Announcing Ruby Perrin Design!

It's been just over two months since my last post. For shame! There are several reasons for this. I've been quite busy with work, a fashion styling course that I'm taking at FIT, and ... the very exciting launch of Ruby Perrin Design! I've blogged before about my desire to launch a small design business, and I'm finally doing it! Ruby Perrin Design will launch in January 2011. Between now and then, I'll be documenting my journey over at the Ruby Perrin Design blog. Click here to check it out!

I want to be sure to note that the beginning of Ruby Perrin Design is not the end of Stilettos on the Gridiron. I will still be posting here! As the Ruby Perrin Design launch date draws near, I may not be able to post as often as I'd like here at Stilettos on the Gridiron, but don't worry -- I'll still pop in with updates on my favorite sports stories (speaking of which, kudos to the Los Angeles Lakers, who made my dad very happy last night) and fashion finds (p.s. if anyone has a tip on an almond toe, mid-heel work pump, drop me a line!).

A Fully Stocked Bar @ Home

I know I'm not the first to do this (I could be the last), but I'm in the process of setting up my very own home bar. I think it was re-watching all 3 seasons of Mad Men that finally convinced me to do it. (P.S. Is anyone else having trouble waiting until July 25 for season 4??).

I have limited room in my 1 bedroom Manhattan apartment for a complete home bar, but I think that I can set up my very own "mini" home bar with an under-the cabinet wine glass rack (which I already have), an under-the-cabinet wine bottle rack (which I am in the process of acquiring) and this shelf from cb2, which I bought (and my mom installed -- thanks, mom!) last summer. I'll store bottles and a few bar accessories on the shelf.

I've been scouring the web for inspiration images for a home bar. Apartment Therapy recently featured this round-up of home bars, which is full good ideas. Here are a few more:

via decor pad (using IKEA Expedit shelves)

via apartment therapy

via restoration hardware

via pottery barn

via martha stewart

Ode to Domino: Black and White

The contrast between the dark wall and the stark white chair here is quite fetching.

Ode to Domino: Brilliant Blue

I really like this rich shade of blue. It's perfectly simple, yet elegant. And I *love* that pillow on the couch.

Ode to Domino: Yellow Lamp

I realize that there is a large, extremely life-like animal print rug on the floor of this room. But I'm more interested in the yellow lamp that (amazingly) manages not to be completely overpowered by that rug.

Ode to Domino: Pink and Blue and High Tea

This living room is not for the faint of heart, but how great is this palette? This room makes me crave "high tea."

Ode to Domino: Greige Walls

I thought that a great way to get started on the blog would be to share some of my favorite images from the late, great Domino magazine. I began a personal "Ode to Domino" series way back in February 2009, when the world first learned of Domino's unfortunate end. After wiping back tears (not really, but I was pretty bummed), I decided to celebrate the life of Domino magazine rather than to mourn its end. And I'm celebrating again! Up first:



This image inspired my living room decor. I even painted my white walls the same shade of "greige" (Ralph Lauren's "Abbey Forde") featured here.

About Ruby Perrin Design

Thanks for visiting the Ruby Perrin Design blog! I'm Heather, and in January 2011, I will be launching Ruby Perrin Design, a web-based design business offering both personalized interior decorating services and an online shop that is carefully stocked with unique accessories and other fun pieces. I'm really looking forward to the launch of Ruby Perrin Design, and I'll be documenting my journey from design enthusiast to small design business owner here on the blog. I hope you check back often to see what's new!

Ruby Perrin Design Q&A:

1. Who is Ruby Perrin?
A: Ruby Perrin Design is named after my grandmothers. Ruby = my paternal grandmother's first name, and Perrin = my maternal grandmother's last name. Two fabulous ladies. One design concept.

2. Are you a professional designer?
A: I'm a professional design enthusiast. During the day (and on many nights and weekends as well), I occupy myself with a challenging job that required seven years of post-secondary education and the successful completion of a traumatically difficult exam. In my free time, I devour all things design.

3. Why did you decide to start Ruby Perrin Design?
A: Back when I was studying for that traumatically difficult exam, I calmed my nerves by visiting beautiful design blogs and obsessing over the latest issue of Domino magazine (may it rest in peace). Through this self-study, I discovered that I really enjoyed design, and I set out to incorporate everything that I had learned in my new apartment. After my apartment began to take shape (it's not finished, nor will it ever be -- I've learned that good interior design is flexible and evolves over time), I realized that I missed having a space to design from scratch. Several thousand clicks through design websites and several thousand rounds of flipping through design magazines later, Ruby Perrin Design was born.

4. What are some of your favorite design resources?
A: Online Resources: I love Apartment Therapy, Design*Sponge, High Street Market and Bryn Alexandra Interiors for inspiration and great DIY project ideas. Target, West Elm and World Market have shopper-friendly websites (and web-only sales) that make e-shopping for the home easy and fun. And, second to no one (except, perhaps, my mother), I am the world's biggest Overstock.com fan. I've found really fantastic, affordable items for my apartment there. Offline/Bricks-and-Mortar Resources: The Domino Book of Decorating is a great resource that is full of timeless tips. Manhattan's Museum of Modern Art just might be my all-time favorite source for design inspiration. And when I opt to shop in-person instead of online, IKEA (for simple, basic pieces), Anthropologie (for pieces with a little personality and attitude) and the Home Depot (yes, the Home Depot) are some of favorite destinations. For vintage finds in the city that I now call home (I ♥ New York), I love Brooklyn Flea and the Housing Works thrift shops.

Have a question that's not answered here? I'm happy to answer it! Email me at heather [at] rubyperrin [dot] com.