STYLEBEAT

SITTING PRETTY

2012-05-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily

If you are planning on sunbathing this weekend, this is just the chair to take along. The teak Soleil Sling Chair from Serena and Lily in their cheery new demilune outdoor print will be around for years. Take it to the park, take it to the beach, it's a way to sit in style is never far from reach.

Photo courtesy of Milly

And after you go for a dip, grab Milly's mod Novo 5 Beach Towel for some more punch.

SUMMER: LET'S GET IT STARTED!

2012-05-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

Glorious weather this past Memorial Day Weekend has helped charge a clear path straight to summer. Here are some goodies to help you get ready to live outside and entertain like you mean it.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

I have always wanted one of these to help channel my island side. Pottery Barn knocks it out of the park with their Raffia Round Umbrella, it is a charmer. It will make you shout, "Paradise now!"

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

If you need some sunny prints in le jardin, try adding Crate and Barrel's jazzy

Marimekko Appelsiini Caliente Umbrella for some heat shade.

Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

I love the look of lush ferns in Ballard Designs Scalloped Square Planter, it also comes in a round version.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Water your flowers with Anthropologie's Mr. Snail Pail to add some character to the task.

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Instead of climbing a tree, swing in one. The Original Tree Swing from Terrain is like the old T-Bar lifts from skiing, but it's nothing a few Dark N' Stormies won't help you get over.

Photo courtesy of Wisteria

I have been eyeing these iznik patterned melamine Wisteria plates for awhile now, I really think they are great. Plus, if you order something from Wisteria up until May 31st, they have an offer where they will throw in a set of 4!

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Bring a little bit of the French seaside to your outdoor entertaining with West Elm's wrapped Woven Pitchers. Be prepared for the raffia to get a little worn, the glass does not come out of the surround, so buy an extra to have just in case. They're on sale!

Photo courtesy of World Market

If you prefer a more muted color palette, then check out these beautiful soft colors in the Palampore Placemats from World Market.

Photo courtesy of World Market

If pillows are what you need, these outdoor ready Indonesian Fruit stunners at World Market are bright and cheery adding a touch of the exotic.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1

A right - sized fan chair from Pier 1 means you won't feel like Lilly Tomlin sitting in one!

Photo courtesy of CB2

Shed a little light inside or out with hammered brass teardrop Ous Hanging Tealights from CB2. They cast a party-ready glow.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

For a more trad option, there is this Z Gallerie Malaga Lantern that is inspired by a classic English lantern. It would work well lining a pathway.

MEET ATLANTA'S ROBERT BROWN AND HIS NEW MACRAE COLLECTION

2012-05-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Mixing warm modern and antique pieces in his work, southern interior designer Robert Brown is known for his mastery of simplicity, clean lines and elegant neutral - with - a - pop - of - color palettes. His interiors make your shoulders drop and relax, and want to have a cocktail. As a designer that understands classic scale and proportion so well, it made sense that he channel this talent into furniture design. A partnership with Macrae allowed him to use his fashion and textile background for inspiration, and the result is southern sophisticated. In New York for Blogfest to launch the furniture collection at the Lee Jofa showroom, you can see the hallmarks of his clean design with masculine yet modern lines.

Whenever designers create rooms in the front area at Lee Jofa, I pay attention. They are a nice way to show a designers sensibility and showcase their new designs. Using a wonderful grey paint, the walls envelop, resulting in a sophisticated modern-inflected study. Clean lines and a lack of cluttered surfaces allow the furniture pieces to enhance the architectural aspects of the room.

Bob chatting with Lisa Kravet at the launch.

A beautiful Parsons-style desk, The Griffin Writing Table, in a rich, dark wood with pared down objects on it is a perfectly refined place to work. That Maple tree creates a serene feeling by bringing a bit of the natural world in.

Pretty pretty, spring is in the air!

Using a clear glass box to neatly display desk items keeps things tailored and orderly.

Another angle of the desk.

The handsome Barkley Bar with deco and mid century lines hides contents but adds stature.

Southerners know the art of hospitality, so of course, a pull - out shelf for a drink has been included in the McDaniel Lounge Chair.

The low-profile sleek and modern Kathryn Slipper Chair has a wooden frame painted in a chalk white finish. A great lounger.

A classic wooden chest of drawers with linear brass pulls re-invents a classic antique form by taking the best attributes from it. A modern color field painting in rosy pink hues adds just the right amount of color to the grey walls.

The detailed interlocking demilune pattern on the back of The Chandler Chair really stand out in the white finish. I would say this is an instant favorite.

A classic column is always a wonderful spatial device that can enhance an entry flanking a doorway. The Chambers Column is a clean lined version of a classic style that has endless functions.

Idea alert! The lucite antlers bring your eye up the wall, and a corner screen below it is an interesting surface to hang artwork on.

IT'S BLOGFEST!

2012-05-23T07:30:00.000-04:00

A red and purple arrangement for the debut of Robert Brown Home Furniture

by MacRae in the front room at Lee Jofa

Yes, it's that time of year! The spring is here, it must be time for Blogfest 2012. Attracting a diverse network of design bloggers from around the country, the three day event, hosted by Kravet Inc, is in it's second year. With a bevy of fun events in the jam- packed schedule, we were off and running yesterday at 8:30am.

We kicked off the day with breakfast at Hearst Tower, which included candid conversations with Dara Caponigro of Veranda and distinctly American designers Darryl Carter and Timothy Whealon. Their designs have that elusive play of light and color with an architectural bent and use of strong pieces for impact.

Tables were set with the most glorious pure pink peonys

House Beautiful followed, where the hot issue was uncovering life-changing Ah Hah moments from HB Next Wave designers Jon Call, Jill Goldberg, and Michael Herold.

The HB Connect App works like this:

Staying close to the leading edge of technology, their just launched House Beautiful Connect app scans scans images on the magazine pages to unlock behind - the - scenes video from photo shoots and additional content. It is a great way to feel like you were there, as a fly on the wall editor. I am very impressed with their early adapter initiative, it engages readers to interact with the print copy to gain access to that ever-desirable thing: more content.

The ever-inspiring interior and fabric designer Katie Leede left us all with a mantra for the day-

Most of Katie Leede's bedroom for a college gal included catalog - shopped finds. And yes, Laduree Macarons that matched her tented fabric swag.

Followed by a tour of the just-opened Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House, where participating designers Katie Leede and Sherrill Canet among others, were on hand to discuss their inspiration.

Southern gent Atlanta-based Robert Brown sharing his design inspiration with Lisa Kravet

From there, we headed to the D and D for a delicious Lobster Roll lunch at Lee Jofa and got to know Atlanta-based interior designer Robert Brown, whose just-launched sophisticated traditional yet minimalist Macrae furniture collection was debuted in the front showroom.

