My first day in Paris was also my 30th birthday, bathed in good wine and Nutella crepes that I nibbled while winding my way through Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I explored the Jardin du Luxembourg from beneath an umbrella, watching the raindrops dance in the fountains. I wandered the streets, mapless – a practice I like to call “getting lost on purpose” and allowed the city to reveal itself to me. Pure heaven.

That was a few years ago and Paris is seducing me back for a visit, leaving me fully enamored lately with all types of French-inspired design so I thought I’d share a few of my favorites with you!

This heavily gilded French mirror and console are simplified by setting them against a plain white wall. Plus, I’m dying to know what’s inside that Chanel bag!

A monochromatic room done in deep plum seems perfectly regal and modern, even when used on traditional furniture. Bonus: I fully adore the Marie Antoinette artwork!

Subtle wainscoting and decorative moldings elevate this simply furnished room to another level of sophistication. I only wish we could see more of that marble fireplace!!

Le Sigh.

I’m not sure if this living room is actually located in Paris, but the various pinks and easy-going nature speaks to me in French.

via This Is Glamorous blog

Perhaps this will be the scene for my 40th Birthday!

via Marie Claire Maison

Simple touches, like the cabriole legs on the accent table and damask etching on the mirror, add little whispers of tradition into this simple, eclectic living room.

My dream: live in 1920′s Paris. Is it any wonder my new favorite movie is Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”?

Traditional twists, like this large statue, paisley upholstery, and heavy wood armoir maintain a sense of charm even for those more prone toward modern furnishings…and note, the white birdcage. Love!

Yes, yes, I realize this not-really-an-antique Loux XIV chair piled high with romantic novels and irresistible throw is rather cliched, but I can’t help but see it and think c’est magnifique.

via Paris Apartment blog

This gorgeous Parisian apartment looks loved and lived in, full of style but also full of life!

I think it’s time to book my tickets. I simply can’t resist Paris…or another round of Nutella crêpes!

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Images courtesy of This is Glamorous, Marie Claire Maison, and The Paris Apartment

via Loro Piana

See that sofa from Loro Piana? It’s upholstered in cashmere. Close your eyes and imagine sinking into its luxuriously cloud-like softness. Yeah. I’ll give you a moment.

Anyway, New York is frrrrrrrrreezing today and all I can think about is hibernating under cashmere blankets and waking every few days for a cup of Illy coffee. I think later today, I will pop into Restoration Hardware to look for a cashmere throw (which may or may not replace the white one I recently spilled coffee on…oops) and lose myself in a touchably-soft haze of blanket perfection. Siiiiigh. Heaven.

Burlington Cashmere Plaid Throw Blanket available via Gracious Style

via DecorPad

Find these luscious cable knit cashmere throws at Elegant Linens

Designed by Philip Gornvan

Designed by McGill Design Group

This yummy Aran Cashmere Throw Blanket is available at Ralph Lauren

via Werner Straube Photography

Ralph Lauren does cashmere so well, I’ll feature them twice! Here is the Cashmere Fringe Throw.

via Elle Decor

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Valentino heels / photo by Aaron Delesie

Yesterday, a three hour flight transported me from the glitter and glam of my home in New York City to the tranquility and loveliness of visiting family in America’s Heartland. So, in honor of all who find luxury in simplicity and love a more rustic feel, today’s “Shoes on Furniture” are going a bit country-chic!

Badgley Mischka heels via Shannon Cunningham Photography

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Yesterday, we took a virtual blog tour through (and sipped a few margaritas in…) a Mexican hacienda fabulously designed by Kara Mann. Today, we’ll peek inside her portfolio to see what other goodies we can find.

And now, a quick lesson in staging. Before an interior is photographed, it’s staged to set a particular mood – typically via lighting and accessories. Below are a few images of the same spaces, staged one way for Ms. Mann’s portfolio and another for a spread in Metropolitan Home. Amazing the difference a few details make!

Can you find all the differences in the above photos?

Let’s try…

1) Brown Roman Shade was replaced with a lighter, gray one.  2) Track lighting is turned off and the shades opened to allow for sunlight to be the primary light source.  3) Additional “lived in” accessories are sprinkled onto the sofas to create a more homey feel.

In this next set of images, the sitting room is greatly changed by a few bits and pieces: the time of day the photo is captured, lamplight, and a little pop of coral through one wee pillow.

This final set of photos is the most dramatic, to me. It almost doesn’t look like the same room!

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Truth be told, I was piecing together a blog about edgy and always surprising designer Kara Mann when I came across these (insert an enthusiastic Ta-Da!!) breathtaking images of a beach house she designed in Mexico, as featured in the Oct/Nov 2008 issue of Western Interiors. I browsed through them, practically smelling the salty air, and thought we could all use a little vacation. So grab your margaritas and come with me (and Kara Mann, of course) to Mexico!

Kara keeps the traditional hacienda-style wood beams, but done on a smaller scale, they appear modern and decorative (rather than architectural). She also incorporates simple, gracious arched doorways. The suzani-print by Donghia gives a subtle touch of color and yes, designers shop retail, too, adding a rustic cocktail table from Restoration Hardware.

I simply adore the pink bistro table on the patio!

A huge, pink-framed mirror sits behind this wooden bench making the space look fully outdoors.

Did you bring your margaritas? This is where we drink them.

The transition from indoor to outdoor spaces are astounding and seamless, and the arching rock detailing provides a perfect frame for a horizon view. Imagine this during sunset!

