, really. heaven!

...happy sophisticating...

photos courtesy of country living.

design obsession: foyers

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

ahhhhh the foyer.
[foi-er? foi-ey? fwa-yey? wuht-ev-er.]
it's so decadent, isn't it? the very concept that you'd dedicate an entire room to...entering.

our new home has the ittiest bittiest foyer (okay fine, it's an entryway), but i am trying my darndest to infuse it with some sophistication.

the way i see it, there are two ways to approach foyer decor:
1. the foyer sets the tone for the home. it creates a calming, welcoming space that is consistent with the rest of the home and gives you an idea of what to expect in the other rooms.
2. the foyer is the razzle dazzle. the dramatic "wow." a chance to be playful and zany. or, perhaps, a revved up, gilded version of the rest of the home.

in my mind, you can't go wrong either way, but whatever you do--be intentional. be thoughtful, tidy and strategic. it's such a fun space, because it is so practical, yet so superfluous at the same time. the same room that welcomes guests to fabulous, decadent dinner party is the room where you likely need to stash keys, mail, umbrellas and muddy shoes.

here are a PLETHORA of fab foyers. which is your favorite?
...happy sophisticating...

i love the light in this space, and the neutral color palate makes this homey and welcoming.
photo courtesy of house beautiful, december 2004.

love the sisal rug. love the convenient storage to the right of the door. LOVE the entry table with that custom skirt. fabulous!
photo courtesy of house beautiful, february 2007.

love the wall sconces. love the staircase (a risky choice with no railing), love the floors.
photo courtesy of design*sponge.

YAY FOR MODERN DESIGN!
photo courtesy of elle decor, february 2011.

it may look simple, but that is JUST the right shade of white.
photo courtesy of elle decor, april 2011.

perfect symmetry, with the exception of the stools. so cheeky.
photo courtesy of house beautiful, august 2008.

i am utterly obsessed with that door hardware. and the floors. and the crooked topiary trees.
photo courtesy of elle decor, november 2010.

i don't tend to love accent walls, but this just works. highlights that fabulous railing.
photo courtesy of house beautiful, december 2007.

this would be meg ryan's home on martha's vineyard. seriously? amazing. don't even get me started on the barn door---i have a whole 'nother "design obsession" coming for those...
photo courtesy of elle decor, june 2010.

beach house meets modern sophistication. love the white, clean lines and glass accessories!
photo courtesy of elle decor, june 2008.

so simple, but so fun!
photo courtesy of elle decor, october 2010.

so classic, but with a touch of the unexpected! who doesn't love hot pink?
photo courtesy of house beautiful, march 2009.

the wall molding literally takes my breath away.
photo courtesy of elle decor, july 2010.

can't you see yourself stealing away here during a party? gorgeous.

photo courtesy of design*sponge.

classic and lovely.
photo courtesy of elle decor, february 2011.

look closely--that is a custom table skirt. and the carved sheep? shut up.
photo courtesy of elle decor, may 2011.

not for everyone, but i think the leopard stair runner is sassy.
photo courtesy of metropolitan home, october 2009.

i think i might have chosen this one as much for the puppy as for the decor. :) he matches!
photo courtesy of elle decor, may 2011.

sophistikitchen: grilled vegetables

2011-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

this recipe is from the always adorable and sophisticated, Giada De Laurentiis.

it's not fair, is it?

i stumbled upon this in the cookbook above. simple, but truly stellar. i make these ALL the time. don't let the long list of ingredients throw you. this recipe just gives you options, but you can adapt with just about any number of veggies--and that vinaigrette? yowza. serve these veggies alongside anything and you'll be shocked at how people go back for seconds...and thirds...and...

...happy sophisticating...

ingredients

3 red bell peppers, seeded and halved
3 yellow squash (about 1 pound total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
3 zucchini (about 12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
3 Japanese eggplant (12 ounces total), sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick rectangles
12 cremini mushrooms (these might be my favorite)
1 bunch (1-pound) asparagus, trimmed
12 green onions, roots cut off
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

directions

place a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). (i use my le creuset grill pan.)

brush the vegetables with 1/4 cup of the oil to coat lightly.

sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper.

working in batches, grill the vegetables until tender and lightly charred all over:

8 to 10 minutes for the bell peppers

7 minutes for the yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms

4 minutes for the asparagus and green onions

the key to getting those great grill marks is to not shift the vegetables too frequently once they've been placed on the hot grill.

arrange the vegetables on a platter.

meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley, basil, and rosemary in a small bowl to blend.

add salt and pepper to taste. drizzle the herb mixture over the vegetables.

serve the vegetables, warm or at room temperature, you can't lose.

tidbit: prune-y fingers

2011-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

prune-y fingers...

