Author: Amy Hirsch

Eataly, NYC

New York City, overflowing with people and experiences, is also home to one of my favorite shopping and dining experiences: Eataly, located at 200 5th Ave.

New York City, overflowing with people and experiences, is also home to one of my favorite shopping and dining experiences:  Eataly, located at 200 5th Ave.  A collaboration between culinary icons Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, and Eataly founder Oscar Farinetti, the NYC location aims to bring artisanal Italian foods to its clientele.

image from Happy Healthy Life

This is not your average grocery store.  It’s a market for true food lovers, those who want to know where their food came from and how it made the journey from field to shelf.  The feast begins when you enter the market and take in the sight of high ceilings and marble, displays of exotic produce and crusty breads, tempting gelato and cheeses, Italian pastas, and other delights not typically found in American supermarkets.

image courtesy of: need to know
photo by Evan Sung

If the idea of cooking up these culinary delights overwhelms you, Eataly offers a variety of cooking classes.  Or, you can enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants located right inside the market.  From the steakhouse to the vegan cafe, Eataly is sure to have something to tempt everyone.

Before leaving, be sure to check out the wine store.  The staff are helpful and knowledgeable, an invaluable combination when it comes to assisting wine shoppers.

photo by Bryan Hood

To learn more about Eataly’s philosophy, products, or classes, visit their website or look them up on Facebook.

Tabletop Inspirations

Don’t underestimate the ability of fine dinnerware to add a special or unique touch to the table.

What do you use your dishes for?  Are they simply utilitarian, something to toss on the table at dinner, then clean up and store out of sight once the meal is over?  On most nights of the week, dinner time is more about reconnecting with family after a busy day or fitting in a quick dinner between soccer and homework than about transforming your table into a masterpiece of a tablescape.

When you have guests, however, don’t underestimate the ability of fine dinnerware to add a special or unique touch to the table.  Dinnerware can add color, interest, and style to the table.  There’s no reason why you can’t use the dinnerware as another interesting element to make your guests feel special.

Here are some examples of dinnerware I love.  They represent a variety of colors and styles, but what they have in common is a heightened level of interest or detail that can easily be carried into other accent pieces for the table.

Decorate your table with this over the top tobacco leaf plate. Keep everything else simple.
This is my mother's china - Tree of Life. I have always loved the tree of life motif - inspiration from my mother!
Match - Pewter Table Top
Jasper Conran Chinoiserie

 

Fortuny & L'Objet - Fabulous!
Haviland
Classic Hermes
L'objet - Mythologie

And of course, who says fabulous dinnerware has to be confined to a tabletop?

Cozy Chic Family Room

Our goal here was to create a comfortable, cozy environment in a livable space with absolutely nothing pretentious.

An open floor plan offers unique challenges and opportunities.  For this client, the family room opened to both the kitchen and dining area so all three spaces needed to tie together.  Our goal here was to create a comfortable, cozy environment in a livable space with absolutely nothing pretentious.  The rooms already had good flow from that open floor plan as well as lots of natural light and simple
architecture.  With these things in mind, we set out to create this cozy chic living room.

The primary color selection for this project was green.  Combined with all that wonderful light, the natural, organic color palette allows the influence of the outdoors to pour into the interior.  The resulting effect is inviting and has a simple influence but layers of warmth.   To achieve this, I chose materials like wicker, iron, walnut, and a hint of bamboo.  Since the space holds three different actions — eating, cooking, and lounging — elements had to not only compliment each other but also almost repeat to tie everything together.  For example, walnut in both the island and coffee table, bamboo on the ottomans and bar stools, and wicker chairs echoed by baskets.

Some of the items and materials used here were really enjoyable to work with.  The tile back splash warms up the white cabinetry of the kitchen while the Lamplight Designs lanterns over the island draw in that soft green color seen throughout the space.  The chenille sofa fabric from Cowtan & Tout, for example, or the John Rosselli & Associates bamboo ottomans upholstered in leather.  One of my favorite accents, however, is the Vaughan standing lamp in iron!