This is where you’ll find me, lounging about.

A Louis Ghost Chair makes this bedroom feel a little modern while staying blissfully wispy.

Subtle black trimming elevates the elegance factor so much, don’t you think?

It’s impossible to have a favorite room in this house, but the bathroom is a strong contender. The tile work, window shutters, mahogany wood, gold accents…it’s just sheer perfección.

As in all her design work, Kara Mann mixes and matches elements that you wouldn’t expect but does it in a way that just works. Here, she pairs rough wood accents with crisp, white elements. The dramatic headboard is the life of this party!

Sigh. I’m not ready to return from Mexico. Scroll to the top and let’s go again.

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Images courtesy of Odi et Amo blog

On any given Saturday you can find me strolling around the Upper East Side, coffee in hand, heading toward Mecox Gardens to find a treasure. The home decor store is an institution among designers and has opened 8 locations around the nation, including New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. When I walk through their door, my heart skips in exquisite anticipation, knowing I’ll fall in love with something. The inventory changes so frequently that surprises are always around the corner.

Mecox’s display window is frequently redecorated by top designers such as Rita Koenig and Jeffrey Bilhuber.

The store is a delicious feast for the eyes!

Unique items always pop up at Mecox, including this gorgeous wooden horse and intricately-carved wooden bench.

I developed a slight crush on the golden bird!

Intriguing vignettes are a Mecox specialty – here, I found a pair of horse head lamps on a breathtaking marble-top table.

Aren’t they gorgeous??

A turquoise bar cart is sheer perfection – especially when used to showcase a pair of cowhide boxes with zebra detailing!

A view toward the back of the store reveals a pair of unicorns and architectural stairs, among other treasures.

Silver ashtrays fit for a Pharaoh

Every tiny detail is luxurious, right down to the ice buckets

The second floor of Mecox feels like stepping into someone’s ultra-luxe apartment.

Suit of armor helmet!!

I discovered a pair of bookends that may have to come home with me.

In the upstairs “bedroom” area, the decor is lusciously masculine without feeling heavy. The pintucked leather chairs were one of my favorite finds that day!

Lighting is paramount in any room, and Mecox carries several unique lamps and chandeliers.

Sheer perfection at every turn! Do you die for that chair?? Swoon!

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Mecox Gardens

962 Lexington Avenue (between 70th & 71st Streets)

New York, NY 10021

212-249-5301

Visit them online (where many items are sold!): www.mecoxgardens.com

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All images are created and owned by yours truly, Angela Lee Interior Designs

Sunday mornings typically find me dreaming of flipping through the NY Times in my own little breakfast nook. With coffee and gluten-free scones, of course! Le sigh. So serene and ideal!

via Elle Decor

This L-shape banquet is simple yet lusciously cozy – I adore the antique Chinese blue and white porcelain and shelves of decorative wooden boxes.

Celing-hung lanterns and ultra-high windows give this little corner an incredible sense of space – not to mention that eclectic gallery wall and simple curved mirror.

Light fixtures are like jewelry for an eating space, and this one is simply stunning. Wish I knew where it came from! Bonus: casement windows that crank outward and bring the outside in.

More casement windows (I so adore them!), French-cafe style bistro chairs and brilliant storage idea, placing a drawer in the banquet base!

Here is an example of a true nook! Note how the table is built into the floor and has no base. Also, I love the angled base of the banquet, pulling the eye inward (and avoiding nasty bruises from bumping  a corner!)

Bold!! Who says a breakfast nook can’t have a salmon-pink sofa and zebra-upholstered chairs?

An upholstered wall gives this banquet comfort and visual interest.

Building a banquet into a bay window gives tremendous architectural character. Plus, I’m fully in love with these upholstered Chinese Chippendale chairs.

A sofa, rather than a banquet, perfectly fit between two bookshelves is a genius solution! Puppy seems to like it, too.

Designed by Harriet Maxwell MacDonald

Wood-slat folding chairs and a simple pedestal table turn a curved, bay window into a lovely spot to sip coffee.

Via Elle Decor

 I wonder how many brilliant discussions have taken place here!! Incorporating a nook into a kitchen island is a fabulous use of space.

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Images via Elle Decor and Pinterest

No matter what you think about the Hallmark Holiday, there is something terribly romantic about crimson red. So let’s click our ruby slippers together, nibble a chocolate heart or two, and enjoy this Shoes on Furniture Friday: Valentine’s Day Edition!

via Style Me Pretty

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Images courtesy of Style Me Pretty and Pinterest

Quite a party erupted around the blogosphere yesterday when it was announced that our beloved Domino Magazine, which published its last issue in March 2009, will be making an encore appearance!! A special “Domino Quick Fix” issue will hit newsstands on April 17th…in just 69 days (but who’s counting?).

To celebrate the news, rather than regurgitating the same Domino images we’ve loved over the years, I thought I’d shake things up a little and indulge in a few of my favorite, utterly divine, black and white rooms..let’s call them, quite literally, domino INSPIRED!

Designed by Betsy Brown

The Coco Chanel Suite at the Ritz Carlton Paris

The Crosby Street Hotel in NYC

Image via DecorPad

Image via Belgian Pearls blog

via Elle Decor

via Ralph Lauren

It’s been an incredibly exciting 5 months, jumping headfirst into the blogging world and meeting so many phenomenal readers and fellow writers. So for today’s post, I want to know a bit more about you, my lovelies! Starting with one simple luxury of life: what do you love most about your home?