SAL'S BACHELOR PAD

We're delighted to finally bring you all another completed project! Introducing, Sal's bachelor pad by the beach. Luxurious, modern and neutral, finally an addition to our portfolio that say's Dalliance Design can do masculine too.

 When I met Sal, I knew I could go a bit more wild as long as I stayed within the masculine, tone on tone boundaries of his personal style. The only way to achieve that look was to layer on the textures to keep the look interesting. Which meant buttery soft leather swivel chairs, silky velvets, croc embossed side tables and an innovative accent tile wall embossed to look like driftwood. After my final trip back to his house with accessories I realized I got quite carried away with the Croc (i.e. giant crocodile resin skull, croc tables, croc fireplace tile...). I can't quite figure out which part is my favorite, but I'd be excited if Sal wanted to work on the game room next. ;)

 

CHAIRISH: MISSONI HOME RUG THREE WAYS

While perusing the many pages of beautiful objects on Chairish.com, I immediately gravitated towards this Missoni Home's Octagonal Nabarniz rug. Dyed in rich pink, purple, and green hues, these are definitely pops of colors we can't resist at Dalliance Design. I had a little too much fun coming up with these design concepts and decided to show three fun ways you can use this rug below. Let us know which scheme is your favorite and click here for a list of all my favorite Chairish items.

24 Ct. Gold Plated Flatware Set | Missoni Home Nabarniz Rug | Ziyi Chandelier by Visual Comfort | 60" Rosewood Herman Miller Dining Table | Lilac Ombre Bar Set | Milo Baughman Dining Chairs - Set of 6

 Omforme Tanktrap Chandelier | Mid Century Prussian Blue Velvet Sofa | Milo Baughman Octagonal Chrome and Glass Table | Mid Century Highball and Ice Bucket Set | Missoni Home Nabarniz Rug | Mid Century Smoked Glass Table Lamps

Mid Century Brass Console Table | Missoni Home Nabarniz Rug | Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa | Green Glass Vessels | Industrial Scissor Lamp | Ombre Silk Velvet Pillows 

Be sure to check out all of the fabulous rug options at Chairish.

Shou-Sugi-Ban: BURNT CEDAR BOARD



While enjoying my morning coffee over the weekend I came across an episode of Bath Crashers. To my surprise, I happened to like the design in this particular episode. Unfortunately I can't find any photos depicting the end results of this episode. But that's neither here nor there. The important thing is I learned all about a new technique of charring wood planks. Which happens to be a century old Japanese fireproofing tradition called shou-sugi-ban or "burnt cedar board." 

As you can see charring the wood for different lengths of time will result similarly to cooking a steak. Rare to medium to charred right off the coal grill. I love how the grain in the wood becomes more pronounced around the medium rare level.  

Of course, I'm always interested in how pretty things are, but the purpose of charring the wood is actually interesting as well. Ready to get all scientific?  The process known as oxidation, happens through scorching the wood, washing it down, and drying the wood to remove all it's moisture. This creates a protective barrier that doesn't allow oxygen in, hence the reason why it's hard to burn again being that air is an important variable to fueling a fire. Surprisingly you get a similar effect to how steel protects against fire.

On another level, this treatment protects against bugs and rot. Bonus!



 

Check out this look. Mixing the two different burnt levels of the charred wood together.

 

 

And let's not forget how this trend is creeping in to home décor. I'm completely obsessed with this Eskor lamp and bookends from Made Goods. Basically scorched wood encased in resin. How cool is that?

 

Not a clock person in the slightest, but I would definitely consider this one from Etsy.

 

Black on black color. Soft velvet on rustic burnt cedar. Not to mention the chevron pattern. Yea, that's sexy.

 

 



Images via:

 

Concrete Playground

Made Goods

Domaine Home

Etsy

MENS GIFT GUIDE 2014

Since the boyfriend's big 30th birthday is just around the corner, I thought I would get an early start on this years Men's Gift Guide. What do you get the guy who has everything and asks for nothing? Well, I've put together a nice little shopping list for all of the stylish men in your life that are always up for an adventure and savors the taste of top shelf whiskey.

1. Frye Gavin Grey Slip Ons / 2. Roberu Leather Compact Camera Strap / 3. Viparo Distressed Beige Leather Brad Jacket / 4. The Art of Shaving Kit, Classic Horn Shaving Set / 5. Daniel Wellington Classic Cardiff Watch / 6. Brooklyn Boulders Rock Climbing Classes / 7. Camel Jacket 8. Whiskey of the Month Club

OCTOBER DECOR MOOD BOARD

With the transition to the Fall season, we shift our attention back to our interiors. It's time to freshen up, break out a new cozy throw, perhaps try a new color paint and switch things up a bit. 

I already broke out my 4x6 sheepskin rug and I won't lie, I roll around on it on a daily basis. It's just so cozy! I highly recommend one, even if it's just a single pelt at the foot of your bed. You can't have a bad day when you sink your toes in to that furry softness first thing in the morning. 

On another note, I'm also looking forward to a few final touches I'll be making to my apartment before we photograph. The Katie Round Glass pendant from Visual Comfort will be a sleek addition to my dining table. And right on the wall behind my settee, a landscape painting I'm commissioning through my talented coworker, Sam. Inspired by the very talented artist, Robert Roth.

On the wish list this season are these stunning acrylic bowls by Alexa Von Furstenberg. There's just something about a hint of acrylic in the mix that just makes a setting unforgettable. And if I had the money and the time to install I would totally grab this Stikwood wallcovering from Anthropologie. A great look for an accent wall or a powder room. 

