Burgundy’s warm, spicy tones make it such a hot color for fall!
Burgundy’s warm, spicy tones make it such a hot color for fall! It’s a color with great saturation that looks good on anyone and makes a wonderful accent for interiors.
1. Park in Cayenne/Syrah from Maharam
3. Nappa Velours from Bottega Veneta
4. Capri Table Lamp from Julian Chichester
5. Aubergine Brooke Handwoven Cotton Flatweave Carpet from Madeline Weinrib
6. New Declic from Christian Louboutin
7. Essie Recessionista Nail Polish
8. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year Inspiration
Maharam Fabrics began as a theatrical textile production company and evolved through the decades to become a source of high quality fabrics.
Maharam Fabrics began as a theatrical textile production company and evolved through the decades to become a source of high quality fabrics. Maharam makes a good choice for both commercial and residential areas. The product is thoughtful of use and doesn’t look contracted.
I am a huge fan of Maharam’s wool fabrics, especially the wool with embroidery. When I design, I go for quality over quantity, and Maharam exhibits superb quality. The fabric has a great weight, with quiet and simple designs that aren’t too heavy or traditional. I love the palette and stitching. It’s really well executed.
The durability of Maharam’s wool products make it a good option for families with kids. The solids are available in every spectrum of the rainbow. In addition to being user-friendly and practically indestructible, Maharam fabrics are reliably in stock, making it a fantastic go-to product.
Maharam also produces these digital projects for large-scale wall installations. Something like this takes just the right client, but I can’t wait to use this giraffe print! It’s so unique, charming, and sweet!
To see more of Maharam’s products, visit their website or find them on Facebook.
The beauty of Houzz, for me, is being able to accurately share my ideas and visions with general contractors, architects, and clients.
A few years ago, Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen started a remodeling project that sparked a unique idea. After spending countless hours clipping ideas from magazines and books to plan their remodel, Tatarko and Cohen decided there must be a better way to gather ideas and plans in one place. Their desire for such a place led to the launch of Houzz, a website devoted to interior design, architecture, and home improvement. Since its launch in 2009, Houzz has grown to a collection of over half a million photos which have been used by members to create nearly two million idea books. The site has grown to include products, discussions, and networking to connect home owners with design professionals. Tatarko and Cohen certainly realized their goal of creating the perfect inspirational tool.
The beauty of Houzz, for me, is being able to accurately share my ideas and visions with general contractors, architects, and clients. It’s the perfect resource for articulating exactly the look, colors, and products I’m thinking of. It’s an unbelievable resource for finding inspiration and communicating ideas. It’s also user-friendly and simple to translate from an online idea to real-world use.
My own office will soon be renovated, and Houzz will definitely make it easier to share my ideas with my contractor. The office was originally home to a heating company and really has no character to speak of. I plan on using modern barns as an inspiration, creating an environment that isn’t overdone or distracting for clients, something subdued and tactful in design.
I’m trying to decide between a concrete floor and a beautiful, traditional wood floor. Adding both to my Houzz idea book makes it easy to go over options with the contractor as well as see how my various ideas play off each other.
I love the idea of using steel windows. It will definitely keep with the modern feel of my office while adding a unique touch and different texture to the space. I found great examples on Houzz!
For my fireplace, I want to go with a slab design. Each of the fireplace ideas I found on Houzz is very different in color, material, and texture, but they each convey the same smooth feeling from sleek lines. The truly difficult part is choosing between them!
Houzz even inspires accessories. Products listed on Houzz often include pricing and link directly to sources for buying. An idea book can include even small details or specific products, like these amazing shelves.
What would be in your Houzz idea book?
Fall means it’s time to bring out the boots!
For most people, the cooler weather and colorful leaves of fall signal the start of a cozy, relaxing time of year to enjoy the season with friends and family. For me, fall also means it’s time to bring out the boots! My love of fashion is no secret, and boot season is something I find myself looking forward to as summer winds down. Here are some of my favorite examples of fabulous boots. Which would you choose to wear?
1. B Brian Atwood – Fortosa Leather Platform Ankle Boots
2. Alexander Wang – Cameron Mesh and Suede Boots
3. Sorel – great all weather winter boot for snow and slush.
4. Barneys New York CO-OP Miami
5. Tory Burch Alaina Logo-Detailed Boot
8. Manolo Blahnik Rugginaclo Slouchy Wedge Bootie – Super sexy wedge.
9. Alexander McQueen Floral-Stud Ankle Boot
10. MICHAEL Michael Kors Emory Suede Wedge Boot – Love the wedge!
12. Kent -Jimmy Choo
I was at the Samuel Owen Gallery in Greenwich recently where the incredible photography of Lisa Cueman caught my eye.
