Over the weekend, I picked up three great new design books.
Over the weekend, I picked up three great new design books. I can’t wait to delve more deeply into them!
The first one is Suzanne Kasler: Timeless Style. This is her second book and it beautifully demonstrates her skill at creating layered interiors with wonderful details.
The third book I added to my collection is Tom Scheerer Decorates. Tom Scheerer has such a relaxed approach to his interiors, illustrating a well-lived life with so many layers.
Have you discovered any must-have design books lately?
I make fitness a priority in my life for a few reasons.
I make fitness a priority in my life for a few reasons. Not only do I appreciate the health aspect of staying physically fit, but I feel rejuvenated and full of positive energy after a good workout. Exercising clears my mind and helps me focus throughout the day. If I don’t stick to my routine, I feel completely off kilter. Working out preserves my sanity and, now that I have children, sets a good example for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Consistency is so important.My focus is on health and fitness.Whatever you do to stay fit, stick with it.
My own routine is consistent in timing even though each work out is unique. Three days a week, I work out with an amazing personal trainer: Bill Curcio of Curcio Training. I worked out with Bill religiously for a year before I got married. He once told me I’d stop coming to our regular sessions after my wedding, but I didn’t believe him. He was right though; life and work simply got in the way and for years I didn’t work with a trainer at all. However, a couple of years ago I committed to getting back into my previous routine and am again training with Bill. Three days a week at 5:30 a.m. we focus on interval training and Cross Fit. One morning each week, I’ll do a three mile run instead. I try to never do the same thing two days in a row, but use interval training, Tabata, and Cross Fit to focus on my core. The continuity I find in staying with this routine is a big part of my own personal wellness.
Some interval training exercises.Cross Fit!Great leg workout.
In addition to having a consistent routine for working out, I also have preferences for fitness wear. I love Lululemon‘s workout clothes. They are comfortable, no fuss, and have a great fit. As with anything else in life, it’s a matter of liking what I know is right for me. One thing about Lululemon that you have to keep in mind is that once they sell out of a certain item, you can’t get it again. When you find something you really like, it’s best to stock up while you can! For shoes, I love New Balance. They are great for training and light running.
Lululemon In The Flow Crop IIFree to Be BraClarity Tank from LululemonNew Balance
What are your routines for staying healthy and fit?
This year it was a pleasant surprise to see my gardens showing color longer than usual.
This year it was a pleasant surprise to see my gardens showing color longer than usual. The warmer weather has kept the gardens alive. I am not a fall or winter person, but I love to see the trees turn and with the red, pink and orange hues, the gardens take on a whole other dimension. When planting the garden you have to plan so there will be constant color throughout the season. There are quite a few plants that bloom late in the season, adding color to the gardens into the fall.
Hydrangea Trees
Hydrangea Trees are a wonderful addition to your garden if you have space for them. I have a few different varieties, but one that I love is Hydrangea paniculata “Pink Diamond,” which starts out white and turns a deep pink and is so beautiful this time of year. Other late blooming plants are Chelone “Hot Lips,” a dark green leaf with a pink flower; Chelone “Alba,” which has a white flower, and Anemones “September Charm,” which is a wonderful plant with a delicate light pink flower. I also have Asters, a vibrant light blue plant variety called “Woods Light Blue” that is quite gorgeous. Eupatorium Rugosum “Chocolate” is a variety that has white flowers with chocolate leaves and looks great mixed in a bouquet of roses.
Chelone “Hotlips,” Pennisetum “Karley Rose,” and Anemone
Of course knock out roses and shrub roses will keep going for quite awhile. “Lady Elsie May” is an ever-blooming shrub rose which is great. Dahlias make great cut flowers this time of year. Grasses they are the true beauty of a fall garden, especially when the sun glistens through them and they sway in the breeze. There are so many different varieties to choose from. A few of my favorites are Miscanthus Sinensis “ Morning Light,” Penniseteum Orientle “Karly Rose,” and Panicum V. “Red Switch Grass.” Of course, do not forget the sedums! “Autumn Joy” is my favorite.
Dahlias
As I write this the gardens are fading and in a few weeks it will be time to get the gardens ready for the winter by cutting back the perennials and cleaning up the beds. If you have any delicate trees or fruit trees, you will want to cover them for the winter. It is also the time to think about next year. Fall is a great time to plant any new plants and shrubs, and to transplant any plants that you want to move or divide. It is also the time to plant bulbs for spring flowers and place a thin layer of mulch down. When this work is done, you’ll have all winter to look forward to new blooms in spring!
