Ikea Etagere

In previous posts I've alluded to my affinity for books. Our old house had tons of built-in storage, something our new house lacks.  A few months ago, in an attempt to create a new home for my collection, I enlisted my carpenter.  Together, we fashioned a design of  bookcases and window seats  to run the length of the (fireplace) wall in our living room.  

The hold up is the pending kitchen/breakfast room renovation.  While I'm desperate for built-ins, there is a greater sense of urgency for previously mentioned project.  Looking for a cheap and quick fix, I copied this Vittsjo shelves Ikea hack.    

You can't beat the $70 price tag.  

Please excuse the photo quality.  There is something wrong with my lens.

I spray-painted the two shelving unit metallic gold.  (One on each side of the fireplace.)  Immediately after, while the gold paint was still wet, I strategically sprayed brass paint that created this fantastic cracked, patina-like finish.  

Gives it more depth, don't ya think?

My only complaint is the weight capacity of the units, so many things are still in boxes.  

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“I love walking into a bookstore. It's like all my friends are sitting on shelves, waving their pages at me.”   ~ Tahereh Mafi 

Wanderlust

Currently my thoughts resemble a flowchart.  We have quite a few big decisions to make and each is contingent upon another.  You know... that whole cause and effect theory.    With so many balls in the air, I'm feeling somewhat out of sorts.  What better way to get you back on track than a map. 

Binoculars, DC Baby Quilt, Book Box Set, Hey Hey Su Illustration, NYC Street Map,  Luggage, "Maps" Book, Camera  

If you happen upon detailed directions for life please send them my way. 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson 

The Summer We Read Gatsby

While in Mexico I breezed through a charming novel entitled The Summer We Read Gatsby, by Danielle Ganek.  If you're like me, a fool for anything Gatsby, add this to your reading list.

In a pursuit to uphold the saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words," here is my attempt of a pictorial summary.

Sources:
Society Social "The Madison Mixer" Bar Cart
"The Four Seasons Book of Cocktails"
Jackson Pollock Book
Hat
Cocktail Cigarettes
House of Harlow Sunglasses  
Polka Dot Glasses 
Set of 8 Red Glasses with Carrier 
Pink Stripe Bikini 
Throw Blanket 
Zebra Printed Towel and Leather Holster 
DVF Ping-Pong Set
Ring
Gem Coaster Set
Green Glass Goblet 
Printed Kaftan Gown
YSL Red High-Waist Bikini  
Ruched Mesh Swimsuit 
Striped Wedge
Lilly Pulitzer Gold Wedge 
Halston Halter Dress
Karl Lagerfeld Black Fan Purse
Straw Fan
Gold and Tourmaline Ring

Rainbow Backgammon Set

The Hungover Cookbook

Cheers!
Elizabeth

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." ~ Marilyn Monroe 

Valentine's Day Giveaway

I apologize for the mix up last week.  Mysteriously, the entire giveaway post was deleted instead of published.  Mexican cell service was obsolete and the internet connection was sporadic, hence my lack of communication.  Barring any domestic technical issues, Wednesday Giveaways shall resume tomorrow.  


In the meantime... a Valentines Day Giveaway.  What is it you may ask?  Why a book of course!  One romantic-at-heart CDJ reader will win a Penguin Classics "The Sonnets and A Lover's Complaint" by William Shakespeare. 

Enter the giveaway for a chance to add this classic to your collection.

To enter the giveaway, follow these rules: 

1.) You must register or be registered follower of Covet du Jour.

2.) To enter this 24 hour giveaway, comment on this post before midnight today, Tuesday, February 14th .  A winner will randomly be selected and announced on Monday (2/16).

3.) Do any or all of the following: (each worth an additional entry) 

• Share a link to this post on Facebook.  Return to Covet du Jour and let me know by posting another comment. 
• If you have a blog, share a link to this post.  Then return here and copy a link to your blog post in the comment section.
• Tweet about this giveaway post and add a comment below for another entry.

Cheers!
Elizabeth


"I’ve tried so many times to think of a new way to say it — and it’s still I love you — love you — love you." ~Zelda Fitzgerald 

Lovin'

My Covet du Jours.

This collage, by Jan Eleni, is genius!  It's the perfect way to blend your two selves: mom and decorator.

I am a sailboat kind of girl, but my tune would change if this yacht, Prometej, was my (motor) vessel.  

