Book Review -- Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style

Last week Mary McDonald came out with her first book Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style. I'm fairly picky about what design books to pick up because, not only can they often be on the pricey side, but they're often just...disappointing. Most interiors books are just picture books for adults -- all style and no substance (and sometimes even the style ain't that great). But, since I've been a fan of Mary's for several years now, I set aside my usual reservations and quickly snapped up a copy (actually, I preordered it on Amazon.com). Fortunately, I'd argue that I more than got my money's worth.

If you already know and love Mary McDonald, then this book is a must have as it's exactly what you've come to expect from the Southern Californian. There are no surprises here, just page after page of glossy, high resolution photographs of her best work. In fact, in many ways this book reads like a greatest hits compilation. For the avowed McDonald fan (like me), there's a lot of what you've probably already seen, either on her website or in one of the many magazine spreads she's been featured in. But there's also a lot you probably haven't seen before, from designer show houses to the designer's own homes.

If you aren't familiar with McDonald, then this book would also serve as a great (and comprehensive) introduction to her work and Mary's text does a good (though perhaps not great) job of pointing out many of the milliner's details that set her work apart. (Mary was a hat designer prior to launching her successful career in interiors.) And perhaps that's what I like about McDonald's work the most: that strong reference to fashion. From the dressmaker details to the playful use of color, Mary's work often draws heavily from the runway. But there's also a level of timelessness and sophistication that keeps her rooms from feeling too trendy, and it's that balance that I find so refreshing (and so difficult to achieve in my own home).

So how do you know if you'll like this book? If you are a fan of at least three or more of the following, then my bet is that this book is for you:

Chinoiserie

Hollywood Regency
Color (especially aqua)

Bold Patterns

Glamour

Strong Architectural Details

A "Decorated" Look

My one complaint? Mary's voice can sometimes come off as a wee bit bombastic, but I'd argue that her confidence is essential to her success as a designer. After all, you have to trust your instincts and your eye in order to take some of the risks that she routinely takes. Nevertheless, that same voice can grow a bit wearisome in print. Despite this criticism, however, I would still whole heartedly recommend this book to any design enthusiast.

WIN A COPY FOR YOURSELF!

As it's been a while since my last giveaway, I've decided to give away a copy of Mary McDonald's book this week. If you're interested in entering to win it, all you have to do is leave me a comment here (and include your name/email so I can contact you if you're the winner). I'll randomly select a winner this Friday and announce it here on the blog. Best of luck!

Little Girls' Bedrooms

Natasha Baradaran

Of course the past few weeks I've been busy collecting inspiration photos of children's rooms. So I thought I might go ahead and post a round-up of some of my favorite rooms: first girls' and then boys' (which, I'll admit, where a lot harder to find!). [Aside: And no, I still don't know what I'm having, but I should when I go to the doctor next on the 20th!] This first room from Natasha Baradaran (whom I only recently discovered but very much love) is a great way to kick this post off. I love the melon and yellow color scheme -- and that butterfly fabric is pretty dynamite. Overall, this is a kid's room that doesn't feel particularly kiddish, but also doesn't feel too adult. It's that delicate balance that I think is so difficult...and that I'd argue all these rooms have in common.

Natasha Baradaran

Another Natasha Baradaran room, this time in a lovely lilac and sage. The palette is very soothing and feels a bit Provencal to me. I love how natural this room feels, too, with the nubby natural headboard and very clean and simply white fabric draped around the bed. 

Jeff Andrews

I just realized this is the only nursery I've featured on this roundup -- but frankly in many of these rooms you could just swap out a bed for a crib and pretty much be there, yes? In any case, I love how there are two gliders in this room. Perfect for your spouse or friend to keep you company while you nurse. I also love how the shaggy green rug looks almost like turf -- it brings a naturalness to the room that's a great counterpoint to all that pink and yellow. My only complaint? Those yellow sheers! They just look dirty to me.

