Category Archives: Homes

Is the bed skirt dead?

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Are dust skirts a thing of the past? I myself love a dust skirt as long is it is crisp, clean ( NO ruffles), and tailored. I am a fabric junkie so I tend to go for a fun pattern or tape along the bottom of the skirt. Sara Costello had her debut article published in the Wall Street Journal today and her friend, the uber-talented designer Miles Redd, has no problem saying good bye to the dust skirt. The key: a boxspring cover made of a fabulous fabric ( and a bed with a beautiful frame…no harvard frame from Sleepys!).

Miles Redd’s bedroom above.

Read Sara’s piece: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882404575519921627120254.html?KEYWORDS=sara+costello

xo,

S

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Design Books That Are a Must!

Antiques Books Homes Inspiration Interior Design Shopping No Comments

There are several books that have just come out or are about to come out that are a “Must Buy”. I mentioned Bunny Williams’ Scrapbook For Living in an earlier post and these few books fall into the same category:

Out now:

At Home With Town & Country: This is the first book that Town & Country Magazine has come out with.  All the homes I have drooled over the past years are included in this beautiful book.  The book is full of inspiration and advice for creating stylish spaces.  It is fun to take a peek into some of the most fabulous homes in the country!

Purchase At Home With Town & Country through my amazon store:

http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/158816697X

Coming out October 5th:

Mary McDonald’s first design book, The Allure of Style,  is chock full of her amazing designs.  She is a master at mixing traditional and whimsical styles creating unforgettable spaces.  The book showcases more than 250 captivating photographs of lush interior design, complemented by witty passages.

Purchase Mary McDonald’s The Allure of Style through my amazon store:

http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0847833933

Alexa Hampton, daughter of famed designer Mark Hampton, gives you a very personal insight into her aesthetic and how it has been used to satisfy her clients wishes in her new book, The Language of Interior Design. Alexa provides a tour of stunning residences from her own portfolio.  Eighteen classic spaces illustrate in rich detail the elements that govern cultivated design—contrast, proportion, color, and balance. Among the residences are a landmark 1912 McKim, Mead & White restoration on Fifth Avenue in New York City; an eclectic house by the sea layered in textures, patterns, and colors; a contemporary apartment distinguished by simple geometry and clean lines; and Hampton’s own apartment, filled with an exquisite collection of architectural elements.

Purchase Alex Hampton’s The Language of Interiors through my amazon store:

http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0307460533

Coming out october 19th:

As the best-selling author of 16 decoration and lifestyle books, the host of her own – and one of the first – television shows on HGTV for eight seasons, the creator of home fashion products that have generated close to two billion dollars in sales, and the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of her multi-million dollar empire, Chris Madden is an iconic name in the world of design. Widely known as the powerhouse who made “personal space” and “haven” household words through her ground-breaking books and products, Chris will now, for the first time, accompany her readers in THE SOUL OF A HOUSE through her own unique homes, showcasing her signature personal style that resonates throughout each room and share the basic steps and thought-processes that can easily turn any space, large or small, into a comfortable and stylish residence. Each room—from the entry foyer, master bedroom and living room to the mud room and greenhouse — will be explored with rich photography by Nancy Hill along with Chris’ styling tips as she chronicles the transformation of both her husband’s and her 100-year-old carriage house on three rambling acres outside of New York City and their mid-century modern getaway tucked in a bucolic apple orchard between the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges in Vermont.

Also included will be a sampling of those historic spaces that have served as an inspiration to Chris— from the early works of the legendary Billy Baldwin, Elsie de Wolfe, Nancy Lancaster, John Fowler and Thomas Jefferson – through lessons gleaned in the great rooms of designer showcase houses (including those of Mario Buatta, Mark Hampton, and Albert Hadley) and her travels to such architectural treasures as the summer dacha of Czar Nicholas II in Russia, Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Washington home and museum, Hillcrest, to her hands-on design work at the homes and offices of Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric and Toni Morrison.

