Patty and I became close friends working on her classic Tudor in South Orange. It’s a magnificent home, and this living room view displays the style. The rolled arm sofa, gothic style chairs and paisley covered ottoman complement the abundant original stained wood. The house is especially inviting during the holidays, its charm exceeded only by the warmth and generosity of the family within.
This den seems to get warmer as the outside temperature drops. It’s part of an addition that includes a kitchen and dining area, the centerpiece being the large brick open-hearth fireplace that faces both kitchen and den. The inset flat screen TV faces two sofas that beg you to lie back and get comfortable. The cathedral ceiling’s caramel color highlights the tones of the Wilton carpet and paisley velvet ottomans. All the choices work to create an intimate, cozy feel. Perfect for a warm cocoa on a cold winter night, preferably with someone to cuddle.
Spent most of one day last week at the D&D building, looking for some special toiles for a new client. Holiday spirit was everywhere, reminding me to make time later this month for a stroll down Fifth Ave. I left with heavy bags, dozens of samples and a few great ideas.
Just finished the Christmas decorations for a favorite client. The family room takes particularly well to Christmas. It’s great for entertaining and very child friendly, important in a family with two charming pre-teen daughters.
An eye-catching butcher-block island centers this newly remodeled kitchen, functioning as workspace for cooking as well as occasional dining. The wood floor looks great and is easy on the legs. The professional grade Wolf Stove with stainless steel backsplash is easy to clean. I chose rhomboid pattern Lagos stone around the sink and backsplash, an appealingly subtle counterpoint to the no-nonsense wood and steel. This is a serious kitchen for serious cooks who plan to have a lot of fun indulging their passion.
This feminine but not frivolous master bedroom combines modest dimensions with tasteful sophistication, cozy warmth with visual fascination. A painted and gilded floor mirror anchors the design, circled by reframed portraits of women. The bed features a hand carved border, with decoratively carved side and foot rails. The colors of the silk striped fabric on the windows match the bedding. I set an unframed oil portrait on the night table; you don’t have to hang paintings to show them off to best advantage.
Met with my Brunschwig rep and happily discovered that reports of their death have been greatly exaggerated. Brunschwig has always been one of my favorite fabric companies. The new line is great, with recolored versions of some of their classic designs as well as exciting new patterns. And, unlike some other firms, who tantalize you with choices only to be chronically short of stock, Brunschwig seems to have substantial stock, thanks to a new, deep-pocketed owner. I can think of several current clients who could benefit from their line of high quality designs.
The sun is always shining in this decidedly feminine guest bedroom. The pale yellow color on the walls amplifies the floral linen print that adorns the duvee, window treatments and skirted table. The space generates a warmth of its own on the coldest winter day. Perfect for my client’s mother in law.
Brown and tan leather covers the loveseat, chairs and English antique desk in this cherry wood paneled home office. A rich burgundy mohair on the loveseat cushions and a paisley pattern on the pillows, lampshades and window treatments adds color. The Oriental rug and striped ottoman extend the counterpoint, the cumulative effect creating a warm, comfortable and inviting workspace. And you can’t beat the commute.
Just received new images of the Lake George property that’s one of my favorite jobs for one of my favorite clients. The top photo is the entertainment room. The ceiling mounted projector fills a multiplex size screen, while day beds and a fold out sofa sleep six. Beneath is the master bedroom with Lake George filling the window. Imagine a roaring fire and a good book, or a classic movie on the TV that rises from the cabinet at the base of the bed. Everything about this project was as it should be: the suppliers, craftsmen, and especially the clients combined to make my job truly a labor of love.
