First Fridays & Westport Art Fair

The past weekend in KC could not have been more perfect - the weather was absolutely beautiful and I spent my entire weekend downtown at the First Fridays in the Crossroads District and at the Westport Art Fair. I started off my Saturday afternoon by enjoying a great lunch at Café Gratitude, a vegan restaurant off of Southwest Boulevard. The interior of the restaurant is super eclectic with exposed brick walls, artwork done by local artists, and just gives off an overall hip and happy vibe. (I apologize for not getting a picture, so take this as your challenge to eat there soon!)

After lunch my friend and I made our way down to the Crossroads District to hit up the vintage furniture stores that are always opened on the first weekend of every month. I love the feeling I get while being down there, surrounded by all the old buildings, food trucks, and beautiful and one of a kind antiques. There are a total of 22 stores in the West Bottoms and there's one for everyone's style; some are more industrial while others are more shabby chic or quirky. They offer a great mix of high and low end so I would definitely suggest making a trip down there if you're looking for one of a kind items for your home that won't break the bank.

I'm helping my friend redesign her bedroom, so it was our goal to find a unique accessory that would become a statement piece in her room. We ended up purchasing an old window and then we added our own touch to it by painting it white and spraying the glass with a special spray paint we found at Hobby Lobby that turns glass into a mirror. There's no better feeling than being proud of making your own piece for your room and showing it off to your friends!

On Sunday afternoon I spent my day down in Westport for their 35th annual art fair. I like how their art fair is smaller and gives off a more community feel. They exclusively showcase only artists from the KC area which I really appreciate. Westport is one of my favorite places to visit in KC. It gives off a small town vibe because it's situated on a only a few blocks but it still offers tons of really good restaurants and cool stores. Located right between downtown and the Plaza, it's the perfect place to spend your next fall Saturday afternoon. I plan to dedicate an entire post to this awesome area in the near future, so stay tuned for pictures!


Taylor

Home Exteriors - "Modern Hamptons"

I've really been into the East Coast classic Hamptons home lately. Just like my interior design style is a mix between the old and the new, I like the outside of my home to reflect that, too. I like to keep the facade of the house simple and mostly white, but I also really enjoy the cottagey feel you get with shingles. I like some brick and columns if they aren't overdone or too stately, but I'm not a big fan of shutters because I feel like they're too traditional. My favorite feature on a home would definitely be lots of floor to ceiling windows and French doors to let in all the natural light. I guess you could call my architectural design style Modern Hamptons. I like the landscaping to also feel clean and classy; you can never go wrong with a fresh green lawn, manicured hedges, a little pop of color from some shrubs or flowers, and I'm a sucker for the classic ivy look on the side of the house. Too many plants or an overgrown lawn can take away from your home's architecture, so choose landscaping that accentuates your home's best features. Last but not least, the best way to bring your interior design style to the outdoors is through outdoor entertaining areas. Remember that the space should be functional and be able to withstand the weather, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Whether it's a stone patio overlooking your garden, a deck off your kitchen with a cozy outdoor eating area, or my favorite, a classy yet chic pool, you will definitely get maximum use from all your outdoor spaces. 

To see more of my favorite home exteriors and architectural style, check out my Pinterest -
https://www.pinterest.com/taysawalich/architecture

Taylor

Living Rooms

 

Picture #1 - I'm usually not a fan of leather because it can feel too masculine and grungy, but in this space it feels hip and urban paired with the metallic side tables and industrial lamp. Also, the white walls and floors contrast with the dark leather and keep the space feeling open and airy. I am in love with the geometric rug in this room! The colorful tribal print keeps the mostly white space from feeling too stark and adds some energy to the space.

 

Picture #2 - Overall this space felt a little too "fancy" for my taste, but I just love all the different colors and textures and patterns going on. Most people would be afraid to pair a classy striped chair with a more graphic pillow and a crazy faux fur pillow, but this combination works because the colors are fairly neutral. Another smart use of color is found in the vintage lamp and the yellow side table; the use of complimentary colors never fails and the simple white shade keeps it from getting too busy. The space is finished off with a large painting that picks up in the different shades of blue found in the room.