The beyond hilarious speaker Alexa Hampton regaled us with tales of design excursions with her dad, including a class trip to Kips Bay in 2nd Grade.

We then headed over to Kravet, where we were privy to a spirited design conversation with Alexa Hampton and Traditional Home Editor in Chief Ann Maine.

Interiors latest issue

More fun is to come tomorrow, and I am very excited to participate in Blogfest on an Interiors Magazine panel hosted by Editor in Chief Michael Wollaeger. Joined by the effervescent interior designer and creative director for Oscar de la Renta Home, Miles Redd, along with photographer Peter Aaron, the panel is entitled "Interiors Insider: Beautiful design results from inspiration, experience and creativity whether the goal is a magazine spread, a photograph or simply a happy client. Join Michael Wollaeger for Interiors Insider, a panel discussion which will address the various functions of designer, photographer, and blogger, and the important role each plays in achieving success through design. Learn tips and tricks from top experts in their field: interior designer Miles Redd, noted photographer Peter Aaron, and blogger and former editor Marisa Marcantonio. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories of how the most beautiful work in our industry is created."

The venue is one of my favorite Old New York institutions, The Museum of the City of New York at 1220 Fifth Avenue (at 103rd St.).

More from the final day as it unfolds. Please standby...

Outside the Lee Jofa Showroom, Kravet goodie bags lining the entire length of the hall.

LUSH LIFE: WHIMSICAL NEW ANTILLES PRINTS

2012-05-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Reviving the iconic 1960's printed textile designs of Amos Morrill, his daughter Lee Morrill-Harrington is sure to create another wave of interest in this particular resort style. Capturing the quaint aspects of island living, from the exotic flora and fauna to sealife, enter Antilles Designs. The brainchild of the Antiguan-born interior designer, this bright new tropical collection brings the natural world in, with festive color combinations, detailed renderings of leaves, flowers and sea creatures. The joyous, easygoing designs by her father were created from existing sketches and samples Morrill-Harrington recently happened upon in her father's Antigua loft. As an interior designer, she embarked on a path to create fresh and fun graphic prints in highly usable colors. You can find the designs in the Gary McBournie Home Dering Hall storefront, as well as Studio 534 at the Boston Design Center and Webster & Company in Estero, Florida. I have to thank Christine Bell from C. Bell in Florida for introducing me to the line, it is sure to please those wishing for the footloose and fancy free living island life provides. Hey, has Jimmy Buffet seen these yet? I think he would approve.

Banana Bird in royal blue. Can you spot the birdy?

Banana Birds in trade winds blue

Banana Bird in sunset orange just needs a cold Sunkist next to it

Oversized leaves eclipse the dallying butterflies in Breadfruit in plumbego blue

Breadfruit in confetti pink

Breadfruit in crocus

Key Lime stacked

Key Lime in flamboyant red

green on white

Turquoise

Calypso blue

I just love the colors in the sky blue on white

It's electric! Sunnyside yellow

Turq on white

Capturing the lush abundance of Bougainvillea in bloom, amythest is for people who adore purple

Bouganvillea in beach rose

Icy blue perfection: Bubbles in blue

Bubbles in a pale lettuce green

Bubbles in the perfect shade of sorbet pink

Reef, in pink and blue

Frangipani in orange with pale pink is crisp

icy blue and persimmon in Frangipani

Frangipani with teal and yellow

Townhouse captures island dwellings in a jolly, naif print

Redcliffe Red has zing

THE OUTOOR ROOM: VOTE FOR ELAINE GRIFFIN'S L'ORANGERIE IN LOWE'S DESIGNER CHALLENGE

2012-05-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

The design notion of making your outdoor space as comfortable as your inside interiors is worth embracing. Now that warm days are here, don't you love the idea of spending as much time as possible out of doors? My friend Elaine Griffin is very good at creating said lush outdoor spaces, so it's a good thing she was selected tp participate in Lowe's Designer Challenge. Her space, entitled L'Orangerie, is perfect for an urban dweller's garden. Using lattice on the walls for texture, she created a charming enclave to spend time in nature. Incorporating flowering plants, outdoor lighting and a space to sit and linger, the area provides a transporting experience.

I hope you will take a second to vote for Elaine's space on Facebook beginning tomorrow till June 5th. so she can donate the proceeds to Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club! Lowe’s will donate $25,000 for each of the designers’ charities, with the winning charity receiving an additional $25,000. The winning vignette will be selected by votes on Lowe’s Facebook page from Tuesday, May 22 to Tuesday, June 5. So head on over to VOTE ELAINE!

Photos courtesy of Lowe's

Elaine, sitting in her outdoor living room, ready for summer to start.

A little piece of outdoor heaven. Blue walls, blooming trees and places to perch in an enveloping environment.

Elaine shows how easy it is to create a little getaway and enhance it with natural elements.

Outdoor furniture like this Blaney Chair has the scale of the classic Billy Baldwin Slipper Chair, just zshush it up with some bright pillows.

The master plan Elaine hatched to create her space was thorough and precise.

The Creative Components Elaine Used For Her Outdoor Room:

Valspar's Sky Space covered all the wood work for a cohesive effect.

Ceiling Medallion

Columns

Diamond Lattice

Concrete Urn

Eastfield Coffee Table

Blaney Wicker Woven Chair

Allen and Roth Garden Seat

LEARN FROM THE BEST: THE BEST OF LECTURE SERIES AT SOTHEBY'S

2012-05-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

Bringing top talent together, The Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and Hearst Design Group have teamed up to kick off a lecture series running from May 21st to June 5th 2012. The Best Of, hosted by Sotheby’s at 1334 York Avenue, will be a nice way to learn from established design voices of today. Happening at the same time as the Kips Bay Showhouse across town, in it's 40th year, the events are sure to bring an erudite experience to your design submersion. Subjects range from interiors to jewelry, and designers Miles Redd and Bunny Williams, gardening and lifestyle guru P. Allen Smith, Winterthur Museum’s Tom Savage, Hutton Wilkinson, Verdura CEO Ward Landrigan will speak on subjects they know so well. Dara Caponigro, Veranda's Editor-in-Chief will engage in a tete a tete with the iconic Iris Apfel too. You won't want to miss the energetic Iris, whose fully-realized inimitable style at 90 is reaching the masses with everything that symbolizes her iconic look-- from round eyeglasses for Eyebobs to signature red lipsticks with MAC and clothing and jewelry for HSN. If you want to learn wine, a tasting event with Eli Rodriquez on May 31 will give you a foundation to make educated decisions when faced with the daunting task of reading too-long wine lists.

