The Westchester Decorator

Cozy Fireplaces

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:58:00 +0000

I don't have a fireplace, but the past few nights have me wishing for one as the temperature falls outside. Whether they're super rustic, a little feminine, traditional or contemporary - I'd take any of these....

And I'd love to plan a quiet fireside-supper like this one...

Wishing you a cozy week!

Photos from: Lonny Magazine, House Beautiful, & Elle Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Touring historic homes is one of my favorite pastimes, and it's kindof crazy that I don't spend all my weekends doing just that when you consider how many of them we have around here. One recent Sunday, I decided to forgo tackling the laundry and visited Russel Wright's home instead. I was immediately reminded of just how fun a peak into a unique, well-designed home can be. (Even my husband liked it!)

The exterior of Wright's home looks as contemporary today as it did nearly half a century ago.

Russel Wright was a highly successful commercial designer; his mass-produced tableware, furniture, and fabrics were found in households across the country throughout the '30's, '40's, and '50's, and are considered collectibles today. He designed and built his home, known as Manitoga, just north of Manhattan in Garrison, NY. Wright and his wife were at the forefront of the concept of "easy living," and he designed his house around their notion of a casual life - - it featured an open floor plan & kitchen, soaring glass windows, and a unique mix of natural elements with industrial materials long before any of those were popular ideas.

It feels really contemporary and very cool in a James-Bond-y kindof way, don't you think?

The Kitchen, Dining Room, and Living Rooms are all open to one another for easy entertaining. The 3-Legged Eames chairs were custom-made for Wright to work on the natural stone floor. Feel free to swoon.

That IS a tree in the middle of the Great Room - Wright's architect used an old trunk found on the property as one of the main support beams for the house. The curved staircase is all natural stone.

Wright designed this luxe bathroom for his daughter complete with sunken bathtub and sliding glass doors to her own private patio. And, oh yeah, her private patio had an outdoor fireplace too. Lucky Girl.

The first glimpse you catch of Wright's home on the tour - there's an old quarry that he turned into a swimming pond at the base of those cliffs. It's a bit dark & murky now, but must have been divine when the Wright lived here.

If you're interested in learning more about Manitoga, check out my lastest River Journal column and book a tour through the Russel Wright Design Center. I suggest making a whole day out it - schedule a morning tour, then head a few minutes up the road to Cold Spring for a little lunch and some antiquing. Ahh... sounds like a good Sunday.

Lilly Pulitzer for Lee Jofa

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Lilly Pulitzer's new line of fabrics for Lee Jofa is on full display in the Lee Jofa showroom at the D&D. Her trademark bright preppy prints feel just right this time of year, but a little Lilly goes a long way... if you're not up for a completely Lilly-fied room like this one, the space still has a lot of fabulous ideas you can use at home...

Obviously, I LOVE the monogrammed chair backs (See old post on Monograms). And the framed fabric swatches on the back wall are such an easy, inexpensive way to add a new print or color to a room - major impact without a big commitment.

Piping is the key to this vibrant seat - whether you're trimming a neutral fabric with navy or going bold like this chair, piping gives a basic piece of upholstery that extra something special. Worth every penny.

Flank artwork with brackets and sculptures for an extra layer of dimension - if parrots are too palm-beach, try urns or simple vases. Want to show off your rug? This lucite coffee table keeps the focus on the prints, not the case goods.

I can't help but love this swinging chair - my Grammy had one at her house in Florida, and I've always longed for one of my own. Outdoors or in, it's the perfect perch for enjoying an arnold palmer - don't you want one too?

A Cozy Bedroom on a Gray Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Another day of rain, mud, and gray skies in New York... The kind of day that makes you want to stay in bed all day. Doesn't this one look appealing?

Interior Design by Ashley Putnam, Photo in Lonny Mag April/May 2011

Small Steps to Getting Organized

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 20:57:00 +0000

For my latest River Journal article, I had the pleasure of interviewing my favorite professional organizer, Pernille Nils Ebbesen of Collage, and she shared a great tip for getting your house in order - Start Small. Nils Ebbesen stresses the importance of picking a relatively small area to tackle first. You'll be more likely to start the project (and more likely to finish it!) if it's a manageable project like creating a system for your mail pile or re-organizing your clothes closet as opposed to, say, cleaning out the entire basement.

With that in mind, here are a few photos that have inspired me to get my small spaces in order now... I'll leave the big spring clean for another week.

