Mix & Match

Accessories are as important to your decor as everything else in your home. Through them, you can show a little more of your style and personality. However, it is always a challenge to successfully accesorize your pad. Often, these keepsakes have very special meaning: they're mementos from your travels, family treasures or simply finds you adore. The secret is to create interesting vignettes with balanced compositions playing with different shapes, heights and shades of color. Don't be afraid of trying various arrangements, but editing is key. For this you must trust your eye. These gorgeous images from the portfolio of photographer David Prince, are proof of great displays. I'm a firm believer that accessories should not look forced in a space, they need to blend harmoniously within the rest of your decor. Remember, this is all about you, so have fun showing off your proud possessions.

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Delicious sophistication

One of my favorite treats in the world is finding a place that sells great macarons. When I came across the pictures of this luscious white gem filled with the multicolored confections, I flipped over two of my fave things: macarons and white interiors, together in one space. What else could I ask for? In the last couple of years, I've noticed a boom of these French delicacies popping up in several stores. Back in 2009, Theurel & Thomas opened its doors in San Pedro, the most affluent suburb in Monterrey, Mexico. It's the first store that specializes in macarons in that country. The flawless bright interior is the absolute best backdrop to showcase these sweet confections. Also, the way they chose to display them is exquisite, and the packaging, impeccable. The whole concept was created and designed by the Mexican Agency Anagrama. The boutique-like store is a contemporary twist of and old French patisserie. Now I have another reason to pay a visit to Mexico.

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My top 10: Bookcases

Are you one of those bookworms with volumes of best sellers and magazines, but with no special place to keep them stashed? These buddies that keep you entertained day after day deserve better than sitting on big piles around your pad. Here are some of the front-runners on my list of favorite bookcases in the market. They're different and fun, and some unexpected. Also, if you've always liked the look of a formal library and cannot afford to have one, you can get the look with this very nifty Bookshelf Wallpaper — a fun twist for any room. Happy reading, in style!

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The Brick House Project

What started as a renovation of a 1951 foreclosed brick house
in Hemet, California has turned into a blog, The Brick House, about products, great finds and design inspiration. Morgan Satterfield and her boyfriend Jeremy Chlebik started the remodeling back in 2008 and it's still a work in progress. For Morgan it seems like it'll probably never end — and that's a good thing!. “I'm going to be tweaking the house forever. We do almost everything ourselves with help from family and friends on lucky occasions. I'm typically in charge of the overall design and make all the decisions. I look for inspiration in thrift stores, in movies, books, on other blogs, from friends, etc”, she says.

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Creative Forces

One of my favorite spots to escape to from New York's hectic lifestyle is the magical home of my dear friends Deborah Ehrlich and Christopher Kurtz in New York's Hudson Valley. Last week we were so excited to spend Thanksgiving weekend with them, their darling daughter Willa, and their fascinating group of friends. I simply love staying in their stunning 1720 stone house, not just for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, but for the creativity encountered in every little corner.

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Holiday Gift Guide: part 5

If you're having a hard time deciding what to give this holiday season, you can always make a statement by helping the environment. Since this is such a hot cause, almost every store and website out there have sustainable gifts. From furniture to personal accessories, the selections are endless. Here are some that I thought are fun and different. And of course, there is something for everyone in the family — even for Fido. So give green and help make our planet a better place to live.

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A Classic With a Twist

Reminiscent of classic industrial metal lamps from the 20^th century, the Batucada table task lamp is designed by Brazilian designer Brunno Jahara and produced by Vialight. The lamp is a continuation of the Batucada Collection, where the designer hammers and smashes objects such as centerpieces, vases and lamps. It uses LED technology and is made of low impact materials such as aluminum, which is 100% recyclable. Even though every lamp is unique, the hammered surfaces reflect the light and lend character to the lamps. As part of the Miami Design Week, the Batucada lamp will be displayed at Ornare showroom in the Design District starting tomorrow November 29. I think it's a great addition to the collection!

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No Clutter, Please

The owner of a cleaning company in New York, Barbara Roche Fierman, lives in this small flat in the East Village designed by Oskar Torres. Her company, New York's Little Elves, often does show houses and cleans after multimillion dollar apartments that have been renovated by some of the most recognized interior designers in the city. After having raised her kids, she wanted to have a paired-down place. She went as far as taking the stove out of her kitchen because she feels burners are ugly — even the shelves are half full to avoid clutter. The whole apartment is all white since she wanted a “light neutral color that was totally non demanding” of her attention. After many years, Ms. Fierman has realized that objects are not worth worrying about. Living only with what is necessary is her motto. I guess that's key when having a small place

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