...are what i'd get if this were my bathroom...because i'd NEVER get out of the tub.
heaven.

love the tile. love the "real" rug. love the chandelier. love the wall tapestry.
love. the. light.

...happy sophisticating...

photo courtesy of canadian house & home

tidbit: architectural salvage finds

2011-05-16T08:45:00.001-07:00

my husband and i recently made a trip to pasadena architectural salvage in search of unique accessories...what a treasure!

we scored these incredible vintage windows, which will be turned into fabulous "artwork" in our home. those sidelights even match the iron work on our 1934 heater grates!

check out these old street signs. LOVE them! an authentic version of the "vintage" subway signs circulating the big box design stores as of late!

subway sign art found at Restoration Hardware

if you are looking for unique home accessories, i highly recommend you check out your local architectural salvage store. shop with a discriminating eye, make sure all of the items you purchase are sturdy and can be cleaned--but you are sure to find more than you could ever imagine. and remember, the more you buy, the more you can bargain!

...happy sophisticating...

design obsession: neutrals

2011-05-13T11:56:00.001-07:00

this is a hefty edition of "design obsession" - mostly because it's a design topic near and dear to my heart.

neutrals.

i. love. neutrals.

in my early post-collegiate living environments, i was all about the pop of color.

turquoise.

then orange.

then lime green.

always against those "latte" walls that were becoming the new white for apartment living.
then i discovered gray. such a welcome shift. so cool. so...sophisticated.

so now, my entire home is neutral for two reasons:
1. i LOVE mixing cool and warm neutrals. my house now is a plethora of black, charcoal and dove gray...mixed with chocolate, latte, white. i think it creates an almost metallic effect---it's neutral, but interesting. i just think it's so stinking chic.
2. the REASON i love a neutral environment is this: my life is chaotic. i know this is true for most in the u.s. life is just so, so busy and something about having this calm, neutral environment feels like such an escape for me. if i am ever blessed to have a vacation home (say mid-century modern spread in palm springs, or a cottage in vermont), you can be sure it will be colorful and sunny and bright. but for everyday, there is something balanced and lovely about a neutral environment, where i can really rest.

so, i give you LOTS of photos celebrating my design obsession with neutrals.
...happy sophisticating...

i think neutral design and reclaimed wood are soul mates.
photo courtesy of design sponge

love these muted, neutral colors for a truly chic nursery.
photo courtesy of design sponge

love the sparkly mirror with the more organic furniture and pillows. love the high/low contrast. so smart!
photo courtesy of design sponge

i would feel like marie antoinette if i got to sleep in this bed every night.
photo courtesy of house beautiful

photo courtesy of house beautiful

love. love. love.
photo courtesy of house beautiful

don't you want to sit here for hours shucking corn or peeling something?
photo courtesy of house beautiful

photo courtesy of house beautiful

love the fancy bergere chairs covered in a more casual fabric. genius. another example of high/low!
photo courtesy of house beautiful

photo courtesy of house beautiful

heaven. classic wall moldings with distressed hardwood floors. heaven.
photo courtesy of design sponge

photo courtesy of design sponge

i have been obsessed with this home forever. nina gotlieb. WOW.
love the vintage tolix chairs. love the floor to ceiling windows.
photo courtesy of design sponge

so calming!
photo courtesy of design sponge

and i leave you with the last two seasons of restoration hardware designs. neutral nirvana!

tidbit: natalie portman for miss dior cherie

2011-05-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

as if i didn't love it enough, miss dior cherie now has the beautiful natalie portman, one of my favorite actresses, as the new face of their fragrance. check out this ad campaign.

channeling the spirit of audrey hepburn, with a "oui" bit of french influence.
[ get it, get it? ;) ]
stunning!

check out that sofa. si magnifique!

and i leave you with her commercial, filmed by the ALWAYS PERFECT sofia coppola.
natalie portman + miss dior cherie + sofia coppola = heaven.