Command Central: I think this would be a great way to sort mail - tuck a shredder into one of these cubbies, a basket for recyclable ads/mags, and use these see-thru baskets to sort your bills, periodicals, and outgoing mail. I'd replace the chalkboard with a big bulletin board and calendar - write down and pin up invitations and events as soon as they come in.

Photo: Rue Magazine Gallery, Similar baskets avail at Ballard Designs, Similar Bookshelf avail at West Elm

Photo: House Beautiful , Closet Design by Erinn Valencich

Photos: Originally shot for Domino Magazine

Photo: Annie Selke's closet as seen in House Beautiful

Ahhhh... the dream closet. Some of the best tips I've received for organizing your closet are to:

1) Use identical hangers - Keeps everything looking neat, even when it's not.

2) Use shelf dividers to store your handbags upright and keep them from falling over when you pull one down.

3) Use shadow box picture frames to store your prettiest necklaces and earrings - hang these shadow boxes on your closet or bedroom wall to free up space on your dresser & enjoy your jewelry even when you're not wearing it.

For more organizing inspiration, including more tips from the fabulous Nils Ebbesen, please check out my Around the House article. Happy Organizing!!

Chic Workspaces - Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:17:00 +0000

For the final installment of the Chic Workspaces series, I'm moving in a more masculine direction. I love all the sleek, glossy lines of this desk and chair. The mirror placement is a great idea for those of us with our desks shoved against a wall (me me me!), because the only thing worse than sitting down to tackle emails is to do it facing a dark corner. All these reflective surfaces might be overwhelming without the textured grasscloth wallcovering - it absorbs light and softens the overall look. But it's the mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings that really give this workspace its sophistication. A great manspace - if the man is a tidy man and doesn't have much paperwork.

Interior Design by Ron Marvin as shown in Lonny Magazine Oct/Nov 2009

A few pieces I'd use to create this effect at home....

Clockwise from Top Left: Burl Frame Mirror from Pacific Connections, Table Lamp from Arteriors Home, Sprinkbok Trophy from Jayson Home & Garden, Vintage Classic Saarinen Executive Chair from Las Venus at 1stDibs.com, Vintage Oushak rug from Jayson Home & Garden, Wastebasket from Matahari Home, Mason Desk from William Sonoma Home.

Chic Workspaces - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:22:00 +0000

Workspace #2 - Contemporary Eclectic

For this installment of the Chic Workspaces series, I'm drawing on this contemporary, eclectic mini-home office. I love the simple lines of the desk, the occasional pop of bright yellow, the bold lamp.... it feels hip and youthful and would be completely at home in the corner of a family room.

I like this mix-up of colorful, graphic pieces - none of them are "matchy," but they totally work together and are stylish enough to use if your desk has to be in a "public" space like your living room. Even the bulletin board is special thanks to its nailhead trim. And I'm kindof obsessed with this lamp.

Clockwise from top left: Pencil Cup from Anthropologie, Burlap Bulletin Board from Ballard Designs, Table Lamp from Arteriors Home, Parsons Glass-Steel Table from Crate & Barrell, Magazine / Newspaper Bag and Fireworks Area Rug from Anthropologie, Paper Storage Boxes from The Container Store.

Chic Workspaces

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:35:00 +0000

Whether you already work from home, you're trying to get started on that novel you've always meant to write, or you just need a spot for sorting bills and keeping your paperwork in order, it's so critical to dedicate some space to a home office. I just wrote an article about this for the River Journal, and have consequently got desks and office accessories on the brain...

Our home offices should be a reflection of our personal style, not just a reflection of what we do for a living. (Because does anyone really want a space that screams "accountant"?) They should surround us with inspiration while keeping all the paperclips and post-its we need within reach.

My next couple of posts will be of some super-stylized workspaces that I'd love to work out of and the pieces I would use to create them in my own home. Hope they inspire you to spruce up your own desk!

Workspace Style #1: Ladylike & Elegant

Interior Design by Angele Parlange, photo in Lonny Magazine Dec. 2010

Give your desk a decidedly feminine feel with the Brocade Bulletin Board and Pencil Cup from The Container Store.

Corral address books, envelopes, and notecards with elegant crystal bookends from Anthropologie.

Since we're all tracking appointments on iPhones & Blackberries these days, there's not much need for a big calendar anymore. This tiny desktop one from Lobird lets you know what day it is, and it's just so darn charming.

I love this mousepad from Anthropologie - it brings a little whimsy to your work. And is hopefully the only mouse you'll encounter there.

Keep paperclips in pretty glass jars like this one from Anthropologie.

Rustic Winter Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:40:00 +0000

I love a long weekend, particularly when all these snowstorms have my yard looking like a winter wonderland. Ideally, I'd like to spend the afternoon sipping hot toddies around this outdoor fireplace....

