Tag: design

Color Obsession: Red

Red excites people with an enticing, energetic jolt of color.

Red is simply a sexy, va-va-voom color.  It makes people think of lipstick, fast cars, love, and risk. Red excites people with an enticing, energetic jolt of color.  Brunettes and blonds look great in red, and it’s hard to think of a color that implies more emotion.  You can saturate an entire room in this bold palette or wear it all over for a glamorous night out!

1.  Stitched Puzzle wallcovering from Maya Romanoff

2.  Lantern by Urban Electric, custom colored for Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design.  Photo by Neil Landino.

3.  Mark Rothko

4.  Chair by Duralee with Yoma fabric for a client of AAH.  Photo by Neil Landino.

5.  1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

6.  Living room with red accents, design by AAH.  Photo by Neil Landino.

7.  Christian Louboutin, Platform Red Pumps

8.  A-line Mini Dress from Victoria Beckham

9.  Custom sofa design by AAH.  Photo by Neil Landino.

10.  Red and white design.  Image via High Street Market.

**Cover image design by Brian McCarthy via Elle Decor

Amanyara Resort

Located on the coast of the Providenciales, one of the Turks and Caicos islands and part of the British West Indies, Amanyara Resort is an intimate, secluded destination.

Located on the coast of Providenciales, one of the Turks and Caicos islands and part of the British West Indies, Amanyara Resort is an intimate, secluded destination.  Situated away from the more developed areas of the island, Amanyara is surrounded by white sand beaches, ironshore rocky coves, and mahogany trees.  When not relaxing on the beach or enjoying the spa, visitors have access to fishing, golf, eco tours and adventures, whale watching, a nature center, and kiteboarding.  Amanyara itself features a beautiful restaurant and bar.

Map of Providenciales.
Amanyara restaurant.
The bar.

The setting is certainly amazing enough, but the resort itself is exactly the serene type of place I’m always drawn to.  The design is sophisticated, yet simplistic.  The quiet palette and minimalist decor give the place something of a spa feel with a decidedly tranquil atmosphere.

Amanyara Reception Pavilion
Oceanfront loungers at the Artists Villa.
Villas at Amanyara.

Whenever I go on vacation, I find myself constantly looking at the decor.  It’s something I can’t disconnect from, so when I have the chance to get away and relax, I want to go someplace where I won’t feel overly stimulated by my surroundings on my down time.  I look for peaceful places to relax and rejuvenate, and Amanyara is the epitome of intimate and serene with a design that’s been pared down to essentials.

Ocean pavilion bedroom.
Pavilion bathroom.
So peaceful!

To learn more about Amanyara, visit the resort’s website.  While there, you can explore other Aman resorts around the world, all of which are designed with the same attention to peace and tranquility.

 

Favorite Things: Dining Chairs

Whether the dining room is formal or informal, the dining chairs are an important part of the room.

Whether the dining room is formal or informal, the dining chairs are an important part of the room.  They add a sculptural element that can be very present in the room without competing with the rest of the space.  I like to mix and match the chairs, using one consistent style for the side chairs and another, complimentary, design for the host chairs.  I also like to add layers to the chairs by using different materials to cover the seat or back, depending on what works for the shape of the piece.  Comfort is an important factor in choosing dining chairs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also look great!

1.  Royere Armless Dining Chair from Mattaliano.  Love this art deco inspired chair – so chic.

2.  A recent dining room project, where I used host chairs from Hickory Chair Furniture Co.

3.  Greek key infusion, from 1st Dibs.

4.  Vendome Side Chair from Jasper.

5.  Poliform Grace chair.

6.  Another dining room, where I installed these beautiful Queen Anne chairs from Jasper.  A very classic and traditional chair!

7.  Matahari Home Chair – for a more informal and casual dining chair, this one is perfect and so comfortable.

8.  Martin Host Chair with Loose Cushion – great as a header chair.

9.  Gothic Chair by Moooi

10.  1940s French Upholstered Barrelback Chair From Restoration Hardware – Think about using two different fabrics, one for the front and the other for the back.  Stain the legs darker and it is a totally different chair. I just did it for a client and it is an amazing transformation!

11.  Great combination with the rush back, from Dering Hall.

12.  Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos chairs.

John Dickinson

David Sutherland, Inc. now offers a collection of John Dickinson’s iconic furniture designs.

One of the 20th century’s most acclaimed and important designers, John Dickinson was born in 1920 and grew up in Berkely, California.  He attended Parsons School of Design and launched his own firm in San Francisco in 1956.  Dickinson was one of the area’s top designers in the 1960s and 1970s when he produced his signature concrete plaster furniture.  He died in 1982, but his pieces are still highly collectible and resell for thousands.

