Color Obsession: Citrus & Lime

I find myself craving color right now, drawn to everything bright, sunny, and cheerful.

Maybe it’s because I was born in summer , but this my favorite time of year.  I find myself craving color right now, drawn to everything bright, sunny, and cheerful.  This is the season when I search for bold hues that make a big impact.  Lemon, lime, and other citrusy colors remind me of the warmth of the sun and are perfect for this season.  You see these colors in a lot of vintage fashion from the 1940s and 1950s, a time when people were adventurous in how they dressed.  You can definitely make a summer splash with Citrus and Lime!

Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design LLC Greenwich CT

  1.  Living room by Jeff Andrews Design.
  2. Imperial Gates – Green and Key Lime on Ivory Manila Hemp from Phillip Jeffries.
  3. Malibu Wrapped Coffee Table from Oomph.
  4. Cosy Light Fixture from Urban Electric.
  5. Overdyed Vintage Rug from Sacco Carpet.
  6. Pulling Down on Yellow, 2013. Gloss paint on aluminum. 49 x 49. By Natasha Law.
  7. Lime Alpaca from Sandra Jordan.
  8. Christian Louboutin Cap Toe Lucite Heels
  9. Swimsuit by Eres Paris.
  10. Bubbles and Lime Slices

 

Save

Save

Save

Splatter

I had an idea for a Pollack-like, splatter look for a client’s wall that was inspired by some very cool splatter designs I’d been seeing.

I’m often fascinated by what comes up during the course of a project.  I had an idea for a Pollack-like, splatter look for a client’s wall that was inspired by some very cool splatter designs I’d been seeing.  I like how the splatter can be condensed or  loose.

Splatter ceiling.  Design by Kelly Wearstler.
Splatter ceiling. Design by Kelly Wearstler.
Splatter bedding from D. Porthault.
Splatter bedding from D. Porthault.
Jonathan Adler dinner plate.
Jonathan Adler dinner plate.

When coming up with a splatter design for my client, I worked with an artist to develop not only the look I wanted, but the correct consistency of paint.  The key was to use a paint that would splatter on the wall, but not drip.  It took some trial and error to concoct just the right mixture.

One of the splatter sample panels I designed.
One of the splatter sample panels I designed.
Another, looser, splatter panel I showed my client.
Another, looser, splatter panel I showed my client.

Even though the client chose not proceed, it is all about the process and the journey. Working with the artisan to understand the process and the selection of the correct color palette to make the masterpiece come together was a great experience.  It’s also fun looking forward to the moment of being inspired by that client who opens the door for exploration into something unique.

At Home in Fairfield County: Get Fresh

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine asked forty designers, including me, to pick tried and true colors for a fresh spring look.

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine asked twenty designers, including me, to pick tried and true colors for a fresh spring look.  My choices are Steep Cliff Gray and French Lilac from Benjamin Moore.  Pick up a copy of the March/April issue to see all of the top color choices!

Amy Aidinis Hirsch At Home Color

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

This past weekend I went to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Javits Convention Center in NYC.

This past weekend I went to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Javits Convention Center in NYC.  Now in its 26th year, the ICFF draws close to 30,000 visitors who browse over 600 exhibitors.  Since I missed the last ICFF, I was so glad to be able to attend this year.  The ICFF is completely inspirational to me!  I don’t understand how other people can go to this event and only buy one or two things.  I just want to hoard everything and not share new sources, but at the same time I want others to be inspired by all of amazing products I saw.

From innovative items to re-imagined classics and even archived elements that have been brought back to life, the ICFF had aisle upon aisle of products that left me feeling energized.  I saw so many artisans from Brooklyn and a ton of great items that I can’t wait to use in the right environment.  Here are my favorite finds from the ICFF.

These new Trove wall coverings, printed on foil, look so beautiful in person.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 2 Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF

I love this amazing outdoor sculpture and bench by Atelier Vierkant.  I am absolutely crazy for these organic objects and vessels.  The sheer scale of their products is unbelievable.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 4Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 3

Tibetano has a great range of rugs.Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 7Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 6Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 5

This is one of the sources I am tempted not to share but keep all for myself!  This collection by Gilles Caffier of Paris is handmade and each piece is a work of art.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 10Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 9Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 8

There was a ton of Danish inspired furnishings throughout the show.  These pieces by Vitra were so comfortable!  The Petit Repos is a cool swivel chair, super good for kids spaces.  The Grand Repos – it’s not your grandfathers recliner.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 11Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 12

I am seriously obsessed with this tile from Walker Zanger, especially the chevron pattern.  It would make a cool kitchen floor, mudroom, or handsome master bath.  I can’t wait to use this!

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 13Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 14Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 15

Heated outdoor furniture by Galanter and Jones – can you believe it!  This is absolutely the best find of the day.  It would be amazing for my Montana project.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 16

Textiles by Hiroko Takeda, a beautiful company who uses alpaca kid wool and silk, woven to your specification and oh so luscious to the touch.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 17Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 19Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 21

Talk about an endless amount of choices to make your head spin!  Cosmopolitan Glass is a very cool company from Brooklyn – this is how creativity starts!

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 24Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 25Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 23

Bernhardt Design is a staple in the design world.  Beautifully crafted!

Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 27Amy Aidinis Hirsch ICFF 26

I cannot wait to incorporate many of these finds into my designs!

NY and Paris Fashion Weeks, Spring 2014

Browsing through designs from various Fashion Week events inspires me and provides a boost to my creativity.

