Slider Archives - Amy Hirsch

Rope Furniture

The nautical look of rope furniture definitely has the spirit of summer.

With the dog days of summer nearing an end, I am still hanging on to the spirit of the season. The nautical look of rope furniture definitely has this same spirit!

christian astuguevielle 1 — Christian Astuguevielle

These examples of rope furniture are so beautifully made and well crafted. Each piece is a work of art. I love how rope, a simple fiber, is translated into something sculptural for the home.

I also like how this type of furniture is open to interpretation. It can be whimsical and quirky, a indication you don’t take things too seriously. You can use one or two pieces of rope furniture to soften a space, or go full force and use them throughout a room. It would be fun to combine rope elements with something more formal, playing with that juxtaposition. So many possibilities!

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Favorite Things: Credenzas

In the dining room, a credenza is ideal for added storage and provides a great surface to serve from.

A credenza is a large, closed cabinet often used as a sideboard or a buffet. In the dining room, a credenza is ideal for added storage and provides a great surface to serve from. We often use custom pieces to meet a client’s individual needs, an option that allows us to integrate the credenza’s interior into the design. A custom credenza gives you added flexibility for size, style, color, and material for a super unique look. Additionally, a credenza provides structure and a foundation for lamps and art. It grounds a space. I love using elements such as shagreen and ebony or two dimensional doors. When working with a craftsman, you can trick out a credenza for a memorable, one of a kind piece. Here are some of my favorite examples of gorgeous credenzas.

Morgan Console from Four Hands

Oly Studio Serena Buffet

Irwindale Buffet from Theodore Alexander

Grammi Sideboard

Tompkins Buffet from Wud Furniture Design

Rondelle Credenza by John Pomp

Fumed Oak Credenza from ISOM

Milano Mystic Buffet from Ercole Home.

Harper Side Board from Precedent Furniture

Painted Credenza from Jeff Martin Joinery

Ingemar Cabinet from KGBL

Raised Front Ebonized Floating Credenza from 1st Dibs

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Crow’s Nest, Montauk

I recently read an article in Domino magazine about Sean MacPherson, a hotelier with properties in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Montauk.

I recently read an article in Domino magazine about Sean MacPherson, a hotelier with properties in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Montauk. When one of the ladies in my office announced she’d be visiting Montauk, it reminded me of the article and of MacPherson’s restaurant there — The Crow’s Nest — and I suggested she make it one of her stops. It reminds me of the Montauk of years past, before the area became more upscale.

My dad always spent a lot of time in Montauk over the years. The Crows Nest is one of those places that just exudes a casual summer vibe. It’s a little gem of a place that makes you feel like it’s ok to walk in with bare feet and sand between your toes. The decor is approachable, not overly decorated or precious. Everywhere you look are lots of authentic things that give the restaurant a bohemian chic feel, all of if perfectly showcased by the surroundings and the incredible view. I’m often drawn to this kind of raw simplicity.

Dining at The Crow’s Nest is quite a treat. The menu features fresh, local fare prepared with beautiful simplicity, letting the ingredients shine. Seafood is the star of the menu, but you can also enjoy grass fed beef, lamb, and plenty of vegetarian options. They have the greatest margaritas!

To see the full menu or learn more about the Crow’s Nest, visit their website.

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Planters

One great way to incorporate greenery is with planters.

Sometimes the spring/summer season sneaks up on you, but you can’t neglect the task of beautifying your patio or deck. One great way to incorporate greenery is with planters. With such a range of sizes and styles available, you can really say something with planters.

axel medium sutherland furniture

pennoyer newman industrial planter

cubist fiber planter from terrain

When choosing planters, you can find something that provides contrast or select pieces that blend with the architecture, outdoors or indoors. There is such a variety of textures, colors, and shapes of planters –big pots filled with gorgeous plants make a major statement in a great room or sun room. Or, you can group smaller planters together on a wall, the stairs, or a console.

great lakes rectangular planter

artisan series planter

riverside sheet metal zinc planter

You can further customize planters with what you fill them with. The contents of your planters have just as much potential for variety, from flowers and herbs to trees and tall grasses. When choosing plants, take into consideration their height, texture, and color. Some plants repel pests while others make pleasant sounds when the wind moves through them.

inverlussa palm box with rivets mckinnon harris aldo cibic and cristiana urban riviera plant stands

williams sonoma reclaimed redwood planters

How do you decorate with planters?

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Color Obsession: Citrus & Lime

I find myself craving color right now, drawn to everything bright, sunny, and cheerful.

Maybe it’s because I was born in summer , but this my favorite time of year. I find myself craving color right now, drawn to everything bright, sunny, and cheerful. This is the season when I search for bold hues that make a big impact. Lemon, lime, and other citrusy colors remind me of the warmth of the sun and are perfect for this season. You see these colors in a lot of vintage fashion from the 1940s and 1950s, a time when people were adventurous in how they dressed. You can definitely make a summer splash with Citrus and Lime!