Tickets at $75 ticket per lecture may appear steep, but they include an on-site lunch or cocktail reception, depending on time of day they occur, and the proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of America, an amazing organization to help New York City youth through innovative after school programs. If a few of the talks appeal you can purchase a package of three for $150.

Here is the line up of fascinating movers and shakers:

Monday, May 21st at 11 a.m.—Hutton Wilkinson presents “Tony Duquette, More is More”: At eighteen, Hutton Wilkinson began an apprenticeship under the great American design icon, Tony Duquette, and continued to work and collaborate on a myriad of projects with him over the next twenty-five years. In 1994, Wilkinson and Duquette officially became business partners and a few years later, launched a collection of one-of-a-kind, fine jewelry for Bergdorf Goodman, adored by the public, fashion press and used by Tom Ford, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Since the passing of Mr. Duquette in 1999, Wilkinson as owner, creative director and president of Tony Duquette Inc. has continued to design and market his unique fine jewelry pieces as well as a collection of home furnishings, textiles, custom lighting products and hand made carpets and tapestries for other brands as well as tabletop accessories and interior decorations as “Tony Duquette” and Tony Duquette Inc. Hutton’s book “Tony Duquette” which he co-authored with Wendy Goodman, chronicles the great designer’s life and oeuvre (Abrams, 2007); “More Is More, Tony Duquette” (Abrams, 2009) is the companion volume. During the lecture, Wilkinson will bring the audience through this visual tale of Tony Duquette’s personal design philosophy and the artistic credo that inspired him to create his fanciful artwork, sculptures, jewelry, gardens and interiors.

Tuesday, May 22nd at 11 a.m.—Bunny Williams presents “Making the Home Come to Life”: Bunny Williams is a designer with a modern vision, a sense of history and the confidence to take the unexpected path. Both a trailblazer and a tastemaker, Williams’ style is classic but never predictable. Currently, Bunny Williams has a thriving design practice, Bunny Williams Inc. formed in 1988, and a widely acclaimed home furnishings collection, BeeLine Home, launched in 2008. With her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, Williams owns Treillage Ltd., two unique decorative home and garden shops in New York. She is the author of On Garden Style, Affair with a House, Bunny Williams’ Point of View and currently in her fourth book, “Scrapbook for Living” published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang in November 2010, Williams’ offers inspiring tips for organizing and personalizing a home. “No matter how beautiful a home, be it large or small, the real magic happens when the door opens and one is welcomed into a home with soft lighting, delicious scents, offerings of drinks and food, sitting groups arranged for easy conversation. With planning and organization this becomes effortless.”

Wednesday, May 30th at 11 a.m.—P. Allen Smith presents “Natural Elegance at Moss Mountain Farm”: The award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith will share how his life and travels inspire his work. He is the host of two public television programs, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens and is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, including Bringing the Garden Indoors: Container, Crafts and Bouquets for Every Room and the recently published cookbook, P. Allen Smith’s Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.

Wednesday, May 30th at 6 p.m.—Iris Apfel and Dara Caponigro present “A Conversation About Style and Design": VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Dara Caponigro will ask Iris Apfel about her lasting impact on style in the worlds of interior design and fashion, from her founding of iconic fabric house Old World Weavers to her status as one of today's most recognizable fashion icons.

Thursday, May 31st at 11 a.m.—Ward Landrigan presents “Verdura and Women of Style”: Celebrated jewelry expert, historian and Verdura Chairman, CEO and Co-Owner Ward Landrigan will focus on the life and career of 20th century jeweler Duke Fulco di Verdura and the style and glamour of the iconic women who made his jewelry famous. The archive of almost ten thousand designs Fulco left behind tells the intriguing story of these legendary style-makers...a story of love, humor, and style. Mr. Landrigan’s own interest in jewelry began in high school when he interned for a local jeweler and continued with his studies at the Courtauld Institute of Fine Arts in London and the Gemological Institute of America. He started his career at Sotheby’s auction house where, by age 24, was head of the jewelry department. Landrigan first heard Verdura’s name when he did an appraisal for Lily Pons in Texas in 1965 and was immediately drawn to the innate style and artistry of a particular piece: a shooting star set with pavé diamonds. When Mr. Landrigan left Sotheby’s in 1973 to form his own estate jewelry business, he bought and sold pieces from many of the world’s great jewelry designers. Nevertheless, Verdura remained his favorite.

Thursday, May 31st at 6 p.m.—Wine Tasting with Eli Rodriguez: Space is limited! Eli is originally from Long Island and became interested in wine while studying at Cornell University. He learned the wine business, first at Best Cellars, then as a sommelier at Restaurant Daniel, working for one of the greatest chefs and most professional restaurateurs, Daniel Boulud, before joining Sotheby’s as an auction specialist in 2006. He was appointed as the Manager of Retail Sales when Sotheby’s launched their new, full service, retail wine business, Sotheby’s Wine, in September 2010.

Friday, June 1st at 11 a.m.—Miles Redd presents “Fashion and Inspiration in Interior Design”: The internationally acclaimed interior design sensation, known for his quirky brand of cozy glamour will speak to his unique aesthetic vision characterized by a mélange of high and low, invigorated with whimsical splashes of color and modern gestures. Drawing on inspirations ranging from Richard Avedon fashion photographs to Rene Gruau illustrations, Redd has crafted interiors for a wide array of venues. His trademark approach to design has brought to life rooms infused with boldness, fantasy, and sophistication. Miles Redd embarked on his interior design career after graduating from NYU, honing his skills with luminary antiques dealer John Rosselli and decorator Bunny Williams. In 1998 he opened his own design firm in New York City’s NoHo neighborhood.

Tuesday, June 5th at 11 a.m.—Tom Savage presents "Addicted to Old Houses: Iconic Rooms and Influential Interiors": Winterthur’s director of museum affairs will lead a lively tour of historic interiors at home and abroad that have influenced and shaped his career. The Winterthur Museum is the former Delaware home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), the avid antiques collector and horticulturist. Today, Savage oversees the collections, exhibitions, public programs and marketing and communications departments. From November 1998 until August 2005, he served as Senior Vice President and Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Art for North and South America where he directed The Sotheby’s American Arts Course, an intensive nine-month professional training program in American fine and decorative arts of the seventeenth century to the present. He was also responsible for public programming, lecture series and travel programs for Sotheby’s.

COLOR KICKS THIS YEAR'S KIPS BAY SHOWHOUSE UP A NOTCH

2012-05-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

So how do you make a modern glass box livable? That was the question many designers asked themselves as they prepared their rooms for this year's Kips Bay Showhouse. Situated in a tower in the sky with river views, two duplex apartments received the designer treatment. With nary a piece of molding in sight, the design challenge began. The chosen participants spun their web of transformation in a jiffy. Since these are professionals, they rose to the occasion with brilliance, creating unique spaces with something for everyone. I will delve into the design standouts over the next week, so visit the far Westside and take a look. If traveling cross town is too much to process, Kips Bay has organized a shuttle bus that leaves from the Park Avenue Armory at 66th Street.

