Archive for April, 2010

Heading down to Palm Beach for a long weekend for some fun in the sun and lots of antiquing for clients!

xo,

S

In the next few weeks Christie’s has a series of exciting sales. The Post War and Contemporary Art Sale as well as the Impressionist/ Modern Art Sale will bring a great number of spectacular pieces to the auction block. Get your catalogue online now and get ready to start the bidding!

Post War and Contemporary Art Featuring Works From the Collection of Michael Crichton

New York

Sale: May 11th and May 12th 2010

Lot 35: Yves Klein

Le Buffle

Painted in 1960-1961

Lot 45: Andy Warhol

Silver Liz

Painted in 1963

Lot 7: Jasper Johns

Flag

Painted in 1960-1966

Lot 19: Pablo Picasso

Femme a la robe rose

Painted in 1917

Impressionist/ Modern Art Sale Featuring the Collection of Mrs. Sydney F. Brody

New York

Sale May 4th and May 5th 2010

Lot 6: Pablo Picasso

Nude, Green Leaves and Bust

Painted in 1932

Lot 10: Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Femme Accoudee

Painted in 1887

Lot 22: Henri Matisse

Nu au coussin bleu

Painted in 1924

Visit the Christie’s website for more information: http://www.christies.com/

xo,

S

One of my favorite showrooms in the D and D Building is Holland and Sherry. They carry high quality lines that pack a punch with color and pattern. As some of you know, the Holland and Sherry line of fabrics is supplied to tailors and luxury brands all over the world for jackets, pants, and coats (I have spied Holland and Sherry’s book in my husband’s tailors shop). They supply various materials from cotton, wool, and cashmere, to worsted Vicuna! These beautiful tweeds, plaids, and solid fabrics have come in handy when the need arrises for a dapper sofa or a sharp pair of drapes.

Holland and Sherry Fabrics:

The above two images are of a sampling of their Spring line of fabrics you may find at your tailor as well as in the showroom.

Above fabrics are also part of Holland and Sherry’s line (from left to right): mohair velvet, heavy wool herringbone, and seersucker.

C & C Milano:

I have a penchant for linen and C C Milano makes some of the finest. I love their colors and patterns. Some of the linen is heavier (think upholstery- sofas, chairs, etc) and some is light as air ( perfect for sheers or a bed canopy).

Above are various patterns you will find in the showroom

Above are two examples of C & C Milano linens- warm and inviting fabrics that age beautifully.

Above are bed linens for C & C Milano by Karim Rashid

View the entire collection on their website: http://www.cec-milano.com/we/press/elementview.php?ref=element1259063165

Embroidery Collection:

Their embroidery collection is gorgeous. Haute couture interior design. Fabrics, threads, and designs can all be customized.

They keep a supply of pillow cases and throws in the showroom. The perfect finishing touch at the end of a project.

All of the above designs can be customized and used for anything. We have used them for the edge of drapes, benches, sofas, club chairs, headboards, and wall upholstery.

Below is an example of a wall we upholstered with one of these custom designs:

View all of their embroidery designs on their website: http://hollandandsherry.com/interiors/embroidery.aspx

1. Christopher Farr Cloth’s line of fabrics on linen. Seen below on a headboard designed by Daryl Gordon.

Another Christopher Farr Cloth fabric – Peonies. Seen below in a beach house bedroom designed by us.

Visit their website to view the rest of the collection: http://www.christopherfarrcloth.com/indoor.php

2. A few samples of fabric from Muriel Brandolini’s line. Below are two images from different beach houses we did.

Visit their website to view the rest of their collections: http://www.murielbrandolini.com/

3. Katie Ridder’s fabric line

4. Katie Ridder’s fabric line

View the rest of her line at: http://www.katieridder.com/

1. Katie Ridder’s fabric: Beetlecat

2. Katie Ridder’s fabric: Peony

I am eyeing both of these fabrics for a nursery.

How much fun are these! With painterly brushstrokes in beautiful rich hues I am dying to use these silks as drapes for a client. Amanda Nisbet’s fabrics are all beautiful my these are definitely my favorites.

