​What an absolute joy it was to be able to host my own #OpenHouseLive for House Beautiful on Instagram this week! I had so much fun taking everyone on a tour of my custom-built, five-year-old Beverly Hills hideaway. As I mentioned during the tour, I designed the entire house from the ground up, including materials and fixtures, so there was a lot of history to cover in a short amount of time. I know it can be a bit of an overload trying to keep track of the tour and the Q&A simultaneously, so I just had to put together a blog of the highlights. Let’s get started!

​My approach to the house is to balance traditional architecture with eclectic design flourishes, paying homage to my modernist and art deco influences. Exhibit A: my classic grand foyer, complete with a winding absolute black marble staircase, iron railing, and, of course, a stunning grand piano. But, I’m not afraid to give it that contemporary flash with bright hanging artwork and decor. Plus, you can’t miss my black-and-white marble tile floor!

​Moving into my formal living room, my absolute favorite place to host guests, I get to showcase some of my favorite collectibles. The item with the most sentimental value may surprise you--it’s my coffee table! My family actually gifted me this amazing table, Italian-built from the late 1970s.  It was in my childhood home and has tremendous sentimental value. 

​You’ll also notice on the left-hand side is my Rosenthal vase collection on display, while my golden Buddha statue--an import from Buenos Aires, Argentina--holds court in the center of the room. Collectibles like these are such a great way to inject personality and character into a space and give it its own unique history!

​My kitchen centers around this gorgeous marble island, illuminated by these gold overhead fixtures that I dreamt up out of a showroom in Shanghai. The glassless, airy design makes for very easy cleaning, which is actually a big perk when considering all the love the marble countertops need. Regularly-scheduled sealing and polishing appointments are as much a staple of my kitchen as family recipes are. Speaking of which: marble countertops are very picky about what you can cook and prepare on them, so I cannot recommend them if your goal is a high-volume chef’s kitchen. But, for crafting a distinct kitchen aesthetic, the marble is a winner, hands down.

The marble continues in the floor, as well. I was able to achieve this monochromatic cross-pattern (with a big helping hand from my fabricator) by slicing 12x24 sheets into alternating strips of white carrara marble against absolute black marble. As picky as marble is on the counter, it is substantially more relaxed as flooring--being nonporous, it’s rather resistant to wear-and-tear.

​My kitchen also features a few of my TOTAL OBSESSIONS from my favorite stylists. The stepstool is a custom design by my dear friend, Thomas Hayes. It provides the perfect stable--and adorable--platform for getting up to those high cabinets easily and safely. I also just fawn over my decorative pieces from Kelly Wearstler.

​For my favorite bedroom upstairs, I love the transition to playful, inviting shades of pink. The wispy cloud pattern in the custom wallpaper here instills a dreaminess into the room, while the gold accents interspersed throughout still give it that modernist pop.

A main bedroom suite is only as good as its accompanying bathroom--no pressure, right? That’s why I had to pull out all the stops for my upstairs bathroom.

“Bath” is literally in the name, so I had to design accordingly! The double everything shower is perfection, a true his-and-hers from the benches to the shower heads. I match the his-and-hers shower with a beautiful double vanity, adorned with polished nickel fixtures from Waterworks that add that perfect dose of warmth.

​I also LOVE soaking in my superstar tub, handcrafted from a single slab of marble. As I shared with the live House Beautiful audience, the tub weighs in at a solid 3000 pounds--meaning we had to specially engineer the support beams around the tub to ensure safe load-bearing in the house. Worth it--you’ll find me in here at least three times a week!

​The last stop on my Open House Live tour with House Beautiful was my powder room. I love going bold in a powder room--it’s not frequented enough by the residents of the house that it becomes overbearing, and it’s always a fantastic surprise and great conversation starter for your guests.

​The warm tones mixed with wild and dynamic blooms were the perfect addition to all of my spaces. Plus, Lily Lodge’s service is truly phenomenal, delivering a personalized (and COVID-conscious) adornment to my home.

​I mean, this bold pop of color from the garden roses in my bathroom--WOW!

​That’s all for my House Beautiful tour recap! I can’t thank everyone enough for tuning in and following up on the blog, and it was a true privilege to work with the House Beautiful and Lily Lodge teams to make this showing such a success. Make sure to follow House Beautiful and Lily Lodge on Instagram, and stick around with me, Nina Takesh, on Instagram and Red Elevator for daily and weekly design inspirations and tips!

I simply could not have fit everything I adored during my recent trip to CB2 in one post, so here is the awaited second part! As in my last post, the links to every Fall 2020 favorite of mine will have their link attached to your title so you can purchase them for yourself.

