Author: Amy Hirsch
The Big Reveal
I love working in this creative haven, surrounded by elements that both calm and inspire me.
I am extremely thrilled to share with you my latest and greatest project, something that is very personal: My new studio! The building which houses my studio is truly sentimental; it has been in my family since 1983, when my father decided to purchase it for his company, Putnam Plumbing and Heating. I remember visiting my dad’s business as a young girl, when the space was smogged with smoke and the typical grunge of pipe fittings, boilers and machinery. The space was not pretty at all, as you can imagine, and I found myself fascinated by the idea of the potential of this place. Photos of the interior and exterior before I started renovations show how great the transformation of this place has been.
After years of growing his own business, my dad moved to another location and this building remained. Occupied by others through out the years, it eventually lay vacant for some time. Prior to my father’s ownership of the building, it was occupied by a machine shop during the 1950’s and, in the early 1930’s, the building was an automotive repair shop. Over the course of almost 85 years, there were a few alterations to the building. When we began to demo for the renovations, we actually found this really cool iron window frame with restoration glass buried in one of the walls. I wish I could have salvaged it, but it was too decrepit. I am truly grateful to my parents and their role in where I am today. I love the family connection to this place and knowing that the building is part of my past lends it additional beauty.
Growing out of the humble beginnings of my design firm’s starting point, I decided it was time to take on a project for myself. Creating for others comes very naturally to me; however, for myself this process took more time than I expected. Maybe because it’s more personal, or maybe because this project was different than most, given the fact that I had to factor in my clients’ perspectives as well as my own. The aesthetics needed to be beautiful as an interior, but I limited myself to a very simple palette of mainly black, grey and white, being thoughtful of the amount of color which saturates so many of our schemes.
Putting pen to paper as I design always stirs up creative ideas and interesting selections. I am proud to say that when I designed this space on paper and closed my eyes, every detail was executed exactly as I had envisioned it. When I put on paper is what gets built 99% of the time, and seeing this come to life in my own space was an incredible experience. Julio DiBiase of Dibico, Inc. is a person near and dear to me for the way he and his team perfectly executed my vision. We have collaborated on projects for over 10 years and I am grateful for his insight and resources to create and engineer all of my thoughts.
I am extremely grateful to be surrounded by the beauty of very simple elements. Walnut walls, ceruzed rift oak cabinetry, concrete floors, and brick, while simple in appearance, reflect my layered approach to design. I love working in this creative haven, surrounded by elements that both calm and inspire me. The materials in my new space were strategically selected and edited to create a simple but complete product. My office space is a true representation of the process and structure I use when designing for clients with the ultimate goal of a completed product that reflects who they are.
Photos of finished project by Phillip Ennis Photography
Q & A with Connecticut Cottages and Gardens
In the current issue of Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, I sit down for a Q&A regarding my vignette for the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom in Greenwich.
Last month, I created one of a series of vignettes for the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom in Greenwich for an event to launch their fall line. As a sponsor of the event, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens invited each vignette designer to sit down for a Q&A. My interview appears in the most recent issue of CTC&G. Being a part of this event was a great experience! I hope you enjoy reading about the design of the vignette.
Design Dose
How kick ass is this?
I’ve decided to add a new weekly feature to my blog. Each Wednesday, I’ll share one of my favorite photos from my own portfolio, showcasing a design element, style, or detail that I particularly love. I hope that by sharing my own work and love of design, I can also inspire others. Enjoy!
Visiting the Stone Yard
I find great inspiration and room for creativity when looking at all of the possible uses for so many beautiful types of stone.
The past couple of weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time at a couple of fantastic stone yards. I find great inspiration and room for creativity when looking at all of the possible uses for so many beautiful types of stone.
Most people think of counters, floors, and bathrooms when they consider using stone in their homes. There’s no reason to limit stone to these applications; for the right client, I would love to sheath an entire bathroom in a gorgeous stone.
There are so many choices in pattern, color, and type of stone. You don’t have to be locked into one popular, safe choice. When I see all of the different stones, it makes me want to produce furniture from it. Being surrounded by so many varieties of stone broadens my eyes and inspires me to try different things.
