Color and Light Atelier

Loving A Neatdesk!!

2011-02-11T20:10:00.012-05:00

Not normally someone to write about electronic gadgets.....but I have to write about this awesome organization tool that I just purchased and love!!!

Neatdesk

Both professionally and personally, this is a great tool. You can file receipts and documents that pertain to clients for reimbursment, expense reports, tax documents, files business contacts and more. You simply scan the item through and it automatically codes the item as a document, receipt or business card and from there you create files to where the items go. At the end of the month or end year, all your documentation is there for business or personal purposes...it even exports the info to quickbooks, word or excel!!!!

I am going paperless!!! Love it! ...oh by the way, you will need a back up system like Carbonite or Sugarsync to make sure your important stuff is safe.

Not a techy but thought someone might be interested!

Au Revoir for Now!

A Great Spring Find at Payless - Isabel Toledo Striped Vamp and Kitten Heels

2011-02-07T17:47:00.002-05:00

Just in at Payless Shoes are these adorable black and white heels from Isabel Toledo. They are perfect for Spring!!!! So reasonably priced!!

Kitten Heels

Womens - Isabel Toledo for Payless - Striped Vamp Sandal - Payless Shoes

Vamps

Au Revoir! for now.

"Give Me Color!!!" Let Your Freak Flag Fly in 2011!!

2010-12-29T20:04:00.021-05:00

Okay...I have to say....I have appreciated the neutral palette that has been all over the blogs in 2010. Whether you called in a Belgian influence and Urban Simplicity or any other term for it.

I am so done!!!! After all, I named my interior design business COLOR &LIGHT Interior in 1996 because I love color and how different aspects of natural and luminescent light effects the overall interior. I have always loved color, muted, saturated, pastel and more.

I think 2011 should be the year to ask yourself what colors reflect your personality and USE them...do not be afraid to be different! Fly Your Freak Flag!! I hope my clients in 2011 will be more free with their choices.

2010 was a year of a lot of fear and uncertainty for most. If you follow design trends for both apparel and interiors, national moods and personal fears will always play into design decisions. Let's make this 2011 the year of a rainbow of color and happiness. Express yourself and your gratitude in your surroundings!!!

Happy New Year to all!

Here are some inspirations:

Mary McDonald's Happy Office

Suzanne Kasler, not always know for colorful palettes, but she used a hot pink on one wall that made a huge statement.

Ruthie Summers used brilliant, happy green to the living room and a great red study.

Lynn Von Kersting of Indigo Seas and The Ivy fame in LA did a wonderful home in green, red, pink and yellow.

Always loved these curtains in this photo from Victoria magazine many years ago. Love the bold and unexpected combo of yellow and pink.

Jasper Johns Artwork takes a traditional room over the top! by Jamie Drake

Love the oriental seating in yellow silk! by Jamie Drake

Unusual and expertly done by Jamie Drake

These last photos are the work of a master in color - Jamie Drake- no one is as fearless as he is ...well, perhaps, Miles Redd.

Both designers are the true standard of great design with bold color. It is time to think out of your comfort zone. Be different in every way in 2011!!!

That is my goal!!

Au Revoir for 2010!!

Designing a kitchen for a client - before's and proposed layouts

2010-12-02T21:22:00.000-05:00

I am deep in the process of designing a new kitchen for a client. Their kitchen is about 15 years old and has some huge problems with the flow. For example, the sink is positioned in a dark corner is next to the refrigerator and across from the trash/recycling which makes it impossible to clean up while a busy family is accessing the fridge. See photo:

The style is also very outdated but most importantly, is not in keeping with overall architecture of the house. The house itself is a Nantucket style shingle house that really lends to a white and brighter design.

As designer's logic dictates, the house is absolutely suited for the "Something's Gotta Give Kitchen" and yes, you may say to yourself (as I have) "This kitchen has been replicated too, too many times" BUT I promise this house was screaming for it!!! In case you forgot how fantastic the SGG kitchen is, here are some reminders.

Great Shot!! of kitchen with Jack Nicholson in his skivvy's!

Sublime perfection!

Angle shot towards back of set.

I have studied this kitchen from every angle as many of my fellow designers have. There are so, SO many subltle details that create the overall effect AND the can be taken for granted. (Shortcuts are not recommended) Just see the one of the queen of interior design blogging Cote de Texas SGG;

I have proposed many ideas which included opening walls that lead to their covered porch and making the a garden room. I called in a very talented architect John Jones to review the project.

In the end, my client decided that they wanted to stick within the footprint of the existing kitchen. Which I must say, always presents a challenge because from a layout standpoint without change in the dimensions, you are really only looking at a cosmetic change. (And as a designer, you know that sets you up for client disappointment at the end.)

I did finally come up with a solution to gain some space without major construction. Behind one wall were some closets that if we broke through the wall, we could inset the refrigerator and add pantry space to gain about 24". Not alot of space but will definitely add to the flow. Here are some sketches of what I proposed:

This concept is based on the two island idea from SGG that my clients really liked. We are now in stage 2 of pricing and they have decided to go with only one island. As all designers know, you have a strong visual point of view as to where the design should go BUT you must respect your client's process. (but grrr...but gut instinct says it is not right.)

I will keep you posted on next steps and the after photos.

Can Anyone Identify This Fabric???

2010-11-06T18:09:00.000-04:00

Calling all fellow bloggers/designers!!!! Does anyone know the fabric house for this fabric in the photo???

