Grey is certainly in fashion now, a softer alternative to black.
Grey is definitely part of a very neutral palette. It’s certainly in fashion, a softer alternative to black. Grey isn’t dreary at all, can be read as blue, and doesn’t compete with other colors. Other colors can be interjected with grey, but it’s a color to be mindful of to avoid taking it to a severe level.
Coffee tables come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and materials, but here are some of my favorites!
The coffee table makes up one of the key components in any room. It’s a grounding element, a piece that can make a big statement or be a subtle anchor for the space. Coffee tables come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and materials, but here are some of my favorites!
I’ve seen a few examples lately of built-in bookcases creating a library in a dining room, and it’s an unconventional concept I really like.
I’ve seen a few examples lately of built-in bookcases creating a library in a dining room, and it’s an unconventional concept I really like. Incorporating an idea like this into your home works for a few different reasons.
First, everything is integrated. You have one space to inhabit in different ways, whether it’s enjoying a meal together as a family, relaxing with a book while you wake up with your morning coffee, or entertain friends against a cozy backdrop of books. Or, incorporating something like a wine fridge into the bookcases introduces another really cool concept.
Library with wine fridge via Modest Home LibrariesDesign by Jonathan Adler
Including bookshelves in a common room of the home is a lifestyle idea that’s great for families with kids. With so many of our media choices now relegated to computer screens, TV screens, iPads, and electronic readers, placing books in a position of priority in your home, within easy reach of little hands, sends a powerful message. It also encourages parents to read in front of their children and talk to their children about books. What’s not to love about creating a book-centric culture in such an important room in the home?
Image via Elle DecorEclectic design, image via Maureen Bower
The idea of a library in the dining room is also great because it works in so many different ways. Whether your home design style is rustic, traditional, modern, or more hip, stocked bookshelves can easily be incorporated into the dining room. You don’t have to commit to a specific look to make this concept work. I think David Kleinberg, in particular, has designed some really great spaces by incorporating a home library into the dining room.
Design by David KleinbergDesign by David Kleinberg
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.
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.
Maharam space in NYC.
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.
Borders by Hella Jongarius in Charcoal. Great pillow fabric!Layers Park in Mineral/Sky by Hella Jongerius.Park in Copper/Timber by Hella Jongerius.Layers Garden Double by Hella Jongerius.
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.
Divinia by Kvadrat. Yummy color!Another great color. I love using this for large bolsters on a bed.
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!
Perfect for a child’s playroom!
To see more of Maharam’s products, visit their website or find them on Facebook.
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.
Lisa Cueman, age 4, at her first horse show.
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.
Bath TimeWinter ProfileBorn to be Wild
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!
Eye ContactMane MotionSnow Dance
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.
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?
Interiors Atelier AMBy the Light of the SeaCy Twombly: Fifty Years Of Works On PaperBarbara Barry, Around BeautyThe Age of Elegance: Interiors by Alex PapachristidisGAIAThom Filicia: American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved RetreatSandra Nunnerley Interiors: A Global SensibilityDarryl Carter: The Collected Room: Rooms with Style, Grace, and History
Sofas come in all manner of styles, and these are some of my favorites.
Sofas come in all manner of styles, and these are some of my favorites. What makes a sofa great is attention to details such as nail heads or the turn of a leg, artfully placed tufts, the shape of an arm, or the curve of the back. The upholstery is customizable and throw pillows add more interest, but the key is starting with that perfect sofa as the base.
1. B & B Italia Ray Sofa The steel base influences a modern feel. Get closer and you can see the beautiful stitching detail.
2. Coco Beach Sofa The revel of the arm with the nail head trim is a great detail.
I recently met with a Merida sales rep and became even more impressed with what they have to offer.
Merida area rugs are a great product that have been around for a while. They’re a solid choice for using sisal flooring and I’ve long been a fan of their sea grass carpet (even on walls!). I recently met with a Merida sales rep and became even more impressed with what they have to offer.
Founded in 1978, Merida is committed to providing a beautiful, quality product while practicing sustainable methods and partnering with suppliers and manufacturers who share their responsible priorities. Their headquarters are in Boston, and while some of their products are made with fibers from around the world, many of their rugs are woven at a mill in Fall River, MA. Their products are known for being as durable as they are attractive.
Merida’s rugs are also customizable, which is something I learned when meeting with their sales representative. Considering their reasonable price point, the level of customization is truly impressive. Being able to make this kind of product entirely your own is a fact I really like. The simple, natural colors and designs of many of the rugs give them all kinds of decorating possibilities.
Also exciting is Merida’s recent partnership with designer Celerie Kemble. Her rug designs are so vibrant. Many of them have just the right jolt of color or a very graphic pattern. This collection “has everything from colorful flat-woven and tufted wools, intricately woven designs of sisals, chunky alpacas and textural jute.” My personal favorite is the Catalyst line, a chevron pattern available in six different color palettes.
Here in the Greenwich area, I’d suggest going through Turabian and Sariyan for Merida products. If you aren’t in Connecticut, Merida’s website includes a search feature for finding showrooms in your area. You can also find Merida on Facebook and Pinterest or follow their Blog.
