Rope Furniture

The nautical look of rope furniture definitely has the spirit of summer.

With the dog days of summer nearing an end, I am still hanging on to the spirit of the season.  The nautical look of rope furniture definitely has this same spirit!

Studio Rik Ten Velden
Studio Rik Ten Velden
Luke Lamp Co
Luke Lamp Co
christian astuguevielle 1
Christian Astuguevielle

These examples of rope furniture are so beautifully made and well crafted.  Each piece is a work of art.  I love how rope, a simple fiber, is translated into something sculptural for the home.

Teak Warehouse
Teak Warehouse
Lighting from Room
Lighting from Room
Marta Coffee Table from Room
Marta Coffee Table from Room
Jamie Young, Jute Urn
Jamie Young, Jute Urn

I also like how this type of furniture is open to interpretation.  It can be whimsical and quirky, a indication you don’t take things too seriously.  You can use one or two pieces of rope furniture to soften a space, or go full force and use them throughout a room.  It would be fun to combine rope elements with something more formal, playing with that juxtaposition.  So many possibilities!

Made Goods
Made Goods
Gordon Console, One Kings Lane
Gordon Console, One Kings Lane
Palecek
Palecek

 

 

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Favorite Things: Credenzas

In the dining room, a credenza is ideal for added storage and provides a great surface to serve from.

A credenza is a large, closed cabinet often used as a sideboard or a buffet.  In the dining room, a credenza is ideal for added storage and provides a great surface to serve from.  We often use custom pieces to meet a client’s individual needs, an option that allows us to integrate the credenza’s interior into the design.  A custom credenza gives you added flexibility for size, style, color, and material for a super unique look.  Additionally, a credenza provides structure and a foundation for lamps and art.  It grounds a space.  I love using elements such as shagreen and ebony or two dimensional doors.  When working with a craftsman, you can trick out a credenza for a memorable, one of a kind piece.  Here are some of my favorite examples of gorgeous credenzas.

Morgan Console from Four Hands

fourhands

Oly Studio Serena Buffet

serena buffet

Irwindale Buffet from Theodore Alexander

theodore alexander

Grammi Sideboard

archiproducts

Tompkins Buffet from Wud Furniture Design

wudfurniture

Rondelle Credenza by John Pomp

john pomp

Fumed Oak Credenza from ISOM

isomcollective

Milano Mystic Buffet from Ercole Home.

ercole home

Harper Side Board from Precedent Furniture

precedent furniture

Painted Credenza from Jeff Martin Joinery

design milk

Ingemar Cabinet from KGBL

kgbl

Raised Front Ebonized Floating Credenza from 1st Dibs

1st dibs

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Favorite Things: Desks

A desk can be very practical or more streamlined; it all comes down to how the piece will be used.

I recently went on a scavenger hunt for a desk for a client.  This endeavor got me thinking about desks in general and how the choice of a desk is very personal.  Individual people have different needs and, like people, desks come in all manner of shapes and sizes.  A desk can be very practical or more streamlined; it all comes down to how the piece will be used.  For example, if the desk is in a room custom fitted with plenty of storage, then it can be minimal as opposed to something with a variety of drawers and shelves.  Men and women tend to have distinct preferences as well.   Here are some of my favorite examples of desks:

1.  Ana Casa Interiors: Yves Desk by Baxter

Anna Casa Interiors Yves Desk by Baxter2.  Big Boss Desk by Piergil Fourquie

metal wood leather boss desk

3.  Homework Desk from Design Within Reach

Homework Desk4.  Lacquered Linen and Brass Desk

Lacquered linen and brass

5.  White and Walnut Desk, cm studio

cm studio

6.  Jobs by Poltrona Frau

Jobs Architonic7.  Aerial Desk, Dering Hall

Aerial Desk8.  Louxor Desk by Nicolas Aubagnac

Louxor - Desk Nicolas Aubagnac

9.  Antoine Proulx from Dennis Miller Associates

Antoine Proulx 6/2002

10.  Bureau Plat Desk from Mortice & Tenon

Bureau Plat Desk Mortice and Tenon

Windsor Smith Collection for Arteriors

Earlier this year, Arteriors debuted a collection by Windsor Smith.

Earlier this year, Arteriors debuted a collection by Windsor Smith.  Featuring Windsor’s iconic style, a luxurious blend of traditional and modern sensibilities, the collection is comprised of items that are as functional as they are sophisticated.  Windsor has created a line with the goal, as she states, “for…each piece [to] engage conversation.  I want these to be well loved now and heirlooms tomorrow.”

Windsor Smith Arteriors 2Windsor Smith Arteriors 1

I love the geometric look of the pieces Windsor Smith designed for Arteriors.  Each item looks very chic; you can see the influence of traditional aesthetics and classical Greek and Roman design, although the overall look of the line is quite modern.

Windsor Smith Arteriors 4Windsor Smith Arteriors 5

Another great aspect to this line is the mix of materials found in many of the pieces.  This blending of textures and finishes lends to the line’s elegance and timelessness.

Windsor Smith Arteriors 3Windsor Smith Arteriors 7Windsor Smith Arteriors 6

You can see the full Windsor Smith Collection on the Arteriors website.