I want to use this in a client's breakfast room but can not identify whose fabric it is?

Any guesses?

Au Revoir for now!

So many new design books published!

2010-10-29T18:19:00.001-04:00

I think I mentioned in my profile that I am a interior design magazine and book junkie! Yes, it is truly my fix. Whenever I need to relax, I pick out a book from my extensive library of design books/or notebooks of magazine clippings. No matter how many times I look at design, I always see it differently. Do you?

I see interior design as "art". Depending upon your mood or the project you are working on at that moment, you are inspired by something in a room that you might have not notice the last time you read it. I love the rediscovery!

I just picked up several newly published books that I want to share .. PLUS, I would love to know what your favorites might be.

Just bought- and highly recommend as a must for a designer's library:

Mary McDonald Interiors

This book is eye candy!! There is a wealth of design details to study and learn. I love her glamorous Hollywood style that is not so over-the-top/tacky as some known designers from Los Angeles. (Uhhum - KWID) Her eye for couture detail in fabric fabrication is wonderful...afterall she started as a milliner.

At Home by Suzanne Rheinstein

Owner of the unique Los Angeles shop - .Hollyhock takes you through a tour of her homes and
Pied-à-terre in New York. She has a philosophy of buying few items but the best you can buy. Her antique selections are wonderful.

Vicente Wolf - Lifting The Curtain On Design

Vicente Wolf's blog is one of my favorites! He is so generous with his readers about all aspects of the interior design business. He shares so many trade secrets that so many others keep close to their breast. His book is equally as sharing. He is such a wonderful photographer and sees the beauty in everything around him and translates it into his designs.

Victoria Hagan's Interior Portraits

Victoria Hagan is known for her white, peaceful designs. If you like the "Something's Gotta Give" set, you will like this book. I have always watched her career because we started designing about the same time and she was known as the "name" to watch. (She certainly surpassed me!!) She is a resident of Fairfield, CT, as I am, as well. I love her style BUT what I really like in this book is the artwork in all her rooms. I wonder if she selects the artwork or works with an art consultant. Unique and great choices.

Chris Madden "The Soul of the House"

I love this book because she shares the same interest I do in quirky, old houses. They are like orphans that need a home. Her home in Rye, NY is a gem. If you like old houses with great bones, the add this to your library.

Thought this would be great! but...

I bought this because I thought it would be a great peek into fashion designer's home. Unfortunately, it covers too many designers with little content. Two pages are dedicated to each designer with very little to see. Very disappointed and returned it. SKIP IT!!

I would love to know what your favorite design books are? Past or newly published. Always looking to add to my collection.

Au Revoir for now!

Builder's special reinvented!

2010-10-22T20:11:00.004-04:00

I have been going through photos of projects because I am working on a new website and thought I would post some to my blog as I go.

This project was a builder's special that clients bought and I worked on. When I first saw this house, it was a very plain "vanilla" house that a builder squeezed onto a lot in Manalapan, Florida. The only thing noteworthy about the house was the location and views. The house itself was unremarkable and lacked any detail.

From the onset, the focus of the design was to bring the quality and details up to most of the fine homes in Palm Beach. Addison Mizner's architecture was the inspiration.

For those who may not be familiar with Mizner's work, here is Wikipedia's info:

Addison Cairns Mizner (December 12, 1872 – February 5, 1933) was an American resort architect whose Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style interpretations left an indelible stamp on South Florida, where it continues to inspire architects and land developers.^[1] In the 1920s Mizner was, without exaggeration, the best-known and most-discussed living American architect.^[2] Mizner was the visionary behind development of Boca Raton, Florida. The following are some sample photos of his work:

Sadly, I did not save the "BEFORE" photos of the house. I'd like you to imagine, low end fixtures, no moldings and standard builder white walls throughout.

Now, here are the photos of the interiors of this plain vanilla box - AFTER!

Formal Living Room

The formal living room had ceiling that were 22' high. I want to bring the scale back down to a level that felt comfortable and not massive. I added a custom designed iron chandelier that dropped to the 10' -12 ft point in order to focus the room. The entire room was painted in a parchment effect of venetian plaster and one large mirror plus one small mirror were place on the massive fireplace to bring the focus more to the center of the room. Curtains were designed to bring your eye away from the massive ceiling by adding custom design wrough iron rods that hung in a pattern to bring the eye down and to focus on the water view outside. The curtains were made of a blood orange linen gauze that would add color but not weight to the room. A custom Lacey -Champion rug reflects the images of coral and seashells that were picked up in the sunny colors of the room as well as the clients artwork.

Study

The study had a challenging window to design around so I designed a custom credenza along with a custom desk and lighted bookshelf in ebony macassar. The walls were plastered in a almost tiffany blue with art deco club chairs. The fabric for the curtains were a Kravet silk stripe with a hint of the blue for the walls.

Dining Room

The original dining room was a closed off box from the rest of the house. I knew that it would never be used unless there was a flowing energy and view from the other spaces. I opened a wall from the foyer into the dining room and then continued the flow and view by adding three tall, narrow mahogany frenchdoors that lead into the family room. The flame chandeliers and coral sconces against the backdrop of a waxed venetian plaster add character to an otherwise traditional dining room.