Purchase Chris Madden’s The Soul of a House through my amazon store:

http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0847833704

Owner of Hollyhock, Los Angeles’s renowned antiques and decorative arts mecca, Suzanne Rheinstein is known for her relaxed, elegant style. Style maker and interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein has a keen appreciation for special luxuries. She is a master at taking an eclectic mix of furnishings from the past and arranging them in a fresh, inspiring way. Elegant simplicity and attention to detail are the hallmarks of her look. A timeless quality pervades every room she designs. Rheinstein feels that how you live your life every day is much more important than getting your house together for a special occasion. Beautifully photographed, this inspiring volume shows examples of her work, ranging from a brick farmhouse in the Virginia countryside and a sophisticated rustic getaway overlooking the Big Wood River in Sun Valley to a year-round shingled residence on the beach in Newport Bay, as well as her own homes—a gracious Georgian Revival in Los Angeles and a New York City prewar pied-à-terre. They exemplify her talent for creating attractive homes that make living and entertaining extremely pleasurable.

Purchase Suzanne Rheinstein’s At Home through my amazon store:

http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0847834093

xo,

S

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Bunny Williams’ Scrapbook For Living

Books Homes Inspiration Interior Design Shopping No Comments


In Bunny Williams’ third book you are lead room by room through homes she has designed and along the way she gives tips on ways to organize and personalize your home.  All of her suggestions are timeless, classic ways to make your home welcoming.  For those of you who are not familiar with Bunny Williams, she is a master of detail and comfortable living.  In her book she dissects the design process and enables readers to take on the various rooms in their homes: dining rooms, lighting, entertaining, bedrooms, and furniture layouts are all discussed.  I just received my copy and it is one of those books I will turn to time and time again for advice.

Visit my amazon store to pick up your copy:  http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/1584798599

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues – Purple

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Purple- eggplant, aubergine, plum, lavender, lilac, violet, mauve, lilac, mulberry, orchid, grape, amethyst, twilight. Purple represents royalty, creativity, romance, power, nobility, luxury, ambition, and sophistication. Dark purples lend a warm, sexy, quiet feeling to a room while light purples add a touch of romanticism. I love pairing deep aubergines with crisp apple greens, oranges, and silver or brass. While light purple leads me to blue and white china, grays, yellows, and mirrored furniture.

This room is so warm and feminine with soft lavender/ mauve walls, silk drapes, and french chairs.

A living room by Kelly Wearstler showcases a lavender geometric print rug with a deeper purple sofa and yellow and gold accents.

A room designer by Windsor Smith pairs up both light and dark purple with chocolate brown, crisp white, and pale teal.

Katie Ridder punches up the lilac walls with green, ivory, and bright orange.

David Kaihoi wraps his dining room/ living room entirely in purple.  The red chair and tiger print throw pillows mix it up a bit.

Amanda Nisbet takes the plunge into purple with a deeply tufted headboard set against a deep aubergine wall with hints of pink and chocolate brown.

Aerin Lauder’s dining room as featured in Elle Decor.  I love the deep dark plum walls and trim with the soft grayish plum zebra print table skirt.  The pale wood chairs work beautifully in the room.

Touches of purple:

Keeping the rest of the room neutral lets the focus fall on the table skirt of Janet De Botton’s library.

A tufted chair by Jeffrey Bilhuber upholstered in Malabar’s Carom

Two chairs upholstered in Madeline Weinrib’s purple luce silk ikat bring this living room to life.

Purple paint:

1. Benjamin Moore Grape Hyacinth

2.  Pratt and Lambert Autumn Crocus

3. Benjamin Moore Galaxy- deep dark purple

4.  Benjamin Moore Caponata

5.  Farrow and Ball Brinjal- I have used this many times and it is beautiful…especially in a high gloss finish

Purple Wallcoverings:

1. Osborne and Little Bedlam W5557/01

2.  Osborne and Little Maharani W6022-01

3.  Katie Ridder Attendants in purple

4. Fromental hand painted and embroidered chinoiserie in lavender

Purple Fabrics:

1.  Katie Ridder Moonflower in purple

2.  Peter Dunham Pasha- KT03

3. Amanda Nisbet Fabric on linen Francesca in grape fizz

4. Osborne and Little Papini F5851-03

5.  Carolina Irving Andaluz in Viola

6.  Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Sultan’s Suzani on linen in lavender

7. Edelman Leather Royal Suede in dusty rose

8. Scalamandre Rio 26676-007

Purple Accessories:

Using the painting breakfast by Pierre Bonnard as a jumping off point I selected the above accessories.

