Saturday, December 24, 2011

LAMPS PLUS - STYLE ILLUMINATED AND SAAVEDRA DESIGN STUDIO
Exclusive Tips for Holiday Style
 
 

As we are celebrating this holiday - see if your holiday style echos one of these. What ever your style- may it be celebrated with those near and dear this season!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

HOLIDAY STYLE ISN't WHAT YOU THINK IT IS:
A BIT OF ADVICE FROM ME ON STYLE ILLUMINATED- LAMPS PLUS



So much needs to be accomplished in the next few days that I am in a little panic since I have not even touched my Christmas shopping list! Its a good thing, then, that I received a little reminder about what is really important to keep in mind this season from a guest post I penned for Style Illuminated- the blog by Lamps Plus.  You can find part one here. And also look for the second installment tomorrow. 
 
(Such wisdom they had to split it in two! (At least that is waht we will go with, yes?)

While your there- be sure to check out a fab wall of flowers from this year's Greystone Mansion. There is plenty of goodness to inspire you on Style Illuminated- so happy perusing!

until then.




Wednesday, December 14, 2011

TAKE FLIGHT BIG TIME WITH FENG SHUI AND A BIT OF @WESTELM

There are major changes happening here at SDS and DECOR FELLOW! I am super excited and focused at the moment and of course will share the details as they become perfected and ready to debut. In addition- there are changes personally - i.e. a second home in Austin TX. that I have been basically camping in until I get the real feel of what magic I want to perform on this new abode. The considerations are many at this point - and one aspect is a correct Feng Shui of the new space.

While some may dismiss the effectiveness of this ancient art - I can attest to its positive effects and the relative ease in which you can implement Feng Shui into your home. One powerful tool is the use of birds. That's correct, birds.

The addition of imagery containing birds can be very beneficial to increasing the presence and effectiveness of many Guas in your home and you certainly can find fabulous decorative items to fit the bill - such as these chic peeps from West Elm. Gorgeous- I know! Of course, you can use other finds: pictures, books, figurines, etc. not just fabulous pillows.

So where can these flights of fancy help you dears? Place a bird or multiples depending on how high you want to rev up their effects ...

In your Fame and Reputation Gua (to the South) If you can a representation that is in flight and of red coloring ( like adding hot fire) that is even better. Think of it as your reputation soaring to new heights and flying high as those birds!

In your Relationships Gua ( to the Southwest )By the way- this Gua is for ALL relationships - not just romantic so enhancing this Gua can prove beneficial on many levels.

Pairs and multiple of two's are important here - as this is the second Gua- so the pillow with two birds would be ideal...especially if your intention is towards love and romance... a pair of love birds perhaps?

These are just two quick examples and there are many more...just keep in mind your intention where ever you may choose to add any enhancement bird, color, object, etc.


Thursday, November 10, 2011


I was super giddy when I realized that Arteriors was following my Twitter stream- I know, right! Never mind that they have been on the BIG list forever- but that's a whole other post! Anyhow, I got to going through the files in my head and thinking where have I used some of their fab finds in the past. This is just a tiny sampling but the ones I love more than others- especially the rabbits! (Mr. Owl- you're special too.) I adore those little guys and, though they may be small, they add a giant dose of personality to any interior.

After all, spaces that are SO serious are not enjoyable...at least that is my take it.


A skilled nursing facility I designed. Hopefully you can tell that the "after" is above and the "before" is below... Love the Arteriors silvery branch table next to the Gate Wing Chair from my JAK collection!


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

IN THE MIX


Stunning! Photo by Laure Joliet (@ljoliet )

I am a champion for the philosophy that great design is available at very level and that the most interesting interiors contain a mix of high and low. Case in point, this vignette from my petite studio where a majestic bronze Pegasus from Pier 1 imports meets the Oliver taboret from my furnishings line - JAK Studio Collection. Simple, graphic, unexpected and chic. What a winning combo!

Happy Hump Day Peeps!
@james_saavedra

Monday, November 7, 2011

@STANDARD_MAG HOLIDAY 2011 & The Perfectionist's aka @JAMES_SAAVEDRA


Sneak Peek: The "terrace" of my West Hollywood studio. Vintage Bertoia and Nelson, Punchy Authentic Ikat, Gilded Cameroon, and Teak Decking. I adore it- do you?
Gorgeous Photo by the amazing Laure Joliet!


So rumor has it, in the Twitter-verse at least, that my little West Hollywood pad might be featured in the upcoming holiday issue of Standard Mag. Indeed it will. Having a feature column, named "The Perfectionist", in Standard- you might expect that my abode is picture perfect, uber orderly, or buttoned up. While I may be a stickler for the tiniest details- my philosophy on one space is that is meant to be lived in and always exudes a sense of ease. I like a mix of old and new- high and low- and a good dash of personal reflection. You'll get to see my little testing ground for many of my JAK furnishings to boot.

The previous life and design of my world (in the image below) was one of all white and the occasional natural touch. What I needed at the time was a sense of calm - like a deep exhale. This time around (seen in the leading image proof) - things are a wee bit different to say the least. And that is all I am saying. You can see the new direction for yourself this Wednesday along with my Perfectionist picks for fab Pinstripes!

The previous life of my little abode- notice the Bertoia and the Cameroon Table- hmmm :)

More the upcoming issue: This is the Urban Holiday issue—we've got our gift guides for the Standard Man, Woman and Child and lots of amazing places to visit in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Perfectionist pinstripe column, of course, and a designer Q&A with Rashon Carraway!

For the Twitter Folks - these are your peeps: @James_Saavedra @EMIIntDesign @ASDinteriors, @NadiaGeller @ZiaPriven @ZiaPriven2 & @KLewisHome

The features include a loft in Tribecca, five rooms from the Good Shepard Shelter re-design and an amazing mid-century house full of art and antiques, surprisingly found in the straight-and-narrow heartland of America (Temple TX).

So check it out my dears...until then...

Monday, October 24, 2011

THE AUSTIN DESIGN STUDIO

A pretty table vignette


Simple. Chic. Art.

Quick tacking up of sorts - I was working out a design scheme

Smattering of materials


Where we post quick color stories we like at the moment and messages for the staff

Vintage spin
Kelly's board where an issue of Standard Magazine gets its beginning


This past trip to Austin I worked a few day at our studio - we call it The Collective.

I snapped a few quick shots. Once I have settle more permanently in Austin - a style renovation is inevitable and the results will be shared here.

Happy Monday.