The breakfast room's view spoke for itself. I added McKenzie-Childs fish chairs/ ceramic pedestals and beautiful venetian glass chandeliers. The intent was to enhance the experience of the breakfast room by not upstage the view.

Family Room

The family room was, again, a combination of old world with contemporary. A wrought iron entry was added to separate the family room for the open flow of the rest of the house. White leather couches and white rugs give the room a light feel since the ceilings are lower than the others in the house and the back yard loggia off the family room blocks some of the sunny florida light.

Master bedroom

The master bedroom is a mix of feminine and masculine with the play materials and color. The cornice of the master bed is made from an architectural hand carved piece from a french chateau. Again, for consistency, the rods were custom made ironwork.

This home was truly transformed from an emotionally-devoid plain vanilla box into a special home that raised eyebrows. Finally, it is worth noting that the owners invested $500,000 on the transformation and that investment was more than doubled when the home was sold. The possibilities are endless (and valuable) when you look beyond a plain box.,

Au revoir for now!!

A Tribute To Albert Hadley - Rooms With A View 2010

2010-10-06T18:04:00.004-04:00

Albert Hadley, the legendary designer, is being honored by some of the best in the interior design world from November 4 -7 at the Southport Congregational Church in Southport, CT. For those who are not familiar with Southport. It is a bucolic long island sound village that date back to 1693. Southport village is part of Fairfield, CT.

Albert Hadley is a resident of Southport (and NYC) and is a member of the Southport Congregational Church for the last 20 years. "Rooms with a View" fundraising event was the brainchild of Mr. Hadley in 1995. This is the 16th anniversary of the event and a Dean's List of alumni of Parish Hadley and Albert Hadley, Inc. will create the vignettes. This is a not to be missed event!! If you are from New York City, the metronorth train stops in Southport literally at the back side of the Southport Congregational Church so you just have to walk down the hill and you are there.

Thursday, November 4 is the Gala preview so you will need a ticket that range from$125 - $500. General admission is $20. I posted the info. below.

The Dean's List follows:

***These photos were published in Connecticut Cottage & Gardens - Oct '10 issue.

If you do not live around the area, I will, with permission, take photos and post them.

Au Revoir for now!

An Affair With A House- Bunny Williams, I feel it, too!

2010-09-27T17:53:00.002-04:00

I have not blogged in a very long time...sorry about that.

Most of it is because I have been busy with house projects!!! We lived in NYC for the last year and used our home as a weekend house. When you have an older house and you are not there all the time, projects pile up and need tending to. Thus, that has taken away from blogging time!

I love old homes...many can never be replicated anymore for various reasons - building codes, costs involved, lack of specialized workmanship to name a few.

The open fireplace in the family room can never be duplicated because of building codes. It is the BEST fireplace!!! Keeps the room so warm and truly safe because it is on a step up.

Turret that we had insulated when we renovated but so unique. The column in the center is made from one tree trunk.

BUT, owning an older home has responsibilities that come with it to preserve a piece of history. It is almost becomes a LOVE/HATE relationship with your house. Our house is very special. It was completed in 1933 by the engineer of the Empire State Building as his summer home. Its outside structure is made of steel just like the Empire State Building.

Every time I think about how much I love my house and yet how much you have to care for it, I think of Bunny Williams!!! When I get the love/hate feeling, I pick up her wonderful book "An Affair With A House".

Bunny Williams along with her husband John Roselli have had a love affair with this 18th century house in Litchfield County, CT.

Their beautiful conservatory that was added on in the 90's
At night.

Conservatory by day

When reading Bunny's book, I am reminded how lucky I am to have such a special house!

Au Revoir for now!

raktwins@gmail.com

A Little Princess Room - "Old School Pic"

2010-08-03T20:16:00.000-04:00

I was looking at design projects that I had done in the past and ran across this little girl's room that I did on a small budget. I designed this room in 1995 and I still think that it is a very special room. The room is a cross between a trip to a candy shop and a room fit for a royal princess. (Not unlike the current top music video of "California Gurls" by Katie Perry.)

Pink and white candy stripes were painted on the walls and the 9' ceiling was adored in layers of tulle that ended in a wedding veil pendant light. The bed was a custom made bed of pink and white with gold stars. The linens and table skirt fabrics are Jeanne Marc-an amazing husband/wife team of fabric and clothing designers from San Francisco. I do not even know if they are in business anymore. The windows were adored with pink silk/linen blend fabrics and window boxes with silk flowers.

The princess room has a separate dressing area complete with a vanity and custom dressing screen.

Still love this room!

Au Revoir for now!!

Seagrass Rugs vs. Dogs and Kids - your opinion welcomed!

2010-07-15T20:13:00.000-04:00

I would love everyone's opinion. You see, I am considering seagrass rugs for several rooms of our house. I am not sure how seagrass holds up to stains od spills or "piddles". I have four small dogs and two kids so, of course, you get the occasional accident.

My only experience I have with natural fibers with kids is Sisal and it was a disaster. I had specified a Sisal as a wall-to-wall in my twin boy's baby room and between the spit up and a dehumidifier tipping over, the carpet was a stained mess in less than a year. I had it ripped out and something low maintenance installed.

Cote de Texas via Google

I truly welcome opinions. What is you opinion of Seagrass? Can it withstand stains? If so, what is the secret to cleaning stains?

Au Revoir for now.

