Do you ever wonder where fashion designers create their masterpiece collections? I do! Jason Wu who launched his eponymous line in 2006 and quickly became a favorite of starlets opened his new design office to Elle Decor. His pieces have clean, classic lines and incorporate bright colors and prints without being flashy. The result is modern and elegant much like this fantastic design space.
 

 

 
His reception area. The walls are decorated with Wu’s collection of photographs by contemporary artists, as well as prints by Italian fashion illustrator René Gruau, whose work once appeared in the pages of ELLE, Marie Claire, Vogue, and European fashion magazines
 

 

 
Elizabeth Dow wall covering made of pages from The New York Observer.
 

 

 
Gorgeous fabric and sketches in his workroom.
 

 
Red Thonet chairs in the employee dining space add a punch of color!
 

 

 
Can I borrow one of these?

Interior design by Jesse Carrier, Images from Elle Decor, Written by Fred A. Bernstein • Styled by Stephen Pappas • Photographed by William Waldro

My new office buddy? I love this quirky leather rhino by British company Omersa. It’s perfect for a creative bookend on shelves. It also comes in a large stool version!

Shelton, Mindel and Associates. I love this mix of calacatta marble, the white oak banquette and vintage jean prouve stools.

This minimalist kitchen is by Bruce T. Bananto from Elle Decor January 2010. The kitchen cabinetry is Verenna Poliform and the counters are CaesarStone with a Sub-Zero fridge.

Gorgeous kitchen by West Chin Architects. I love this mix of the undulating calacatta marble, warm oak floors, matte lacquer cabinetry and stainless steel counters.

Gwenyth Paltrow’s brilliant kitchen from Vogue. I love the exaggerated counter profile. She is just so chic, period. Photographed by Mario Testino.

With Valentine’s day approaching quickly, I am beginning to dream about stylish cupcakes, a perfect V-day treat. Here are a few of my favorite cupcake interiors and some yummy cupcakes. Their modern displays make the cupcakes look even more delish!

Sprinkles Cupcakes in Los Angeles

DC Cupcakes in Washington DC

Kara’s Cupcakes in San Francisco

Joan’s on Third

I am loving the Jan/Feb issue of Lonny! Here are a few of my favorite shots:

Designed by Trip Haenisch

Designed by Jarlath Mellet

Both articles were written by Shawn Gauthier and photographed by Patrick Cline.

Shelton Mindel & Associates are one of my favorite architects of all time. They constantly produce crisp, clean and innovative interiors that exude modernity and yet feel cozy. Residence 5504 is just one example of their inspirational portfolio.

I love the juxtaposition of the clean smooth white wall anchoring the grey stone with white veining fireplace. The horizontal niche flanking the vertical fireplace is also a brilliant touch. The green Finn Juhl sofa adds burst of color and vibrancy yet is consistent in evoking a sense of calmness.

I LOVE these white leather bean bag chairs from Zanotta! They are inviting and look so comfortable. The chandelier is Jean Royere design.

I love the Hans Wegner Flag Halyard chair with the red pillow.

The wallcovering is Josef Frank and the chairs Hans Wegner wishbone chairs. The wallpaper adds a fun groovy vibe against the otherwise pale serene color palate.

What a fun painting idea!

The paneled bleached walnut wall behind the bed adds warmth.
I adore this burnt sienna throw from Susan Chalom designed by Karin Lilja-Makkonen, it echoes the warmth of the walnut wall. Poul Kjaerholm chairs along the sidewall with a 1959 work by Lars Englund above.

http://www.sheltonmindel.com

Gio Ponti Fun!

After commenting on Jill Stuart’s home and her fantastic Gio Ponti pieces, I was inspired to share more of his brilliant designs. Gio Ponti was a poet, architect, industrial designer and furniture designer. He is a standard-bearer of Italian design.

The Arfa table lamp by anta germany is an architectural lamp made of steel in matte black or white finish with the shade interior in silver or gold. I love the white and gold combination, minimal yet luxurious!

Lampe Gras table lamp is available through Holly Hunt. It is available in either all chrome or white painted steel cast body and chromed shade. The price point is not too bad at $465.00.

Mouille tripod desk lamp. I LOVE LOVE this lamp.  It was designed by Serge Mouille in 1954 as a “reaction to the Italian models that were beginning to invade the market in 1950,” which he criticized for being “too complicated.” This lamp can fit perfectly into a contemporary space but also in a more eclectic environment. It is quite pricey at $2,600 through DWR.

Mathias Hahn’s Scantling lamps, available as a table lamp and floor lamp produced by Marset.  These lamps have such a clearly defined personality with a hinged wooden arm which allows for the shade to be adjustable without counterweights or springs. Absolutely brilliant!

Tolomeo lamp is available in an assortment of sizes. It’s timeless design and perfect engineering make it a life long choice.

Toshiyuki Kita’s comet table lamp. Made of acrylic. Super cool and perfect next to your mac.

Anta Germany’s Bob table lamp.

Anemone lamp by Emily Todhunter available through Plug Lighting. This sdds a bit of glitz and glamour to any space!

Gaspare lamp by Anta Germany. Lovely cool design with a unique wood base.

LIM C LED table lamp available at DWR. This is so sleek and slim, is it even there?

Studioilse w084t lamp at DWR. I love the red fabric covered cord!

I absolutely love fashion designer Jill Stuart’s home from Elle Décor October 2009. It is contemporary, ethereal, homey and you can’t miss the fantastic views and art! This home really showcases the interconnection of design and fashion. Designed by Selldorf Architects.  Check out the eye candy below!

Poul Kjaerholm vintage daybed, burnished and tarnished just like a leather coat! Knoll sofa’s, rug by Carini Lang, FontanaArt floor lamp, and Geisha by Julian Schnabel.

Ghada Amer’s Noired hangs above the living room fireplace.

I love the candleholders strewn down the length of the table with the lovely whimsical flowers in between. Vintage lights by Carlo Scarpa, Sue Williams painting and candleholders by Ted Meuhling. Silk dhurrie by Vangerhurd Studio, Thonet dining chairs.

Bulthaup kitchen with Bassam Fellows walnut stools.

Jules Olitski’s White on White hangs above a Jasper Morrison bed from Cappellini. The super light Gio Point Leggera chair adds a acts as a nice counterpoint to the serene monochromatic scene.

Gio Ponti desk turned into a vanity! The Lynda Benglis sculpture looks as if it is floating before the window.

MDF Italia aluminum bed, rug by Vanderhurd Studio. Love the pink color coordination.

B&B Italia Tufty Time sofa.

Gorgeous terrace with silicone planters by Paula Hayes and Design Within Reach chaise lounges.