Sans the lux covered porch set-up, I'd settle for cozy-ing up my living room with some of these winter accessories - together they channel a similar, slightly glamorous version of this rustic lodge look...

Top Photo: by Miguel Flores-Vianna for Elle Decor, Jan. 2011.

Collage Photos (clockwise): Faux Coyote Throw from Restoration Hardware, Scalloped Bone Frames

& Lamp from West Elm, The Watcher owl pillow from Envelop, Antler Candlesticks from Roost.

This photo collage is my first step into trying out new things on my blog. A big thanks to Erica Reitman of Design Blahg and Nicole Cohen of Sketch 42 - - a recap of their "Tricks of the Trade" presentation at last month's Lavish conference turned me on to Olioboard, the website that enabled me to make this collage. If you are trying to pull together a look for a wedding, a new living room, or you're just one of those people who loves making mood boards, you must check it out. The site is so intuitive, even I was able to figure it out pretty quickly!

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Happy New Year!! I'm not a big one for resolutions per say, but I do admit to making a few "goals" for the year ahead. One of mine is to keep blogging.

That said, while perusing some lecture notes from the Lavish un-conference for lifestyle bloggers, I realize that I've unwittingly already broken the golden rule of blogging - consistency. Apparently, every panel advisor and speaker at Lavish strongly recommended posting on a regular, frequent basis.... something I completely failed to do while taking a lengthy holiday hiatus. Whoops.

So what's the whole Lavish un-conference thing? A big gathering of lifestyle bloggers that took place in Atlanta last month. I wasn't able to attend, but am grateful to Coco & Kelley blogger, Cassandra Lavelle, for mentioning it in her blog so that I was able to track down some of the super helpful tips presented there (btw, her blog Coco and Kelley totally inspires me to get my act together and you should definitely check it out!). Researching Lavish also introduced me to its founder, Shameeka Ayers, a girl I can't help but love for two reasons: 1) She writes a blog "The Broke Socialite" and 2) She is author of a soon-to-be-released book called "Instantly: How Quickly I Realized I Hated My Job." Love That. So Much.

So I will try to blog consistently over the next 12 months and put all these new tips to use in an effort to bring you as many fun ideas for your home, your dinner, or your next party as I can. Time to get to work.

Design by Jolene Ballard & Amanda Mallson of Domicile Interior Design,
Photo in Rue Magazine Nov/Dec 2010

Personalized Hostess Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:00:00 +0000

I love monograms. I have my name or initials emblazoned on everything, from my Lands End tote bag to cocktail napkins to my silver ice bucket and wine stopper. When I registered for my wedding, the obsession got a bit out of hand... Maybe it's in my southern blood. Maybe it's because I'm forever leaving things behind at parties (and everyone knows it's your bag or dip dish if your name is permanently engraved on it). Mostly it's just because it makes things so personal - which is precisely why I think anything monogrammed makes such a lovely gift.

These custom made linens from Julia Berger are the perfect hostess (or mother-in-law) gifts this time of year. I discovered her hand-stitched pieces at a trade show last year and immediately fell in love. She offers a wide array of monogram styles and fabric and embroidery colors so you can create vintage, classic, or even contemporary looking cocktail napkins, hand towels, and bedding. Here are a few of my favorites...

Not Your Typical Holiday Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:27:00 +0000

I recently made my annual pilgrimage to the local stationer to pick out my holiday cards for the year. Having gone with the traditional Christmas Tree / Snowman / Santa themes the last few years, I was in the mood for something a little different... these Edward Gorey illustrations have always enthralled me, and they aren't your typical holiday card. LOVE.

(Unfortunately, I did buy some glittery sledding penguin cards before I found these, so some of you may be getting those instead. Beware: the glitter seems to spread.)

Designing a Red Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:45:00 +0000

A good friend is painting her master bedroom a deep red and asked me for some bedding ideas. She knows that basic white will work, but is worried that it might look too plain. Since she's expecting a baby this winter, I highly recommend that she stick with basic white bedding - the easiest to throw in the wash and even oxy-clean if necessary. But white doesn't have to be boring!

White bedding is like a little black dress- you can dress it up a million different ways with various accessories. These beds all start with white sheets and a plain white coverlet or duvet cover - their character all comes from the "add ons." They're anything but dull, and I think any one of them would look fabulous in a red bedroom...


Photo: House Beautiful, July '08 Design: Andrew Halliday & David Greer

A faux fur throw and lush velvet bolsters in deep charcoal make up a sumptuous, sophisticated bed.

