THE LITTLE GREY SOFA

I think we all have realized by now that Grey has become the new Black and that we are using this color more and more in our homes and in our wardrobes. I'd like to think that owning a substantial piece of furniture, like a sofa for example, in grey is similar to owning "the little black dress".  Because "the little black dress" has become the staple of any woman's wardrobe, ideally is should be as simple as possible.  Therefore my analogy to "the little grey sofa" stands true in that it is versatile in many ways and it can certainly accommodate any decor style.  

A grey sofa that I particularly love is Jonathan Adler's Malibu Sofa.  I think this sofa, like "the little black dress" is casual yet elegant and can be dressed up or down depending on the decor.  I like that it has a retro feel while maintaining a classic modernistic value.

I've designed three mood boards to help you visualize how one sofa can be used in three different design styles.  If you owned this sofa, how would you use it and in what decor style?  

xo,

Emi

MIRTH STUDIO - PATTERNED WOOD FLOOR TILES

For those of you who love color, pattern and diversity in your interior space, you should definitely check out Mirth Studio. Owner and founder, Sally Bennett is a pure design genius.  Sally is an artist, interior designer and the inventor of Mirth Studio in Charleston, South Carolina.  She came up with this ingenious idea of making patterned, hardwood floor tiles (which consequently is the only company in the world making this type of product...how cool is that?)  Mirth Studio has partnered with a manufacturer to produce digitally printed wood tiles that look hand painted.

Sally has tapped into a market that's been virtually unheard of and making a splash in the design world.  I am completely in awe of this innovative, new product and am absolutely excited about the prospect of adding a few of these gorgeous wood tiles somewhere in my home.  

The 12" x 12" wood tiles are made of engineered wood and can be easily installed right over plywood or concrete - the tiles snap into place to create a beautiful, colorful pattern.  Mirth Studio is offering this great concept as stair risers as well... totally awesome.  Make sure to check out Mirth Studio here...you'll be wanting to rip out your old flooring for some of these beauties!

Cococozy Collection

xo,

Emi

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

In the last few years I've noticed a big change in myself; I've become something that I've always disliked in other people...I've become a procrastinator.  I don't like the word and I especially don't like what it stands for - I am by no means lazy, a loafer or even a slowpoke.  In fact the contrary is said to be true.  I am always on the go, running here and there and never actually putting my legs up until well after midnight each and every day.  Since I started this entrepreneurial venture a couple of years ago, all I could do is eat, drink, sleep, dream and live VIA SAN VITO.  I had made a decision and embraced the thought of devoting all my time and energy to making this business all it can possible be and then some. Hence, this is where the procrastination came in.  Since my main focus has been my business, I've relied on procrastination as a means of escaping the mundane existence of the everyday routine.  The thought of delaying tasks until "tomorrow" became comfortable for me and assured me that I wasn't really neglecting my duties and that just putting it off for a day or so, was okay. 

While postponing daily chores and other non-urgent tasks for a day or two is forgivable, there are other things that need much more thought and attention to.  Gift buying for instance is one of those things. Buying something for a loved one should not be purchased on a whim or be a last minute thought...and Mother's Day is just one of those occasions. Today with the internet age and our means of purchasing online, you really need to make sure that whatever you are purchasing will arrive on time for the occasion you are buying for.

Mother's Day falls on different dates for many parts of the world, but in North America as in many other countries Mother's Day is just a little over a month away, so getting those orders in on time is crucial.

Here are some Mother's Day gift ideas to get your started.  Make your mom feel special and give her a gift that she will treasure.

SHOP GIFT IDEAS

1)   Via San Vito Striato Napkins in Noir and Metallic Gold
2)   Jonathan Adler Lucite Block Letter
3)   Zatista Pink Poppy Original Art
4)   Dwell Studio Triangle Stripe Box
5)   Kelly Wearstler X Paper Chase Press Sketchbook
6)   Anthropologie Oblique Candle Holder
7)   Dwell Studio Henri Ink Throw
8)   Michael Kors Parker Rose Gold Tone Watch
9)   Kate Spade Madison Chaplin Drive Maeve Shoulder Bag
10) Kelly Wearstler Bedford Charger Plate
11) Via San Vito Anelli Lumbar Pillow in Noir and Metallic Gold
12) Diptyque Rosafolia Candle

xo,

Emi

ENLIGHTEN ME...GAETANO SCIOLARI

If you love Mid Century designs, just as I do, then you should be familiar with the name Gaetano Sciolari.  Gaetano Sciolari's lightings were manufactured by top firms such as Lightolier, based in New York and Stilnovo, based in Milan during the 1950's, but in the late 1960's he began to manufacture his own lighting creations.

Sciolari made his chandeliers in Italy and combined minimalism with high-glamour.  The individual shapes that comprise his pieces are arranged in a highly geometric but still somewhat irregular manner, giving them an organic quality.  They were far from traditional but instead refined, edgy & futuristic.  Lines were clean and sculptural and materials such as crystals and ice glass sparkled with a sultry coolness.  Playfully, Sciolari positioned finishes against highly polished metal for great optical effect.  He broke the traditional rules by combining brass with chrome to bring out the best of both metals.

Sciolari arguably produced his best work in the 1970's and the work shares its disco chic aesthetic with Verner Panton, Paul Evans and Francois Monnet.

The "Cubic" series is one of Sciolari's greatest hits and examples were realized in variety of sizes, configurations and finishes.

I have included images of some of my favorite pieces, most of them found on lstDibs.  Although they do tend do be quite expensive, anyone would be lucky to own one of Sciolari's pieces.  

xo,

Emi