Vogue Living, we hear, is another one of the "it" books for design that comes out this fall. I don't know about you, but I love any and all coffee table books and I absolutely love to read. We compiled a list of the new must have design/fashion/art books for the holidays along with a few classics that any design enthusiast should own. Any of these books would make perfect Christmas gifts!

There is something so 80's glam about this kitchen that I just can't resist (featured in Luxe Magazine). Ever since I laid eyes on Kelly Wearstler's all black kitchen I have been intrigued by this look. All black is daring and sophisticated.


Kelly Wearstler Kitchen


This kitchen designed by Michael S. Smith boasts a custom metal hood with a pewter finish. Pewter is an up and coming surface that is emerging on hoods and countertops. Beware: it is gorgeous, irresistible, and VERY pricey.


This kitchen graced the cover of House Beautiful. At first, I wasn't so sure, but as I have studied it I have grown to love its individuality. What I am drawn to the most is the wallpapered ceiling, and those bar stools!


This kitchen caught me eye in the Fall Issue of Luxe, and really, what's not to love? What I like especially is that the granite on the countertops is also run up the wall. Keep the back-splash simple but beautiful. It should compliment, not fight the other elements going on in the kitchen.

^SPLURGE:A giant clam shell tops my Christmas List this year. This real clam shell from 1stdibbs.com is… wait for it…. $1,650.00! This is not terribly abnormal. I have seen them range from $500-2500.00.



^SAVE: So this clam shell is not legit, but it is only $119.00. Thank you Ballard Designs.

With all the rain we have been having lately, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to purchase an umbrella stand to hold all those fabulous umbrellas you own that you might need at a moment's notice! This pretty lattice-patterned cream stand is $100 at //www.ballarddesigns.com/

These cotton cushions from Anthropologie look adorable tied on to a kitchen, desk, or dining room chair! They instantly up the comfy AND chic factor through their various floral prints. The great news is that they are only $28!

One of my very favorite things is subway tile. This is referring to the shape of the tile (originating from the tile used in subway stations), and it can come in all shapes and sizes!

A fresh approach to the traditional white subway tile is this metallic mosaic run vertically.

Target- Houndstooth Storage Bench- $189




Donghia- To the Trade


Room and Board- Nelson Bench- $829

Walker Zanger has come out with a new line of leather tiles called Matouche. These Art Deco tiles with a modern twist come in faux croc, elephant, and reptile skins and are available in black, brown, and ivory. Their leatherlike appearance looks so realistic you won't be able to resist!

The great news about these Italian crafted porcelain tiles is that they can stick virtually anywhere- from a lonely white wall to a bathroom backsplash and has a maintenance free durability!

This might be a fun activity for those of you living in Dallas. It lets you show off your creative side while at the same time helping a really good cause (and not to mention the winner will receive a shoe shopping spree at Saks!)

Pink Passion - Shoe Design and Decorating ContestContest Rules
Contest runs from Friday, Sept. 28 until Monday, Oct. 22, 2007 at 9 p.m.
Decorate a new shoe with a bit of pink flair to show your passion for fashion and battling breast cancer. The color pink should be visible on the outside of the shoe (soles will not be considered as part of the decoration).
Submit right shoe only.
Entries must be submitted in a shoe box.
Complete and securely affix entry form to shoe box and place a copy on the inside of the shoe box.
Design or decorate your shoe on your own or attend Decoration Day at Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 from noon until 4 p.m. Enjoy refreshments, makeovers and additional fun. Contest Submissions
Contest Deadline: Monday, October 22, 2007 at 9 p.m.

Drop off locations: Saks Fifth Avenue at Galleria Dallas 'ServiceFirst' Desk on first floor (IH 635 and Dallas North Tollway). Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m. Baylor Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas, Ernie's Appearance Center, 3535 Worth Street, 1st floor Lobby, Dallas, TX. Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Shoes will be on display at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria through Nov. 4, 2007. Entries will be available for pick up through Nov. 10, at the Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria.

Judging & Prizes
Judging will be completed by Oct. 25, 2007.
Based upon category of entry, the judges will select the 1st place winners for: "Most Creative", "Most Fashion Forward", and "Most Creative Design - Kids 12 and under"
1st place winners in "Most Creative" and "Most Fashion Forward" categories will win a shoe shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue Galleria Dallas valued at $750.
1st place winner in "Most Creative Design - Kids 12 and under" will win a special prize.
Winners will be contacted and announced on Friday, Oct. 26.