1. Pierre bed linens by Julia B.

http://www.juliab.com/product-details.aspx?id=11

2. Pierre Bonnard Breakfast circe 1930’s

3. Purple samarkand area rug by Doris Leslie Blaue through 1st dibs

http://dorisleslieblaullc.1stdibs.com/store/furniture_item_detail.php?id=331849

4. Tub chair by Peter Dunham Hollywood at Home

http://hollywoodathome.com/products/view/Tub+Chair

5. Vanderhurd rug pattern dew drops in amethyst

http://www.vanderhurd.com/abstract.php?t=abstract&p=0&id=46

6.  Set of 4 shagreen coasters in faux shagreen color amethyst through Sara Gilbane Interiors

7. Silk ikat throw pillow in purple luce through madeline weinrib

http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/ikat/Luce-Purple.html

8. Pair of antique suzani throw pillows through 1st dibs

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=440687

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues- Blue

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Blue- sapphire, azure, aqua, teal, turquoise, sky, ocean, blueberry, chinese blue, baby blue, Lanvin blue, cobalt, haze, royal blue, Mediterranean blue, slate, denim, navy, marine, sea foam, robins egg, Tiffany blue.

Blue is contemplative, meditative, and depending on the shade can be energizing (deep blues) or relaxing and light ( pale blues). It conjures thoughts of water and sky. I often paint ceilings in the palest blue to raise the height of the room. Whether you go with a textured grasscloth on your walls, several slick shiny coats of paint, or just blue accessories it is hard to go wrong with this color.

Light Blue:

Cristina Cuomo’s house by Emma Pilkington features a study with pale blue walls ( and a fab etching by Cy Twombly)

Getting deeper….

This soft blue bedroom has a cool, feminine, eclectic feel.

A beautiful country house decorated by Miles Redd stays true to form with blue on blue stripe wallpaper in the hallway.  Hallways are important spaces through out a home and a great chance to try a wallpaper.

High gloss slate blue walls in a room decorated by Steven Gambrel look like water.  This is the perfect backdrop for all the dark wood furniture and brass fixtures.

Cadet blue walls look warm and inviting with saffron yellow drapes, a pickled/ bleached floor, and tortoise shell moldings. Delicious!

Deep Dark Blues:

This room, recently featured in House Beautiful, is grounded by the deep blue grasscloth on the walls.  I love the texture and color.

This blue is amazing! It seems to glow.  Anytime blue and red are together they make they other color feel richer. Room by Christopher Maya.

In a room by Ashley Whittaker we have a deep blue wall and bookshelves paired with pale orange and a rusty red. I love blue in a library.  It is totally enveloping.

This small galley kitchen is handsome in lacquered navy.

Another blue library featured in the recent Elle Decor ( Patricia Lansing’s) is fabulous.  The navy lacquered walls seem to recede and make the room bigger ( dark colors do this!) while the white sofa and blue and white zebra linen upholstered chair pop out at you.  I love this room!

Paint colors:

1.  Farrow and Ball Chinese Blue

2. Benjamin Moore Paddington Blue

3. Sherwin Williams Verditer Blue

4.  Dunn Edwards After The Storm

5.  Benjamin Moore Patriot Blue

6. Pratt and Lambert Blueberry Myrtille

All colors shown in House beautiful

Wall coverings:

1.  Phillip Jeffries Juicy Jute in Tantalizing Teal

2. Neisha Crossland through Stark Berry Flower in Marrakesh Blue

3.  Farrow and Ball Ringwold Paper BP1650

4.  Manuel Canovas through Cowtan and Tout trellis

Fabrics:

1. Gracieux through John Rosselli Serrano in Cobalt on Oph

2.  Chapas Textiles Safari in Sapphire Ochre

3. Robert Kime Palmette Blue- embroidery

4. Lisa Fine through John Rosselli Rambagh reverse in indigo

5. Celerie for F. Schumacher Bleeker in Twilight 23969260

6.  Celerie for F. Schumacher 711897

7.  Osborne and Little Papini F5851-04

8.  Chapas Textiles Vienna in Deep teal

9. Edelman Leather Shagreen City Lights in Blue Streak

Accessories:

1. William Sonoma Home bed linens with classic greek key embroidery in blue

http://www.wshome.com/products/p4000/index.cfm?pkey=csheets%2Dbed%2Dsheet%2Dsets

2.  Holland and Sherry custom embroidered pillow Java EMB 717

3. Blue and white ceramic lamp by Bunny Williams through Mecox Gardens

http://www.mecoxgardens.com/pageItemDetail.asp?RECORDID=12027

4. Peacock Rug by Matthew Williamson through The Rug Company

http://www.therugcompany.info/designer-collection/matthew-williamson/peacock-dark.htm

