Empress Of The Eye®

The Last Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 19:14:00 +0000

After 5 years I have had a great time

writing this blog and

my life has been enriched

by fellow bloggers and readers.

Recently my time has been spent designing

one-of-a-kind

pillows that I love making.

Pillows are my passion and thankfully

my business is growing

not only working with designers, but also

the boutiques around the

country who carry my collections.

I will be attending to my eBay

and ETSY shops along with

the Empress of The Eye

Facebook page.

I am also lucky to have some

great interior design projects

that are pretty fabulous.

Again, thanks for all of

your comments and kindness.

There was plenty to choose from this year,

but these three made it to my coffee table and

stayed there for months.

All of Brian McCarthy's projects are

VERY grand and out of my scope,

but what I did

keep going back to were

the individual pieces.

In his table top book

Luminous Interiors

each room was filled with items that I had never

seen before and totally lusted after.

This unexpected suzani style

bedspread is beautiful and adds

such a dash of the unexpected.

And this amazing alligator bench.

Not everyone could place this

in an interior.

With a foreword from

Bunny Williams,

who he apprenticed with at Parish-Hadley,

it all comes together.

The details, the search,

the travels, the knowledge and
the history.

Brian McCarthy
got where he is today with
hard work and a trained eye.

I guarantee you will find yourself looking

through this book for inspiration years from now.

Nancy Braithwaite's long awaited first book

The Art of Simplicity

is a knockout.

Clean.

Uncluttered.

Complex.

(I love this photo of her on the job.)

Mrs. Braithwaite is a designer who
has made her name

following her own path.

Every element and object seems

hand picked and place with reverence.

How brilliant are the large metal digits

around the door frames?

You could look through this book

while listening to

calm.com

and feel wonderful.

Her designs are studied
and so
well thought out.

Linda O'Keeffe

has been in the design business forever.

Metropolitan Home creative director,

stylist and writer.

Her latest book,

Heart and Home

is filled with bold name designers

showing off their own residences.

Look at this lineup...

It's seems a bit voyeuristic

to be so up close and personal

when you see where these major design folks

hang their hats...and

that is what I loved about this book.

Jenna Lyons, J. Crew

Interiors

And finally...

One of my dearest friends, Joe Eula, has

been totally captured in this wonderful coffee

table book written by Cathy Horyn last fall.

Fashion, society, art and a

character that is well described

in this beautiful publication.

Joe was a real pip!

My Heart Is In The Highlands...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 17:17:00 +0000

When my father said goodbye to his father

at the ship docks on

The Clyde he knew that

he would never see

him again.

My grandfather playing the pipes

for my father during WW II

in Scotland.

That was in 1955.

After almost 60 years my sister, Brooke

and I had the negatives from

that trip finally put on a single CD.

My fathers love of Scotland

just shines in these images.

Cross & Cross Built This City

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:37:00 +0000

The Cross brothers were urban architects

mainly in the New York area in the early 1900's.

They grew up with connections

and breeding.

Their projects ranged from skyscrapers

to residential apartments, to country estates,

gardens and community clubs.

Have you been to the

Tiffany Building

on 57th and 5th?

That's a Cross and Cross example.

The buildings they built are now growing

taller in the air space above

the original plot.

I love the massiveness of

their work.

Solid and organized.

There are amazing details.

Ethnic influences, deco designs

and staggering

motifs flank these buildings.

407 Park Avenue

I love this building.

They built many of these small

buildings up

and down the avenues.

Each lobby had embellishments

to die for.

Animals, ships, fauna, every

element was used.

Working with big industry

Cross and Cross

naturally were brought in to do

large estates and

residences.

These traditional homes with

so many chic elements, show a slight

of hand compared to the massive

building projects.

They are just beautiful...and being demolished

rapidly unfortunately.

I love their style. They look rooted yet

comfortable with a touch of intelligence.

My favorite building by

Cross and Cross

is the

RCA Victor Building

in New York City.

Imagine the times ... sound, movies, radios,

the electricity that was running a

nation would be

represented by this building.

It looks like a temple

of gold.

There are so many details

it is just layer upon layer

if you look closely.

Cross and Cross

knew that this building represented

the power of electricity

and the tower of the building

reached for the sky.

Gold, copper, marble, stone

it was all used.

Aztec, industrial, nouveau,

Greek mythology.