...happy sophisticating...

tidbit: sunday spot

2011-05-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

if this were my backyard, every day would feel like sunday.

photo courtesy of house beautiful

why do i love it?
simple. structured. clean white & fresh green. comfy chairs with clean lines. perfect [i mean PERFECT] use of english boxwoods. love Love LOVE the use of english ivy.

...happy sophisticating...

1123: kitchen window before & after

2011-05-10T08:35:00.001-07:00

it may seem like a small thing, but one of the first things i knew we had to do when we bought this house was paint the kitchen window. it was creepy and brown and icky looking. my husband didn't know why i was making such a fuss, but now that it's freshly painted and shiny and new, he can't help but agree :)

and it makes and especially lovely backdrop for my potted herbs.

...happy sophisticating...

before. (well, post-taping, but before painting.)

before.

before. it's just dark and icky. don't you think?

after! so fresh and clean!

after! and my delightful little herbs finish it off.

after.

after. another delight? my custom vintage spoon herb markers. purchase on etsy via vintage garden.

design obsession: built-in bunk beds

2011-05-09T07:53:00.001-07:00

my husband and i just bought a two bedroom home, as i have shared. someday we hope to have children.
four or five, the be exact.

four to five children + two bedroom home = #bedroomfail

we don't think for a moment that this is the home we intend to keep throughout the entirety of our child-rearing years. however, logistically speaking, we need a plan. i am an only child, so the concept of room sharing is a bit foreign to me--but it certainly sounds exciting. communal. bohemian, even! (not necessarily words used to describe me on a daily basis.)

enter built-in bunk beds. why do i like them?
because they maximize space.
because they offer a certain amount of privacy that can often be lost in other forms of communal living.
because they are sophisticated. fit for grown-ups. pretty darn chic.

i feel like they can really grow with a family and offer a great solution to limited bedrooms.
i've even heard of a family with three kids in a 5 bedroom house--ample space--but rather than splitting everyone up and giving each kid a bedroom, they created a sleeping room, a play room and a library, so that the kids would spend more time together. "revolutionary" i know, but it makes so much sense to me. i kind of love the philosophy behind that.

i digress. enjoy pictures of these fabulous built-in bunks!
...happy sophisticating...

i think this is just gorgeous. love the molding, love the color--the light, the built-in storage. so special!
Photo courtesy of Traditional Home.

i'm a sucker for all things nautical, and this is a sleeping set up fit for little sailors. love the nautical light fixtures.
By Steven Gambrel.

Photo courtesy of Southern Living.

Photo courtesy of Southern Accents.

not bunk beds per say, but i still love the concept of the built-in beds. love that under-the-bed storage too!
Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.

wow.
Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.

again, not bunk beds, but this has a very "built-in" effect. LOVE that the curtains can close and create a little hideaway. so charming.

this is like a whole built-in ROOM. talk about practical.
Featured on *DesignSponge.

the epitome.
Courtesy of Decorno.

don't love the decor, but i love how consolidating the sleeping area creates such incredible living space.
Photo courtesy of Coastal Living.

If it's good enough for Tory Burch, it's good enough for me.
Featured in Vogue.

wouldn't you love to steal away here with a book for the afternoon? love the library feel.

this is, in my opinion, the pièce de résistance. those are full size beds, folks. see? fit for grown-ups. unreal!

tidbit: happy mother's day!

2011-05-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

in honor of mother's day, and as a tribute to my sophisticated mama, here is a sneak peek at my mother's day dinner setup. my mom has taught me everything i know and i'm so grateful for her!

...happy sophisticating...

on the menu?
to start
spinach salad with cranberries, feta & balsamic viniagrette
main course
salmon en papillote (in parchment) with lemon, capers & fresh rosemary
served alongside grilled asparagus &
warm orecchiette with pesto & fresh peas
dessert
mint hot fudge sundaes

event gallery: cinco de mayo dinner

2011-05-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

on may 5 i had a work event for our board of trustees. i was charged with the task of creating an elegant dinner, incorporating a "cinco de mayo" theme. eek. a bit daunting.

this was a sophisticated bunch of people, so it was essential that the atmosphere be calming, luxurious and serene---not kitschy, overly festive or garish, as cinco de mayo-themed events have a tendency to become.

so, i got to thinking and was inspired to create a "mexican resort" vibe. restful, muted colors, natural tones and organic accents. the results were, in my opinion, quite lovely!

many thanks to amazing florals by primary petals!

