A genius in Wolf's clothing

As we move into the new year and look towards the hottest new trends, I like to take some time to reflect on where we've been and the designers that inspire me most. Enter Vicente Wolf, New York based designer and photographer, author of the decorating bible Learning to See (2002), and truly one of the most gifted and interesting designers of our time. His work is timeless and guided by instinct, but careful study reveals there is method to his madness. His palette is neutral with soft hits of color, but he's a master at playing with proportion and scale and creating tension between carefully chosen objects. His rooms appear breezy and effortless but there is genius in the complex layering of tones and textures. His spaces always invoke emotion and remind us that someone "interesting" lives there, wouldn't we all like to live like that?

Artist of the week: Erin Glover

Erin Glover graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design after spending a year studying in Italy and her work is found at Art Interiors in Toronto, a good source for affordable art from emerging artists.  Her pieces document everyday domestic tokens though a process of layering and I think they're brilliant.  The chandelier as subject is feminine, while the layering creates an edgy and modern effect. This piece would work so well in a glamorous boudoir or a stylish dining room.  

Decor eye candy

These quirky items are chock full of decor personality. Both chandeliers are unique in that they rely more on the vertical than the horizontal, and this change of scale makes them interesting. The half mirror is a talking point on its own and the hand carved side chair in school bus yellow makes it a daring choice. So take a design risk in 2009, often it's the items that seem most "wrong" that end up making a space look so right!

Retail Therapy: Lovegrove & Repucci

I have a weakness for blue and white ceramics but my modern sensibilities often keep me from incorporating them into my decor. This is no longer the case as I am crazy for these porcelain plates from Lovegrove & Repucci. The design duo takes classic Dutch Delft blue ceramics and hits the streets of London and New York. The resulting mix is so edgy and fresh, creating great tension between old and new.

Feeling blue this holiday season?

To me classic holiday décor isn’t the traditional red and green scheme, but actually blue and green. I love the new take on peacock blue and green, throw in some gorgeous mercury glass accents and you’re on your way to a very chic Christmas. A great idea I’m using this year to dress up the table is to use the peacock wreath as a centerpiece and fill with pillar candles of varying heights and add mini round ornaments to fill in the gaps and add some extra sparkle.