A Chic Paris Showroom You’ve Got to See to Believe

Decor

When you here the word Birkenstock, would you ever connect it to Parisian chic? I certainly wouldn’t. But the ugly shoe trend has taken the hippie staple and made it fashion and now Birkenstock has also made it design! The brand has just opened a new showroom on the Rue Saint Honoré in the heart of Paris and it is stunning. Don’t think you can combine Birkenstocks and high design? Scroll. You’ll be as amazed as I am.

Created to display Birkenstock 1774, the company’s collection of limited edition designer collaborations and special projects, the showroom is a perfect example of an idyllic Parisian apartment complete with parquet floors, paneled walls, stunning fireplaces and cascades of natural light.

The creative consultancy Vinson & Co juxtaposed the apartment’s classic architecture with modern furnishings in that elevated European way that I just cannot get enough of. Pieces in each jaw-droppingly pretty room come from mid-century icons like Cassina and Pierre Jeanneret and modern day show stoppers from Faye TooGood and Vitra.

The designer Birks just seem to casually rest among the perfectly composed rooms. They are cohesively filled with warm tones, worn leather, ceramics from well-known ceramicists including Simon Hasan and unique woven art created by embroiderer Geraldine Larkin using jute and felt – materials used in the making of Birks!

I would gladly call this showroom home, whether it came with the shoes or not. For now ,I’m plotting a trip to Paris to see this space and maybe pick up a pair of the Rick Owns Birkenstock collaboration. They have enough edge that they block the memories of Birks worn with socks out of my mind.

If anyone is still headed to Paris before summer’s end, please go visit Birkenstock 1774 and report back if it is in fact as fabulous as this looks!

For our archive of inspiring retail therapy, CLICK HERE.

photography by depasquale + maffini

The Best Trends at the San Francisco Decorator’s Showcase

Inspiration

It’s one of my favorite times of year – the San Francisco Decorator’s Showcase is here. If you’re not familiar, this annual event takes a home – let’s be real – an insane mansion, usually in the picturesque Pacific Heights neighborhood, and as many as 30 designers completely transform it, room by room. This year’s showcase is particularly spectacular. The house itself was completed in 1904 and is a replica of Le Petit Trianon, Marie Antionette’s chateau on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. The home is over 18,000 square feet, features 14 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, two kitchens, an elevator and a full ballroom. No biggie. Needless to say there was a lot for this year’s designers to work with (side note, the house was also abandoned for nearly a decade so it was also in total disrepair).

There is so much to see in this Showcase. Each designer has the liberty to put a highly personal spin on their assigned room. There were many a stand out space in this year’s house but I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite highlights for you.

NEUTRAL TERRITORY

living room by heather hilliard design

Probably no surprise, but I was immediately drawn to all of the spaces with neutral designs. The living room, by Heather Hilliard, was a nod to modern Parisian apartment. It features a mix of classic vintage, contemporary pieces and the first look at one of the many rooms featuring curved lines. Keep your eyes peeled. You’re going to see a lot of soft lines.

the oak room by sindhu peruri

In the Oak Room – or essentially the in-home bar and lounge – designer Sindhu Peruri gives us a built-in banquette, another of my favorite design trends, along with stunning custom cabinetry and geometric shelving. Also love the vertical tile backsplash in this space.

wabi sabi soak room by clara bulfoni, geddes ulinskas architects

And in the Wabi Sabi Soak Room (aka a bathroom sans toilet) by Clara Bulfoni, you get a beautiful breath of fresh air with warm woods, stunning handmade Cle tile (I used them on my fireplace and am obsessed) and yummy textured plaster walls. It has movement, it has tons of natural elements and is the perfect calming retreat.

PRINT AND PATTERN

Recital Room by martin korbus design

Classically Modern vestibule by scott robert design

While white walls might be my personal mainstay, the Showcase is always all about drama. This year is no different. Everywhere you looked walls (and ceilings!) were papered, hand painted, lacquered or in the case of the downstairs hallway – adorned with flooring. It’s a great reminder to think outside the box.

