Botanical Inspiration: Paula Hayes' Exhibit at the Lever House.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to view an installation by botanical artist Paula Hayes at the Lever House in NYC.  Her work, *Land Mind*, depicts environments that live at the intersection of landscape and imagination.   Along with a 15 foot cocoon terrarium,  an awesome aquarium designed by Paula was also on display.  Taking the shape and texture of her blown glass creations, the aquarium was built from a solid block of acrylic, hollowed out to house an array of saltwater fish and plants.  Take a look at how art, life and design coexist in Ms. Hayes' micro worlds:

Pillow Obsession: 7 Black and White Pillows

Black and white pillows provide a great way of adding contrast to a space.  Whether on a sofa or a chair, these color opposites add depth to both bright and neutral palette rooms.  Take a look at 7 of my favorites:

Click here to see interesting spaces that utilize black and white pillows.

images

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

'Til Monday On Monday: The Year Of The Dragon

Tonight at midnight, the Chinese New Year begins.   It's the year of the dragon and Bergdorf Goodman's windows are ringing it in a highly fashioned way.

According to Chinese astrology, people born on the year of the dragon are said to be strong, self-assured, eccentric, intellectual, and passionate.

Out And About: "Derrière" Restaurant, Paris

This week's Out And About features Derrière, a restaurant my husband and I dined at while visiting Paris past summer. The eclectic mix of furnishings and accessories artfully arranged in its many rooms make the experience feel more like dining at your coolest friends' house. At the end of a narrow hallway on the second floor, there's an antique mirrored armoire which, upon opening, leads to a secret fumoir.  After savoring our meals we ventured through the secret door for a nightcap, complimentary champagne and some intriguing conversations with an array of interesting people dropping in as the evening progressed.  Take a look at quite possibly the coolest restaurant I've ever been to...

Derrière, 69, rue des Gravilliers, 75003; (33-1) 44-61-91-95. Métro: Arts et Métiers; derriere-resto.com.

A Reader Inspired Post: Painted Antlers

Shortly after receiving a photo of a deer antler from a reader who found one while taking a winter's beach walk, I stumbled upon these painted antlers on the internet.  Artist Cassandra Smith uses metallic and flat acrylic paints to express herself on these natural animal adornments.  I have to admit that I do love them.  They mesh the boundaries between what's natural and what's clearly not.  I'm curious what our reader friend will say about them...

So what would you do?  Go the natural route or opt for bold and showy?!