Island Living Designs

Revisiting St. Bart~ my dream destination!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:39:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I know I love this house so much that this is actually my second time posting it!! It was previously published in a European magazine.

(It's in St. Bart in the French West Indies...my dream destination where I have never been.....)

This month it is featured in the American magazine "Coastal Living" February 2011 issue.

Writer & stylist credit: Jeremy Callaghan and photographer: Gaelle Le Boulicaut

I love white! Everyone knows this!! ....all three people that read my island blog......:)

The residence is owned by the former British Editor of Elle magazine, Alsia Thiry and her husband...a style maven and a maverick eye for design, style, and proportion, color and texture. She made the switch from fashion designer to interior designer.. She also helped form the trained eyes of English based designer's: Kathy Adam of Adam Design Ltd. and Lesley Batchelor or Studio DB to help define and execute her ideas (smart lad~ but didn't she know I was available...:))

There were many obstacles working on a small island- as I have worked on this island .http://www.parrotcay.como.bz/ where I designed three villa's)

I loved the low-maintenance floors -all white concrete to handle all of the traffic and sand and water...love it!

My favorite rooms are the living room and the master bedroom.......love that blue too.

Odessa

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:12:00 +0000

Odessa yatch

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

One of the latest yachts, Odessa, was featured in the November 2009 issue of Showboats International. This yacht is owned by Giorgio Armani.

Odessa, with her black hull and silver metallic superstructure, she is striking—a sleek, sexy runway model in formal attire. Odessa has an entirely different feel inside and out. A raised bulwark forward makes the bow more imposing and gives the boat a less massive look. It features elegant stainless steel ornamental details within recessed sections of the upper bulwarks.

Salon

Two facts make this project remarkable: One is that, until commissioning the construction of the boat, Odessa’s owner had never owned a large yacht. Second, nearly the entire project was driven by the furniture, which was designed and supplied by Armani/Casa.

It is this trim, residential style that defines Odessa’s interior. Like the exterior, the design is a departure from every Christensen ever delivered. It is a highly sophisticated look that carries through the boat and includes movable furniture but stonework as well. The woods used are rich and dark: Makassar ebony for some of the furniture and black walnut for the soles and bulkheads.

Bedroom

Stones are glorious, translucent varieties of onyx that are supplemented in many areas with glass that lines bulkheads and countertops. The modern style of the interior is carried through to the furnishings the exterior as well. In addition to the design of the exterior furniture itself, the exterior changes include the arrangements of all exterior decks, most notably the uppermost deck, which has a rectangular spa tub and a redesigned bar.

Dining Room

Dream Destination: St. Barts

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:38:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Imagine the perfect island retreat. That is what this Danish couple has created for themselves in this open air contemporary villa in the hills of Camaruche in St. Barts.
The fashion and interiors of the this home are a wonderful melange of modern meets Bohemian. It is easy to forget that this is an island. Every element of this design had to brought to the island. It is an amazing undertaking, but beatifully executed. It's not like you can just run down to the local hardware store and pick out tile. This level of design requires strategic planning at the highest level. Look at this impeccable open air white shower. Imagine bringing your perfect size eight bikini clad body into this shower, you skin a lovely shade of sun kissed mocha from the Caribbean sun, white sand between your toes! It's so stunning you want to be stunning to shower in it!

St. Barts is amazing. The cuisine is superior, there truly is nothing like eating in St. Barts. The coastline is amazing and unfettered by moored boats. The turtle population makes it illegal to drop anchor in Marigot Bay.

The couple who live here head Day Birger et Mikkelsen, a Danish fashion and interiors company the blends modern chic with carefree and whimsical Bohemian textiles. This villa is a 6,400 sq. foot homage to their design aesthetic.

I love the simplicity of this kitchen and the way the black and white theme is carried throughout the indoor and outdoor living spaces.

photos: Jean-Philippe Piter
architecture: Mikael Mammen

Jalan, Jalan Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:21:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Every designer has secrets that make their job easier. Often it's a secret source, a place you know you can shop and find amazing things that aren't available anywhere else. A designer guards their sources and never gives away a secret. It would be a sin! But I'm feeling a little sinful! And sometimes a shop is so wonderful, you just have to SHARE! When looking for the perfect island furniture and accessories I love taking a trip to Jalan, Jalan in Miami. It is my favorite secret source!If you walk into their beautiful showroom, you’ll know what I mean. I walk into their showroom and I want to do everything Island! The colors, the patterns, everything is fresh and beautiful. It's global shopping with an emphasis on "Island Chic". I go to Miami, just so I can shop there. It's so wonderful I can't help shopping for myself while I'm there. Bruce Platt is the owner, he is a wonderful person and his taste is just impeccable. Designers working in the Bahamas
and The Virgin Islands frequent Jalan, Jalan because it is such a unique and special place. They have a warehouse that is an island designer's dream. I can't say enough about how fabluous Jalan, Jalan is. I wish Miami was not so far away!

