Tag Archives: miles redd

Is the bed skirt dead?

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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Autumn Hues- Blue

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

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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Autumn Hues – Red

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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Where The Wild Things Are Part II

The Inside Source blog inspired me and I have pulled some of my favorite jungle themed rooms.

The colors, the plants, the textures, the drama! Tony Duquette does not leave a single surface untouched. This room feels magical to me. It would never get old or fail to excite. It is cozy yet full of energy. Perfection.

Another famous room…Miles Redd’s apartment. Bold and fabulous- the zebra upholstered doors with nail head trim are stunning. This is a great way to make a less than attractive door amazing.

A large fiddle leaf fig tree and wild green zebra print sofas leave no doubt in your mind this room is for fun.

Dark black grasscloth on the walls and a black glossy ceiling let the runner and scarlet roman shade pop.

Gil Schafer’s New York apartment. Perfection.

These coastal green walls remind me of marshes found along the new england coastline. Mixed with rattan furniture and wildlife prints this room is interesting and relaxing.

Hinson wallpaper

These two tall fiddle leaf fig trees make an otherwise simple hallway dramatic.

Dark greeny-black bead board walls make this room a cool escape from hot summer days.

Dark mossy green walls create a beautiful backdrop for lighter fabrics to pop.

Aerin Lauder’s zippy orange walls and leopard print sofa are bold and very chic.

A deep red library with cushy brown velvet sofas, brass lamps, and a zebra skin rug.

The orchid wallpaper by Cole and Son makes an otherwise boring powder room a treat to visit.

The Hinson bana leaf wallpaper used in this kitchen lends drama and height to the room.

xo,

S

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Stripes!

For my clients who are looking for a graphic detail I love bringing in stripes. They can be both modern and traditional. I have used them all over- in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and powder rooms. They always pack a punch. There are plenty of striped wallpapers out there but to create just the right color, width, or texture I turn to my decorative painters.

A project we are currently working on is shown above. The client has a large loft space and we needed something to spruce up the living room/ dining room area and make the space with such high ceilings feel a bit more special. Our decorative painter created a beautiful neutral metallic mix for the 5 wide horizontal stripes. In some light they appear a pearly shade, mid-day to late afternoon they become a bolder shimmering gold, and at night they go back to a neutral accent. They set off the metal sculptures beautifully. Stay tuned for more photos as the project progresses.

The above nursery is another current project. The charcoal rug has pale blue and green details and we painted a fun pale blue circus tent stripe on the walls.

Vertical Stripes:

Bold black and white stripes and a black and white Carlton Varney runner create an entrance you won’t soon forget.

Ashley Branca uses a cherry red stripe all over the room above. The black molding adds a modern twist.

I love this happy yellow and white striped bathroom. The awkward angle of the ceiling gave them an opportunity to create a canvas effect.

Horizontal Stripes:

Amanda Nisbet keeps it neutral and classic but the thin horizontal stripes add a modern elegance to the small space. Remember, even a small nook in your home is an opportunity for fun.

Mary McDonald sets of the neutral furniture and sisal rug with punch high gloss stripes.

Miles Redd brings a modern vibe into this living space in florida. With views of the water it is nice to keep your eyes on the landscape outside. he plays this up with aqua stripes and an interesting valance.

Stripes can go anywhere…Eric Cohler brings them into the shower with a striped pattern in the tile. It doesn’t get cooler than this.

An otherwise neutral nursery gets a pop of fun… on the ceiling with bold yellow stripes. Fun for your baby to look up at!

xo,

S

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Design Tips – Painted Floors

NNeed a quick and relatively easy way to spruce up your new space? Go for painted floors. If you need to disguise a less than beautiful wood floor this is a great trick and you get a lot of bang for your buck. Instead of a runner try a painted floor with a border to make the space special. A light colored painted floor reflects more light and will brighten up the space. I have painted floors in bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, kitchens, hallways, and basements. Check out the examples below and get inspired.

Jeffrey Bilhuber uses an oversized pattern in soft colors to add interest. Nail heads galore, lacquered orange walls…. amazing.

Sara Story follows suit with the contrast of the plummy ceiling for some oomph!

This traditional pattern makes for a warm and interesting entrance.

The aqua floor with large white medallions is the revers of what is on the walls.

I love everything about this image. The glazed blue walls, tortoise shell/ tigers eye detail on the door frame, and the large orange painted medallions. Jeffrey Bilhuber is a master.

Great color and pattern- this painted floor looks like beautiful tiles.

Mary McDonald uses a graphic zig zag pattern in soft blue and white to create a playful floor in a bathroom.

One of my all time favorites for a small kitchen floor- Carrera marble countertops, soft grey brown high gloss cabinets and antiqued mirror backsplash.

Old farmhouse floor boards showing through with a more rustic looking medallion pattern.

Happy Nancy Lancaster yellow floors with a pretty white medallion pattern.

Miles Redd ( another master of the painted floor) goes for high drama in his kitchen.

The above two images are from a recently completed beach house. We wanted a guest bedroom in the basement to feel light and airy. We painted the floor a glossy white and got our inspiration for the sweet border from the beach roses that can be seen from the bedroom window. The border was painted by our fabulous decorative painter, Topher Rollinson.

xo,
S

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