5.  Small agate napkin rings through Vivre.com

http://www.vivre.com/product/agate_napkin_rings_set_of_2

6. Daphne Blue Hollywood Regency chair through Madeline Weinrib

http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/furniture/HollywoodRegency-BlueDaphne.htm

7. Fez indigo dhurrie through Vanderhurd

http://www.vanderhurd.com/silk.php?t=silk&p=0&id=135

8. Matignon arm chair through TK Collections

http://www.tkcollections.com/bistrochairs_tables/armchairs/matignon/

9. Clinton Sofa in navy velvet through Jayson Home and Garden

http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/product.php?productid=5947

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues- Green

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Green- moss, lichen, verdigris, acid, grass, malachite, lime, olive, pea, apple, asparagus, emerald, jade, sea green, mint, forest, aquamarine, chartreuse, kelly green, sage, and viridian.  Green is restorative, restful color with the same calming attributes as blue. It signifies growth, health, and environment.  Both pale greens and deep rich jewel tone greens feel like Autumn to me, so I picked a few rooms in both palettes.

Pale soft autumn greens:

The above room is wallpapered in de Gournay. I love the pale moss green background.

The pale apple green walls above brings a calming grounding effect to the bold ikat chairs and bright pink carpet.

This is a beautiful soft mossy colonial green that is quite serious.  The moldings are painted the same color for a soothing seemless effect.

Bold jewel-tone autumn greens:

The deep hunter green walls in the Oscar de la Renta showcase room at Lee Jofa are a sharp and arresting background for the bright yellows, blacks, reds, and tans used throughout.   The black mirror keeps the room feeling modern.

Deep apple green walls work well with the wood daybed and bookshelves. The orangey red throw pillows and little brass tables give this guest bedroom a clean masculine vibe.

Room above by Schuyler Samperton

Room above by Todd Romano

Both rooms above pair deep olivey green walls with orangey red ( this reads cozy NOT Christmas!) and zebra rugs for an unexpected pattern.

Jeffrey Bilhuber puts deep green velvet on the walls and sofa.  This room is perfect for a fall afternoon.  The brass lamps and blue and white china are beautiful. The pale blue pillow and animal print pillow throw in a bit of the unexpected to keep the room for getting too matchy-matchy.

Tory Burch’s apartment also showcases green velvet on the walls.  In one shot you see blue and white vases that sing off of the green velvet walls.  In the second image you see through to her orange lacquer dining room.  Very sharp if you ask me!

Nervous to go for the all green room? Just add a few pops of green for an effect that is just as lovely.

A sophisticated library with malachite objects strewn over the desk and side tables.

Amanda Nisbet has fun in a children’s room with clover shaped green headboards, monogrammed bed covers, green piping around the roman shade, and a green polka-dot lamp shade.

Green paint colors ( as seen in House Beautiful)

1. Benjamin Moore aganthus green

2. Farrow and Ball Verd de Terre

3. Pratt and Lambert 22-20 Clover

4. Benjamin Moore Lafayette Green

Green wall coverings:

1. Farrow and Ball Ringwold BP1638

2. Lee Jofa stillwater peacock feathers #5003950.  These are actual feathers backed with paper for wallpapering. I am dying to do the walls of a study in this with teal lacquer bookshelves.

3. Farrow and Ball Lotus Papers BP 2045

Green fabrics:

1. Peter Fasano Brompton in Sage

2. F. Schumacher #63036

3. F. Schumacher #173631

4. Brunschwig Dzhambul 71099-435

5. F. Schumacher 2643763

6. Kravet #9307-123

7. F. Schumacher #54955

8. Peter Fasano Jaipur in Ocean/ Olive

Green accessories:

1. Leontine Linens Rebecca bath towels

2. Venetian sofa by Oscar de la Renta through Century Furniture – 60_22_727

3. Madeline Weinrib Mu pillow in celery

http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/ikat/Mu-Celery.html

4. Stripe Moquette celadon rug by Vanderhurd

http://www.vanderhurd.com/stripes.php?t=stripes&p=0&id=115

5. Tufted leather corrigan chair through Anthropologie

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=66411&catId=HOME-FURNITURE-CHAIRS&pushId=HOME-FURNITURE-CHAIRS&popId=HOME-FURNITURE&sortProperties=&navCount=130&navAction=middle&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=bpp&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=