Speaking of brilliance, the brilliant color green was big this year. It was present in every hue, from jade to grass, the verdant color vied for attention. From Charlotte Moss covering an entire room in floor to ceiling pea green velvet (masking the soffit overhang like the lining of a jewelry box) to Jamie Drake painting his walls a matte teal finish, the veteran designers used the color to great dramatic effect.

Todd Romano's dining room with double height ceilings and soaring windows. French Directiore chairs upholstered in Brunschwig and Fils grass green silk matched the Dodie Thayer pottery he set on the table.

A massive pineapple welcomed us. Designed by Horacio Madrigal Terra Cotta, it is from Claremont, in case you were wondering. The color matched the aubergine walls.

To say I have a fondness for Thayer Lettuceware is an understatement. I adore it. You can always count on Romano for Porthault linens and gorgeous china.

Charmer alert! A miniature vase of carnations at every place setting provided a warm gesture of hospitality.

What Kips Bay room would be complete without a handmade lamp by Christopher Spitzmiller?

Bringing the natural world inside, Charlotte Moss's room appealed to all the senses. She covered a wall in boxwood, the facing wall had blown up images of manicured French gardens, and swathed everything in varying shades of green. The darling round-backed Charleston Slipper Chair and white cut corner table are two pieces from her new Century Icon's Furniture collection. The scale and amount of detail on them are just perfect, and I think my apartment would agree. The Natchez Camel Back Sofa has Fortuny Pillows from David Duncan on it to add a little shimmer. To further enhance the greenery all around, the sounds of chirping birds created a transporting experience.

Photos by Eric Striffler

Working with her new Fabricut collection, she covered the room in velvet and upholstered pieces in her green florals and prints. Getting creative with the wall space, she hung antique engravings at eye level and placed a Vladimir Kanevsky Porcelain Hollyhock on a gilded decorative bracket.

Catching everything in its reflective glow, the walls of Thom Filicia's lacquer box.

His Vanguard Copake Eagle Console held sway on one wall.

On another wall, his cool modern Abstract Lines artwork from Soicher Marin were hung above a bench he designed for Vanguard.

Brian del Toro is a name you may not know but you should. He is enormously talented, having worked for some of the best in the business. He was a senior designer when I was at David Kleinberg's office. His has impeccable taste. Spring green cushions in F. Schumacher's Prestwick wool sateen in shamrock on parchment club chairs from the 1960's mirror the clean lines in the wall treatment.

To counter the pop of green, French blue walls were treated with linear paneling. There were many great takes on how to treat walls this showhouse.

A rarified old world vintage Longchamp desk set and lamp tied the shades of green together. How civilized. Desk sets are making a comeback. I think the luddite in everyone is emerging to counter our obsessive ipad use.

What can I say? Jamie Drake just knows how to style a bookcase. He too used interesting horizontal panel detailing in more of a forest green/teal combination.

Beautiful porcelain flowers nestled amongst the books.

Scott Sanders created The Cabana, a room that is ready for summer. Incorporating a classic Scalamandre resist print recolored in a green, blue and yellow floral pattern.

Meshing mid century modern and the way we live today, Sanders artfully crafted a fun hang out space.

Phillip Jeffries Juicy Jute grasscloth in split pea added requisite zing on the walls teeing up the pair of fluoro Warhol pop art cows.

NEW TERRAIN: A GARDEN EMPORIUM FOR WESTPORT

2012-05-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you hear about a store that changes the retail landscape. By raising the bar with surprise and delight at every turn, this kind of store provides an inspiring escape, elevating the every day. This is the case with Terrain, the rural Pennsylvania garden mecca created by the folks from Anthropologie. The mix of artfully aged furniture and accessories, gardening objects and plants with a rustic yet residential vibe was innovative and exciting. It made the farm to table crowd as well as gardeners heart's skip a beat. After hearing how fabulous Terrain at Styers was, imagine my delight when I heard that Westport, Connecticut was the location for the next Terrain garden emporium. While visiting my Mom on Mother's Day, I encouraged her to take a little detour up the Post Road to number 561 so I could check it out. Gorgeous weather on opening day made for a packed parking lot, where there was even valet (how LA) as an option for those that wanted to get inside in a hurry. Here is a sampling what we enjoyed that beautiful spring day. This is not your average garden center or nursery, this is a destination. From the reclaimed rustic garden pieces and beautifully merchandised gifts to the rows and rows of growing greenery all around, I would say Terrain is going to draw garden enthusiasts from miles around. Get out your wheelbarrow and get your summer gardening going!

The location was a Cadillac dealership. Talk about trading spaces.

A wall of pocket planters at the entrance has a wall garden effect and I like the way it is hung on the concrete wall.

Everywhere you look there are great rustic zinc topped tables with tree bases filled with a plethora of potted plants and terrariums.

Succulents and trees displayed in every type of container imaginable.

The spaces are staged as separate environments to use the space effectively. Here, a dining set up.

This place is HUGE.

Bright hydrangeas in a variety of hues.

Not so subliminal messaging on a linen napkin.

Their tabletop selection has just the right amount of rustic to real living. Aged wood, porcelain and glass do the perfect farmhouse table setting make.

I was totally taken with there large paper flowers in glass vases. They looked adorable.

The collection of aged furniture pieces will go right away since they are special one of a kind finds.

Giant arched windows from a 1920's greenhouse tie display areas together.

In case you hadn't noticed, we are going through a big terrarium moment.

The notion of abundance makes the tea towels, pots and framed art look great together.

The fern wall.

A natural apothecary area towards the bag has all the hot beauty brands and accoutrements.

Every gardener needs a little shade from time to time. Here, some quirky toppers.

Steel girders enhance the industrial chic vibe.

And how smart is this? Put a coffee bar in it and they will come. And stay awhile. And shop.

Books range from gardening, to keeping house. I have a feeling this will become a book singing venue extroardinaire.

Ah! A gorgeous arrangement.

A kitchen table and chairs can be yours.

Rolling baskets dipped in white paint are so chic. I will be surprised if these are still there.

Garden ornaments and antique statuary allow your garden can reflect your individual style.

The cafe combines garden elements in an airy setting with the view of the nursery beyond.

What a day it was- people were preparing their landscaping plans.

From concrete to composite, there are planters for most any style.

A garden shed with flowering potted plants beside it.

A well-stocked greenhouse.

