Glam it up: Kelly Wearstler's Fantasy Dinner Party

In a post for Vogue Daily, Kelly Wearstler sets the table for a fantasy dinner party using pieces from her tabletop, home accessory, and jewelry collections. Her approach to creating the perfect table includes personalizing each place setting right down to the chairs! As for the fantasy guest list, Kelly selects Martin Margiela, Christian Louboutin, Dries Van Noten, and the legendary Alexander McQueen.

Just last week, I posted Kristen Nix's fantasy guest list of Tory Burch, Kelly Hoppen, Celerie Kemble, Aerin Lauder, Randy Powers and her mother. Though a common question, I’ve never thoughtfully completed the exercise...

Who would you invite to a fantasy dinner party?

Images: Denise Crew, Vogue

Interiors: Mid-Century Modern in Milan

Marni’s director of special projects, Carolina Castiglioni, chose simple surroundings when creating a home for her young family in Milan. The white walls of the former ceramics factory serves as a gallery-like backdrop for vintage furnishings, "When we renovated, our idea was to create a modern, clean environment for our favorite pieces." The resulting space combines mid-century modern furniture, a little glamour, and a few eclectic touches.

(Above) Of course, Marni is a major part of Carolina’s wardrobe. Not only is she the director of special projects, but her mother, Consuelo, is Marni’s designer. (Below) The lacquered dining table doubles as a desk.

(Above) Carolina and her son in the stainless steel kitchen she designed with the help of architects. I love the luster of the cabinetry and the statement-making chandelier. A similar one can be found in the master bathroom.

Images: (1, 3, 5-7) Emma Hardy, NYT, (2, 4) Elle Decor Italia

Interiors: A Light and Glamorous Melbourne Apartment

Today’s post features the work of one of my favorite designers, Australia’s David Hicks. While I do have a penchant for the “dark and sexy,” this apartment proves that bright, serene spaces can be just as glamorous. With his use of a lighter palette and shimmering surfaces, Hicks gives iconic, mid-century pieces luxurious new life.

"I love modernist design from the 50’s - How pared back minimalist spaces were overlaid with Persian rugs, knoll furniture, antiques and chandeliers. Very glamorous." - David Hicks

"I enjoy what I do so tend to bring that into every aspect of my life. I am constantly perfecting modern luxury." - David Hicks

Images: Shannon McGrath
Quotes: Meade Design Group

Interiors: Lorenzo Castillo's Swank Dining Room

Looking more like a swank hotel lounge than a residence, Lorenzo Castillo may have designed one of the most glamorous, little dining rooms in all of Madrid. The space is not much wider than a hallway, but its sparkling sophistication makes quite the impact. The armchairs, tables, and mirrors are by Castillo, and the light fixtures are 19th century. The glamour continues through to the adjacent kitchen with its black lacquered custom cabinetry.

Apparently, we design bloggers aren’t the only ones who appreciate the space. Castillo’s dining room is so spectacular that it has also hosted fashion shoots with top model Karlie Kloss and everyone’s favorite socialite, Olivia Palermo. Fantastico, no?

Images: (1-2) lorenzocastillo.org, (3) Mario Testino, Vogue UK, (4) Santiago Esteban, Tatler Russia

Interiors: Lilly Bunn's Gleaming Entryway

I just had to share this little space – a gleaming hallway by Lilly Bunn. First spotted in the September issue of Lonny, I recently discovered these pics showing the entry hall in its full glory. Lilly overruled her initial idea of a Gracie mural for this peacock blue lacquered finish. In fact, I think entry halls may be one of the most lacquered spaces in interior design (See these lovely examples: 1, 2).

So, what’s the key to getting the perfect finish? Designer Miles Redd, perhaps the king of high shine, advises, "You need a great painter, who will sand the walls to be as smooth as glass, and then a good quality high gloss oil paint. It has to be oil, to get the sheen!" Finish it off with a sea urchin light fixture and a gold, wallpapered ceiling (gorgeous!) for an incredibly glamorous entry!

Images: lillybunn.com, Vogue.com