I think the finished room really lives up to all of its potential.  This is a great gathering area where everyone feels connected and part of the open communication of living together in a wonderfully habitable space.

Artist Marc Harrold

I found myself mesmerized by the sleekness of Marc Harrold’s photography at the Samuel Owen Gallery.

Typically, I am late for everything and recently on my mad dash to get lunch I stumbled into the Samuel Owen Gallery. With absolutely no time to spare, I found myself mesmerized by the sleekness of some photography at the gallery.  I knew the artwork would be perfect for a project I’m working on in Southampton.

From the gallery I learned the artist behind these fascinating images is Marc Harrold from Paris, France.  To create his photos, Marc purposely overdevelops the images then selectively adds color back into the images.  The photographs are back mounted with 1/4″ UV acrylic with an aluminum backing to hold them rigid.  On the back of each photo is a cleat with a coordinating wall piece which allows the photo to rest flat against the wall.  The resulting artwork appears to float over the wall.

Marc primarily photographs beach scenes in his native France.  The wide spaces in his large-format prints combine with the brightness of the over-exposure, and prominent and sweeping horizon line, truly evoke the feeling of being at the beach with the sun in your eyes and feeling that you can see all the way to the edge of the world.

Later that day I actually had a meeting with my Southampton client and expressed my interest in the artwork of Marc’s I had seen earlier.  She perked right up and said, “I saw the same thing!” and we both were totally excited like two 5 year old children!

Art is so difficult to choose for a client.  It is just one of those things people have a very visceral  reaction to, sentimental and expressive of one’s personal reflection.  I can’t wait to install this artwork for my client; it is going to totally set the overall feeling of the house!
Beach 1

Of his own work, Marc says, “‘I take photos of places at different times of the day, sometimes randomly, to emphasize the interaction between the light and the shade, the effect of time on the beauty of the instant. This way, probable or more unlikely encounters unveil the invisible from the visible. My photos are a reflection on the fickleness of people, of things. Signs that draw their way through light and shadow. Aestheticism is important to me to carry my thoughts and feelings.  My work is not intended to carry any specific message, but rather to share an emotion that is magnified by the experience of the observer.”

Beach 46
Beach 37
Beach 62

It’s difficult to do this artwork any justice on a computer screen!  To see more examples of Marc Harrold’s photography, including detailed images, visit Samuel Owen Gallery or look them up on Facebook.

House Beautiful: Bath of the Month

Being one of my favorite design publications, I was thrilled to have a bath I designed chosen as Bath of the Month!

House Beautiful magazine’s March 2012 issue just arrived in my mailbox.  Being one of my favorite design publications, I was thrilled to have a bath I designed chosen as Bath of the Month!  Here is my interview, done by Mimi Read, with photographs by Lucas Allen.  It was a true pleasure working with them and seeing the article in print!

Here is the article in full, but I suggest you pick up an issue to enjoy from cover to cover!

Mimi Read:  You do know how to frame a view.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch:  We wanted an expansive window to fill the room with natural light, and to make the exterior part of the interior.  We didn’t use a window treatment because it would have blocked the view.  Those lush green woods are like a painting for the space.

That’s a brave move, putting a tub right in front of a huge uncovered window.

The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac — my clients have total privacy here.  That’s a dual soaking tub, so it accommodates two people.  They wanted a bathroom for both of them to enjoy together — a perfect symmetry of his-and-hers everything.  He travels a lot, and it was particularly important to him to have a tranquil space to retreat when he comes home.  It’s their Zen haven.

Cladding the walls and floor in all this honey-vanilla limestone creates such a spa-like feeling.

We chose vanilla limestone because we were going for warm and simple, understated.  Marble would have had too much movement —  all that veining — and that would have competed with what we were trying to achieve here.  The driving force for choosing limestone was the previous floor.  It was Jerusalem gold marble, and it was jarring, not welcoming at all.  This is such a soft, calming color, very gentle on the eye, and also to the hand — it’s quite smooth, not pitted in any way.  And using it everywhere unifies everything.