Visit her site to see the entire collection: http://www.amandanisbetdesign.com/

xo,
S

I love Michael Devine’s fabrics ( found in the john Rosselli showroom at the D and D) and have used them for everything (drapes, headboards, wall upholstery, sofas, chairs, etc). If you are not in the market for new fabric but want a bit of fun, take a look at these goodies he sells. Upholstered in fabric from his line he makes trays, picture frames, notebooks, and catchalls.

A laminated tray made from his Garden Folly fabric in sea

Laminated trays made from his Pinwheel fabric in azure and leaf

Laminated trays made from his Venice fabric

shown in: Blue, chocolate, and scarlet

Picture frames:

soft aqua: made from his Bagatelle fabric in sea

yellow: made from his Dottie fabric in straw

Napkins rings that are summer ready- made from his hand painted Ashley fabric

A notepad and pencil cup made from his Dottie fabric in graphite- so chic!

View more of his collection and purchase online at: http://www.michaeldevinehome.com/shop/index.php

xo,

S

We stopped into D. Porthault to look at linens for a client and fell in love. All of their prints are beautiful making it impossible to choose just one. They remind me of my grandmother’s beach house in the summertime. Classic and elegant- you can’t go wrong.

The Start of Something Good:

At the turn of the 20th century, Daniel Porthault opens a small lingerie boutique in Paris. In the Roaring Twenties, his wife Madeleine convinces him to expand into the undiscovered world of home couture. At a time when France and the world were sleeping on traditional white and ivory linen, Madeleine and Daniel introduce a new style of bedding ~ printed sheets. Inspired by her love of Impressionist art and the gardens at Giverny, and by her association with the fashion designer Maggie Rouff, Madeleine Porthault’s colorful sheets, adorned with dressmaker details, are an instant success… and D. Porthault is still here today with a countless number of chic fans ( Charles de Gaulle, Sir Winston Churchill, President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, the Duchess of Windsor – to name a few).

Photos from their shop at 470 Park Avenue:

Above: A selection of bed linens:

Top Left:

Bottom Left: Tresse in Grey and Blue

Middle: Tigre Turquoise Sham and Rubans bolster

Above: These bed linens were some of my favorite. All the flowers are hand embroidered in cornflower, navy, pink, and cherry red.

Above: A selection of hand-printed cotton terry towels.

Bottom Left: Bath Towel- Jete De Fleurs Blue

Bottom Right: Parrot Beach Towel

A few more bath towels- I couldn’t resist:

Top Left: Etoiles

Bottom Left:

Center:

Top Right: Poise de Senteur

Bottom Right:

Above: Contemporary table linens in confetti pattern ( shown in blue and turquoise) on white linen.

Above: This centerpiece must be seen to be believed. A safari right in the middle of your dining table!

A few of my favorite rooms with D. Porthault linens:

A Todd Romano designed room in blue- so much fun. This little room with a funny ceiling suddenly feels like the most special room in the house. As long as you ground the room with a solid bring in as many patterns as you like.

Rita Konig’s room in Domino- all soft and lovely with a soft punch in pink and orange on her D. Porthault euro shams

Howard Slatkin turns up the volume of his room with D. Porthault linens in blue. I love the mix of patterns in here.

Charlotte Moss used D. Porthault linens in her bedroom at the Kips Bay 2009 showhouse.

Visit the store or their new and improved website and get your fix today!

D. Porthault: http://www.dporthaultparis.com/www/

xo,

S

We love our sample sales! One fabulous one coming up that should not be missed is the John Robshaw Sale:

You will find all sorts of goodies for your home. Nothing says spring and summer like John Robshaw.

Happy Shopping.

xo,

S

Todd Romano’s shop is always a pleasure to visit. His love of color, fabric, and pattern comes through in each piece he has selected for his store.

