Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Book Friday: The Natural Home

Kevin Sharkey — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:31:45 +0000

The Natural Home by Hans Blomquist (Ryland Peters & Small) is a beautiful, moody exploration of natural materials and motifs within the home. In the second part of the book, Hans explores real-life houses and apartments that showcase the natural look—one is even a converted button factory! Take a look at some of the photography by Debi Treloar.

On Trend: Tribal Prints

Kevin Sharkey — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:26 +0000

photo via Pinterest, by Sam McAdam

Have you noticed how popular tribal prints have become this season within both the fashion and home décor worlds? I think the bold colors and patterns would clash with the modern décor in my apartment, but I do enjoy them in theory. Whether you're looking for a new beach towel or an accessory to breathe new life into a particular room, here are a few fun prints I wouldn't mind seeing around the house (just not my house, of course).

Pendleton, The Portland Collection Chief Joseph Towel, $48, shopbop.com.

Overdyed Terai Chair, Orange, $198, anthropologie.com.

Jacinto Pillow, Bolster, $168, anthropologie.com.

Behind the Scenes: Shooting with The Daily Meal

Kevin Sharkey — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:33 +0000

Last week I headed to the studio for a video shoot with the The Daily Meal. I had a nice time chatting with the lovely Ali Rosen about incorporating the fashion trend of color blocking into your home decor. Here are a few candid photos snapped during the shoot. Don't miss the video!

Displaying Plants at Home

Kevin Sharkey — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:01:23 +0000

After seeing these bottle terrariums in the June issue of Living, I started thinking about other beautiful ways to display plants in my home. Here are a few of my favorite ideas and vessels.

Architectural Pottery: These pieces of pottery are more like art than planters, but that’s why I like them so much. The finishes are customizable so you can match them to your home’s palette.

Hanging Planter: I love that you can mix and match the bright colors of these planters, or just opt for a neutral white.

Porcelain Containers: Cascading plants such as ivy would look especially beautiful in one of these wall-mounted planters. The cotton rope is a nice touch.

Driftwood Planter: Matti & Megan from Far Out Flora created these mounts from beach driftwood near their seaside home.

Summer Flower Display: This simple display from the June issue of Living works for indoors and outdoors. It’s also perfect for last-minute entertaining because it’s so simple to arrange.

Man About Town: Noho Design District Festival

Kevin Sharkey — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:03:16 +0000

Image courtesy of Partners and Spade.

Today is the last day that The Standard, East Village’s public spaces will be filled with a series of design exhibitions and installations as part of the Noho Design District Festival—an event in collaboration with New York Design Week. As in years past, the Noho Design District will also encompass local stores including The Future Perfect, Oak, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Environment Furniture, Rogan, and Partners & Spade. Retail windows throughout the Noho neighborhood in New York City will display work by members of the American Design Club, acting as a curated walking tour of the up-and-coming American design scene. If you're in New York, you should take a look at what is on display. I always find these exhibitions very inspiring. The hours are 12 to 7PM today.

Book Friday: Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces

Kevin Sharkey — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:00:25 +0000

In her seventh book, Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Inspirations and Beautiful Spaces (CICO Books, $35, cicobooks.com), Ashwell tours twelve inspiring homes in the United States and United Kingdom. I love the use of soft, muted palettes throughout the book. Every room is somehow cosy, yet sophisticated. Take a look at a few beautiful photos from the book. Happy Friday!

Photo Credit: CICO Books

Man About Town: The Kips Bay Decorator's Show House

Kevin Sharkey — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:23 +0000

Each year, celebrated interior designers transform a luxury Manhattan home into an exhibition of fine furnishings, art, and technology. The event began in 1973 when several dedicated women’s committee members of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club launched the Decorator Show House to raise funds for after school programs for New York City children. Here are a few photographs from the show house to give you an idea of the talented designers the show attracts.

Alexander Doherty Design

Scott Sanders LLC

Shawn Henderson Interior Design

Susan Zises Green, Inc.

David Scott Interiors

Raji RM & Associates

Thom Filicia Inc.

Man About Town: BeeLine Home

Kevin Sharkey — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:01 +0000

Last Wednesday I attended a cocktail reception to view Bunny Williams' complete collection—BeeLine Home. The furniture on display was so beautiful. Take a look at a few of my snapshots.

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1 This ottoman is beautiful. The soft white linen is such a great fabric for summer.

2 Isn't this container unusual? I had to snap a picture. I've never seen anything like it!

3 This wall full of mirrors from the collection resembled a fun house.

4 The button down chest is a mid-century inspired gem featuring a natural honey stain.

5 Wouldn't this mezzanine table make a fabulous bar? You could store bottles underneath and prepare drinks on the surface.

6 Who doesn't love a scroll arm? This antoinette settee is small, but makes a big statement.

7 A striking shape and color makes the pagoda coffee table stands out.

8 Isn't the capital bookcase stunning filled with blue and white pieces?

9 Who is that good looking man in the mirror?

10 This wooden table was sculpted to look like a table cloth is draped over it.

What I'm Coveting Right Now

Kevin Sharkey — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:27 +0000

I am patiently (read: not so patiently) awaiting the arrival of my Gucci large carry-on duffel in preparation for my spring and summer travels.

Photo: Danny Kim for New York Magazine

I am completely obsessed with the new ACME restaurant now open on Great Jones Street in New York City. You should definitely stop in if you are in the area.

For me, a summer wardrobe staple is Ralph Lauren's Classic-Fit Interlock Polo. I'm penciling in a trip to their Madison Avenue store so that I can stock up on several for the warmer months.

Recently, I've been drawn to anything fluorescent. This Paul Smith card case, with a neon green interior, would make a great gift.

Since my visit to the orchid show, I've been trying to find cattleya orchids to display in my apartment. Aren't they beautiful?

TV Show Style Challenge: Mad Men

Kevin Sharkey — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:15 +0000

Have you been watching this season of 'Mad Men'? A few episodes ago we were introduced to Don and Megan's new apartment. When I saw it, I knew that I had to do a post inspired by their living room. Here's how to get the look if you are going for a 1960s mod vibe. I challenged myself to come up with products as close as possible to the pieces in the screenshots above. How did I do? I hope you don't suffer from sticker shock... to be successful at my challenge I had to rely on a few expensive items—only the best for Don Draper.

Night and Day Convertible Sofa, $589, urbanoutfitters.com.

ARTERIORS Home Ike Cocktail Table in Distressed Gray, $660, wayfair.com.

Round Velvet Pintuck Pillow, $34, urbanoutfitters.com.

Mid-Century Teak Wall Mount Cabinet, $395, amsterdammodern.com

Eames Lounge and Ottoman, $5,729, dwr.com.

Sand Strata Vase, $998, anthropologie.com.

Florence Knoll Bench in Acqua Leather, $2,636, dwr.com.

Cleo Table Lamp, $319, crateandbarrel.com.