I was at the Samuel Owen Gallery in Greenwich recently where an incredible photographer caught my eye. Her name is Lisa Cueman and her photography is centered around her lifelong love of horses.
Cueman grew up on the island of Bermuda, learning to ride and care for horses from a very early age. She grew through the ranks of the British Pony Club and devoted much of her life to riding and showing horses. As an adult, Cueman relocated to Ontario, Canada, to focus completely on training and riding. After several years, Cueman retired from riding and began instead to pursue an interest in photography. Quite naturaly, her photographic work focuses on the horses she’s loved throughout her life.
I love Lisa Cueman’s equine portraits for the beautiful stories they tell. Her photos, printed on acrylic, have an almost abstract quality from their slightly askew viewpoint. They have such a peaceful nature, captured in black and white or sepia, made more appealing through Cueman’s own take on this subject she clearly adores. I would love to have her photographs in my own office when I renovate!
To learn more about Lisa Cueman or to see more examples of her photography, visit her website and blog or find her on Facebook.
With the approach of fall and cooler temperatures, the rich earth tone of brown becomes a color I naturally gravitate toward.
With the approach of fall and cooler temperatures, the rich earth tone of brown becomes a color I naturally gravitate toward. It lends itself well to the season, being a great color for boots and coats as well as a warm and inviting interior color. It’s definitely one of my favorite go-to colors!
1. Photograph by Julia Hetta: Luscious color and true to the hue.
2. A.L.C.: Brown leather pants. Yummy!
3. Photo via House Beautiful: Great graphic use of chocolate brown and a chevron without being too dark.
4. Beauvais Carpets: Great woven carpet with chocolate brown accent.
5. Rectangular stool by Andrew Martin.
6. Tory Burch Alaina Logo-Detailed Boot: My go-to boot for the fall.
7. Brown bedroom, designed by Kelly Wearstler. Image from Elle Decor.
New England Home Magazine hit the news stands today, running a great article on the 5 Under 40 Awards. I am so honored to be included in this talented group!
Text by Kaitlyn Madden
Amy Aidinis Hirsch
Interiors
According to Amy Aidinis Hirsch, there’s a simple secret that all designers share: they’re great listeners. The ability to listen is the most important tool a designer could have,” she says. “If you don’t listen to your client you will end up with an unhappy one.” Apparently, Hirsch is a great listener. She has owned her successful Greenwich, Connecticut-based company, Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design, since 2007. In fact, she considers it the mark of a job well done when a client tells her a space is “exactly as they’d imagined it.”
To chalk Hirsch’s career up to her listening skills, however, would be to downplay her talent. She has a sophisticated eye, which she developed while studying interior design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and working for top designer firms, including Greenwich-based Rinfret, Ltd.
Hirsch considers her style to be traditional with a modern flair, and she’s a strong believer that less is more. Thus, she puts serious thought into every detail she brings into a client’s home. To make sure each piece is just right, her firm offers custom furniture and accessory design, as well as architectural specifications.
On a recent residential project in South Hampton, New York, Hirsch’s aesthetic was put to the test. “The space was minimal in decorating and different from anything I had done in the past,“ she recounts. “The pieces had to be key. I was worried it would be under decorated and not feel complete, but in the end, all of the accessories and details came together for a well-edited residence.”
New England Home is proud to present the third annual 5 under 40 awards, honoring top emerging talent in residential architecture and design in New England. The winners – all five of whom and under the age of forty – were nominated by their peers and then selected by a committee of design leaders who considered four categories: architecture, interiors, furniture and home design products and accessories. Take note: 5 Under 40 winners are the people to watch, produce some of the most beautiful and innovative work available today.
This year’s panel of judges is comprised of top professionals representing different facets of the New England design community, including interior designer Sally Wilson, architect Bradford C. Walker, interior designer Jill Goldberg, who also owns the acclaimed home boutique, Hudson, and New England Home’s editor in chief Kyle Hoepner.
Sally Wilson commented on her 5 Under 40 experience, saying, “Judging up and coming young talent was a rewarding experience. It was fun to see their projects and review how they put their message together. The future world of design is in good hands.”
The judges assembled to review scores of nominations and select this year’s winners, who will be honored at a celebratory reception on September 13th, 2012 at the Galleria at 333 Stuart Street in Boston. As a part of the festivities, each winner designed a custom rug that will be auctioned off at the reception to benefit the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based charity, Barakat. Be sure to keep an eye on what comes next from this talented group of design stars!