...happy sophisticating...

white lamour linens, handmade burlap runners and floral arrangements featuring succulents and white stock. featured in white square vases of varying heights, with burlap ribbon.

we bought these really incredible leaves, to serve as an organic twist on a charger. they were velvey and bright green with lighter green markings---the heat started curling them, so we flipped them over and realized the back was equally gorgeous and the perfect, muted shade of green to match the succulents!
note the favor: a miniature bottle of olive oil with a darling little tag...and the oil matches the subtle yellow in some of the filler flowers!

as the sun went down, the light of the candles reflected between the vases. so charming.

a simple touch of sophistication to play up on the venue---tea lights spaced every 12" along the balcony!

an aerial shot!

tidbit: black tie picnic

2011-05-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

now this looks heavenly. sophisticated, but keeping it real.

...happy sophisticating...

Images courtesy of Country Living

tidbit: garden shed

2011-05-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

my husband and i have been doing lots of yard work lately. what i wouldn't give for a heavenly little place like this for potting. can you say "glamorous?"

...happy sophisticating...

Image from Canadian House & Home

omg: summer is coming!

2011-05-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

dreaming of lazy days, warm summer nights, long meals under starry skies and taking some time to catch my breath! my sweetheart and i will be spending a glorious week in the napa valley this summer. until then, these photos will have to hold me over.

...happy sophisticating...

this is where we are staying!

omg: tomato blossom candle

2011-04-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

last year i blogged about the voluspa elysian garden candle.

i waxed poetic about its intoxicating scent. but inside, i cried. because it is way too expensive for me to have one in every single room. [i tend to be kind of all or nothing.]

but oh, my sad, scentless days are over thanks to the new tomato blossom candle at target. TARGET, i tell you! under $10 and i swear it smells ALMOST EXACTLY the same as its much more expensive voluspa counterpart.

do yourself a favor. buy 10. i did. literally.
i have them on nearly every flat surface in my home. so subtle. so clean. so fresh.
you'll thank me!

...happy sophisticating...

photo credit

event gallery: mike & brynn's wedding!

2011-04-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

brynn & mike are perfect for each other. like eerily so. they are the talented duo that make up d'avello photography.
[check out their work! it's fabulous!]

brynn & i went to high school together, so i was utterly delighted to have the chance to coordinate and carry out plans for their beautiful wedding last july.

if i had one word to describe the occasion, and them for that matter, it would be: FUN. the wedding had a fancy carnival theme and was laden with personal touches and endless handmade details. pennants, sewn by brynn. hand-painted signs, designed by mike. funnel cakes, cotton candy, margarita machine, IN N OUT, and candy. lots of candy.

it was summery, fun and oh-so-playfully sophisticated.
enjoy!

...happy sophisticating...

love that color palate!

probably the cutest seating assignments i've ever seen.

colored pencils and activity boxes for the kids table. such a brilliant touch!

we constructed these centerpieces from brynn & mike's handmade table numbers, brynn's pennants, pinwheels and the flowers. the result was so whimsical and fun! note the "old maid" cards on the tables for guests.

the head table.

each seat contained a customized wedding "cracker" with the guests name on it, as their place card.

the guest book, with colored pencils for guests! this is the bride's son, writing a special note to the happy couple :)

note the custom-made cake toppers--designed to look exactly like the bride and groom. down to the wardrobe!

gorgeous!

...............................

Venue: Crestmore Manor [Riverside, California]
Photography: Hanssie Trainor
Flowers: Flowers on Vine [Redlands, California]
Cake: Beverly's Best Bakery
Print Materials: Sonja D. Hurlbert of Freshly Clean Designs

event gallery: roy & jeana's wedding

2011-04-30T08:36:00.001-07:00

roy & jeana were married last august at the beautiful condor's nest in temecula, california.
i felt so honored to be selected as the coordinator for their big day.
jeana, a lawyer, was finishing studying for the bar exam while planning a wedding.
roy, currently working on his PhD in bioscience, is her perfect match.
too bad they aren't very intelligent. [wink!]
the day was filled with special details and personal touches.

jeana had a very clear vision for their day, which she described as "modern victorian"---she really wanted to play on the juxtaposition of old and new, rustic and polished---so sophisticated. the result was absolutely stunning. i loved the intense color palate, the gothic victorian touches and the utter beauty of the environment. congrats to jeana & roy!