STYLEBEAT PICK CHRISTINA MURPHY IN TRAD HOME

2012-05-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photos courtesy of Trad Home

What makes a designer a New Traditional? The ability to design with furniture and decorative elements from the past and make them look fresh for today? Or, is it the way traditional forms are re-invented in environments for today? Whatever the reason, the designers selected this year bring their skilled eye, talent at editing, sense of color, arranging and mixing and matching. With the May arrival of the 2nd annual Trad Home Digital Issue came my Stylebeat submission selection project by Christina Murphy. It was so cool to see her kelly-green tinged living room and the entire project come to life on the digital pages. Filled with color, personality and great art, Murphy leaves a Colorful Impression with this well-thought out New York City apartment for a growing cosmopolitan family. The entire issue is filled with great designers projects, artisans and more. Download the digital issue to peruse the talent to watch.

Christina and I wanted to have our photo shoot together, but I was in her Florida hometown when the project was photographed. It was a busy March for us both!

Cards, anyone?

With multiple seating areas, catchy art and plush upholstery, this room is versatile and vibrant.

A concealed bar is symmetrically balanced with doors flanking the other side of the fireplace.

Pops of green make the living room energetic. A place to entertain and hang out, it suits the many needs of the busy family that lives there.

The serene dining room is sophisticated and sparkly. With a feel similar to that of a boutique hotel space, the room transforms at night with the glow of candles. Add the view and you are on vacation suspended in time.

It's all in the details. Here, shimmery brass accents in the dining room add a deco allure.

Garnering interest the minute you walk in the front door, a zig zag painted floor and high back chairs with a unique double tape trim running down the center make the entry eye-catchingly exciting.

A playful, wide horizontal stripe took a windowless space to wow where the family spends time together.

The jewel of a powder room where the graphic wallpaper and bold cut out mirror do the work.

Custom detailing make a pretty trad headboard more than just a cut corner headboard. Catching the light, nickel nailheads sit on top of a grey blue tape trim that coordinates with the nickel swing arm lamp. A neutral palette makes the bedroom a sanctuary.

GONE ANTIQUING: HEADING TO BRIMFIELD

2012-05-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

Every May, July and September antique loving fans ascend on the town of Brimfield, Massachusetts for a flea market pilgrimage. As I asked around to get some tips on tackling the antiques - fest that is Brimfield, I was surprised at how many interior designers told me they had never been before. It is the world's largest outdoor antique show, with 21 fields that cover 3-5 acres each. Yes, I said 3-5 acres each.

In the spirit of a shared dialog, I look forward to recapping my #Brimfield trek with you, through the mud amidst the throngs. Attending with a group of similarly - minded voracious shoppers, ie bloggers and editors courtesy of Robert Allen, we are sure to return with well-edited spoils aplenty.

If there is a dealer, tent or section that I just cannot miss, be sure to leave me a comment with their name and location so I can seek them out. Or, drop me a line on twitter @stylebeat. Design aficionados who have gone for years said it becomes less overwhelming the more you go, so as someone who likes to plan to the hilt before traveling somewhere new, this is sure to be an experience to remember.

A PERFECT PAIRING: STYLISH SANDALS FROM JACK ROGERS WITH QUADRILLE

2012-05-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

It's safe to say that between us, my sister and I have over 30 pairs of Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals. We adore them, and have ever since we got our first pair of Navajo's back in 1978. They were called Palm Beach Sandals and came from Kornhausers, a small shoe maker on Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach. You would go in, Pepe would measure your foot, and each year you would come back and he would add an extension so they fit you as you grew. There were a few other small cobblers that made them in and around Palm Beach, and Jack Rogers was founded in 1960. Their bright, preppy color combinations and signature whipstitch detailing have amassed a fiercely loyal following the world over. The Navajo has evolved and grown, and with Jack Rogers purchase a few years ago, you may have noticed an expanded assortment. Their creative director, Lauren DuPont, helped revitalize the brand and expand its reach, with a Madison Avenue flagship and many new iterations. The evolution continues, and the latest amalgamation includes a genius collaboration with a natural partner, fabric maker Quadrille. What a perfect pairing! The preppy prints combined with contrast detailing are just what they should be-- festive and femme.

Get yourself a pair or two and grow your Jack Rogers wardrobe just in time for summer. They are available early June on Jack Rogers.

Aquarius in blue

Aquarius in green

Another angle

Jacks in pale blue

Jacks in orange

Jacks in pink

CURVES AHEAD! 20 STYLISH CHAIRS FROM HIGH POINT

2012-05-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

Sweeping lines and curvilinear details are helping to redefine the side chair. Working with positive and negative space, silhouettes are becoming more important. Often referred to as "personality pieces," these chairs provide an interesting place to perch that adds exciting detail to a room scheme. Curves lead your eye around a piece, allowing the attributes of the chair become the star. As always, comfort is key, so curvy must provide the addition of personality as well as the invitation to stay awhile. Here are the High Point Market finds that bring sexy back.

A new dining chair from Drexel Heritage has tailored tufting on it's curvacious back. Clean lines and comfort converge.

Taking the wing chair and adapting it, this Drexel Heritage chair with a lower back still envelops the sitter.

Century had fun with a cut-out wood framed back here, calling upon classic Chinoiserie fretwork details for a geometric element. Their Chin Hua collection was one of the high points at market.

Like an early American antique modernized in metal, Zentique fuses Klismos with classic. You may want too add a cushion to the burlap seat.

Bringing the arms of the classic Klismos chair around for a wider embrace, this Noir perch would make for a great desk chair in a study.

I love this Chinese chair from Century with it's low profile and crisp white finish, it looks fresh and exciting even though the inspiration is centuries old.

Phoebe and Jim Howard's foray into furniture was big this past market with their new launch, Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture. A neo wing chair they did with Sherrill has a low roll arm and curvy yet less wrapped sides.

Another Klismos! Hey, if it's been around this long, you know the silhouette works. What is nice about this chair is it has a low back so it works pulled up to a dining table or along the walls when not in use. An upholstered seat and back make it comfortable.

With a back that follows the curves of a wooden Chippendale chair, this version from Mrs. Howard for Sherrill is upholstered, again, for cozy purposes. A carved wooden leg has just enough decorative detail.

Bunny Williams' Beeline Home just came out with a curvy-backed tufted and upholstered side chair too, and the scale of it is just perfect. Not to mention the raspberry linen upholstery and white frame! Sold!

A great chair for a living room seating arrangement, Lee's upholstered armchair with tight back and lose seat is reminiscent of a classic French bergere with a comfortable pitch.

A straight back and cut corners on Lexington Home Brand's wood framed chair with tight back and lose seat is another winner. The back cuts in and the seat has a barrel shape that supports a nice, thick cushion.