GREEN WITH ENVY

Balcony Garden by brandon pruett design

breakfast room by eche martinez

Whether it was an entryway, atrium or balcony full of plants or a room’s accent color, green is having a good moment in this house. I think the green safari chair needs to become a thing.

POWERFUL PINK

Houghton Hall Reimagined Entertainment Room by jonathan rachman

Daydream Believin girls bedroom by studioHeimat

Deep raspberry is another color de jour in this year’s Showcase. Ironic given it was the color I so desperately tried to get rid of in the original Apt34, but I love it in these bold concepts.

PAINTERLY WALLS

master bath suite by alexis humiston

Houghton Hall Reimagined Entertainment Room by jonathan rachman

Major statement wallpaper is biggest trends seen throughout this year’s Showcase. A number of designers partnered with De Gournay to create custom, hand painted wallpaper to compliment their designs. While I’m usually not a wallpaper person, I could certainly appreciate the ultra lush look.

While rooms in the Showcase might feel totally over the top or completely unattainable, that’s kind of the point. I love visiting to search for 90-bits of inspiration that I can translate in a more accessible, daily life kind of way. If you can get yourself to Washington Street before the end of May, I highly recommend it.

Btw, it’s also now for sale for a cool $30 million!!

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase runs until May 27. Tickets cost $35-$40 and proceeds benefit University High School.

images via decorator showcase and by Daniel Lunghi, Lunghi Media
Group for Town and Country

One of My Favorite Scandinavian Finds

Decor

So I realize my Scandinavia recap is a bit overdue at this point (the real-time recap is still on Stories though). What can I say – I’m verrryyy slow at editing the 3,000+ pictures I took during those five days. While I continue to whittle away at culling my travel guide, I thought I might as well share one of the many design finds from the trip. I saw so many gorgeous collections, but I was particularly smitten with the brand Skagerak.

Started in Denmark more that forty years ago, Skagerak was initially known for their stylish and hardworking outdoor furniture, but they’ve since started designing an array of pieces for inside your home that are focused on craftsmanship and simple, functional design….and I basically want everything.

I’m already trying to figure out where I can put that gorgeous Vivlio shelving system seen above into This Old Victorian. The two-toned design, featuring ash shelves and a cinnamon brown frame is so good.

The Brut Table was designed with the theme ‘petit’ in mind, which is reflected in the table’s elegant and slender composition. Powder coated steel and blank brass feet give the table a chic character. While it looks dainty, this table is rock solid.

Skagerak’s new terracotta collection, called the Edge series, is inspired by an ancient Greek-Egyptian tradition for craftsmanship. Each piece in the collection of tabletop piece has the original matte finish on the outside but is glazed on the inside to offer a stunning contrast and give you a watertight vessel.

The Reykjavik Daybed designed by Included Middle is inspired Iceland. The bed frame is German Douglas Pine and the upholstery is from Kvadrat.

Skagerak came to my attention through Objects by Camilla Vest. The images here are all from the gorgeous showroom located in a lofty 1899 townhouse in the heart of Brooklyn. Objects represents coveted Danish brands including Skagerak, along with Brdr.Petersen and Skovshoved Møbelfabrik as well. Founded by Copenhagen-born and long time New York resident Camilla Vest, Objects started out of a passion for sourcing and combining unique pieces in a minimal yet playful way, based on the design philosophy that less is more – exactly the ethos I came home with from my Scandinavia visit.

One of these days I am going to get myself back to New York so I can visit the Objects showroom in person. And if you have the chance to go to Copenhagen I highly recommend visiting the Skagerak headquarters. It resides in an old postal building and is truly remarkable. I got all the inspiration while there.

