Recipes, books, accessories, design ideas,
We went to a large screen multiplex and sat through the assault on our senses inflicted by nausea inducing coming attractions, only to find bliss watching this beautifully produced homage to early Hollywood. There are a few moments of sound in The Artist, which are astonishing, but the rest of the film is silent, apart from a subtly understated score. I defy you to resist its charms.
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.
Had a few hours last weekend before a lunch date, so I started my Christmas cookie assembly line. Managed to bake about a hundred cookies, featuring oatmeal (with figs instead of raisons) and chocolate chip (heavy on the butter!) The only downside starting this early is that my husband has already been responsible for some shrinkage of the inventory.
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.
For two days last week Belle Maison, together with La Collection, became an eclectic boutique with scarves, belts, gloves and hats, as well as home accessories, laid out to entice shoppers. And shop they did, with 25% of the proceeds going to the Children’s Tumor Foundation. I’d like to thank all the clients, friends and family who made our Sample Sale a success.
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.
I’ve watched Jacques Pepin on TV for over 30 years, all the way back to his duets with Julia Child, so I had to buy his latest book. It is a treasure trove, gathering his favorite recipes from a 60 year cooking career. He is a brilliant cooking teacher, and if you want to learn the secrets of the best French cooking, this book and the accompanying DVD are a great place to start.
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.
