coco+kelley

Happy (Wine Country) Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:32:00 +0000

I'm so excited for this weekend because it happens to be Ms. Apartment#34's birthday! We'll be spending Saturday doing a little local wine tasting in Woodinville, and will (of course) end up at my dad's fabulous little Italian restaurant in Seattle to indulge in our favorite dishes...
And in between, we might just get a little bit rowdy!
Happy Birthday, my dear! I love you bunches!
And to the rest of you - may you find your own indulgences this weekend. Ciao Ciao!

*images via vogue nippon

Home Tour: The Chin's Loft, San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Instead of bringing you a Room of the Week today, I thought a whole house was in order - specifically this amazing, creative, and refreshing loft space that happens to be the home of photographer Kevin Chin and his equally talented wife (and floral designer!) Nancy Liu Chin. Oh, and their little dog too...
Many creatives work out of their home these days, but the Chins have taken this idea to the extreme with Kevin's studio placed right in between their living room and dining area - not an easy challenge!

"I choose this loft because of the great light and 18 foot ceilings. You can see from the photos that I have no problems mixing living living space and working space together. In fact, our friends and my clients tell me that they like walking into our loft and immediately they know they are in a photographer's loft. The open floor-plan makes it great for entertaining and the concrete floors ideal for doing photo shoots in the loft."
The trick to making it work seems to be Kevin's ability to use the space like a studio and gallery without cluttering things up. Like storing photos in silk boxes and finding simple and attractive ways to display his work.

"I specialize in real "film" so having lots of wall space in our loft gives my clients the opportunity to view fine-art prints matted and framed and hung on a wall to be appreciated as art as opposed to looking at digital images on a computer screen," explains Kevin.
"I kept the colors neutral so as to emphasize the artwork on the walls. I did paint a few accent walls with Ralph Lauren gray suede paint which has a beautiful texture. I choose a few key walls that gave the loft more depth and dimension, like the long stairway leading up to the mezzanine level.

The only dramatic color is a large, over-size color wedding photo of us in our dining wall. It is a photo of us in front of a large mural on the alley in which we live. I love the contrast of the vibrant colors of the mural. Even the bedroom is done in mostly white with accents of silver..."
I love that Kevin and Nancy chose to keep the bedroom all white too - very relaxing and bright! And how cute is that lineup of their baby photos along the dresser? I get the feeling that Chin Chin likes the camera too... such a model dog!
The Chins have a great attention to detail - even in their more functional spaces, like the office. From the collection of vintage cameras and baseballs to the sleek magazine holders - everything has a place.

And what does Nancy think of it all?
I'm proud to say that I'm married to an incredible person. KC furnished many of the pieces without telling me. Most women would just die not having a say in the decision but I trust KC's taste in design, fashion, and art! And, one of the things I love most about our space is that even in winter it's warm. Many people have this notion that lofts are cold, industrial spaces and we are so fortunate that we have lots of light. Lighting is so important in good design.

After seeing this space, I think I'd trust KC too! And the lighting definitely can make all the difference - when the sun is shining in, even in the winter, this space looks very inviting, personal and warm. My question is... when you have parties, do you get to use the studio as a 'photo booth', because I would!!

Smitten for Mittens

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Let the winter wish list begin... I'm totally in love with the fun and (recycled!) furry goodness of these mittens!
*available here

Pink + Pattern (And A Little Retro Fab)

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:24:00 +0000

I've been staring at this spring runway look from Milly for what feels like months, just waiting for the time to put together some fun, girly room inspiration!
I love the quirky palette of high contrast pink and black with a touch of that retro gold! But the pattern of the ensemble is what really makes it even more fun. Grab granny's couch, pair it with some flamestitch pillows, throw a fantastic rug under foot, and you've got a winner my dears.

*sofa via craigslist, flamestitch fabric by schumacher, rug by madeline weinrib, and room via country living

My Living Room Sneak Peek: Golden Glamour

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Let me just say this: a mirrored, gilded coffee table = instant glamour.
I've spent the last few days perfecting the little details all over my home in preparation for a photo shoot that finally took place yesterday... so I couldn't not share a little peek with you! But now, my dears... I have emails to catch up on. More to come soon!

I Love...

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:27:00 +0000

I want to wear this pillow.
Actually... it kinda reminds me of this dress... but sassy. *love*.

Tufting + Blue

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

If these aren't the most fantastic slipcovers for an event, I don't know what is. The faux tufting is killing me!
And so are the draped walls and the chandelier. A truly genius little idea! And possibly a very ambitious DIY project for a willing bride (and her helpers).

