Are You a Spartan? or a Victorian?

What kind of decorator are you? Do you like minimalism or do you like more "stuff"? I am never sure what type of decorating I like best, because I am constantly drawn to different things. As a preservationist, and lover of architecture, I find that certain spaces call for certain types of decorating. Typically, more modern architecture calls for more minimalist type decorating, and a traditional architecture calls for a busier look. However, that is not always the case. 

Darryl Carter, one of my favorite decorators, typically works in spaces with more traditional architecture, but he decorates with an understated minimalism using both traditional and modern furniture. What I love about his take on traditional architecture is that many people forget that historic colonial homes had very little furniture. Drapes and carpets and wallpaper and bric a brac is something that was brought on in the 19th century, and taken to the next level during the Victorian era. So when Carter decorates either an 18th century space, or a colonial revival space, he is actually decorating the space like it would have been originally. 

Here is Bunny Williams' NYC apartment. I also love this look. Stacks of books on chairs, under tables, bookcases, flowers on the mantle, and several smaller seating arrangements. For some reason, I always love this look for a New York apartment. I don't know what it is about our apartment in NYC, we have so little space, but I want our apartment to look more like this. And that is easy, because I have stacks of books everywhere and no shelves to put them on! 

But this, this is the ultimate. Somehow this Copenhagen living room manages to have both a minimalist appearance, as well as having tons of stuff in it. I love the stacks of paintings on the walls and the bookshelf brimming with books. And yet the room does not feel cluttered with the minimalist furniture and doors opening to the outside ... I love it. Also helps that this house sports 12 over 12 windows, my fave. What do you think? What type of decorator are you? 

Images via DarrylCarter.com, BunnyWilliams.com, and Marie Claire Maison Italia

Cheap and Chic of the Week: Coastal Living & Pier 1

I can always count on my great Charleston friend Mary Beth to have a Coastal Living in her beach bag - and I always ask to take a peak. On our most recent beach mission last month, Coastal Living had a spread that lead me to find a piece of cheap furniture that I had been looking for EVERYWHERE. 

The Dunmore Beach Club. Harbour Island, Bahamas. Just restored/redecorated by Caribbean local decorator Amanda Lindroth. 

And here it is ... the photo that solved all my apartment decor issues. Looking at this picture it might not be clear what in this photo "saved me." Bottom right hand corner, the slipper chair covered in Quadrille's  "Petite Zig Zag" fabric in brown. And under the photo it read "slipper chair from Pier 1." 

I have to be honest, Pier 1 may be one of the only decorating discount opportunities that I always forget about. Everything in there is always so over decorated, that I would rarely think of Pier 1 as a place to buy staples or basics. But here it is -- the Audra Slipper Chair. Just what WB and I needed in the apartment. And I got two of them for $139 each!

Now eventually the plan will be to upholster the chairs--skirted, but for now they are sitting in the apartment "naked." (sorry for the dark photo, a little cloudy in NYC this am) So to jazz them up whilst they remain white and uncovered I bought some $40 pillows from Roberta Roller Rabbit, and voila, a seating arrangement. I am thrilled with this "find," what do you all think?  

photos via Coastal Living

I Know, I Know ...

It's been a long few months, of both good and bad, but now I am ready to come back to you all. I missed you, I hope you missed me. 

Where have I been? 

NewYorkEastHamptonDarienBridgeportCharlestonandbackagain