 

 

Picture #3 - The more neutral color palate in this space allows for the furniture and art to really stand out. The chaise is sleek and feels almost architectural with its edges and metal legs, which are also picked up in the side table. The console table is truly a one of a kind piece with an image of an antique table printed on it. Although different, this cool and unique and acts like a piece of art in the room. The other art pieces in the room are unified because they are all displayed in simple white frames. The earth tones, photos of flowers, fern, the fern in the very organic vase, and the cowhide rug add a natural element to this otherwise modern and industrial space.

 

Picture #4 - High traffic areas like the living and family rooms can result in a lot of clutter, but this entertainment unit hides all of the mess while still looking great and provides a punch of color. A wall mounted TV and strategically placed art look sharp but also add personality, color, and a city chic feel to the space. This room goes to show that minimal furnishings don't always make a space feel stark and boring; smart storage solutions and clean art and accessories make a space feel organized and professional, but can also feel very lived in.

 

 

Picture #5 - I think it's time that you've figured out I can't make a post without highlighting my favorite designers. The Novogratz effortlessly blend vintage furniture pieces, different wood tones, color, and a little bit of pattern into this modern NYC apartment. The sofa, rug, and TV console are in cool and darker colors, but are lightened up with the color coordinated books and walls wrapped in light wood. Nothing feels warmer and homier than eating dinner at a classic dining table, but it's brought up to date by the metal chairs with pink upholstered cushions. The dining table, TV console, and wood walls add a more traditional and rustic feel to the room, but are contrasted with the sleek sofa and graphic rug. Overall, this space feels very comfortable and livable, which is the main function of a living- dining room combination.  

 

For more of my favorite spaces, check out my Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/taylorsawalich/interior-design/

Taylor

Kitchens

 





Picture #1 - At first glance this kitchen feels very dramatic with the huge pendant over the island completely covered in marble and the elegant black, white, and gray color scheme. Although the lines are very sharp and the space is overall pretty simple, the rich wood floors, sunlight from the wall of windows, and even the small touches like the flowers and gold legs of the bar stools make the space feel bright and inviting. I love the use of classic, high end materials like Carrera marble, stainless steel appliances, and wood flooring mixed with more modern and fun pieces like the lacquer cabinets, oversized lighting, and funky bar stools.

 



 

Picture #2 - There are a lot of contrasts going on in this space - dark wood v. the bright white backsplash and counters, the antique chandelier v. the more modern bar stools, the bright pop of color and fun pattern of the rug v. the overall simple color scheme of the kitchen. However, they all work together to form an effortlessly designed space. This goes to show that by using timeless and durable materials for the bulk of your kitchen (i.e. - cabinets, flooring, countertops, backsplash) and mixing them with fun accent pieces that add personality to the room can create a beautiful yet functional kitchen.

 

 

 

Picture #3 - I feel a modern meets tropical vibe in this kitchen that I think is super unique and fun. The beautiful wood cabinets remind me of the materials used in ocean front homes in the Caribbean, while the counters look like white sand beaches. I love the use of the small windows that let in the natural light and make the space feel bigger. The floating shelves also help the space feel larger, and they are a more casual storage solution which refers back to the space's laid back beachy vibe. The small accessories and art work add the perfect amount of color to the kitchen and look like they were purchased from a local craftsman in a beachside community in the Caribbean.

 

Picture #4 - This kitchen has a more homey and tradition feel, but still includes some modern and even industrial elements. First off, I love the concept of using different materials and colors of cabinetry and countertops for the main cabinets and the island. The gold hardware really pops on the black cabinets and the butcher block adds and warm and natural feel; those design choices contrast with the more modern white cabinetry and counters of the island. Industrial elements like the bar stool, pendant light, and range hood introduce metal and copper into the space while adding a sense of history. The backsplash, rug, art, and accessories are the final touches that add warmth and pattern, and make the space feel more personal.

 

Picture #5 - Last but definitely not least, a kitchen designed by the Novogratz. The lacquer cabinets and abundance of stainless steel in the kitchen make the space feel very industrial, but the Novogratz chose a vintage and colorful chandelier to add a fun, whimsical, and elegant touch to the otherwise stark space. Two other pendants over the dining table keep along with the theme of unique lighting, and more color is introduced into the room from the throw pillows and art work. The dining room chairs and table and the wood floors add a more traditional and warm touch to the space. The floor to ceiling windows capture a beautiful view of the city, and bring in lots of light and a touch of the outdoors. Overall, an effortless blend of the styles brought to you by the one and only Cortney and Robert Novogratz.