The effigies on the top measure

54 feet each.

I really loved this book, it told

the tale of a city that I love.

But, one of the best parts is that the floor plans

that are included are fabulous.

I am a floor plan junkie.

So take a look at this book. We don't really

look closely these days at the details that go

into buildings like these. So keep

looking up.

Cross and Cross

Transformed

New York City.

This book was published by

Monacelli Press

and is just beautiful.

Photo credit: Jonathan Wallen

New Shop in West Palm Beach ... Raves for HIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 18:14:00 +0000

Stunning. Curated. Delicious.

There is a new destination for
professional shoppers
in West Palm Beach.

The
HIVE

on Palm Avenue just off S. Dixie

across from the Norton Museum.

It's a great looking building off to the left.
I have always thought that,

"if you build it they will come".
And they have.

Doors opened 8 weeks ago and

the place is buzzing.

(I had to do it.)

Gifts Home Garden Design Services

Terrific vignettes are set up around

this enormous space

and you can BUY off the floor.

No waiting. I loved this.

So smart.

You can just stand there and

visualize how the colors or sofa size

would work for your

new rental facing the intercoastal.

It's nice to see a shop that has

not cut one corner.
This is how construction should be done.
Fittings, hardware, flooring, art work.

I was impressed.

A beautiful selection of table
ware and linens.

I loved the individual rooms.

So easy to shop and well designed.

Reminded me of the days of

Gerry Stutz at Bendel's.

Need bedding for the new

guest house?

Top shelf inventory on hand.

You will find a well chosen selection of
stationery

and writing goods.

Not the usual, but interesting and something
for any hostess, real estate agent
or mother-in-law.
Or something to put on your desk
to remember your holiday.

Sara McCann, of

MCCann Design Services,

and her abilities are full on in

this new venture.

The HIVE

shows off her design panache perfectly.

She has a wing of offices here

with a staff that can satisfy your design needs

making any time you spend in

Palm Beach comfortable.

The gals at the Front Desk are

friendly and good fun.

You can tell they are proud to show

off this new venture.

Make a point to visit.

Sporadic Posts in 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:00:00 +0000

When I have news or views

in the coming year I will be sure

to post

to you about it.

Holyrood Castle, Scotland 1955

Meanwhile I will continue my

search for textiles and new

designs for my

pillow collections.

Miss Sookie and I wish

you a prosperous and healthy

New Year.

Newest Otomi Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 03:25:00 +0000

I just never get tired of these

fabulous works of art.

You can certainly tell

that they are handmade.

Thank you for supporting the

wonderful Otomi women.

Available now

at my

Etsy Shop.

Palm Beach Orange and Blue for Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:11:00 +0000

I have been selling lots of

orange and blue pillows here at

The Brass Scale

Antique Row.

Then I started looking around

and notice it being used

more than I thought...

It seems to be an unexpected

trend in the pillow world

at the moment.

As I started to be aware of it

I noticed more around me

than I thought.

Really a nice combination.

Enjoy your weekend!

A Touch of Blue...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 01:57:00 +0000

Sometimes all it takes is a soft

touch of color to bring

out the best in a room.

For one of my favorite clients we needed

to add subtle shades to bring

a bit of punch to a beautiful new home

that had a beige

canvas.

We added some pillows for the living room

and a coordinated bench pad

for the foyer leading in.

I found some great trims

in my studio and they

added just the details we

were looking for.

This is a work in progress

so I will be posting

more to follow.

Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr

and to get regular posts

sent to you please sign

up on my email list on the right.

I would appreciate it.

Don't Be Crewel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 18:39:00 +0000

Since the beginning there

has been thread work...

Childs coat circa 1770

Dress circa 1700

Green crewel early 1700's

Historical Crewel in Green.

Wonderful example of

different techniques.

I never get tired of

the look.

Many different examples of

stitches.

Empress of The Eye Collection

Try to keep away

from the obvious

machine made if you are serious.

Very early needlework

Victoria and Albert Museum, UK

I love this chair.

Heavier yarn look.

Such unusual colors.

Empress of The Eye Collection

This terrific room is an ode

to textiles.

I have always loved

the white on white.

The little knots are called the

"Candlewick"

stitch.

Brunschwig and Fils

Empress of The Eye Pillow Collection

Great family portrait...

and I love the crewel sofa

as a background.