...happy sophisticating...

flowers by honey & poppies

after a quick change, we were ready for the reception!

check out those stunning centerpieces.
for dinner?
a gourmet tapas-style meal fit for foodies. wow.

the wedding favor was homemade jam in these adorable jars with roy & jeana's custom seal. the bride & groom handed these to their guests as they took their seats for dinner.
such a personal touch!

so magical!

..........................................

Venue: The Condor's Nest [Temecula, CA]
Flowers: Honey & Poppies
Photography: Adam Sjoberg for Ira Lippke Studios
Emcee / Host: Marcy Guevara
Coordinator: Yours truly!
For additional sourcing information, please contact me directly
at victoriasmithdesign@gmail.com.

sophisticateur: gadabout

2011-04-27T14:29:00.001-07:00

this is a message to everyone everywhere.
promise me you will visit gadabout.
so chic. so sassy. so sophisticated.
i am making them official "sophisticateurs."
check out these adorable [and i mean ADORABLE] notecards.
i am obsessed.
you can even download their iPhone app
to score a seriously fabulous background.

...happy sophisticating...

these must be mine.

1123: moodboards!

2011-02-24T11:36:00.001-08:00

my husband and i are convinced that any day now our friends are going to confront us about the fact that they have not yet been invited to our new home. i have to admit, we've been "hunkering down" a bit because we are so in process---it's tempting to not want people to see everything until it's done. finished. perfect. but it's not yet.

this, however, is not very realistic...nor is it very neighborly. i'm learning that home renovations and furnishing takes time if you a) have a busy life, b) have any semblance of fiscal responsibility and c) are not a handy do-it-yourself-er. all of which are true for us. SO, i heretofore solemnly swear that the door to our work-in-progress home will now be left ever so slightly ajar for our loved ones.

in the meantime, i wanted to share my moodboards for our home---so that you can at least dream with me. i find that the longer a renovation or decorating project takes, the easier it can be to really stray from your original vision for the space. this can result in impulse buys and knee-jerk reactions that leave you with a home that feels kind of scattered and muddled---and i don't mean in the chic "eclectic parisian flea market" way.

so--i use moodboards as a kind of test ground for my home design purchases. if i am in a store and i think, "oooo, that nightstand could work"--it helps for me to be able to place it on my moodboard and see if it will, in fact, work. half the time it prevents me from purchasing things that i don't actually want or need. i know there are all kinds of fun programs and websites that offer you the ability to gather everything in one place---mine are a bit rudimentary by comparison, but they get the job done.

SO, have a look-see. some of the items we own, some of them we don't. some of them are placeholders for the "perfect dining table" i'm hoping will exist when it comes time to purchase. click on the photos---they get bigger.

...happy sophisticating...

guest room

master bedroom

dining room

kitchen + breakfast nook

living room

1123: kitchen sneak peek

2011-01-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

because so many of you have been asking...YES, of course we painted the cabinets. the kitchen is far from done, but here is a sneak peek to hold you over.

the kitchen before. ah, the stonewashed denim splendor.

coming along! oh what a coat of white paint will do. the new appliances don't hurt either...a surprise from my saintly sweetheart. you can see just a smidge of the new floors---wide plank, hand-scraped maple.

more to come!

1123: bathroom before & after

2011-01-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

it's been quite some time since i've posted. quite some time. i have been waiting to post photos until things are DONE. however, i'm learning that homeowners (especially owners of homes built in 1934) are in a constant state of changing and upgrading. while our "dream to do" list still feels a bit overwhelming, i can finally say that this place is really starting to feel like *home*. finally.

the one room that is mostly done is our bathroom. here are some before & after photos--nothing fancy, but you'll get the idea. it's definitely the room in which we've done the most work---just shy of a complete gutting and remodel. it was quite an adventure---learning about contractors, subcontractors, lighting fixtures, lath and plaster, tiling techniques, and the ever fascinating world of toilets [quite frankly more than i cared to know]. we wanted a space that was functional, updated, and sophisticated--while still referencing the original character and spirit of the home. we are just delighted with the finished product. i hope you enjoy!

