Amy Hirsch - Page 58 of 90 - Greenwich CT Interior Designer

Fabrics

Now that spring has finally arrived, I find myself really drawn to fresh, new styles.

Now that spring has finally arrived, I find myself really drawn to fresh, new styles. My energy is focused on finding inspiring things no one else has, like fabrics that are totally not common styles from typical vendors. Bespoke items that no one will walk into a room, look at, and say, “I have that same fabric on my pillows,” is the kind of look I love.

I am loving this Duralee line by Tilton Fenwick. It's a go-to in my library! — I am loving this Duralee line by Tilton Fenwick. It’s a go-to in my library!

Choosing fabric is an integral part of what I do as a designer. Window treatments, pillows, and upholstery are essential elements of a space, providing opportunities to add color and texture. Fabrics let us explore creativity and embellish with unique details.

When choosing fabric, it is very important to be mindful of lifestyle when selecting fabrics. Homes with children and pets should have fabric that is more durable and easy to clean. Making wise choices is essential. You wouldn’t want something delicate on a sofa, for example. Having a source of versatile fabrics allows even the busiest, most active homes to enjoy beautiful fabrics in many different applications.

Ric Rac by HB Home in Sweet Pea. What a great color!

What are your favorite fabrics?

Flower Arrangements

If those first daffodils make you smile when you’re out walking or driving around, imagine what a colorful bunch of flowers can do when you place them on your desk or around your home.

For many people, the arrival of spring brings an immediate lift in spirits. Warmer weather, sunnier days, and greener scenery just naturally brighten life. The added color of flowers returning to gardens and flower beds is another welcome sight this time of year. If those first daffodils make you smile when you’re out walking or driving around, imagine what a colorful bunch of flowers can do when you place them on your desk or around your home. While it’s quick and easy to pick up a bouquet at the market or order an arrangement online, the experience of visiting a flower shop and browsing the many different flowers available is both inspiring and relaxing.

Exploring what your local florist has to offer provides you with so many more options than you get from a pre-made arrangement. You can select the freshest flowers and most appealing palette, all while consulting the florist on the best way to display your choices. You may find flowers you’ve never heard of, or be inspired by a particularly beautiful color. My favorite flowers include all colors of calla lilies, celosias, and peonies. Parrot tulips are as couture as they come, and hydrangeas remind me of the spirit of summer. I love freesia for the smell alone and purple is my favorite!

Hand-picking the flowers for an arrangement is a wonderful way to present someone with a thoughtful gift. A custom arrangement for Mother’s Day is such a nice way to recognize the holiday. While you’re choosing flowers for the mothers in your life, why not treat yourself to an arrangement as well? Find a flower that really catches your eye. It will make you smile for days!

My go-to local florist is McArdle’s in Greenwich. A family-owned business, they are always ready to pull off anything I ask for, even when I call at the last minute. My flower selection process, like my approach to interiors, is carefully thought out, with thoughtfully paired elements. How do you like to shop for flowers?

Design Dose

A soothing palette and interesting details make a welcoming guest bedroom.

Favorite Things: Chandeliers

A chandelier should be playful, like jewelry for the room.

When choosing chandeliers, I’ve lately been drawn to pieces that are not your typical eight, ten, or twelve bulb lighting element. I enjoying finding chandeliers that are composed of different heights or clusters of pendants. Even in a traditional space, a modern nod can lighten up the setting. A chandelier should be playful, like jewelry for the room. I also like the idea of installing a vintage chandelier, something with history. Here are some of my favorite examples of really great chandeliers:

1. Bocci 14 Series: Serves as decorative artwork as well as a light source.

2. Infinity Cluster: This pendant light fixture by John Pomp Studios has 15 hand-blown sculpted glass canopies at different heights. Absolutely beautiful! Plus, the options are endless.

3. Hector Finch: For those who want a traditional feeling but with a slight modern feel.

4. Another project of mine featuring a great, funky chandelier.

5. Lumière Chandelier by Jean de Merry: Always a classic, a zest of brass and something unexpected.

6. This masculine chandelier was perfect for one of my clients.

7. Arctic Pear: One of my all-time favorites!

8. In this dining room, I chose a chandelier to complement the elegance of the space.

9. Julie Neill Designs: A very unique chandelier!

10. This unusual chandelier is perfect for a modern dining room.

Design Dose

Creative, unique elements build a modern dining room.

Spring Scarves

I am a sucker for scarves.

I am a sucker for scarves. They’re a great accessory, adding texture, feeling, and warmth to any look. Scarves aren’t just for chilly days but can be worn any season of the year.

Bindya -- Absolutely one of the softest scarves I own. — Bindya — Absolutely one of the softest scarves I own.

Alexander McQueen Scarf — Alexander McQueen Feather Print Scarf

A beautiful scarf can add a splash of color or be more subdued. This spring, I have been leaning toward a zest of colors. There are tons of choices that can change the look of one outfit or dress up something more casual. I love wrapping a scarf around myself and never leave the house without one.

How do you like to wear spring scarves?

Amanda Nisbet

Amanda Nisbet is a true powerhouse in the world of interior design.

Amanda Nisbet is a true powerhouse in the world of interior design. She is full of energy, with an exuberance that shows in her interiors.

Born in Montreal and educated in the U.S., Amanda Nisbet now lives in New York. Early in life, she aspired to be an actress. After a couple of commercials and small roles in smaller plays, she changed direction. Acquaintances who loved the style of her apartment often asked for her help in decorating their own homes. Amanda’s interior design skills come purely from talent — she did not go to design school or receive any formal training. I’ve been fortunate enough to see her speak twice and find her work to be so inspiring.

Organic rather than geometric shapes in the rug.

What I like about Amanda Nisbet’s design style is the fearlessness of her work. Her designs are saturated with color in combinations that are really empowering. She has a great sense of scale with art and a playful, avant garde feel. You can see her personality in her interiors. I really identify with her love of color.

Saturation of color -- no fear! — Saturation of color — no fear!

Great painting, whimsical light fixture, graphic rug.

To see more of Amanda Nisbet’s work, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook.

Design Dose

Elegant dining.

MeiraT Designs

I first stumbled across jewelry by MeiraT Designs when looking for a Christmas gift for my mom.

I first stumbled across jewelry by MeiraT Designs when looking for a Christmas gift for my mom. I wanted something a bit unusual, which is exactly what I found. When I later visited the MeiraT website, her philosophy of “designed for a woman, by a woman” really resonated with me. These pieces are meant to be wearable day and night, beautiful and noticeable.

MeiraT has had a lifelong interest in jewelry design, drawing inspiration from her European and Middle Eastern background. What I love about MeiraT Jewelry is the asymmetry of many of the pieces. Some elements of her designs have a rawness to them, as if the stones are are just dug out of the ground and left unpolished. At the same time, they are delicate.

There’s a consistent rhythm to the jewelry across the brand. The pieces are organic, dainty and pretty. There really is something for everyone with MeiraT Designs, whether you prefer diamonds and gold or a more earthy tone.

You can see more jewelry by MeiraT Designs on her website. She is also on Facebook and Twitter.

A soothing palette and interesting details make a welcoming guest bedroom.

Creative, unique elements build a modern dining room.

Elegant dining.

In a working space, incorporate organization with easy access.