Amanda Nisbet is a true powerhouse in the world of interior design.
Amanda Nisbet is a true powerhouse in the world of interior design. She is full of energy, with an exuberance that shows in her interiors.
Pops of color.
Born in Montreal and educated in the U.S., Amanda Nisbet now lives in New York. Early in life, she aspired to be an actress. After a couple of commercials and small roles in smaller plays, she changed direction. Acquaintances who loved the style of her apartment often asked for her help in decorating their own homes. Amanda’s interior design skills come purely from talent — she did not go to design school or receive any formal training. I’ve been fortunate enough to see her speak twice and find her work to be so inspiring.
Amazing wall treatment.Organic rather than geometric shapes in the rug.
What I like about Amanda Nisbet’s design style is the fearlessness of her work. Her designs are saturated with color in combinations that are really empowering. She has a great sense of scale with art and a playful, avant garde feel. You can see her personality in her interiors. I really identify with her love of color.
Saturation of color — no fear!Large scale sofa.Great painting, whimsical light fixture, graphic rug.
To see more of Amanda Nisbet’s work, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook.
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.
Photo by Lisa CuemanRoberto DutescoLisa CuemanRoberto DutescoBob Tabor ImagesRoberto Dutesco
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.
A room I designed for a client.By Leslie Cohen DesignFrom Elle DecorDesign by Mar SilverUsing equestrian elements as accents. From Apartment Therapy.Design by Thom FiliciaA more subtle equestrian influence. Design by Patrik Lonn.
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.
Iconic Hermes scarf.Equestrian belt by Ralph Lauren.Another gorgeous Hermes scarf.Hermes Cuff
How would you incorporate an equestrian feel to your home or wardrobe?
For a statement piece or to dress up an outfit, these are my favorite examples of J Crew’s current jewelry line.
I picked up a J Crew catalog the other day and saw this amazing jewelry. Many of the pieces have a retro look with great colors and textures, a sort of Art Deco vibe that I find so appealing. For a statement piece or to dress up an outfit, these are my favorite examples of J Crew’s current jewelry line.
1. Compass Rose Necklace: From the Lulu Frost line by Lisa Salzer, inspired by estate jewelry. I love the modern twist to this retro style.
2. Embroidered Cascade Necklace: I love the rich tones of this asymmetrical piece.
3. Compass Rose Earrings: Great pairing of modern and vintage design.
4. Citron Stone Necklace: Love the contrast of citron and darker hues.
5. Fanned Leaf Necklace: Great texture to this necklace.
Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love.
Fashion + Decor is the kind of inspirational site that I love. The site’s contributors take a specific fashion look and translate it to an entire space. It’s clever, resourceful, and so interesting.
Fashion + Decor appeals to me because it takes what I love (fashion) and turns it into what I do (interiors). It’s also a great tool for introducing different looks to clients and expanding their imaginations. It helps to push boundaries and break out of the typical box.
One useful aspect of the site is the way you can filter by color, room, season, and more. The navigational tools are really well done and the overall design of the site is really user friendly. It’s just pure inspiration to me!
After starting his career as an architect and working with the notable firm Gensler, Keith realized that wasn’t where he wanted to be and started his own company with the goal of filling a need for business guidance in the design world.
I really like what Keith Granet is doing for the design industry. After starting his career as an architect and working with the notable firm Gensler, Keith realized that wasn’t where he wanted to be and started his own company with the goal of filling a need for business guidance in the design world.
Keith Granet
As a consultant, Keith has helped designers develop the knowledge, skills, and resources to successfully transform a passion for design into a thriving business. With his book and online videos, Keith is a great guide to the industry.
The Business of Design by Keith Granet
I like to listen to Keith’s videos while I work. The people he interviews and works with are driving forces in the design industry and are so amazing and creative. They have such talent, and Keith helps them expand their skills. During the interviews, he asks very simple, approachable questions. He makes you realize that no matter where your firm is, we all have the same obstacles. He shows you how to move forward and use certain tools to build your brand and make it better, as well as how to handle different things and approach new projects. I learn so much from Keith’s videos.
Keith Granet’s interviews with Bunny Williams and her words about clients were particularly memorable to me. What I took from Bunny is to let clients buy things but help them put everything together. Like other interviews and videos Keith has done, this one made me stop and think about how to better my business. I face the same challenges as other designers.
You can see all of Keith’s great videos on his YouTube channel. Or, visit his website to learn more about his services.
Navy and gray make a great combination and are so satisfying during short, chilly days!
This time of year, with cold weather setting in, I begin to gravitate toward heavier, textural fabrics and colors. I think of handsome, masculine hues and the pleasure of wrapping yourself in cashmere and wool. Two colors that I associate with this season are navy and gray. They make a great combination and are so satisfying during short, chilly days!
Designing a home that isn’t a primary residence is always nice because you have more flexibility.
I’ve been working on a project for an existing client’s second home in Boca Raton, Florida. Designing a home that isn’t a primary residence is always nice because you have more flexibility. When you don’t live in the home on a daily basis, you are more open to different ideas and styles. In this case, the home started out with a really dismal interior. In spite of the beautiful location, the original interior of the home was old and dated. In contrast, my client’s family is young, active, and full of life. I wanted the home to reflect that and was thrilled when I was given carte blanche with color.
I used the home’s sunny location as inspiration when designing for this project — warmth, brightness, and palm trees. I decided to go with a bit of a retro throwback look and create a world of turquoise, full of vibrant color that suited my client’s young family and the lush surroundings.
Sara Pendant for the breakfast room.Sonia Ikat in Lagoon for the pillows.Culloden Table Lamp for the living room.Frankie Chandelier from Ro Sham Beaux, installed with beads shown below.Turquoise Swirl beads for the Frankie chandelier.
Balancing the turquoise, I incorporated plenty of crisp white, keeping the home’s exiting tile because it reminded me of sand. I wanted the home to look glamorous and have a polished, retro style but also be user-friendly. I tested different fabrics by actually pouring red wine onto them!
For the living room trim, Pathways from Kravet.Brentano Perspective, fabric for the club chairs (below).Club Chair, reupholstered in white.
My client likes mid-century pieces, so I kept that in mind when choosing furnishings.
David Gold Leaf dining chair.Claro Cocktail Table from Mitchell Gold + Bob WilliamsHollywood Dining Table
For art, we went with bold choices that have a different vibe than you typically see here in Connecticut. With the turquoise inserted everywhere, I am confident the final results of this project will be stunning!
I find great inspiration and room for creativity when looking at all of the possible uses for so many beautiful types of stone.
The past couple of weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time at a couple of fantastic stone yards. I find great inspiration and room for creativity when looking at all of the possible uses for so many beautiful types of stone.
Royal Danby from ABC StoneWhite VermontOnyx from ABC StoneSiberian Sky from ABC Stone
Most people think of counters, floors, and bathrooms when they consider using stone in their homes. There’s no reason to limit stone to these applications; for the right client, I would love to sheath an entire bathroom in a gorgeous stone.
Bath featuring a stunning marble accent wall.
A bathroom I designed for client with limestone vanities and basins.Titanium from Everest would be a dramatic choice.
There are so many choices in pattern, color, and type of stone. You don’t have to be locked into one popular, safe choice. When I see all of the different stones, it makes me want to produce furniture from it. Being surrounded by so many varieties of stone broadens my eyes and inspires me to try different things.
Marble stool by Kelly Wearstler.Marble chairs by artist Ai Weiwei.Marble basins and tray by Decormarmi.Marble and Lucite table.Marble table by Kelly Wearstler.
The potential for designing with stone is so intriguing!
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?
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!