Seriously!!!

These photographs are by the talented Douglas Friedman.  To view his portfolio click here.  

So clever and cute - a book dock charger for an iPhone or iPad, by Rich Neeley Designs.  

One of my dreams is to publish a book.  My kids like my stores and poems, but accompanying illustrations would capture their attention.  DC based artist Becca Kallem works with many mediums, but her animal illustrations are my favorite.  Her charming and whimsical use of pencil and watercolor would bring my characters to life, exactly as I imagined them.  (Well, her work is even better than I could envision.)

To view more of these delightful creatures or adopt one as your own, visit her Etsy shop 

by clicking here. 

See you Monday to announce the winner of the giveaway!  

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Look after the senses and the sounds will look after themselves”  

~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

One Year Anniversary, Plus A Giveaway

There are moments that can instantly change you life.  Then there are decisions that seem small but over time transform your life.  A year ago today I took a small step and wrote the inaugural Covet du Jour post.  To my amazement that step led me to the beautiful door of the interior design world.  I find myself at the threshold being greeted by endless possibilities.  Countless posts, pictures, and quotes later I am certain this is my place in the world. Wow, what tremendous satisfaction and joy that brings! 


Along this journey family, friends, fellow bloggers, designers, and readers have encouraged and inspired me. To show my gratitude and to welcome new CDJ members, every Wednesday in February will feature a design book giveaway!   There is no gift I  love to give (or receive) more than a book.  

This week's Covet du Jour Design Book Giveaway is...

Domino: The Book of Decoration; 

A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy

Whether you are a design pro or moving into your first apartment, this is a must have 

for any design library. 

To enter the giveaway, follow these rules: 

1.) You must register or be registered follower of Covet du Jour.

2.) To enter, comment on this post between today, Wednesday, February 1st  and Saturday, February 4th.  A winner will randomly be selected and announced on Monday (2/6).

3.) Do any or all of the following: (each worth an additional entry) 

• Share a link to this post on Facebook.  Return to Covet du Jour and let me know by posting another comment. 
• If you have a blog, share a link to this post.  Then return here and copy a link to your blog post in the comment section.
• Tweet about this giveaway post and add a comment below for another entry.

In addition to Wednesdays Design Book Giveaways, keep your eyes peeled for some exciting sponsored giveaways!  This year holds lots of surprises! 

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Faith is the first step even when you don't see a whole staircase."  ~Martin Luther King

"A good library will never be too neat, or too dusty, because somebody will always be in it, taking books off the shelves and staying up late reading them." ~Lemony Snicket

The Colors of Pheromones

Bugs never looked so beautiful.

 To purchase Pheromones: The Insect Artwork of Christopher Marley click here.

Speaking of color, check out Toujours Magazine's Color Issue.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"They seemed to come suddenly upon happiness as if they had surprised a butterfly in the winter woods."  ~Edith Wharton

La Maison d'Hermes

Koto Bolofo, the South African born and British raised photographer, was granted unprecedented access to the iconic house of Hermes.  The documentation of his seven years ensconced in the elusive world of Hermes birthed La Masion, an eleven volume collection.  From silk to leather to equine Bolofo chronicles every facet of the historic brand.  This anthology has moved to the top of my CDJ list.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“It is impossible to overdo luxury”  ~French Proverb 

Instant Classic

Mark my words, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles will be a classic.  Over vacation I completed the novel and instantly wanted to page back to the beginning.  I practically shoved the book into my mom's hands just to have someone to discuss it with.  After page two, she looked up and commented on the pedigree of the writing.

In this story, the reader travels back to 1938 New York City to accompany the dynamic and seemingly modern heroine through the year's events.  Katey Kontent, a mid-twenties-something and daughter of Russian immigrants, floats between the worlds of blue bloods and working class, while staying true to herself.

Perhaps someone in Hollywood is adapting this work into a screenplay as I type this?  That notion leaves me conflicted - should this be made into a movie?  It would take an artistic genius to interpret the authors beautiful prose onto the silver screen. However, after watching Midnight in Paris Woody Allen might just be the man for the job.

Have you read Rules of Civility?  If so, talk to me... I'm in withdraw.  I am looking for good book recommendations to bring along on our trip, so please send them my way.