*photography via jennifer kloss

It's A Druzy

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:52:00 +0000

While these gorgeous rocks have been gracing the pages of magazines for the past year, it's only recently that I've been really attracted to their rough sparkle and orglamic appeal...
Especially after spotting this beautiful ring in my favorite green! Simply stunning, don't you think? The richness of the gemstone colors lend themselves to a few of my current favorite palettes...
Rich midnight blue, deep amethyst purple and almost black greys, all contrasted by the glowing warmth of gold. Yum.

Ravishing Raspberry

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Apparently my renewed love for red also includes its close cousin, raspberry...
Not to mention my never-ending adoration for zig-zag pillows or fabrics.

*interiors by suzanne kasler and via martha stewart

Black Tulle + Butterfly Nets

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Dreamy photos for a sleepy morning... still waiting for the coffee to kick in my loves.

*by maude arsenault)

Happy (Comfy) Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:29:00 +0000

I just have to say thank you a million times over to my fabulous readers this week. For your support in the launch of the new coco+kelley design site and your daily birthday wishes!
I'll be spending the weekend cozying up the house and putting final touches on the living room and bedroom for a photo shoot (eeeks!), and I thought this quote from Lonny Magazine was a perfect way to end the week - after all, what good is a home if it's not livable?

And, I promised to announce the two lucky readers for the birthday giveaways this week, so here we go!

The winner of the kaarsKoker candlesticks and sleeves is: Paula over at {two ellie} (such a cute blog, by the way!) And, the winner of a personalized invitation design from Dana Cordova is: M&C - fellow Seattleites working on building their first home over at Four Twenty Four! Love that!

AND, don't forget - you can still get 20% off at the kaarsKoker website through the holidays with the code COCOK, so if you didn't win, I suggest popping over and snagging a pair of candlesticks and sleeves for yourself!

Have a fabulous weekend all!

Trick or Treat?

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:29:00 +0000

I'll take the treats...
Forget black cats and witches - I want to dress up in layers of black lace and tulle! Not to mention sparkling diamonds and... The most perfect shade of red nail polish.
Happy (almost) Halloween my dears... make it fabulous.

*photography by jonas bresnan for elle germany

You're Invited (To Another Birthday Giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:58:00 +0000

After four days of birthday celebrating, I've decided I'm just not quite done yet! So, I asked the talented Dana Cordova to craft an invitation worthy of the party we would be having tonight, if I could invite you all...
I couldn't have asked for a more perfectly swanky, modern design - how fantastic are these colors? I absolutely love it!!

Dana's design process makes it so easy because she takes the style you choose from her shop, adds the text, personalizes the colors and fonts if necessary, sends up to two revisions, and then - instead of having to wait and wait for the printing - she sends you the PDF's all ready to go. I personally love that because I have great printers in Seattle that I trust to get the job done well. Not to mention, you can print them off yourself to save on a budget!
And, since we all have many occasions to celebrate, Dana is giving away one free design to one lucky reader!! All you need to do is visit Dana’s invitation shop, pick out any template design, and leave a comment back here letting us know what you'd use it for! (Yes, you can pick a 'wedding' invitation and use it for a party - there are no rules!) Cheers, darlings!

Room of the Week 10.29

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:38:00 +0000

In a nod to Halloween and fall, I had to choose this space for my Room of the Week...
How adorable is that little pumpkin? I love the contrast of the amber lamps against those pale sky blue walls. The palette in this room is so soothing to me and it has just the right dose of pattern in different scales. I would love that rug for my own living room. In fact, the style is quite similar to my own, but this space is even more fresh and light - I love!

*source unknown - anyone recognize the designer?

Party On!

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:25:00 +0000

I'm off for the evening to celebrate my birthday for the... 4th night in a row? Yes, I know. I'm ridiculously good at dragging this whole thing out.
And for those of you who are officially confused, the magic day was the 26th, but my lovely friends and boy have put together an evening out for me tonight, so I'm putting on my sequins and heading out the door! I'm sure to have some photos to share tomorrow, but don't be surprised if they don't make it up until late in the day... I plan on sleeping in!

*photography via sarah kaye

It's My Party And I'll Wear What I Want To!

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

As far as I'm concerned, birthdays are the one special occasion that require you to party like the rock star you are. You're not dressing for anyone but yourself, so why not go all out? This year, I'm going a little Hollywood with my dream look...
While, I'll no doubt be putting on my usual black for this evening's festivities (which are a complete surprise by the way!), if I were headed out on the town with my girls to drink champagne, you know I'd be all over this insane ensemble.

