Amy Hirsch, Author at Amy Hirsch

Color Obsession: Celosia Orange

Celosia Orange is a great color for this time of year.

One of the best things about spring is the opportunity to embrace the brightness of the season. Celosia Orange is a great color for this time of year. It’s a crisp, saturated, uplifting hue that can add a bit of fun to a space or provide a boost with a dramatic splash of color. Use it to spice up a neutral palette or add zest to a modern interior. Bold and eye-catching, Celosia Orange is one of my favorite shades.

1. An amazing color for a low rider! (source)

2. Hermes, always a classic.

3. Mark Rothko, Untitled No. 11

4. Saint Laurent Color Block Ring

5. Celosia Orange Rug from Crate and Barrel

6. Gorgeous design by S.R. Gambrel

7. Cool shoes! (source)

8. Gorgeous dress by KaufmanFranco

Design Dose

Living casual.

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.

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.

Tibetano has a great range of rugs.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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

Stephen Antonson

Stephen Antonson is a true artist, creating beautiful and unique items with plaster at his Brooklyn, NY, atelier.

Stephen Antonson is a true artist, creating beautiful and unique items with plaster at his Brooklyn, NY, atelier. His furnishings, lighting, and accessories are sculpted by hand using a meticulous process that results in objects with an incredible combination of simplicity and elegance.

Shard Table: A piece of sculpture. I would really love to see a longer version.

I’ve seen Antonson’s work in interiors by other designers, and it always catches my eye. It reminds me of Giacometti’s techniques, with the iconic white color reminiscent of John Dickinson’s work in the 1970s. A trained painter and sculptor, Antonson’s Brooklyn studio is a place I would love to see. I am fascinated by the places where people tinker, explore, and create.

I find Antonson’s designs invigorating and innovative. To me, plaster is a peaceful medium and adds a smooth texture to the space. It is completely different medium to add to an interior.

With a medium like plaster, the sky is the limit. I love the idea of taking something you see and like, then adapting it to plaster. Antonson’s lighting designs perfectly exemplify the potential of plaster. They are so clever.

Angele: I love the shape of this fixture.

In addition to his plaster work, Antonson creates art for his home and his family. He authored a book with his wife titled Home from the Hardware Store which demonstrates how to build household goods from common hardware store purchases. You can also see more of Antonson’s plaster work on his website or find him on Facebook.

Design Dose

Go ahead and make a splash!

Fabrics

Now that spring has finally arrived, I find myself really drawn to fresh, new styles.

Now that spring has finally arrived, I find myself really drawn to fresh, new styles. My energy is focused on finding inspiring things no one else has, like fabrics that are totally not common styles from typical vendors. Bespoke items that no one will walk into a room, look at, and say, “I have that same fabric on my pillows,” is the kind of look I love.

I am loving this Duralee line by Tilton Fenwick. It's a go-to in my library! — I am loving this Duralee line by Tilton Fenwick. It’s a go-to in my library!

Choosing fabric is an integral part of what I do as a designer. Window treatments, pillows, and upholstery are essential elements of a space, providing opportunities to add color and texture. Fabrics let us explore creativity and embellish with unique details.

When choosing fabric, it is very important to be mindful of lifestyle when selecting fabrics. Homes with children and pets should have fabric that is more durable and easy to clean. Making wise choices is essential. You wouldn’t want something delicate on a sofa, for example. Having a source of versatile fabrics allows even the busiest, most active homes to enjoy beautiful fabrics in many different applications.

Ric Rac by HB Home in Sweet Pea. What a great color!

What are your favorite fabrics?

Flower Arrangements

If those first daffodils make you smile when you’re out walking or driving around, imagine what a colorful bunch of flowers can do when you place them on your desk or around your home.

For many people, the arrival of spring brings an immediate lift in spirits. Warmer weather, sunnier days, and greener scenery just naturally brighten life. The added color of flowers returning to gardens and flower beds is another welcome sight this time of year. If those first daffodils make you smile when you’re out walking or driving around, imagine what a colorful bunch of flowers can do when you place them on your desk or around your home. While it’s quick and easy to pick up a bouquet at the market or order an arrangement online, the experience of visiting a flower shop and browsing the many different flowers available is both inspiring and relaxing.

Exploring what your local florist has to offer provides you with so many more options than you get from a pre-made arrangement. You can select the freshest flowers and most appealing palette, all while consulting the florist on the best way to display your choices. You may find flowers you’ve never heard of, or be inspired by a particularly beautiful color. My favorite flowers include all colors of calla lilies, celosias, and peonies. Parrot tulips are as couture as they come, and hydrangeas remind me of the spirit of summer. I love freesia for the smell alone and purple is my favorite!

Hand-picking the flowers for an arrangement is a wonderful way to present someone with a thoughtful gift. A custom arrangement for Mother’s Day is such a nice way to recognize the holiday. While you’re choosing flowers for the mothers in your life, why not treat yourself to an arrangement as well? Find a flower that really catches your eye. It will make you smile for days!

My go-to local florist is McArdle’s in Greenwich. A family-owned business, they are always ready to pull off anything I ask for, even when I call at the last minute. My flower selection process, like my approach to interiors, is carefully thought out, with thoughtfully paired elements. How do you like to shop for flowers?

Design Dose

A soothing palette and interesting details make a welcoming guest bedroom.

Favorite Things: Chandeliers

A chandelier should be playful, like jewelry for the room.

When choosing chandeliers, I’ve lately been drawn to pieces that are not your typical eight, ten, or twelve bulb lighting element. I enjoying finding chandeliers that are composed of different heights or clusters of pendants. Even in a traditional space, a modern nod can lighten up the setting. A chandelier should be playful, like jewelry for the room. I also like the idea of installing a vintage chandelier, something with history. Here are some of my favorite examples of really great chandeliers:

1. Bocci 14 Series: Serves as decorative artwork as well as a light source.

2. Infinity Cluster: This pendant light fixture by John Pomp Studios has 15 hand-blown sculpted glass canopies at different heights. Absolutely beautiful! Plus, the options are endless.

3. Hector Finch: For those who want a traditional feeling but with a slight modern feel.