BUNNY WILLIAMS + REDEFINING GLAMOUR

Recently I was asked (for the 100th time) what trend it is that I'm most sick of these days. And as I pondered the answer, I realized it's not so much a trend that I'm over, but a look. Specifically, the typical pieces used to put together what I consider to be the most generalized definition of 'glamour' to the majority. Gold or chrome finishes, zebra rugs, graphic prints (likely zig zags), lucite, at least one oversized piece that creates a bold presence in the room, and tons of accessories. Apart, I still love them all, but together they're getting quite predictable.

As someone who likes to define my own spaces with the word glamour, I feel ready for a redefinition of the term...

Which is why when I saw this simple but (yes!) glamorously inspired space by Bunny Williams in the latest Elle Decor, I was struck with the thought that perhaps this is what I'm leaning towards? It's a somewhat odd but cohesive mix of styles, with a completely practical sofa paired alongside statement chairs and a very noticeable lack of clutter. The coffee table definitely takes the prize for most glam piece in the room, and the high gloss finishes certainly help support it, but the overall feel is modern glamour... simplified. Even the pairing of pillows on the sofa with that unexpected leopard lend themselves to this more relaxed idea of glamorous style. There's no bold graphic rug, dripping chandelier or gilded mirror. It's soft, welcoming and livable.

So, what do you think? Is it boring and blah? Or refreshing? Are there elements missing that you would add to help define it as a glamorous space? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

COCO+KELLEY AT LEGENDS OF LA CIENEGA

Let's just start this post off by saying that I have never felt so lucky to a part of an event as I did with being invited to speak at Legends of La Cienega. The immense number of talented attendees and presenters alone made this such a fun and fabulous few days!
The weekend started off with a cocktail reception where I was lucky enough to bring along Annie - my former colleague and good friend - as my date. We mingled with lots of other designers, and had the chance to meet Christian of Maison21 as well as Jill, the Los Angeles writer for Material Girls. (Just the beginning of me finally being able to put faces to the names of many other bloggers throughout the weekend!)
We ended the evening by meeting up with this beautiful group for dinner - the amazingly talented Ron Woodson (far left) and Jamie Rummerfield (in the black) of Woodson & Rummerfield flanked by Peter Gurski, one of my favorite LA ladies, Suzanne Marques, and Romain Bouticourt.

After a late evening, Friday morning started off bright and early with a panel at Rose Tarlow featuring Mary McDonald, Joe Nye, Virgil McDowell, Lisa Fine and Carolina Irving.

My favorite moments of inspiration were brought on by Joe Nye's quick quips - I cannot wait to dive into his new book, Flair for even more of his tidbits of genius.

After this panel, it was time for my main event!! Hosted by George Smith Furniture & Fabrics as well as Angelino Interiors Magazine, our panel featured the talented bloggers, Gregory Han (Apartment Therapy), Joy Cho (Oh Joy!) and Janet Hall (Remodelista), and was moderated by Alexandria Abramian-Mott, Editor in Chief of Angelino Interiors.

It was such an honor to be amongst the talented company on this stage! I somehow managed to coordinate my colorful outfit with the chairs, while Joy wins for best shoes of the day (fabulous kate spades i've been coveting since the holidays!)

Even more of an honor to have many coco+kelley readers and fellow bloggers approach me after the panel for photos, questions and introductions, including these gorgeous ladies!

Ashlina of The Decorista and one of my favorite Twitter pals Jami Goldsmith - both of which have fantastic blogs (and style!).

It was a packed house all the way to the back, so a huge thank you to everyone who turned out!

I have to also mention a big thank you to some of the people behind the scenes at Elle Decor for their hospitality! I even had a brief little chance to chat with the impeccably lovely Margaret Russell (I don't know how I managed to forget a photo of that moment!) and I have to say that I think it's incredibly wonderful that Elle Decor along with magazines like Angelino Interiors are so supportive of working with bloggers to help us reach new audiences through events like these. I hope to see many of you there again next year!

*photos by mark savage courtesy of elle decor, and coco+kelley

Style + Substance: 20 Years of Elle Decor!

My dears, let's just ask ourselves one question today, shall we? Where would we be without the inspiration that is Elle Decor? Yes we have our other favorites too, but there's something about this glossy that keeps us coming back for more...
20 years ago in October, Elle Decor put out its first issue and Margaret Russell's title was Senior Editor. Today? The Anniversary issue is out and gorgeous as ever, and Miss Russell is Editor in Chief.

In her letter to readers she writes, "... though I'll admit a few of or previous stories made me wonder, What the heck were we thinking?, hundreds of photos... are just as relevant now as they were then. For me that's the definition of a timeless room - it's one that still makes your heart pound, 20 years later".

So, I thought it would be a perfect time to ask you all... what Elle Decor rooms have made your heart pound? What covers have drawn you in because you just want more more more?
For me, the Dec/Jan '95 issue is one that strikes my memory - I believe it was one of the first issues I bought off the stands (at the age of 14!) and devoured every page of. I still have that cover room in my inspiration files. And, more recently, a cover that demanded I sit down on the couch right then and there just seconds after I pulled it out of the mailbox so I could see more of this stunning space. And when you look at these two, they're quite a contrast, don't you think?

But, maybe that's why we love this magazine so much. The ability is has to bring us interiors that range from fresh, chic designs that we can actually recreate in our own homes...
To those that evoke awe, inspiration and envy (definitely another favorite editorial!)...
With so many stunning spaces to drool over, it was a must that they all be collected in a beautiful book to mark the occasion... and we're giving one copy away!
While the rest of you can pick up your personal copy of Style and Substance on October 28th, one lucky winner will get their own advance copy, signed by Margaret Russell herself!

The book cover features an interior by Victoria Hagan that was the top-selling magazine cover of all time for Elle Decor (not to mention it served as the inspiration for the home in Something’s Gotta Give - one of my favorites!) and is filled with those heart-pounding interiors that Margaret refers to.

So, what do you need to do? Easy. Just leave a comment below noting your favorite Elle Decor cover (if you need a little help, feel free to browse the new cover gallery to refresh your memory), or the most inspirational rooms you've filed awayl. The winner will be drawn on Monday! Good luck!

Room of the Week 5.22

Now this is what I call serious inspiration:


I am absolutely swooooning for the amazing use of color in this room by Marjorie Skouras. Traditional shapes with very non-traditional color give this room power and interest. A style I would never be able to live in, or emulate, which is why I admire it so much. In fact, her use of color is extraordinary in many of her rooms... so I'll just have to share some more...



There's so much going on here to love. Adore the fact that they left out the backing in those chairs. Love the lattice floor tile. And the pink walls with that turquoise chandelier? How perfectly girly! PS - the chandelier is featured in the latest issue of Elle Decor...

Made of gorgeous turquoise beads draped in a classic southern style, for the right house it could be worth every $6,900 penny. (If you happen to have that lying around...)



Lastly, I had to post this ridiculous room. If Scarlett O'Hara's daughter had a modern day bedroom, I think it would look like this. And yes, Scarlett made the bedposts out of her old drapes ;) I adore it! It also has that very girly Betsy Johnson vibe, wouldn't you say? Perfect for the garden guesthouse or a little girl!