Tag: antiques
A rare find.
The Local Vault: Interview with Amy Hirsch
I recently sat down with Local Vault for an interview and as a guest curator.
The Local Vault is a really cool marketplace in Greenwich that buys and sells pre-owned local decor while also showcasing the talent of area artists and vendors. They specialize in bespoke furniture as well as unique vintage finds, all of which is carefully curated by an expert staff. I recently sat down with Local Vault for an interview and as a guest curator. Here is that interview along with my curated product choices. Hope you enjoy!
Interview with Amy Hirsch
thelocalvault
Here at the Local Vault we have been so inspired by the surge of fabulous items we have in stock this Summer, that to showcase them, we have a brand new website we couldn’t be more excited to share!
To celebrate the launch of our new site, we sat down with one of our all time favorite interior designers, Amy Hirsh, to talk personal style, the zen element of her office that she can’t live without and find out her must have item this Summer.
But we couldn’t just stick to talking when we could be shopping with Amy! We invited her to shop our current collection and here she shares her top picks. From chic silver modern lamps in the Bauhaus style to a stunning rare pair of vintage Edward Wormley for Drexel Lounge Chairs circa 1947, we think you will love Amy’s selections as much as we do.
Jax Cocktail Table by Lucy Smith
TLV: What is the best piece of advice that has impacted your life as a designer?
AH: Total communication and transparency with a client. It’s important to have a healthy understanding between the two parties. The more information a client can convey allows for a better design journey. As well for myself and my team to be realistic with the expectations of the client. You never want to kill the spirit of design, it’s an intimate process so the more open and as much information provided is best.
Verellen Dark Grey Suede Ottoman with Wood Base
TLV: What architect or style of architecture are you most drawn to?
AH: Lately, I find myself looking at Australian architecture – the architecture is more modern, streamlined yet still holding core traditional roots. Urban, open spacial plans connecting the land to the interior of the house.
Vintage Art Deco Klismos Style Black Chair Pair
The Rug Company Karsan Sui Taupe Wool Rug
TLV: What is the essential element of any room?
AH: The foundation of a room – especially with well executed architecture, even in the simplest form. The backdrop is so critical for making a room work properly. We provide so many layers to a room it is important to understand scale, proportion and circulation of the spaces.
Leather Dessin Fournir Barrel Chair Set
Bauhaus Style Silver Plate Floor Lamp Pair
TLV: What are some ways people can quickly update their houses for summer?
AH: I love inserting light cashmere throws – they are great for cool nights. Plus, it is a good way to add color without feeling as if you have to keep it. Pillows are the other easy fix – a light weight linen for the summer can change the mood completely. For the kitchen, new table settings, wine glass or pool bar ware – let me tell you the things you will find at home goods! I absolutely love my new lavender wine glasses!
Rare Vintage Edward Wormley for Drexel Lounge Chairs
Chin Hua Ordos Cocktail Table from Century Furniture
TLV: What item or element of design in your home makes you most happy?
AH: At this moment I am in a temporary situation so the thought of a new home makes me happy. When I am at my studio, I have a beautiful accent wall of 10” wide walnut planks. They are bare with a hint of stain applied and nothing is hung on top of them, they are a true form of art and always bring me peace.
Christian Liaigre for Holly Hunt Dining Table
TLV: How would you describe your personal style?
AH: I like to think that I am very simple, tailored but with a bit of an edge. Personally, I am influenced by Alexander McQueen and Helmut Lang on the fashion front.
TLV: Do you have any design rules you follow?
AH: There is no true formula or rule I follow. To be honest, I always follow my intuition and gut instinct – it never fails. When something is unsettling with in, it just means I have to keep working on the space or selections.
Greenwich based Amy Hirsch of Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design is known for her innovative take on furnishings and materials and her understanding and expert execution of architectural detail.
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?
Interior Design Trends for 2013
I’ve seen quite a few lists of design trends to watch for in 2013, and several of them really resonate with me.
I’ve seen quite a few lists of design trends to watch for in 2013, and several of them really resonate with me. Some appeal to the traditionalist in me, while others are a bit riskier. It will be interesting to see which of these trends get the most attention over the upcoming year or beyond, and which turn out to be more short-lived. Here are the predicted trends I am most excited about!
1. Brass: This is a metal I’ve seen come up on more than one list. This warm, ’70s inspired finish is something I’m already in love with.
2. High Gloss: Nothing compares to the shine and polish of a high gloss lacquer! Lacquered walls really stand out and, when thoughtfully combined with more traditional elements in a room, create an unforgettable look.
3. Art: Selecting just the right piece of art for a client’s space is one of my favorite things about designing. I am always on the look out for an artist whose work appeals to me and fits perfectly with one of my projects. I love that this is a trend for 2013.
4. Antique Furniture: The trend here lies in mixing antique furniture with more modern elements, something I always enjoy doing. In fact, hunting for just the right piece until I find exactly what I’m looking for is so exciting.
5. Embellished Walls: I have long been a fan of custom wall coverings. There are so many amazing options available to suit the needs of nearly any client in nearly any space. From grass cloth and linen to hand painted and beaded, wall coverings are as varied and unique as the spaces they decorate.
6. Lace: If the word lace makes you think of your grandmother’s doilies, think again. Like other old-is-new trends, using lace in unexpected ways can bring a lot of beauty and character to a room. Think of combining it with more contemporary designs or using it in small, non-traditional ways.
Which trends for 2013 are you most excited about?
Formal Living Room
The vibrant colors and sumptuous textures of this living room work together to create such a treat for the eye!
This client lives in a very grand, 1920s brick Georgian home. Her tastes run to the traditional, with a love for French antiques and feminine elements. With all of this in mind, I set out to create a formal living room exactly tailored to my client’s wishes.
With formality as our ultimate goal, I chose important and significant antique and art pieces. The stunning antique blue lamps are from Carlos de la Puenta and set the overall tone for the room. They also anchor the lovely vignette of the sofa with the antique Dufar screen. This living room is saturated with Neoclassical elements, from the hand-painted commodes to the antique ribbon and metal elements at the base of the sofa.
I really enjoy the contrast of luscious velvets against the creme grasscloth wall covering from Philip Jeffries. The vibrant colors and sumptuous textures of the living room work together to create a complex, multi-layered experience.