​Now, onto more CB2 goodies!

Numa Marble and Brass Candle Stands Set
Having visual intrigue in interior design is so important. Don't bore the eye with all your decor staying on the same level! I love that you can buy these candle stands to match or in a mismatched pair so you can use them wherever you'd like in your space while still keeping things cohesive.
​

Slope Marble Sconce
​Want a light fixture that has vintage appeal but a modern design? Then this is exactly what you are looking for. I love the sculptural elements in this sconce; it's a conversation piece that won't distract from the other art on the wall. And warm, tungsten light is always flattering!

Ginkgo Sconce
This sconce will give your space a coastal charm with a touch of magic. They way light falls across the room as the ginkgo shell is lit from behind takes your breath away. If you love the look of this piece of lighting but not the idea of you whole room fitting a beachy vibe, don't worry: the design and color is subtle enough to go with any décor.

Icelandic Sheepskin Throw
As the temperatures drop, the need for soft, warm coziness rises. I've thrown this throw blanket into my office as the perfect accent piece and a plush source of comfort. This luxurious, white sheepskin — sourced in an environmentally friendly manner — would look stunning laid across furniture with warm, autumnal tones, like the rust-colored couch seen above.

White Marble Paper Towel Holder
It's the little details in your home that push your interior design from fine to fabulous! The white, marble base of this paper towel holder, contrasted with the black rod, reads très chic. Meanwhile, the structure of the holder itself holds steady, the craftsmanship evident. This will stay intact for years to come!​

Neat Smoke Tasting Glass
We've all been there: you're hosting a small dinner party, and the only good tasting glasses you own are more like full-sized glasses. Now your guests have had a bit too much, and you're running low on the bubbly. Enter these gorgeous glasses made in Poland. They are the perfect size for dinner and drinks, and the smoky, Polish glass is durable and dishwasher safe. In other words, a stylish lifesaver.

Swarm Glass Honey Pot
Is this not the most adorable pot you've ever seen? This glass honey pot fits perfectly with all of your other sweeteners in the pantry whilst looking far more classy than the wasteful, plastic packaging from the grocery store. Plus, it comes with a honey dipper all its own, so you don't have to worry about dirtying a different spoon between uses.

Capri Bath Mat (B&W)
Absorbent fabric? Check. Soft, expensive texture without the hefty price tag? Check! Neutral color that fits any bathroom? Check, again! These bath mats are a home run no matter how you look at it. And if you don't want black and white, don't worry--it comes in a few other colors, too.

Tuli Black Trim Towels
These towels are a perfect accompaniment to the Capri Bath Mat, though they can certainly stand on their own. They're fluffy without the fuzz, and easy on the skin but still absorptive. I particularly adore the trim on the edges. Like I said, it's the details in your décor that really give it that extra oomph!

Athena Bath Accessories
This bundle of bathroom essentials make you feel like you're in a five-star hotel every time you use the sink. The rippling, glass design is both simple and sophisticated, and you can never go wrong with black. Personally, I love using the covered canister to house my Q-tips, and the small cup for things like potpourri.

​Ishi Black Marble Canister (Medium)
I adore how CB2 manages to create pieces outside of a particular line that can still go together. While this canister isn't part of the Athena bath accessory set, it fits right in on my sink countertop to hold cotton pads and other makeup removal necessities. But, this handy bit of storage could also find a home in a bedroom, bathroom, or any other room in your home!

Thank you for joining me in another adventure through CB2's incredible catalog. Comment below how and where you'd use these pieces, and what sort of content you'd like to see next.

If you would like to watch my video talking about all of these products in further detail, click below!

I recently took a tour through CB2's incredible showroom and was amazed by the stylish decor and gorgeous furniture they had to offer. So I am thrilled to share with you my favorite finds for Fall 2020. The links to each product will be attached to their title if you'd like to buy the products for yourself.

​Let's get started, shall we?

Up until now, it felt nearly impossible to find a properly proportioned serving board that still looked chic. But this acacia board is absolutely perfect. Its rounded handle makes for secure, comfortable handling, while the wide board itself can hold even the most extravagant charcuterie spread. Click here to purchase the board for yourself.

This gorgeous chair flawlessly tip-toes the line between versatility and boldness. Its plush, warm beige, New Zealand shearling fabric provides comfort without sacrificing style, and the black, arched frame gives it a truly designer edge without being too loud. At a cozy and compact size, this gorgeous chair could fit in any sitting area you choose. So, it's up to you to decide whether it will blend seamlessly into the surrounding space, or stand as a stunning accent piece all its own.