Taking some time for summer and gratitude

2010-07-10T08:02:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to keep in touch. I have been to Ireland and now doing the kid's camp visits. I will be back to regular posting very soon. This time out has given me time to reflect on all the greatness in my life. I have a great family and a wonderful life. Can't get any better than that!

Au Revoir for now!

Off To Find A Pot O' Gold!!

2010-06-20T07:12:00.000-04:00

I am leaving on a trip to Ireland with my mother. You see, we are Irish and have never been to visit our country of origin. Can't wait!! I will take lots of photos to share!

And perhaps we will run in to this little guy! I think he lives between Rainbow and Shamrock Street.

Au Revoir for now!

Such a GLEEK!!!!

2010-06-02T18:28:00.004-04:00

As all moms know, the end of the school is a crazy time. Blogging has been put on the back burner....sorry bout that.

But I wanted share a FANTASTIC experience I had this last weekend.

One of my twin boys, Brandon, is a professional actor and singer. After he saw his first broadway show at five, he declared that he wanted to be on that stage one day. And off and running he was with his dream! (with full support of his parents)

Brandon Rakowski

He began acting and singing at six. He was in his first broadway tour at nine and continues working at his passion today.

If you have not seen the newest show on Fox, "Glee". You should try to catch it. It is such a phenomenon! It is a quirky show about a high school glee club. All of the young actor/dancers/singers are superb!!! Several of the kids are Broadway veterans that starred in Spring Awakenings among other shows.

One of the leads, Lea Michelle, not only is an experienced broadway performer but is also an alum of Stagedoor Manor. Stagedoor Manor is an well known theater camp in the Catskills, NY that has many famous actors attend the camp. To read more:

Stagedoor Manor

My son, Brandon, goes to Stagedoor Manor for six weeks in the summer. He loves it so much that he would live there if he could!! All of the kids share a common bond for their love of music and acting. Theater kids have a hard time in school a finding a group of friends that share their same interests. This camp gives them that bond and lifetime friendships are born! A new book just came out about the history of Stagedoor plus it follows three campers through their camp and acting experiences. It is called Theater Geeks.

Glee is also about kids finding themselves through a common love of music!! Read more or find local air time at Fox's Glee.

Glee just finished up their first five city tour that was completely sold out. I was lucky enough to get tickets to a performance at Radio City Music Hall and took my son and one his friends. We were third row center!!!! And it was beyond amazing!!!! One of the best shows I ever seen. Here are some photos of the concert:

Lea Michele as Rachel

Lea Michele singing "Don't Rain On My Parade"

Entire cast sing "Push It"

Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones

Mark Salling as Puck

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel and Lea Michele as Rachel singing "Defying Gravity"

Cast singing Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"

More "Bad Romance"

Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams singing "Dancin' With Myself"

Kurt and Brittany before "Jump" Heather Morris who plays Brittany is not only funny but a great dancer.

Entire cast singing "Jump!"

More "Jump!"

Cory Monteith as Finn and Lea Michele as Rachel

There was a surprise appearance by Jonathan Groff who was Lea Michele co-star in "Spring Awakening" and now is a guest on Glee as Jesse.

Singing "Hello"

Finale singing "Somebody To Love"

I am not sure what I loved more- the high energy show with fantastic performers OR the sheer joy on my son's face....hmm...definitely the pure joy that my child showed! Nothin' like it!

Au Revoir for now!

An Inspirational Story - Please read!!!

2010-05-17T12:58:00.000-04:00

I was so moved by Laura Ingalls Gunn's story. In the face of adversity, anything is possible!!! Here is a link to her blog - Decor To Adore. Congratulations to Laura for never giving up on her dreams!!!!

http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/2010/05/ultimate-diymay-you-be-inspired.html

Maison des Jumeaux - the renovation of our country home: part II

2010-05-15T08:07:00.001-04:00

In a recent post, I showed you the before and afters of the kitchen/family room. Go here to read the post: http://colorandlightatelier.blogspot.com/2010/04/maison-gemeux-renovation-of-our-country.html.

Now I am showing the mudroom and pantry area. Sometime in the '70's, a previous owner added a mudroom addition to the house that had really ugly sky lights that were not in keeping with the original architecture of the house. Rather that gutting that part of the house, I hid it in a walk-in pantry located behind the wall with the Viking range.

Mudroom and pantry are off to the left.

Walk -in pantry

I designed and custom-made an iron gate for the pantry. I have a great ironworker from Kentucky that has made all kinds of fantastic pieces for me. In the past, he has made great sweeping stair rails, chandeliers, curtain rods and iron balconies for several projects.

Close up of gate

Lots of storage!

Have not decided if I want to add decorative curtains behind the gates or leave it open, as is.

Baker's Pantry

I never like to see lots of appliances out on counter. I like an uncluttered kitchen. (I am a little OCD!!! I can drive mad husband and kids quite mad with my obsession.) So, all of my everyday appliances are hidden.

What is behind these doors?

All the appliance are place on pull-out shelves. They are plugged and ready to go!

The Baker's pantry is painted in soft lavender blue with an antique finish.

The mudroom

No New England house can be without a mudroom. Growing up Texas, I did not even know that word!! Mudrooms are the catchall rooms for muddy boots, coats, etc.. I designed this one with a huge farm sink that is more shallow that an average farms sink. It perfect for washing dogs, cleaning boots and potting plants.

Bench for boot removal.