In addition to his unique collections of antiques, furniture and unusual decorations, he carries wool dhurrie rugs designed by Langham and Fine, exclusive fabrics by Tillet and Northcroft and Bob Collins ( a favorite of mine- whimsical and brilliantly colored), and accessories. He also carries hand thrown ceramic lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller, which offer a unique custom like quality and are represented in a multitude of styles and shapes not to mention an exquisite color palette.

Recently relocated to The Fine Arts Building, in the heart of the design district after seven years on Lexington Avenue, his expanded showroom attracts regular traffic from America’s top decorators and tastemakers. Go to his store to experience his unique vision and well edited assortment that he has become famous for.

All the chairs in the store are special. Fabulous shapes, unique fabric, and fun scale make each one special. The quilting on the small grey chair is beautiful.

Throw pillows galore- Todd Romano keeps his store stocked with throw pillows upholstered in vintage yet modern prints in chic colors.

These wool dhurrie rugs designed by Langham and Fine are simply beautiful in person. I am eyeing one for my apartment. You can order custom sizes and colors.

1. Great Gatsby anyone? I love these glasses.

2. Lavender boxes- perfect for your dresser to keep stationary, jewelry, photos.

3. Tall mercury glass vase- the shape is beautiful and the silver fades on the neck for a clear finish.

4. The chinese dragon head on top of the armoire is huge and fantastic. What a fun prop!

5. The lamps, the silly ceramic frog cachepots and the beautiful deep greeny teal lacquered desk are all standouts.

Christopher Spitzmiller sells his hand made lamps here and they have a fabulous display. I love them all. The new baby lamps are perfect for an entry hall console or desk.

Visit the store:

The Fine Arts Building
232 East 59th Street
4th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(212)421-7722

9 am- 5 pm

xo,

S

For my clients who are looking for a graphic detail I love bringing in stripes. They can be both modern and traditional. I have used them all over- in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and powder rooms. They always pack a punch. There are plenty of striped wallpapers out there but to create just the right color, width, or texture I turn to my decorative painters.

A project we are currently working on is shown above. The client has a large loft space and we needed something to spruce up the living room/ dining room area and make the space with such high ceilings feel a bit more special. Our decorative painter created a beautiful neutral metallic mix for the 5 wide horizontal stripes. In some light they appear a pearly shade, mid-day to late afternoon they become a bolder shimmering gold, and at night they go back to a neutral accent. They set off the metal sculptures beautifully. Stay tuned for more photos as the project progresses.

The above nursery is another current project. The charcoal rug has pale blue and green details and we painted a fun pale blue circus tent stripe on the walls.

Vertical Stripes:

Bold black and white stripes and a black and white Carlton Varney runner create an entrance you won’t soon forget.

Ashley Branca uses a cherry red stripe all over the room above. The black molding adds a modern twist.

I love this happy yellow and white striped bathroom. The awkward angle of the ceiling gave them an opportunity to create a canvas effect.

Horizontal Stripes:

Amanda Nisbet keeps it neutral and classic but the thin horizontal stripes add a modern elegance to the small space. Remember, even a small nook in your home is an opportunity for fun.

Mary McDonald sets of the neutral furniture and sisal rug with punch high gloss stripes.

Miles Redd brings a modern vibe into this living space in florida. With views of the water it is nice to keep your eyes on the landscape outside. he plays this up with aqua stripes and an interesting valance.

Stripes can go anywhere…Eric Cohler brings them into the shower with a striped pattern in the tile. It doesn’t get cooler than this.

An otherwise neutral nursery gets a pop of fun… on the ceiling with bold yellow stripes. Fun for your baby to look up at!

xo,

S

Once we left the Brooklyn Botanical Garden we wandered to Boerum Hill in Brooklyn and stumbled upon Layla, a jewel-box of a store that I have been meaning to get to for months.

Alayne Patrick works with master craftsmen in India to create one of a kind jewelry, clothing, housewares, and bedding. I picked up a lovely grey and white kaftan as well as some beautiful blue and white napkins, a tablecloth, and bedding for a client. The bedding is woven from high-quality cotton and accented with brightly colored stitching.

