I go through phases, as most style observers do, of falling in love with a favorite textile designer. Lauren is the same way about fashion. She became so obsessed with Cardigan’s line of striped sweaters (in fact, she modeled for their look book), that it seemed like it was all she wore every day for months! In my case, these days I’m all about fabrics from Quadrille, who also represent Alan Campbell and China Seas. If you look at the examples of their magnificent fabrics put to use below, you’ll see why I’m stuck on them, and why I hope to use them in the re-decoration of my parent’s Cape Cod breakfast nook. Below, from Domino Magazine, Bali Isle on the sofa.
Below, also from Domino Magazine, Seya Linen on rattan chairs. And finally, from House Beautiful, New Batik below.
I was tasked with updating the family breakfast nook at my parents’ home on Cape Cod during my recent visit. The space, below, is in serious need of an update–you definitely don’t have to twist my arm to take this project on!Here are some of our preliminary fabric and wallpaper ideas. The table and chairs need an update as well, but more on that later. For now, here are a few options we’re toying with. Which do you all like best? – S

We received the following email this week from Becca, a reader who asked for our advice redecorating her father’s living room.After studying the images she sent us, we were able to put together a simple furniture plan as well as a few key decorating recommendations. Here’s what the space looks like right now (below).
First of all, there are enough sofas in this room to seat a small village! At least one of these sofas needs to go–the sectional to be more specific. We’re big on reusing what is worth keeping, so we’ll start with the two large sofas at the end of the room (the navy blue and the white ones). They appear to be similar in size and style. We recommend having them recovered (no need to reupholster with new cushions, as that can be expensive). They should be recovered in the same fabric (we’d suggest a solid woven cotton fabric, or even a ticking in beige or gray), we’re guessing you’ll need about 18 yards each. This will probably be the biggest expense, but it will also have the greatest impact. Pairing these sofas will be the basis for your new room. They should take the place of the large gray and white sectional sofa, which we must insist be picked up by the Salvation Army ASAP. The two recovered sofas should face each other, centered in front of the window. (see layout below).
Now, how about purchasing two comfortable, but not too over-sized club or slipper chairs to anchor the sofas? And too add some interesting geometry to the room, what about a round coffee table? We’d love to see a cool light fixture like the CB2 big dipper arc lamp in the room (see below). This piece looks great in a large room such as this. It’s modern, but also kind of masculine. You’ll need to replace the rug that is there now. You should select a large, plain bound sisal. IKEA has an inexpensive, wonderful selection. Alternatively, investing in one of Thomas O’Brien’s area rugs from Safavieh would really give the room a grown-up feel. Lastly, having a local carpenter come in and build some built-in bookshelves on the far wall is a great way to add value to the room, as well as give your Dad more space for all of his books. Even if you just buy a couple of bookshelves from Ikea, this will give that area of the room a more uniform, neat look. The color palette for this room is, as you can see, very neutral. What makes it more fun is the accessories you add. We love orange, green, and brown to complement the simplicity of the room. Oh, and one last thing: We see that the curtains in the room are now tied, please untie them and let them hang. Much better to look at!
From top left: Fabric swatches by Lee Jofa (Gibraltar silk in Bisque) and Rogers & Goffigon (Shaker in Biscuit), CB2 Big Dipper Arc Lamp ($199), Tom Faulkner Hoxton Round Coffee Table, Crate & Barrel Blake Lounge Chair ($699), Slipper Chair by Billy Baldwin Collection by Ventry Ltd., Patterned pillows and throw by Johnathan Adler, Solid pillows by CB2. Becca, do let us know if you decide to take our advice, we’d love to see how your Dad’s place turns out! – S & L

Spring is officially here and not a moment too soon. Today, while Lauren and I were walking together in the city, we passed several small florists and neighborhood markets displaying potted lilacs and colorful tulips and daffodils on the sidewalks in front of their businesses. It was so refreshing, particularly in light of the stormy weather we’ve been having. As a producer for Martha Stewart, I loved coming up with programming ideas for the Spring entertaining season. Along with art directors, stylists, and production assistants, we would create hundreds of original flower arrangement ideas each season. This Spring, we’re employing a never-fail Martha tip:  using simple egg cups to make our Easter table arrangement. From our archive going back more than a decade, we pulled our personal favorites from the pages of Martha Stewart Living to share with you all.
Looking back on all those years of coming up with new and fresh floral ideas, I’m not sure how we did it! Though it was made somewhat easier by the fact that many of the flowers we used came from Martha’s magnificent garden. I think one of the most important things I learned about pulling together an arrangement is that it’s not just about using the freshest flowers, but it’s also about finding creative ways to contain them. An interesting vase, bucket, cup, whatever, can make all the difference.

