A Touch of Grey...

Limed, Weathered, Smoked, French Waxed… Call it what you like, I’ve taken note of a mini trend which has been slowly pushing its way into beautiful interiors. I admit, I’ve fallen for the grey’d out, French oak finish, Hook. Line. Sinker. On a recent buying trip I scored some great product at unheard of prices. This greige wood finish is H.O.T. in the design world.

Toss a colorful, funky floral or contemporary geometric pillow on any of these “bitchy” pieces and call it a day.

Club Chair

French Arm Chair

Lyon Arm

Maison Chair

Cafe Chair

Go on, accessorize in grey, it’s a neutral paired beautifully with everything from chocolate brown to taupe to warm beige…

Budda Head

Horse Head

Seed Pods Stem

Wooden Pigeon

Feast your eyes on these driftwood colored dining beauties…

Leeds Dining Table

Normandy Dining Table

Provence Dining Table

Round Table

Or pair a cool antique like this vintage furniture cart with your treasured Eames lounger…

Vintage Cart

Eames Lounger

To learn more or purchase some grey of your own: brooke@brookevossdesign.com

Best,

One-of-a-kind finds...

Hands down the best way to infuse YOUR personality into your space is with special one-of-a-kind finds. Certainly most would love to peruse Parisian flea markets, scour Eastern market squares and duck into antique shop after shop in Tribeca. Of course most don't have a private jet on standby or travel agent on speed dial for that matter. Nonetheless, these found antiques and artifacts are hidden throughout Minneapolis and you don't need a Frommer's Travel Guide to find them. This month just a few of my local favorites...

Bjorling Grant

Find it here... Tribal chairs!

Interesting artifacts from around the world and local celeb Ian Grant from the Travel Channel's The Relic Hunter (and the Claritin commercial.)

Indigo Minneapolis

Find it here... A colorful suzani!

Ethnic goods galore. Textiles, masks, wares and more.

H&B Gallery

Find it here... Original portraits!

Minneapolis' best consignment antique store. Original art, furniture, dishes and so much more. The inventory always changes, so shop often.

Antiques Riverwalk

Find it here... A glam chandelier!

Fine antiques in a great little shop.

Hunt and Gather

Find it here... French Bergere!

"Find your prize," is their tag line. One person's trash is another's treasure. This piece may need to be reupholstered, but the prices are right at this shop.

Swank

Find it here... Sputnik light fixture!

Retro modern furniture, fashion and all the fixin's from the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Spinario

Find it here... Papa Bear Chair!

Mid Century modern design.

Shop on (locally)!

Best,

Brooke Voss

Happy New Year...

As we wrap up 2009 with a pretty, tartan plaid bow, I'll share a few of my favorite flutes (and bubbly for every budget). Toast to a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010 in style!

"Cheers" in 6 languages from Neiman Marcus.

Sleek and contemporary from Willliam Sonoma.

Classy and timeless from Waterford.

Preppy and tailored by Ralph Lauren.

Perfect blue by Kim Seybert for Barney's New York.

Polka dot by Kate Spade (resolve to buy yourself a pair of her shoes to match!)

Fun and flirty Juliska for Saks 5th Avenue.

Urban and affordable from Crate and Barrel.

Interesting and masculine at Crate and Barrel.
Sculptural by Alan Lee for Neiman Marcus.

Cash.

$10 a bottle.

Ca Furlan Prosecco

Check.

$65 a bottle.

Pierre Peters Brut

American Express.

$170 a bottle

Legras St. Vincent

Salut!

Brooke Voss Design

www.brookevossdesign.com

Chalk It Up...

By nature I am a doodler, a list maker and a fan of beautiful penmanship. I see no better media than chalkboards to sketch your latest innovation or scribe a daily love note.Chalkboard paint as graphic art.
Framed as note-worthy art.
On cabinet door fronts for public notes......or on the interior for private thoughts.

Interesting on accessories.
Not just school house black and green, but a rainbow of colors.

Incorporated into architecture.The ideal grocery list, never forget the milk again.

Unlikely locations. My guest bath includes a chalkboard perched on the counter top. A impromptu (and always entertaining) guest book.

Play rooms and kid's rooms.
The mud room or craft room.
Never forget an important event again.

Stylized every day objects. Make the ordinary extraordinary.
Ensuring your children never forget to wash their hands and brush their teeth...
..and never forgetting to just have fun.

Martha Stewart's Custom Chalkboard Colors How-To:
1. Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
2. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
3. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
4. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
5. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.