Melissa Rufty

I'll admit I'm a bit jealous of that girl -- her bedroom is pretty darn fabulous! The headboard is sophisticated and neutral, a piece that could easily see her well into her adult life. The large-scale square and circle print doesn't feel overwhelming thanks to heavy doses of white (and keeping the wallpaper to just one feature wall). Oh yeah, and at her age I would've killed to "play" on a pink guitar!

Jeffers Design

This room is a personal favorite of mine (in fact, I posted on it at length HERE). The colors, the prints, the furniture...it's just all so fun and funky! The wallpaper is particularly fabulous, especially with the pink ceiling and gold crown molding. Fit for a princess, indeed.

Suzanne Kasler

A second example of how to use this great, graphic print, this time used more sparingly in just the drapes. I think though my favorite element in here is the daybed-cum-hammock. What a great spot for daydreaming, reading and gossiping!

Amanda Nisbet

I include this room primarily because I am completely in love with that headboard. Note how the greek key motif is again picked up on the carpeting.

Massucco Warner Miller

This room sure made the rounds in the design blogosphere a few months ago, but it's too great not to include in this roundup. I love how the bed/bookshelves combo are completely built-in. It's a tremendous use of a very small space. The pops of pink and turquoise make a big impact and I love the sophisticated use of a chinoiserie; it's pretty and feminine, but not babyish.

Elizbeth Martin

As a little girl I had a strong affinity for Impressionist art, especially anything by Claude Monet. And there's something about this room that reminds me of him. The soft colors and prints almost bleed into each other, creating a soothing, pretty picture. I also love the flatweave striped rug -- a brilliant choice in any kids' room for hiding all manner of sins.

Sally Markham via House Beautiful

As a woman who doesn't consider herself overtly girly, I can definitely appreciate a girl's room that doesn't have an ounce of pink in sight, but still strikes a decidedly feminine note. The turquoise, chocolate brown and white combination is exceedingly popular -- you need only look at PB Teen to see that, but I really love how Sally brought in hits of chartreuse to bring an extra dimension and real jolt of novelty to the space. Note how the spotted print on the floor cushion brings the entire color palette together. Sometimes an inspiration print doesn't have to be the dominant print to be the spring board for the entire look.

P.S. - Those bedlinens are purportedly by Kate Spade? When did Kate get into linens? Is she still doing them?

Sixx Design

Did y'all catch the first season of Nine by Design on Bravo last winter? While I'm not wholly in love with most of the Sixx Design portfolio, after catching that show I am now very much in love with the darling family behind Sixx Design. Of the few rooms of theirs that I do love, their twin daughters' bedroom has to be near the top. Perhaps it's that dreamy antique bed or the giant art installation of fake flowers behind plexi-glass, but there's just something so joyous, feminine and yet very clear and modern about this space. It's a great dichotomy that makes for a very refreshing girl's bedroom.

And finally, what roundup of little girls' rooms would be complete without a collection of fantastic canopied daybeds?

Angie Hranowsky

A great modern approach with a sharply tailored canopy and graphic geometric print.

Ruthie Sommers

Ruthie Sommers goes the more traditional route with lots and LOTS of pink. The blue and white porcelain table lamp is a great touch and really helps to break up the monochromatic room.

Palmer Weiss

Perhaps my favorite version of this look -- the floral print has a great color palette and a more graphic, whimsical touch. Love how the inside is lined in a solid -- it really helps break up all the pattern.

Tobi Fairley

I love purple in a girls' room and the touch of zebra in the canopy lining brings a more grown-up look that's perfect for a preteen or teen.

Advice for New Moms: What We Eat

I'm excited today to announce the start of Odi et Amo's new fall guest blogger weekly series. This time around, I'm looking for some great advice for new moms (selfish of me, no?). Topics will range from product reviews and suggestions, setting up the nursery, and that sort of indispensable advice that you often only learn by experience. My first guest blogger is Christy, blogger of the food blog What We Eat and the private blog A 'Lil Welsh Rarebit. I've been following Christy's blogs for over a year now and always love her honesty, practicality and sense of humor. I had the distinct pleasure of having dinner with Christy this summer when I was in New Jersey on business and I can tell you that the Christy on her blogs is the Christy of Real Life. In addition to her sage advice, I've asked her to share photos of her darling children's bedrooms. I absolutely adore Fiona's sunny yellow, orange and pink bedroom.

