The latest issue of Veranda features a beautifully designed shingle style house on Long Island.
The latest issue of Veranda features a beautifully designed shingle style house on Long Island. Designed by David Kleinberg, this home was completely revamped to reflect the client’s art collection. I love the neutral palette of this home and how it really complements the great art. Every part of the interior is done with a refinement you can see if each detail. The execution of the design is very tailored and of high caliber.
I saw an editorial in the most recent At Home in Fairfield County that I loved. The article featured a 1939 Colonial designed by Lisa Friedman with incredible art sourced by Mar Silver. When looking at the photos of this beautiful interior, I felt like I could easily live in this home. The neutral palette and use of high end, sophisticated vendors in rooms with great proportions and scale lead to a timeless, well executed look.
Stephen Antonson is a true artist, creating beautiful and unique items with plaster at his Brooklyn, NY, atelier.
Stephen Antonson is a true artist, creating beautiful and unique items with plaster at his Brooklyn, NY, atelier. His furnishings, lighting, and accessories are sculpted by hand using a meticulous process that results in objects with an incredible combination of simplicity and elegance.
I’ve seen Antonson’s work in interiors by other designers, and it always catches my eye. It reminds me of Giacometti’s techniques, with the iconic white color reminiscent of John Dickinson’s work in the 1970s. A trained painter and sculptor, Antonson’s Brooklyn studio is a place I would love to see. I am fascinated by the places where people tinker, explore, and create.
I find Antonson’s designs invigorating and innovative. To me, plaster is a peaceful medium and adds a smooth texture to the space. It is completely different medium to add to an interior.
With a medium like plaster, the sky is the limit. I love the idea of taking something you see and like, then adapting it to plaster. Antonson’s lighting designs perfectly exemplify the potential of plaster. They are so clever.
In addition to his plaster work, Antonson creates art for his home and his family. He authored a book with his wife titled Home from the Hardware Store which demonstrates how to build household goods from common hardware store purchases. You can also see more of Antonson’s plaster work on his website or find him on Facebook.
Museum shops seem to have some of the most unique items, things you wouldn’t normally find when out shopping.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in America. Collections at the museum house some of the most significant works of art in the world, while traveling exhibitions allow visitors to view art they might not normally see in their lifetime. The many incredible paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artwork on display at the museum is, of course, not for sale. You can still take home a piece of the Met after your visit, however, by shopping at the The Met Store.
Museum shops seem to have some of the most unique items, things you wouldn’t normally find when out shopping. It’s a great place to find a souvenir from your museum visit that you will treasure and want to display in your home. Because many items in the Met Store relate to the works of art in the museum, you will most likely be able to treat yourself to something that reminds you of a favorite exhibit. You may find the perfect accessory for your home, a well done reproduction of a piece of art, or even some hand crafted jewelry from the far corners of the world.
The Met Store is also a great place to find really nice coffee table books, for yourself or to give as gifts. Books with everything from Japanese art to Baroque tapestries and African reliquary to the Dutch masters are available here. I like the idea of staking a few interesting books on the coffee table, especially when the books contain such rich imagery along with a wealth of knowledge. Something like this is a great keepsake from a visit to the Met.
The Met Store also has plenty to offer the children in your life. Whether you’re looking for a memorable item to take home after touring the museum or shopping for a gift, this is a good place to start. Choose an item that reflects a child’s interests or lets him or her explore something new. The Met Store has gifts for kids that encourage creativity and hands-on learning. For the budding artist or future archeologist, a gift from a museum is a sure way to continue the learning experience long after leaving the Met.
If a day at the Met isn’t in your plans for the near future, you can still explore the Met Store by visiting the online shop. All of their beautiful products are available online for any occasion, whether it’s a child’s birthday or a friend’s housewarming. You can also learn about the history and inspiration behind many of the items at the store on the The Met Store Official Blog.
I was first introduced to the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, when one of my daughters was invited to a birthday party held at their facility.
I was first introduced to the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, NY, when one of my daughters was invited to a birthday party held at their facility. The center quickly made a big impression for me. This isn’t your run of the mill ceramics place where visitors choose a pre-made piece to paint and rarely get their hands dirty. This is a working studio for clay artists that actively engages the surrounding community throughout a variety of great programs.
Founded in 1957 by Katharine Choy and Henry Okamoto, the Clay Art Center has grown and evolved over the decades to include a gallery, shop, classes, and workshops for all ages. Now run by Director Reena Kashyap and Associate Director Ruth Berelson, the Center organizes community art projects to involve local residents in beautifying the area and offers therapeutic clay programs to local health organizations. The Center also hosts after school and summer camp sessions. With visiting artists from around the country, outreach programs, and a passion for promoting ceramic arts, the Clay Art Center is a true community resource.
I really enjoyed seeing how much fun my daughter had creating something unique out of clay. There are classes or workshops for everyone at the Center, whether you prefer to learn on your own or make it a family event. I love the idea of getting together with a group of girlfriends for a party at the center, complete with your own wine and snacks.
To learn more about the center or see their schedule of classes, events, and exhibitions, visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Most mages in this post are from the Clay Art Center website.