Recently, a group of top designers participated in a special show house event called Project Design to revamp the Long Island Ronald McDonald House.
One of the most difficult challenges a family can face is the serious illness of a child. Families often travel far from home to get the best possible care from specialists at state-of-the art hospitals. Being far from home, family, and friends makes the situation more stressful. Ronald McDonald House Charities seeks to support the families of sick children by giving them a home-like place to stay. Every Ronald McDonald House provides meals, playrooms, and private bedrooms. Being near their child and medical team without worrying about day-to-day tasks allows families to focus on the healing process and stay in touch with hospital staff. With 59 local RMH Chapters around the world, this important charity is such a worthy cause.
Long Island Ronald McDonald House
Recently, a group of top designers participated in a special show house event called Project Design, sponsored by The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, Kravet, Inc., and New York Cottages and Gardens Magazine. These designers didn’t revamp just any home, but the Long Island Ronald McDonald House. This particular RMH services over a thousand families a year, providing much needed stability and support for parents and siblings of sick children. The many rooms of this RMH needed to be updated; turning the project into a show house served to bring additional funds to the charity. Participating designers included Amanda Nisbet, Anthony Baratta, Bunny Williams, Danielle Colding, Kerry Delrose, Jamie Drake, Drew McGukin, Dwell Studio, Elaine Griffin, Eric Cohler, Kate Singer, Kim E. Courtney, Mabley Handler, Margreet Cevasco, Mathew Patrick Smyth, Meg Braff, Jennifer Mehditash, Michael Herold, Michael Tavano, Jon Call, Nick Olsen, Pappas Miron, Suzanne Costa, Vasi Ypsilantis, Tilton Fenwick, and Young Huh. As the home’s original designer, Anthony Baratta served as Creative Director of Project Design. Unlike most show houses where the designers’ rooms are dismantled after the event, the work done at the Long Island Ronald McDonald House will stay in place to provide a beautiful environment for families who need a special home away from home.
Eric Cohler’s design plan.Design scheme from Mr. Call DesignsSketch and fabric samples by Jennifer Mehditash
The finished results of Project Design will be revealed at a Designer Showcase Gala on October 10. The evening will include a tour of the newly designed rooms, silent auction, fine dining, cocktails, and entertainment. From Friday, Oct 11 to Monday, Oct 14, visitors can tour the home for Open House Weekend. If you’re in the area, support the Ronald McDonald House by visiting for a tour!
A vacation to Napa Valley is high on my “must do” list.
My husband and I really enjoy wine. We may not be top notch connoisseurs, but we know what we like. Relaxing with a glass of wine over a nice dinner or at the end of a long day is how we unwind and connect with each other. It probably isn’t surprising, then, that a vacation to Napa Valley is high on my “must do” list. A trip to California wine country would be an ideal venture for us.
One place in Napa Valley I’d love to visit is the Carneros Inn. It look so inviting, with a causal chic air. The inn is actually a resort featuring three restaurants, two swimming pools, an award-winning spa, and a luxury boutique. There’s also an upscale general store, fitness center, and outdoor recreation area. I can easily see myself in this relaxing environment!
Even though the Carneros Inn is designed to make sure you are surrounded by everything you could want or need, I would love the opportunity to visit area wineries while staying in Napa Valley. At the top of my winery list is CADE Winery on Howell Mountain. Architect Juan Carlos Fernandez designed the state of the art vineyard with a simple, but striking, appearance. It’s amazing how the architecture here includes 98% recycled materials and yet looks so modern even while appearing harmonious with the rugged surroundings. Between the design and the highly rated wines, I definitely wouldn’t miss a tour of CADE.
We haven’t made it to Napa Valley yet, but I am looking forward to one day taking this dream trip! Where are you planning to someday travel?
Adding a scarf to an outfit changes your look in an instant.
