Tag: design
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.
Design Dose
Progression of one space to another.
Outdoor Furnishings
As we start my favorite season of the year and total summer bliss begins, remember that the exterior of your home is one of the most important spaces.
Happy summer! As we start my favorite season of the year and total summer bliss begins, remember that the exterior of your home is one of the most important spaces. When making outdoor furniture selections, it’s always best to prepare in the winter and early spring months while the chill is still in the air. We have been installing so many exterior spaces in the past few weeks and the components have been mostly modular. These are great since you can configure the pieces in so many different ways, making the most of your exterior layout.
This year, I’m seeing a lot of comfortable pieces like daybeds, swings, and rockers in a mix of materials. So many companies came out with total eye candy – it can be hard to pare down selections when there are so many great choices. Rockers are big this year, particularly comfortable, modern rocking chairs.
I also like in incorporate outdoor lamps to bring an unexpected element and encourage the idea of bringing the inside out. Heaters are another great addition to an exterior. They look whimsical but have a purpose and really do a lot to extend the use of your outdoor space.
There are so many possibilities with the different lines of outdoor furnishings. Pieces can be customized with a range of materials, finishes, and fabrics. How would you design your ideal backyard retreat and a true extension of your home’s interior?
Design Dose
Summer spirit.
Splatter
I had an idea for a Pollack-like, splatter look for a client’s wall that was inspired by some very cool splatter designs I’d been seeing.
I’m often fascinated by what comes up during the course of a project. I had an idea for a Pollack-like, splatter look for a client’s wall that was inspired by some very cool splatter designs I’d been seeing. I like how the splatter can be condensed or loose.
When coming up with a splatter design for my client, I worked with an artist to develop not only the look I wanted, but the correct consistency of paint. The key was to use a paint that would splatter on the wall, but not drip. It took some trial and error to concoct just the right mixture.
Even though the client chose not proceed, it is all about the process and the journey. Working with the artisan to understand the process and the selection of the correct color palette to make the masterpiece come together was a great experience. It’s also fun looking forward to the moment of being inspired by that client who opens the door for exploration into something unique.
Kitchen Organization
The key to a great looking kitchen is organization.
The key to a great looking kitchen is organization. In order to have uncluttered counters and tabletops, your storage solutions must be smart, suited your lifestyle, and designed to avoid wasting space.
A kitchen takes about 12 to 14 weeks to build. It’s important to consider how the space will be used so the design includes strategic storage solutions. Think about where you cook, how you clean, and where you can store specific items. How close to the range do you want spices, oils, and utensils? Which kitchen items do you need close at hand, and which do you only use rarely? When designing a kitchen, I look for storage and organization solutions that work for each client’s needs.
Part of designing a kitchen involves editing out superfluous items. It’s more difficult to be organized if you have too much of everything. Do you need five wine openers? Focus on the basics, not on overabundance. I also plan for the client’s storage needs in terms of dinnerware. Today’s plates are big, sometimes 12 or 13 inches in diameter. Typical kitchen cabinets may not work for oversize dishes, so I find a 14 inch clearance is ideal. I also love it when the insides of cabinets and drawers are finished. They should look beautiful when you open them!
If you plan to renovate your kitchen or are building a home, think beyond the surface beauty of kitchen design and explore organization solutions that will allow you to truly enjoy the space. Think about how you use your kitchen — are you a baker, an entertainer, an accomplished home chef? Thoughtful design is essential!
At Home in Fairfield County: Get Fresh
At Home in Fairfield County Magazine asked forty designers, including me, to pick tried and true colors for a fresh spring look.
At Home in Fairfield County Magazine asked twenty designers, including me, to pick tried and true colors for a fresh spring look. My choices are Steep Cliff Gray and French Lilac from Benjamin Moore. Pick up a copy of the March/April issue to see all of the top color choices!
Favorite Things: Floor Lamps
One of the most important aspects of a room is the lighting.
One of the most important aspects of a room is the lighting. Lighting contributes to both the mood and functionality of a space. When choosing a floor lamp, take into consideration qualities such as style, size, and shape. It’s also important to plan for the purpose of the lighting in that particular place – is it for mood, accent, or illuminating a specific task? The right floor lamp is as decorative as it is useful. Floor lamps are such a great opportunity to bring something sculptural to a room. Here are some of my favorite examples of floor lamps:
1. Anora Lamp, Dering Hall
3. Black Widow, Dering Hall
4. Cesare Lacca Floor Lamp
5. Charlton Floor Lamp
6. Boston by Chelsom
7. Gold Leaf Barrel Frame Floor Lamp by Dimond Lighting
10. Soledad Floor Lamp from Roche Bobois
