Features Archives - Page 2 of 11

Favorite Things: Kitchen Faucets

We do a lot of architectural specifications, and one element that falls into this category is faucets.

We do a lot of architectural specifications, and one element that falls into this category is faucets. Particularly in the kitchen, we really hone in on the faucet to ensure we have the style, form, and function to best suit the space and the client’s needs. Everyone has a preference for the faucet, whether it operates by a touch system or features more traditional on/off function. So many faucets now have features integrated into a seamless design without sacrificing utility. Touch systems are very popular right now, as are pedals installed at the floor to turn the water on or off. There are many beautiful options available today. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Vola, KV1. One-handle mixer with ceramic disc technology, double swivel spout.

2. Kohler Purist

3. Waterstone Contemporary PLP Extended Reach Pull Down Faucet

4. Waterworks Regulator

5. Waterstone Fulton

6. Minta Touch, Chrome

7. Waterworks, Universal

8. Minta Touch

9. Kohler Karbon

10. KWC, EVE

2015 A List Award Party

At the recent 2015 A List Award party, I was so honored to be recognized for my designs and to be included among such talented people!

At the recent 2015 A List Award party, I was so honored to be recognized for my designs and to be included among such talented people! Photos from the party at the Palace Theater in Stamford, as well as the winning projects and finalists, can be seen in this month’s AtHome in Fairfield County magazine. It was a fantastic event!

Here are some excerpts from the AtHome issue. I hope you’ll pick up a copy to see the work of other winners and finalists.

Breast Cancer Alliance Silent Auction

I am very happy to support the Breast Cancer Alliance by participating in this year’s silent auction.

I am very happy to support the Breast Cancer Alliance by participating in this year’s silent auction. I’ve partnered with Hoagland’s in Greenwich to offer a unique shopping experience available for bidding. The winning bidder of this item will receive a $2000 credit at Hoagland’s with the added bonus of shopping for home accessories with my advice and assistance.

Online bidding for this unique shopping experience as well as a range of other incredible items is now open and will run through noon on October 21. Any unsold items will be available for bidding at the BCA Luncheon and Fashion Show on October 22. The Luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Breast Cancer Alliance is an extremely worthy cause, working to improve survival rates and quality of life for those living with a breast cancer diagnosis. They invest in research, surgery fellowships, education, support, and screening to promote prevention, early detection, treatment, and cure. In 2015 alone, the BCA awarded nearly $1.6 million in grants to dozens of institutions and fellowships. By supporting the BCA through their silent auction and Luncheon, you are helping to make a difference in the lives those affected by breast cancer.

To learn more about the BCA, visit their website. You can view the online auction here and sign up to place a bid. I look forward to shopping with the lucky winner of the Hoagland’s Shopping Spree auction!

Matt Story

I was first introduced to Matt Story’s paintings on a visit to Samuel Owen Gallery.

I was first introduced to Matt Story‘s paintings on a visit to Samuel Owen Gallery. He paints beautiful landscapes, but his water series is what really caught my eye.

To create these paintings, Story first captures dozens of images during a photoshoot in a pool with a model. He then goes through the photos to develop a concept for a painting. This process may involve cropping the image in the photo, determining a the width to height ratio, and carefully choosing references among thousands of photos of bubbles. After blocking the painting and transferring a scaled-up drawing to the canvas, he begins to add colors, tweaking the image and adding layer after layer of colors. The final touch involves a complicated glazing of each bubble to achieve a perfect reflective look.

I find these paintings so bold and graphic. They are both sensual and playful. In person, Matt Story’s paintings are just so energetic, I could stare at them forever.

To see more of Story’s paintings, visit his website. You can also find him on Facebook.

Petta Thompson

When browsing Donghia, I kept seeing this great art — I loved it. Later, when I visited ICFF, I came around a corner and saw all these gorgeous wall coverings by Petta Thompson. I realized we had samples of theirs around my studio but never made the connection between them and the artwork that had caught my eye.

Founded in 2007 by artists Rita Petta and Rebecca Thompson, the studio embodies the idea of a continual exploration of beautiful things. Each piece in their collection features incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. They work with a team of artisans to create wall coverings, art, and truly stunning decorative objects.

I really dig the vibe of these creative women and am so happy they are right here in Connecticut. When I met them at ICFF, I found them so approachable and easy going. When you really love a product and the people behind it, it makes you want to use it even more. Petta Thompson’s work is beautiful, so raw and organic. The wood pieces coated with gold look very awe-inspiring.

To see more of Petta Thompson’s designs, visit their website. They are also on Facebook.

Roman and Williams

Roman and Williams is a New York based design firm with an interesting back story.

Roman and Williams is a New York based design firm with an interesting back story. Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch spent ten years designing sets for Hollywood films before taking on their first residential project, a home in Los Angeles. Together they formed Roman and Williams (named for their grandfathers) in 2002 and in 2004 relocated the firm to New York. Since then, they’ve completed an impressive scope of projects including homes, restaurants, hotels, and retail locations.