I love scarves. Adding a scarf to an outfit changes your look in an instant. Once the weather cools, I love the feeling of being wrapped up in a scarf and the way it adds color and texture to my look. If you have a few simple outfits as a foundation, wearing different scarves changes the whole ensemble. Like a new pillow in the living room, a scarf is a great accessory that adds a punch of color. When winter sets in, there is nothing like a fur scarf (faux is fine!), to warm you up while also feeling luxurious. There are endless options with scarves once you think of all the possible colors, styles, and materials as well as the many ways you can wear or tie this interchangeable accessory. Some of my favorite scarves have been in my collection for years; some never go out of style and others come back. The popularity of scarves can even be translated to your home design. They can be made into pillows, as one example.
Here are some examples of great scarves for fall and winter. With such a range of possible styles, you can find the perfect scarf for almost any outfit or occasion.
5. Yigal Azrouel Lady Face Scarf. Yigal Azrouel scarves are my favorite. They are large and have such impact in design. The best accessory of all time!
This dining room became one of my favorite projects.
When I meet with a client to present my ideas for a design project, I come prepared with samples, tear sheets, and specific products. This way, the finished room is true to the original vision. When working on this dining room, I was so fortunate to have a client who was open to unexpected ideas. While her style was reserved in many ways, she had a contemporary edge that particularly shows in the completed dining room. By giving me carte blanche with this room, my client pushed me to be creative in designing a strong, confident room that combines traditional elements for a funky effect.
After getting to know this client by asking questions and spending time learning about her lifestyle and tastes, I went back to my studio to put together a presentation. These are some of the individual elements I presented. Sometimes it can be difficult for clients to look at these separate pieces and create a mental image of how they will come together in the finished room, but in this case we had a perfectly shared vision.
Restoration Hardware chair, before staining and reupholstering.Light fixture and Greek Key pattern for ceiling.Fabric for window treatments and chandelier.Carpet with gradated color and grasscloth wallcovering.
When I presented my ideas for the window treatments and ceiling, as well as the cool digital printing on the chairs, my client had faith in me that the installation would be cohesive. When a client and I work together like this, the outcome is always a truly special interior. That level of trust when working together produces the ideal collaboration. Seeing the dining room bring together so many eclectic parts and become a wholly unique, exciting room was a testament to the relationship between client and designer.
The finished dining room.Detail of finished chair.Greek Key wallcovering by Schumacher.Window treatments, light fixture, and grass cloth wallcovering in completed room.
One of the challenges in designing this room was finding the right dining table. My client wanted a table with versatility that would also give the room needed weight. After an exhaustive search, we were able to design a table similar to another style we liked, but using different materials to achieve exactly the right look. Brass bands were added to the table legs at the last minute to give the piece some needed jewelry. The chandelier by Tony Duquette adds a bit of glam to the dining room.
The brass bands were the perfect finishing detail here.Same chandelier presented above in a different finish. Perfect vintage vibe.
One focal point of this whimsical room is the art, a piece the client found. I love it when my clients discover artwork; it’s such a personal, emotional choice and when the client has a hand in choosing the artwork, the room is a truer reflection of their taste and style. This piece enhances the room’s art deco edge with whimsy.
Love the art my client chose!
Other fun details add to the personality of the dining room, giving it added color and visual interest.
Bar cart with rivet details.Even the greenery is funky.
This dining room became one of my favorite projects. It is more artistic than most rooms I’ve designed and really shows the voice of the client as well as the result of an ideal collaboration between designer and homeowner.
It feels good to start the day right and know you look your best.
I think most people have a routine they follow in the morning and before going to bed. I know that when something interferes with my structured morning routine, I feel like my whole day is thrown off. My hair and skin care routines are simple and always the same. I tend to find a product I like, usually in a magazine, and stick with it forever. It feels good to start the day right and know you look your best. Your confidence shows to others and has such a positive influence on the rest of your day. While I am not a huge makeup person, I am big on hair care and have found certain skin care products that I love. My approach to beauty products is actually similar to my design philosophy of consistently using simple, high quality elements. Here are the basics of my beauty regimen, the daily things that both start and end my day with continuity.
3. Green Irish Tweed: Mixed with the Laura Mercier creme I mentioned above, this creates my signature scent. I am asked at least once a day what I’m wearing! Perfume is one of the things I must have or I feel out of sync all day.
4. Dove Soap: I never stray from Dove. It is a great product and I have used it ever since I was a little girl.
Artist Nathan Sawaya builds incredible sculptures using Lego bricks.