Coat closet

All the coats and boots are stored in closets and gloves, scarves, dog leashes etc. in the many drawers. Yes, once again, my obsession with neatness!

Finally, I want to thank all of my blogging friends that leave comments. It so nice to feedback on projects. That is what makes blogging worthwhile!!!

Au Revoir for now!!

House Beautiful's new specialty magazine for Spring/Summer 2010 - love it!

2010-05-12T19:04:00.004-04:00

I am a big fan of House Beautiful and really loved where Stephen Drucker took the magazine over that past years. I am sure that the incoming editor, Newell Turner, will do an excellent job! (I actually went to college with Newell- he is a super nice guy with a superb design eye.)

One of my favorite columns that I read, tear out and file each month is the 2 pages with tried and true paint colors suggestions from top designers. When working on a project, I will go refer back to these tear sheets for inspirations. You know it looks like this:

Well, I won't have to scrounge around files anymore because House Beautiful just came out with a magazine that compiles all those list of colors in one place. It is call "House Beautiful's 500+ Favorite Paint Colors" What a great reference!

I just picked up my copy at Barnes and Nobles but I do not see a place to buy it online, as of yet. So if interested, check your local book store. It is on stands until August.

By the way, posting more kitchen/mudroom photos of our house tomorrow!

Au Revoir for now!

Maison des Jumeaux - the renovation of our country home

2010-04-30T11:20:00.235-04:00

Maison des Jumeaux (House of the Twins) is our country home that we have lovingly renovated over the last five years. It has been a huge undertaking!!! As it always seems with old houses, there is always more to do...

Here is the story of the renovation. Over the next few posts, I will be showing "before" and "afters". I am starting the the heart of the house - the kitchen and family room.

A view of the pool and pool house

Bet you are wondering what the Empire State Building has to do with the story!!!!
Well read on....

As you can see from the list above the renovation was a daunting task. Working with an architect, I redesigned portions for today's family lifestyle but still blended with the original architecture. Another goal was to take the dark french normandy to a lighter, sunnier place.

This is the original kitchen before renovation. On the surface, it appears to be a nice kitchen but underneath it all were layers of bad redo's since the 1960's. All the cabinets were old and painted over many times and the flooring was a wood laminate that had been laid over vinyl. The room is really large and the layout for cooking was very awkward. In between the keeping room and kitchen was a dividing wall and a wet bar. The kitchen was originally used for "the help" and never thought out as a cook's kitchen.

Here is the keeping room before renovation. As you can see, it is very dark and old looking. This is the furniture of the previous owners - not my taste! (Don't want you to think that is my decorating- ugh) Notice the small window above the couch. It is going to change.

We gutted the two rooms right down to the studs and started over.

In the photo above, you can see that we enlarged the window in the family rooms to brighten the space. Custom mahogany windows with insulated glass were made for entire front of the house. Each window was hand made and fitted on site by a european craftsman.

Now for the after.....

Renovated foyer complete with limetone floors.

Another view of foyer as you enter ...

Completed kitchen with oak and walnut cabinets.

Another view showing open shelving, hammered nickel farm sink and island.

The chef's kitchen is comptete with professional range, warming drawers, two dishwashers, sub zero fridge/freezer, wine cooler and coffee maker. There is also a baker's cabinet, walking pantry and mudroom that I will show in next post. Too much for one post!

Next to the formal dining room, there is a dry bar with deep storage for linens.

Floor to ceiling cabinets showcases glassware is a focal point as you enter the space. It lights up like jewel box.

Breakfast area defines the line between kitchen and family room.

Now for the family room...

The open hearth fireplace is the such a special feature. It can never be replicated because of today's fire codes. Can you see how different the space looks with the new large mahogany windows. So much more light!!

As I said, there is still so much more to do to complete the design. This my sample board showing all the fabrics that will eventually be incorporated into the design.

Here is a shot of the turret. We had to remove the exterior and insulate it. Before the renovation, the turret acted as a wind tunnel that brought cold air downstairs. We were freezing. Now it is toasty warm!

There is so much more to see in the renovation of Maison Gemeux. I am just getting warmed up!!! I hope that you will stop by again to see more!!

Au Revoir for now!!

Follow up on Ralph Lauren Paints

2010-04-27T13:49:00.002-04:00

After writing the previous post about Martha Stewart Paints at Home Depot, I received the following email from Ralph Lauren Public Relations. I thought I would share....

Dear Melissa,
Hi, my name is Ali and I am on the PR team at Ralph Lauren, specifically focused on Ralph Lauren Paint. I occasionally read your blog and am writing to comment on your recent post regarding Ralph Lauren Paint and the brand’s status at The Home Depot. Ralph Lauren Paint has introduced an exclusive distribution program for select Independent Paint Dealers. The same superior Ralph Lauren quality paint will be available through local Independent Dealers throughout the United States. We are excited to enter a new stage in the life of our brand, and wanted to make sure you were also informed about our plans. Please visit our Store Locator at www.ralphlaurenhome.com to find a store in the New York area.
Thank you for your continued interest in Ralph Lauren Paint. I would love to continue our communication and send you our latest color palette and information regarding our unique specialty finishes.
Thank you again for your time.
Best,
Ali Ginnel

I am so glad that Ali Ginnel contacted me since I have always love Ralph Lauren paints. I think that the Ralph Lauren red hues are especially great. RL has more red options than most other brands and everyone is terrific.

