New York Times Archives - Sara Gilbane Interiors

I am loving the DIY aspect of antique dealer Karina Gentinetta cottage in New Orleans. Many people are afraid of the preciousness of antiques and shy away from them for everyday living. In the Home and Garden section of The NYT Karina shows how beautiful and livable antiques can be. Most pieces in her home were bought for a song after Katrina but look fabulous! A fresh coat of paint ( her favorite is Ralph Lauren’s Tudric Pewter), some belgian linen, and old thread bare rugs create a classic lived-in and well-loved look.

My favorite quote from the article is “Happiness is not a big house. It’s being in each other’s way. That’s what brings memories.” This could not be more true.

Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/garden/07location.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=garden

Visit Karina’s online shop at 1st dibs: http://disegnokarinagentinetta.1stdibs.com/store/furniture_search.php?FRID=ZmqXaGxpkZWW

xo,

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While reading the New York Times this morning I came across an article written by Penelope Green in the Sunday Styles section. As a designer it hit home with me as I am on a constant quest for beautiful books to fill clients custom libraries and bookshelves. We spend so much time creating these beautiful spaces with endless shelving finished in high gloss paint, wallpapered backs, french oak, brass or nickle and we are then left to fill the spaces to create a cozy, well read library.

Many clients have their own books which end up looking sloppy or sad in the newly finished shelving. We hunt down books by the yard to fill their shelves and the end result is beautiful. The Strand book store in Union Square NYC has a fabulous selection but hearing about Juniper Books is a godsend. Thatcher Wine will wrap your books or you can select from a vast collection of his.