 

For more of my favorite spaces, check out my Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/taylorsawalich/interior-design/

 

Taylor



Bedrooms

Today I will be focusing on 4 different bedrooms. Each room is very different from the other, but they all do a great job of blending modern with vintage.

Picture #1 - I was first drawn to this room because of color scheme; overall the room is pretty neutral with the white walls and bedding, but the pops of blue from the striped rug, pillows, and throw bring much needed color to the space but still make the bedroom feel calm and soothing. An element of glam and sophistication is added because of the gold and crystal chandelier and bench. Overall, this room has a cozy, lived in feel, but has a simple elegance to it because of the classic blue stripes, antique bench, and crystal chandelier.

 

Picture #2 - I love how the colorful and patterned headboard and pillow contrasts with the simple bedding and serene beach photo. This is a prime example of how if you're going to include a bold statement piece in you space - the patterned headboard - it's better to surround it with furniture, art, etc. that are simple. Therefore, the space doesn't feel too busy and the viewer's eyes go directly to the focal point.

 

Picture #3 - You can tell this home owner was tight on space in their bedroom but I think they made really smart design decisions to maximize their space while making their room still look great. The number one rule for making a small space feeling bigger is to keep all the paint and furniture light and make sure there are few accessories and little clutter. Although most of the room is white, it's not boring; the faux fur rug and antique quilts add texture and much needed visual interest. The custom storage unit behind the bed adds a modern touch to the space and is a really smart way to add storage. Finally, I think it's so cool how the home owner used her clothes as the one pop of color in the room. The clothes act as art in the space, but overall it is a very practical decision when you are lacking closet space.

 

Picture #4 - Of course I had to include a space from my favorite designers, the Novogratz! I love all the use of color and pattern in this room, but it doesn't feel too busy or overwhelming because they keep everything else simple. This room feels fun and a bit whimsical because of the large, feather poof pendant. Moral of the story: don't be afraid to have fun with your space and go crazy with color and unique art and accessories!

For more of my favorite spaces, check out my Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/taylorsawalich/interior-design/

Taylor

The Novogratz





 




So you can get a sense of my style, I thought I'd introduce you to my favorite design duo - Robert and Cortney Novogratz. They live in Soho and have developed everything from homes to boutique hotels, restaurants, and clothing stores, all with their unique design style which I just so happen to LOVE and OBSESS over. You may have heard of their book or show on HGTV, both of which are called Home by Novogratz and I would highly recommend. Their style is a mix of modern and vintage and low-end and high end. They aren't afraid of incorporating color and pattern into their spaces, and they also always include unique and bold pieces of art in their designs. From wall paper on the ceilings, a pink range, hanging beds, Lego lamps, and some of the most interesting lighting fixtures I have ever seen, these people are not afraid to take risks - and that's what good design is all about! They are always pushing the envelope and are extremely brave when
it comes to their design choices. I hate when all the furniture in a room looks like it was all bought at the same store, and the Novos definitely don't fit this mold. They are constantly shopping at vintage furniture stores throughout NYC like ABC Carpet and Home and Adelaide, yet mix their vintage finds with modern staples from stores like CB2. Their spaces have a very authentic and personal feel to them, but also feel fun and chic. Each piece in the room, whether it's a large sofa or a tiny accessory, is carefully chosen by Robert and Cortney. You can tell they put a lot of thought into every detail of their designs, which I really appreciate. However, their spaces aren't stuffy or complicated or overly accessorized. Overall, they have fun with design which always results in and chic space that perfectly blends modern and vintage with pops of color and unexpected, cool touches. I could go on and on about my favorite designers, but to see more for yourself, check out their website - thenovogratz.com

Taylor



 

Hello!

Welcome to freedom NYC 

My name is Taylor Sawalich and I'm 16 years old. I'm Kansas City born and raised, and as much as I love this town, it's my dream to move to the one and only New York City and be a world renowned architect and interior designer. However, since I'm stuck here in Kansas for the next two years, I might as well embrace it. I'll keep you up to date on my favorite places to shop, eat, and visit here in KC, and introduce you to my design style - an effortless blend of the old and the new with pops of color, all while maintaining a city chic vibe. Enjoy! 

Taylor