Go here: http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/paint and put in your zip code to fine a dealer near you.

Au Revoir for now!

It's like Garanimals for Painters

2010-04-26T19:49:00.002-04:00

Martha Stewart has a new line of paints at Home Depot.

Each of the 298 colors has a series of coordinating colors that go with them for foolproof decorating!

There is even symbols to coordinate the colors --JUST LIKE GARANIMALS! (You remembers Garanimals, don't you?)

On one of the TV segments last week, Kevin Sharkey, her decorating editor, showed a sample of a large rectangle of one predominant paint color and at the top of card a fold over flap with the suggested ceiling color and a bottom flap for the suggested trim color. He said the swatches will be available at the Home Depot. Fool proof! Yet, not very creative....

I personally love to pour over paint colors and try to come up with unique combinations. That is truly fun. But, I do think that this is a great idea.

You know...Martha really gets around. Originally, her paint line was sold through Sherwin Williams. Then, it disappeared at SW and was sold as a Valspar product at Lowes. Now, Home Depot.

The Martha Stewart Paints at Home Depot takes the place of Ralph Lauren paints. You can only buy the Ralph Lauren special effects paint at Home Depot.

Don't despair if you have painted a room in your house with any of the brands and they are discontinued because most good paint stores can access the formulas or have a fan deck to color match.

Au Revoir for now!

Lovin' a little girl's tea party!!!

2010-04-20T06:45:00.001-04:00

I have always loved anything heirloom or vintage! Combine it with a tea party and I am in heaven. For many years, I have collected magazine clippings that inspire me. Here is one from Victoria magazine, 2000. So perfect for spring!!

It is a southern belle birthday party complete with heirloom dresses, parasols, ribbons. lace and daisies. Be still my southern heritage heart!!!!

Each table is covered in a yellow gingham seersucker tablecloth topped by a flower-sprigged cotton tablecloth. Each placesetting has a bunny themed plate and a napkin ring made to look like a baby bracelet along with daisies. Tucked in next to the napkin are little white gloves.

Every little girl is dressed in her heirloom dress and given a flower halo and a battenburg parasol!

The patio chairs are gussied up with tulle and ribbons!

Royal Dalton Brambly Hedge plates are used for sandwiches and cake. Cake is made in a domed cake pan and the hat rim edge is the upturned portion of a paper plate. It is then placed on a vintage hat stand.

Bite sized flower shaped sandwiches are served.

A Victorian-styled carriage is the perfect place to receive the birthday presents.

Party favors are little limoge boxes filled with a miniature ceramic birthday cake.

One day, I would love to open a children's shop that has everything from heirloom dresses, party dresses, party favors etc. along with a children's design studio plus a tea shop next door! Designing for children is so fun since I can let my whimsical imagination run free!

Au Revoir for now!

The winner of the giveaway!

2010-04-14T17:37:00.000-04:00

Hi all. I have had a busy week but will be posting a design blog tomorrow. In the meantime, the random winner of the beach bag is "the gardner's cottage". Congrats and I will need you address to send you the bag. Send me an email or leave it in the comment section.

Au Revoir for now!

Les Toiles Du Soleil and a "Beachy" giveaway

2010-04-08T19:45:00.002-04:00

I visited a wonderful shop in NYC that I want to share with you. The name is Les Toiles du Soleil. It is a happy and colorful fabric store that was founded 150 years ago in a small town in the Catalan part of France called Saint Laurent de Cerdans.

The shopkeepers, Sandrine Guibert and Jean Luc Carrucciu are a delightful husband and wife duo from the Catalan region that brought Les Toiles du Soleil to New York City in 2008. The shop is located at 261 West 19th Street. There is also a website that you can order the items from. To view, go here.

Above is the collection of subrella fabrics. They are perfect to brighten any outdoor space!

They also have 100% cottons that are great for upholstery, curtains, roman shades, etc.

The fabrics are still made on the traditional looms to keep their ancestral quality.

Here some samples of items that are made from the fabric:

Aprons

Deck chairs

Espadrilles in many colors! Les Toiles Du Soleil is well known in Europe for their Espadrilles.

I could not resist these red, green and orange ones! Had to buy to go with:

This red jacket! (The colors are off in the pictures, but they are a perfect match.)

I am going to wear the shoes and jacket with jeans rolled up to show the shoes and white t-shirt.

Tori Burch is showing a very similar shoe in her 2010 summer collection for double the price!

Les Toiles also make the fabric into great napkins, tote bags, and beach bags.

There are stuffed bears and bunnies, too!

Here is a little designer hint- if you want to order samples from the Les Toiles Du Soleil website. Because each fabric is 72" wide with a large repeat, a swatch is not going to be large enough so order a 9" piece. It will cost a little but will be worth it.

Sandrine told me that many people come in to buy just enough for a pillow because they are afraid to use so much color BUT they seemed to always come back for more. The fabrics are so bright that they enliven the mood of your room. Especially, she says, when it is gray and cloudy outside.

I can totally see these fabrics in a beach house, a kid's playroom or bedroom. If you have white slipcovered furniture, add mitered striped pillows in the bright colors for the summer season. To die for!

NOW, for the giveaway! I am going to give a Les Toiles Du Soleil beach bag to one lucky reader. Here is all you need to do:

Either...

Leave me a comment.
Become a follower.
Add me to your blog list and let me know that you added me.

