Interiors: A Pink and Purple Palette

Although pink and purple are the stuff of little girl dreams (mine included), the combination can also work well in adult-friendly spaces. The colors are used prominently in this design by Angie Hranowsky, whose Charleston home is featured in the April issue of Lonny. Throw in custom textiles, vintage furnishings, and a mix of artwork for an eclectic-but-cozy living space. The young Desiré would approve!

Angie raised the glamour quotient in the master bedroom with a gleaming canopy bed and floor-to-ceiling drapes. The muted colors provide a "soothing break" from the boldness found elsewhere.

Image: Julia Lynn, Lonny Magazine

Interiors: Zani Gugelmann's New York Loft

Sometimes all a home needs is a comfy place to sit. And such was the approach by Zani Gugelmann, as detailed in the latest edition of APT with LSD. "It was important to me that the rooms feel relaxed—we achieved that through soft textures, warm tones, and really comfortable pieces…"

Like fellow jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher, Zani resides in a light-filled Tribeca loft. But with visual space at a premium, she incorporated substantial furnishings to make the space work. "By opening the layout, the space looked smaller, so we used larger pieces… to enhance the scale." Along with boho touches, like a Persian rug and antique Thai pots, Zani creates a home ideal for comfort and conversation.

Though tiny, the bedroom area is equally bright and comfy. The tufted headboard is upholstered in silk, the bed is covered by an Indian throw, and vintage boomerang chairs provide nearby seating.

Images: Claiborne Swanson Frank, Vogue

Interiors: An Asian-Inspired Jewel Box

In a departure from the white backdrop of recently featured interiors, today’s design uses a rich, jewel toned palette. The Manhattan apartment of designer Alex Papachristidis showcases his style to a tee with plenty of pattern and lush fabrics. I’m particularly fond of the living and dining rooms. Here, Alex uses purple (yay!) to unify both spaces while incorporating an array of violets and blues among Asian-inspired pieces.

While some may shy away from the overly ornate, Alex balances various patterns and furnishings with a congruent ease. The key: a harmonious color palette. Almost everything is from the same part of the color wheel ranging from blue to red.

The walls of the dining room are covered in purple wool and finished with nailhead trim – a great idea for any small space. With its chandelier and dark lacquered pieces, the room reminds me of David Kaihoi’s equally stunning, yet tiny, apartment.

What do you think? Too busy?

Images: Richard Powers, Elle Decor

Interiors: Worldly Lilac Living Room...

As we know, I definitely have a thing for purple. But lately, I've been really drawn to a luscious, luxe, global aesthetic - assemblages of awesome finds in one eclectic space (as seen here and here). The Beirut home of May Daouk combines the two in a feast for the eyes. In short...  it's just full of stuff, but interesting stuff. The West plus Mid-East plus Antique plus New plus Pink plus Lilac. I love it all! Perhaps, because it looks as if someone actually lives here.

The architecture of the room is quite stunning as well. The ceiling height may induce nose bleeds, the lattice windows... gorgeous, and the triple arches would make most American homes crazy with envy.

And if you thought that garden stools are somehow out of style, think again. Then, proceed to your nearest garden supply store, buy a few, spray paint them pink, and be awesome!

What do you think of the global look?

Images: Architectural Digest

Year in Review: Purple Reign Part 2

A few more purple rooms.

4) Muted shades in this living room by Casamidy

5) Glossy and bold in Tory Burch's flagship

6) Gracing one of Elle Decor's most glamorous covers to date!

So, what say you? Is purple not the best thing ever?!?! Its many shades can be used in so many ways. Looking forward to more purpley goodness in 2012!