Brian J. McCarthy .... "Interior Design is an Art Form"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 01:29:00 +0000

"I don't mind doing less properly

rather

than more poorly."

I just received a copy of Brian McCarthy's

first design book and it is lush!
The title
Luminous Interiors
is perfect for the nine beautiful
projects that are included.

Nothing would prepare a person

for a career in interior design better
than working for Parish-Hadley,
which is where Brian began his path
after attending
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

Brian believes in the architecture
of an interior and the knowledge
of style and history.

There is the inclusion of exciting details

such as lacquered walls,

gilt, Venetian plaster, custom woodwork and

all the touches that add unequaled richness to

the residences he puts his hand to.

He has knowledge of fine art that is

only garnered by

years of traveling.

There is his desire to find the work of

artisans from around the world to add

touches that are are a notch

above the usual.

His extensive knowledge of all

periods of design is so evident and

well thought out.

"It's all about the homeowner."

No truer words can be said. So many

projects are done with the vision of the designer

and the home owner gets

left behind.

Not so with Mr. McCarthy.

One client included 35 trips to

Europe to find the perfect

elements for their project.

Included in this book is his apartment

in New York City

and his country house in

The Hudson Valley.

This was my favorite as I have seen his

house when visiting Ulster County

and know exactly the view that

sold him on this spot to put down roots.

Brian's gardens were

done in conjunction with

Marge Brower of

Back To The Garden

who is one of the best landscape

designers in the area.

They get better with every season!

I know there are lots of fabulous books

on the shelves this season, but

I highly recommend

Luminous Interiors

as an addition to any

designer's library.

Many thanks to Sarah Burningham of

Little Bird Publicity

for advancing this preview

to me.

Design Maven? Need a Quick Costume?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 00:04:00 +0000

BOO!

"Ain't Northing Like the Real Thing..."

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Vintage Fortuny Pillows with

French Metallic Details

and Velvet.

Looking for a good home.

The Magical Neck Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 21:51:00 +0000

These days I spend lots of time

using my computer while
sitting up in bed.

If I can't sleep I will turn

it on and surf until I fall

back to sleep.
We all do it now that
the world is at our
fingertips day or night.

If you're like me you
have tried
stacking pillows...I seem
to spend more time adjusting them.

A different position gets tiring.

And I just don't see one of these
in my future...

I like to have an upholstered
headboard and a couple of
back pillows.
But it takes time to
find the right combination.

I like to also have at least

one neck roll.

They make a huge difference.

Tip Number One:

Make sure that it has a

zipper or unties

so you can throw

it in the wash often.

Tip Number Two:

Try to find a cover that you will

know by touch.

I have mine covered in a micro fiber

fabric so that I don't have to

turn on a light to find it.

I know by just feeling it

that it is the neck roll.

So, that's my tip of the week.

Enjoy your bed!

Bark! Bark! Barkcloth!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 02:45:00 +0000

Barkcloth is bullet proof.

One pillow works perfect on a

side chair in the guest room

or a foyer.

Here is a typical print.

But of late I have found

some different patterns

and colors.

They seem much more

current.

Most of it has been around for over

75 years and still, a soak in

Oxi Clean and it will

come back to life.

Keep an eye out for a nice

drapery panel

and think about

using it somewhere other than

the porch or logia.

Stephen Sills Latest Book a Must For Your Coffee Table

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:41:00 +0000

"He's good...very good. I like him."

Matthew Patrick Smyth

I spent the weekend reading this
marvelous new design book by

STEPHEN SILLS
DECORATION.
from Rizzoli.
This is his second book
and centers on 16
residential interiors.
(Drop date October 22nd.)

In this book there is a warm intro from

Mr.Lagerfeld,
and you know that he

doesn't speak for just anyone.

It was like opening a door.

Known for his projects
throughout the world this book

has a sense of home
and luxury.
Rich luxury.

Beautiful stock, well laid out
yet filled with ideas that do not just apply
to big budgets.

On the Upper West Side of Manhattan

is the classic apartment building,

The Apthorp,
where Mr. Sills
is the creative director and
designer.
With this building as a historical backdrop
Mr. Sills taste is clearly seen.

Here's a great post from
Habitually Chic

when Heather got a

guided tour of the Apthorp

from Mr. Sills.