Photo: House Beautiful, July '09 Design: Jonathan Berger

LOVE THIS HEADBOARD. But even without such a statement piece, a vintage suzani used as a bed scarf or coverlet is enough pattern to carry an entire room.

Photo: Lonny Magazine, Aug/Sept '10 Design: Vincente Wolf

Your white sheets don't have to be plain - A nice border detail gives them a crisp, tidy look. In a red room, I like tan, navy, or charcoal borders. Bloomingdales Chelsea Sheets with a little red polka-dot border are fun too!

Photo: House Beautiful, Nov '08 Design: Peter Dunham

Bring in more red! Katie Ridder makes some fabulous prints like this paisley - you can mix them up to make accent pillows, a coverlet, and window treatments.

Photo: Lonny Magazine, July '10 Design: Lee Kleinheker

I love this photo because is shows just how gorgeous plain white bedding can be with a glam headboard. If you're going for simple, go for height - you'll get a lot of drama if you make the headboard as tall as you are.

Hope this inspires you to dress up your bed!

Easy Entertaining with Beer Stew

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 16:53:00 +0000

After a long Indian Summer, it's finally beginning to feel like Fall...

This time of year, my favorite way to entertain is to make up a big pot of Beer Stew (My husband is a hunter, so I use venison, but it works just a well with beef.) It's the perfect fall dish - delicious, hearty, and it fills our little house with the most heavenly, homey aroma all day. I throw a pot in the oven around 3, have guests arrive at 6, and serve it up buffet style around 7. It's an easy way to have a cozy, indoor day....

Beer Stew
This yummy recipe was given to me by a dear friend, Tracy Kraft Akram

3 lbs cubed chuck or venison                 1 1/2 cup beef stock
3 cups chopped onions                          1 1/2 cup beer
2 cloves of garlic, smashed                     3 Tbsp brown sugar
3/4 cup butter                                        4-5 carrotts
1/2 cup flour                                          3-4 potatos
handful chopped parsley                        2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh is best)       Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 300degrees while you chop up all ingredients. Brown the meat in a dutch oven over medium heat on the stove top. Stir in onions and cook until tender. Then add all remaining ingredients, put pot into oven and cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve over cooked egg noodles or with big hunks of crusty bread. (Tracy likes it best with biscuits.)

Stew Photo from Chez Jacques Jacques Pepin

Design Inspiration from Lonny Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:42:00 +0000

One of my favorite blogs, Coco and Kelley, just introduced me to a new inspiring design magazine called Lonny.

It's just celebrating it's first birthday this fall, and I hope it's around for many more. Not only does Lonny feature some of the most creative (but totally livable) design I've seen since we lost Domino, but the current issue features one of my favorite designers, Celery Kemble, on the cover. (with whom I got the chance to chat last week at Fall Market - will post more about her recent renovation of the D&D's 4th floor soon!)

I spent a good part of this afternoon pouring over this site... here are a few of my favorite pics, but check out LonnyMag.com for more inspiration. But I warn you - get yourself a comfy seat, a big mug of tea (or glass of wine?), and prepare to lose track of time...

Lonny Mag, Oct/Nov 2010, interior design by Lulu De Kwaitkowski

Lonny Mag Oct/Nov 2010, interior design by Eddie Ross & Jaithan Kochar

Lonny Mag, Feb/March 2010, interior design by Ryan Korban

Lonny Mag, Oct/Nov 2010, interior design by Palmer Weiss

Lonny Mag, Feb/March 2010, interior design by Betsy Burnham

Ahhh... don't you these rooms give you a million ideas?

noreply@blogger.com (Kitty Burruss) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:40:00 +0000

A few years ago my husband gave me a digital camera while we were on vacation. I have never been the paparazzi of my group of girlfriends, always leaving the memory-capturing to others. But the minute this little silver camera fell into my hands, I instantly felt artistic - - - Who knew I was such a phenomenal photographer?? Look, I can do black and white! The no-fail camera made me feel like a genius, and I dedicated myself to documenting every single stunning spot we encountered on that trip.

Then we came home and I have never, not once, taken another scenic photograph. Unless you count a client's living room or an under-construction site (of which I have many, many photos).

But lately I've been really drawn to the large-scale, oversized photography that keeps cropping up as prominent artwork in magazine spreads. I love those giant, blown-up, sortof fuzzy shots and they're inspiring me to break out some of my pics from that trip...

Source Unknown

Interior Design by Timothy Whealon, Veranda Oct '10

My own photos, Jekyl Island, GA