One of the most iconic artists of all time, Andy Warhol’s work is easily recognizable to almost anyone.
One of the most iconic artists of all time, Andy Warhol’s work is easily recognizable to almost anyone. His dynamic images made statements that influence artists still today and demonstrate the genius of his art. On the surface, Warhol’s work conveys simple thoughts, one idea at a time, and yet still manages to speak volumes about American culture during the 60’s and 70’s.
From September 18 to December 31, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will explore Andy Warhol’s far-reaching influence on contemporary artists. According to the Met’s website, “Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years juxtaposes prime examples of Warhol’s paintings, sculpture, and films with those by other artists who in key ways reinterpret, respond, or react to his groundbreaking work. What emerges is a fascinating dialogue between works of art and artists across generations.” Presented in five thematic sections, the exhibition highlights themes from celebrity to human identity, from daily life to business.
The Jackie Kennedy portrait is one of my all-time favorites.
To learn more about the exhibit or plan a visit to the Met, go to their website or follow them on Facebook.
Earlier this year, I blogged about must-have books on interior design. Today I’d like to present a second list of must-have books!
Earlier this year, I blogged about must-have books on interior design. Today I’d like to present a second list of must-have books! These are great books for fall, mainly featuring iconic designers offering up new inspiration. Others, like GAIA, are beautiful coffee table books to dress up a room or give as gifts. Some of these are new and some are available for pre-order.
I’m sure as the new year arrives and trends come and go, I’ll have more fabulous titles to add to my must-have list! What’s on your reading list or coffee table right now?
One of my favorite meals to make anytime of the year is Linguine with Seafood. This is one dish that we all enjoy as a family!
Guest post from Debbie Aidinis.
One of my favorite meals to make anytime of the year is Linguine with Seafood. This is one dish that we all enjoy as a family. I typically prepare this meal with clams, shrimp and lobster. When the local fish market has fresh cleaned calamari, I will add it as well. Mussels and scallops can also be used. I like that this dish can be done with a variety of seafood, with any combination being used depending on availability and preference.
Growing up, we always had the benefit of a garden with fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit. My Grandfather immigrated here from Reggio Calabria, Italy, and brought his knowledge of gardening, which has been passed down through the generations, with him. My family still has the garden, though it’s not as large as the original and there are always fresh tomatoes and vegetables to go around.
Knowing what a difference it makes, I like to use the freshest ingredients when I cook, using garden herbs that I grow. In the summer, I will use fresh plum tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Using cherry tomatoes will give you a much lighter sauce, but you will need quite a lot. There is nothing like using fresh pasta and I highly recommend cooking with it. As always, I do not measure my ingredients so the following amounts are estimated and may need to be adjusted. The amount of seafood used may also be adjusted according to what is being used to make the dish.
Ingredients:
½ cup Olive Oil
A large bunch of Green Onions or one large Yellow Onion, chopped
½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Course Black Pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
1 cup of White Wine
½ cup chopped Parsley
½ cup chopped Basil
3 dozen Littleneck Clams, scrubbed
1 lb cleaned and deveined Large Shrimp
½ to ¾ lb cooked Lobster Meat {usually 3 cooked Lobster Tails)
3 to 4 lbs fresh plum tomatoes, chopped, or 1 can 35oz San Marzano Plum Tomatoes
Or
3 to 4 pints fresh cherry tomatoes, whole, or 3 14oz cans Cherry Tomatoes
1lb Linguine
Locatelli Romano Cheese, freshly grated
1 loaf Ciabatta or crusty Italian Bread of choice
Optional:
Clove of minced garlic
1 to 2 lbs of Mussels
1lb of Sea Scallops
½ lb of cleaned Calamari sliced into ½ inch rings
Directions:
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat,then add the onions (and garlic if including) and cook till tender. Add the coarse black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let mixture cook for few minutes, then add wine and tomatoes and bring to a boil, then simmer. If using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole and let them cook until they eventually break apart. Add the parsley, basil, and salt to mixture and let cook, occasionally stirring sauce.
Wash clams and steam in a separate pot. Clean shrimp and set aside. Cut Lobster into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Once the sauce has cooked for about 30 minutes, add the shrimp and cook until pink, then add lobster meat and transfer the steamed clams with shells into the sauce. If using mussels, calamari or scallops, add them in with the shrimp
Boil water for pasta and cook as directed, reserving some liquid from the pasta. Place the pasta into a large, shallow bowl; add just enough of the reserved liquid to coat the pasta. Spoon seafood with sauce onto pasta and mix. Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil on top.
Ladle into individual bowls and top with fresh grated cheese. Serve with your favorite crusty bread. Enjoy!