Island Organic Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:51:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I love organic, unique pieces. These one of kind tables are crafted from vintage fabric woodcuts. Before the advent of the printing press the common method for creating printed fabric was to stamp the fabric with a carved woodcut. An artisan would painstakingly carve a design into a block of wood, then the "stencil" would be dipped in dye and placed on the fabric.

Although this method is considered rare now, it is still a practice that is sometimes used in the islands to create one of a kind fabrics. I love that these amazing tables are fashioned from the original woodcuts. Each piece is unique and seeped in history.

Simplicity: Island Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

When an azure ocean is your backdrop simplicity is key to any successful design.Coastal Living is featuring this beautifully elegant seaside home in their current issue. The owner, Jim Delemeter, is an emergency room doctor who was inspired by the work of Luis Barragan, a Mexican architect renowned for creating minimal masterpieces out of concrete. The simple elegance of the sculpted concrete walls has a variety of design benefits. It creates a neutral background which allows the blues and greens of the surrounding environment to be unhampered. The concrete also provides a practical solution to weatherproofing, the steel enforced concrete walls have proven capable of withstanding even hurricane winds. The interior designer for the home, created a beautiful, warm home atmosphere through a use of a minimalist array of neutral textiles. photo credits: lisa romerein

I'd Rather Be on An Island

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:21:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I'd rather be on an island. Is it just me? First there was the rush of the holidays. Then the pressure to make and keep New Year's Resolutions and just when you think you can catch your breath from the onslaught of expectations placed on you by the ever present media machine....the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition shows up in the mailbox! I'd rather be on an island. When you live on an island you don't feel pressured to stand in line at Target to buy wrapping paper for the holidays, you wrap gifts in coconut husks, or hide them in gianormous conch shell! Talk about reduce, reuse and recycle!
When you live on an island you don't feel pressured to make New Year's Resolutions. Everyday as you watch the sunset over the ocean you are automatically reminded of the fleeting beauty of life, so you make every moment count. When you live on an island, the new Victoria Secret doesn't arrive in your mailbox in the dead of February, it strolls past your villa every day of the week. It doesn't pressure you into being some ideal, it just exists. I'd rather be on an island!

My Private Tour of Donna Karan's Island Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:32:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

There are some things that just defy description...there are simply no words. Over the holidays I spent a lot of time in Parrot Cay in Turks and Cacaos completing a job for a client.
Turks and Cacaos is an amazing enclave of spectacular island villas owned by a small group of uber celebrities and the wildly successful. The homes on the island are the penultimate of island sophisticated chic. And the high priestess of it all, living in the island castle of any one's dreams is Donna Karan.

You can't even imagine. And I can't even describe...but I have to. It was that....ugh....there are no words. I can just tell you it was so beautiful and so elegant that it made me emotional. And the smell...the smell...I will never forget the smell. It smelled like money, fresh, clean, ocean scented money.

Every element of the home is designed to pay homage to simple elegance. It's designed to the perfect haven for bare foot decadence. It is divine. These photos are from Architectural Digest and while they are beautiful, you can't even imagine how much better it is in person. The magnitude of the beauty, the sheer assault on the senses...have I mentioned the smell?

This is the playground for success beyond measure, the reward for talent unrestrained. The day of my private tour coincided with the departure of one of Hollywood's elite actors and his family, who had been enjoying a brief stay. I can't even repeat the amount of money it takes to rent the villa for one night, a number that I guarantee would catch your breath, but I assure you it's worth every penny.

Stalked by Sea Vessel Pottery by Erin Ferucci, Island Living Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:23:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Island Living Designs

I'm being stalked by "Sea Vessel Pottery!" It's everywhere!!!!It's lovely but not at all inexpensive.

Shell Angel Wings

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:50:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

My aunt was visiting from Hawaii last week.... She has always been such an inspiration to me ... She left behind a pair of angel wings on my bedside table, for an angel to watch over me.

What a wonderful thoughtful gift. My Aunt has such a talent for giving extraordinary, simple, original gifts that are inexpensive and yet lavish. Who thinks to do such a wonderful thing?