Layla is a beautiful store- a must visit!

xo,

S

Last weekend it was 70 degrees and gorgeous. The perfect day for a visit to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. An easy subway ride from the West Village brings you right to the entrance but once inside you are worlds away from New York City. The smell of all the blossoming flowers and tress transports you to the country side.

Lilacs, grape hyacinths, and crabapple trees greet you as you enter the garden and make your way down to cherry lane.

The cherry blossoms were almost in full bloom when we visited. This is the perfect spot to bring a picnic lunch and a book.

There are so many flowers through out the gardens and all the plants have their names proudly posted.

Once past Cherry Lane the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden awaits. It is filled with a myriad of trees, flowers, animals, and sculptures. I love the cut-out shape above on the footbridge- it would be great as a repeated pattern set into venetian plaster.

The tulip bed took my breath away. Flowers are planted by color and species and the patterns are beautiful.

If you are enable to make it there in April, May and June offer their own special blooms.

• April: Magnolias, daffodils, forsythias, flowering cherries, crabapples, Native Flora and Japanese Hill-and-Pond Gardens.
• May: Lilacs, tulips, bluebells, wisterias, Shakespeare Garden, Rock Garden, dogwoods, azaleas in the Osborne Garden.
• June: Cranford Rose Garden, Perennial Borders, Annual Border, Herb Garden, irises, peonies.

Visit the website for hours, directions, and admission: http://www.bbg.org/

Follow the Brooklyn Botanical Garden on Twitter for updates: http://twitter.com/bklynbotanic

xo,

S

One of my favorite colors, hands down, is purple, weather it comes in eggplant, aubergine, lilac, lavender, violet, or plum I love the rich moodiness of the color. One of my client’s had me on the hunt for purple and I found a treasure trove of fabrics, wallpapers, and paint colors I would love to use in the near future. I look towards nature and the majority of my favorite flowers are purple:

Hyacinths

African Daisies

Hydrangeas

Delphiniums

Lilacs

Pansies

Foxgloves

Grape Hyacinths

Violets

And lavender…. rows and rows of lavender!

California Paint- Faded Lilac

Farrow and Ball- Bringal

The below rooms have lavenders, plums, rich aubergines, and lilacs mixed to perfection.

Madeline Weinrib:

Quadrille:

Carolina Irving:

Kelly Wearstler for Groundworks:

Osborne and Little wallpaper:

Pierre Bonnard loved purple and paired it with all colors. I use ome of his paintings as jumping off points for clients:

Above: a favorite combination, lavender, plum, and pale yellow

Above: I would take the pale lavender, bright cantaloupe, and the sea foam for a sunny palate in Florida

The painting above with the lavender and bright red in the tablecloth has such warmth

Above: I would take the lavender, warm bright yellow, ivory, and deep forrest green

xo,

S

The rain is making it’s way back to New York City and aside from curling up on the sofa and watching a movie what else is there to do? Shop via your computer at One King’s Lane! If you are not all ready a member….hurry up and join. They have daily sales on items that are normally available to the trade and are available to you at great prices.

Join Now: http://www.onekingslane.com/InviteFriends.aspx

Today- Curry and Co

A favorite vendor of ours that sells chandeliers, chairs, occasional tables, and accessories

A look at a few pieces that will be for sale:

A beautiful chair that would look stunning at a vanity or small desk

Hammered metal cocktail table- so stylish!

gold side table- I love the rings

Mirrored vanity

Mirrored console table

Tomorrow- Taste Maker Tag Sales featuring Nathan Turner

Nathan Turner’s L.A. store

A few fabulous antique and vintage finds from his store in L.A. that should be available tomorrow:

Settee embroidered in vintage suzani

Set of large vintage maps

Hand painted theatrical fresco

Tan and pink ikat throw pillow

Vintage glazed ceramic pot

Leather stools/ side tables for Elite Leather- perfect for a nursery!

