2013 Archives - Amy Hirsch

2013 Year in Review

This past year was a great year of growth and opportunities for my design firm.

This past year was a great time of growth and opportunities for my design firm. I loved working on so many amazing projects and meeting clients who were able to share my vision for the ideal design for their homes. I loved the experience of designing my new studio and offices and am looking forward to seeing what incredible things wait for my business in 2014. I’m fortunate to have a wonderful family and talented staff to support me on this journey.

During the past year, I really enjoyed seeing my work gain the attention of different publications. That sort of recognition is so validating. I’ve been reflecting on the past year lately and thinking about how I continue to grow as a designer. Looking back on the press I received in 2013 is both humbling and exciting. Here are the various publications which featured my work last year. I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for Amy Aidinis Hirsch, LLC!

March 2013: Seeing Red in At Home in Fairfield County Magazine

May 2013: Natural Edge in At Home in Fairfield County Magazine

May 2013: Connecticut Cottages & Gardens Project of Note

August 2013: Designers’ Houses in At Home in Fairfield County Magazine

September 2013: CTC&G’s Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Fall Collection Launch

November 2013: Q&A with Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Magazine

December 2013: Kitchen Color in House Beautiful Magazine

Interior Design Trends for 2013

I’ve seen quite a few lists of design trends to watch for in 2013, and several of them really resonate with me.

I’ve seen quite a few lists of design trends to watch for in 2013, and several of them really resonate with me. Some appeal to the traditionalist in me, while others are a bit riskier. It will be interesting to see which of these trends get the most attention over the upcoming year or beyond, and which turn out to be more short-lived. Here are the predicted trends I am most excited about!

1. Brass: This is a metal I’ve seen come up on more than one list. This warm, ’70s inspired finish is something I’m already in love with.

2013 design trends brass — Brass staircase designed by Kelly Wearstler.

2. High Gloss: Nothing compares to the shine and polish of a high gloss lacquer! Lacquered walls really stand out and, when thoughtfully combined with more traditional elements in a room, create an unforgettable look.

j bilhuber high gloss lacquer 2013 design trends — Incredible lacquer walls, design by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

3. Art: Selecting just the right piece of art for a client’s space is one of my favorite things about designing. I am always on the look out for an artist whose work appeals to me and fits perfectly with one of my projects. I love that this is a trend for 2013.

2013 design trends art — Octopus sketch by artist Tierra Connor.

4. Antique Furniture: The trend here lies in mixing antique furniture with more modern elements, something I always enjoy doing. In fact, hunting for just the right piece until I find exactly what I’m looking for is so exciting.

amy aidinis hirsch greenwich connecticut interior design — This gorgeous antique piece I found for a client’s entry used to be part of an 1800’s bar in the south of France.

5. Embellished Walls: I have long been a fan of custom wall coverings. There are so many amazing options available to suit the needs of nearly any client in nearly any space. From grass cloth and linen to hand painted and beaded, wall coverings are as varied and unique as the spaces they decorate.

greenwich connecticut interior design amy hirsch — For this client, I covered the walls of their home theater in Ralph Lauren Mahogany Yacare Crocodile.

6. Lace: If the word lace makes you think of your grandmother’s doilies, think again. Like other old-is-new trends, using lace in unexpected ways can bring a lot of beauty and character to a room. Think of combining it with more contemporary designs or using it in small, non-traditional ways.

2013 design trends lace — This pillow features black lace accents. From the Jason Wu/Canvas line.

Which trends for 2013 are you most excited about?

2013: Year of the Snake

Tomorrow marks the start of 2013, the Year of the Snake.

According to legend, the Chinese zodiac originated long ago with the Jade emperor. The emperor decided there should be some way of measuring time, and so challenged the animals to a swimming race across a swift river. The first 12 animals to complete the race would each have a year named after them. The story says 13 animals raced, with the cat coming in last after being tricked by the rat. The sixth animal to complete the race was the sneaky snake.

Tomorrow marks the start of 2013, the Year of the Snake. Snake characteristics include traits such as intelligence, motivation, and influence. In honor of the Year of the Snake, I’d like to use today’s blog post to look at the influence of snake imagery and snakeskin on the worlds of design and fashion.

snake ceiling mount — Deco cast bronze ceiling mounts by Paul Marra.

Snakeskin is a very conceptual texture, something a lot of people love. It’s not for everyone and typically works best in small doses. Snakeskin is about confidence and bringing out your inner fangs!

The use of snake imagery doesn’t have to be literal. It can be incorporated into hardware or mirrors or simply suggested in shapes and lines. Snakeskin is a dramatic choice as well. I used this gorgeous Maya paper on the face front of interior doors in a NYC residence with really amazing results. It’s high glamour, over-the-top chic that doesn’t scream “reptile.”

maya snake paper — Slink™ Hand-Painted Vinyl by Maya Romanoff

karung snake skin pillow — Large Custom Karung Snake Skin Pillow – Lobel Modern

serpintine mirror — Gold Tone Serpentine Mirror

snake chain fabric — Snake Chain fabric in Dove from Dwell Studio

ligne roset serpintine chair — Ligne Roset Serpentine Outdoor Chair

In fashion, snakeskin is all about confidence and bringing out your inner fangs! I sport snakeskin about once a week on my shoes or bag. It’s a really bold pattern and I love it!

lima serpintine heel — Lima by Brian Atwood – Serpentine inspired.

snakeskin fashion 2013 — Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 Runway Looks via Harper’s Bazaar

python bag — Python bag from IntermixOnline

What does the Year of the Snake have in store for you?