Stay tuned next week for our table setting. For now, here’s a heads up in case you need to shop for your own egg cups, go to Crate and Barrel.com. - S & L

Each spring, DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) puts on a spectacular event called Dining by Design in New York City. Some of the world’s top designers are asked to create a tablescape of their choice to be featured during the 5-day long installation. Monday night is the gala where each table is actually put to use…rumor has it Cindy Crawford (whose designs are featured at the JC Penney table) will be attending. We were asked by the New York Design Center, whose theme this year was “connected” (the little birds in the center piece arrangements were a clever nod to Twitter!) to hang out at their table Saturday afternoon and represent GBGP. We had so much fun meeting some of our fabulous readers, as well as our fellow bloggers!
Above, mom and me sitting on the lime green banquet of the New York Design Center’s table. Everything was so summery and fresh!
Below, some of our favorite tables from the show. We were so impressed by all of the different inspirations throughout the event–no two tables looked alike!
This table, above, designed by Bradley Stephens showcased Knoll Luxe’s latest textile collaboration with the fashion designers behind Rodarte. The upholstery on the chairs was exquisite and we loved how fanciful this setting was. If you’d like to see these tables in the flesh, head over to Pier 94 today or tomorrow. Which table do you think deserves to win first prize? – L

You’d have to have blinders on not to notice the neon trend going on in fashion and home collections right now. We were inspired by these hot pink tables designed by oomph to find the best neon paint colors out there (we’ll be painting a thrift store find next week). Bright yellows and greens felt right to us in terms of longevity, and flexibility within rooms–though we do love pink.Here are our favorite neon paint colors on the market right now. Not to be overused! These colors are meant to be used on small scale furniture and single walls in rooms. Let us know your favorite color, and the color with the most positive comments will be the one we put to task this weekend on the small-scale dressers we found this week. From left to right, Rosco yellow #5882, green #5783, and pink #5786.

Lovely neon pieces worth springing for:

1. Madeline Weinrib Luce HotPink pillow, at ABC Carpet & Home, 2. Essie Neon Nail polish, check you local salon, 3. Converse Chuck Taylor Shoes in Neon Green, $39.99, 4. Design within Reach Nine-O Swivel Armchair designed by Ettore Sottsass, $880, 5. The Conran Shop Bussolari Frida Yellow Picture Frame, 10.25x 12.25in., $56.50, 6. Jonathan Adler Mohair Throw, 51 x 71, $295.00, 7. Tom Binns neon cuff.

If you’re in the New York city area this weekend, you should try and attend the 2010 Dining by Design event, which is adjacent and coinciding with the Architectural Digest Home Show at Pier 94-12th Avenue at 55th Street. The event benefits DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids). You can learn more about it by visiting www.DIFFA.org. We’re going to be manning an interactive New York Design Bloggers table on Saturday from 2 ’til 4 PM, so please stop by. We’d love to introduce ourselves. – S & L

I have always been a big fan of J Crew’s swimwear, and this season’s suits are amazing! There are so many great ones I don’t know how I’m going to choose just one! (And speaking of Liberty, there are some great Liberty-style print bikinis and one-pieces that are very right now). I find that most people my age wear bikinis exclusively, but I tend towards one-pieces just because I think they’re more fashionable. They can be sexy in a very understated way, which I love. I adore J Crew’s sailor stripe one-piece that looks like it just jumped ship off the French Riviera. The scalloped-edge one-piece, below left, is very Chloe and will never go out of style. Well, actually, all of these suits are classic, and at the same time right on trend. The scalloped-edge suit comes in a bunch of great colors….I’d go for a darker hue if you have pale skin like me! In fact, I got an email the other day from a reader who was wondering how to make the most of her pale skin in the spring and summer months. I think the best way to compliment fair skin is to wear contrast colors. For example, I would never wear a pale, nude, or neon colored swimsuit. Go for a dark teal, purple, or black—and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Clockwise from top left, all suits by J Crew: Thicket floral, French halter sailor tank, Solid scallop underwire tank, Rose vines. Where do you all like to buy your swimsuits? – L