I hope you are all off to a delightful 2016! For our first Inspiration Spotlight of the New Year, I could not be happier to be featuring the one and only, Mrs. Lilien.
This silly, witty, and wonderful lady was introduced to me by our mutual friend and decor enthusiast, Kelly Golightly. We clicked instantly on our love of flamingos, contemporary aesthetics, color and of course, the beach...so, when I learned of her move to Kailua, a small little beach town on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii, I naturally was excited to hear how she'd decorate it.
But first, I give you, Mrs. Lilien in her own words..
> "My name is Kelley Lilien, and I am a… creative jane of all trades, at your service! (Insert a thumbs up and a jolly heel click!) To present it properly however I am a graphic designer, published author and creative director specializing in commercial design, and creative brand collaborations. I work undercover as a creative consultant for high profile fashion and lifestyle brands. I also am the creator of MRS LILIEN, a multifaceted, aspirational brand that extends across both online and print media. My live out loud lifestyle blog,mrslilien.com, tends to ooze with an intoxicating bevy of wit and high design."
> "I am a total home body, and therefore my home becomes my happy little bubble. Did I mention I live in a bubble?! Well, I do, and it’s a fabulous little bubble!"
She certainly has a way with words, doesn't she?! Kelley, won't you tell us a little bit about your style when it comes to decorating your home?
> "I LOVE color! LOVE IT!! My house always seems to arrange itself. In a nutshell, it looks exactly like my blog, bursts of saturated crazy colors with a sprinkling of irreverence here and there all on a pristine white canvas."
> "In every room, somewhere there is always something lurking that’s either slightly inappropriate or, eye-widening, or just plain laugh out loud funny! Whether its obvious like a paper cut-out voice bubble that I’ve put on a painting, or a tongue in cheek object, I ensure that around every corner there’s always a little surprise… but you’ve gotta keep your eyes open!"
I certainly agree with her approach to insert a little wink of humor in herdecorating! Knowing this, I also completely understand why she migrated towardsGray Malin at the Parker for her new home. There's something very magical about this series, so it's very cool to see how Kelley made it her own.
Naturally,I _still_ had to askher- what made you choose these prints - Skinny Dip, Gray Malin at the Parker, and Lifeguard on Duty - all from this collection?
> "Aside from the sublime salty blue, balmy waters of the pacific, my second HAPPY PLACE is the dessert. Some of my most tranquil, HIGH leisure memories hail from luxuriously lounging poolside and glorifying myself in all it’s glamor (whilst profusely sweating, of course!) When I saw this collection debut, I nearly flatlined. I didn’t know whether to squeal, whimper, drink or celebrate!! Over the years, my MRS LILIEN brand has unofficially adopted the flamingo as it’s mascot, so the SKINNY DIP print, slayed me upon first sight! That flamboyant gal posturing aside the glittering pool amongst the cabana striped umbrellas, is visually synonymous with the way I actually FEEL when I’m there. It captures so perfectly the vibe that oozes from me when I’m there and totally living in THAT moment!"
> The WELCOME TO THE PARKER print captured my heart with a gasp right at first glance! There’s such a specialness to behold upon rolling up to your leisure resort of choice for your ensuing vacation, and The Parker is no exception! The entrance is so grand and stately, the huge orange doors become the gateway to a land that only exists over the rainbow. The Balloons that are suspended on the larger than life brass handles are the ultimate unexpected welcome the would put anyone over the edge. And, that magnificent giraffe posing as if he’s your bell boy (or lifeguard!) in waiting brings utter indulgence and whimsy to a most otherworldly capture. It brings pure happiness to my eyes every time I look at it!
Talking what draws her to the Gray Malin brand overall, Kelley had the sweetest thing to say..
> "His playful eye, his relentless pursuit of capturing bewildering whimsy. The bold statements made with a single shot. The perfectly juxtaposed simplicity, paired with the eccentric. Everything he produces is perfection, a work of brilliance, a moment of wonder brought to life. It’s just genius~"
Well! Needless to say, I am flattered not to mention thrilled to hear how much of a connection Kelleyfeels towards her framed prints_and_ am even happier that she's incorporated it into her own amazing world at home.
Also, can I just say thatI also am kind of obsessed with her work area?
A woman after my own heart with her love of Slim Aarons and throw pillows. I'd take a business meeting...or perhaps a happy hour with her any day!
Until next time, thank you Kelley for welcoming us into your island oasis and thank you all for following along, as always!
Cheers
xx
GM
photography by Annie Groves