Trends & Tips Archives - Page 3 of 15

Windsor Smith Collection for Arteriors

Earlier this year, Arteriors debuted a collection by Windsor Smith.

Earlier this year, Arteriors debuted a collection by Windsor Smith. Featuring Windsor’s iconic style, a luxurious blend of traditional and modern sensibilities, the collection is comprised of items that are as functional as they are sophisticated. Windsor has created a line with the goal, as she states, “for…each piece [to] engage conversation. I want these to be well loved now and heirlooms tomorrow.”

I love the geometric look of the pieces Windsor Smith designed for Arteriors. Each item looks very chic; you can see the influence of traditional aesthetics and classical Greek and Roman design, although the overall look of the line is quite modern.

Another great aspect to this line is the mix of materials found in many of the pieces. This blending of textures and finishes lends to the line’s elegance and timelessness.

You can see the full Windsor Smith Collection on the Arteriors website.

Exterior Furniture: Janus et Cie

Janus et Cie is one of my favorite sources of exterior furniture.

Creating an outdoor oasis for relaxing with family or entertaining friends is an important way to extend your home’s interior to the exterior. Exterior furniture should be a comfortable reflection of the interior, making it possible to enjoy a seamless transition from the living room to the patio or poolside without sacrificing comfort, luxury, and style.

Janus et Cie is one of my favorite sources of exterior furniture. Many of the pieces are essentially functional sculpture, as substantial as they are beautiful. Others feature a great mix of material, such as resin with teak or elements of stone. I love this kind of mixing! The overall feel is urban and relaxed, not something formal. I am over the moon for the Hopper table — genius, and it’s available in different finishes.

Many of the Janus et Cie pieces are perfect for clients who come to me wanting something simple for the outdoors. Choosing items without cushions allows for less maintenance, and I really like that Janus et Cie has these options without compromising looks or comfort.

With the various thoughtful accessories also available from Janus et Cie, it’s easily possible to create an entire environment. Textiles, planters, and other details add the finishing touch to an exterior that is as carefully curated as any room inside the home.

What Inspires Me: Feathers

I love the look of feathers, especially how intricate and saturated the colors can be.

I love the look of feathers, especially how intricate and saturated the colors can be. You get such a sultry, silky feel with feathers. When I think of feathers, I think layers, texture, and tonality.

Imagine how thrilled I was when a client who is building a home in Montana brought up the idea of incorporating feathers into her interior! Sometimes it’s funny the way things come full circle.

Feathers can be present in small doses as an accent, such as a lampshade. It would make a dynamite back wall for a bookcase, or in a piece of art.

Weekend Antique Shopping

This past weekend, I took a stroll through the Antique and Artisan Gallery and Hiden Galleries in Stamford.

This past weekend, I took a stroll through the Antique and Artisan Gallery and Hiden Galleries in Stamford. With over 20,000 square feet and dozens of prominent dealers, the Antique and Artisan Gallery is a treasure trove of incredible antiques. I could spend days browsing the various vignettes and never get tired of finding new items to love. Here are some of my favorite finds:

I also enjoyed a stop at Hiden Galleries, although covering 48,000 square feet and 250 dealers takes more than just a stop! Hiden Galleries features constantly changing collections of vintage finds and antiques. From furnishings to accessories and lighting to rugs, there are just so many incredible pieces to explore. I found a lot to love at Hiden Galleries!

Did you discover anything wonderful this weekend?

Floral Prints

I don’t know if it was the long snowy winter or what, but lately I have been drawn to really pretty floral prints.

Floral prints are a high fashion element this year. It’s a look people are receptive to after a long winter. I think this time of year, I am looking for more color and brightness, both of which can be found in flowery fabrics. I know I’m not along in this springtime longing when I see some of the gorgeous floral fashions on the runway.

Floral patterns translate well into interiors. It’s a refreshing look and reminds me that old trends always resurface. It’s nice to see this look come back in a more lively way.

What do you think of floral designs?

Color Obsession: Apricot

Apricot makes me think of sun kissed skin and sheer femininity.

Apricot makes me think of sun kissed skin and sheer femininity. It evokes happiness, liveliness, and a kind of sweet freshness. Apricot is not as intense as orange, but has a lighter approach – it holds a yellow-pink undertone, making it possible to mix it with other palettes or maintain one consistent value.

1. Sophie Cowhide Cuff

2. Great palette. Image via Elle Decoration.

3. Dolce & Gabbana Pumps

4. Stunning makeup.

5. Quadrille Fabrics

6. Chloe Marcie Shoulder Bag

7. Lamps by Joe Cariati

8. Living room design by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

What Inspires Me: Paintbrushes

I love the idea of pure creation represented by a collection of well-used paintbrushes.

I love the idea of pure creation represented by a collection of well-used paintbrushes. The anticipation of how the brushes will be used on a blank canvas is really inspiring to me. The more paint you see on the brush, the more you know someone is using them as tools of creation.

Rox by CJ Designs

When shopping at Bungalow, a great shop in Westport, CT, I found a line of gorgeous decorative boxes. I actually bought one for my mom for Christmas, an acrylic box topped with malachite. These boxes are just so cool.

The creators behind this find are Caryn Jacobs and Julie Lieberman. In 2013, they launched Rox by CJ Design, a collection of acrylic and lacquered boxes topped with things like geodes, amethysts, and agates. Each piece is unique. They make really nice gifts and add such an interesting vibe to a tabletop or as an accessory in just about any room.

You can see more examples of Rox by CJ Design products as well as a list of retailers on their website. CJ Design is also on Facebook and Instagram.

Favorite Things: Fireplaces

The fireplace is a really special part of a home.

The fireplace is a really special part of a home. In any room, any style, a fire is capable of creating a warmth and a mood like nothing else. When thinking about fireplace design or looking at different styles of fireplaces, I’ve definitely been gravitating toward more linear, pronounced, modern styles lately. As part of a modern interior, a fireplace can make a dramatic impression.

Fireplaces can range from rustic to formal to minimal. The home’s architecture is what will define the type of fireplace goes into a space while the room the fireplace is in determines its purpose. The fireplace can also define the period of the home and be simple or grandiose. It’s a great opportunity to make an impact on an interior! Here are some of my favorite examples of beautiful, modern fireplaces.

What style of fireplace do you prefer?

Vintage Finds: Chairs

Vintage chairs are an amazing way to add spunk and interest to your interior.

I love vintage chairs. They are an amazing way to add spunk and interest to your interior. When you source vintage furnishings, it makes the space special, like a piece of sculpture in the room. A sofa from a catalog, though customizable, doesn’t have the same presence as a Milo Baughman or Jean-Michel Frank chair. The history behind these designers gives their work that authentic feeling and brings so much more value to a space. Whether there are many of a particular chair out there or not, they have beauty, detail, and form.

Wood and Brass Lounge Chairs, circa 1950s.

Mid-Century Modern Inca Chair by Arne Norell.

Often, I make a vintage chair more appropriate for a client by reupholstering it to suit the space. I’ll consider color or a contrasting element. You can take something from the original design and build on it. The finished result is a truly unique piece.

Pair of 1950s French cocktail chairs from Osi Modern.

I’ve been looking out for chairs for my office and saw that my friend Amy Vischio had a great pair of vintage chairs through her company Mixit Inc. Unfortunately, she’d just sold them. She promised to do what she could, however, and in only two days called me back to say she found this amazing pair of Milo Baughman chairs and had them delivered to me. My plan is to pull them apart and reupholster them, a project I am really looking forward to!

What are your thoughts on vintage chairs?