One of my project managers recently introduced me to the work of New York artist Paul Hunter.
One of the most beautiful things about my office is the way everyone contributes new ideas. From furniture and color palettes to lighting and art, we are always sharing new finds. Jess, one of my project managers, recently introduced me to the work of artist Paul Hunter, whose paintings she’d seen when meeting with a curator.
Paul Hunter, a Canadian native who moved to New York City in the 1980s, creates his unique paintings by using applying various types of metal leaf to the canvas and painting on the metal. The result is a luminous quality from the reflective nature of the metal, a striking and beautiful effect.
I really love the medium Hunter uses. The resulting color and texture of the paintings is so appealing. I also like how he uses this complicated process of marrying tissue-thin sheets of metal leaf with paint in order to create paintings that appear simple and subtle. Even before learning about how Hunter creates his work, however, I was drawn to the modern, almost abstract nature of the paintings.
Even the size of the artwork is great. I like the idea of arranging the smaller pieces in a vignette. Many of the paintings are so pretty, while others are saturated with color. With this kind of scope, Hunter’s art really has something for everyone.
To learn more about Paul Hunter and view his many other paintings, visit his website.
I recently sat down with Patrick Ganino, the editor of Artisphere Online and an artist I’ve worked with in the past, to discuss the link between interior design and decorative painting.
Artisphere Online is a digital magazine for decorative painting professionals. Decorative artists are skilled artisans who specialize in creating custom murals and painted finishes, as well as restoration. I recently sat down with Patrick Ganino, the editor of Artisphere Online and an artist I’ve worked with in the past, to discuss the link between interior design and decorative painting. While there are benefits and conveniences to using ready-made wall applications, in some cases only a professional artist can achieve the desired effect. Having a relationship with an experienced, talented artist can really expand a designer’s toolbox as well as a client’s options.
Written by Patrick Ganino
Amy Hirsch is an interior design located in Greenwich, CT With a keen eye for timeless interiors and a nod towards an unexpected approach for modern details, Amy creates a balance of form and function. Sophisticated, unusual palettes and resourceful selections define the comfortable nature of Amy’s interiors. Whether it is a project of grand scale or an intimate abode each project is comprehensive and collaborative. With great exuberance and an innovative perspective Amy creates environments that are inspired, yet uniquely you. I thought it might be fun to start getting insight from prestigious interior designers on their thoughts of our craft.
1. How often do you use decorative painting in your design?
Quite often. It really depends on what type of media is involved. When I do call upon an artist it ranges from murals to leaf to simple glazes. Times when I do not go with an artist is usually because of economic reasons. Sometimes it is easier for the scope of the project to use textural wallpapers.
2. Is it easier because you take the artist out of the equation?
It is because it is instant gratification. The product is already done and it is easier for the client to understand what they are getting creating a more viable end game.
3. OK then, when do you use an artist?
There is a beauty about using an artist. With an artist your possibilities are endless. You have no limitations when it comes to color or technique. It is truly a custom product that is created. Working with an artist takes patience which adds more time but there are certain applications that only an artist can create and there lies the value.
4. What are your favorite techniques when hiring a decorative artist?
I am in love with silver leaf right now.
High polished venetian plaster.
Chinoiserie is a favorite of mine. There is a sexiness of something clean and modern but I also love layers and details that go into creating that piece.
As a designer, I come across things that inspire my creativity almost constantly. Whether it’s the vibrant color of moss growing on a stone wall or that perfect find at a local antique dealer, inspiration is everywhere. Keeping an idea book of materials, references, photos, and sources isn’t at all a new concept among designers. What’s amazing is how quickly the ideas accumulate, but I love having a wealth of inspiration to draw from as the need arises. I think working with artists is a collaboration. What I portray and then what the artist can simulate. Each eye works hand in hand with each other and that is the beauty of it.
Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people.
Tomorrow night we’ll say goodbye to 2013 and welcome a New Year full of possibilities and new opportunities. 2014 will also be The Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese Zodiac. Horses have long held the admiration and imagination of people. These strong, beautiful animals and their close relationship to mankind throughout history are deservedly admired for their grace and their role in human history. It’s no wonder that so many artists, including interior and fashion designers, turn to the horse for inspiration. In the Chinese Zodiac, the horse is known for being warm-hearted, strong, and intelligent. Incorporating equestrian themed designs into your home or style naturally conveys these same attributes.
I’ve featured some of this photography in the past, but I think it’s worth sharing again. A stunning piece of horse photography is a dramatic art choice for any room. Lisa Cueman, Bob Tabor, and Roberto Dutesco are three photographers whose horse images are simply incredible.
In interior design, using equestrian art or other horse-themed elements can add style to a room without being too overdone. You can use items such as saddles or stirrups as accents, or go with a more subtle look by incorporating equestrian patterns. Think of leather, warm tones, natural materials, and elegance.
There are also a lot of great ways to add an equestrian flair to your wardrobe. I love the idea of adding a really cool accessory to give your look just a hint of the equestrian without being over the top.
How would you incorporate an equestrian feel to your home or wardrobe?
Cover photos by Bob Tabor Images.
