One of our better-organized clients wanted “ a convenient place to store scissors, tape, ribbon and unruly rolls of wrapping paper—not to mention the clear flat space needed to neatly wrap a present.” Our friends at NJ Monthly magazine thought it would make an interesting story and the result can be seen in the current issue. It’s a bright, cheerful space for one of my client’s favorite tasks, which, needless to say, she performs super efficiently.
Dogs, children and the terminally klutzy can now do their worst to your burgundy mohair loveseat. Thanks to the wonders of nano-technology and a finish called Nano-Tex, chemicals that work at the molecular level provide permanent stain protection for the life of the fabric while increasing surface durability and maintaining breathability and comfort. Spill all the red wine you want; your cherished linen print duvet will live to fight another day.
So said Katherine Hepburn in a memorable scene from “Stage Door”, one of 1937’s more memorable films. Calla lilies add an elegant touch to this dining room which features iridescent wallpaper, pearlescent glaze paint and a stylized floral rug. I used a long narrow vase filled with stones and fresh moss to show off the willowy flowers. All that’s missing is the tinkling of glasses and polite murmur of conversation. And the dinner party guests, of course.
I posted a photo of this room as a work in progress several months ago. Here’s the finished space. The warmth generated by the use of earth tones is apparent, the wood hues of the wall unit complemented by oversize silk plaid window treatments, contemporary wool rug and inlaid sofa table.
What do you do when a 12-foot ceiling dwarfs your bed? Ebenista has the perfect solution. This antique reproduction French style 4 poster is typical of their high quality, bench made pieces. Louis XV, who had a glut of 12-foot ceilings, would have approved.
A trip to Zimmer + Rohde on the greyest January day will convince you that spring is in the air. The bold colors of these luscious new silk fabrics are very elegant, very eye catching. I love the pumpkin hue and can’t wait to use it.
Tassel, fringe, tieback, tape, welts, you can find all the variety of trim pieces in Samuel & Sons trim library in the D&D Building. I was there yesterday and reveled in the variety, quality and, not least, healthy level of stock they always carry. I needed a decorative tape for a client and found an embarrassment of possibilities.
You’re looking at a proposal for two rooms, part of a new project with homeowners I worked with over a decade ago. You see a jumble of swatches, colors and textures. I see the rooms in their finished form as vivid and clear as beautifully detailed photos. I see the windows of the home office covered in warm toned paisley, the floor in a classic lattice design carpet. The walls of the master bedroom glow in yellow toile paper, with a soft blue plaid on inviting bergere chairs by the fireplace. In this puzzle of fabric and pattern, I see where everything fits.
On Masterpiece Theatre billiards is played by dukes in dinner jackets. I’m not sure my clients in Essex Fells have hosted many dukes, but they wouldn’t feel out of place in this impressive billiards room. The walls are covered in elaborate raised panels, painted using a strie technique, and the ceilings are coffered. The antique brass billiard table light above the table makes a suitably grand statement, and you can almost hear the strains of Cole Porter from a nearby piano. Of course the two-way gas fireplace and LCD TV bring us firmly into the comfort and convenience of the twenty-first century.
This South Orange master bedroom features a breathtaking view of Manhattan, so we positioned the graceful sleigh bed close to the windows, under a cove-lit dome. Silk stripe panels frame the windows and a cozy gas fireplace adds to the relaxed mood. In the lower picture the master bath with custom vanity and large mirror can just be glimpsed through double doors. The entire suite has a Zen-like tranquility, perfect for peaceful time before and after the travails of the day.