But for now, you don’t have to wait to get a piece of Scandinavian style in your world. Camilla has done a great job making sure many of our favorite retailers carry Skagerak. You can shop the pieces currently atop my wishlist below.

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fuori serving trolley

For more about my favorite design inspirations, CLICK HERE.

design by Objects by Camille Vest | photography by sarah elliott

A Master Class in Monochromatic Design

Decor

Leanne Ford might be known for her love of white spaces, but this home on the island of Menorca is giving her a run for her money. If you’re looking for inspiration to really pare down your life and give your magic easer a major workout, this monochromatic masterpiece is the home for you.

While white on white on white might not be the most practical color scheme for day-to-day family living, there are design lessons here that you can apply to any space, regardless of its color palette.

The first is the power of texture. Yes, this home is all about monochromatic design, but a variety of elements, from rough plaster walls to wood beamed ceilings, muted tile floors, and floor skimming linen window treatments all make this home feel very tactile. This isn’t a boring, sterile white box. Rather you want to run your hand along the wall or wander up the turning staircase to see where it might lead you.

The second less is the power of contrast. When you stick to a single white color palette, you can inject bold moments that really make an impact. Greenery around your built-in courtyard seating pops. A single dark wooden basket placed in a window is a scene stealer. One small piece of art or wall sconce grabs the eye. Each object takes on a much larger significance against the stark backdrop. It’s a wonderful reminder how less can truly be more.

While I cringe a bit thinking about dirty dog feet and sticky pre-schooler hands all over that built-in white sofa (trend spotting alert!), I am just sucked into the simplicity and earthiness of this place. We often think this type of aesthetic can only be enjoyed on vacation, but why? Who says you can’t recreate this feeling in your home – no island destination required. This home certainly feels like a wonderful place to escape from the stresses of daily life.

What do you think? Could you live in a monochromatic space like this every day?

For our home tour archive, CLICK HERE.

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muse vase

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white metal dome pendant

design & photography by marina senabre

Home Tour: Black, White & Badass

Decor

I’ve been on the interwebs oh so many years now and have been lucky enough to make “friends” all over the world. But as my husband likes to point out, virtual friends are very different than the ones you know in flesh and blood. Which is why I was so thrilled when I was lucky enough to meet Julie Van Daele, the crazy stylish designer behind Well Received, face to face and we discovered that actual real-life friendship vibes abound.

Today I’m thrilled to give you a peek into Julie’s seriously cool world. She sprinkles badass design dust over everything she touches and her own home is certainly evidence of that.

I don’t know if I could love Julie’s kitchen any more. From that ceiling scraping stone – swoon! – to the chic black cabinets and gorgeous brass light fixture – every choice is spot on. I could happily camp out right here.

But the rest of the house just as gorge! Pitch perfectly monochromatic, the all black and white color scheme doesn’t come off as austere. Rather, Julie cultivates a feeling of softness – perfect for her toddler son – with her use rugs and cozy, welcoming upholstered furniture. Every space is punctuated with structured, strong, pieces that will stand up to a kid’s wear and tear but doesn’t short change an ounce of style.

I think the only way to do wall hangings is to go oversized.

Black kitchens are all the rage, but I think black bathrooms need to be next!

If you ever struggle with finding your aesthetic or keeping your design style consistent, then look no further than Julie for constant inspiration.

If you’re into her vibe as much as I am, be sure to check out Julie’s design and brand consulting services, HERE. You can follow her on Instagram HERE.

And for our home tour archive, CLICK HERE.

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marble nesting tables

black metal dome pendant

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ceramic planter

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photography by monica wang and kelly bolton

How to Decorate with Plants

Decor

My friends, can you believe spring has sprung?! I’m still in a bit of shock as it felt a bit like winter might go on forever, but trust me, I’m beyond happy to welcome a new season!

