Parsons, the perfect chair.

In my opinion, the Parsons Chair might be one of the most versatile pieces of furniture out there. It's classic, simple, clean-lined design can work flawlessly with almost any decor aethetic and transitions easily from contemporary to traditional with the quick addition of a pattern or skirted slip-cover.

Here are a few examples of the Parson's chair in an array of materials, colors and fabrics:

In leather...

A bold patterned fabric...

In bright poppy colors...

With wooden legs....

Or skirted for a more traditional look. I own four of these glorious chairs, the IKEA HENRIKSDAL

They look so incredibly fresh and crisp in white when paired with a darker wood table, the contrast is lovely...



But can also look absolutely fabulous when painted or patterned. The white slip-covers provide the creative and artistic types with a blank canvas in which to create some incredible masterpieces. Check out the fabulous DIY paint-job that was done on these Parson Chairs by It's Great to be Home. Amazing.

And this lovely French Country inspired paint treatment done by a Pop of Pretty on her chairs. Genius.

Inspired by these crafty ladies and with thoughts of what I can DIY to my own Parson chairs in the near future, I found this picture via Carrington Court Direct a skirted Parsons with a fabulous nail-head trim on the back.

This gorgeous skirted Parsons is retailing at approx $200 (including S&H.)

Hmmm. For about $20 in supplies, I am thinking I can DIY a very similar look. Please stay tuned for updates...

What about you? What type of furniture piece is your favorite and why? Leave a comment, I'd love to hear about it.

Merci Mon Amis.

A Bachelor Pad Re-Design.

Design Plan for: Studio Space
Client:  Matt

(click to enlarge)

My most recent design project happened to be for an old-friend and one of the coolest bachelors' I know, Mr. Matt:)  He recently moved into a new studio space apartment and due to time constraints and lack of inspiration was experiencing the bachelor pad blues. Singing them loudly.  In true stereotypical bachelor behvaior, this room was seriously lacking style and function, (e.g. his window treatments: towels and t-shirts. yes, you read right) and not reflecting his fun personality or life-style. No bueno.

He was in dire need of a cool, sophisticated, modern space that was simultaneously functional & comfortable. A place that he could kick back in after a long day of work, but still sleek enough to host a singles' soiree or two. He asked for my help and I gladly went to work!

Using furniture pieces he already owned plus a few new added accessories and art-work, I came up with a space that mixes both urban chic with touches of retro-cool. I also made sure to keep the color scheme masculine and nuetral with a pale grey, navy, charcoal grey and hints of cocoa and natural wood.  The Art Work is from my Urban Fine Art Gallery and can be purchased here.  The previous owners had selected a vibrant red accent wall that was a bit overwhelming for Matt, so I selected a very moody and sophisticated Charcoal Grey as the new accent wall in Benjamin Moore's Kendall Grey,  it will work flawlessly with the pale-blue with greyish undertones found on the other walls in his space, and one of my favorite go-to cool nuetrals, Benjamin Moore's Spring Mint.

Here is the Testimonial in Matt's own words,
In true bachelor style, he kept it succint and sweet:
"Thank you so much sis, your the BEST!!!"

Matt can't wait to get started with his place and I can't wait to see the after pictures!


Here is a look at the Before Pictures of his space, (he's such a great sport for "keeping it real" and letting me share:)

In need of transforming your own space on a budget? Please fill out my Design and Style Evaluation here or email me @ cestlavie.events@gmail.com.

Making Memories with Recent Photo Shoots.

Wanted to share a few pictures of some recent smaller-scale shoots I did over the summer. Now that Fall season is here, we have a few other exciting shoots planned so please make sure to stay tuned.  If you are interested in learning more about my on-location photography services and booking an appointment, please click here.


J's Surprise Engagement

He finally popped the question. I was so honored to be able to capture this special moment for a very special bride who is close to my heart in so many ways...

Official E- Shoot to come soon.... :)


Little V's Ballet Recital

Love this little human and her incredible precocious personality. Her first-ever Ballet recital made us all so proud...

Nani Maria

Last but certainly not least, an impromptu shoot with my gorgeous grandmother Maria after a little mini make-over I gave her. I think she radiates beauty, inside and out. Love this amazing woman more than mere words can describe... A matriarch to admire and adore.

She's such a ham. :)

Plenty more updates coming soon...:)

Merci Mon Amis.