wish list...

Elliot Mann is the MAN! or as his webpage aptly puts -

Quote { 'Our dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus. One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true...'}

Elliot Mann who resides in the East Village NYC makes the most BEAUTIFUL bags out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each bag is a one-of-a-kind creation.

All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials

The Elliot Mann Province Bags 'folio' and 'lily' are constructed from vintage remnants of 100% cotton and handwoven fabrics and have adjustable handles made from genuine braided leather.

sizes (vary slightly) L. 21" x H. 16"

$275 usd

ideas....

I remembered a feature I had seen in House Beautiful magazine July 2009. The Brooklyn townhouse, home to a NY marketing director Heather Evans and her 4 daughters is a sumptious mix of colour and fabrics. Decorated by interior designer Jonathan Berger the finished result is one of flirty, exuberant fun, ideal for a houseful of girls!

• I particularly like the use of vibrant fabrics to upholster 'antique' style furniture - the result is a refined look but one which isn't stuffy.
• Note that the walls are painted in natural, clear tones which assist in making the home feel more spacious.
• Yes, the wallpaper in the bathroom is quite a statement but somehow it works! The vibrant tone is fresh looking and girly.
• The 'suzani' throw in the master bedroom provides a touch of opulence.

The use of colour in upholstering furniture, in accessorising or to paper/paint small wall spaces really does work but remember that the key is that the shell of your home is a nude or natural tone. Colour should complement not take over.

Fabrics for upholstering from Lee Jofa's range and China Seas.

Wallpaper from China Seas

Suzani throw found on ebay