Logan Killen

There are a crop of new young things on the interior design and decorating scene here in New Orleans, and one of my favorites is the firm of Logan Killen Interiors.

Love the mix with vintage sideboard, the pair of vintage yellow lamps, and the contemporary mirror

This from their web site:

"Formed in 2012 by Katie Logan and Jensen Killen, Logan Killen Interiors is a New Orleans based interior design company specializing in residential and small commercial projects. We believe in creating environments that make our everyday lives beautiful and easy. Our passion for unique furniture, textiles, color, art, and perfect proportions guide our decisions, as well as the understanding that interiors should be comfortable. How a space is truly used must always be considered, and we approach each project with a fresh perspective to allow for a personal result. We love what we do and of course, we are bundles of fun!"

In fact they are so much fun that I did a story on one of their projects for the current Fall issue of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles, and Sara Essex Bradley did the fabulous photos. Chase the link and read the story.

Read about Logan Killen in the Fall Issue of New Orleans Homes & Lifestyle

In the meantime, here are a few photos from the project. I think they are going to have a great career, don't you?

A little entry hall was crated in the living room by using two chests - I love the asymmetrical styling of art and objects

Logan Killen suggested that the color for the bookshelves be painted a deep gray to help camouflage the television

A vintage dining set with the  chair seats recovered, a Jonathan Adler chandelier, and a stripe rug are a refreshing mix of old and new in the dining room

I love the styling in this bedroom

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In The Manner Of Noguchi And David Hicks

Sara and I were doing a photo shoot a couple of weeks ago in my dining room, and we moved the table over to get a better image. Hey! We both thought the table would work better moved "forever" to one side. The shotgun house dining room is small and a pass-through, and I have the bruises on my upper thighs to prove that the table took up valuable walkway room with it being in the center of the room.

Valorie Hart dining room Fall 2013

It meant moving the armoire. So I did a major clean out of the office supplies and crap hidden behind those closed doors, and moved the thing into the kitchen (that's another blog post). I fantasized about having built-in banquettes done, but I don't have that kind of cash. So I started a search for an option by using some storage benches to arrange banquette style along two walls.

The armoire got cleaned out and moved! And the chandelier got retired for now

The chandelier had to move from the center of the room, and sadly the in-line design did not allow for the old swag it from the power source trick. I have long loved the Noguchi over size lantern, and thought this would be a good time and place to use it. Luckily, Alberto is an electrical engineer, so swagging the huge (but lightweight) ball over the new dining table spot was easy-peasy. I got out my clipping file of pictures with this style of lantern to show Alberto what I had in mind.

Nakashima Compound by Brian Ferry - Love that stick the lantern is suspended from

Deborah Needleman used the lantern in in her dining room

Mats Gustafson and Ted Muehling used it in their home

The size I want of the Noguchi lantern is over $500. Oh well. So off I go to get dorm room standard issue ha ha. But at 30" in diameter the copy cat Noguchi lantern looks pretty good. You can buy a lantern and a cord kit for under $40. HERE.

I was also so happy to find the storage trucks with a fabric that reminded me so much of the beloved David Hicks La Fiorentina fabric. I wish I could afford the Hicks fabric, but as you know I am content with the look for less if I can't afford the real thing. And I wanted to buy seating off-the-rack.

The trunks as banquettes

I used two benches on the long side of the table

David Hicks David Hicks David Hicks! How we all love the David Hicks La Fiorentina fabric! One of my favorite rooms done by Brian Patrick Flynn features the fabric.

Bedroom done by Brian Patrick Flynn with David Hicks fabric - photo by Christina Wedge courtesy of  Scripps Networks

Brian Patrick Flynn - photo by Christina Wedge courtesy of Scripps Networks

I LURV Brian Patrick Flynn!!!! - photo by Christina Wedge courtesy of Scripps Networks

The storage benches (or trunks as they are called) came from Overstock.

The Sole Domino trunk from Overstock

I used three of them - two for the long side of the table, and one at the shorter side near the wall. Because of the table size and the stock size of the trunk, I couldn't use a full size trunk to deal with the corner. The trunks would have extended beyond the length of the table if I used more than three. So I found a cube ottoman to tuck in the corner. It didn't come in the same print, so I chose something close. Also it's a tad shorter, so I just put some pieces of wood under the legs to elevate it. It's all about smoke and mirrors.

I used this ottoman from Overstock to deal wit the corner portion of my "banquette"

I think the print looks as good as the David Hicks. It is so popular with designers, bloggers, Etsy sellers, and home decorators.

Melissa Rufty did this settee in David Hicks fabric featured on the cover of Big Easy Style

I found the fabric that my trunks are upholstered in and would love to recover the corner piece. I also am thinking about making mini "headboards" to act as a back to my banquette. I am going to hang black frame closet door mirrors horizontally over the banquette for a French bistro vibe.

You can see a long mirror over the sink in my kitchen - that's a closet door mirror hung sideways - I'll do the same thing with three of this type of mirror over the new dining room banquette

Mirrors over a banquette in a bistro

But not so fast! The fabric is out of stock (M9253 Zig Zag Domino Upholstery Fabric by Barrow), and the mill says to check back in 90 days. There is another Richloom fabric that made the rounds of the blogs, but it seems to have been discontinued (of course). I found a small amount in orange HERE.