For Color direction this season I'm really attracted to warm deep hues. Such as rich olive to emerald green, camel to Veuve golden orange and eggplant purple. I especially see these colors looking better worked in pairs and used in rich fabrics like mohair and velvet. 

How are you prepping your interiors for the Fall season?

HOUZZ PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER

Interior Designers and Decorators

Nicole and I are proud to announce that we are featured on HOUZZ as professional interior designers. Houzz has been a wonderful source for us and several of our clients has found us based through their design website. Houzz has honored us with their "Best of Houzz 2014" Award and we plan to continue to shine through with many upcoming projects for years to come.

The work of a professional can make all the difference. Whether your home has 10 bedrooms, or your apartment is 800 square feet, it can be tricky to create a cohesive look that is representative of your style. That's where an interior designer comes in. A home decorator will help distill your tastes and ideas into a design that suits the needs of your space. Whether you need help creating a functional space plan, rearranging existing pieces, designing the inside of a new home, or simply sourcing amazing furniture and decor, seeking the help of professional interior designers and decorators is a must.

A good design professional will hone your style down to its very essence and be able to choose a functional layout that feels natural to you. Interior design companies can be involved as much or as little as the client desires. Many clients who hire an interior decorator — particularly those who are remodeling  have a good sense of how the room should look and what products they should use. Often clients will insist that interior decorators use the products already present in the house. Other times a designer will need to start from scratch especially if this is a newly purchased or just-built home. An interior design company will need to figure out exactly what the client needs, which includes organizing rooms, laying tile, picking carpeting and colors, and finding furniture to complement it all. Sometimes that means he or she will have to recruit help from other home professionals to help create the perfect look for your renovation. 

UNDER PINNINGS

Living at the beach this summer has definitely changed my personal style up a bit. The ladies on the shore are more inclined to rock the boho beach girl vibe. This includes trends that I can't stand, a la high waisted denim shorts. And the dreaded hippie headband that drapes straight across the forehead.

On the other hand these girls are more carefree, and more inclined to just go au natural. In comes the bralette. I know, I know. It's not exactly the newest trend to hit the stores. But I just have to say, it's about damn time we show off what the good Lord gave us! 

Out here on the east coast, ladies are showing off their bralettes. Letting them peek out through casual tees and tanks. Brands like For Love And Lemons and   Aimee Cherie Intimates are definitely setting the tone for the everyday lingerie. Even Free People and Anthropologie have some cute intimates to choose from. 

Let's take the trend to the Fall season by going a bit more with the 90's grunge revival that seems to be happening. Let your bralette peek out of your button down flannel. Or maybe with a vintage tee and a structure jacket. It's definitely a bit sexier than you may be used to but I think it's totally acceptable for a casual bar hopping kinda night out. 

Take Ashley Glorioso of Purse 'N Boots Blog. I'm loving her style, and that she has a total obsession for the bralette. I have been stalking her Instagram for a week now and I'm completely inspired by her. I just love how effortlessly sexy her look is. Case in point, she's sporting the bralette right into Fall. 

We're Back!

After a long hiatus away from blogging this summer, Steph and I are finally settled and ready to bring you new fresh content. Just to fill you all in, we've been busy. Steph finally found a more semi-permanent home in Midtown East, New York City.  Like all NYC spaces, it's pretty tiny, but all of the square footage of the terrace was worth the deal. Enough space for a hot tub and outdoor sectional. Come next spring she'll be eager to show the place off.

 

In other news, I found the sweetest apartment in Asbury Park, NJ. I live right across the street from the beach and just close enough to all the downtown action. It has been a work in process for the past five months but it's almost camera ready. Can't wait to show you all how it turns out.

In the meantime, here is a little teaser, make sure to follow us on instagram @dalliancedesign

OUTDOOR TERRACE DESIGN

I am thrilled to announce that I signed a lease for a pretty amazing apartment in Manhattan. Technically, I was not going to begin apartment hunting for another few months, I just happened to accompany a friend to an apartment viewing and next thing I know I am handing a check over to the realtor. I am not one to impulse purchase (okay, maybe I am) but this place has a doorman, laundry on every floor, a rooftop, a gym, a suana, a recreation room, a dishwasher, a ROOFTOP, a pool on the rooftop.. oh, and did I mention a rooftop? Every single time the realtor mentioned another amenity I could not contain myself, I said "Stop it, I cannot handle all of this excitement, I already said I would sign the lease!"

Besides all of the great things I just listed, what sold us was the terrace that comes with our apartment. It is a corner unit and the terrace literally wraps around the entire space, our outdoor terrace alone is larger than most apartments I've seen. Having outdoor space in NYC is something I have always dreamed of but never saw it as a reality unless I won the lotto. The dream is real and I cannot wait to design the space. This is going to be one beautiful summer.

If you have the space, a corner sectional is the perfect outdoor seating arrangement.

Add texture by using greenery on the walls, and plenty of soft seating.

If your building allows it, build a canopy to protect you on the hottest summer days.

A table with a built in BBQ grill for all of your guests to cook their own meats and veggies? Yes please.

Incorporate lighting for better night time entertaining.

My roommate is convinced that we can crane a hot tub jacuzzi onto the terrace. I'm in.

A tree stump as a table base is absolute genius.

My friend ordered a projector as soon as I suggested having outdoor movie nights.

So apparently once your friends find out you have a terrace with a sick view, they all offer to help build furniture.

We ordered an outdoor double chaise lounge, I can not wait to lay on it after a long day of designing.

There will be plenty of dinner parties thrown this summer.

 

 This indoor outdoor living design by Kelly Wearstler has always been a favorite of mine, the woman can do no wrong.