This wonderful Scalamandre Ikat print (63% linen, 37% polyester) has a beautiful hand and will bring luxurious life to your space. Paired with this lush silk velvet also from Scalamandre and this amazing Murano Glass, eco friendly, wall covering from LIVINGREEN your off to a beautiful start for a spectacular room.

All available through Cuneo and Co. Interiors. contact bonnie@cuneoandco.com for more information

I recently had a discussion with my dear friend Cathy about setting up an apartment for her eldest daughter Katie. Katie just completed her masters program, moved to So. California, started a new job, and now has her own apt. ( It looks great, Katie) My daughter, Kristen, and I have worked on at least 3 apartments in the past 4 years since her graduation from College and here’s what we learned. Try to buy a classic piece of upholstery to ground your design. In Kristen’s case we chose a modern, low slung sofa from Crate and Barrel, covered in a white woven cotton. The scale is good for small spaces. The simple lines and neutral cover allow the piece to mix nicely with a variety of accent furniture pieces and accessories that found their way into her life (some purchased, some passed down). The style of the sofa is timeless and decent enough in quality to last. I don’t recommend buying temporary, poor quality pieces. You almost always regret that choice and end up longing for something different. Why not spend a bit more in the beginning and get a piece worth keeping. It is a better approach economically and a more green/sustainable choice as well (avoid throw away furniture). Secondly, try not to fill your space with things that don’t belong, don’t work with your overall design concept, or aren’t things you love. You don’t have to accept and house all the hand-me-downs people try to give you. Choose your accessories wisely. Don’t hang things on the walls just to fill the space.

A blank wall waiting for the right

piece of art is a dream wall and one to contemplate and wonder about, but a wall with art you don’t love is just an eye

sore

.

Look for pieces that are vintage, repurposed, or recycled. the quality of these pieces can be quite good. Enjoy the hunt. Remember, this is your first place. You have your whole life to work on it.
And finally, EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! Be strong on this one. We amass more than we need or really want in our lives. This is a time to nip that bad habit in the bud. Your bank account will benefit from this practice too.