Here in Connecticut, brutal temperatures and piles of snow make spring feel like a distant dream.  In the fashion world, however, spring lines have already been designed and are being launched at events around the world.  This exciting look at trends and styles to come captures the attention of anyone interested in fashion.  In particular, New York Fashion Week (Feb 6-13) and Paris Fashion Week (Feb 25-Mar 5) provide an exciting venue for designers to showcase their new pieces.

Isabel Marant
Isabel Marant

The worlds of fashion and design influence each other in so many ways.  Colors, patterns, textures, and styles transpose from one medium to the other, so that looking at the world of fashion provides insight into the world of design.  My own love of fashion is closely intertwined with my passion for interior design.  Browsing through designs from various Fashion Week events inspires me and provides a boost to my creativity.

Valentino
Valentino

Here are some more of my favorite fashions that are coming out of this year’s Fashion Week events:

Pamella Roland
Pamella Roland
Miu Miu:  I love the color combination of this retro look.
Miu Miu: I love the color combination of this retro look.
Pamella Roland
Pamella Roland
Chanel:  Always chic.
Chanel: Always chic.
Kenzo
Kenzo
Nina Ricci
Nina Ricci
Breathtaking design by Mabille.
Breathtaking design by Mabille.
Zuhair Murad Haute Couture
Zuhair Murad Haute Couture
Guy Laroche
Guy Laroche
Vionnet
Vionnet
Vionnet
Vionnet

Which spring fashions are you most excited about?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quilted Pieces in Design and Fashion

I’ve been seeing a lot of great design elements that incorporate quilting.

I’ve been seeing a lot of great design elements that incorporate quilting.  I’m not talking about your granny’s quilt, but about using this look in unexpected places.  Quilted pieces add texture to a room without competing with existing patterns.  Combined with modern materials and colors, quilting becomes a great addition to a space.  It can be used in many different mediums such as leather, stone, and fabric.  It brings a layered pattern to the interior without being overly graphic.

Quilted leather wall panels from Spinneybeck.
Quilted leather wall panels from Spinneybeck.
Established & Sons Quilt Ottoman
Established & Sons Quilt Chair
Quilted Paisley from Pollack Fabrics.
Quilted Paisley from Pollack Fabrics.
Sofa no. Two Twenty. Two from The New Traditionalists.
Sofa no. Two Twenty. Two from The New Traditionalists.
Mini Quilted Mosaic Tile from Complete Tile Collection
Mini Quilted Mosaic Tile from Complete Tile Collection

Like other design trends, quilted elements are also making their way into fashion.  As an accent or large pattern, quilting takes a traditional element and elevates it to create a modern, chic look, especially when used in surprising ways.

Quilted Fin Choker from Net-A-Porter.
Quilted Fin Choker from Net-A-Porter.
Roberto Cavalli Quilted Stretch Leather Skirt
Roberto Cavalli Quilted Stretch Leather Skirt
Jimmy Choo Brixton Quilted Leather Belt
Jimmy Choo Brixton Quilted Leather Belt
Gianvito Rossi Quilted Leather Biker Boots
Gianvito Rossi Quilted Leather Biker Boots
Jason Wu Daphne Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag
Jason Wu Daphne Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag

What do you think of this modern take on quilted pieces?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This pillow features black lace accents. From the Jason Wu/Canvas line.

Which trends for 2013 are you most excited about?

 

Pantone’s 2013 Color Trends

I always look forward to Pantone’s list because it’s great to see how their choices compare with my own changing preferences as well as trends among my clients.

Each year, Pantone announces its choices for the Top Ten Women’s Colors for Spring and their Color of the Year.  This influential forecast highlights color trends in both fashion and design.  I always look forward to Pantone’s list because it’s great to see how their choices compare with my own changing preferences as well as trends among my clients.

My three favorite colors from this list are Lemon Zest, Grayed Jade, and Emerald, the Color of the Year.  In fact, I was pretty close to the mark last year when I created my Jade Color Board and my Yellow Color Board!

Lemon Zest is both bright and soothing.  It’s not a color I would have naturally gravitated toward in the past, but it stands out and and really has a mood-lifting effect.  I like it more and more as time goes on!

Yellow lacquered ceiling. Design by Jeffrey Bilhuber.
Lemon Zest canopy. Design by Jeffrey Bilhuber.
Lemon Zest works as a bright accent here, by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

Grayed Jade’s soft, subtle hue appeals to my more traditionalist nature.  It pairs well with other shades and is a calm alternative to brighter greens and a more romantic alternative to simple gray.  It communicates elegance and sophistication.

Grayed Jade on the runway. By Rodarte.
Grayed Jade makes a very nice neutral.
A living room I designed for a client, using tones of Grayed Jade.
Chair detail.

Emerald, Pantone’s Color of the Year, is also my favorite color from their Top Ten list for Spring.  Emerald is such a chic and glamorous color, bringing to mind gems and luxury.  For all its elegance, Emerald is also an energetic color that injects any space with a vibrant depth.

A kitchen I designed for a client with Emerald lanterns and accents.
Emerald sliding door.
Emerald house in the Netherlands.
Emerald green bedroom by Miles Redd. The artwork on the walls is perfect!
Emerald green as an accent. Design by Cristi Holcombe.
S.R. Gambrel’s great use of Emerald Green in a living room.

What do think of Pantone’s Top Colors for Spring and Color of the Year?  Which colors do you prefer from the list?  I look forward to a New Year of exciting design opportunities and challenges, as well as the chance to incorporate some of these colors into my own designs!