This year, Pantone chose Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year.
This year, Pantone chose Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year. This color has a lot of saturation and really lends itself to pulling in both lighter and deeper hues of fuschia for balance. Radiant Orchid is fearless and radiates femininity. It also reminds me of a well dressed man in a beautiful suit with a gorgeous pop of color underneath. That’s the true genius of this color; I think even a real guy’s guy can wear it and exude confidence. This color is seductive. While it isn’t a color everyone would immediately think of when designing an interior, it can be used very well. I think Amanda Nesbit (see cover image) was ahead of her time in using this color in her designs. This color sparks inspiration. As Pantone describes it, “Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health,” which we all wish for in a prosperous new year. What do you think of Radiant Orchid?
Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people.
Tomorrow night we’ll say goodbye to 2013 and welcome a New Year full of possibilities and new opportunities. 2014 will also be The Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese Zodiac. Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people. These strong, beautiful animals and their close relationship to mankind throughout history are deservedly admired for their grace and their role in human history. It’s no wonder that so many artists, including interior and fashion designers, turn to the horse for inspiration. In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is known for being warm-hearted, strong, and intelligent. Incorporating equestrian themed designs into your home or style naturally conveys these same attributes.
I’ve featured some of this photography in the past, but I think it’s worth sharing again. A stunning piece of horse photography is a dramatic art choice for any room. Lisa Cueman, Bob Tabor, and Roberto Dutesco are three photographers whose horse images are simply incredible.
Photo by Lisa CuemanRoberto DutescoLisa CuemanRoberto DutescoBob Tabor ImagesRoberto Dutesco
In interior design, using equestrian art or other horse-themed elements can add style to a room without being too overdone. You can use items such as saddles or stirrups as accents, or go with a more subtle look by incorporating equestrian patterns. Think of leather, warm tones, natural materials, and elegance.
A room I designed for a client.By Leslie Cohen DesignFrom Elle DecorDesign by Mar SilverUsing equestrian elements as accents. From Apartment Therapy.Design by Thom FiliciaA more subtle equestrian influence. Design by Patrik Lonn.
There are also a lot of great ways to add an equestrian flair to your wardrobe. I love the idea of adding a really cool accessory to give your look just a hint of the equestrian without being over the top.
Iconic Hermes scarf.Equestrian belt by Ralph Lauren.Another gorgeous Hermes scarf.Hermes Cuff
How would you incorporate an equestrian feel to your home or wardrobe?
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!
The only thing better than receiving a well wrapped gift, is giving a well wrapped gift.
The only thing better than receiving a well wrapped gift, is giving a well wrapped gift. Beautiful wrapping shows care and thoughtfulness, whether you are presenting a gift to a cherished loved one or the hostess at a holiday party. I love great wrapping paper and bows. There are so many creative ways to wrap gifts with varying textures, layers, and materials. When wrapping holiday gifts, you don’t need to feel constrained by typical colors and themes. Not everything has to be red and green! Think of less obvious elements that invoke the season and incorporate those into your gift wrapping instead. Creating a uniquely pretty gift is definitely an art form, and certainly one that will be appreciated by your family and friends. Here are some of my favorite paper products and inspirations for wrapping holiday gifts.
1. Eclectic, but cohesive, gift wrap inspiration. Photo by Max Kim-Bee.
With the holidays here, I decided to bake a dessert that I have not made in quite a while.
With the holidays here, I decided to bake a dessert that I have not made in quite a while. Going through my old recipes, I came across this delicious cheesecake. This year I made it for Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. My mother got this recipe from a friend of hers years ago and handed it down to me. This is a great recipe that can be made in a variety of ways. I have added crushed pineapples to the cake before baking it, which is always a favorite in our house. Or, you can serve it topped with cherries, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
Photo by Lina Widjaja of Crustables.Photo by Lina Widjaja of Crustables.
Ingredients:
Graham Cracker Nut Crust
1 ¾ cup fine graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup melted margarine or butter
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork until moistened. Reserve 3 Tbsp. of mixture. Press remaining mixture in the bottom and 2 ½ inches up sides of a greased 10”spring form pan.
Mixing the crust. Photo by Kona Gallagher
Cheesecake:
3 eggs
2 8 oz packages of cream cheese softened
1 cup sugar
¼ tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
3 cups sour cream
1 capful of rum or brandy (optional)
1 can of cherries or blueberries in syrup (optional)
1 can crushed pineapples, drained (optional, see note)
Combine sugar and cream cheese; beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat well until smooth. Blend in sour cream. Add the capful of rum or brandy if using. Pour mixture into prepared graham cracker crust and top with reserved crumbs if desired.
Note: Pineapples can be spread over the graham cracker crust before pouring in the cheesecake mixture.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the cheesecake into the oven and bake for 35 minutes or until set. Oven temperatures will vary, so your cake may take longer to bake. To test for doneness, stick a toothpick in the middle. It will come out clean when cake is done. The cake should still have a little wiggle in it; do not overbake. Once the cheesecake is done, let it sit for a few hours. Run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen it, then undo spring form and remove. Cool the cake in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours, or overnight, before serving.
A finished cheesecake. Photo via Wikimedia
You can serve the cheesecake as-is or top it with cherries or berries in their syrup.
Lately I have been all about wallpaper, and Maya Romanoff is one of my favorites.
Lately I have been all about wallpaper, and Maya Romanoff is one of my favorites. The designs are so unique and textural, with some really unusual pieces. You can transform a room into something incredible with these luxurious wall coverings.
Slink Hand Painted Vinyl – I’ve used this on the face front of several interior entry doors. A clever way to spice up a plain flat door.Meditations Ohm. All of the colors are spectacular. Love the organic process of this paper.Moon Lake. Such interesting texture.
When I design a room, I always start with the walls. For me, it’s all about the walls! I love having so many stunning options, from papers with metals to beads. Maya Romanoff has some papers, like their true metals, that would be great for a ceiling.
True Metals Basketweave — One of my favorites. I love the sheen. So interesting for a ceiling.For a bit of glam!Hamptons living room with Maya Romanoff paper, by Jeffrey Bilhuber. Image via Room Lust on Flickr.
The quality and craftsmanship of Maya Romanoff products is amazing. Their handmade papers are so well executed, truly works of art in their own right.
Gilded Cloth: Hand placed metal leaf on canvas.Blanket Zig Zag – I love the warmth and detail of this. Really looking forward to installing it in a library.
To see more examples of Maya Romanoff wall coverings, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.
When it comes to interior design, the term “modern” can mean different things to different people.
When it comes to interior design, the term “modern” can mean different things to different people. To me, it means using newer, refreshing elements. These items can be mixed with more traditional design for a bit of added flair or an eclectic feel, or can be used on their own. This list of my favorite pieces could be used to create a beautiful space, or individual items could be worked into a room to give it a bit of a modern edge.
1. Blackened Brass Hans Pedestal Table by Jonathan Adler2. Lighthouse Oil Lamps from Menu
Various designers, including myself, share favorite kitchen paint colors and describe why we love those colors.
The December/January 2014 issue of House Beautiful contains a great article called Kitchen Color. Various designers, including myself, share favorite kitchen paint colors and describe why we love those colors. It’s a great way to remind yourself that the kitchen can be an expression creativity and doesn’t need be be limited to a typical palette.