Artist Nathan Sawaya builds incredible sculptures using Lego bricks. His art has been displayed all over the world, earning him a huge following and well-deserved praise. His current exhibit, called The Art of the Brick, is running at Discovery Times Square in New York City. The exhibit opened in June and will be on display until Jan. 5, 2014. If you have not experienced Sawaya’s art, you still have plenty of time to visit this amazing exhibit.
The Art of the Brick features various aspects of Sawaya’s work. The exhibit covers several rooms, each with a different style and theme. Visitors are first presented with Sawaya’s Lego interpretation of well-known works of art. I really feel that people tend to revert to what they’ve been shown and taught when creating, and this section of the exhibit is a great example of that. Sawaya seems to understand that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just tweak it and do it your own way. His Lego versions of masterpieces present these works of art in a new light while opening the viewers’ minds to new possibilities. Try looking at the mosaic style images from a distance rather than up close. It’s almost magical how much clearer the picture is if you take a step back.
Vermeer’s famous Girl with the Pearl Earring done as a Lego mosaic.Van Gogh’s Starry NightDancer by Degas as a Lego sculpture.
Sawaya also recreates significant works from antiquity. It’s difficult to appreciate the scale of these life-sized sculptures unless you can view them in person. The design of the exhibit lets you walk around each sculpture, looking closely from all angles. It’s impossible to avoid wondering how long it took for Sawaya to build each piece or how he is able to recreate his vision with nothing other than the same small plastic bricks you can buy at any toy store. He does not use any custom pieces or colors for his artwork.
Easter Island Moai, life size.Bust of NefertitiClassic Greek sculpture; I really love the vase.
Some of Nathan Sawaya’s most well-known Lego sculptures are his original pieces that illustrate his thoughts on human life and feelings. These sculptures are so pure and lifelike. The engineering that goes into these sculptures is just unbelievable. I love how the lighting around the sculptures is part of the art as well. This area of the exhibit showcases a different aspect of Sawaya’s art.
This sculpture of a woman swimming has fantastic lighting.Love the scale of these figures.Another figure with so much life.
I think it’s no surprise that an artist who works with Legos would have a playful side. Many of the pieces show this and make it clear that while Nathan Sawaya takes art seriously, he is also appreciative of the playful roots of his favorite medium. After being impressed, amazed, and made to think by Sawaya’s art, you are made to wonder and smile. Visitors of all ages can enjoy and appreciate this unique exhibit.
A very large T Rex is both fun and impressive.A portrait of Andy Warhol done in Lego.
To learn more about Nathan Sawaya as well as see other examples of his Lego artwork, visit his website. You can also find him on Facebook. For tickets to The Art of the Brick at Discovery Times Square, click here.
When it comes to my own wardrobe, I don’t think of it as being divided into day or night wear.
I am so fortunate to have the freedom to wear what I want during the day without being obligated to follow a corporate dress code. Most times, what I wear when working can be easily translated into what I wear for a night out. My approach to dressing stems from watching how my mom handled her wardrobe when I was a kid. She had clothes for working during the day and clothes for going out at night, but she never mixed the two. She had an approach to dressing that worked for her, and from that I learned to be confident about developing my own style.
When it comes to my own wardrobe, I don’t think of it as being divided into day or night wear. My style is similar to my taste in other areas, which is to start with a basic look that’s appropriate for meeting with clients or working around the office. My typical outfit of black clothing and heels is often perfect for going out after a day of work. Here are some examples of items I’m likely to wear during the day:
Great shirt by Helmut Lang.Kiel Leather LeggingsManolo Blahnik Leopard Print PumpsYassi Harari Hoop Earrings
When making the transition from day to evening, having a simple base wardrobe means you can change out accessories to give your look an edgier vibe. By changing your shoes or jewelry, you can give yourself a funkier look that’s perfect for drinks out with friends.
These Jimmy Choo booties add a shot of color to your look.Scarab Drop Earrings by Eddie Borgo add something fun rather than something safe.
There are other items that I’d easily wear both during the day and at night. I’d be as comfortable meeting a client to look at samples as I would meeting my best friend for dinner dressed this way. If you don’t have the same wardrobe freedom at work, starting with a few basics that can be mixed and livened up with different accessories is a great way to be ready to unwind and have fun after a day at the office.
Rag & Bone blazer, perfect for fall.Kerry Studded Cap Sleeve DressFalabella Fold Over Clutch, classic and appropriate for day or night.
What are your strategies for taking your look from day to night?