Zig Zag Domino Upholstery Fabric by Barrow

 So there you have it. A small change that has made a big difference.

Valorie Hart dining room with Noguchi style lantern and David Hicks style fabric on the banquette

You can see that a generous walkway has been created by moving the dining room table - The credenza has been moved from the kitchen into this new spot and now holds two sets of china

Another view of the new arrangement - The skeletons came back for a minute, but didn't work out

I love this credenza in here

So what projects has the coming of Fall gotten you to do? "Enquiring Minds" want to know.

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The Meaning Of Home by Jeffrey Alan Marks

What does your home mean to you? Is it a fulfillment of dreams? A stepping stone to something else? A lab for trying out ideas? A burden? A life's work of collecting and arranging beautiful things? Your independence by getting your first apartment? A tent under the stars?

From The Meaning of Home by Jeffrey Alan Marks

Jeffrey Alan Marks has a book out (foreword by Suzanne Goin, photographed by Douglas Friedman), with a collection of some of the massive body of work he has executed over the years. We love our JAM from Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators. His good looks (he put himself through design school by modeling), and his beautiful interior design work are well known to design devotees.

Jeffrey Alan Marks is known for his beautiful high end coastal look - and he designs great rooms too :-)

Love the symmetry and the bright art work - Interior design by Jeffrey Alan Marks as seen in his book "The Meaning of Home" just published by Rizzoli

This book has some of the most beautiful photography of interiors that I have ever seen. Jeffrey penned the text himself, and it is well written. You hear his voice as we have come to know it, and he shares details. details, details.

Though known for his coastal look, JAM does everything - Love the deep saturated color in this dining room

This is a book to get lost in over and over again. Though known for a high end coastal look, JAM delivers beautiful, layered room in every genre. Put this one on your get-it list.

This room is expertly layered by Jeffrey Alan Marks

Again, the beautiful symmetry that is a trademark in the design work of  Jeffery Alan Marks

From "The Meaning of Home" by Jeffrey Alan Marks - Every room is a master class

Rizzoli published the book. They are such an amazing publisher of books on home decor and design. I love their format. They always have tons of photos, and good writers. I have several volumes with the Rizzoli "R" on the spine, and I am thrilled to add The Meaning of Home to my collection.

One of my favorite photographs in "The Meaning of Home" - a master class in styling

Rizzoli liked it too - It's on the cover!

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What Do You Think Of Steampunk Decor?

Do you know what steampunk is?

Steampunk is a lifestyle that emulates the Victorian industrial age. People who are into it dress in elaborate costumes that are a mix of Victorian and rock and roll and science fiction. There are tons of web sites dedicated to steampunk, including shopping sights to buy clothing and fashion accessories.

This is a high end bathroom was by interior designer Andre Rothblatt as seen on Houzz

Steam power is an important motif in steampunk, and elaborate pieces are created that look like Victorian stream engine machines. Steampunk is filtering down into home decor. Industrial finishes, gears. pipes, and a certain romanticism are the basics.

Gears. rivets, and industrial metal finishes are key in steampunk decor

If you saw Martin Scorsese's magical movie "Hugo" you saw some gorgeous steampunk style sets.

Martin Scorsese's magical  "Hugo"

 

This charming kitchen features elements of steampunk by referencing Victoria decor

This is a kitchen in New York City that is full out steampunk

This refined music room uses a few key steampunk elements via the lighting fixtures, the steel case windows, and the metal cage railing in the loft

This game room has the feeling of a Victorian gentleman's man cave - the map is framed in industrial metal fragments

Restoration Hardware does a version of steampunk

Elements of steampunk have gone mainstream. Industrial style furnishings are a part of the design vocabulary universally. You can find steampunk worthy items at all price points, from high to low.

High end Aviator collection from Restoration Hardware

You can make any room with a beige couch steampunk by adding industrial accents

So what do you think of steampunk? Love? Hate? Yes? No? Would you? Do you?

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Green Project Salvations

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. "

-Calvin Coolidge

Every year the Green Project here in New Orleans puts the call out to creatives to make a something for the home using salvaged material. It's then auctioned off at a very fun party, with the proceeds going to the Green Project.

I myself have used things from the Green Project store. But never have I made anything as great as the pieces up for auction.

I include a few of them for you to look at, and hope to see you at the auction on September 14 held at The Shops at Canal Place. You can buy tickets HERE

Chandelier made from salvaged material up for auction at Green Project Salvations on September 14

This cabinet is extraordinary

This is a dog house, but if you don't have a dog, what a wonderful art object

This amazing cabinet would work as a nightstand or in a bathroom - the woven panel and top are made of band saw blades

This is a cat bordello! Love the whimsy and humor of a cat house for your cats!

There are over 60 fantastic pieces to bid on that include, storage, tables, lighting, whimsy, and art pieces. Don't miss it!!!!

Photos by Sara Essex Bradley

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