I recently sat down with Greenwich Magazine to talk about my new studio and office space.
I was recently interviewed by Greenwich Magazine to talk about my new studio and office space. It was a great opportunity to express why this building is so special as well as the process of creating my ideal working office and I was so excited to see their feature in this month’s issue.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines pretty as, “attractive to look at, usually in a simple or delicate way.”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines pretty as, “attractive to look at, usually in a simple or delicate way.” When I’m sourcing for inspiration, I sometimes come across rooms that just strike me as being so pretty. When all of the elements of a space come together to create a pretty environment, the room looks so welcoming and pleasant.
When a room is soft and warm, it is naturally inviting. Pretty rooms are comfortable and charming without being boring or run-of-the-mill. A bright, cheerful room makes a relaxing sanctuary. Making small statements with lighting, accessories, or additional color saves a pretty room from being too cloying. The overall effect is clean, simple, and appealing.
What’s your idea of a pretty room?
The current issue of House Beautiful, February 2014, included some really great features.
The current issue of House Beautiful, February 2014, included some really great features. Two articles in particular stood out for me; Pretty Spectacular, featuring design by Miles Redd, and In the Grand Manner, featuring design by Stephen Gambrel. Both articles showed how these wonderful designers used an amazing amount of color. From Gambrel’s use of peacock blue lacquer to Redd’s bursts of bold colors throughout a Brooklyn residence, the rich color stands out in these beautiful spaces. The effect is so textural and rich. The saturated colors create warmth and pure decoration, with tons of pattern upon pattern.
When I design for clients, I sometimes struggle between days of preferring clean, sleek interiors, and then days when I love layering with color and just inundating a room with detail. What I love about these features in House Beautiful is how they show that Redd and Gambrel don’t sacrifice on quality and their clientele understand that something so perfectly orchestrated can be comfortable and livable. It is really inspiring! I walked away from this issue wanting to shake off the winter doldrums and do something bold.
By Christine Pittle. Photos by Frederic Lagrange.
By Mimi Read. Photos by Eric Piasecki.
During the winter, I tend to gravitate toward chunkier jewelry like the pieces designed by Ashley Pittman.
During the winter, I tend to gravitate toward chunkier jewelry like the pieces designed by Ashley Pittman. Her jewelry is so edgy and can make an entire outfit. I like the way many of these jewelry designs make sounds as I wear them, adding another layer of sensation.
Ashley Pittman Collection jewelry is handmade in Africa, with a portion of the profits helping to fund education and health improvements in rural Kenya. Each piece is hand crafted from natural indigenous materials such as ethically sourced horn, bronze, and semi-precious gemstones. I consider my Ashley Pittman jewelry to be heavy artillery in my collection of accessories.
You can find Ashley Pittman on Facebook or see more of her designs on her website.
I recently had the pleasure of trying a new restaurant in Greenwich: Primary Food and Drink.
I recently had the pleasure of trying a new restaurant in Greenwich: Primary Food and Drink. Located at 409 Greenwich Avenue, Primary is the newest restaurant from celebrity chef Graham Eliot Bowles. In addition to being a critically acclaimed chef with two Michelin starred restaurants and the more casual Graham Eliot Bistro, he is one of the stars of the reality television shows Master Chef and Master Chef Junior. The Chicago native opened Primary with longtime culinary and business partner Merlin Verrier, who will act as Primary’s Executive Chef and Managing Partner.
The experience and talent behind Primary is quickly evident when you visit this unique restaurant. The menu offers modern, gourmet takes on classic dishes such as Caesar Salad, Beef Stroganoff, and Gnocchi. The menu is not extensive but focuses on high quality, fresh ingredients prepared artfully and with the utmost attention to flavor. At Primary, the food really is art. Each bite is so delicious; you can easily tell how thoughtfully the various flavors are paired together. The Lobster Schnitzel, for example, is such a different way to serve this classic New England seafood.
The interior of Primary is a great reflection of the menu. It is simple and open, with some seating that allows for a view into the open kitchen. Wood tables, leather seating, and wall decorations consisting of mirrors and understated lighting are playfully balanced by a tile mosaic floor. The bar area also features a clean, simple look that works well with the restaurant’s modern vibe. The waitstaff’s uniform of checkered shirts and jeans reflect Primary’s casual mood and allow the food to be the main attraction.
I really enjoyed visiting Primary and am already looking forward to going back. You can see their full menu and make reservations at Primary’s website. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.
I recently sat down with Patrick Ganino, the editor of Artisphere Online and an artist I’ve worked with in the past, to discuss the link between interior design and decorative painting.
Artisphere Online is a digital magazine for decorative painting professionals. Decorative artists are skilled artisans who specialize in creating custom murals and painted finishes, as well as restoration. I recently sat down with Patrick Ganino, the editor of Artisphere Online and an artist I’ve worked with in the past, to discuss the link between interior design and decorative painting. While there are benefits and conveniences to using ready-made wall applications, in some cases only a professional artist can achieve the desired effect. Having a relationship with an experienced, talented artist can really expand a designer’s toolbox as well as a client’s options.
Written by Patrick Ganino
Amy Hirsch is an interior design located in Greenwich, CT With a keen eye for timeless interiors and a nod towards an unexpected approach for modern details, Amy creates a balance of form and function. Sophisticated, unusual palettes and resourceful selections define the comfortable nature of Amy’s interiors. Whether it is a project of grand scale or an intimate abode each project is comprehensive and collaborative. With great exuberance and an innovative perspective Amy creates environments that are inspired, yet uniquely you. I thought it might be fun to start getting insight from prestigious interior designers on their thoughts of our craft.
1. How often do you use decorative painting in your design?
Quite often. It really depends on what type of media is involved. When I do call upon an artist it ranges from murals to leaf to simple glazes. Times when I do not go with an artist is usually because of economic reasons. Sometimes it is easier for the scope of the project to use textural wallpapers.
2. Is it easier because you take the artist out of the equation?
It is because it is instant gratification. The product is already done and it is easier for the client to understand what they are getting creating a more viable end game.
3. OK then, when do you use an artist?
There is a beauty about using an artist. With an artist your possibilities are endless. You have no limitations when it comes to color or technique. It is truly a custom product that is created. Working with an artist takes patience which adds more time but there are certain applications that only an artist can create and there lies the value.
4. What are your favorite techniques when hiring a decorative artist?
I am in love with silver leaf right now.
High polished venetian plaster.
Chinoiserie is a favorite of mine. There is a sexiness of something clean and modern but I also love layers and details that go into creating that piece.
As a designer, I come across things that inspire my creativity almost constantly. Whether it’s the vibrant color of moss growing on a stone wall or that perfect find at a local antique dealer, inspiration is everywhere. Keeping an idea book of materials, references, photos, and sources isn’t at all a new concept among designers. What’s amazing is how quickly the ideas accumulate, but I love having a wealth of inspiration to draw from as the need arises. I think working with artists is a collaboration. What I portray and then what the artist can simulate. Each eye works hand in hand with each other and that is the beauty of it.