John Dickinson
John Dickinson’s San Francisco residence.

From 1980 until his death in 1982, Dickinson’s furniture designs were represented in David Sutherland’s Texas showrooms.  Dickinson’s rather fragile plaster pieces became known for their unique combination of whimsy and austerity, humor and elegance.  These imaginative designs are easily recognizable and can be found today in museums and high end furniture galleries.

Large, six-legged African table.
Twig Mirror
Footed table.

If you’re hoping to add one of Dickinson’s iconic pieces to your home, you can now purchase reproductions of these designs from Sutherland Furniture.  Ever since he represented Dickinson’s work in the early 1980’s, David Sutherland hoped to recreate the collection and bring those designs to a wider audience.  Sutherland’s hopes have finally been realized.  Sutherland now offers Dickinson’s designs, recreated with a more durable glass-reinforced concrete.

Footed lamp.
Hoofed table.
Three-legged side table.

I think it is really great that Sutherland carries these reproductions.  The indoor and outdoor collections are amazing!  Everyone now has access to these fantastic pieces.  With Sutherland’s innovative materials, you can not only have a John Dickinson design but actually use the pieces in your home without any worries.  I would love to have one of these pieces of history in my own collection!

You can view the entire collection at Sutherland’s website.  They are also on Facebook.

 

Charlotte Brody

Charlotte Brody’s collections feature exactly the details and qualities that appeal to me.

I was fist introduced to the Charlotte Brody clothing line by Will of Holland and Sherry’s Bespoke store in NYC and I immediately loved what I saw.  I’ve always been inspired by fashion.  Interior design and fashion are two separate worlds that are connected by trends and creative influences.  The intricacies of a beautiful fashion piece are things I can incorporate into design.  Charlotte Brody’s collections feature exactly the details and qualities that appeal to me.  I really appreciate such well tailored, well made things.

Navy honeycomb wool roll neck sweater with black slacks.
Embroidered wool blouse, lizard belt, and flair pant.

Charlotte Brody’s fashions show a great use of color.  It’s a very well-edited collection, with such interesting key pieces.  Apparel from the Cabana line is ready to wear, or clients can choose their own fabrics to create a specific and unique wardrobe.  Charlotte Brody’s fabrics include Italian cashmere, Scottish tweed, silk, and linen and are hand embroidered by select artisans.

Hand embroidered feather skirt, velvet shirt, jade drop earrings, suede clutch.
Totally me to a T! Leopard shirt, lucite necklace, black silk short.
Black cashmere dress with black leather details.
Tie sleeve boat neck dress.

Even items like bags and accessories show smart choices in their design.  The jewelry is great!

Ebony studded sphere necklace.
Grey lizard clutch.

To see the full Charlotte Brody collection, visit their website.  You can also connect with Charlotte Brody on Facebook to learn about trunk shows, new designs, and other events.

Greece

Like other places I feel drawn to, Greece features an incredible environment surrounded by water.

Like other places I feel drawn to, Greece features an incredible environment surrounded by water.  The contrast of those white buildings with the blue Mediterranean Sea is just very appealing.  Combined with the fact that my father’s family is from Greece, it’s easy to see why I’d love to visit this amazing country.

Scenery and family history aside, some of the most appealing aspects of Grecian beauty lie in its vast history, represented by mythology, carvings, relics, and architecture.  Looking at the Acropolis and Parthenon, you can’t help but wonder how such incredible achievements were possible without modern tools and technology.  In fact, the influence of Greece’s classical, ionic architecture has endured across centuries and can be seen all over the world.

When I do make it to Greece, you’ll find me in Santorini or Mykonos, enjoying the white sand beaches, the calming backdrop of beautiful women in linen, and the fantastic, rich texture of Greek history and scenery.

Color Obsession: Nude

I like the concept of stripping down to a basic, raw level that can go with anything.

Neutral almost by definition, nude or bare shades in design can be very serene.  For example, the nude body is a natural art form, something very beautiful in its understated simplicity.  I like the concept of stripping down to a basic, raw level that can go with anything.  Starting from such bareness, a simple insertion of color adds interest without detracting from an overall calm mood.

1.  Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball

2.  Tyler chandelier from Made Goods

3.  Cumulus wall covering by Weitzner Limited

4.   Collection de Colombe Slipper Chair by Richard Mishaan Design

5.  Lady Peep Nude Patent by Christian Louboutin

6.  Union Square by Phillip Jeffries

7.  Victoria Beckham, Spring 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

8.  Mansour Modern – Moroccan by Ben Soleimani

9.  Monique Péan Fossilized Walrus Ring

10.  Nude design, image via April and May

 

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

 

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.