This spring is particularly exciting as it marks the debut of a very special project I worked on more than a year and a half ago. I am thrilled to finally present to you…

I am so proud to share the new book, Decorating with Plants. Written by the amazingly talented horticulturist and San Francisco based plant designer Baylor Chapman, the interiors in this lovely tome were also styled by moi! Today I finally get to share a major sneak peek of this lovely book with you – just in time for plant season.

I had such an amazing experience styling the spaces featured in this book – we covered a ton of ground. As you flip through its pages, you’ll find unique and creative ways to add plants to virtually every single space in your home (and you might recognize a corner or two from This Old Victorian!). From the entryway to the bedroom, the kitchen, to the bathroom, kids’ room and your home office – you will learn how to decorate with plants anywhere you can think of. Every corner of your house can in fact benefit from a plant – and this book tells you exactly which one to pick and how to help it thrive.

As a brown thumb myself, I was constantly getting new ideas and learning how I might incorporate more plants into our house – and actually not kill them for once! Decorating with Plants covers everything from Plant Care 101 to how to assess your home’s light conditions and tricks for keeping your plants alive while on vacay.

But the book also goes deeper, helping you determine everything from your personal plant style to how much time and money you want to spend on the plants. It really hones in on how to make houseplants work for you.

In addition to offering design and plant styling inspiration for every room in your house, Decorating with Plants also showcases profiles of 28 stunning plant varietals that I hope will finally break us all out of our fiddle leaf fig rut. I am particularly smitten with the Prayer Plant, but you’ll have to get a copy of the book to find out what it looks like!

This project was such a labor of love for all involved. From the photographer extraordinaire Aubrie Pick to all of Baylor’s amazing plant whisperers, everyone put so much into making this book come to life. I have to thank my partner in styling Kate Leonard for all her amazing work on this project. I couldn’t have done it with out her.

And seriously, as someone who can barely keep an air plant alive, this book is the guide you need, not only to fill your house with good lookin’ plants, but also to get them to thrive.

Decorating With Plants is officially available on April 2 but you can pre order your copy RIGHT HERE.

all photography by aubrie pick

An Intentional Approach to Modern Living

Decor

Hi friends! I’ve returned from my whirlwind week in Scandinavia overflowing with inspiration, fresh ideas, and so many things to share with you! I’ve gotten many a request to share a recap of my trip and tips on where to go and where to shop in Sweden & Copenhagen. If you want that too just let me know in comments or on Instagram.

But I also had a rather major aha moment while enjoying these design-soaked travels. You may not have even noticed but a couple years ago I quietly changed Apt34’s mission to “offer inspiring tips and ideas for an intentional approach to modern living.” The key word here is intentional.

It can be really easy to get caught up in the wave of want. I need to “change my house for spring.” I want these new pillows, or new bedding set or perhaps an entirely new kitchen. But have you have stopped to ask what, in fact, is your intention for “needing” these things. The more I “shopped” through Scandinavia, looking at beautifully designed pieces everywhere I went, the more I realized I actually need very little.

Instead, I began to think about the intention of our houses. Is it to feel cozy? Calm? Inspired? To be welcoming? Feel friendly? Or soothing?

So many design trends come and go (as we regularly document here), and yes, you can always get something cute at Target, but what if we didn’t cram our spaces full and instead looked for moments for our eyes to rest. To actually notice everything in our homes, rather than gloss over the details.

So as I move ever closer to calling This Old Victorian complete (SO close you guys, I thinking you might appreciate weekly updates – you interested??) I’m going to hold my intention for my version of modern living, rather than my desire for stuff, to drive the final design.

I would invite you to also think about your spaces in terms of how you want them to make you feel!

all images from H&M Home Spring 2019 collection, as a little reminder that thoughtful design doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Elegant and Elevated in this Aussie Home

Decor

I don’t know what is in the water in Australia, but it makes for amazing interior design. I’ve profiled many an Australian designer around here over the years, but I think Alexander & Co might be the ultimate design unicorn. There is not a project of theirs that I do not absolutely adore. This Aussie home, also created by these architecture & design geniuses, was our most popular home tour of 2017.

