A Blue Valentine

Above: Soap Hearts by Satin and Birch

Valentine's day  usually brings us vivid reds and demure pinks, but today I'd like to show you how to honor this heart-felt holiday with a very different hue:  BLUE.

Take a look at some lovely blue inspired finds to celebrate Valentine's day.

Felt Garland: MadeMary

Limited edition:  Swarowski Stars Nuits de Noho.

Paper garland: PaperPolaroid

Retro blue iced cookies: Crowley Cookies

Royal blue silk covered necklace: Esty

Image:  Slim Paley

Necklace : Samantha House

Often, I need to remind myself to "keep calm".....that's why I love the above take on the whole "keep calm and carry on" trend.  Find it on Esty.

So what you do think?  Are you a hard-core traditionalist when it comes to Valentine's Day?!  Or would you be game to try a different color on your heart shaped wishes?!

Let me know the colors of your true Valentine.

Before And After: The Hanna Sofa

The post "Fabric Finds" featured  a series of fabric combinations pulled together to reupholster a client's bench.   The client has since picked her favorites and the Hanna bench has taken a brand new look.  Originally, the bench looked great in Kelly Wearstler's Bengal Bazaar fabric.  Extremely pretty but not the right fabric for the space this bench was destined for.  The style of the bench was exactly what my client and I were looking for, but the fabric clearly wasn't.  Hence "Fabric Finds".    Take a look at how the bench was transformed to grace the space it now occupies.

The back and sides of the Hannah bench are covered in Brunschwig and Fils Dzambul Stripe and the seat cushion in Roma's Delano.  Together the two fabrics create the perfect combination of color and whimsy in its new home.  Still waiting for a few custom pillows in complementary fabrics to further layer pattern and color in my clients' amazing space.

To see more upholstery before and afters click here.

Take A Seat, At The Delano

I just returned from a very sunny and warm week-end in South Beach.  Having never been before, I found being engulfed in a single type of architecture, Art Deco, to be quite cool.  One of my favorite buildings happened to be the Delano Hotel.  On the outside its design fits perfectly among the neighboring hotels, on the inside, however,  its eclectic modern decor is a show stopper.  Upon entering this gem,  your senses are delighted by a scented breeze that blissfully blows around the space making the elegant floor-to-ceiling curtains move ever so slightly. Immediately, your eyes travel to an array of seating areas comprised of the most diverse settees and chairs.  One very different from the next, at times making no sense at all, with neither a design thread nor a style period in common.  Nevertheless, all of them beautiful and mesmerizing.   Not an easy effect to accomplish, but the Delano does and does it well.

Take  a look at some of my favorites:

Hope the pictures give you a sense of the magic the Delano created in its historic Florida spot.  To see more photos from my South Beach weekend go to Cocoon's Facebook page.

Art Pairing: Jeff Depner

I'm loving the Jeff Depner's paintings I saw on Pawling print studio.  His work is both chaotic and controlled, both geometric and fluid.  The colors are layered in acrylic and oil giving the canvases depth and texture.  I couldn't help but pair them with some of my favorite finds.

Juliska "Harriet" Black Fishbowl Vase- Bloomingdale's

Image of blue antique sofa from: Antiques-Collectibles

Murano orange glass chandelier- 1stdibs

What's your favorite pairing?  Check out Cocoon's Facebook page for mine.

New Dishes, New Salad

My recently purchased tableware from Suzuki Bean really makes food look pretty and appetizing.  Take a look at a salad  I created just the other night.   Those of you who've dined 'chez nous' know that salads are my specialty,  even though I'm not one for precise measurements.  Below you'll find a list of the ingredients, which may be seasoned with your own taste buds in mind.  Please let me know how you like this "foodie" post.  I'll gladly feature one now and then.

Salad:  Blood oranges, satsumas, mache (lamb's lettuce), green onions, pistachios, and grilled chicken--or not...

Dressing:  Olive oil, rice vinegar, juice from an orange, honey, salt and pepper.

Enjoy!