Living room by Jeff Andrews Design.
Imperial Gates – Green and Key Lime on Ivory Manila Hemp from Phillip Jeffries.
Malibu Wrapped Coffee Table from Oomph.
Cosy Light Fixture from Urban Electric.
Overdyed Vintage Rug from Sacco Carpet.
Pulling Down on Yellow, 2013. Gloss paint on aluminum. 49 x 49. By Natasha Law.
Lime Alpaca from Sandra Jordan.
Christian Louboutin Cap Toe Lucite Heels
Swimsuit by Eres Paris.
Bubbles and Lime Slices

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Method Monday

This is a design scheme we came up with for a coastal home with views of Long Island Sound.

This is a design scheme developed for a coastal home with views of Long Island Sound. The architecture embraces the view so that the all you see from the spectacular rear of the home is the sea. In contemplating the design, we wanted no obstruction to the breathtaking setting. One of the challenges of a home with a wide open floor plan is choosing furniture so that nothing competes . There needs to be a cohesive feel throughout the space. To achieve this, we chose a monochromatic, neutral palette. There are transitional elements and a user friendly approach for this family — they have children and also like to entertain. We kept a textural sense by combining the oak floors and douglas fir ceilings with cozy, warm fabrics. The patterns are not overly bold, resulting in a welcoming, comfortable home that makes the most of the beautiful seascape.

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Swimming Pools

When it comes to swimming pools, I prefer designs that are an integration of the home’s architecture.

When it comes to swimming pools, I prefer designs that are an integration of the home’s architecture. For me, the pool has to be parallel with the home’s interior — I gravitate toward designs that are very structured. Infinity pools are hot right now if you have the environment for one. The landscape around the pool can complement the style of the pool or have a more organic feel. Here are some examples of gorgeous swimming pools.

What does your ideal swimming pool look like?

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My Personal Collection on The Local Vault

This collection is an eclectic mix of beautiful living room items, all available for purchase through The Local Vault.

It’s been a year since my family and I sold our charming 1940’s center hall colonial, a home and life full of so many rich memories. It’s time for a new start and we are about to begin our journey. While collaborating with The Local Vault recently, I considered what to do with the trove of items from our house. They are great pieces and served a wonderful role in my family’s life, but like anyone I want to shed some of the old and start new. What to do with them? Well, sell them of course! One thing many people do not know about me is that I am not sentimental about certain things, especially once I have enjoyed them. I can easily let go and move on after they served a purpose and I have grown from their use. Plus, change is good for the soul. You can peruse my collection and hopefully something you’d love to have in your own home will catch your eye. Everything has a wonderful spirit and I am thrilled for someone else to take pleasure in these pieces.

You can see the full collection and shop online here.

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At Home Magazine: Fine Tuned

The July/August issue of At Home in Fairfield County is now available and features a recent kitchen remodel we designed for a couple’s NYC apartment.

The July/August issue of At Home in Fairfield County is now available and features a recent kitchen remodel we designed for a couple’s NYC apartment. For this client, we opened up the kitchen to better take advantage of the building’s views and natural light while also creating a space that better suited their tastes and needs. They were thrilled with the result! I hope you’ll pick up a copy of the magazine to see the full article!

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Outdoor Furnishings

As we start my favorite season of the year and total summer bliss begins, remember that the exterior of your home is one of the most important spaces.

Happy summer! As we start my favorite season of the year and total summer bliss begins, remember that the exterior of your home is one of the most important spaces. When making outdoor furniture selections, it’s always best to prepare in the winter and early spring months while the chill is still in the air. We have been installing so many exterior spaces in the past few weeks and the components have been mostly modular. These are great since you can configure the pieces in so many different ways, making the most of your exterior layout.

modern retailers — Patio furniture from Modern Retailers

Muubs Rockefeller Teack Fiber Concrete table — Muubs Rockefeller Teak Fiber Concrete Table

This year, I’m seeing a lot of comfortable pieces like daybeds, swings, and rockers in a mix of materials. So many companies came out with total eye candy – it can be hard to pare down selections when there are so many great choices. Rockers are big this year, particularly comfortable, modern rocking chairs.

canasta daybed walters wicker — Canasta Daybed from Walters Wicker

west elm huron lounge chair — West Elm Huron Lounge Chair

Walters Wicker Omega Curved Sofa — Omega Curved Sofa from Walters Wicker

SWINGREST Hanging lounger dedon — Swingrest Hanging Lounger, Dedo

mbrace dedon rocking chair — Mbrace Rocking Chair, Dedon

hanging lattice chair Patricia Urquiola — Patricia Urquiola Hanging Lattice Chair

I also like in incorporate outdoor lamps to bring an unexpected element and encourage the idea of bringing the inside out. Heaters are another great addition to an exterior. They look whimsical but have a purpose and really do a lot to extend the use of your outdoor space.

sutherland furniture outdoor lamps — Outdoor Lamps from Sutherland Furniture

kindle living — Outdoor heaters from Kindle Living

There are so many possibilities with the different lines of outdoor furnishings. Pieces can be customized with a range of materials, finishes, and fabrics. How would you design your ideal backyard retreat and a true extension of your home’s interior?

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