Peony Perfection

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:04:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

In Ancient China peonies were given the distinction of being a flower of "riches and honour"; they are lush, decadent and vibrant. Peonies are a perfect addition to any early summer table scape.

Italian Yacht Eye Candy II

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:28:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

You can see why yacht design is my second obsession! Although it has to be said, "What were they thinking with the shredded bedspread!

Italian Yacht Eye Candy I

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:16:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Life Style Designer

Happy Memorial Day! If you can't be on a gorgeous Italian Yacht in the South of France, you should at least get to look at pictures! Enjoy!

Tales of Tatoosh

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Sat, 02 May 2009 11:38:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I really value my client's privacy, so I never talk about my jobs. However, since Tatoosh has a new owner and the owner is an aquaintance it's okay to tell a little story about my adventures on Tatoosh. But don't ask me to tell any of the naughty stories! My final trip to Tatoosh is one of my fondest memories. The design work was essentially done; all that was left was to add some essential accessories. A helicopter picked me up on the heliopad at the port in Antibes. My Louis Vuittan luggage and I were whisked away like royalty to our destination in the middle of the Mediterranean where we landed on the roof of Tatoosh! There is nothing like landing a helicopter on huge yacht in the middle of the ocean. After years of hard work it was ten minutes of sheer heaven. We landed and I stepped out of the helicopter, the wind was blowing, I was in this glorious setting and I was struck by the fact that I was staring in my own little Prada ad. You know what I mean, glamour, excitement and gorgeous luxury everywhere. The memory still makes me smile. The immaculate crew of beautiful British tanned young men and women whisked my luggage away and my Prada ad fantasy was over. Within minutes I was hard at work doing what I do best creating tasteful interiors.
This is me with my assistant at the time, aboard Tatoosh. Fast forwad several years, I was vacationing in the South of France on a much smaller boat when Tatoosh passed by, I was asleep but my friends woke me up to see her pass. I was so excited to see her. It was great to see the guests on board enjoying all of the sweat and tears that went into making Tatoosh what she is today.Glorious Tatoosh...I miss her.

Tatoosh

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:44:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

There are some love affairs that stay with you for a life time. I spent 3 years designing the interiors for Tatoosh, an amazing private yacht that is currently owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, but at the time was owned by Craig McCaw. Tatoosh was a labor of love for me. She is the ultimate in luxury yachting. The clients really wanted Tatoosh to feel like a stately home at sea. The mood we created was relaxed elegance. Tatoosh was a welcoming haven for friends and family. It remains one of the largest private yachts in the world. With five decks sporting several salons, staterooms, a master suite, (all stone slabs through out the yacht were hand picked in Italy)multiple dinning areas, a ginourmous six foot deep shaded swimming pool that can double as a dance floor at nightand even a movie theater Tatoosh was and is luxury defined. All of the furniture that you see was custom built and or purchased for Tatoosh from various showrooms in Los Angeles, with a small amount added from Miami and the South of France. You can see why Tatoosh is a fond memory.

Dream Destination: Aman Resorts

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

In this economy, it may seem frivolous to imagine a decadent Island vacation. But life is short and couldn't we all use a little island luxury right now? If your budget won't accomodate it at least you can take a mental vacation for a few minutes and DREAM of island breezes and warm sand between your toes. While dreaming of Island vacationing you might as well choose the best and no one does it on a more luxurious scale than Aman Resorts. Aman has first class resorts all over the world, many of which feature Island and beach life. A visit to any of their resorts is life changing. It is a reaffirming gift to your senses about how wonderful life on this planet truly is. The pictures shown are of just some of Aman's famous resorts, the amazing Amanpulo on a private island in the Philippines.

Amanusa, in beautiful Bali... Amanwella, on the Indian Ocean.

Amanpulo translates to “Peaceful Island” and if you look at the pictures you can see that is lives up to its name.

White Powder beaches…Crystal Blue waters…Luxury Casitas and Villa… Holistic Spa Treatments… Sumptuous Dining… All in the perfect setting. Treat yourself to an Aman Resort vacation and you will gain a fresh perspective on life.

Life By The Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:44:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Life and lifestyle are about fully enjoying the riches that surround you, where ever you are. Every Monday morning I love to look at one of my favorite blogs French Essence, written by Vicki Archer. She lives in the South of France part-time, London the rest. Every Monday she writes about what she did over the weekend, like antiquing in Provence or spending the weekend in Venice, Italy with her daughter!!! LOVED THAT!

