My Marrakesh

My good blogging friend Maryam who writes the delightful blog My Marrakesh is 1 of 10 finalists in the 2007 Annual Weblog Awards. Please check out her beautiful and inspiring blog about all things "Marrakesh".... and please find your way to click here and vote for her Blog " My Marrakesh".

I plan to visit Maryam's little piece of heaven for my birthday next year and hopefully stay with them in their guesthouse Peacock Pavilions which is under construction. It is a magnificent labor of love!!! They have just planted 200 white rose bushes on the land surrounding this guest house which is set on acres of Olive orchard in Marrakesh. Heaven!!!

Good luck to you Maryam.

PS Katie has also done a posting for Maryam today. Check it out here

Yellow Yellow Yellow

The short days of winter are upon us. The time hasn't even changed yet and I am longing for sunshine. Maybe that is why I am having a fixation with yellow. It is still my favourite color. For my fifth birthday my mother asked me what I wanted, and I told her I wanted a new yellow party dress. Even at five I was quite particular. Yellow to me is happy, bright, optimistic. Interestingly enough it is the color that has the longest memory retention.



Who isn't attracted to the fist flushes of spring as indicated by tulips.Photography by David Duncan Livingston

This is one of my all time favourite rooms by Victoria Hagan. I love how she has layered yellow draperies on yellow walls.

Chinoiseries inspired wallpaper. Notice the matching fabric banding on the bottom of the draperies. If anyone knows the source for the wallpaper in this picture please let me know. Above 2 pictures Kelly Wearstler

This is a wonderful pendant lamp designed by Wis Design out of Sweden. The net of brass is reminiscent of a petticoat, which is concealed by the shade of plywood. The net twists around the bulb and creates a warm, golden, flowing light.

A beautiful "tessellation" tile

Credenza designed by the fabulous Tommi Parzinger for sale on 1st Dibs

Magnificent Directoire chairs. Picture via Studio Wellspring

I like the way Interior Design icon, Albert Hadley uses yellow as an accent color for furniture. The above is a room in his own home and the lower picture is his office.



David's Hicks's masterful use of bright acid yellow.

In this picture Jeffery Bilhuber uses a Raoul fabric for the sofa and draperies. I think it is particularly clever how he uses the Raoul fabric for the seat cushions and trim at the bottom of the sofa and upholsters the base of the sofa in a plain fabric. Brilliant Jeffery!

A beautiful all white kitchen with yellow accents. A bowl of lemons is an easy way to add a touch of yellow to the kitchen. Southern Accents In this room Interior Designer Jan Showers has used yellow as an accent color with sofa, lamp and artwork in an all white room.

Jeffery Bilhuber has used National Geographic magazines to get a pop of yellow into this warm and inviting sitting room.

Myra Hoefer Design

Another fantastic room by photographer David Duncan Livingston

What about getting some yellow by using wallpaper in your entry foyer? Designed by Suzanne Rheinstein

Gracie Studio Wallpaper

A beautiful and classic design by David Hicks. He uses yellow sofas and chairs in his design much the same way as Albert Hadley.

A wonderful yellow taffeta ball gown worn by Frances Elkins for her own portrait. Maybe she knew about the memorable qualities of the color yellow.

Please let me know what your favourite picture is.......

Patricia Gray writes about Interior Design inspirations, emerging trends, and the world of Design. While you're here, subscribe to this feed so you don't miss out.

Happy Halloween

Dianna Vreeland was quoted as saying:

"You've got to have style, it helps you get out of bed in the morning"




Posted from Pink Wallpaper, this is Shannon's 5 month old. Do you think this little one will have any trouble getting out of bed when older, with such a stylish Mom setting the pace. Way to go Shannon.

Contemporary Kitchen Design In Vancouver

What could be better than a kitchen custom designed especially for you with all the right appliances, lots of counter space and storage, perfect lighting and a place for everything. A kitchen that is functional and beautiful, where you want to spend time, create special meals, share precious time with family and friends.

Award Winning Kitchen Design by Vancouver Interior Designer Patricia Gray [contact]

As Featured in Architectectural Digest

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

As Featured in Western Living Condo

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

As Featured in Western Living

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

Contemporary Kitchen Design Patricia Gray

Since 1982, Patricia Gray Inc. has worked with clients to achieve dynamic living environments.
Patricia's Gray's award-winning interior design and kitchen design is distinguished by its signature warmth,
personal approach, and use of a variety of innovative materials.

Visit Patricia Gray's Web-site

© 2007 Patricia Gray Inc. All Rights Reserved

More Zebra Chic

In my ongoing theme of " All Things Zebra" this week, I am featuring in this post the magnificent zebra used in ways other than carpets. Zebra prints on stools & ottomans seem to be the most predominant way to get a little zebra into your room.

Home of a Houston purse designer via Cote de Texas
I love the black walls. In another photo further down in this post Miles Redd has also used black walls.

This fabric is a classic that Brunschwig has done for years called "Le Zebre"

A classic French fauteuil chair covered in zebra
Above 3 photos Miles Redd

An interesting diversion from the black and white - Miles Redd used zebra pattern to cover two chairs in taupe and cream. Note the black walls.

Another colorway of Brunschwig's classic "Le Zebre" print used on a headboard

Zebra cushions used by Mary McDonald

How about zebra used as a wall hanging. Photo Cote de Texas from Round Top market, Texas

And what about a zebra striped ceramic stool?
O Magazine Sept 2007 spotted at Fresh Pallette

I love the way that Miles Redd has used zebra with studs to cover the doors in his own apartment

In my own office I have zebra totes to organize client samples

For my new guest bedroom I am using "Safari" sheets for the bedding mixed with chocolate silk shams & coverlet. I think I will want to sleep in my guest bedroom when it is finished.

And lastly I have just purchased this yummy pair of Steve Madden moccasins lined in sheep skin.

What do you think...could a touch of zebra be used somewhere in your home or wardrobe?