Set of 6 framed bird prints

Happy Shopping!

xo,

S

A man after my own heart. He has impeccable taste and is a master at restoring old homes and renovating new homes with an eye trained on the details. This is what makes a house feel warm, lived in, and special. If you are looking for that historic home but want the modern amenities (pipes, bathrooms, and infrastructure) than Gil is your man.

G.P. Schafer Architect, PLLC, is a small, full-service architectural firm specializing in traditional residential architecture. Based in New York City, it is directed by Gil Schafer III, who won a Palladio Award for a Greek Revival home in upstate New York in 2002.

City Home:

Gil renovated his 900 square foot apartment in a west village town house and it is perfection. While 900 square feet may not be a lot of space, it can still feel like home. His careful use of detail and space planning turned this apartment into a beautiful livable space. The apartment features 12-ft. French windows that overlook the street. The windows were rebuilt and the integral jamb-panel folding shutters were re-created to match the ones that would have been there originally. The dining table doubles as a desk.

When he purchased the apartment it had 13-ft. ceilings, 12-ft. windows and a few original Italianate/ Victorian elements remaining from its original form: three adjacent parlors in an 1850-60s townhouse. The previous owner had renovated and overlaid Modernist elements on the historic interior.

This was all to change as Schafer “sought to restore period detail to a much-altered fabric while exploring several architectural themes.” After 18 months of design and construction, completed in May 2002, the apartment now resembles a “Minard Lefever interior of the 1830s with the glamour and mischief of a David Adler/Frances Elkins interior of the late 1920s and 30s.” Where plain, pallid walls had existed previously, a rich terra-cotta finish now furnishes a backdrop for Ionic columns, custom moldings, a scagliola mantel and other details.

“One of the challenges was the high ceilings,” says Schafer. “There is actually more square footage on the walls than on the floor, and this enormous height was a daunting problem. It was a challenge just trying to proportion things to the scale of the space. The doors are taller, for example, and I had some new furniture built to accommodate the ceiling height. The volume of the space makes lighting a challenge, too.” Schafer’s solution was to use numerous lamps throughout the apartment, combined with strategic uplighting, following the examples of David Hicks, a decorator he admires.

A tall bed inspired by a French steel “campaign” bed from the 19th-century was used in the cube-shaped bedroom, which, like the other rooms, has 13-ft. ceilings. The walls in the rear of the apartment were upholstered to create a quieter environment.

Country Home:

His country home “Middlefield” outside of Millbrook, NY. He bought the land and started construction in 1997. He was finished 14 months later ( he knows how to stay on schedule- what a dream!)

Determined that his house look as if it had been built in the 1840s, reflecting the local Hudson Valley vernacular, Mr. Schafer studied local examples and consulted sources including pattern books by the 19th-century architects Asher Benjamin and Minard Lefever.

The end result, a temple-with-wings structure, is rich in period details. Doric columns front a two-story central portico flanked by a lower kitchen wing on one side and an enclosed porch on the other. The pediment above the portico has a fanlight, and the front door has sidelights and a transom window. The main entrance opens onto a long hallway, with a double parlor dining room and living room off to the side. Mr. Schafer also incorporated historically appropriate molding profiles, stair balusters and pocket doors.

When you enter his website the logo “Creating Places That Enhance The Enjoyment of Life” greets you. I couldn’t agree more.

website: http://gpschafer.com/

xo,

S

With the sun shining and 80 degree weather it feels more like August in New York. After all the rain we have had the flowers are exploding. Here are a few shots from my camera phone.

The tulips are out in Abingdon Square park and look gorgeous! Smorgas Chef on West 4th and 12th street has yellow tulips set out on their tables and gets perfect late afternoon sunlight- a great spot for a quick drink with a friend.

Stay tuned for more.

xo,

S

As a follow-up to my post yesterday I wanted to share this with you. I received an email from the lovely ladies at Diane James who sent me a link to an interview they did with Sharyn Blond. Aside from making the most exquisite faux flowers and topiaries they have a blog that is always a good read.

Read the interview here: http://thebuzz.dianejameshome.com/?p=803

xo,

S