{Fiona's "Big Girl Room" is a sunny yellow punctuated with hot pink and orange}

Dearest Averill (and Dave!),

Yahoo for your impending bundle of joy! Babies = bliss. You're going to LOVE being a mom. I just know it. I can't believe you were able to keep your pregnancy a secret back when we had dinner together earlier this summer! You're so sneaky!

{Big sister Fiona poses in Callum's nursery}

Babies bring incredible joy and love into your life, seriously....but they also cry. Sometimes a lot. You know what they want?! They want to feel warm and loved, and they want to sleep. A lot. Newborns sleep MOST of the time - even though it certainly doesn't seem like it, they actually do. And we've found that the very best way to keep them happy and sleeping is to swaddle them...and not just in any blanket, in the Miracle Blanket. Google them. Register for them. Launder them in Dreft, then be sure to bring one with you to the hospital! They seriously work wonders! Both of my kids were swaddled in the miracle blanket for the first few months of their lives, and both were good sleepers!

{Prints from The Black Apple and a mobile purchased on vacation

add personality and character to Fiona's room}

As for your and Dave's sleeping habits? One trick that worked really for us was taking turns sleeping in the guest room with a white noise machine. Hopefully Dave will be able to feed your little bundle of joy a bottle a few weeks after the birth. If you formula feed, he could clearly help out even earlier! Bonus!

{The two tones of blue in Callum's nursery are a great backdrop for art}

But if you're nursing, like I did, wait until your baby is a couple or a few weeks old, and then start pumping. Pump a few ounces, then in the evening say nighty night to Dave and baby and head to your guest room - your sanctuary. Turn on that noise machine and get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. BLISS! Let Dave take the first or first couple of night time feedings, then come get you when the bottle is empty. Then he can then take a turn in the guest room/sanctuary! I know it might seem strange, but seriously - taking shifts in the guest room restored our sanity just a few weeks after both our kiddos were born! I think that sleep is just about the most important part of a new mom's life.

{Fiona's room includes the perfect spot to cozy up with Mom or Dad for reading and naps}

The other most important part? Staying strong, staying nourished. Having a new baby is exhausting, and you definitely don't want to go hungry. But the old adage about not having time to shower or cook? Unfortunately, true. So, in the month or so leading up to my due dates, Matt and I made a ton of freezer-ready meals and we froze individual portions. My enchiladas and lasagna are delicious and taste great re-heated. (Shameless self-promotion!) When a new baby is in the house, there is no such thing as a schedule, and we were SO GLAD we had meals ready to be heated up at all hours of the day and night.

{Left: Adorable art Christy picked up at a street fair in London;

Right: Callum reclines in his adorable recliner}

My friends and family also were incredibly kind and delivered meals to our doorstep in the weeks after the births. A meal prepared by anyone except you will be music to your ears, take my word for it. Whenever your friends and family ask you if there's anything you need, I highly recommend that you say, yes, dinner please! Don't worry if two people want to deliver you food on the same day - your freezer will become your best friend. Some of our friends cooked for us, some brought us restaurant fare, and others sent us batches of deliciousness from Omaha steaks (their cheesecakes are to die for!). These meals were a LIFESAVER!

So there you have it - my advice on sleeping and eating. I know your other guest posters will have tons of fabulous advice on stylish baby gear and nursery essentials, so I thought I'd stick with my favorite new-baby related advice topics - sleep and food!

Love,

Christy (and Fiona and Callum, my two little cherubs without whom I wouldn't know what the heck I'm talking about...sometimes I think I still don't! ha!)