*dress by paul&joe, ring by at asha at vivre, pink louboutins at barneys, earrings by kenneth jay lane, and clutch by popeye minaudiere

Every Queen Needs Her Throne...

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

I promised more highlights from High Point, so I finally pulled my photos together to separate them out an discovered that I am apparently addicted to chairs at the moment (yes, you can add these all to the birthday wishlist)...
My living room could use a lovely little side chair. Something a bit more petite, but that still makes a statement. This gorgeous classic piece by Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair would be an amazing option... I especially loved the detail in the back. And, because they'll do just about any fabric and any finish at HC, I'd get it done in a rich velvety signature green. YUM.
Of course, since many queens also have to think about their kings, perhaps I'd go with something to appease both of us. The chair on the left from Pearson is a perfect example - the tweed fabric and dark finish appeal to the other sex while the beautiful lines and smaller size appeal to moi. I also adored the lines of the chair on the right (also part of Alexa Hampton's collection for Hickory Chair). The way the wood curves through the side and back is nothing short of amazing. As Alexa informed us, it took many trials to get it just right - I'd say they aced it! (PS - I'll also take the bench just as it is, please!)
However, out of all the chairs in the showrooms, this little slipper chair by the adorable and gracious Suzanne Kasler (again for Hickory Chair) stole all of our hearts. And, since I've just added a bit of orange to my living room, this would be perfection. In a warm orange leather, it's the ideal throne for any lady to perch on. As we like to say around here - yes, please and thank you!

Which one would you take?

Table for Two: Bohemian Sparkle (And a Giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Since my birthday has always fallen close to Halloween, I've grown up with many themed parties - and not always to my delight. But, I've learned to embrace the season and make it my own, which is how I came up with the concept for this tabletop design. I wanted something warm to reflect the fall palette, with a little bit of sparkle for this birthday girl...
Inspired by the fabric overlay (a sample of a gorgeous pattern that used to be available through Schumacher), I pulled the saturated reds, golds and deep chocolate browns into all of the tabletop elements creating a very rich palette! The large dishes are actually a very deep plum from Ikea, the gold decorative dish is from a Japanese shop in our International District, and the napkins I created myself from leftover fabric.
I rummaged through the silver bins at a local antique store to find the mismatched silverware, and once again emplored the use of my kaarsKoker decorative candlestick sleeves to add another layer of pattern that complimented the fabric perfectly! The smokey glass vase was much more ideal than a clear vase in this case.

From the local flower market I picked up some mini calla lillies, chocolate sunflowers, echinacea, and another filler that I'm not sure of, but it's been dyed a vibrant orange for the season.
I had to have a splash of sequins for my birthday table, so I used them to wrap the napkin, and topped it with this cute decorative ribbon out of my stash. Then, evoking a bit more fall, I tucked in the brown velvet leafs to top it all off.

What do you think? Are you ready to try it yourself?? Well, good, because we're going to get you started by giving away a pair of these kaarsKoker candlesticks and sleeves!! You are absolutely going to love the versatility of these pieces. The top of the brass candlesticks twist off so you can switch the sleeves out seasonally - they are simply genius!
All you need to do is pop over to the kaarsKoker website and browse your sleeve options, then let us know which one is calling your name by leaving a comment below (be sure to leave your email as well so we can get in touch with you!). Or, if you're ready to purchase your own pair, use the code COCOK for 20% off at checkout (good through 12/25). kaarsKoker will also be including a pair of 6" ivory tapers with every pair of candlestick purchased through end of year! Can we say excellent hostess gift for the holidays?

The contest will end Friday... and who knows... maybe I'll design my next tabletop around the winner's pick!

Curiouser and Curiouser

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:35:00 +0000

The curiosity style that had jumped to popularity in the last year or two makes for some perfect Halloween inspiration, don't you think?

Vintage medical prints, real and faux bones and skeltons, carved heads, stuffed crows and heavy antiques complete the interiors - a style I was very familiar with back when working at the amazing Empiric in Los Angeles. As for your own style, dark dramatic lipstick and some period inspired dresses, high contrast stripes or delicate folds will do.

*photography by ruven afanador

The Wishlist Begins...