6. Hand embroidered pillow from Holland and Sherry- Athena EMB686

7. Renee Green Lamp through Tonic Home:

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1196

8. Boxed nailhead coasters in faux alligator through Sara Gilbane Interiors

xo,

S

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One Kings Lane Sales

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Fabulous cashmere and lambswool/ angora throws in all of Aumtums finest hues are for sale on One King’s Lane:

Draped over a sofa or armchair, folded on a bed, or wrapped around your shoulders, a traditional Celtic throw is a warm, wonderful way to transition into fall and winter.
A perfect medley of classic, beautiful and decadently soft, these throws are the genuine article, made from cashmere harvested from the fine, downy undercoat of the Mongolian mountain goat (shed in the springtime and obtained by combing), as well as angora-blend styles, all masterfully produced by premier Scottish weavers. They belong in every room of the house.

They are selling out quickly….

Visit and sign up for One King’s Lane to shop:  http://www.onekingslane.com/Event.aspx?l=00010194056800000000

McGuire is also having a sale and some of my favorite items are still available ( like the killer Bassam Fellows counter stool).

McGuire commissions some of the world’s most respected designers and rising stars to create collections with depth and personality.  Crafting raw nature into a geometry of perfect proportion time and time again, McGuire creates a flawless harmony between form and material. Whether bending sinuous vines into subtle, elegant curves or using century-old techniques, each piece elevates craft to an art form. With their strong lines, these pieces mix effortlessly with everything from modern forms to antiques.

Visit and sign up for One Kings Lane to shop: http://www.onekingslane.com/Event.aspx?l=00010303056800000000

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues – Yellow

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Yellow- Saffron, butter, dandelion, daffodil, gold, corn, buttercup, sunshine, canary, citrine, grapefruit, maize, taxi cab. Yellow conjurs up a positive sunny feeling.  I have come to love yellow more and more and tend to mix traditional with modern for a youthful feel.  As I stated in a previous post regarding yellow two of the most celebrated rooms in 20th century interior design had bold lacquered yellow walls: Nancy Lancaster’s legendary London sitting room/office (shown below) and Babe and Bill Paley’s Fifth Avenue drawing room, decorated by Albert Hadley and Sister Parish. Let’s dive into some fabulously chic autumn yellow rooms.

The traditional approach:

We will start of with Nancy Lancaster’s famed yellow drawing room above.  This room was done by John Fowler in 1957 and would be just as stunning if done today.  Fowler applied numerous layers of glaze over a butter yellow paint.

Andrew Virtue drew his inspiration from Nancy Lancaster’s yellow room and created his own writing room ( on a smaller scale) at the Greystone Estate show house. This deep vibrant yellow works so well with burnt crsipy browns, greens, and plums.

A sitting room designed by yours truly.  When the sun sets in the afternoon the pale gold walls glisten ( custom paint color by Rollinson Hues).  A soft pale yellow is a great neutral backdrop for most colors.  We wanted to enhance the sunset so the reds, corals, pinks, oranges, and golds were introduced. The simple sisal rug keeps the room grounded and approachable while the scattered throw rugs add warmth underfoot.

One of my favorite rooms in a house by Architect Gil Schafer.  They used a slightly bolder yellow than I did and kept the furniture simply upholstered.  The antiques steal the show ( all brown wood always looks great against yellow). Beautiful! On a side note, Veranda and their new editor in chief Dara Caponigro selected and recently announced the winners of their second annual Art of Design Awards. Honoring design industry trailblazers whose work is both “innovative and timeless”. Gil Schafer won the award in the architecture category. Congrats!

The bedroom above by Jeffrey Bilhuber introduces a strong yellow as drapes for the bed.  How lovely to be cocooned in a yellow tent! I love the pale lilac paired with it.

Christopher Spitzmiller’s apartment is shown above as seen in Elle Decor. Yellows, browns, and teal blues keep the room fresh and modern.

One final Bilhuber creation.  The slightly more modern tufting on the chairs (loosely tufted rather than deep) and the yellow sign in this room off of the dark wood walls.

