New Studio Bon Pillows!

Check out this awesome pair of pillows that I won at an event for Studio Bon, hosted by Schumacher! They are made with Greek T in the Midnight/Prussian colorway. It's one of the fab prints from their latest collection.

At the event, Studio Bon and Schumacher were also giving away this gorgeous set of vintage chairs, newly upholstered in the Greek T as well...

 I was thrilled to have my name called for the pillows because the blues actually work in my house! I've been scheming to start replacing pillows on the sectional in the den anyhow, so this is a good place to start. 

I just love the Midnight - which is a great navy blue - and the Prussian - a deep, rich turquoise - together.

I really like how they look in the space...it's just the right dose of blue.

The pillows even play off the blue tidbits on my coffee table (and as an aside, I've been getting the best peonies at the grocery stores here in Dallas)!

So, many thanks to Studio Bon and Schumacher for hosting the giveaway! I just adore the new pillows and loved getting to chat with founder Bonnee Sharp at the event. She's totally vivacious and completely inspiring...I'm so glad people like her are in the textile business. Not only has she breathed new life into the scene with her fresh, modern patterns, she's also kept the printing process for her line in the United States, using the old-school, hand-screened method. So, each piece of fabric is like a piece of art and that's all too rare these days!

Last Day to Enter the GiGi Uber Clutch Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway I posted about a couple of weeks ago - you can win a beautiful GiGi New York Uber Clutch! Details can be found on that post...but hurry, the cut-off time to put your name in the hat is 11:59pm CST tonight!

The winner will have their pick of the seven limited edition colors, all of which come with two interchangeable day-to-night tassels. It's a tough call, but the Indigo color is probably my favorite...

I also love these two colors, Lime and Purple, that were added to the limited edition set since I first posted about the giveaway...

ENTER NOW!

Madrid Masterpiece by Soledad Suárez de Lezo

I am obsessing over this drop-deap gorgeous Madrid apartment that was recently published in Nuevo Estilo...in my opinion, it's one of their best spreads. It was designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo and she did a spectacular job. The mix of materials and styles is awesome. It's definitely one of those homes that makes you want to be friends with the owner, purely based on the fact that their house is so interesting and eclectic. I'm sure Soledad's clients are quite intriguing, however, I'll credit her for creating the vibe! This actually might be her flat...the e-translator I'm using isn't completely clear about that, but it says something along the lines of this being her home.

No doubt the bones of the apartment - built in 1910 - provided a perfect architectural canvas to build upon. But still it takes lots of talent to retain the sense of history and respect the classical architecture while creating a fresh, modern design scheme. To me, the custom millwork and cabinetry design is one of the highlights in the space. It was beautifully executed.

Have a look at the masterpiece (all 17 photos can be found at Nuevo Estilo)...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

The limestone flooring + steel doors + black base molding is perfection...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

That is a massive sputnik fixture...and I love it!

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

This is some of that exquisite millwork I was talking about...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

LOVE the checkerboard marble flooring...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

Killer cabinetry and hardware. I'm assuming this is the closet...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

I am not a yellow-lovin' girl, but this bed is an exception...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

The AMAZING shower (at least I'm pretty sure it's the shower :)

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

 Once again, I adore the flooring plus that curved cabinet in the corner...

Designed by Soledad Suárez de Lezo, image via Nuevo Estilo

Isn't it fantastic? Like I said, you can see the whole spread over on Nuevo Estilo. There are more photos plus all of the sourcing information (in Spanish). I wish there were images of the exterior of the Haussman-esque building. What's your favorite room or element? I can't get over the entry vestibule shown in the first two photos above! 

The Colors of the Impressionists

If you're an art and a color person like I am, you'll appreciate this pretty infographic designed by Arthur Buxton and Derek Ruths. It represents the color usage of ten artists that played a role in the Impressionist movement (some are Neo-Impressionists and Post-Impressionists). As you may well know, Impressionism revolutionized the way color was used in art about a century ago. So the study of the color "trends" of each artist is pretty fascinating and the visual snapshot of the information is beautiful on its own account.

Don't worry...I won't go into a big art history lecture here (but I urge you to read the info from the Met linked above), I'll leave you to soak up the color inspiration. And if viewing digitally isn't enough for you, a Ten Years Ten Artists giclée print can be purchased through Arthur Buxton or Howkapow...

GiGi's Lively Lime

Guess what? GiGi New York just added a lime color to the set of limited edition Uber Clutches and I'm lovin' it. Lime is a really versatile color and it makes for a perfect accent in fashion and home decor. Though it's actually a very ubiquitous, natural color (think plants, leaves, etc.), lime green can bring a fresh, unexpected, zesty vibe to a room or outfit.

The clutch would work in any season and it could be worn with nearly any pair of shoes. Plus, with the option of two tassels, the bag can be used for day or night. If you like it too, don't forget that you can enter to win one of these fab Uber Clutches (details over on this post)!  I'm having a little green fest to celebrate...

Lime Uber Clutch Limited Edition - GiGi New York

Brynn Bib - Furbish

Theodora & Callum Joshua Tree Scarf - Shopbop

Crane Canyon, acrylic on canvas by Elizabeth Brown - Etsy seller Dragonsappetite

Nympheus Pillows - WoodyLiana

Whitaker Ottoman - Jonathan Adler

Jill's Key Holiday Tray - Jill Rosenwald

What do you think of the color? It's funny because it's not one of the hues that I'm typically drawn to, however, I really do love it in small doses.