The potential for designing with stone is so intriguing!
New Design Books
Over the weekend, I picked up three great new design books.
Over the weekend, I picked up three great new design books. I can’t wait to delve more deeply into them!
The first one is Suzanne Kasler: Timeless Style. This is her second book and it beautifully demonstrates her skill at creating layered interiors with wonderful details.
I also bought Simply Serene by Thomas Pheasant. He has such a sophisticated way of designing!
The third book I added to my collection is Tom Scheerer Decorates. Tom Scheerer has such a relaxed approach to his interiors, illustrating a well-lived life with so many layers.
Have you discovered any must-have design books lately?
Cover image via Burlap and Crystal
My Fitness Routine
I make fitness a priority in my life for a few reasons.
I make fitness a priority in my life for a few reasons. Not only do I appreciate the health aspect of staying physically fit, but I feel rejuvenated and full of positive energy after a good workout. Exercising clears my mind and helps me focus throughout the day. If I don’t stick to my routine, I feel completely off kilter. Working out preserves my sanity and, now that I have children, sets a good example for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
My own routine is consistent in timing even though each work out is unique. Three days a week, I work out with an amazing personal trainer: Bill Curcio of Curcio Training. I worked out with Bill religiously for a year before I got married. He once told me I’d stop coming to our regular sessions after my wedding, but I didn’t believe him. He was right though; life and work simply got in the way and for years I didn’t work with a trainer at all. However, a couple of years ago I committed to getting back into my previous routine and am again training with Bill. Three days a week at 5:30 a.m. we focus on interval training and Cross Fit. One morning each week, I’ll do a three mile run instead. I try to never do the same thing two days in a row, but use interval training, Tabata, and Cross Fit to focus on my core. The continuity I find in staying with this routine is a big part of my own personal wellness.
In addition to having a consistent routine for working out, I also have preferences for fitness wear. I love Lululemon‘s workout clothes. They are comfortable, no fuss, and have a great fit. As with anything else in life, it’s a matter of liking what I know is right for me. One thing about Lululemon that you have to keep in mind is that once they sell out of a certain item, you can’t get it again. When you find something you really like, it’s best to stock up while you can! For shoes, I love New Balance. They are great for training and light running.
What are your routines for staying healthy and fit?
Fall Gardening
This year it was a pleasant surprise to see my gardens showing color longer than usual.
This year it was a pleasant surprise to see my gardens showing color longer than usual. The warmer weather has kept the gardens alive. I am not a fall or winter person, but I love to see the trees turn and with the red, pink and orange hues, the gardens take on a whole other dimension. When planting the garden you have to plan so there will be constant color throughout the season. There are quite a few plants that bloom late in the season, adding color to the gardens into the fall.
Hydrangea Trees are a wonderful addition to your garden if you have space for them. I have a few different varieties, but one that I love is Hydrangea paniculata “Pink Diamond,” which starts out white and turns a deep pink and is so beautiful this time of year. Other late blooming plants are Chelone “Hot Lips,” a dark green leaf with a pink flower; Chelone “Alba,” which has a white flower, and Anemones “September Charm,” which is a wonderful plant with a delicate light pink flower. I also have Asters, a vibrant light blue plant variety called “Woods Light Blue” that is quite gorgeous. Eupatorium Rugosum “Chocolate” is a variety that has white flowers with chocolate leaves and looks great mixed in a bouquet of roses.
Of course knock out roses and shrub roses will keep going for quite awhile. “Lady Elsie May” is an ever-blooming shrub rose which is great. Dahlias make great cut flowers this time of year. Grasses they are the true beauty of a fall garden, especially when the sun glistens through them and they sway in the breeze. There are so many different varieties to choose from. A few of my favorites are Miscanthus Sinensis “ Morning Light,” Penniseteum Orientle “Karly Rose,” and Panicum V. “Red Switch Grass.” Of course, do not forget the sedums! “Autumn Joy” is my favorite.
