Tag: inspiration
Inn at Pound Ridge
The Inn at Pound Ridge is one of the area’s hot spots, known for its wonderful ambiance and great food.
The Inn at Pound Ridge is one of the area’s hot spots, known for its wonderful ambiance and great food. The elegant but down to earth fare by Chef Jean-George is the main attraction, but the decor is what I find so memorable. The curve of the banquets, the use of leather, and a neutral palette add up to an interior that makes you want to stay for hours and hours.
Named for the building’s history as an inn, the Inn at Pound Ridge is a refined, yet rustic, restaurant in picturesque Pound Ridge, New York. Built in 1833 as a residence before later serving as an inn, the building has been restored and carefully renovated. Many of the original materials have been preserved, resulting in a modern sensibility that stays true to the building’s historic past. A mixture of reclaimed wood, zinc, and marble throughout the interior meld with artful lighting to create a truly warm atmosphere.
In fact, the interior of the Inn and Pound Ridge was so well done by designer Thomas Juul-Hansen that it has become the inspiration for a home I am currently designing in Montana. I love how the Danish furniture, the stone, and the wood elements at the Inn became a point of reference for a home in an entirely different state.
To learn more about Inn at Pound Ridge or plan a visit, see their website. You can also find them on Facebook.
Architectural Digest: Sky’s the Limit
In the August 2014 issue of Architectural Digest, I found so much inspiration in an editorial titled “Sky’s the Limit.”
I love to have tons of magazines for summer reading and, of course, the design magazines are my favorites. For me, the magazines are about looking for things that really stand out and inspire me, and in the August 2014 issue of Architectural Digest, I found so much inspiration in an editorial titled “Sky’s the Limit.” The article features a NYC residence designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. Jean-Louis is so gifted. He has the classical architecture but throws in a curve ball with the way he mixes various elements. The design of this apartment is made by all of the incredible details. There are so many intricate pieces that make up the overall design; I’ll probably go back to this article six or seven times to digest every little detail. The superb Art Deco-inspired railing in the living room, for example, is a truly custom design that immediately caught my eye, as did the amazing art. Other pieces that stand out for me as being really well executed are the bar cabinet and the window treatment fabric in the living room. Work like this makes me want to be a better designer. What have you seen lately that’s inspired you?
Veranda: Grand Traditions, Enduring Appeal
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.
At Home in Fairfield County: Passion Project
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.
Color Obsession: Celosia Orange
Celosia Orange is a great color for this time of year.
One of the best things about spring is the opportunity to embrace the brightness of the season. Celosia Orange is a great color for this time of year. It’s a crisp, saturated, uplifting hue that can add a bit of fun to a space or provide a boost with a dramatic splash of color. Use it to spice up a neutral palette or add zest to a modern interior. Bold and eye-catching, Celosia Orange is one of my favorite shades.
1. An amazing color for a low rider! (source)
2. Hermes, always a classic.
3. Mark Rothko, Untitled No. 11
4. Saint Laurent Color Block Ring
5. Celosia Orange Rug from Crate and Barrel
6. Gorgeous design by S.R. Gambrel
7. Cool shoes! (source)
8. Gorgeous dress by KaufmanFranco
International Contemporary Furniture Fair
This past weekend I went to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Javits Convention Center in NYC.
This past weekend I went to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Javits Convention Center in NYC. Now in its 26th year, the ICFF draws close to 30,000 visitors who browse over 600 exhibitors. Since I missed the last ICFF, I was so glad to be able to attend this year. The ICFF is completely inspirational to me! I don’t understand how other people can go to this event and only buy one or two things. I just want to hoard everything and not share new sources, but at the same time I want others to be inspired by all of amazing products I saw.
From innovative items to re-imagined classics and even archived elements that have been brought back to life, the ICFF had aisle upon aisle of products that left me feeling energized. I saw so many artisans from Brooklyn and a ton of great items that I can’t wait to use in the right environment. Here are my favorite finds from the ICFF.
These new Trove wall coverings, printed on foil, look so beautiful in person.
I love this amazing outdoor sculpture and bench by Atelier Vierkant. I am absolutely crazy for these organic objects and vessels. The sheer scale of their products is unbelievable.
Tibetano has a great range of rugs.
This is one of the sources I am tempted not to share but keep all for myself! This collection by Gilles Caffier of Paris is handmade and each piece is a work of art.
There was a ton of Danish inspired furnishings throughout the show. These pieces by Vitra were so comfortable! The Petit Repos is a cool swivel chair, super good for kids spaces. The Grand Repos – it’s not your grandfathers recliner.
I am seriously obsessed with this tile from Walker Zanger, especially the chevron pattern. It would make a cool kitchen floor, mudroom, or handsome master bath. I can’t wait to use this!
Heated outdoor furniture by Galanter and Jones – can you believe it! This is absolutely the best find of the day. It would be amazing for my Montana project.
Textiles by Hiroko Takeda, a beautiful company who uses alpaca kid wool and silk, woven to your specification and oh so luscious to the touch.
Talk about an endless amount of choices to make your head spin! Cosmopolitan Glass is a very cool company from Brooklyn – this is how creativity starts!
Bernhardt Design is a staple in the design world. Beautifully crafted!
I cannot wait to incorporate many of these finds into my designs!
Flower Arrangements
If those first daffodils make you smile when you’re out walking or driving around, imagine what a colorful bunch of flowers can do when you place them on your desk or around your home.
For many people, the arrival of spring brings an immediate lift in spirits. Warmer weather, sunnier days, and greener scenery just naturally brighten life. The added color of flowers returning to gardens and flower beds is another welcome sight this time of year. If those first daffodils make you smile when you’re out walking or driving around, imagine what a colorful bunch of flowers can do when you place them on your desk or around your home. While it’s quick and easy to pick up a bouquet at the market or order an arrangement online, the experience of visiting a flower shop and browsing the many different flowers available is both inspiring and relaxing.
Exploring what your local florist has to offer provides you with so many more options than you get from a pre-made arrangement. You can select the freshest flowers and most appealing palette, all while consulting the florist on the best way to display your choices. You may find flowers you’ve never heard of, or be inspired by a particularly beautiful color. My favorite flowers include all colors of calla lilies, celosias, and peonies. Parrot tulips are as couture as they come, and hydrangeas remind me of the spirit of summer. I love freesia for the smell alone and purple is my favorite!
Hand-picking the flowers for an arrangement is a wonderful way to present someone with a thoughtful gift. A custom arrangement for Mother’s Day is such a nice way to recognize the holiday. While you’re choosing flowers for the mothers in your life, why not treat yourself to an arrangement as well? Find a flower that really catches your eye. It will make you smile for days!
My go-to local florist is McArdle’s in Greenwich. A family-owned business, they are always ready to pull off anything I ask for, even when I call at the last minute. My flower selection process, like my approach to interiors, is carefully thought out, with thoughtfully paired elements. How do you like to shop for flowers?
Amanda Nisbet
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.
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.
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.
To see more of Amanda Nisbet’s work, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook.
Clay Art Center, Port Chester
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.