Color Obsession: Grey

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.

1.  Chinois Our Way by Philip Jeffries

2.  Ann Sacks tile via Boston Design Center

3.  Honeycomb Light Fixture by Tim Clarke

4.  Manolo Blahnick – Scomess Elastic-Collar Suede Bootie

5.  Prabal Gurung, image via Elle

6. Montaigne Collection Tournai Wood Floors

7.  Grey living room, image via New England Home

 

Artisanal Cheese

I often find myself turning to quick and delicious options, like a beautiful cheese plate.

As much as I love good food, I am not much of a cook myself.  More often than not, you’ll find me standing in the kitchen at 7:00 in the evening asking myself, “What’s for dinner?”  If I had the time, I’d definitely do more cooking!  Instead, I find myself turning to quick and delicious options, like a beautiful cheese plate rounded out with fresh fruit, bread, and maybe some greens for good measure.  If you run into us at Fairway Market, we’ll probably be standing at the cheese counter!

A lovely cheese plate! (Image via The Sprouted Kitchen)

Our enjoyment of these simple meals centered around good cheese has led us to branch out from what’s available at the local market.  One place we enjoy right in our own back yard is Napa and Company in Stamford.  Their excellent menu is accented by a variety of artisanal cheeses, from aromatic cheeses like Morbier and Epoisses to sharp varieties like Manchego and Tarentaise.  The cheese menu includes wine suggestions as well.  With such an assortment of cheeses to sample, it’s easy to discover new flavors and expand your palette!

Napa and Company
Napa and Company

Another fantastic place to dine on cheese or shop for cheeses to bring home with you is Artisanal Bistro in NYC.  This is a  great stop for anyone in NY who loves cheese, wine, and good food.  When you step into Artisanal Bistro, it’s like walking into a different era.  I love the retro vibe, with art deco lights and a tin ceiling.

Artisanal Bistro
Artisanal Bistro

Artisanal Bistro’s cheese and wine pairings are really interesting and the Cheese Shop gives visitors the opportunity to purchase hand crafted cheeses from around the world or impressive cheese platters.  Cheese boxes and baskets make wonderful gifts and include gourmet treats chosen to best complement the included cheeses.

Cheeses at Artisanal Bistro
The cheese counter at Artisanal Bistro.

Chances are, there’s a local cheese shop near you.  Why not stop in and try a new variety of cheese or bring some home for a simple, quick dinner?  If you’d like to learn more about the cheese shops above, both Napa and Company and Artisanal Bistro are on Facebook.

 

Favorite Things: Coffee Tables

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!

1.  Anders Table by Jan Showers

2.  Montpelier Coffee Table

3.  Vanguard

4.  Maharaja Coffee Table by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

5.  WY – Architect Table

6.  VH – Stuart Coffee Table

7.  Hollyhock Acrylic  Coffee Table

8.  Baldwin Coffee Table by David Iatesta

9.  1950’s Vintage from Caira Mahdaglio

10.  Ralph Lauren

11.  Inset bamboo from Dessin Fournir

12.  Zinc Top Coffee Table from 1st Dibs

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, is definitely on my travel wish-list!

Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, is definitely on my travel wish-list.  I think it’s such an inspiring place, with its incredible architecture.  Of course, anything near water resonates with me, and combined with that aged atmosphere, Turkey has everything I’m drawn to.  I’d love to spend time there, taking in the context of a different environment.  Istanbul’s long history and prominence on the Silk Road have led to a multitude of influences on the city, from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman to Baroque and Renaissance Revival architectural styles.

Istanbul
Amazing architecture.

I love the culturally specific aspects of Istanbul.  How people dress, the richness and color of the building, the vibrant markets, all contribute to inspiration.  Imagine borrowing details from an intricate ceiling, using bits of pieces of the pattern, or developing a palette based on the area’s spice markets.

Intricate ceiling.
Ciragan Palace
True inspiration for a color palette.
Blue Mosque Ceiling

Alongside these historical and beautiful places are more modern examples of fine architecture and design.  The House Hotel has such a calming, modern vibe.  I love the juxtaposition of this against the more ancient aspects of Istanbul.

The House Hotel Lounge
The House Hotel Dining Room

 

A Library in the Dining Room

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 Libraries
Design 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 Decor
Eclectic 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 Kleinberg
Design by David Kleinberg

 

Color Obsession: Burgundy

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.

