A Guide to Attainable Luxury

 

Twenty-Four Hours in Vegas

August 8, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
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This past week, I had the privilege of jetting up to Vegas for the World Market Center and the Ahead of the Curve panel for a first look at the current design trends from renowned designers Kishani Perera, Mary McDonald and Darryl Carter. While you should definitely check out their video here, the question looming is where to stay, where to stay?!

I had not been to Vegas in about five years. And for good reason. The last time I was in town, prices had soared, ranked as the third most expensive city in the country, and there were just so many other places I cared to “throw away money.” But, there are many redeeming qualities of Vegas, one of which has always been grandiose hotels…

My friend and I checked into Aria Resort & Casino, and though the front desk seemed a bit frazzled, we were all too pleased as we stepped one foot into our high tech room and the drapes began to part like the Red Sea and our television powered on. Talk about intuitive!  Though Vegas is now full of world class restaurants, spas and shows, at Aria, you simply never have to leave. And, I’m sure they’d be happiest if you didn’t.

That afternoon, we needed a refresher, something to cool us down from the 95 degree heat. Jean Philippe Patisserie (on the lobby level) called our name with its rainbow rows of decadent gelato…try one scoop of berry and one scoop of chocolate. There is simply no better combination.

That evening, exhausted beyond belief, we moseyed down to Sage, the hotel’s contemporary American restaurant, sharing an array of smaller plates. Starting with a little amuse bouche (adding so much for so little) of dates and plum topped with foam, we moved on to the Chilled Corn Soup, Pacific Yellowtail Crudo, Heirloom Beet Salad, and Artichoke with Burrata Salad. We loved it all. And the service even more.

For a hotel known for its celebrity-driven pool parties and nightlife, I was pleasantly surprised when my early bedtime rolled around and I cozied up in their luxurious bed. I needed only hit one button to turn the room into a dark, quiet sanctuary….”Goodnight.”

Good night indeed.

Aria Resort & Casino.  3730 Las Vegas Boulevard.  Las Vegas, NV. 702-590-7757

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Merci Beaucoup, House Beautiful

May 18, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
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As you may know, we moved last fall. And I discovered decorating. Now, I have always been a fan of pretty things, but until I had a place with great potential, I would rather spend my moolah on pretty things to wear. That all changed when I saw the cover of a certain House Beautiful. Who was to know that one gorgeous issue was about to send me on a journey that reminds me why I do what I do every day and makes my work seem less like work and more like  passion. Below is a play-by-play of the Before and After. Perhaps it’s not magazine worthy, but it feels like home. A million thanks to House Beautiful for making my house, well, beautiful and for spotlighting Kishani Perera in the June issue!

THE INSPIRATION

house-beautiful-sept-300

BEFORE:

LIving Room Before

Living Room and Dining Room

Office Before2

Office

AFTER

Dining Room

Dining Final

Dining Room Final 2

Office

Office Final

Office Final 2

Living Room

Details on Sideboard

Artichokes

Christmas at Home

House at Christmas

THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME

KP.HB.June Cover_2KP.HB.6.10_50

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A Well-Traveled Home With Kishani Perera

January 24, 2010 | posted by Molly
 
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close up headshotThis year my husband and I moved into our first real grown-up apartment. I had a vision (thank you, House Beautiful), but when I needed true hand-holding and an expert collaborator who could reach beyond my wildest imagination, I called on none other than my friend and interior designer extraordinaire, Kishani Perera.  Known for her eclectic sense of style and ability to blend cultures & periods, Kishani travels the world in search of one-of-a-kind pieces creating timeless and comfortable homes that tell each person’s unique story.  Kishani and I share a love of travel and each like to incorporate our great finds into our home design, so I asked her to break away from her busy life with Hollywood’s elite (Molly Sims, Kate Bosworth, Christine Taylor are all clients) to share a few of her favorite home décor shops around the country.  This is what she said:

SIGNAL HILL, CA: Coleen and Company-With an eclectic collection of vintage and antique, mixed in with unique and interesting custom made goods, Coleen and Company has quickly become one of my fave go-tos in LA. Her tufted stone ottomans are one of my treasured finds of the year!

VENICE, CA: Obsolete- A little dark, very edgy and completely fabulous! From figurines that border on slightly creepy to industrial and vintage medical/scientific accoutrement, I love incorporating intriguing finds from this shop into my projects.

NEW YORK, NY: Brunelli Designs- Lighting is one of the most important elements in any space.  It not only sets the mood, but allows you the opportunity to add character and interest through functional art. Specializing in distinctive light fixtures, this Brooklyn-based shop has an eclectic array of vintage and custom pieces.

CHICAGO, IL: Architectural Artifacts – An amazing collection of rare and uncommon finds ranging from architectural salvage, industrial, unusual case goods, religious artifacts & lighting (among other things), this unbelievable shop has pretty much everything you could ever want!

ATLANTA, GA: Pieces- A great stop if you’re looking for polished-yet-funky vintage. They combine the best that Palm Beach and Hampton’s styles have to offer!!

PHILADELPHIA,PA: Material Culture - When you have an unlimited budget, it’s easy to fill your home with coveted antiques and unique collectibles from around the world. Material Culture has narrowed the gap between the unattainable and the mass produced from everything ranging from furniture and art to carpets and ceramics. Frankly, they have exceptional taste and…gasp!…you can even afford it!