Friday Finds!

How much do you love Fridays? I’ve been pretty busy (crazy, out-of-my-mind busy) lately, which is a great problem to have, so I’m really looking forward to this weekend.

While I dream of what to do with a few hours to myself, take a look at these fabulous Friday finds:

New York designer Milly de Cabrol’s new (small) apartment by the High Line. What do you think? (I love the desk facing the tall windows! Hello, city.)

From New York to rural South Carolina: For a three-minute break from your busy day, take a peek through the pictures of this remodeled farmhouse. I love the use of wood, tin, and rope—They feel so perfectly at home.

Back to Denver: Local furniture design house Newell Design Studio makes this beautiful and funky desk. How would it look in your office?

 And up to Boulder: Do you know about è bella? This little shop sells beautifully designed modern rugs and pillows. (And if you’re feeling the winter doldrums, a few bright, bold pillows might just cheer you up until spring shows up, don’t you think?)

Have a great weekend. See you back here next week!

Friday Finds!

Hello friends and fellow design lovers.

I’ve scouted some truly beautiful things for this edition of “Friday Finds.”

Enjoy…

This early-20^th-century royal blue sofa would look great in a classic living room, but you could also incorporate it into a more contemporary space. The details are gorgeous!

These grey nesting tables from Serena & Lily have sleek little drawers, the perfect solution for all the stuff that accumulates in family rooms: remote controls, kids’ trinkets, coasters—you get the picture.

I love when furniture designers play with classic forms, don’t you? These dining chairs from West Elm are a modern riff on a classic Windsor chair. What do you think?

And if you’re searching for a beautiful new chandelier—something to make a strong but handsome statement in your home—check out Currey & Company’s lighting selection. I can’t pick just one!

Happy Friday to you!

Mid-Century Modern & Marvelous

The owners of this fantastic mid-century home, designed by the famed Victor Hornbein, asked me to help put the finishing touches on their home. Isn’t this living room fantastic?

The owners had the sectional sofa—from Holly Hunt, which they found at a consignment shop in Vail! (Can you believe it?) We found a rug at West Elm to anchor the furniture area, and then added the chevron poufs and little silver pedestal, also from West Elm. The Jonathan Adler pillows add a bit of geometric pattern and color.

The key to a space like this is being selective about how much bold pattern you use: We knew the contrast in the chevron pattern and the bright pillows would brighten the space without overwhelming the subdued pattern. And with gorgeous details like the birch ceiling and stacked flagstone wall, this room didn’t need a lot of flashy elements.

The First-Ever Watts Design Gift-Guide

Now that Oprah has given up her spot as the queen of the gift guide, I’m stepping in to fill the void (except that I won’t be giving away a car or a billion bathrobes or anything like that). Here, a few beautiful things that would make lovely gifts for your family, friends, or favorite designer. (Hint, hint.)

Goatskin leather pocket datebook from Graphic Image:  I love these planners for their simple beauty. This little 6-inch book is perfect to throw in a purse or briefcase—or a stocking!  There’s something very satisfying about jotting down appointments and to-dos in such a pretty little notebook.

Woodbury Clock from Simon Pearce: You can’t go wrong giving anything from Simon Pearce, the famed Vermont-based glassblower and maker of beautiful pottery. But these clocks are handsome and clean-lined and especially fabulous.

Redwood Candle at HW Home: I generally don’t like candles, but this one smells divine. And even though HW Home is a Colorado-based shop, it boasts a web shop, so you can easily snatch up a few of these for your mom, sister, best friend, and neighbor, no matter where you live.

Indigo Herringbone Throw: Every home needs a cozy throw on the sofa, and I’m especially fond of this one, which is woven in Maine. Added bonus: The elves at Serena & Lily will wrap your gifts and ship them for free until December 2 with the code GIVEARTFULLY.

Amana Brass Candleholders from Serena & Lily: Created especially for Serena & Lily, these distinctive candleholders are made of solid brass with an antiqued finish—perfect for a holiday table (and then great to use year-round). Buy one in each size for a striking combination. 

West Elm: Your One-Stop Décor Shop

Each year, I look forward to watching retailers roll out their holiday decorations. This year, some of my favorites come from West Elm—which is great because I don’t have to drive all around town picking up decorations!

