These palettes comes from photos I took just yesterday. I turned to the paints of Benjamin Moore to find matching colors from nature. Mix and match these colors on the walls and in accent pieces. Strong, saturated colors can brighten any room. Use lighting to create reflection off the walls and ceilings.

Warmth can also be found in pastel colors drawn from winter’s leaves and branches. Warm browns, yellows are combined with greens and violets. You can use these paints through-out the house by carrying the colors into each room. You can paint the walls in one color, use another for curtains, throws and accent pieces. Upholstered furniture carries the colors as well.

Your local paint store will have mix and match colors. Websites – like mine! – are another source for inspiration. Or make up your own. Do you have one to share? Send me a photo via the contact button and we can begin our own color palette conversation.

Where do you find your inspiration for color palettes?

I couldn’t say it better myself. Fashion designer, Rebecca Moses‘ new book, “A Life of Style” is an inspiring read.

Rebecca’s book is filled with her brilliant watercolors. She stylishly explores the idea of style, what it means, what it is, and how to get it. Though you may be inspired by someone else (Audrey Hepburn comes to mind) Rebecca’s message is to find your own style and expand it through all aspects of your life – from fashion, to entertaining and interior design.

Rebecca says, “Some of us are born with an innate sense of style. Most of us are not. But we have gut instincts that send a message to our hearts. We are the only ones who hear it. Sometimes we listen, and sometimes, for some ridiculous reason, we don’t.

I am here to say that there are no rules. What we wear, how we live in our homes, and how we live our lives is up to us. There is no rule book… So don’t be afraid to listen to your gut. Most of the time you will be happy with the result.”

Bravo to that!

Pillows! Rebecca loves them – as well as many other little details that can change your interior decoration without having to start from scratch. Her book is filled with tips, ideas, motivation, and lots of ways to help you find your inner designer and express it in a stylish way that’s all your own.  You can do it!

A Life of Style is both fun to read and fun to skim through the illustrations. Personally, I found lots of new ways to find inspiration. That’s something that even we professional stylists can run out of. We all find ourselves in a rut from time to time. Rebecca got me thinking in new ways.

And that’s a very good thing.

You can buy Rebecca’s book through Amazon ($23.10), and visit her Facebook page. But you can also win a copy of her book right here! Yes, it’s time for another fantastic…

Giveaway!

I’m giving away a copy of A Life of Style to one lucky winner.

But wait. There’s more!

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I’ll also be giving away a copy of Manolo’s New Shoes! It’s a wonderful book filled with 130 illustrations of Manolo Blahnik’s to die for footwear. Manolo started the high-end shoe craze long before Louboutin or Jimmy Choo had even heard of a high heel. (Well, I’ll admit I’m partial.) I used to visit Manolo’s shoes at Bergdorf’s back when when drooling was all I could afford.

How Do I Win These Amazing Books?!

To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment with a short thought about style. How important is it to you? What’s your favorite style? Are you as in to fashion as you are to interior design? Feel free to dish on shoes, too. Short or long – it doesn’t matter. No bibliography is required either.

The contest will run all week and I’ll announce the winner next Tuesday, November 16th. It’s open to everyone living in the contiguous United States (who hasn’t won a giveaway in the last 6 months). The winner will be chosen at random.

Here are 8 great resources for finding the perfect basket to finish your room – just in time for the holidays.

1. Serena & Lily

I adore the baskets from Serena & Lily. They’ve taken classic African and Asian designs and tweaked them with modern color and spirit ($68 – $290).

2. Crate & Barrel

I don’t think many people know that Crate & Barrel has a truly fantastic selection of baskets both decorative and useful. A tip is to tuck them under tables and benches. They add style and a place to store all kinds of things ($10.95 – $89.95).

3. Indego Africa

You can’t get much better than the variety of styles and general terrificness (I made up that word) at Indego of Africa. Their styles include platters and Agaseke baskets. They’re all made by hand by women in Rwanda, and take over 5 days to make ($35.00 – $110.00).

Decorating tip! A tray is a favorite way to set a tablescape. Antique bottles, a long tray and mini baskets look beautiful on this small entrance hall table.

4. Simon Pearce

I like the delicate nature of these baskets from, Simon Pearce, and have used them in kitchens. They’re a bit pricey, but are handmade and I like the size. They look great on a counter ($28.00 – $180.00).

5. Mission Del Rey

You don’t need a lodge or fishing shack to use Native American baskets in a decorating scheme. Mission del Rey sells a large variety of baskets handmade right here in the US of A. Fill the bucket style with apples or a plant. The platter style can stand alone, or place a decorative ball – just one – in the middle ($22.00 – $80.00).