Fall is upon us, and with the season comes the needy to cosy up with your warm drink of choice. Any coffee drinker worth their snuff knows that a sturdy cup with a thin lip is essential for getting the perfect sip: full of flavor, with no change of dribbling that coveted caffeinated drink onto your shirt. These stoneware cups are adorably sized at two and a half inches tall, two and a half inches in diameter — perfect for five ounces worth of your drink of choice. The best part? They're microwave and dishwasher safe!

This surreally shaped mirror makes for a very real conversation piece! Its handmade design comes in the perfect dimensions to wow in a single-sink powder room or paired with a stunning credenza. One could even be self indulgent and hang it over their vanity to show themselves as a true work of art. Wherever you place it, this beautifully quirky mirror is a masterclass in bold versatility.

This trinket box showcases just how expertly a piece of home decor can exemplify contrast. At a glance, this chic resin box looks delicate, almost cloud-like, but the structure actually provides a satisfying heft that assures its owner that whatever lies inside will be kept safe. Its minimalist white and gold experior opens up to a decadent, rich, olive green lining that will have your eyes lighting up every time you need to grab your keys or a piece of jewelry. Without question, this box is an essential for your essentials!

This plush chair, with its timeless shape and neutral color, just proves that CB2 provides home run after home run in regards to their seating. Like the Shearling chair, this piece could work absolutely anywhere you'd like within the home. I couldn't resist adding one to a client's bedroom recently, for example. With its touchable texture and classic silhouette, this chair could be a staple in your home no matter the space's style.

A tale as old as time: you find the perfect art pieces for your living space, but you'd have to pay an arm and a leg just to get them! Enter CB2 with absolutely gorgeous photographs that can be yours for a fraction of their value. Whether you're a fan of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Nirvana, or Madonna, there is a framed photograph perfect for your walls. Even better, the prints come in multiple sizes so you can mix and match them however you'd like.

In true CB2 fashion, these chic candle holders are flexible enough to fit any space whilst iconic enough to hold their own. The rustic, weathered look oozes character and could create beautiful contrast against an otherwise minimalist room. You could also make them a welcome addition to a shabby chic space; they'd fit right in! Get a matching or mismatching pair, or even a trio, to elevate any mantle or table setting.

And, of course, one couldn't possibly enjoy true candlelight without a lighter! But instead of troubling yourself with fiddly butane refills, make your way into the future with this fully electric device with a classic Zippo-style construction. Simply plug the lighter into a USB plug in to charge, and you can light up your life with a clean flame for any candle or incense. It's cosy Fall convenience at its best.

I hope you had as much fun perusing these CB2 gems as I did! Keep an eye on this space for Part II of my Fall Must-Haves, and feel free to share your seasonal ideas for these pieces in the comments below.

Sponsored
Did you know that Ultrasuede HP is the original high performance fabric for interiors and fashion since the 1970's?  The smooth texture is unbeatable and feels almost identical to suede.  There is no question that Ultrasuede HP is unparalleled in quality and function and its sumptuous premium like texture makes you want to envelope yourself in their fabric.  For this reason when Ultrasuede HP reached out for a  fun giveaway and project I jumped at the chance!

The results as you can see from above are incredible!  Since many happen to sit in these chairs, the fabric needed to be sustainable and easy to clean.  Picking a color and choosing samples was quite easy.  Lucky for me Ultrasuede in fact has 97 shades to choose from, 14 of which are new sumptuous colors which were just recently introduced. I fell in love with one of their newest colors called "Tea Rose" which is what I ended up using to upholster these Milo Baughman Mid-Century chairs which I found scouring estate sales in my area.  What is great about ultrasuede is that their fabrics are not only soft to the touch but they do not contain any questionable chemicals and are surprisingly affordable.  To see the array of Ultrasuede HP's colors including their new colors click bit.ly/2Z5xujI

Choosing a color is easy and the swatches arrived expeditiously.

The good news is that Ultrasuede is currently running a great Giveaway and you can easily participate!
All you have to do is comment on today's Instagram post (@NinaTakesh) with your chosen @ultrasuede_r fabric color choice and you will automatically be entered to win.  Participants will receive their chosen swatch color(s) and winner will receive 20 yards of fabric! You must tag @ultrasuede_r with your swatch request. Check out my stories also for before and after photos of the transformation of these barstools and see what upholstered weight Ultrasuede HP can do for your upholstery needs.  Giveaway winner will be announced on 09/20/2019. Don't forget to follow @ultrasuede_r on instagram for daily beautiful images and inspiration. No purchase necessary.  Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must be based in the US. Contest not affiliated with Instagram.

