Evenings in the Cold

While I was at work today, a chill settled over the city, rendering cabs much harder to find and myself noticeably underdressed to face the elements. It's now 29 degrees in Manhattan, which has me wishing that a light snow will fall (and that I had new winter boots).

As much as I'm tempted to snuggle under a big blanket and stay in tonight, Mr. V and I are off for a double date dinner at Snack Taverna, a neighborhood Greek favorite. Tzatziki and good company are definitely worth journeying outside and bearing this temperature. Have a happy Friday night!

Image via Cup of Jo.

Bedside Manner

Stacks of well-worn books about art and travel, bright white bedding, an antique trunk, trinkets from around the globe, and a large, leafy plant...Wouldn't this be great to wake up to every day?

This is a fantastic bedside table area...Romantic, cozy, and layered. I also love how the trunk is tucked under a modern back table. A scene after my own heart!

Image from 1st Dibs via An Indian Summer.

Marching Ahead

Today, Lonny came out with a few sneak peaks of their spring issue, and these two shots alone have me counting the days until it's released in March (which seems so far away!)...

The use of pattern and color in both rooms is really interesting and fresh. I'm dying to see the rest of these homes! What other furniture could possibly accompany that wallpaper?

Unfortunately, Lonny is skipping a January/February issue in order to work on their business model, but they have promised to publish more frequently than ever in 2012. I can't wait for that...It's such an inspiring and wonderful publication, I'm sure it will be well worth the wait!

Images via Lonny.

The City Version

Yesterday, I wrote about my dream of living in a house outside the city with huge black windows. Well, today I thought I would share two amazing homes in the city that can offer the same amazing light and space.

These first two images are from an East Village home designed by Annabelle Selldorf (interestingly, she is the architect behind many of the most prominent art galleries, including Acquavella, David Zwirner, Gladstone, Hauser & Wirth, as well as the Neue Galerie). I adore the high ceilings and bright exposure in both rooms!

The second two images are from an unfurnished Upper East Side townhouse currently on the market for $15 million. Aren't the two kitchens surprisingly similar in layout and design? I prefer the warmth of the butcher's block island top and arched windows in the Selldorf design...But I would sure take either!

All images via CocoCozy here and here.

Paint It Black

I love our Manhattan apartment, but I always dream about having a home filled with amenities that are far too scarce in New York. From the practical (a yard, a laundry room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms...), to the luxurious, like a sun-soaked kitchen and living room. If I were designing a house, it would surely include the biggest windows possible to fill the space with natural light. In particular, I would love to have these black frame windows, which add the most amazing sophistication and architectural detail to the rooms around them.

Thinly framed large window panels look especially good in black. They complement both old and new homes, and set the most pleasing tone for the space. For me, this is interior perfection!

Image one via Studio William Hefner; Image two via La Dolce Vita; Image three via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles; Image four via Mike Hammersmith; Image five via House Beautiful; Image six via Effigy of Life; Image seven via Elle Decor.

Enjoying Life

Happy weekend, everyone! Last night, Mr. V very sweetly organized a belated birthday dinner and drinks for me, which was so much fun and really meant a lot. We were joined by our great friends and went to Highlands, a gastropub in the West Village that serves the most delicious food. I had the Scottish salmon with corn purée, sautéed rocket and roasted red pepper, while Mr. V and a few others devoured the truffle risotto with spring onion and parmesan. Yum!

Today I'm lying low after a (long) night out, and dreaming of relaxing in a tranquil setting like the one above, designed by Ruthie Sommers. How beautiful is this walled backyard? The variations in the brick add fantastic texture and color to the space. I'd love to hop on to that hammock and swing the day away...

Image from Lonny July/August 2011, Photographer: Patrick Cline.