1.  Park in Cayenne/Syrah from Maharam

2.  Alexander McQueen

3.  Nappa Velours from Bottega Veneta

4.  Capri Table Lamp from Julian Chichester

5.  Aubergine Brooke Handwoven Cotton Flatweave Carpet from Madeline Weinrib

6.  New Declic from Christian Louboutin

7.  Essie Recessionista Nail Polish

8.  Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year Inspiration

Maharam Fabrics

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.

Houzz

The beauty of Houzz, for me, is being able to accurately share my ideas and visions with general contractors, architects, and clients.

A few years ago, Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen started a remodeling project that sparked a unique idea.  After spending countless hours clipping ideas from magazines and books to plan their remodel, Tatarko and Cohen decided there must be a better way to gather ideas and plans in one place.  Their desire for such a place led to the launch of Houzz, a website devoted to interior design, architecture, and home improvement.   Since its launch in 2009, Houzz has grown to a collection of over half a million photos which have been used by members to create nearly two million idea books.  The site has grown to include products, discussions, and networking to connect home owners with design professionals.  Tatarko and Cohen certainly realized their goal of creating the perfect inspirational tool.

The beauty of Houzz, for me, is being able to accurately share my ideas and visions with general contractors, architects, and clients.  It’s the perfect resource for articulating exactly the look, colors, and products I’m thinking of.  It’s an unbelievable resource for finding inspiration and communicating ideas.  It’s also user-friendly and simple to translate from an online idea to real-world use.

My own office will soon be renovated, and Houzz will definitely make it easier to share my ideas with my contractor.  The office was originally home to a heating company and really has no character to speak of.  I plan on using modern barns as an inspiration, creating an environment that isn’t overdone or distracting for clients, something subdued and tactful in design.

Modern farmhouse inspiration.
More farmhouse-inspired ideas.
A great work space!
Another modern barn look.

I’m trying to decide between a concrete floor and a beautiful, traditional wood floor.  Adding both to my Houzz idea book makes it easy to go over options with the contractor as well as see how my various ideas play off each other.

Concrete floor.
Additional concrete floor design.
Manior gray custom aged French oak floors.

I love the idea of using steel windows.  It will definitely keep with the modern feel of my office while adding a unique touch and different texture to the space.  I found great examples on Houzz!

Steel windows design.
Another steel window idea.

For my fireplace, I want to go with a slab design.  Each of the fireplace ideas I found on Houzz is very different in color, material, and texture, but they each convey the same smooth feeling from sleek lines.  The truly difficult part is choosing between them!

Farmhouse inspired fireplace.
Slab fireplace design.
Another slab fireplace inspiration.

Houzz even inspires accessories.  Products listed on Houzz often include pricing and link directly to sources for buying.  An idea book can include even small details or specific products, like these amazing shelves.

Old Candlemakers Steel Storage Shelf

What would be in your Houzz idea book?

Fabulous Fall Boots

Fall means it’s time to bring out the boots!

For most people, the cooler weather and colorful leaves of fall signal the start of a cozy, relaxing time of year to enjoy the season with friends and family.  For me, fall also means it’s time to bring out the boots!  My love of fashion is no secret, and boot season is something I find myself looking forward to as summer winds down.  Here are some of my favorite examples of fabulous boots.  Which would you choose to wear?

1.  B Brian Atwood – Fortosa Leather Platform Ankle Boots

2.  Alexander Wang – Cameron Mesh and Suede Boots

3.  Sorel – great all weather winter boot for snow and slush.

4.  Barneys New York CO-OP Miami

 

5.  Tory Burch Alaina Logo-Detailed Boot

6.  SPATS by Stuart Weitzman

7.  HALFTIME | Stuart Weitzman

8.  Manolo Blahnik Rugginaclo Slouchy Wedge Bootie – Super sexy wedge.

9.  Alexander McQueen Floral-Stud Ankle Boot

10.  MICHAEL Michael Kors Emory Suede Wedge Boot – Love the wedge!

11.  Brinley – Jimmy Choo

12.  Kent -Jimmy Choo

Lisa Cueman Photography

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 Time
Winter Profile
Born 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 Contact
Mane Motion
Snow 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.