Cheers!
Elizabeth

"Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald 

"Office Space"

It's ironic that I fancy myself a "writer" yet have no dedicated writing space (in this case "writer" is used rather liberally.  Do blogging and writing stories for my kids qualify me?).  Back to the point; I have no official office.  I've tried writing at my desk and the dining room table with little success.  The one place where ideas and words are guaranteed... a huge leather chair in my family room.  Go figure. 

This is where the magic happens.  

The newest addition to the room are these silk panels.  The color is fantastic, but I would like to add some trim to kick it up a notch.  The search has commenced, but no contenders as of yet.     

Please excuse the photo quality.  They look great when I upload to my computer, but grainy when I upload to my blog.  Fixing this bug is on my to-do list. If you click on the photo the image quality is better.

Cheers!

Elizabeth


"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."  ~William Wordsworth

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

While we are on the subject of reading...  Many of you are familiar with the online shelter magazines, but if you are blissfully unaware you are missing out!  The following are on CDJ's must read list.

1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Oh, the best part is all (but one of them) are free!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled 'This could change your life.'"  

~Helen Exley

Book Wishlist

Books are my absolute favorite item to give or receive (or buy for myself).  A hardcover is a thoughtful and personal gift that one hand-selects and can personalize with an inscription.  Additionally, books make a wonderful souvenir from travel.

Books make a home come to life.  One can gain a reasonable amount of insight into a person simply by browsing their collection; where they traveled, their interests, etc.

I could NEVER have too many books... Novels, periodicals, fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, art books, how-to books, travel guides,... the list goes on and on.  I frequent thrift stores and antique shops always on the lookout for vintage books.  You would be amazed by the selection and the deals.   Plus, I love to read used book inscriptions.  That in itself is a whole story.  And finally, I love the smell of books (and not because of Carrie Bradshaw).  The scent is intoxicating.  Perhaps it's nostalgia...

Literally, I have hundreds of books on my wishlist, but here are a few I am coveting today:

All available on Amazon.com.

A candle from the Paddywax Library Collection is the perfect compliment to a book.  The "Oscar Wilde" scent is a staple in my husband's office.  The masculine aroma is a mixture of cedarwood, thyme and basil.

Enjoy whatever you read today, whether a newspaper, a magazine, chick-lit, a classic, or my personal favorite, a children's book.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience:  this is the ideal life."  ~Mark Twain

Summer, by The New Yorker

Prints available here.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance."  ~Bern Williams

Casual Friday: Afternoon Escapes

It's a Friday. It's hot. You are stuck in the office and all you want to do is hop in the car to beat the beach traffic.  If you can't focus on work and need to pass the time check out my CDJ's and the afternoon will breeze by.

Thanks to Matchbook Magazine I recently discovered the artist Bella Foster.  Love her subjects and brush strokes!

Check out the rest of her work here.

Have you visited Live. Like. You.?  The clever shop divided up items according to personality and space.  Here are some examples...

To view the "Glamour Girl Closet" click here.

To view the "Modern Bachelor Entry" click here.

To view the "Happy Home Breakfast Nook" click here.

To view the "Earthy Modern Home Office" click here.

Besides the alluring illustrations and fantastic selection of home goods, here is another little treat - if you sign up for their mailing list you get 10% off everything for 10 days!  

Still have a few hours to kill before quitting time?  Open up online shelter mag Covet Garden  for a delightful read (and no, I am not partial because of the name).

Happy Weekend!

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“Sun is shining. Weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet.”  ~ Bob Marley 

The Written Word: TRAD Home

Two of my favorite publications have joined forces (Traditional Home and Lonny Magazines) and created the digital glossy, TRAD Home, which went live Tuesday. My personal design style is rooted in traditional elements, so I could not be more thrilled.

TRAD Home did not skimp on this premier issue.  The 374 pages are jammed packed with picks, articles, interviews and images.  Here are what I consider some of the highlights:

The "Jonathan Adler vs. Charlotte Moss" video piece, on page 70, was terrific.  They utilized technology to bring the interview to life.  Very clever.

My favorite article was "20 New Traditionals: How Do You Interpret Traditional?"  

Designed by Sara Gilbane

Designed by Patrick Lonn

Designed by Jayne and Joan Michaels

Amy D. Morris

Lisa Sternfeld

Robert Passal

Ryan Corban

Jamie Hertzlenger

Gold and Adler

Well now that I've cut and pasted practically every picture from TRAD Home...  

Cheers!

Elizabeth

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best."  ~Oscar Wilde