The spaces show someone

who is very confident

of his talents.

Custom created rugs, the best antiques,

both historical and modern,

high end finishes and

incredible space.

It's all here on these pages.

And the artwork!

An amazing mix of

contemporary, whimsical and

beautiful masters, but not in an obvious

"in your face" way.

I have to say that this pair

of Calude Lalanne

bronze chairs

knocked me off my seat.

I could live with them

in an empty room and

just gaze at them.

With the Lichtenstein and the

other gold accents this

room has to be one of my

favorites.

The rug.

The detailed moldings.

The lamps.

Notice this

amazing Aubusson Directoire

rug placed in a home on Long Island

that Mr. Sills did for long time clients

with a major art collection.

You can see that the wall trim on

this hallway is done

in nail heads.

Mr. Sills rooms are brilliant in the

mix of styles and fabrics, but

the details are what make

him a master!

Out of this world.

Leather covered walls, huge

tapestries, custom floors and woodwork

chosen and remilled for just the

perfect old world feeling.

Country French, mid century, custom bronzes,

Moroccan tiles, Italian pieces

are all in the mix and I think

that and the way Mr. Sills spaces

his rooms were the most

exciting to me.

Of all the great design books

on the shelves this Fall, I

think this is one that I will constantly

refer back to for inspiration...

and DECORATION tips.

Photography: Francois Halard

Have a terrific week.

Otomi's From China...Just Not the Same...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 18:33:00 +0000

I was distraught to see the
cover of the latest
Wisteria catalogue.

On the sofa was a collection of pillows
of Otomi design.

I noticed that they were being

done by machine using a crewel pattern.

The first thing that I noticed was that,
of course, the pattern on the pillows was exactly
the same on each one.

Definitely machine made, probably

in China or India.

One of the attractions of this ancient art
to me was that the

Otomi women embroidered them
free hand so that each was different.
Of the hundreds I have
sold, they were all one of a kind.

You can see the difference for yourself.

Insects, fauna, animals, flowers.

You always noticed something different as you

lived with them.

A decade ago I went to the

Enart trade show in

Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

I am always looking for new textiles and

I found this family who had lived

for generations in the

Sierra Madre Mountains and hand

embroidered fabric.

I placed an order and requested

that they all the pieces

be done in one sold color.

And in thread colors that they

normally didn't use.

I immediately started a great

relationship with these artists.

They were so kind and caring and just

needed any outlet to support

their families.

My disappointment was that this would

greatly cut into how many

I sold, and then ordered from Mexico.

The Wisteria pillows are

listed for $69 each.

So this is an example of

how doing trade with China has

a global effect.

Kind of sad.

...but he has everything!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 03:27:00 +0000

Okay, so we all have friends that live

exciting lives traveling,
are smart, creative

and successful.
They are caring and treasured friends.
They always know what I want.
A toast with some good
champagne,

a travel adventure

a good book and

lots of laughs.

Easy.

But my question is what do you give
them
as a gift?

That is what happened to me.

My dear friend
Matthew Patrick Smyth,
who always thought

of me and knew exactly what

would make me happy, even

if it was NOT an occasion,
was having a birthday.
I was stumped...

So, I found a photo of his
Connecticut home

and made it into a pillow.

I used a fabric from his collection for
F.Schumacher

and left the grommets in it.

(Yes, I snagged it from the showroom...officer.)
A touch of black.

Then I thought, why don't I do

this for clients

of projects that I do?
And what about the perfect
gift for other designers?

You could find a historical photo of

the house and it would

be a great reminder of the
life of the home.

Or the family?

What about the original
blueprints?

Or just a wonderful
sketch if you have one?

So, let your imagination run wild.
I'm sure you will think of something
fabulous to put a smile on
your clients faces.
Oh, and you know I can
design a pillow
for you in no time!

Brazilian Ba Boom!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:26:00 +0000

I just made some pillows using

Carelton Varney's Brazilian

fabric and realized how

much I love this print living in Florida

and why it is so popular.

I edged them with a black grosgrain fabric

with pleats at each corner.

Since this repeat is 27" I used

almost a yard on

each pillow to match them perfectly.

Everyone is familiar with the

Beverly Hills signature

walls and those Carelton did a

The Greenbrier Hotel.

I lived with a palm frond

pattern when I was in Miami

and never tired of it.