...happy sophisticating...

the bathroom before...

mid-way through the renovation process. frightening.
BUT you'll notice the floors. linoleum no more.

after! new vanity, faucets, medicine cabinets, baseboards, paint...

a view above the sinks. and notice the artwork above the toilet. a Picasso sketch.
who says you can't have decent artwork in the bathroom?

view of the shower before. you'll also notice the "nook" to the left of the shower.
Apparently the original home of the water heater? definitely a challenge.

the shower after. white seersucker shower curtain. new towel hooks.

and our solution to the awkward "nook."

another view of the shower.

you can't see it, but there is a new rainwater shower head behind that curtain.

mid-way through the renovation process.

Picasso #2. the lighting is funny, but you get the idea.

new ceiling fixture.

the final details tie it all together.

feel free to leave comments with any sourcing questions.

1123: glimmers of progress

2010-10-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

stopped by the house yesterday after a LONG day at work (that's right...on a saturday) and was delighted to see some major progress in our bathroom. here are some pics of our new vanity (from restoration hardware) upon delivery, then installation.

the vanity bottom. sitting in our master bedroom. that's a whole 'nother story.
ignore the ripped out floors. and the toilet in the corner.

the vanity topped. again, in the master. yowza.

sweet installation! you'll note the fresh paint and baseboards.
we're getting there!

1123: keeping our eye on the prize!

2010-10-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

so i'm learning that home renovations are a little scary. and require lots of trust. and a complete shutting off of emotion, and...vision. it has to get worse before it gets better, right?

like, imagine discovering this under the old washer.nasty.

but there are little rays of light along the way. like these lovely new floors in our bathroom.white matte hexagon with gray gloss dot. classic, yet so modern and fresh that i can look past the lack of baseboards...and paint...and toilet. :)

we'll get there!
...happily sophisticating...

aaaaaand we're homeowners.

2010-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

so apparently the last time i wrote was june. shameful. i have lots to catch up on, including pics from a few unbelievable weddings i had the privilege of coordinating this summer...but in the meantime, i have to share the reason for my disappearance. we bought a home. a cute one :)

i give you the "BEFORE" pictures of 1123 north lowell street. we have lots of plans for this little 1934 2&1 charmer. but we think what we're starting with is pretty spectacular as well :) LOTS more to come as we renovate, reinvent and restore our new home!

...happy sophisticating...

so, over the coming months, this blog will become renovation central ;) looking forward to sharing with you how we sophisticate our home, little by little!

design obsession: bookcases + crown molding!

2010-06-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

i have been so blessed to be working with a fabulous interior design client for the past few months. we will be working on her living room, dining room and bedroom through the end of the year. one of our first projects was a huge risk and ended up being a huge reward.

we wanted to accomplish this look:
ballard designs

but all we could afford was this:
ikea

so after a trip to home depot, a few long evenings with a miter saw and some wood glue, we ended up with this:

just goes to show that with a little creativity and some hard work, you can sophisticate anything!
...happy sophisticating...

omg: emersonmade

2010-06-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

i've been missing in action. emphasis on the action. too busy for words. however, i'll be making up for it with about a million little tidbits. starting with this one--i am currently obsessed with all things organic, rustic, industrial, etc. TWO blogs that i follow led me to the unbelievable emersonmade.

these linens kill me. they are simple, sophisticated, and oh-so-fabulous. i want, like, everything they make.
...happy sophisticating...

omg: miss dior cherie & sofia coppola

2010-04-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

i can't believe i've never written about this before. here's my thing--i take issue with perfume. i can't stand musky. i can't stand too fruity. i can't stand grandma floral. and i have one of those strange body constitutions (or whatever) that makes perfectly lovely perfume smell horrid. but then i discovered miss dior cherie. so feminine. so light. so lovely. just the perfect amount of...well...everything.

add to this my OBSESSION with sofia coppola and you can understand why i am sharing this. an extended cut of her delightful commerical for miss dior cherie. utter perfection. it's like everything i love...on the screen. i think i might burst. hope you do too.