As I write this the gardens are fading and in a few weeks it will be time to get the gardens ready for the winter by cutting back the perennials and cleaning up the beds. If you have any delicate trees or fruit trees, you will want to cover them for the winter. It is also the time to think about next year. Fall is a great time to plant any new plants and shrubs, and to transplant any plants that you want to move or divide. It is also the time to plant bulbs for spring flowers and place a thin layer of mulch down. When this work is done, you’ll have all winter to look forward to new blooms in spring!
Top Designers Revamp Long Island Ronald McDonald House
Recently, a group of top designers participated in a special show house event called Project Design to revamp the Long Island Ronald McDonald House.
One of the most difficult challenges a family can face is the serious illness of a child. Families often travel far from home to get the best possible care from specialists at state-of-the art hospitals. Being far from home, family, and friends makes the situation more stressful. Ronald McDonald House Charities seeks to support the families of sick children by giving them a home-like place to stay. Every Ronald McDonald House provides meals, playrooms, and private bedrooms. Being near their child and medical team without worrying about day-to-day tasks allows families to focus on the healing process and stay in touch with hospital staff. With 59 local RMH Chapters around the world, this important charity is such a worthy cause.
Recently, a group of top designers participated in a special show house event called Project Design, sponsored by The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, Kravet, Inc., and New York Cottages and Gardens Magazine. These designers didn’t revamp just any home, but the Long Island Ronald McDonald House. This particular RMH services over a thousand families a year, providing much needed stability and support for parents and siblings of sick children. The many rooms of this RMH needed to be updated; turning the project into a show house served to bring additional funds to the charity. Participating designers included Amanda Nisbet, Anthony Baratta, Bunny Williams, Danielle Colding, Kerry Delrose, Jamie Drake, Drew McGukin, Dwell Studio, Elaine Griffin, Eric Cohler, Kate Singer, Kim E. Courtney, Mabley Handler, Margreet Cevasco, Mathew Patrick Smyth, Meg Braff, Jennifer Mehditash, Michael Herold, Michael Tavano, Jon Call, Nick Olsen, Pappas Miron, Suzanne Costa, Vasi Ypsilantis, Tilton Fenwick, and Young Huh. As the home’s original designer, Anthony Baratta served as Creative Director of Project Design. Unlike most show houses where the designers’ rooms are dismantled after the event, the work done at the Long Island Ronald McDonald House will stay in place to provide a beautiful environment for families who need a special home away from home.
The finished results of Project Design will be revealed at a Designer Showcase Gala on October 10. The evening will include a tour of the newly designed rooms, silent auction, fine dining, cocktails, and entertainment. From Friday, Oct 11 to Monday, Oct 14, visitors can tour the home for Open House Weekend. If you’re in the area, support the Ronald McDonald House by visiting for a tour!
The Carneros Inn, Napa Valley
A vacation to Napa Valley is high on my “must do” list.
My husband and I really enjoy wine. We may not be top notch connoisseurs, but we know what we like. Relaxing with a glass of wine over a nice dinner or at the end of a long day is how we unwind and connect with each other. It probably isn’t surprising, then, that a vacation to Napa Valley is high on my “must do” list. A trip to California wine country would be an ideal venture for us.
One place in Napa Valley I’d love to visit is the Carneros Inn. It look so inviting, with a causal chic air. The inn is actually a resort featuring three restaurants, two swimming pools, an award-winning spa, and a luxury boutique. There’s also an upscale general store, fitness center, and outdoor recreation area. I can easily see myself in this relaxing environment!
Even though the Carneros Inn is designed to make sure you are surrounded by everything you could want or need, I would love the opportunity to visit area wineries while staying in Napa Valley. At the top of my winery list is CADE Winery on Howell Mountain. Architect Juan Carlos Fernandez designed the state of the art vineyard with a simple, but striking, appearance. It’s amazing how the architecture here includes 98% recycled materials and yet looks so modern even while appearing harmonious with the rugged surroundings. Between the design and the highly rated wines, I definitely wouldn’t miss a tour of CADE.
We haven’t made it to Napa Valley yet, but I am looking forward to one day taking this dream trip! Where are you planning to someday travel?