Happy Holidays Fans!

Eye Candy: Exceptional Gift Wrapping at CB2!

Lotte Bongers; Our Last Featured Designer Of The Month

Eye Candy: Award-Winning Ceramic Tiles from Yiğit Özer

Traditionally, when you think of ceramic tiles, the first things that spring to mind are those small, flat, square tiles that people so often use to decorate their homes. However, Turkish designer Yiğit Özer has come up with a new collection that completely turns the idea of ceramic tiles on its head.

Read more here: http://freshome.com/2011/11/14/award-winning-ceramic-tiles-from-kutahya-seramik/

Just Arrived In Store: The DOILICIOUS Rug!

5 Tips for Interior Decorating Your Studio

Seems like apartments are shrinking with the economy and we're forced to cram all of our wonderful ideas in smaller and smaller spaces! Looking to keep your studio up-to-date with a modern taste? We've got a few tips to keep you living in style without living in a junkie-like space.

Essential Choices
You're working with limited space. When you go out hunting for new items, keep in mind that they should feel absolutely essential to the feel of the room you're trying to create.  Don't splurge on simple ornaments, make the functional pieces of your apartment the ones that shout.  

Vicious Editing
Once you've already gotten the pieces you want, you must become a heartless editor.  Slash and throw away the pieces that are not needed.  In such a small space, even the slightest excesses create a feel of clutter.  You're looking to create a clean looking area.  Studios look dirty quickly.

One. Single. Theme.
When you live in a multi room space, you can theme different rooms as much as you'd like.  When you exist in a single space, though, it should flow with a single theme.  Not that color variations and hues should not change, but that there should be no confusion of message in the design.  Asian Zen theme?  Go for it, but don't add a dash of Modern Euro into it.

Define Areas
To give yourself a sense of space, clearly define areas in your room.  Despite it being a studio, there should be a distinct mentality of Bedroom, Reading Area, Kitchen, etc.  If nothing else, you don't want new friends accidentally standing in your bedroom uninvited.

Use the Room
The space itself will come with its own opportunities and challenges. Use the space, utilize dividers to clearly state differences.  Lighting, too, can be a way of identifying different areas in your space.

Most important to designing a studio is to believe that it is your space. We  prefer studios to one bedroom apartments, the unification of the room represents a unification of life.  No areas are seperated.  Whatever you choose to do with your space, own it.

Finally, have fun with the decorating and as we always say 'things we surround ourselves with should possess a soul, a story, and a purpose beyond mere decoration'.

We Love Food As Much As Design: Creamy Chocolate Tart with Grapefruit-Lavender Honey Soup

A delicasy for the lovely upcoming festive season!
Inspired by one of Boulud’s favorite candies, sugared grapefruit rind dipped in chocolate, this simple tart is delightful when paired unexpectedly with grapefruit soup. The citrus contrasts with the ganache-like chocolate filling, bringing out its rich, creamy flavor. Dollops of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream are an added touch. Check the recipe here http://www.elledecor.com/entertaining-travel/articles/creamy-chocolate-tart-grapefruit-lavender-honey-soup

Xmas Baubbles Are UP!

Finally, we got some time to hang our Xmas decorations!! Not much I should say, but hey we are loving 'em! Big silver baubbles with bows, how cute and sophisticated is thaat! Have a blessed season everyone.