Good Taste Purveyors

A Gibson Design Group Blog

Good Taste Tip: The Write Way to Organize Your Desk

Posted on | August 10, 2010 | No Comments

Make Your Pen Cup a Desk Accent

Do not fill a wire cup from your local office supply store with every random pen, pencil, and highlighter that you have accumulated.  Instead, select a beautiful cup (may we suggest a tortoise shell glass or a mint julep cup) and fill it with the same type of pen or pencil for visual appeal.

A simple glass cup is a subtle, glossy accent. Photo: decor8blog

Frank Lloyd Wright's "Coonley Pencil Cup" from the online MoMa store

Zebra-print desk accessories create a chic and organized desk. Photo: Neiman Marcus

Good Taste Tip: Black and Navy Blue United

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | No Comments

Mix black and navy

This mixture can look chic in your interior as well as in your wardrobe.  The secret is that the navy must be a dark blue; otherwise, it will look like you do not see the difference.  Consider pairing a black sheath dress with dark blue suede heels.  Don’t be afraid to use navy as an accent color in a black and white interior.

Celebrities embrace the chic color combination. Photos from Fab Sugar

Navy and black Botkier bag designed by Michelle Trachtenberg. Photo: shopbop.com

Good Taste Tip: Ottomans as Cocktail Tables

Posted on | July 27, 2010 | No Comments

Use an ottoman as a cocktail table.

Over the last few years, this has become increasingly popular.  If you decide to use a large ottoman for your center table, use a large, pretty tray on it to showcase books.  Also be sure to have side tables for guests to rest their drinks on as an ottoman is good for resting your feet but not your martini.

A place to rest your feet doubles as a stage for bright flowers.

With the addition of a tray, a tufted ottoman works as a tabletop surface.

Design Must-Have: Stylish Bar Cart

Posted on | July 22, 2010 | No Comments

You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to be a great hostess.  Outfit your party and invest in a sleek and utilitarian bar cart, like the “Circa” from Roost, which was recently featured in the LA Times.

Big wheels, plenty of space, and a functional design make it a winner. Photo credit: Roost

It’s shiny but not too shiny– and still has enough glamour to steal the show (or be the life of the party).  Roost’s design is made entirely from cast and sheet aluminum, features sturdy wood handles, and even includes a few brass accents for just the right amount of pop and contrast.

Bright drinkables adorn a receptive stage. Photo credit: Roost

Pretty glasses and bottles make a tasteful statement on both tiers– leaving plenty of room for libations, ice, and other party prerequisites.  Roost’s cart will serve large or small groups, and is sure to keep the party rolling.  No excuse to entertain?  No problem– it can be transformed easily into a moving tabletop for knick-knacks and more when celebrations are scarce.

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Gibson Design Group for details.

Good Taste Tip: Seasonal Throw Pillows

Posted on | July 20, 2010 | No Comments

Rotate your sofa throw pillows for a seasonal change.

If you want to freshen your look for the seasons, it can be as easy as rotating your accent pillows.  In winter, you may choose a heavier, richer fabric like velvet, while in the summer you may choose an airier fabric like linen.  To do something unexpected, choose the heavier winter fabric in a lighter shade, like ivory; choose the lighter summer fabric in a darker shade like chocolate or navy.

A heavier crewel and mohair pillow from HomemakerMovement's etsy shop.

Pottery Barn's leaf & knot pillows offer a carefree, summery vibe.

John Robshaw Pillow

Light blue trellis pillow by John Robshaw

Design Must-Have: Ceramic Garden Stool

Posted on | July 15, 2010 | No Comments

With curved shapes and neutral colors, Forgotten Shanghai’s pretty ceramic garden stools will sit happily indoors or out– so even if you don’t have a green thumb (or a garden), you can still welcome one as an addition to your home.

Forgotten Shanghai Ceramic Garden Stool

Hand-glazed ceramic garden stools with sophisticated details.

Forgotten Shanghai Garden Stools

A slightly different style with pretty cut-outs and curves.

Each stool is created by an artisan using traditional 18th century craftsmanship, and then glazed and fired for a glossy, rich and unique finish.  Place one next to your living room sofa as a side table, use it as an extra seat when you have guests, or simply let it serve as a decor accent indoors or in your garden.

Ceramic Garden Stool- interior

Photo courtesy of decor8 blog

Incorporating an artful touch in your home is always a good thing– especially when it’s as versatile and sophisticated as one of these stools.

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Gibson Design Group for details.

Good Taste Tip: Metal Medley

Posted on | July 13, 2010 | 1 Comment

Mix your metals

If mixing metals in your bath hardware causes you to fret, start simply.  Select the same finishes for your faucetry and then select a mirror frame or sconces in complimentary metals.  If your faucets are polished chrome, consider a metal that is not too close in metallic to chrome.  For example, use brushed brass, but not polished nickel, with your polished chrome.

Photo: Getdecorating.com

Photo: Giannetti Home

Design Must-Have: Bamboo Lounge Chair

Posted on | July 8, 2010 | 1 Comment

This bamboo armchair in reflective nickel-chrome will make any panda bear jealous.  Seamlessly combining the organic notched structure of bamboo with a sleek metallic finish, this lounge chair will have you reading, napping, or relaxing in effortless style.

Whether you place it in your living room, bedroom, or on your porch– your home will get a lustrous and contemporary update– plus, the nickel-chrome finish and neutral cushions will coincide swimmingly with most decor choices.

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Gibson Design Group for details.

Good Taste Tip: Mood Lighting

Posted on | July 6, 2010 | No Comments

Put all lights on dimmers

The lighting that you want for a dinner or cocktail party will be different than the lighting that you need to see every speck to vacuum.  All overhead lights should be on dimmer to set the perfect ambiance.  All lamps should have 3-way bulbs to achieve the same effect.

A bright living room can be subdued with dimmers. Photo: Luxury Home Interior Ideas

A mantle lamp with a dimming switch creates mood instantly. Photo: houzz.com

Design Must-Have: Le Creuset Cookware

Posted on | July 1, 2010 | No Comments

Durable cast-iron meets a playfully-colored Cassis, the newest (and ‘berry’ purple) addition to Le Creuset’s line of cookware.  This glossy, deep-hued newbie looks great in combination with Le Creuset’s other shades (green, yellow, white…) and definitely commands attention outside of your cabinets– for example, while hanging in colorful harmony with a variety of Le Creuset cookware above your range.

Le Creuset's newest hue, "Cassis"

Plus, this kitchen accessory (whether of the cast-iron or stainless steel variety) isn’t just a pretty face– it’s functional, versatile, strong and esteemed in both design and culinary circles.

A stack of colorful pots will brighten up any kitchen.

Now, just make sure you have enough cooking knowledge to whip up something equally palatable.

If you are interested in placing an order, please contact Gibson Design Group for details.

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