...happy sophisticating...

omg: voluspa elysian garden candle

2010-03-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

okay--so scented candles. sometimes they can be amazing, sometimes they can be an instant "grandma-fier" to your house if you do not choose wisely.

i don't tend to like scents that are too floral or too musky. i'm constantly looking for that perfect, light, clean, luxurious scent. the kind of candle that instantly makes you feel like you live in a chic boutique hotel...or at anthropologie :)

enter the voluspa elysian garden candle. it smells like spring--but not the "all-of-these-flowers-are-growing-and-aggravating-my-allergies" spring. just fresh and pure. if i had to describe it as a color, i would say " mossy lime." if i was allowed to use adjectives, i would say "the most heavenly, glorious, light, airy, sophisticated scent ever created." just buy it.

close runner up: anthropologie's classic "capri blue volcano" candle. yes, the voluspa is even better than that.

...happy sophisticating...

ps- purchased this fabulous candle at "A Market." more to come on that later. anticipate anxiously.

sophistikitchen: roasted brussel sprouts

2010-03-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

i know what you're thinking. "no blog post for weeks and you give us brussels sprouts?" well, i promise you that if you give this recipe a try you will eat your words. pun intended ;)

i went to a girlfriend's house the other day and she made these. i, too, was skeptical, but let me tell you-- yum-my. they roast so long that they get dark and crunchy and oh-so-delicioso. the recipe is from the one and only barefoot contessa, so you KNOW it's going to be the most chic and sophisticated preparation of brussels sprouts around. serve alongside a simply grilled chicken breast and a fresh arugula salad--trust me. just trust me.
...bon appetit & happy sophisticating...

ingredients
1 1/2 pounds of brussels sprouts
3 T good olive oil
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper (i don't mean to be a snob, but the "freshly ground" really does make a difference)
a little parmesan cheese

directions

preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

cut off the brown ends of the brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. pour them on a sheet pan and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly. sprinkle with more kosher salt, and serve immediately.

design obsession: ceilings

2010-01-29T23:12:00.000-08:00

happy new year, all! we are almost a month in...can you believe it? i've already been consumed with lots of event and projects, but i wanted to make sure i passed along a little inspiration this month.

nestled among my five pages of new years resolutions (no, i'm not exaggerating) are heaps of design ideas for the glorious day the husband and i move into a place with a little more, shall we say, freedom when it comes to make the home our own. among those ideas? ceilings. the pleasant little surprise for those who take the time to turn their attention upward.

are they the first priority? certainly not. but what a fun, indulgent way to add a little sophistication to your space.
...happy sophisticating...

well, the chandelier is fabulous, which goes without saying, but i LOVE this graphic black and white print. a bit of a commitment, but could be f.a.b when used appropriately. notice how the other elements of the room are all white to keep it from being overwhelming.
featured at this is glamorous.

ladies and gentlemen, i present the coffered ceiling. if you're not lucky to own an original, never fear--you can create your own. head on over to "my design dump" to see exactly how it's done. the before and afters are unreal.

what a great way to play up original architectural details--a rich and dreamy sky blue. the color really lets the ceiling and chandelier pop.
featured in house beautiful july 2009.

love Love LOVE! so subtle but adds such a sense of sophistication. gorgeous.
featured in house beautiful january 2009.

i am all about rustic chic these days. so fabulous. the cream adds a depth and sophistication that might have been lost in all white. (sidenote: how fabulous is the fireplace. shut. up.)
featured in house beautiful january 2006.

a little much for me, but so fun. maybe for your teenager? houndstooth. on the ceiling. how cool is that? (i'm not gonna lie, though...i hate the carpet. HATE.)
featured in house beautiful december 2006.

glorious. rustic italian elegance. the bronze-y brown is applied in a ragging technique, which adds depth. and those beams! omg. perfect shade of cream. so warm. LOVE this.
featured in house beautiful august 2009.

if you're going for a shabby chic/rustic look, i love the all white room with a dark ceiling. very cheeky. a little dominating, but the wood is just so fabulous i don't think it even matters. if you find a home with a ceiling like this, buy it. like yesterday. the chandelier is a perfect choice for this space.
featured in house beautiful.

i think andy warhol just might love this. definitely requires a solid commitment to a color palette, but very nicely done. proving that wallpaper is not just for walls!
featured in house beautiful september 2009.

wowza. love this. again, a bit much for me--i think this would look amazing color on color. matte finish with gloss? but definitely a conversation starter. beautifully done.
featured on apartment therapy.

design obsession: design blogs

2009-12-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

despite grand hopes for a series of indulgently festive christmas "design obsessions," i am afraid my appendix had other plans :( i had emergency surgery in late november and have been m.i.a. ever since. christmas in the smith household is looking a lot different than i had planned...really, it's just the one poinsettia. so. sad.

however, i hope that i can still pass along a little christmas gift to you, my dear readers. i've had a lot of time to surf the web lately, so i thought i'd pass along some of my favorite sites! omg they will change your life, i'm sure of it. you'll find lots of christmas-y ideas right now, but you can count on fabulous design inspiration for the whole year.