One of my favorite aspects of interior design is watching the evolution of retail interiors.  It plays on your psychology and the way you shop a lot more than you could imagine.  It also encompasses the most brilliant and vibrant materials to catch your eye.   Here are some of my favorite retail spaces of 2018.

It is whimsical and playful and space that is inviting.  Evoking a sense of luxury with a touch of friskiness is what makes a retail interior eye catching.   Most importantly it makes you want to purchase an item, any item so you can take a piece of your adventure with you.

Another hot design retail trend is illustrated my using a single color throughout the entire space as shown here in the Milan Valextra Boutique.
Photography by Delfinos Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti

This all white cloud like dream store was "poped-up" during design week to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Italian accessories brand Valextra.

The Saint Laurent store, located in Paris' St. Honore rue, blends Art Deco design and modernist exactitude.  

​'St Laurent’ design in standard design colours on Custom Turquoise Edo tea paper. Photography by Mariam Medvedeva
​

Nothing makes a wall more elegant and more polished than Chinoiserie.  Derived from the french word "Chinois" it is the imitation of  Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions.  This tradition first appeared in the 17th century and has remained a strong design element for generations.  Today's modern use of Chinoiserie wallpaper is beautifully conveyed and interpreted by none other than DeGournay.

​‘Badminton’ design in standard design colours on 12 Carat White Gold gilded paper. Photography by Dan Marshall.

It's amazing how no one has successfully launched this idea before.  An art concept which gives architect and designer Gerard Faivre total control.  Not only does he choose the abode, he renovates it, decorates it,  and creates a unique original work of art that can become your dwelling.  Nothing is left to chance in Gérard Faivre’s selection of impeccable homes, prestigious neighborhoods, designer furnishings and top quality art. His impeccable attention to detail is mesmerizing and his creations are uniquely inspiring.  While he loves to decorate,  his forte is his ability to rebuild and renovate homes.  His work is admirable as you will see from the photos below and his studio in Paris is much like a museum.

Nestled in Paris' affluent Trocadero neighborhood, Francois Champsaur turns a Parisian abode into a sculptural interior marvel. Champsaur, a Marseillais, founded his firm in 1996 and has completed several luxury hotels including the newly renovated Hotel Vernet located in Paris' Champs Elysee neighborhood.  Champsaur is known for his vision in marrying art and design.  His minimalist assortment of furniture is always perfectly balanced against his selection of world class art.  His spacial awareness and design sense is nothing short of impeccable.  
His newest 5300 square foot redesign in Trocadero illustrates all of Champsaur's strengths.  His ability to respect the original architecture of a timeless building in France by bringing a sense of newness and timeless elegant.  The result is a breathtaking gallery like open space work of art featuring his own custom designed furnishings and fixtures.

You would have to be living under a rock if you have not come across the stunning interiors of Jean-Louis Deniot.  Featured regularly in AD and Elle Decor, Jean-Louis has an eclectic yet well recognized signature style.  His use of earth tones throughout his designs never get old and his interiors are fresh and leave you feeling inspired.  If you are interested in a minimalistic look then turn away as Jean-Louis is know to be a "maximalist".  His interiors are bold and can be seen if you are lucky enough to frequent cities such as Capri, Aspen, Chicago or of course his home town of Paris.  Feast your eyes on some of his most delightful rooms that are simply perfect!

Paris - Rue Palatine

Paris Apartment

New York City- Fifth Avenue Apartment

AD Interiors 2012

The Interior Design world lost one of its greatest architects and contributors in 2013 to skin Cancer.  David Collins was an innovator, and the magical creative force behind some of the world's most glamorous bars, restaurants and boutiques.  Before his passing he had been actively designing interiors for Jimmy Choo, Harrod's, Bergdorf Goodman and residences for Madonna.  When I read of his passing, I was truly grief stricken and wondered if his studio would be able to capture his magic and continue his work.  It is only fitting that we look back at some of his greatest work.  

The Vogue Lounge in Bangkok was created only 6 months ago by David Collins Studio and does capture David's Magic.  The use of brass, rich colors against a white and black setting is clearly David Collins' signature look.

The Bar at the Vogue Lounge in Bangkok with black and white glamorous photography.

The exterior lounge area at The Vogue Lounge is dominated by a geometric floor pattern.

Interior Dining at the Vogue Lounge illustrating the importance of texture and patterns.