Wood Chip Trees: Yes, they’re actually made from wood shavings! I love the warm, gold-ish tone and the fabulous texture. They feel festive without being over-the-top.

Manzanita Candelabra: If you’re tired of the same old centerpiece, try this delicate candelabra on your tabletop, atop a simple runner or surrounded by a bit of fresh greenery. 

Iridescent Glass Hurricanes: I would pair these hurricanes with a few mercury glass candleholders or vases for a sparkly display. The light they give off is glowy and warm—perfect for the holidays.

Caribou Bottle Brush Ornament: What’s not to love about this guy? Plus, he’s kid-friendly, so you can hang him within reach of your three-year-old and not cringe every time she goes near the tree.

Felt Garland: This is just plain cool—and a touch retro. It reminds me of holidays at Granny’s.

What about you? Have you found decorations you just love this year? Please share!

Tips for Your Holiday Table

Last weekend, I participated in L’Esprit de Noel, the annual holiday home tour that raises funds for the Central City Opera. I did a little decorating at one of the homes with pretty things from The Lark, one of my favorite Denver shops.

Our palette was golds and reds, pulled from the room. I wanted to keep it simple because I didn’t want the table to compete with the room’s gorgeous crystal chandelier. I love a table that pairs sparkly elements with natural ones, so on top of the gold runner, I put pine-and-magnolia centerpieces. (Magnolia leaves seem to be everywhere right now!)

I used the runner and placements instead of a tablecloth because that way, you get to see the gorgeous wood of the table, a perfect pairing with the gold placemats. And instead of tucking the napkins through rings, I folded them and topped them with pretty little berry accessories. (You can also see them around the candles of the chandelier.)

My final touch for the table was red glasses. What do you think? I like crystal, but colored glass feels especially festive this time of year. If you’ve set the same table for years, colored glass might be the best way to change it up this year.

What about you? Will you start decorating for the holidays this weekend? My best advice: Play a little! Try new combinations of your décor items, so you’re not just replicating what you’ve done for years. You might surprise yourself!

I am getting excited for the Holidays!!!

What about you?  Are you in the holiday-decorating spirit yet?  In Denver today or tomorrow?  Here is an idea L'Esprit de Noel Home Tour for some inspiration. 

While I’m dreaming about beautiful baubles, here are a few things I want to share with you:

A brilliant idea for a holiday card: an illustration of your home, all decked out for the season! (Spotted on Design Mom)

Beat the holiday rush and send beautiful Thanksgiving cards.

These gorgeous leather-and-felt bags (made by design wizards in L.A.) would make the perfect holiday gift for your mom, sister, wife, grown-up daughter, or friend.

I love a little mercury glass in holiday décor. Find a few pretty options here, here, and here.

If you live in the Denver metro area and you think your décor needs a little boost this year, please give me a call.  I decorate many clients’ homes for the holidays, and I’d be happy to spread a little cheer at your house too!

-Nadia

Today setting up for.....

L'Esprit de Noël Home Tour & Boutique!!!  

An early idea for this upcoming weekend in Denver.  Visit this website for more information:  L'Esprit de Noël Home Tour & Boutique 

Come on this beautiful home tour and see how this room comes together!

Thursday, November 15, 2012:  Patron Preview Party
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Friday & Saturday, November 16 & 17, 2012: Home Tour
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

And the Winner is.....

I've gotten some great feedback on the blog from people who connected with us from this giveaway, so thanks everyone! The pillow winner is Kate C! Send your mailing address to nadia@nadiawatts.com, and I'll get these pillows sent off right away.

If you didn't win this time, no worries! We'll have more giveaways, so keep reading!

Friday Finds

Cheers to Friday! To ring in the weekend, here's my round-up of beautiful and clever things. (Check back each Friday for new list!)

Mountain Living editor Christine DeOrio launches a blog that will make you say, "ooh!"

I'm in love with artist Michael Carson's paintings. I can think of a hundred places I'd use them--including my living room!

Does your closet look this good? A girl can dream...

If you've ever wondered about the history of paisley, you should read this little goodie.

What do you think of design of the Nobis Hotel Stockholm?

Enjoy your weekend! I'm going to check out The Home and Lifestyle Show at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. See you back here next week.

-Nadia