Mixing highly polished wood, chrome and leather, Lexington Home Brands new side chair has deco sensibilities with Mad Men-allure.

Geometric cut-outs form octagonal and square patterns on the back of Palacek's white bamboo chair. Florida residents, you need these for your game tables!

I have a thing for upholstered legs. Michelle Nussbaumer did them so well in her Greystone Maison de Luxe Showhouse chairs, and here they are again. They provide an unbroken line that does not detract from the form. A softly sloping back give this chair from Hickory Chair just the right amount of detail and the padded arm is just wide enough.

If you are channeling great vintage finds, and who isn't these days, then you too will find this modified woven wicker Peacock chair from Palacek amazing.

Upholstered with cut out arms, Gabby's vintage-inspired chair can transition from a desk to a seating area in no time. If you are working with a small space, this is the multi tasker for you.

This chair just has so much to add to the conversation with personality plus. Shrinking the wing chair down using its best attributes, Julian Chichester added tufting and nail head trim along with a tapered bobbin leg to make it fun fun fun.

Turning the settee silhouette on its head, Mr. Brown just launched a sexy, tailored high - backed piece with arms that rise out of the seat.

Low and lean with a tight seat and back, this Mr. Brown wing chair is a little bit Jetsons, a little bit Brit bad boy. All curves, it borrows the tapered wood leg from mid century while being distinctly of this day and age.

I HEART DESIGN, DO YOU?

2012-05-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Photos courtesy of I Heart Design by Avenue

Andrea and Ashley soaking up the California sun.

It all starts with the image. A photo is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to creating a compelling shopping experience. Interior design duo Andrea DeRosa and Ashley Manhan of Avenue Interior Design started their online e-commerce collection called I Heart Design to showcase their favorite fresh fashion and home finds. The LA-based design - aware friends bonded over their obsession with the fashion/art/design nexus, and started their firm in 2009. From working with their clients, on their own homes and hotels projects, they decided to put their "eye" to good use, turning to the internet to create a cool, shoppable experience. Shop a room by style getting inspired by a dynamic, gutsy interior or fashion image. Designing a room based around a key alluring shot, they make shopping a look chic, focusing either on color, composition, texture, or mood. Recent rooms to reality include Brightly Sophisticated Office, Mid Century Chic Entertainment Room, and Private Library. The site possesses a hip quotient that fuses slick snaps with well - edited high - design key home pieces, art and accessories. Give it a whirl.

The inspirational rooms:

Contemporary Bedroom

Tres Chic Sitting Room

Private Garden Party

Organic Studio

Tribal Sitting Room

Private Library

Inspired shopping:

PAINTERLY PIZAZZ

2012-05-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Reminiscent of Jackson Pollock's iconic, out sized drip paintings, a new crop of painterly inspiration is emerging. The abstract surface pattern, trending on fabrics as well as ceramics, is appreciated as much for its randomness as it is for its hand - created feel. Adding an energetic zing, splatter can kick it up a notch when pattern is called for.

Pierre Frey's Leo, named after the large scale canvas painter captures the artist's hand with slashes and drops of paint.

There is also a striking black and white combination that prefer the strong contrast.

A ceramic dish from Mrs. Howard has spatter, brushstrokes and dashes.

Beeline Home's newest lamp, The Spatter, with splashy blue glazes covering the entire white ceramic form.

Dransfield and Ross debited their new Tozai Home collection at High Point that featured a classic Louis Chair covered in a mad splash of black and white splatter paint. The natural cotton fabric the paint is applied to looks just like a Pollock canvas.

Bunching cubes also get the paint treatment.

Vaughan Design took the classic amphora shape of the Aegina Vase and added a dynamic spatter and brushstroke glaze to the ceramic lamp.

Providing a casual rustic feel, porcelain coated enamel pieces in spatterware from Crow Canyon are popular for picnics.

POP ON OVER TO BUNNY'S

2012-05-03T07:30:00.000-04:00

One of the most gratifying aspects of creating product collections for a designer is seeing everything cross merchandised together, beautifully. This is not always the case, as products are often dispersed hither and yon into the marketplace, without properly telling the design story that holds it together. In the case of Bunny Williams, whose Beeline furniture, accessories and mirror lines are displayed en suite at her recently-launched pop-up shop, her design collection DNA is pure. The beloved New York City -based interior designer with Parish Hadley roots went about creating her own heirloom-quality personality pieces in a renegade way. By collecting antiques, getting inspired by global buying jaunts and the need for specific pieces she could not find for clients, she did it on her own, which allowed for total creative freedom. Her designs have her specific point of view, and also problem solve. Some of the best sellers include drinks tables and handmade glazed porcelain lamps. Arranged like a lived-in home, located at 306 East 61st Street, from May 1 though the 11th, the shop looks move-in ready. Warm touches like throws and fresh arranged flowers make it a delight. Rounded out with accessories and tabletop from her retail and now online shop, Treillage, it is worth popping over to see Bunny's bevy.

OFF TO ATLANTA

2012-04-30T23:38:00.002-04:00

Headed to Atlanta for Editor at Large and Editor TV... back soon with more High Point finds I am eager to share!

--Stay tuned

DESIGN ON A DIME: STEALS AND DEALS

2012-04-30T07:30:00.001-04:00

With no need to nickel and dime prices, Design on a Dime's deals were stellar again this year. Designers agree it is the most fun design shopping event of the year, where you see old friends and meet new one's all in the name of charity. Sharing a love of great design along with deals, Metropolitan Pavillion was packed for DOAD's opening night. As the buzzer went off at 6:30 pm, people scooped up the great goods with fervor to benefit Housing Works.

My big score was something I've wanted for ages, a fantastic Christopher Spitzmiller lamp. I pounced on it in Nick Olsen's vignette, but had to limit myself for practicality. Let's just say it made me oh-so happy. The thing I love most about vignettes is the immense creativity they bring out. The ephemeral nature of them means sadly, nothing this good lasts forever. I took well over 100 photos, and here are some standouts from the evening.

Lara Spencer for One King's Lane included pretty artwork and easy to live with upholstered pieces.

Speaking of pretty, anemones and peony's in oranges and pinks made their booth springy.

Ford Huniford, the founding chair, created a monochromatic montage. Mixing found objects with painting things in snow white, the impact was amazing.

Evette Rios for HomeGoods had a great curved high back sofa, flower ottoman and chairs covered in Dwell fabric. Her vignette was in honor of Will and Kate, if they had a NYC pad.

Combining horse show ribbons and rustic chandeliers, Dering Hall's booth had a festive feel with chic furniture.