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:23:00 +0000

It wouldn't be a birthday week around here without a completely unattainable wishlist (hence the word wish) - so let's start with one of the most insanely gorgeous and original chandeliers I have ever laid eyes upon...
Ladies and gents - I give you the Andre Arbus "Christal Chandelier" - recreated by Baker this market as a part of the debut of the Andre Arbus collection that is nothing short of breathtaking. This, piece, however, was so enchanting that I didn't even notice those horrible ceilings until just now.

The original chandelier hung in Arbus' Paris apartment - can you imagine? Three bulbs are hidden by the crystal 'crown' that surrounds them, all encompassed in a perfect bubble and 'hung like a jewel' as Baker says. Perfect for a birthday princess, if I'm not mistaken.

PS - I'll have much more on High Point, Arbus and Baker to come!

Just One Little Birthday Wish...

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:28:00 +0000

For the last week or so I've had friends and family asking me what it is I'd like for my birthday. Well, the day is here, and I can honestly say that there isn't much to want! I feel incredibly blessed in many ways to be where I am.

*our entryway bookshelf*

Those who have been following for a while now know that one year ago I moved back to Seattle from Los Angeles in order to focus on launching coco+kelley as an interior and event design company. Since then, this blog and my few clients have brought so many rewarding opportunities - the most important being the fact that I get to wake up and do what I love every day!

*the current fall inspiration board above my desk*

Well, about a month ago I decided it was high time to take the plunge and dive into this thing for real. I quit my other side projects to focus on making the most with what I've started here. And, with a bit of hard work by my amazing designers at Cooper Multimedia (highly recommend them!!!), I am so excited to announce that coco+kelley now has its own website!
The philosophy of the company is based on the content you see here everyday - bringing effortless glamour to every project while helping our clients (locally and virually!) take their inspirations and translate them into interiors, tabletops, wardrobes, weddings... just about every aspect of their lives!

*a color inspiration board for a client in los angeles*

So, if there's one birthday wish I do have its this: Visit the website. Share it with your friends who have just moved into a new home, your newly engaged BFF who doesn't know where to start on her wedding, the couple hosting their first Christmas, your mother who hasn't changed her furniture around since 1987... anyone who could use a little stylish assistance in their life! You'll be supporting me, this blog, and my business in the best way possible - spreading the word.

*and, yes, finally a shot of my bedroom ... almost done*

And, of course we'll be celebrating my birthday all week long with some fun little giveaways, so be sure to visit everyday for your chance to win some festive goodies!!

xo,
cassandra

Happy (Sleepy) Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:12:00 +0000

After traveling all week, I'm happy to be home this weekend, and can't wait to spend a lazy sunday with coffee on the couch and nothing to do but watch the leaves change...
Next week... my highlights from High Point Market and one big birthday wish... enjoy the weekend lovelies!

xo,
cassandra

Color of the Moment: Red

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Yes, we saw more (yawn) strong blues for spring on the runways, as well as oranges. Yes, plum tones and greys are everywhere for fall. But, the color of the moment for me? RED.
I've always thought every woman should own a pair of sexy red heels - they're especially yummy in satin.
Worked into a little menswear fabric... it is seriously perfection. Thank you, of course, to The Sartorialist for always capturing the most elegant examples of the thoughts in my head.

Room of the Week 10.22

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:18:00 +0000

I find it slightly ironic that I'm choosing to share this piece of bedroom inspiration with you as the Room of the Week, because just earlier today I was saying how I was getting so sick of seeing blue + chocolate brown together...
But, my dears, there's a reason for overdone color combinations... they simply WORK. As I began my design process for my own bedroom, this photo via House Beautiful landed in the pile for so many reasons. The first, of course, being the required balance of masculine and feminine. The second being the beautiful elements brought in - the mirrored bedside tables to add a bit of glamour, the barely-there bedside lamps, a gorgeous, s imple bench at the foot of the bed, and pattern!! The carpeting is simply fantastic. I also adore the bed frame with the tufting and nailheads, which seem a bit over the top to have both, but here it's just fantastic. And, to top it all off... a perfect chandelier. Yes... I could easily fall asleep and wake up here day after night after day...

Romantic + Neutral For Fall

noreply@blogger.com (cassandra @ coco+kelley) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:27:00 +0000

There are so many textures and patterns I'm loving right now, and this sunny fall ensemble really captures just one side of them...

Accents of velvet and sparkle, warm golds and greys, layers and layers of romantic cream ruffles and a touch of color in classic tartan plaids. The perfect outfit for a warm fall weekend...

*belt by ban.do, photography via kate ryan, ballet flats via toast, plaid blanket found on One Kings Lane, dress at j.crew, embellished cardigan by alberta ferretti