I don't think of it as a "comeback",

it's just such a nice green to bring

into your home where you can

enjoy it everyday.

Pajamas anyone?

Placing a Bet on Purple

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:35:00 +0000

I have seen a profusion of aubergine,
plum, eggplant and violet
walking down the runway for the
Fall 2013 season...

and now it's trickling down
to interiors.

It's not one of my favorite colors

and I don't think I could make a

major commitment to a sofa

or wall paint,

but they seem to be using it differently

from the past.

I love it paired up with khaki, greys and black.

And the really vibrant gem green

is interesting.

These colors are

getting coverage and I think they

work as accents in an interior.

This is a great look from

Traditions Linens

I have a deep purple in

my Otomi Pillow Collection and lots of

folks admire it, but can't seem

to pull the trigger.

US OPEN

We shall see what develops with

this trend.

Cate Blanchett in DIOR = Pillows to Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 18:39:00 +0000

I always expect the unexpected from

this gal, she knows

her fashions, but this fab

DIOR Fall 2013

is calling my name.

Can you imagine this fabric

made into an amazing

pillow collection?

Follow the fabrics!

Scavenger Hunt for Vintage Silk Scarves

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 21:06:00 +0000

Scarf styles change and these days most

of them are the long narrow size to wrap

around your neck.

That means that the silk squares

are not as popular and find their

way to thrift and

consignment shops.

Vera, Hermes, YSL and all the major

designers did a line of silk scarves

at some time, even Picasso.

So make sure that when

you are at an estate sale dig into

the baskets filled with scarves

for almost no cost.

I have found that using silk on both

sides of the pillow make a more stable

finished product. Even a light

weight velvet will drag on the light

weight of the silk. Try using some

dupioni silk on the back instead.

Martha, of course, has a video in two

parts here that shows you how

to make a silk pillow with a

zipper.

Now I know these are not pillows for

the family room,

but to find one fabulous 60's or 70's

silk scarf and make it into a

pillow would be the perfect touch on

a bed or formal living area.

Besides, if you find a real deal,

which I know you will, you can

change them out according to

your whims.

If you can make them yourself, they are

amazing gifts for

a birthday or housewarming gift.

This beauty was also quilted

and that detail was a nice

trick to keep in mind.

So, find a good neighborhood

tag sale and check out that pile of scarves

that everyone else is walking by.

Happy hunting!

Laughing at Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 13:23:00 +0000

Pillows, cushions and some laughs!

No Pillows ... But Some Comic Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:41:00 +0000

I just couldn't pass these up.

In the design business you can

plan everything, but then it can

go sideways on you.

Perfect examples...

Words fail me.

Have a good week and keep

an eye on your contractors.

Pillow Porn

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 02:35:00 +0000

Pillow Photo Patrol

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 17:05:00 +0000

Empress Of The Eye®

The Last Round Up

Jenna Lyons, J. Crew Interiors And finally... One of my dearest friends, Joe Eula, has been totally captured in this wonderful coffee table book written by Cathy Horyn last fall. Fashion, society, art and a character that is well described in this beautiful publication. Joe was a real pip!

My Heart Is In The Highlands...

Cross & Cross Built This City

New Shop in West Palm Beach ... Raves for HIVE!

Sporadic Posts in 2014

Newest Otomi Colors

Palm Beach Orange and Blue for Season

A Touch of Blue...

Don't Be Crewel

Brian J. McCarthy .... "Interior Design is an Art Form"

Design Maven? Need a Quick Costume?

"Ain't Northing Like the Real Thing..."

The Magical Neck Roll

Bark! Bark! Barkcloth!

Stephen Sills Latest Book a Must For Your Coffee Table

Otomi's From China...Just Not the Same...

...but he has everything!!!

Brazilian Ba Boom!

Placing a Bet on Purple

Cate Blanchett in DIOR = Pillows to Me

Scavenger Hunt for Vintage Silk Scarves

Laughing at Pillows

No Pillows ... But Some Comic Relief

Pillow Porn

Pillow Photo Patrol

Jenna Lyons, J. Crew

Interiors

And finally...

One of my dearest friends, Joe Eula, has

been totally captured in this wonderful coffee

table book written by Cathy Horyn last fall.

Fashion, society, art and a

character that is well described

in this beautiful publication.

Joe was a real pip!