 

Favorite Things: Bar Carts

A bar cart is a great addition to your home furnishings.

A bar cart is a great addition to your home furnishings.  They are versatile, compact, and mobile, letting you set up the party in any room of the home — or even outdoors.   It can find a spot in unexpected places, such as a console in the entry.  Pretty decanters are one thing, but I think it’s cooler when it’s just dressed with bottles.  The upside to that is, it’s constantly changing!  The bar cart is an elegant reminder of the glamorous past, a throwback to an era of sophistication.  Here are some of my favorite examples of bar carts.  Which would you like to wheel out at your next party?

1.  This bar cart features a chic geode knob.  (Image via The Decorista)

Bar Carts 11

2.  Expandable Rolling Server from 1st Dibs

Bar Carts 7

3.  Vince SS Bar Cart from Worlds Away

Bar Carts 54.  Cesar Lacca Bar Cart

Bar Carts 6

5.  Console Cart, a more rustic bar cart.

Bar Carts 10

6.  1930s Industrial Steel Bar Cart from Restoration Hardware

Bar Carts 9

7.  Roland N Bar Cart, nickel plated with mirrored shelf.

Bar Carts 4

8.  Nero Bar Cabinet from Williams-Sonoma Home

Bar Carts 12

9.  Milo Baughman Bar Cart

Bar Carts 8

10.  Bar Cart no. One from The New Traditionalists

Bar Carts 2

CTC&G 2014 Pink Aid

I was so happy to participate in the 2014 Pink Aid Fashion Show and Luncheon by Connecticut Cottages and Gardens.

I was so happy to participate in the 2014 Pink Aid Fashion Show and Luncheon by Connecticut Cottages and Gardens at Mitchells of Westport.  The event, which raises money for the fight against breast cancer, includes an auction of pink chairs and other pink items donated by designers.  I contributed a chair, which you can see in the November 2014 issue of CTC&G, along with all of the other  pink items created by some very talented designers.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch 2014 Pink AidI donated this great antique, Midcentury chair covered in a geometric Lanza Jaipur Pink from Romo.  Pick up a copy of CTC&G to see the other pink items!

Favorite Things: Modern Elements

When it comes to interior design, the term “modern” can mean different things to different people.

When it comes to interior design, the term “modern” can mean different things to different people.  To me, it means using newer, refreshing elements.  These items can be mixed with more traditional design for a bit of added flair or an eclectic feel, or can be used on their own.  This list of my favorite pieces could be used to create a beautiful space, or individual items could be worked into a room to give it a bit of a modern edge.

1.  Blackened Brass Hans Pedestal Table by Jonathan AdlerModern Furniture Design2.  Lighthouse Oil Lamps from Menu

Modern Furniture Design 2

3.  R Augousti Jewelry Box Embossed In Snake Skin & Stingray

Modern Furniture Design 34.  Kubik by Michael Reeves.  Gorgeous ink color.

Modern Furniture Design 4

5.  Orly Console Table

Modern Furniture Design 7

6.  Landscape II, 2007.  Silver leaf, resin, pigment on panel.  By Nancy Lorenz.

Modern Furniture Design 5

7.  Side Table from Bungalo 5.

Modern Furniture Design 88.  Lighting from Ralph Pucci International

Modern Furniture Design 11

9.  Canyon Coffee Table from RobiCara.

Modern Furniture Design 10

10.  Bruno Dining Chair from Studio Van Den Akker.

Modern Furniture Design 12

11.  Side table with acrylic top and brass base, from The Apartment by McCollin Bryan.

Modern Furniture Design 9

12.  Driftwood Finish Dresser from Assemblage

Modern Furniture Design 14

Favorite Things: Console Tables

A console table is a truly versatile piece of furniture.

A console table is a truly versatile piece of furniture.  In the entry, it creates visual interest and gives you a place to build a focal point by displaying art or other collections.  You can place a console table behind a sofa as a base for lighting or to hold a stack of books, use it as a bar table, a dining room sideboard, a vanity in the bedroom, or even for extra desk space in a home office.  With so many different styles and finishes available, there’s a perfect console table for just about any room.  Here are some of my favorite examples of great console tables!

1.  Orly Console Table:  Sleek and modern!

console table 12.  Harwood Console:  Classic design with a bottom shelf for additional storage or display space.

console table 23.  Single Peristyle Table:  Great for a smaller space.

console table 34.  Stag Table:  Love the curved legs!

console table 45.  Altar Table:  Think about adding an ottoman beneath it.

console table 5

6.  Saltire Console:  Weathered oak and concrete top — a great combination!

console table 67.  Museum Crate Console:  So unique!

console table 78.  French Neo-Classical Console Tables:  Could they actually get up and walk away?

console table 8

9.  Shanghai Rose Altar Table:  Such a nice shape!

console table 9

10.  Regency Side Table:  I used this console to create a custom sink basin.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design

11.  Axel Console:  A handsome combination of the industrial rivets and gray shagreen.

console table 1112.  Hera Console Table:  Gilt metal legs add glam.

console table 12