Today’s tour is a strong contender to top it. Keep scrolling to see why.

This home is a modern reinvention of a classic Australian Victorian – a task to which I can intimately relate! I can only hope my final results are as cohesive, decidedly modern but also as timeless as this space.

While dotted with many a contemporary design icon (I see you Tom Dixon, Poliform & Knoll) this home’s bones are what really caught my attention.

The walls are hand-finished plaster, the millwork is all custom, the hard surfaces – marbles, tile and woods – all work together harmoniously. The attention to detail is beautiful. Transoms above french doors, beautiful built-ins, all the little things that make a space next level are here. No matter how you choose to furnish this house, it is always going to serve as a classically stylish foundation.

But the furnishing are pretty good too. I’m officially obsessed with this curved bench from Australian design treasure trove Spence & Lyda. Also, handmade ceramics dot many a surface, softening the tone of the home and giving the design a more collected feel. Remember to bring in your texture my friends.

More curves on that stairway. Hello sexy.

I’ve been seriously considering mix and match chairs for the final design of my dining room and this example is only helping my cause.

This home is filled with little vignettes of art, ceramics, lighting and accessories that make you want to pause and look more closely. Total #thisoldvictorian goals.

The home’s kitchen & dining area are light and airy but combined, they hold much more interest than your typical all white kitchen. The stone on the kitchen backsplash has incredible movement. Brass accents, including brass trim on the countertops (swoon) has been left unvarnished so it will patina over time. The limestone floors add a warmer tone and wood clad ceiling further softens the space. It all just works.

Loving the leather tufted headboard and soft woodsy color palette of the bedroom.

Serious stone goals and also another sideways sink (2019 trend coming on) in a powder room.

This home is reminding me of both the big and little things left to check off my personal design list:

Invest in some seriously beautiful art, ceramics and a really good table lamp or two.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match materials – stones, woods, linen, velvet, brass, bronze, black and a touch of color. When done with restraint and a little bit of balance it all just works beautifully.

Possibly gut my kitchen. Nah…won’t go that far but I am looking for a few more ways to switch things up. This home is going to offer me inspiration for days. I hope it does for you too.

For our home tour archive, CLICK HERE.

design by alexander & co / images via belle magazine

Designer Files: Josh Young Design House

Decor

Hi friends – sorry for going dark on you for a bit. I took a little jaunt to Montana’s hinterlands which comes with a blissful lack of wifi. I’ll be sharing peaks at our snow-filled week on Insta later over the next couple of days. But even when I’m surrounded by some of the most stunning wilderness you can ever imagine, design is never not on my mind. As I try to tie the final bow onto our house, adding art is top of mind. I’ve framed a couple of oversized prints, but now I’m looking for a good mini-gallery wall moment.

Enter Chicago-based artist Josh Young.

Josh first caught my attention with his modern take on historic portraits, but his latest work – a mixture of is really making me swoon. In his most recent collection, Josh as been taking one of a kind artwork on the pages of rare French, English and early American antique documents over which he paints geometric shapes, words or perhaps plays with color.

Color me obsessed.

An self-proclaimed artist since age six, Josh is classically trained at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy and while his works have a very classic European bent, there’s still something universally modern and timeless about them. It helps that he also has an amazing aesthetic eye, which is on display in both his apartment and studio (tour here).

One of the most amazing thing’s about Josh’s work is how affordable it is. Many pieces are under $100. Many are also sold out, but word on the street is that Josh takes commissions. I’m also loving his Retrograde Collection – which uses a mix of abstract shapes, lines and muted monotone color palettes.

I’m envisioning a fun cluster of Josh’s work in our upstairs hall. I’ll keep you posted how it turns out!

To learn about more inspiring artists – CLICK HERE.

images via josh young design house & the maryn

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