The modern approach:

Tone on tone yellows paired with black and white by Jamie Drake make for an exciting bedroom. I love that the base of this bed is upholstered in zebra. Very chic.

Kelly Wearstler created this yellow and black library for the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica.  Again we see tone on tone yellow paired with black, white, and mirror.  The bookshelves turned on diagonal and books stacked in opposite directions adds whimsy and a focal point when you walk into the room.

Another room done by your truly.  We needed to bring some life to this manhattan loft space.  With pale seafoam on the walls and grey suede sofa we brought in a strong yellow Oushak carpet and pops of yellow ( throw pillows and accessories) for life.

This room could be filed under pink, red, or orange.  I love the high gloss pink fireplace and I die over the silk ikat upholstered walls.  The yellow linen roman shades with crisp brown ribbon tape inset keep the room feeling clean rather than chaotic.

Yellow paint picks:

1. Donald Kaufman Collection #30

2. Ralph Lauren Goldfinch

3. Benjamin Moore Showtime

4. Farrow and Ball Babouche

Traditional yellow wallcovering picks:

1. Farrow and Ball BP 1928

2. Farrow and Ball BP 1632

3. Farrow and Ball BP 572

Traditional yellow fabrics:

1. Lee Jofa Oak Leaves in yellow BFC 3514-14

2. F. Schumacher Seneca Cotton Stripe 62982

3. Lee Jofa Hisari ikat in plum 2008136_909

4. Quadrille Simba beige on gold

Traditional yellow accessories:

1. Antique spool stool with Robert Kime fabric through John Rosselli Antiques

2. Antique Samarkand rug through Doris Leslie Blau

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=448340

3. Christopher Spitzmiller Happy lamps in Butter with 23k gold water gilt base

http://christopherspitzmiller.com/lampdetail.asp?LAMPID=112

4. William Sonoma Home cashmere yellow throw in lemon drop

http://www.wshome.com/products/p126/index.cfm?pkey=ccashmere%2Dfaux%2Dfur%2Dthrow

5. Sharyn Blond table linens in Jardin pattern

http://sharynblondlinens.com/hand_table.html#2

6. Bee Line Home throw pillows through John Rosselli Antiques NYC

Modern yellow wallcovering picks:

1. China Seas Balinese Batik in inca/ gold

2. F. Schumacher Imperial Trellis in citrine

3. Manuel Canovas Trellis in citrine

4. Cole and Son palm leaves in yellow

Modern yellow fabric picks:

1. Lee Jofa Tulip in white/ yellow GWF-2622-140

2. F. Schumacher Katsugi in gold and mushroom 2620934

3. Lee Jofa Facet in Saffrom SC10049-1612

4. Ruby Green Mary in yellow

5. Ruby Green Marilyn

Modern yellow accessories picks:

1. Lippa armchair in yellow through Tonic Home:

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1511

2. Yellow geometric pillow through Pieces Inc.

http://piecesinc.com/yellow-geometric-pillow

3. Pink Jacket on Yellow 50″ x 50″ gloss on aluminum by Natasha Law through Voltz Clarke Gallery

http://voltzclarke.com/law/1.html

4. Yellow garden stool through Tonic Home

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1419

5. Jonathan Adler Carnaby Lamp:

http://www.jonathanadler.com/Carnaby-Hollywood-Lamp/?cat=0&initial=

6. West Elm Parsons desk in tumeric:

http://www.westelm.com/products/parsons-desk-with-drawers-f099/?pkey=e%7Cyellow%7C9%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C6&sku=1653740&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Common%20Top%20Wide%20Rule%20What’s%20New

7. Yellow vases set of 6

http://www.mermaidhut.com/Prod-18-1-2604-30/Yellow_Vases_Assorted_Set_of_Six.htm

8. The Rug Company Sellarsbrook rug by Suzanne Sharpe ( The Rug Company also won in it’s category for the Second Annual Art of Design Awards by Veranda.

http://www.therugcompany.info/contemporary-collection/suzanne-sharp/sellarsbrook-yellow.htm

9. Vanderhurd Kafir throw pillow colorway 4

http://www.vanderhurd.com/hand_crafted.php?t=cushions&p=1&id=358

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues – Orange

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Orange – pumpkin, rust, saffron, marigold, paprika, melon, peach, copper, spice, gold, flame, citrus, poppy, curry, mandarin, tangerine. Orange brings energy to a room. It can be dramatic in a deep rich shade or soothing in a pale peach or apricot. It works well with all colors ( just get the shade right, for example, a pale blue or a navy blue, a soft lavender paired with a deep orange is calming, orange paired with green brings a tropical feel to a space, bright orange with crisp white and chocolate brown keeps a space modern and fresh).  Below are a collection of my favorite oranges:

The above image is Fredric Fekkai and his wife Shirin Von Wulffen’s 5th avenue apartment.  I love the eclectic mix and the deep orange velvet in the living room is stunning.