Mixing brightly striped rugs, an ikat spotted umbrella, masses of flowers and a trad chintz and blue and white plates on the wall, newcomer C. Wonder wowed.

Tons of blue and white china at cheap and cheerful prices went quickly.

The large space was a harbinger of spring. The umbrella was not for sale but I sure wish it was.

Eddie Lee put a framed fabric of succulents on the wall to kick off the garden theme. With light wood accessories, beautiful potted boxwood and amazing upholstery there were good finds here!

In Arden Stephenson's booth, black and white floral backed the main wall and happy turquoise Valspar paint made the chic sitting room complete. I wonder who walked away with the Flokati stool, what fun.

Minimalist chic in Brad Ford's booth was highlighted by an amazing photo series of a woman walking briskly against a red background. The energy of the piece was riveting. As always, Brad's ability to make greenery look sculptural was evident.

Another hard to resist, amazing piece of art in Brad's booth.

A red Bungalow 5 linen wrapped console and cubes with nailhead trim would surely make anyone happy.

Pappas Miron Design used a killer Alpha Workshops wallpaper with their upholstery laden den.

With the scale of everything suitable for urban dwelling, I wanted Nick Olsen's entire booth transported to my apartment stat.

This diminutive French chair in purple wool was chic chic.

My score: a Gregory Lamp from Christopher Spitzmiller in the most amazing pale green.

The ever-creative Harry Heissmann painted his walls purple and filled is space with quirky fabulous stuff. A pair of Spitzy lamps were still there!

A loden green mohair sofa with a high arm is a lifetime piece for sure.

I really wish I had the time to pick some artwork from Pocker, it was framed and ready to roll.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriella Brito was retro chic.

Hats off to the Housing Works crew for creating the coolest booth with flour accents.

They had a trove of John Derian paperweights to rival his store, and worked with Housing Works donations.

Patrick James Hamilton Designs scheme was dark and broody with great accessories. Notice that Baker lamp?

Rick colors tied the scheme together in a way that showed it took ages to orchestrate.

Katie Lydon had varied pillows and cool interesting pieces.

Aurelien Gallet has a knack for unique accessories from a variety of historical periods.

Cullman and Kravis's pink cocoon with boxes of candy stacked on the floor.

Just like his refined work, Matthew Patrick Smyth's booth was a snapshot of his interiors. Pale hues and comfortable pieces with symmetrical bookshelves.

That zebra rug! Neal Beckstedt had lots of usable pieces.

Along with great artwork.

Wiley design had black and white popped with pink for great impact.

Ideas aplenty here.

The guys from Flair brought their A game with serious Italian vintage.

Killer artwork too.

Jim Fairfax used a pale pink wall and earthy colors.

Many of his pieces were custom.

The 70's vibe of Nathan Thomas Studios chocolate brown space was comfortingly transporting.

I was looking forward to the High Falls Mercantile booth, as I knew it would be chock-a-block again this year.

Old good things...

Another 70's interior from Buzz Kelly was totally amazing. A painted wall with pastel colored rays was next to a wall with a bulls eye painting of the same colors. So creative.

A pomegranate colored sofa I believe a Vladimir Kagan piece, balanced the color variety.

One more angle.

Juniper Tedhams minimal, artistic space with crystal chandeliers and antique beds was statement making.

David Duncan Antiques had a fanciful painted backdrop with flowers and beautiful greenery.

Studio Printworks cone shaped black and white geo pattern provided the backdrop for Miles Redd's op art cocoon. Of course, everyone was awed by it.

Let's just say things went like hotcakes.

Foley and Cox had a large space to create a long living room.

Touches of Americana made it a cozy enclave.

There were so many nice pairs of candlestick lamps and lighting in general throughout the vignettes.

An antique mantel and comfortable reading chairs.

Country casual.

Lipstick red walls set the stage for the red, black and white world of Alessandra Branca.

She mixed beachy seagrass cubes and good antique pieces with strong lines.

I coveted this quilted slipper chair.

Genius Mark Cunningham's montage of natural materials with pops of white was spellbinding.

A great merchandiser, accessories were grouped in clusters by varying heights.

Texture and form come together so beautifully, Mark, when will you open a retail store?

Ernest De LA Torre paired blue walls, red lampshades and yellow National Geographic issues for a pop of primary colors.

Recreating her daughter's bedroom, Tilton Fenwick covered walls in an ethnic - inspired teardrop wallpaper in a bright green. Clarence House fabric accents on a canopy bed tied it all together.

The New Traditionalists dresser trimmed in green was stocked with classic children's books. Pops of vivid color made the space fun and dynamic.

My friend Mimi scored the bed for her daughter, yay!

With an eye for the best, Kristen McGinnis paired African accents with a neutral palette.

A zebra lamp, klismos chiar and mid-century desk.

Amazingly, the first edition Marc Newsom chair was still available by night's end.

Lilian August had an aviary as a centerpiece for ethnic finds.

Pops of yellow and kelly green with black and white made Genevieve Gorder's booth of re-finished Housing Works finds fresh.

Never one to shy away from color, Amanda Nisbet was up to her usual fun fabulous tricks. The neon sign says it all.

I wanted this custom sofa! It is the perfect scale for apartment living. Not sure the print was for me though.

A chartreuse lacquer desk sat beside a giant wooden turtle. Barbie dolls were hanging out too. And what's that I see? Yes, another great Spitzmiller lamp! I tipped a friend off and she nabbed it.

PETAL PUSHERS: THE QUATREFOIL

2012-04-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

The quatrefoil and trefoil motif appeared a few seasons back and achieved bigtime status when it graced the back of Suzanne Kasler's Alexandra chair for Hickory Chair. This High Point market, the ornamental petal design reached critical mass, and was seen on side tables and mirrors. The easy to use familiar design accent is a welcome addition to the nature-inspired landscape.

With a pinched edge and curved leg, a new matte brass quatrefoil side table from Mr. Brown has character

Century Furniture's Tilden Drinks Table in a cerused oak finish with a triangle stretcher at the bottom makes a practical side table

The Harper Side Table from Noir in Elm has enough surface area for a book, glass and your ipad

A jazzy version with a red leather top and gilded trim and black tapered leg from Lexington Home Brands

Looking for a spot to put your feet up? This is the place! Gabby Home just introduced this tufted quatrefoil with metal base

BRINGING ON THE BRIGHTS AT HIGH POINT SPRING MARKET

2012-04-25T07:30:00.002-04:00

Taking to the showrooms at this year's spring High Point Furniture Market, color was in the air. Everywhere I turned, blues, greens and multicolored prints dominated. I saw unique silhouettes, in addition to well-scaled pieces and light wood finishes. Comfort was key, and personality pieces reigned supreme. My trip was made possible by Lexington Home Brands, my High Point Market sponsor. Here is a first look at what caught my still-tired eyes.

