Lunch at Ella with Paloma and Jeni

It was a busy week last week! On Friday, I had lunch with Paloma of La Dolce Vita who was in Sacramento to visit blogger friend Jeni from Mrs. Plain Jane. Jeni and I had met through the blogging connection a little while ago, and when she said that Paloma was coming into town, it was only fitting that we all get together! Thanks Jeni for arranging this get together!

It was wonderful meeting Paloma! She is just as sweet in person as she is on her blog, and both ladies are stunning, don't you think? Um...I was feeling a tiny bit "OTH", but they are both so fun, I put it out of my mind. I always love to meet bloggers in person. It adds a whole other dimension to the blog connection.

The food at Ella Dining Room and Bar is brilliant, as is the interior which I blogged about awhile back HERE.

I thought I'd give you another little peek.

We sat at this table right here. When we first came in it was full, but we ended up closing the place down by the time we got up to leave. Time flies......

Thank you to Jeni for bringing us all together!

Amanda Nisbet: What She's Up To

Amanda Nisbet

The name conjures up images of fresh and colorful design, the perfect blend of tradition and modern edge, comfort and chic elegance.

You know her from her frequent forays into the pages of the top shelter magazines: Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, House and Garden and Southern Accents.

Many of you have been introduced through design blogs such as All the Best and La Dolce Vita (two of my personal favorites!!)

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Amanda and ask her a little bit about what she is up to right now. And believe me when I say, she has been up to quite a lot!

Here is some of our conversation:

How did you get your start?
I was a struggling actress and found myself getting more attention for the design of my apartment than for my acting talents so I transitioned from one creative role to another. I have to say my background as an actress comes in very handy as a decorator.

What/who inspires you?
I am so lucky to live in New York where I’m constantly stimulated and inspired by the art fashion, architecture and all the creative people who make their mark on this city.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Comfortable cozy, elegant and not too perfect. I like things to be a tad off balance and not too matchy and predictable. Formulaic decorating seems too “easy” for me I’d rather stretch myself and create more of a personal environment for my client.

Amanda has been working recently on a new line of chic fabrics and brilliant lighting.

Tell us a little about your new fabric line:

My new fabric line is essentially about the transformative powers of colour. I have 10 designs and 32 colours all hand-printed on either oyster linen, oatmeal linen or silk.

What was the inspiration for this particular project/product?

Some of my patterns are very painterly and loose some are more precise and clean. Achieving exactly the right shade and tint for my colours was of paramount importance. I was really inspired more by what I felt I needed yet couldn’t find for my own client’ projects.

What color are you and why?

Fuschia- its bright and happy gets along with everyone yet isn’t wimpy.

What is on your nightstand?

An Aquiesse candle, my kindle, “”The Week” “Laughter On The Stairs” by Beverly Nichols and “the New Yorker”

Here is just a peek at Amanda's new fabric line. Fresh, classic, colorful. I can just imagine all of the possibilities!

Pizzetta and Positano

Maderia and Chip 2

Alannah 2

Note in the first Living Room photo above, Amanda used her Chip 2 fabric on the stool behind the sofa. So perfect!

Amanda's full fabric line can be viewed on her website HERE and is available though the Holland and Sherry Showrooms.

Amanda has also introduced a fantastic lighting line which you can also see on her site. It is available through The Urban Electric Company.

It was so much fun corresponding with Amanda Nisbet. She is one of my all time favorites, and I have to say everyone in her office is top notch as well. Thank you all very much for your gracious attention!

Last, but not least, I just wanted to mention that Amanda Nisbet is one of the judges for the Bedroom Design Contest being held over at Ronda Carmen's All the Best blog HERE. If you have not had a chance to check out all of the amazing entries, please hop on over! AND there is going to be a "Reader's Choice Award", so do stop by and vote!

La Dolce Vita Guest Blogger Series: Personal Style

Hop on over to La Dolce Vita Blog in the coming weeks to see her series on your favorite bloggers' "Personal Style"! The lovely Paloma at LDV has invited a group of bloggers to write a guest blog about how they define their Personal Style. They will be showing a room in their own home, one they have designed for a client or a room that just speaks to them....as an illustration of their own personal style. She has a great line-up in store, so I hope you all have a chance to visit!

Thank you Paloma for including me!

Also, if you have not heard about Paloma's other project, let me introduce you to Decorum Design Forum where you can interact with other decor addicted souls and chat about design issues, get advise, ask questions, and basically network in a positive atmosphere. Definitely something to check out!!!

Next Week:

Lots of photos of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase House

AND

The Barbara Barry Tea at Gumps in San Francisco!

Have a happy weekend!!!

Thank You La Dolce Vita!

I just wanted to extend a big Thank You to Paloma at La Dolce Vita blog. She did a great post on white kitchens not too long ago, and lo and behold, she included my kitchen which you can see right here! What a nice thing to see on someone else's blog! Thanks Paloma. :)
Be sure to drop on by Paloma's beautiful blog. It is well worth the trip!