Decorating tip! Use an odd number of what-nots when filling a basket or arranging just about anything. It always looks better than just four. Don’t you agree?

6. Pottery Barn

Ye old faithful, Pottery Barn. They’ve got a varied selection of storage baskets and decorative. Mostly storage. I have a large covered one under my bathroom sink. I keep extra toilet paper and my hair dryer in it. It’s useful, stylish and reasonably priced. Like everything at Pottery Barn ($24.99 – $89.99).

Personal note: I’m never sure whether people like Pottery Barn or don’t like it. Or, if it’s the place everyone does like, but doesn’t want to admit it. Truly, they have wonderful things. The key is to not buy everything from one store – whether it’s Pottery Barn or Barbara Barry. Your home is yours. It should reflect your personality.

7. Novica

My hit or miss online resource is Novica. Sometimes they’ve got really terrific things. Sometimes not. I adore these storage boxes – a thousand and one uses for those. And the little basket, above, is cute and perfect for a kitchen counter. I see fruit! ($39.95 – $59.95).

8. Baskets of Africa

I saved the most spectacular for last. Baskets of Africa sells the coolest baskets ever. Their Fair Trade baskets are made all over Africa. Their baskets are large and small and all are the real deal ($24.99 – $299.00).

That’s it! Basketland is done. Unless you’ve got a resource you’d like to share with all of us. Or, if you’ve got a special use for a basket let us know. Or, send me a photo! I’d love to see everyone’s basketed home (I made up that word too).

Let me begin this review by saying that the candle I was asked to sample from Baroness von Neumann is attractive. So is the box it came in. As such, it might make a delightful gift. The scent, Fete is a little overpowering. I prefer a more subtle scent. But that’s a personal thing, right?

I must admit, the Baroness’ “resumé” smells a little well, eau de poisson-y to moi.

I’m sure they’re accurate, but her press materials stress a ready-for-reality-show kind of vibe. Born in Detroit (how gauche!), raised in “Hollywood”, sent to Swiss finishing school following her marriage to the Baron John Von Neumann. He “discovered” her at a party when she was only 18.  (Perhaps Fete is a Baronessian homage to that fateful evening). Her background also includes a stint as a Dior muse, a dancer, and, “international tastemaker”. (I’d love that job title, by the way).

The candles are also claimed to be 100% organic, (which I can’t confirm, as they don’t come with as extensive a C.V. as the Baroness herself), and are purported to burn for 70 hours.

Here’s what burns me up. Why do people feel compelled to buff their backgrounds so hard they glow in the dark? If, like moi, you’re from Detroit, that’s cool. Why not just leave it at that? Heads up Baroness! We’ve got our own royalty here. She’s called the Queen of Soul. That said, there are no Aretha candles for sale as far as I know.

These might make perfect gifts for your jet-setting friends with homes in Geneva, Palm Springs, and Bel Air. But chances are if they do own a home there, they’re already close personal friends with the Baroness.

PS: when you visit her website or online shop, turn down the speakers or you’ll be subjected to an endless loop of Eurotrash club music. Chicka chicka!

Giveaway!

After all that, I’m actually giving away a Fete candle. This is your chance to live just a tiny bit like the Baroness herself! Light your candle, pour a glass of wine, cozy up to the fire, and sneer at the kids. (Just kidding about that last part). This lovely candle comes in a beautiful box and would make a great gift. Plus, it burns for 70 hours.

To enter, simply leave a comment and let me know how six months at a Swiss finishing school would change your life. The contest runs for a week and is open to everyone in the entire jet-setting world! (Unless you’ve won something in the last 6 months. Are you reading this, Sultan of Brunei?) The winner is drawn at random and will be announced next week. Good luck!

Khaya means house in Zulu. All their products are made in Africa and sold through the trade here in the US. The Tribal Chair retails for $2,500.

1. My Beautiful Backside

First up is one groovy settee brought to you by Moroso. I was lucky enough to see its unveiling in Milan a couple of years ago (brag brag) and chat with Nipa. She looks way too young to be this talented. MBBS is covered in varieties of  wool and felt and can be configured in a variety of ways with different backs and pillows. Check out the site to see all the variations. It’s really fun, isn’t it?

2. Galerie Settee

From the funky to the serene, the Galerie settee, designed by André Arbus for Baker, says, I’m sooo sophisticated. In a good way. This style is large enough to take the place of a sofa in a small space. Too staid for you? Loosen things up with a fabric in a bold fabric.

3. Easy From Muebles & Cie

Here’s a contemporary and casual style designed by Klauser and Carpenter for French company, Muebles & Cie. The Easy settee is interesting all around. In my crystal ball I see it in a loft apartment.