It is that simple! A winner will be chosen randomly. I will put all the names in a bowl and have one of my kids draw the winner. (I know too many of you to choose myself!) Please, make sure to leave an email so I can email the winner. I will name a winner on Wednesday, 4/14.

Here is the bag!! Sorry for the "not so great" picture, it was getting dark outside when I took the photo. I promise the bag is yummy!

Au Revoir for now!

A Beautiful Connecticut Easter!

2010-04-04T19:39:00.002-04:00

Welcome to a gorgeous Easter Sunday in Connecticut!!! We have had soooo much rain and today was the first really pretty day! I decided to have our Easter brunch outdoors on the terrace. Here are some photos....

This is my family- step kids with the boyfriend and girlfriend, my twin boys, and my husband. I am very blessed to have a great family!!

Hope your Easter or Passover was great, too!

Au Revoir for now!

Is Restoration Hardware diluting the integrity of Belgian and Industrial design?

2010-03-22T17:06:00.001-04:00

I received the new Restoration Hardware catalog the other day. While flipping through, I noticed how their new designs are heavily focused on swedish design with reclaimed wood and industrial designs.

As a designer, I am never happy when a unique design aesthetic becomes mainstream. It waters the integrity of the design down AND lowers the value of the true antiques.

Here are some photos of some very talented designers and antiques dealers that have made their name from Swedish and French design.

Houstonian Designer Pam Pierce via Cote de Texas

Lars Bolander Designs

Suzanne Kassler Design

Tara Shaw Antiques

Brooke and Steve Gianetti's kitchen via Velvet and Linen Blog
(notice the industrial stools - I believe they are vintage medical chairs)

Steve Gianetti office - Giannetti Home and Velvet and Linen Blog
(He collected industrial artifacts and gears)

Industrial Light from South of Market in Atlanta - photo via Velvet and Linen

Each one of these designers and/or architects has a very special gift in finding unusual antiques and a wonderful design aesthetic. I think that Restoration Hardware has really taken something from them and other designers who specialize in this aesthetic.

Here are the Restoration Hardware items:

Belgian linen covered french chairs

Reclaimed wood trestle table

Reclaimed wood baker's shelves Industrial stool

Reproduction Gears

Reclaimed wood kitchen island

Brickmaker's Table

(Velvet & Linen blog had a giveaway of this table several months back - not a restoration hardware one)

Reproduction French Feed Sack Pillows

Belgian Linen upholstered sofa, reclaimed wood mirror, industrial tripod lights....

I wonder how these designers feel?

Once, we sold a home that I had designed and the person who purchased it took photos of everything I had designed in order to replicate it! She even went so far as to bring a woodworker in to measure my antique dining room table to have it built. Now, I would have sold her the items which were all antiques but she was trying to do it on the "cheap". (This is extremely insulting to a designer...it feels like stealing.)

I would love to know your thoughts on the Restoration Hardware reproductions.

Au revoir for now!

Does Size Matter?....um, I mean chairs!

2010-03-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

I was reading a great post on Visual Vamp about a Eames rocking chair she bought for a client and the scale was really small for her tall client. Go to syndrome.htmlttp://visualvamp.blogspot.com/2010/03/mezuzah-syndrome.html to read the post.

It started me thinking about the scale of antique furniture vs. the size of Americans today. I have two 19th century english fireside chairs that have moved to many different locations in houses that we have lived in. Here are the fireside chairs in our family room.

These chairs were originally used by the gentlemen of a manor to take a "warm" by the fire. Now, I got to tell you that these chairs are mine and my 12-year-old twin boys favorite chairs to sit in. They are the perfect size for us. I am only 5' 3" and the twins are rapidly catching up to me. These chairs are ergonomically correct for a 5'3" person and are super cozy BUT certainly not for my husband (or for most grown men, for that matter.

So I did some research...in the 1800's, the average height of a man was or 5'2" and now is 5'10". The height of an average woman in 1940's was 5'2 1/2" and now is 5' 4 1/2 to 5'5" (all info from wikipedia).

Boy, I feel short!

Visual Vamp Blog photo

The Eames rocking chair was designed in 1948.

Just to give a visual scale of club chairs today that men love to sit in because they are big and hugging.

Our living room

Wow, big difference! Maybe that is why most men do not have an appreciation for antiques chairs and couches.

Thoughts?

Au Revoir for now.

Where For Art Thou Spring?

2010-03-03T19:00:00.001-05:00

This is looking out the door of our home in Connecticut!

I can not wait until spring. It has been a hard winter in the Northeast. To anyone living in California, Arizona and Florida, you are lucky ducks! Seems like you are the only states that escaped the snow. Last weekend, the snow was falling like crazy and the flakes were the size of plates!

I am so anxious for spring that when we had our first sunny 45 degree day on Monday, I took my camera out for a stroll in NYC in hopes of finding a sign of spring. Here is what I found:

See the sad, little, dried hydrangea clinging on for dear life! Yep, that was real wishful thinking!

See the tiny black thing in the snow? That is a bird looking for spring, too!

Oh well, I guess I will have to MINDFULLY WILL spring to come! Here are the wonderful things I LOVE about Spring!

The signs of spring life begin with the emergence of the little leaves pushing through the ground to become beautiful tulips and crocuses.

Along with the blossoming trees, don't you love Cherry Blossom and Dogwood trees?

