Cocoon Terrariums

Cocoon's new obsession (or shall i say mine) is terrariums.  They offer us lush green environments all year round.   Very low in maintenance but high in visual impact, terrariums bring life to a winter day and they are perfect for home or office.

All photos taken by Jonas Kahn.

Cocoon terrariums are custom  embellished to make each one unique to its space.  No two are ever alike.  Prices range from $30 to $295.  Call 617-838-4081 or email debra@cocoonhome.com for more details.

Fashion For The Home-Faux Fur

With three children (5 and under), my ability to keep up with current fashion trends is a bit challenged.  Thank goodness for my "manny" whose day job as visual director for Max Mara naturally makes him my most expert fashion advisor.  When I need to know what the season's '"must haves" are,  I just ask him.

Apparently, according to my fashion guru, something fur or faux fur is what's it all about this Fall.  I'm grateful for the stoles and coats belonging to my mother and grandmother that were saved thorough the years.   Have been wanting to turn one of those coats into a throw and this may just be the year to do it.  Take a look at how the current fur trends translate into fashion for  the home...

Restoration Hardware's throws are warm and cozy.

West Elm's throws are light and soft with a great drape.  So go ahead and throw one over your favorite chaise lounge.

This Vera Wang jacket may just become the newest addition to my closet. Simply Vera Wang

What do you think?  Would you go faux fur in your home?

Patch NYC Shop Opens In Boston

Recently I attended the opening of Patch NYC in Boston's South End.  The shop is filled with antique treasures, custom jewelry, sketched art, pottery and colorful textiles, all of which have unique details that exude a sense of vintage glamour and intrigue.  The two owner/designers of Patch NYC, John Ross and Darn Carney, have created a sensual shopping experience via fragrant candles, textural objects and embellished jewelry.  It's as though one stepped back in time while surrounded with modern design.  A must see.  Hours vary so call ahead.  Patch NYC is  in The Courtyard at 46 Waltham Street,  Boston.

Congratulations Patch NYC!

Cocoon's Book List

Putting together Cocoon's favorite book list I was conflicted as to which one should be first, since they're all still my very favorites.   They all have offered inspiration for different projects and evoke memories of valued clients.  I decided to go with Textile Designs by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers because I've always loved poring over the pages whether I needed to or not. This book is a great reference for color combinations and historical representations of textile design.  A perfect coffee table book.

Dwellings by Stephen Sills and James Huniford is a study in classic luxury.

Kelly Wearstler's Modern Glamour because everyone needs a touch of it in their home.

Ethnic Interiors is filled with beautiful photographs of different regional styles that inspire readers to dig into their own roots and add diversity and drama to their own decorating styles.

Being a huge fan of mixing patterns this book is high on my "love" list.  Browsing through At Home With Pattern is both a visual treat and a license to combine materials one may not expect to blend together.

Apartment Living combines great ideas for all spaces, either in apartments or single family homes.  It features useful solutions and great examples for traditional, contemporary and/or modern interiors.

Not only do I admire Nine by Design's style and approach to interior design on paper,  I also love the creativity and energy of their TV show .

For botanical inspirations Christian Tortu's Sensational Bouquets is hands down an all-time favorite of mine.  He manages to reinvent floral design by mixing colors, textures and vessels while creating modern classics.  A must have.

Let me know what your favorite design books are.

Everything UK

I'm loving everything designed in the UK.  Take a look at some of my favorites.  Above the candy lidded pouffes have a great shape and texture, their very current color combinations are a great fit for kids' spaces and family rooms.

Funktion Alley's wall hanging desk is perfect for small spaces.  I would need three, one for each of my children.  They could store all their trinkets, crayons and homework.  When not in use, they could close them up and all the clutter would be out of sight.  A dream come true.

Keep all your night-time essentials on this sweet  shelving unit.  When you're finished reading, the pitched roof becomes a bookmark. Too cute.

The powdery finish on these Scavo vases makes them an elegant addition to any vase collection.  No need to fill them with flowers they are so pretty on their own.

All of these items can be shipped to the US  for a premium.  I'm hoping there’s a local distributor for the pouffes.  They are my favorites.  What's yours?