4. Sylvie Settee

I like a curved option. Different heights and lines gives a room texture and dimension. The Sylvie settee, designed by William Yeoward, is beautifully feminine and decorative – a trend we’ll be seeing more and more.

5. Suffolk Settee

Who doesn’t like a tight back? This mini sofa, the Suffolk style from Crate & Barrel ($999) comes with 5 fabric choices – all neutrals. Dial up the style with a throw and a long rectangular pillow. I like this in a bedroom or home office.

6. Jonathan Adler’s Morrow Settee

How can one designer love so many styles? Next up is Jonathan Adler who remains current with his clean lines and bright colors. His Morrow settee ($1,850) says I have a vacation home like nobody’s business.

7. Simone Sofette

Here’s another style that’s perfect for a small space, a bedroom, an office. Oh, I guess lots of spaces. I might tuck it gently into a bay window (not the actual window please!). The Sylvie sofette, from William Sonoma Home (starting at $1,572) comes in a variety of fabrics. And it’s much appreciated that they show it with a throw and pillow options. I like the nail head detail. In fact, I really like WS Home in general. Their stylists have a good eye.

8. Baker’s Castel Settee

Last but not least, I’m loving Jacques Garcia’s Castel settee from Baker. Like my number one model, Castel has a beautiful backside. I like this dark stain on the beechwood, but there are several options to choose from. Add your own fabric. A yummy velvet would be delicious.

And now for the winner. It is….

Emily!

Emily, your books will be on their way to your home in a few days. You can start smiling, styling and profiling with your newly organized and spruced up home. Yay!

Giveaway Announcement!

Stay tuned for next week’s super fantastic giveaway. Your windows will be so happy. Shhh!!!

If you’re expecting guests for the upcoming holidays, spend some extra time and a few dollars sprucing up the spare room. I promise your guests will notice, appreciate it and pay you lots of compliments. Issues with the mother-in-law? A cozy guest room and you can throw them in the waste basket. All your guests will leave with a higher impression of you – no matter how high is already is. Wow! Sound nuts? I promise you it isn’t.Speaking of waste baskets, every bedroom needs a nice one. I love these from A & L Home. They have a wide assortment of lovely designs.Out of town guests like to shop and they’ve got to throw the tags somewhere. Maybe they’ll buy you a thank-you gift!

Now you’ll know what a nut job I am because I’m going to reveal that I iron my sheets. I have a machine called a mangle that irons them fast. Once you sleep on an ironed sheet you’ll be spoiled for life. So, spoil your guests and dress the bed with beautiful ironed sheets. Your guests’ eyes will be filled with tears of joy at your amazing thoughtfulness and great taste.

I prefer a white sheet with a simple stripe. Then, dress the bed with a beautiful duvet and shams. William Sonoma Home has a beautiful Suzani embroidered coverlet and shams ($138 – $698). Pottery Barn just opened a large bedding selection, including handmade quilts and shams ($39 – $249). I like this log cabin style. Paint the room to go with the colors in the bedding – always start a bedroom with the bedding.

Add some extra snuggle factor with some throws. They’re great for taking a nap – you don’t have to mess up the bed. I found this reversible  paisley cashmere and silk throw at Overstock.com ($109.99). Such a deal I want to cry. I also like this classic plaid wool throw from Pendleton ($128). Great prices on both of these.

Here we get into some controversy. Scented drawer liners? Could be good, could be bad. Some people don’t like scent. But this a fairly inexpensive way to dress up your dresser. It’s those little things that guests notice and appreciate. I found these designs at Hammock & High Tea. They sell for $25 for a set of six. If the scent is really strong, let them air out for a while.

Every room needs art. I adore these wall flowers from British designer Lorna Syson. She makes pillows, too. But I love the idea of a flower on the wall. I’d hang a large one over the bed. Wouldn’t that look smashing? Lorna ships to the US, so now worries there. Her site is down today, so check back later to see all her beautiful things.

Guest Room Tips

• Some other things every guest room should have are:
• tissues in a covered box
• reading material, like books and magazines in a basket or on a shelf
• If you have space, your guests will buy you a ginormous gift if you place a small fridge in the closet. Sometimes guests like to get away by themselves for a while. It’s so nice to have some sodas, beer, cold water, etc… on hand. They don’t have to trouble you by asking for a soda – it’s just there for them. Place some cookies and snacks in a basket on the dresser, too.
• Think of your guest room as a hotel room. What do you like to have when you travel? That’s what I want in a guest room.

Do you have a tip to share? What do you do when the guest room is your child’s room? We’re all thinking ahead to the holidays and need ideas to help us prepare.