We are currently featured on Marni Katz’s Inside Source discussing “Jungle Themed Rooms”. She used the below photograph of a room we designed as an example:

This is a library we did for a manhattan couple. I love a dark sultry room in the house. It is a great room to unwind in at the end of the day with a cocktail and a great book. These rooms have a bit of whimsy and a lot of intrigue. With the right lighting, texture, and color you can set the mood for a cozy night in.

To see Marni’s post visit her site: http://www.theinsidesource.com/topics/home-and-garden/view/trendlet-alert-jungle-look/

xo,

S

Sorry to be M.I.A.- we have been out in “the field” shooting a completed project in East Hampton, installing clients on the Upper East Side and Tribeca, and scheming up a storm for an upcoming show house! No time to update the blog. In all of this madness we found the time to join a fabulous new website called Decorator Tag Sale ( www.decoratortagsale.com )

Finding the perfect piece of designer furniture for your home has never been easier! Decorator Tag Sale brings buyers and sellers from all across the world together on one site to view home furnishings chosen by famous designers.

From modern furniture designs to vintage antiques, designer furniture to collectibles, Decorator Tag Sale offers the consumer an opportunity to visit a decorator’s warehouse online and purchase their high-end furniture at discounted prices.

There are many fabulous designers who joined and have posted pieces they selected now on sale to the general public. Among them are Amanda Nisbet, Christopher Coleman, John Loecke, and….us!

The site was written up in the New york Times on Thursday and has been getting lots of visitors. Some of the items you will find include:

Click on the following link for a one way ticket to accessorizing your home: http://decoratortagsale.com/designer-view/?d=273&page=1

Happy Shopping!

xo,

S

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

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

I am back from Europe, a bit jet-lagged but totally inspired. We found amazing stores in Paris, took in all we could possibly see, and ate more than was healthy. Stay tuned for updates from Paris and Ireland.

xo,
S

LA Plates is a company that produces monogramed/ personalized melamine plates. I purchase these for clients with children and beach homes as they are a stylish take on melamine plates. They also make wonderful house warming gifts and bridal gifts.

Various Custom plates people have made below:

She has recently added accessories:

Tote

Canvas bag with navy

Platter

Canvas bag- medium in lime

Plate

Platter

To purchase visit: http://www.laplates.com/

Happy Shopping!

xo,

S

While at a fundraising event last week I caught up with a classmate of mine from Brown. She is the incredibly talented Orly Genger. Orly creates sculptures and large-scale installations from painted climbing rope. Her work is included in several collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, Hood Museum, and Indianapolis Museum of Art. Wisely, she has branched out into the world of jewelry and her necklaces and bracelets are to die for. She uses the same painted climbing rope to create texture and weight to her jewelry that I find irresistible. Statement pieces at reasonable prices.

Art:

Puzzlejuice, 2006
nylon rope with paint dimensions variable

Reg Versus Fans, 2009
Nylon climbing rope with latex paint and fans dimensions variable

Her pieces can be seen in person at the Larissa Goldston Gallery in Chelsea

http://www.larissagoldston.com/artists/orlygenger/index.aspx

She has an upcoming show at Mass Moca in April.

Jewelry:

Forget the nautical white rope bracelets of your youth. These are totally fabulous!

Kara Bracelet

Maret Bracelet

Alice Necklace

Leonora Necklace

Barbara Necklace

I am having a very difficult time choosing which one I want. They are all so beautiful and unique.

To purchase on line visit: http://www.jaclynmayer.com/collection.html

xo,
S

Whether it is a large room or a small forgotten hallway or bathroom, I love a dark room in a house. People are often afraid to go dark but once we have pushed them to the other side they never regret it. A dark room becomes the most intimate room in the house. I have “gone dark” in libraries, dining rooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and hallways. In dining rooms, I prefer to go dark with a high gloss paint so at night when an overhead chandelier is dimmed and candles are lit the entire room twinkles. Libraries, where people mostly sit at night is another good spot for deep dark paint, a dark lustrous fabric, or wood paneling. With dark walls and well placed lights it feels a natural spot to sit with your glass of wine and a book. On a hot summer day a dark room feels cool and welcoming, while in the middle of winter it becomes the coziest room in the house. The two mistakes people often make are not adding enough lighting sources ( sconces, table lamps, floor lamps – all at different heights to cast a glow) and forgetting to bring in color to balance and offset the dark walls. Since walls are the majority of your room you need to bring in lighter colors to make it work. Personal favorites for high gloss walls are chocolate brown, eggplant, charcoal, and navy blue.

Ruthie Sommers- Charcoal grey grasscloth and scarlet shade- sexy.

Another room by Ruthie Sommers- A deep greeny black on bead board. This room has large windows so it can take a flat paint.

Jeffrey Bilhuber – deep aubergine high gloss walls in a dining room. At night when candles are lit this will become an intimate room where you will love to gather at the end of the day.

Mario Buatta – lovely dark lacquered walls set off by lots of yellow

Jansen kicks up the drama with a fretwork pattern in glossy white on top of a glossy black wall.

Tom Scheerer’s take on dark walls in a dining room with crisp white trim

Markham Roberts- offsets the dark walls with drapes with an ivory background, a beautiful soft brown antique desk, pops of pale blue, and tan.

Tory Burch’s apartment with upholstered walls in deep green velvet- texture, color, and the velvet reflects light. Delicious.

Sister parish- Timeless

Feminine but so chic

Markam Roberts – nautical, crsip, and ever so handsome

xo,

S

There are many open air farmer’s markets in New York City but my local favorite is the Abingdon Square market around the corner from our apartment. With the promise of spring in the air on

One of my favorite west coast antique dealers is opening up shop in NYC. Time and time again, I have found beautiful high quality pieces at Lucca. The store showcases the owners appreciation of fine antiques, architectural elements and their passion for creating their own designs from old, found objects. Prior to their Tribeca store opening I could only gaze longingly at their LA store via 1st dibs. I now will be able to drool in person and so will you!

A few images to tempt/ inspire you:

8 am chandelier assembled from 18th, 19th, and 20th century parts with a beautiful finish.

Bleached wood arm chairs. I love their squiggly lines that run all the way down to their legs.

19th Century faux bois dining table and 4 arm chairs. Perfect for the backyard of your townhouse or the garden of your country/ beach home.

Lucca Antqiues
182 Duane Street ( Tribeca)

website: http://www.luccaantiques.com/

Enjoy!

xo,

S

I have fallen in love with New Orleans artist, Amanda Talleys circular paintings. Her works show movement, light, and the colors speak to me. I have just purchased a pair for a client. Her walls are a soft lacquered sea foam blue and the yellow and orange circles will sing off of it. And at 38″ wide and 52″ high they will be a focal point in the room.

Adding a piece of two of abstract modern art is a great way to add personality to a space. I am dying to get my hands on one of her pieces for my new apartment. A few of my favorites:

Pair of Framed Drawings
30″ x 44″
Peach, Pink, Seafoam in White Frames

Pair of Framed Drawings
38″ x 52″
Grey, Black and Light Blues in White Frames

“THISTLE”
2007
72″ x 48″

“LAUREL STREET” – 2009
48″ Square
Acrylic on Birch Panel

See more of Amanda’s beautiful work at: http://www.amandatalley.com/

To purchase contact me or Amanda directly and mention Sara Gilbane Interiors

xo,

S