...happy sophisticating...

design*sponge
oh, design*sponge. the ultimate design blog. from before & afters, to sneak peeks of the most phenomenal living spaces, to recipes...you WILL be inspired. f.a.b.

style me pretty
i am an event planner by day, so you had to know there would be a few event blogs in the bunch. this is the consummate wedding blog. the best of the best are featured here. and since great design knows no boundaries, spend a little time on this site and i am sure you will find inspiration that spills into your home.

sf girl by bay
her description says it perfectly: "bohemian modern style from a san francisco girl." l.o.v.e. this site. even if you're not in to modern design, check it out. i find it to always be clean and fresh with a wide range of ideas that will be sure to translate into your home. and get this...her name is victoria smith. shut. up. i hope to follow in her design footsteps and live up to the name :)

design*dump
okay, WOW. just discovered this blog last week and i cannot get enough. autumn is an interior design with a contractor husband. need i say more? TONS of photos of their own home improvement/design/fabulous projects. their taste is flawless and, really, every room is PERFECT. perfect! you'll die...in a good way.

house beautiful
if you've ever been to my blog, you know i'm a big fan of house beautiful. it is probably my favorite magazine and the website is incredible. basically every home they have ever featured is beautifully archived. thinking of remodeling your bathroom and want ideas? just type in bathroom to the search and dive in to the splendor. cannot say enough wonderful things about hb.

grey likes weddings
you know you'll love this blog just by the title. it's so good. i feel like a lot of the weddings featured are more outside the box and pushing the envelope--always a good thing! TONS of creative ideas. you will love it.

green wedding shoes
definitely one of the hippest wedding blogs. again--tons of creative ideas for weddings, parties and decorating alike!

absolutely beautiful things
that pretty much sums it up. anna spiro, an interior designer from brisbane, australia and owner of a shop called "black and spiro," will definitely inspire you. her taste is flawless, her designs are always unique and interesting and no one uses color better. always fun and, of course, sophisticated.

spread the love!
what are your favorites? leave a comment and share your "go to" blogs or websites.

design obsession: bathrooms

2009-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

my husband and i live in a one bedroom apartment and we couldn't be happier. it's not huge, but most of the rooms are spacious enough that we are perfectly comfortable. the one exception? the bathroom. it's MICROSCOPIC--you can barely turn around in there! and the shower? let's just say the shower head is too low even for me, not to mention my 6'5" husband. i've tried my best to sophisticate it, but i must admit it makes me long for the day when i can truly create a serene, spa-like oasis. until then, a girl can dream! hope you enjoy a few of my favorites.

...happy sophisticating...

can't beat restoration hardware. these fixtures are too fabulous.

gorgeous. the deep navy walls and dark wood are beautifully masculine and make the beautiful white linens look even more crisp and fresh!
pottery barn.

cannot even handle this. you can't beat calacatta marble and a pedestal sink.
featured may 2007 in house beautiful.

clearly the tub freestanding tub is fabulous, but i love the choice of color palatte. it adds real warmth to the space. my favorite--the spa-like storage ladder.
featured march 2009 in house beautiful.

so rustic. so chic. even towels look sophisticated when they are neatly folded and stacked in fabulous baskets. i love the oxidized counter top and striped wood floors.
featured july 2009 in house beautiful.

omg. i just can't even handle this. so parisian and delightful. the pops of pink are just PERFECT.
i wonder if i could talk my husband into this one ;)
featured january 2009 in house beautiful.

so simple. so clean. so sophisticated. the all-white palette is just flawless.
featured january 2008 in house beautiful.

it's itty bitty, but wow! even a tiny bathroom can be made sophisticated with a nice sink console and this fabulous chandelier.
featured on design*sponge.

so simple. so phenomenal.
featured on design*sponge.

WOW. i love the way the custom window let's the light play beautifully on the floor. this bathroom perfectly blends different shades of white to create warmth and incredible texture. it just glows!
featured august 2008 in house beautiful.