You’ve even used tilted limestone slabs as vanities.  Why no drawers or cabinets under the sinks?

My clients didn’t want conventional vanities — they wanted something clean and minimal.  They were actually inspired by a tiny vignette of a bathroom they’d seen at Paris Ceramics.  They were there looking, and they really fell in love with the mother-of-pearl on the vessel sinks and the backsplash.  The way the light picks up on it is exquisite.  I repeated the mother-of-pearl tiles in the shower and made it thicker, right at eye level.  It’s definitely the bling.

It’s beautiful the way the mirrored door between the vanities reflects the woodsy view.

The details are so beautiful, too.  The panes frame antique mercury mirror, and the rosettes are hand-carved.  You really notice the beauty because of the sleek, angular simplicity of the vanities.  The door slides into the wall, so it never obscures either of the vessel sinks.  Those sinks are works of art.

–MR

at home: Meet Our A-List Winners

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder. But good design is in the eye of the homeowner–it must appeal in a visual way while also satisfying the needs of those who live with it.

I am so honored to have been chosen as one of at home’s A-List Winners!  Here’s the full article and photos of the dining room that earned this award.

at home magazine presents the Second Annual A-List Awards 2011

Meet Our A-List Winners

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder.  But good design is in the eye of the homeowner–it must appeal in a visual way while also satisfying the needs of those who live with it. It’s no coincidence, then, that the striking projects selected by our esteemed judges to win this year’s A-List competition are also those that wow with their smart solutions and livability. We caught up with the award-winning professionals and their clients to find out what sets the A-List apart from the pack. Their stories reveal a host of creative ideas that are certain to inspire first-rate home projects in the future.

When Liria Heidenreich was looking for design help for her shingle-style house in Greenwich, her sister-in-law recommended Amy Aidinis Hirsch.  The young designer had already decorated the homes of other family members, so why not hers?  But the Heidenreichs were seeking a different approach:  “They wanted to marry a modern style with a more traditional architecture,” says Hirsch.  The success of the dining room–part of a whole-house project– lies in the way Hirsch translated their desire for an eclectic interior with little clutter or fuss.  “I didn’t want a lot of color.  I’m nutty and I need mellow,” says Heidenreich.  “She really got me.”

At the center of this sleek-yet-personal space is an architectural Italian table surrounded by Ligne Roset cowhide chairs and a wood bench.  The more casual arrangement suits the family’s two boys and also answers Liria’s request:  “no boring chairs.”  Dark chocolate grass cloth on the walls provides warmth and anchors the abstract art.  For the floor, Hirsch put an unexpected spin on a simple wool loop rug.  Instead of picking one colorway from the samples, she sourced all of them to create a custom stripe.  The homeowner admits to being particular about lighting and this glam three-tiered crystal chandelier from Ochre acts as a jewel in the room, about with she jokes, “My electrician doesn’t like me anymore.”

To add a touch of color and tradition, Hirsch brought in a red antique lacquer cabinet from Greenwich Oriental.  This one-of-a-kind piece provides storage and character, picking up on a hue continued in other parts of the house.  The sophisticated theme fits the family to a tee.  Says Heidenreich, “I still walk into these rooms and say, “Damn, this works!”

—at home Winter 2012

 

A Jewel of a Powder Room

My goal with this project was to create a jewel of a powder room; a whimsical experience in a smaller space.

Bathrooms and powder rooms can be the best places to design.  Since the room isn’t usually directly in sight, you can be more extreme, take risks, and play with more unusual materials.  My goal with this project was to create a jewel of a powder room; a whimsical experience in a smaller space.

To start, the mohair for the wall upholstery sets a luxurious backdrop balanced nicely by the lighter colors of the hand kiln tiles by Country Floors and the Honey Onyx sink vessel by Ann Sacks.  The console table is a custom piece from English Looking Glass.