Inspired by Vicki, I decided to share what I did last weekend with my wonderful life by the sea!
I got on my bike...rode along the ocean path to the farmer's market...went shopping...met a friend for lunch at the local Mexican watering can'...had a corn tamale and an ice cold beer!! (it was soooo good- I NEVER DO THAT!) Then I laid on the warm sand and listened to the ocean... What a great day!!!

Island Design on a Dime

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:50:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Island inspired design evokes glorious organic comfort infused luxury. It looks clean, elegant and expensive. It looks expensive but it doesn’t have to be. The truth is you can create an island oasis anywhere and on any budget.

When I was 20 years old, studying Interior Design at UCLA in the Design Program, I was living in a studio apt. in an old Spanish building in Beverly Hills. I purchased a daybed from the set of Dynasty- can you believe it?? It was from this company, Budji. It was a four poster twin bamboo bed that served as a large exotic sofa during the day, and at night my bed. It was draped in mosquito netting that I purchased for 79 cents a yard.. I had begun my own little island lifestyle in Beverly Hills for mere pennies!!!

It’s not everyday that you can get a genuine Budji piece for next to nothing, but it’s worth it to look at their website for inspiration no matter what your budget is.

Beads in Bowls

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:34:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

One "cheap and cheerful" decorating tip for table top decor is taking a trip to your local bead shop...and find one stylecolor/type of beads you like,such as all shell beads, or all types of pearls, or all wood beads, or a color, such as turquoise/blue beads, etc etc Buy a few strands (not expensive at all) and creatively put them in a tall bowl (like the one I have from Africa)or a vintage French or Moroccan bowl...it does not have to be expensive, just simple and creative!Voila! Instant Decor!

Island Living Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 07:19:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I was shopping for a client last week, when I came across some memories... Sometime ago in the 1960's, my grandmother had a home on Harbour Island, in the Bahamas...known for its pink sandy beaches. The island is small less than 2 square miles. As a child I couldn't understand how there could be ocean in front of me and ocean behind me. The "island" concept evaded me at the age of 5, but has since grown to a life long love affair. Harbor Island is home to India Hicks author of Island Beauty.When I saw this bar cart made of bamboo, I thought of my grandmother making cocktails at sunset, and the beauty of Harbour Island. This wonderful cart brought back memories of deep fried conch while enjoying warm subtle breezes and the gentle sounds of the ocean.

Island Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:26:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I came across these whimsical crab lamps the other day.

I can't wait to use them in an island bedroom...or seaside home.

Natural Woven Accesories

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:54:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Baskets are wonderful inexpensive way to incorporate depth and layering into any interior design.

They are so versatile...

and can match any one's individual taste.

Baskets are great for displaying collectibles, or fresh cut flowers.

They are also extremely functional and can be used for storage.

Natural Woven Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:17:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I love natural woven textiles. They add dimension and texture to a well designed island home.
This Malibu beach house was designed by Denise Kuriger. I love love love it!! I would move right in. I love the hemp rug from Mansour Modern-in the Living Room. I love the pair of sea-grass chairs designed by Waldo's Designs.
(another favorite designer of mine and friend)

The dining chairs are really my dream dining chairs. They are so well designed and comfortable! Truly, a classic. They were designed in the 1960 by Hans J. Wegner. They are available to the trade at http://www.carlhansen.com/

This natural "raffia" woven bed is in a guest room of Oscar de la Renta's home in Dominican Republic.
These French rope chairs in the dining room are in Interior Designer Thom Felicia's home near the Hudson River. Love it! Photographed by: William Waldron.

Jean-Georges

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:38:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Island living is about enjoying all of the senses and being surrounded by the sounds, smells and textures that are vital to life.

It is about enjoying the moment. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichiten (shown here with his business partner Pil Suarez with whom he owns 22 establishments) embodies that joi de vivre! On a recent family holiday to St. Barts, Jean-Georges captured the true essence of Island Living. On New Year's Eve he danced in the ocean until 7 am with friends and family. Then after everyone napped they arose to a beautiful brunch. This is the way to ring in the new year!

The Tides Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:19:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

The Tides Hotel in Miami's South Beach district has been successfully renovated by Los Angeles' kitsch, hip Interior Designer, Kelly Wearstler.

She is known for taking “kitschy” items from the 50's that you or I would probably discard, and transforming them into fun, chic Interiors.She crafts her distinctive designs by adding lots of gold gilt, natural materials, and chunky crystals...creating a look that has become her signature. The giant tortoise shells in the dining room (hanging on the wall) are all fake-resin. I appreciate the fact that she took the time to reproduce this exquisite results. They look fantastic. It probably feels like a surreal Dali like fantasy staying there…right on the beach!