Tory Burch’s orange library in her New York City apartment is amazing.  Pulling in deep blues, chocolate brown alligator (the cocktail table), leopard print ( on stools), and tortoise shell decorative painting ( on the molding around the doors) makes this room work.

The above bedroom by Sarah Story is all neutrals aside from the vibrant orange bird wallpaper.  When you have a wallpaper like this…who needs anything else! The side tables, lamps, and headboard keep the room from going vintage.

I love this room with it’s hot orange de Gournay wallpaper, bright coral silk drapes, and blue and white ikat chair seats.  The rug, table, chairs, and wallpaper are quite traditional but the colors make it modern.

This room by James Lumden for the Greystone Estate show house is wonderful.  The melon colored walls bring a warm glow to this bedroom while the moses rug from the Rug Company and the soft brown tufted mattress ground the room.

Another fabulously energizing room by my close friend ( and former colleague at Kemble!) Christina Murphy.  The orange sofa pops dramatically off all of the chocolate brown and white. Love it!

The slightly more subdued cantaloupe orange walls work well off the grasscloth insets and dark wood.

Both images above are of the same room designed by Honey Collins.  Again we see how nicely orange pops against dark wood and canvas. I love the orange piped trunk, throw pillows, and pops of orange in the rug and wing chair fabric.

The above room by David Netto is all cool blues, greys, and crisp whites.  The orange throw gives the room some zip. If you are nervous about bathing your room in orange this is a good way to test the waters.

Kelly Wearstler added a pop of orange leather in her pink and black room. Unexpected and chic.

The iconic Hermes wool blanket gives this room a jolt.

Below are some orange accessories to bring your home to life:

1. Dempsey & Carroll pumpkin stationary

http://www.dempseyandcarroll.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=32C-PUMP

2. Glazed orange lamp with gold base through Tonic Home

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=885&catid=74&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D74

3. Orange faux shagreen pencils

4. Orange cashmere throw through Tonic Home

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1151&catid=74&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D74

5. Orange Luce silk ikat throw by Madeline Weinrib

http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/ikat/Luce-Sunburst.html

6. Hermes wool blanket through Hermes

http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=128023&leftCategoryId=128022&topCategoryId=127528&parentCategoryId=128021&productId=45989&nbItem=0

7. Orange and gold giraffe print coasters

8. Leontine Linens Alcott pattern

http://www.leontinelinens.com/index.php/bed/product/alcott/

9. Orange wool rug through Madeline Weinrib

http://madelineweinrib.com/ama/tibetan/07-Orange-Sugar.html

10. Wedgewood Dynasty China

http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=294704&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-_-6-_-75-_-%7Bkeyword%7D&kw=%7Bkeyword%7D

11. Hermes ashtray through Hermes

http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=10934&leftCategoryId=10932&topCategoryId=127528&parentCategoryId=128021&productId=16855&nbItem=0

Drool worthy orange fabrics:

1. F. Schumacher Bleeker in Spark by Celerie 174043

2. F. Schumacher Arches Print in Orange by Trina Turk 174272

3. F. Schumacher Nurata Embroidery in Coral 174180

4. F Schumacher Weave in Spice 62541

5. Lisa Fine Baroda II in Cury

6. F. Schumacher Imperial Trellis II by Kelly Wearstler in Ivory/ Mandarin 174410

7. Katie Ridder Peony in Poppy

8. F. Schumacher Bagan in Spark 62652

9. Vanderhurd embroidered Stellar in Sunrise

Fabulous orange wallcoverings:

1. F. Schumacher Rajasthan Paisley in Persimmon 5004471

2. Katie Ridder Pagoda in Persimon- I LOVE this. I am dying to do an entry hall or powder room in this paper.

3. Farrow and Ball The Ranelagh Papers – 1822

4. Farrow and Ball Strie wallcovering – DR 1285

5. Farrow and Ball Plain Stripe – ST 1147

6. Room by Kimberly Ayre and wallcovering ( on wall and inset) is grasscloth by Twenty2 style Montague

7. Manuel Canovas toile Tortuga in Safron

Orange paint selections:

1. Benjamin Moore Corlsbud Canyon #076

2. Rollinson Hues #20

3. Benjamin Moore Soft Marigold

4. Farrow and Ball Orangery

5. Sydney Harbour Paint Blood Orange

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues – Red

Fabric Homes Inspiration Interior Design No Comments

For some people the Fall brings out their lacquered reds, peacock blues, and vivd oranges while others shift into classic neutrals (tans, greys, browns) with pops of animal print. As a designer, I am comfortable with all of the above and depending on the day you will find me expressing myself with different colors. In the boldest environments I still like a polished sophisticated tone so even if color abounds I will keep a neutral wall, sofa, or carpet. While in a neutral environment I love a dash of bold rich color (found in Lamps, a throw, or a chair) to give the space depth and warmth. I have selected rooms that represent fall to me in all the colors of the rainbow.

Red: Crimson, scarlet, tomato, brick, oxblood, geranium, cherry, pomegranate, fire engine red, sangria, blue red, orange red, chinese red, tulip red… Everyone has a particular red in mind when they tell me they want a “red room”.  There is a red for everyone.  I adore red in a room.  It feels daring and bold, while at the same time warm, sexy, and intimate. It works well with other colors ( particularly greens – not christmas tree green but apple greens, spring greens and other more modern shades) and blues ( I love it with pale sky blue, and cadet blue). Below are some of my favorite red rooms:

A high gloss lacquered red wall is amazing.  It makes me think of nail polish.  The neutral sofa, deep chocolate velvet arm chair, and leopard stools keep the room sophisticated.

This dining room/ library is fabulous.  The deep red felt table skirt is so festive ( as are the tiny lacquered red sconce shades).  Mixed with the antique carpet, warm wood bookshelves, and patterned drapes this room is so cozy.  Many people only use their dining room for formal occasions.  By making this a library/ dining room combo you would spend all your time in here.

This is a room done by me! Brick red venetian plaster walls gave this sunny room a bit of atmosphere.  We kept the sofa and arm chair clean in ivory linen and let the throw pillows and zebra rug be our pops. A leather ottoman, leather floor lamp gave us some additional texture to keep the room tough enough for after dinner cocktails.

I love the bold red sofa and carpet mixed with all the various prints. Bohemian luxe!

Miles Redd kept it classic with a bamboo bed, antique carpet, upholstered fabric walls.  But somehow you get a fresh feeling with the simple triple line sheets, pops of deep crimson in the table skirt and drapes.  And the shape and detail in the pelmets…amazing.

Glossy red walls in a dining room set off by deep brown/ burgundy moldings. Very glam.

de Gournay wallpaper in red on the walls, chocolate brown and ivory ikat desk chair, bright red leather desk chair, blue and white china planter, and zebra rug make this room delicious!

Tory Burch’s New York apartment’s bar is another favorite.  Glossy red walls with delicate unlacquered brass sconces brings a vintage feel to the space.

Another Miles Redd design- Red felt walls mixed with sky blue and deep cobalt blue- delicious.

Another woman who loved red… Diana Vreeland.  She is pictured above in her “Garden In Hell” room by Billy Baldwin.  The chintz fabric can be found at Pierre Frey.

Perfect red paint ships below:

Above: Farrow and Ball Blazer Red

Above: Benjamin Moore Chili Pepper Red

Above: Benjamin Moore Red

Above: Ralph Lauren Dressage Red

Above: Pratt and Lambert Vintage Claret

Above: Fine Paints of Europe Tulip Red

Fun red wallpapers below:

Scalamandre Baldwin Bamboo

Scalamandre zebra wallpaper has been a huge hit- we get lots of requests for this one… it was also featured in The Royal Tenenbaums ( see below)!

Clarenece House- Flowering Quince is another popular wallpaper.  It has been featured in many design magazines but one of my favorite room’s is Sara Costello’s NY bedroom (below).

I love the above room: wallpaper is Jardin Chinois by Waterhouse Wallhangings

xo,

S

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