Sixx Design’s Downtown Chic :: A Review

ast week, this little lovely was dropped off at my front door and I’ve had such a fun time flipping through the inspiration filled glossy pages. It might look as if I’ve had this book for years…seriously. Some corners have been dog-earred (a sin, I know!), I’ve highlighted my favorite quotes (another sin, I know!) and I’ve put too many bookmarkers in between the pages to really be helpful. This is not your average coffee table book, my friends. This is your reference/text/resource/pull this out pretty much everytime you’re searching for design help or inspiration book.

Since I was absent this Monday, and I didn’t provide you with any “tips, tricks or expert advice”, I’m substituting this post in it’s place. Robert and Cortney Novogratz (J Sixx) have given it there all. Downtown Chic is filled with so many “tips, tricks and expert advice”, it is only natural for me to share with you a few of my favorites!

How to Flea (Market)
:: The great stuff sells before 6 AM; get there early, before the dealers snatch up the best things
:: Negotiate. You can always walk away and go back later.

Mixing High and Low
HIGH
:: Goose feather lamp from Moss.
:: Oil painting above our bed by Brendan Cass.
:: Matching fabric for the curtains and bed frame.
LOW
:: $25 nightstand from a garage sale that was painted white.
:: Kitschy statuette and long-necked vase were just dollars a piece at a flea market.
:: Throw pillows are from Target.

Decorating the Outside of Your House
“You can dress up the exterior of a house the same way you can the interior. This peace sign made of twine was yet another simple but powerful element on the side of our house. We asked a local florist to make it for us, and it wasn’t much more expensive than a large Christmas wreath – and it last a lot longer!”

Be Bold: Use Color
“As you might have guessed from looking at our other projects, we love orange and we’ve used it in virtually all of our houses. It’s very modern, but when it’s used with more traditional fabrics, like the damask curtains and pillows here, it’s very luxurious.”

This is just a taste of all the deliciousness this book has to offer. Check out the complete book for more goodies. This would be a perfect gift to put under the tree for yourself! J Sixx’s website is completely addicting, as well, (I found myself repeatedly going back to their website, only to listen to the groovy tune they have playing!). The Novogratz family will also be featured on Bravo with their own television series – “Design Sixx” in January 2010.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of Downtown Chic. In return, I’m reviewing the book, here, on imagine