In addition, some of the wonderful products from this powder room are not visible in the photos.  A hand-antiqued map of Paris, George I Gilt Gesso Pier Mirror,  and a Piccolo Sconce by Gregorius Pineo, round out the bathroom nicely.  Finding just the right details and accents such as these is what makes a project for me!

 

 

Pindar Vineyards, Long Island

On the North Fork of Long Island, 500 acres of vibrant green vines produce about 70,000 cases of wine each year for Long Island’s best-known wine producer.

On the North Fork of Long Island, 500 acres of vibrant green vines produce about 70,000 cases of wine each year for Long Island’s best-known wine producer:  Pindar Vineyards.  Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos began living his dream of owning a vineyard in the early 1980’s.  Pindar Vineyards is still a family-run affair, offering not only tours and tastings at the winery in Peconic, but also a successful wine shop and tasting bar in nearby Port Jefferson.

Pindar Vineyards
Tasting Bar
Wine tasting

In addition to their commitment to produce quality wines, Pindar Vineyard uses green practices to sustain the winery.  They recently built a windmill to power at least 80% of vineyard operations and are converting to geothermal heat and cooling.  Instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Pindar Vineyard composts clippings from local landscapers, scraps from local seafood suppliers, and their own grape skins to create a rich addition to the soil in their fields.  They also host annual events like the East End Hospice Annual Pig Roast and BBQ, Sunflowers for Wishes, and John Theissen Children’s Foundation Annual Toy Drive to give back to the community through fundraising efforts.

Photo by Bob McInnis

To learn more or plan a visit to Pindar Vineyard, go to their website or find them on Facebook.

Wicker Chairs

Natural wicker, formed of cane or rattan core stalks, willow switches, reed, or bamboo, is known for its strength, durability, beauty, and comfort.

Wicker furniture has been around since the days of the ancient Egyptians.  Natural wicker, formed of cane or rattan core stalks, willow switches, reed, or bamboo, is known for its strength, durability, beauty, and comfort.  Synthetic wicker may be easier to maintain over time, but it cannot compete with natural wicker’s many superior qualities.

After the U.S. Civil War, wicker furniture enjoyed modest popularity as a comfortable, lightweight option for outdoor seating.  Toward the end of the 19th Century, wicker furniture makers had developed an elaborate Victorian style.  The height of these ornate wicker designs was reached in the late 1880s and early 1890s until styling became more austere during the Arts and Crafts movement.  Collectors today highly prize antique wicker pieces.

Victorian Wicker Platform Rocker
1890s Wicker Arm Chair

I like the unusual, eclectic look of these wicker chairs.  This style isn’t what typically comes to mind when you think of wicker chairs and I find the styling details unexpected and very interesting.  Indoors or out, wicker brings natural charm to a room.  It works with upholstered pieces and relaxes a room with polished wood features.

 

An Unusual Wreath

When a client asked me to create a wreath for the New York Junior League’s Winter Wreath Celebration and Auction, I immediately knew I wanted to do something risky to set my design apart from all the others.

When a client asked me to create a wreath for the New York Junior League‘s Winter Wreath Celebration and Auction, I immediately knew I wanted to do something risky to set my design apart from all the others.  I felt totally against creating a typical, round, preserved green wreath.   This was a risky, absolutely unsafe approach, but I wanted something authentic and unusual that would get people talking.  Plus, I had only two weeks to pull of the entire project!  Working under pressure helps me focus pure creativity, so the time crunch actually worked in my favor.

My first and biggest hurdle involved convincing my husband to part with a trophy item from his past!  His European mounted deer skull became the centerpiece of the wreath.  I upholstered the skull in plaid fabric, leaving the antlers bare and natural.

Surrounding the European mount are real white birch branches and a combination of real and silk pheasant feathers.  McArdle’s Florist and Garden Center in Greenwich did an excellent job of providing materials to help me create my design vision.

The finished wreath completely lived up to my goal of building something unexpectedly beautiful.

 I was not at the Junior League auction, but from what I heard this wreath was the talk of the event!  Bidding over the wreath was fierce, which only goes to show that taking risks and not conforming to common expectations can really pay off!