Saturday, February 15, 2014

A Weekend of Chocolate...

It being Valentines Day weekend has me thinking of chocolate... Obviously the kind you eat, and yes I've consumed my fair share already... but more so I'm thinking of chocolate lacquered walls... 

In this photo we see Chocolate Lacquer used by the late Albert Hadley, a renowned American Interior Designer. Combined with an iridescent painted ceiling, this brown study will stand the test of time.


Albert Hadley's Southport, Connecticut house 












































 
  

This Connecticut dining room also by Mr. Hadley is lacquered in the deepest and most delicious chocolate one could imagine.

 

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While Mr. Hadley did not do this Brooklyn interior it certainly seems like an homage to him. The Chocolate Lacquered walls combined with the Moss Green & Black "TIGER" Italian striae silk cut velvet fabric on this chair and ottoman is so very chic!

 

Photo from The Interior Archive

 Miles Redd another great American Designer brings us chocolate lacquer here on the walls and ceiling of this study. I was honored to meet him at a recent book signing in Manhattan for his new book, The Big Book Of Chic.

 

What She Did | Sunroom

 Last but certainly not least we see a sun room before and after from Southern Living Magazine. While it may seem counter intuitive to paint a room that's meant to enjoy the sunlight in a rich saturated color, I think this room relates more to the outside than ever. What is so successful is that your eye is drawn right out to the similar elements on the exterior (unlike before when the stark walls were creating too much contrast with the views). The new brown color, (Benjamin Moore's Mink 2112-10) creates a sophisticated and subtle transition on the eyes to the exterior of the home, while the roman shade fabric Flying Ducks Velvet in color Sky by Mulberry Home sets the tone that this room is for enjoying nature. Well done!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

le style Frank

I often find that I receive so much inspiration from the design world (blogs, magazines, instagram, pintrest, etc) that it's hard to remember all of the dynamic options we have at our finger tips.

Over the weekend, having coffee and catching up on all things design I ran across this image on House Beautiful via twitter.
 
 



Inspired by Christian Bérard's 1939 murals for L'Institut Guerlain in Paris, This Brooklyn Studio apartment received a very chic and affordable makeover to the bathroom. I wish I could find more images but you get the idea. The addition of these whimsical brushstrokes transforms this seemingly nondescript bath into a jewel box!


1939 Photo of the Guerlain showroom, via meublepeint.com
As designers often know, some of the most successful interiors are a collaboration of great creative minds.  As interior designer Jean-Michel Frank must have realized, as this wasn't the first time this designer and artist duo had gotten together. 
The Guerlain mural, via Peak of Chic 


Jean-Michel Frank was perhaps the most influential designer and decorator of the Parisian haute-monde of the 1930s and 40s.  Frank was known for his utilitarian furniture lines (i.e. the Parsons Table) but what made him so very special is he would take this utilitarian object and cover it unexpected materials, that of bleached leather or vellum or shagreen.  This took function to a level of luxury, as was the case with Bérard's murals.  

If your home is crying out for luxe brushstrokes of whimsy, maybe this is your solution as well! 

Friday, January 31, 2014

How Will You Celebrate the Year of the Horse?

While the Chinese New Year is something that I typically do not think to celebrate (and yes shame on me), how is it that a Kentuckian could pass up the opportunity to celebrate the Year of the Horse for the next year you ask?


Well that's just it... I couldn't pass up the opportunity! But how to celebrate... For one, I hope to kick of the year by being in the saddle as often as possible with my old friend Vali.
He is truly a glorious horse...


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 These are a personal favorite of mine... Affordable replicas from the ancient Han Dynasty. While I place many accessories in clients homes, those that have (or seem to have) a story are ALWAYS much more successful than those that do not.

This Manuel Canovas print, being a leading fabric in a current project, is also a nice way to be ringing in the 'New Year'.

A very healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year to all!

Monday, January 27, 2014

A Ploar Vortex Can't Stand In My Way...

When you are asked to park at the top of the driveway and walk down, you know its going to be an interesting project...
A view of the frozen waterfall from the sun porch.
 Really, the parking situation was only due to it being the 3rd polar vortex of the season.

This is my favorite room. A kitchen with stone walls and brick floors... Does it get any better?


While the brick floors may be difficult to keep clean they provide a dynamic texture to the room.

A sampling of the new fabrics we will be using on this project.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Luxe Lodge

While Schumacher's 'Luxe Lodge' collection has been out for a while, it is the cold days of winter that make it seem that much more enticing.


This rustic collection of wall coverings and fabrics maintain a a refined sensibility while fitting right in... from Lake Tahoe, CA to My not so Old Kentucky Home... 

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Wyoming's look of urbane sophistication is created by combining Italian faux leather with embroidery that is reminiscent of a chain link.         
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A modern twist on the traditional Native American rug motif, Vail Chenille blends soft cotton yarns with a textured weave reminiscent of epingle.

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This interpretation of an antique Turkish kilim rug is woven in a blend of alpaca and wool.

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A graphic and contemporary version of a classic animal pattern, this fabric features playful and spirited silhouettes of reindeer, which have been embroidered with delicately patterned stitching.
 
This collection truly brings a modern spirit to the rural retreat!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Old Naples, FL

For those of you who have spoken to me recently you know of my excitment of my Old Naples, FL project.  For those of you that haven't, then you should be texting me! But in the meantime... enjoy the content! These are a few preliminary photos... Many, many layers are to follow!

 Reproduction of ancient world maps from the 17th century coming from Holland. The water and earth protector gods watch over the globe in the Master Bath.

                          Vintage Fortuny                                             Symmetrical Balance in the Entry

(Cartier-Panther Inspired Wall Paper in the Guest Bath) 
 

This is a preview of a few of the many exciting fabrics & trims that are about to up the ante for the rest of the residence!





Saturday, January 4, 2014

A Colorful First Impression

As the cold days of winter have meant spending more time indoors, I have been dreaming about exotic locales with spicy saturated jewel tone colors. 

Las Ramblas, Barcelona
That in turn led me to discover the photos of these global building facades. While I know the importance of color, so often I think one forgets how others may interpret color choices. 

Rajasthan, India

Porto, Portugal
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Rue Crémieux, Paris

Imagine how all of these buildings would look in shades of white and beige...
They wouldn't be nearly as interesting, would they?