Stylish Swedish Christmas

All too often Christmas decorations lack style and substance these days. Cheap, made-in-China stuff is everywhere and it's somewhat hard to find handmade, "heirloom" pieces that do the sacred holiday justice. Of course, the revered Swedish design shop, Svenskt Tenn, does it right. They have a seriously beautiful assortment of Christmas trimmings.

Photos via Svenskt Tenn Stockholm

Each item has their signature "strait and sober, but never cold" modern touch, thanks to the legendary design geniuses Josef Frank and Estrid Ericson, who led the creative direction decades ago. Just as they were during the 1920s, the shop's goods are made by hand, often by local artisans. At Svenskt Tenn, it's clear that quality and craftsmanship have always been just as important as design. 

With all that said, I'm just delighted by their lineup. I like my Christmas decorations to be timeless and classic without looking tired and/or expected. I think Svenskt Tenn's offering checks those boxes. Here are some of my picks from their Christmas Decorations...

Now, don't get me wrong. Most of the decorations are not inexpensive. For example, that amazing Josef Frank Candelabra costs about $675. But...I will make the argument that these are the sort of holiday adornments that you have for a lifetime and then pass on through your family. So, the quality construction and timeless style is worth the investment, if you have the means.

What do you think of the decorations? Too modern? If not, any favorites? I absolutely love the stockings (which are only about $54), the tree-topper star, the spherical ornaments, and the candelabra!

GiGi Uber Clutch Giveaway + Discount!

GiGi New York, purveyor of super chic leather goods, recently released two limited edition styles in gorgeous colors that come with a duo of interchangeable tassels! The first is my beloved All in One bag and the second is my new favorite, a larger pouch called the Uber Clutch. And I'm thrilled to say that one lucky reader will win an Uber Clutch for their very own!

Plus, everyone can enjoy a 20% discount using the code KYLE until January 6th! I know we're all tired of gift guides and gift ideas, but honestly, this is a great promo to take advantage of for holiday shopping.

I'm full of good news today, aren't I? Now get excited about the possibility of winning one of these beauties...

To win the fabulous clutch, you can do one or both of the following (each action counts as a separate entry):

1. Follow GiGi New York on Twitter and tweet the color of the Uber Clutch that you want to win to @GiGiNYTweets and be sure to include that hashtag #knightmovesblog
2. Comment on this post and note your preferred bag color (make sure that you can be contacted if you win via your profile or an email address within the comment)

Entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm on 12/17/2012 to be eligible to win.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

Two Texan Companies to Know About

I gotta tell you about two companies that make some of my new favorite home accessories...both are located in the Lone Star state! First up is CeramicaBotanica, an Etsy shop that I stumbled upon while trolling for vintage barware for a client. CeramicaBotanica sells handmade, one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls, vases, platters, plates, trays, Christmas ornaments, and even house numbers! The woman at the helm of the kiln, Susan Rodriguez, obviously loves color and pattern and she knows how to work 'em. Her patterns are fresh and fun...most have a bit of a mod vibe. She also constructs some pieces using inventive shapes (i.e. fat teardrop-shaped apps plates). Have a look...

Appetizer Plate in Avocado Green - $32

Ceramic Tray - $75

Colorful Rain Serving Bowl - $60

Serving Bowl Grey Ornate and Aqua - $32

Blue Woodland Wildflower Salad Bowl - $175

Isn't CeramicaBotanica fabulous? I want to get a tray and a set of those appetizer plates. Anything in the shop would make a fantastic gift, in case you're still on the hunt for Christmas presents!

Next, I wanted to tell you about Fehr Fara, the makers of the genius Inside & Out Pillow. These pillows are reversible, so you get two looks! Fehr Fara was created by a husband and wife team and the company is based in Houston. Here are some of their lovely creations...

If I were picking Inside & Out Pillows for myself I'd go for the "Y" Navy & Navy Solid and the

Iconcentric Cornflower Blue & Cornflower Blue Solid. I got a bit excited about the prospect of designing around them - and a CeramicaBotanica Rain Cup/Bowl - and did a little partial living room board...

Colton Sofa - $1,539  ---  Cicero Cocktail Table - $2,128  ---   Rags to Riches Rug White - $399

White Lamp with Orange Shade - $295  ---  Carved Wood Side Table - $199

Paper Lantern by Jay Zerbe via Saatchi Online

Lamps in Every Shade of the Rainbow

Let it be know that you can now get virtually any color of lamp for $99 thanks to Color + Plus™, a new line that Lamps Plus is now carrying. The Ovo Lamp, is glass (I initially thought it was ceramic) is made in California...hooray that it's not made in China! With each lamp, you're able to select a made-to-order drum shade in either a print or a solid, so the world is your oyster. You can view all of the colors here, but here's this sampling to spark your interest...

What I like best is that the colors are matched to existing, documented colors so I can reference my Pantone or Sherwin Williams decks before ordering. I'm always bemoaning the fact that more manufacturers and retailers don't use Pantone to identify colors.

Here are some of my favorite hues shown with the plain white linen drum shades...

Although I'm not fully in love with the brushed steel accents, I think the Ovo has a great modern-but-not-too-modern look. I can definitely see them in kids' rooms and family rooms. If you're looking to use the Ovo in a more formal space, then you might consider changing the base to an acrylic one to dress it up a bit (which you should be able to do yourself, but it's hard to say for sure without seeing it in person).

I would also suggest ditching the banal metal ball finial and upgrading that element of the lamp. Check out The Finial Touch...they have some fab lamp toppers on sale for only $25! While they aren't on sale, I do love the malachite beauties in the Bon Vivant Collection...