Color of the Day: Orange

I thought that it'd be fun to start a "Color of the Day" feature on the blog, where I'd feature design inspiration images that make really smart use of color. So here goes! First up: Orange, which, according to color experts, calls to mind feelings of excitement, enthusiasm and warmth.

all images via decorpad

Feeling excited? Or warm?

Love: Vintage Polaroid Cameras

I love the look of vintage Polaroid cameras. Like this one:

via krphoto.com

And this one:

via collectiblend.com

And this one:

via Jim's Polaroid collection (polaroids.theskeltons.org)

And this one, which I scored at Brooklyn Flea last summer (and which has since relocated to a different location in my apartment):

Why Hello, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

I just finished watching the season premiere of Mad Men for the second time. I had to watch it twice to fully absorb all of the changes -- I was prepared for change, but I was not prepared for a seismic shift! (P.S. -- What did Betty and Henry Francis do with the velvet tufted headboard? I so miss that headboard.)

During my second viewing, I was able to focus on SCDP's new digs in the Time-Life building. The new offices have an entirely different vibe -- I do miss the sepia-toned hues of the old Sterling Cooper offices. But the new offices are beginning to grow on me. I was really struck by the bold use of color, which I first thought looked a little anachronistic for 1964. But as these photos from the House Beautiful archives have taught me, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce was just catching up with the times:

circa February 1962

circa May 1962

circa October 1961

circa December 1961

circa February 1960

(All images via House Beautiful)

Finishing Touches: Crate and Barrel Lamp

I've been experimenting with "entertainment area" decor in my apartment for the better part of the past year and a half. After falling in love with Crate and Barrel's True Media Console in white (still available here on Crate and Barrel's outlet website), I bought it, my mom spent Thanksgiving Day 2008 assembling it (she's the best), and I've been decorating around it. And now, thanks to this little find (in blue) at Crate and Barrel's SoHo outpost*, I'm really happy with how my entertainment area has shaped up:

Believe it or not, I took this picture with the camera on my Blackberry Storm (and it's a candid shot -- please ignore the water bottle on the floor, the miscellaneous items at the edge of the coffee table, and the random Music Choice picture/Facebook ad on the television...).

*I promise this isn't a paid endorsement, it's just that I've honestly had some good old-fashioned success at Crate and Barrel.

Where I've Been...and Mad Men.

I've been away from the blog for just over a month! But I have not been away from Ruby Perrin Design. I am still forging ahead toward a January 2011 launch date, and I am constantly brainstorming ideas and seeking out inspiration for what I am hoping will be an exciting adventure. I've also been keeping myself busy with work, family time, and ... a new computer! As of tonight (yes, I just took it out of the box), I am the proud owner of a brand new MacBook Pro (and I'm using it to write this post). I still have a lot to learn about my new laptop, but I'm so excited to have it. What can I say? After a lifetime of PC use, I've officially become an enthusiastic Mac groupie.

I'm really looking forward to more blog time over the next few weeks -- stay tuned for exciting updates! In the meantime, and in honor of Sunday's Mad Men season premiere (I'm so excited I can hardly stand it), here's a little Mad Men eye candy. Enjoy!

Is it wrong that I love that wood paneling?

I still haven't decided whether I like the plaid wallpaper in the Draper kitchen. (Also, did anyone else notice that Francine plays Piper Perabo's sister on Covert Affairs, the new drama on USA?)

I LOVE that headboard. I'm sure it's a major dust collector -- but tufted anything wins me over every time.