Love the fresh, baby blades of grass that get thicker and thicker to make a soft carpet to walk on barefoot!

Spring is a celebration of new babies of all kinds!

I also find that everyone is affected by "spring fever". You just feel more alive!!! Isn't this a gorgeous photo of Sophia Loren and her niece?

I actually feel that I peel a layer of protection off when spring comes. I have been shrouded in coats for so many months....

Now, I can wear pretty florals and feel like a "girly" girl.

And finally, after long months in a house or apartment, it is time to dine al fresco!!

I hope these images inspire all my readers to WILL spring to come. What do you love about spring?

Au Revoir for now!

To Michael, With Love

2010-02-25T17:17:00.001-05:00

Since this is my first blog entry, I thought I would begin when I fell in love with interior design. It began in the 1980's on a trip with my parents to San Francisco and their beloved Mendocino, California.

That is where I discovered a different type of design from the interiors I knew growing up in Dallas, Texas. The designs were light and airy using natural stone floors, white powdery plaster walls, towering palm trees, overscaled and bleached wood furniture. This look that was coined the "California Look" was uniquely created by the wonderful iconic designer, Michael Taylor.

Photos from 1971. Love the 15 ft. tufted couch and the bullion trim which is a Taylor signature.

I have admired many of his designs and still love his furniture line that you can find at all the professional design centers but I knew very little about the man himself until the recent publication, "Michael Taylor Interior Design" by Stephen M. Salny. You can go to www.Amazon.com to buy it.

Taylor was a really dashing guy - 6' 4" and alway impeccably dressed!

This wonderful book chronicles Michael Taylor's life and his designs. What surprised me the most about his work is that he is known for the "California Look" but he has such a breadth of work. He has incredible taste for antiques and formal looks as well as the more casual style that he created. His protege, Suzanne Tucker of Tucker and Marks Design, practices today carrying on his style of detailed formal designs. Suzanne's work is amazing!!

I became more intrigued with Taylor when I went with my husband to The Auberge du Soleil Resort located in Napa Valley in 1992. Taylor designed the rustic and elegant retreat. Here are some photos:

This is the entrance lobby that Taylor specified the color of the stucco to be the color of a brown paper bag.

A view from the terrace that looks over the valley below. It is an exquisite place to dine!!!

Guest suites. Love the pink!

BUT, what really surprised me is his gift for designing more traditional rooms that are still current today. Here are some examples:

This bedroom was photographed in 1957...look at the gorgeous venetian mirror and Syrie Maugham inspired canopy bed!

Photo from 1966. Love blue and white Toile de Jouy and again, Syrie Maugham canopy bed. Doesn't he have great taste?

Garden Room photographed in 1972. The hexagonal room is a trellised interior with a perfect hexagonal table to match and matchstick chairs. Don't you love the reindeer topiary in the garden?

Photographed in 1973. Famous designer, Mark Hampton, claimed that this room "was the prettiest Victorian room ever seen". Taylor disliked the darkness of Victorian homes so he painted everything white much like Syrie Maugham did in the 1940's. Love the hand painted Chinoiserie scene...looks like de Gournay wallpaper.

Pool Pavilion photographed in late 1960's. He told the clients it would cost $30,000 to build and it cost over $300,000. Can't you tell? Love the inlaid marble floor.

Now here are some examples of Michael Taylor's white rooms. Each one of these makes me just swoon.

Photographed in 1956. In this previously dark house, he stripped and bleached all of the floors and panelling. In living room, there is a travertine table and Giacometti style rope lamps. He used these lamps in many of his interiors--another signature of Taylor's.

**If you look at the March 2010 cover of Veranda magazine, you will find a updated but similar look designed by AM Atelier. This is what I believe Taylor would be designing in current times. You can go to Cote De Texas blog - one of my favorite blogs -and search Texas Enfilades and you will see the cover. (I am such a newbie to blogging that I had trouble copying it..oh the learning curve. I hope to improve my skills!)

Photographed in 1960. Originally a library, Taylor transformed the space into a sunroom by removing two walls of book shelves and adding floor to ceiling windows. He used white duck slip-covered furniture, Giacometti styled rope lamps (again) and lush green plants. I could live in this room! Love the Baroque ceramic stove.

This library and bedroom were designed in 1956. Taylor's monochromatic design was infused with french antiques that he purchased from Frances Elkin's estate. I love the contrast of all the shades of white with the dark finishes on the wood pieces! Also, love the column fragments as coffee tables in library.

Photograph from 1971. Taylor designed this comfortable dining room with a round wooden pedestal table and wicker barrel chairs that blend flawlessly with the bleached floors and beams.

Now, here is what is interesting...look at the photo of his own home named Sea Cliff. His home was chocked full of fantastical furniture and objects. It was very different than what he designed for his clients but I truly love his eye.

Sadly, this genius of a man died in 1986 of AIDS. But his influence lives on. In 1987, the estate of Michael Taylor was auctioned by Butterfields to pay for his extraordinary debt that he had incurred due to his expensive, self-indulgent taste. Which leads to another question I have for another blog entry...Do creative people make good business people...you know, left brain vs. right brain?

Michael Taylor was an innovator and a one-of-kind. I LOVE his style and it is still current today. Thanks to Stephen Salny for putting this book together. This book is DEFINITELY a book to buy for your library! Taylor certainly influenced my design style. I will show you photos of my own work in another blog entry.

Au revoir for now.

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