Uptown Awesomeness

I am starting to think that all the amazing graphic designers I've worked with over the years are all secretly interior designers, too. Another case in point: the gorgeously unique Upper East Side apartment of my former co-worker, art director Jennifer Sidel (who currently works on People Stylewatch magazine).

Lovely Jenn--always a generous hostess--invited me up to her new place recently for a homemade brunch of French toast and fruit (deLISH). And since I had seen her previous pad, I knew that it would be smart if I also invited my big camera along for the ride.

Jennifer's decor is a fun, sexy, eclectic mix of her own original art (the designers I know all often hang their own art, which I love), flea-market finds (she's got the perfect eye), and inspiration from a recent trip to Bali. Check it:

(I love this lamp--she got it for a steal at a flea market in Florida.)

Jennifer also converted a walk-in closet into her home office (I dig a smart small space!). Its wall is filled with photos of friends and family, original art, and my favorite: framed letters and postcards from loved ones.

Thanks, Jenn! xo

Sunday in the Slope

Part of my job requires that I work closely on projects with graphic designers and art directors. And I love that--I'm always being introduced to new ways of seeing things, whether it's something I've written, a fun color combo, an interesting font, or even an understanding of when art can solve a problem better than words.

One of the most creative designers I've been lucky enough to work with is my friend Jorge. And in the past few years, I've also been lucky enough to call him "neighbor"(-ish)--he and his wife Dea and their amazing daughter moved to the nearby neighborhood of Park Slope and into one of the most gorgeous apartments I've ever seen in real life. It's modern and streamlined and smart and cool and bad-ass all at once.

What I admire most, though, is not the fact that their apartment is devastatingly Dwell-magazine-worthy. It's the fact that every nook and cranny has been carefully thought out--from the lighting selected for each room and the tiles gracing the stairwell, to the paintings on loan from Jorge's friend, artist Vince Contarino, to the art that hangs above Jorge and Dea's bed (the whole family helped craft it!).

It's a gorgeous pad. But it's also a place where every square-inch is filled with love. And that's what a home should be all about.

WHERE TO BUY

DINING ROOM

Painting: Vince Contarino, artist

Table: Company: B&B Italia Model: Athos '05   Wood: white oak

Chairs: Store: Design Within Reach Model: Panton   Color: white

Suspension Lamp: Store: Y-Lighting Model: George Nelson's Bubble Lamp

KITCHEN

Suspension Lamp: Store: Y-Lighting Model: Teca S3 Pendant  Color: white

Bar Stools: Store: Design Within Reach Model: LEM Piston Stool   Wood: blanched oak

Fruit Bowl: Store: MOMA Store Model: Satellite Bowl   Wood: black

LIVING ROOM

Photography: Ludmil Dimitrov, artist

Floor Lamp: Store: Y-Lighting Model: Kartell's Toobe Floor Lamp  Color: blue

Sofa: Company: B&B Italia Model: Tufty Time   Fabric: wool.

Rug: Store: Design Within Reach Model: Photon Rug   Color: cream

Curtain: Store: The Shade Store Model: Ripple Fold Drapery   Color: white

STAIRWELL

Suspension Lamp: Store: Y-Lighting Model: Artemide's Castore Suspension

Painting: Vince Contarino, artist

Ceramic Wall Tile: Store: A&K Tile Studio (Brooklyn)   Model: Porcelanosa Venis

BEDROOM

Artwork: Jorge & family   Frames: Ikea

Thanks, Jorge and Dea, for letting me photograph your beautiful home (and to Jorge for all these links)!