I have a book of work by Roman and Williams called Things We Made, given to me by a cousin who is studying architecture. She thought I’d be interested in their projects, and she was right. I really appreciate what they do and how they do it. Roman and Williams have a different approach than I do, but I like the moodiness and industrial vibe of many of their projects.

I find it interesting how they mix materials. Their interiors feature so many collected items — it takes skill to make this look effortless. They can take dilapidation and expand on it, creating a memorable environment. Roman and Williams has a huge design range, everything from industrial to clubby.

I recall seeing a kitchen years ago and remembering it was in actor Ben Stiller’s home. I was enchanted by the use of 3×6 tiles all over the kitchen walls and not just allocated to the back splash. It’s funny how certain things stay with you, and once I found out the kitchen was a Roman and Williams design, I was even more impressed with the the space and their work.

Meyer Davis Studio

I really identify with the true quality of design shown by Meyer Davis Studio and appreciate how they take time for details.

Founded in 1999 by Will Meyer and Gray Davis, the New York City based firm Meyer Davis Studio has established itself at the forefront of luxury design for home, retail, hospitality, and office. Using “space, form, texture, and light, they develop a visual experience that seeks to compel and inspire.”

Taconic House Meyer Davis — Taconic House

Prominent projects include the design of hotels such as 1 South Beach Hotel in Miami, Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, and W Hotels. Their work on Paramount Hotel in New York City was also recognized by Boutique Design’s 2014 Gold Key Awards. Their restaurant designs have been widely recognized by various award groups, making them highly sought after by some of the world’s leading restaurateurs. Meyer Davis also designed Oscar de la Renta’s worldwide boutiques.

I really identify with the true quality of design shown by Meyer Davis Studio and appreciate how they take time for details. I love design that is simple and streamlined, but also crave more decorative, well appointed items. So many of their projects are just perfection to me.

Tennessee Farmhouse Meyer Davis — Tennessee Farmhouse

You can see more Meyer Davis projects on their website. They are also on Facebook.

Method Monday

This design scheme came about while I was working with an existing client, brainstorming ideas for their dining room.

This design scheme came about while I was working with an existing client, brainstorming ideas for their dining room. I wanted to do something glamorous. The adjacent family room and kitchen included a lot of yellow, so for the dining room I decided to insert some brass for a touch of glimmer. The room is somewhat small and intimate, so I wanted to smother it in saffron. I thought of silk walls, saturated drapes, and a pure gradation of the same tone. The light fixture is something I really fell in love with. Because the plan for the walls and window treatments is monochromatic, the rug provides contrast. The resulting scheme has a depth of color reminiscent of summer and happiness.

Clifford Ross

When the latest copy of Architectural Digest arrived, the feature about photographer Clifford Ross immediately caught my eye.

When the latest copy of Architectural Digest arrived, the feature about photographer Clifford Ross immediately caught my eye. I am just fascinated with his photos of the ocean.

A New York native, Ross earned his BA in Art and Art History from Yale in 1974. He began his career with painting and sculpture, not turning to photography until the 1990s. His large scale black and white photos in the Hurricanes series from 1996 represent a milestone in his photography career. He captured these incredible shots during hurricanes by actually going into the water, keeping himself tethered to an assistant on land.

I have always been so drawn by the water and find Ross’s photos of rolling surfs and hurricane waves to be ridiculously beautiful. He really puts himself in harm’s way to capture these moments, creating work that is truly special.

Ross’s work has been exhibited widely in the United States, Europe, Brazil, and China. It can also be found in many public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. You can see more of his work on his website.

JL Rocks at Bungalow

One of my favorite shops to visit and explore is Bungalow in Westport, CT.

One of my favorite shops to visit and explore is Bungalow in Westport, CT. As soon as I step into Bungalow, I find myself wandering throughout the shop, visually devouring all of the beautiful items. From furnishings to jewelry, Bungalow has a wonderfully curated collection of pieces. Owner Wende Cohen launched Bungalow after moving from Manhattan to Westport and wanting to pursue a business that would incorporate her passion for travel, antiques, and decor. With sources ranging from local artisans to European craftsmen, it’s no wonder she has turned Bungalow into a vibrant success.

Bunglaow is one of the places I love to shop for furniture, accessories, and lighting for clients. I can find true one of a kind pieces here. Bungalow is a real gold mine! It’s one of the first places that comes to mind when I want to accessorize an interior.

Sometimes while shopping for clients, I discover other things to fall in love with. One of my favorite finds at Bungalow is the jewelry line JL Rocks. Featuring artisanal and designer jewelry, JL Rocks has a modern, but sophisticated, approach to jewelry design that is so appealing. Here are some of the pieces that really caught my eye.