Zingy bunching tables with a Greek-key silhouette in lime green lacquer from Century

Mixing lime green leather and lucite, a generous tufted ottoman adds extra seating and a place to put your feet up

A sleek mid century modern chest with brass linear pulls from Lexington Home Brands is great for urban dwellers

Ooh lala orange

Century Furniture incorporated a faux malachite finish and lucite into a vintage-inspired side table

Small, hand-painted geometric patterns in prints from Natural Curiosities

A melange of patchworked Indian textiles on a classic tufted sofa with small roll arm from Lee Industries makes a trad form young and fresh

A joyous Lee Jofa oversized floral print on a shelter chair from Lilly Furniture

A fire engine red hanging light from Currey and Company would look great over a kitchen island

A French blue armchair from Beeline Home has strong lines

Showing off a new Hable Construction fabric, Hickory Chair's cut corner chair with an upholstered leg is a new favorite of mine

A classic curved back bergere with an aged wood frame in a bold yellow fabric at Zentique

A bold red zigzag flat weave carpet from Surya designed by Jill Rosenwald

Small drinks tables in shiny lacquers from Beeline in Skittles colors

A glam red lacquer table with a curved leg and sides from Beeline has scroll detailing

Need storage? A red lacquer cabinet with endless drawers, cool brass pulls and feet from Lexington Home Brands

Got a hankering for geometrics? Lexington Home Brands Bunching Cubes with inside storage accessed through a swinging door

Transform an elegant and traditional tight seat with a bold ikat fabric as Hickory Chair did. It may be bold, but it certainly isn't boring

Dransfield and Ross bring their genius sensibility for color and design to Tozai. This market, their framed color palettes hung in a grid were amazing

A persimmon fabric and light wood frame on a new tufted Beeline dining chair has English refinement and a nice scale

Mango fabric and a spirited trim make this pillowy slipper chair from Lee Industries a cushioned cutie

Going dotty at Arteriors with a teal glass lamp

A blue and metalicized lamp from Mr. Brown has a bubbly personality

Light up the room with Oomph's new brightly painted lanterns

FOR THE 8th TIME: DESIGN ON A DIME

2012-04-23T07:30:00.001-04:00

Tilton Fenwick's vignette from last year

Elaine Griffith
photos: Lindsey Thorne

HB Home Ottoman, Retail Price: 1275.00, Housing Works Price: 385.00 Courtesy of Dering Hall

Tucker Robbins Feather Headdress Retail Price 1500.00, Housing Works Price: 450.00 Courtesy of Tyler Wisler Home

Studio Four NYC Custom Woven Area Rug 9 x 11 Retail price: 5900.00, Housing Works Price: 2450.00 Courtesy of Arden Stephenson

Elephant hotel, working hotel, that was built for Coney Island. Inspires designer Joshua Ingraham

New print being released especially for Design on a Dime. Inspiring designer Joshua Ingraham

Ochre Arctic Pear Chandelier Retail Price: 3,690.00 Housing Works Price: 1107.00 Courtesy of Foley & Cox Interiors Inc

When over 45 interior designers band together for charity, the world is a better place. It is hard to believe Design on a Dime is in it's 8th year! James Huniford, Charlotte Moss, Evette Ríos and Lara Spencer will co-chair this year's sure-to-be-fabulous Housing Work's Design on A Dime event. Held at The Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th Street, sponsors include HomeGoods, Valspar, and HSBC Private Bank with official media partners Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda as well. Don't miss the shoppable chic vignettes done by 50 designers with goods from 50-70% off retail. Come out, shop, and support this worthwhile cause helping New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. If you attend the opening night reception Thursday, April 26 at 6:30pm, you will have the best chance at scoring covetable merch. Get em' here. You can also pin it to win it, just complete and tweet your Pinterest Board to @HWthrifts, hashtag #DOAD, or share with Housing Works Thrift Shops on Facebook by 4/19. 3 winners will get 2 VIP tickets to meet the designers.
I suggest doing another round at the Public Sale, April 27-28 from 10am-6pm for new stuff.

Fully styled vignettes will be masterminded by:
Amanda Nisbet Designs
Anthony-Wright Interiors
ARDEN
Arlene Angard Designs
Asler Valero
Aurélien Gallet, LLC
Beale-Lana Interior Design
Bloomingdale’s
Brad Ford ID
Branca
Buzz Kelly Interiors
CHARLES FARRUGGIO LLC
CookingforOthers.com
Cullman & Kravis
David Duncan Antiques
De la Torre Design
Dering Hall
Eddie Lee Inc.
Evette Rios for HomeGoods
FAIRFAX STUDIOS
Flair
Foley & Cox Interiors Inc
Genevieve Gorder for Valspar
Harry Heissmann Inc.
High Falls Mercantile
Huniford
J. Pocker
Jarret Yoshida Interiors
John Douglas Eason Interiors
Jonathan Rosen Interiors
Joshua Ingraham Design
Juniper Tedhams
Katie Lydon Interiors
Kristen McGinnis Design
Lara Spencer for One Kings Lane
Lillian August
Lifestyling® By Maria Gabriela Brito
Liv-Chic by Hilary White
Mark Cunningham Inc.
Mark Stephen Design & Production
Matthew Patrick Smyth Inc
Michael Leva for C. Wonder
Miles Redd
Nathan Thomas Studios
Neal Beckstedt Studio
Nick Olsen
Nickelodeon
Pappas Miron Design
Patrick James Hamilton Designs
Reddymade Design, LLC
Rio Hamilton for Niedermaier
Shields & Company Interiors
Tiger Lily’s Greenwich
Tilton Fenwick LLC
Tyler Wisler Home
Willey Design
Yetta Banks for Viacom
Ziering Interiors

Phew!

WESTSIDE STORY: THE 2012 KIPS BAY SHOWHOUSE

2012-04-20T07:30:00.002-04:00

Photo courtesy of Kips Bay

This is the 40th anniversary of one of the most esteemed showhouses in the country, Kips Bay. Visitors will venture to the far west side this spring, as the "house" as it were, is located in The Aldyn, an uber-modern sleek building on Riverside Boulevard between 62nd and 63rd Street in a cul de sac past West End Avenue . Given that most city dwellers are apartment dwellers, there will be loads of takeaways from the setting. Chaired by The Energizer Bunny, Bunny Williams, the participating designers this year are prepared to delight and inspire, since they know they are part of something very special. You may notice repeat performances of some Kips Bay all stars, like Charlotte Moss and Jamie Drake. Proceeds benefit the Bronx-based Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club along with their after school and enrichment programs for New York City children. This year, generous sponsors include 1st Dibs, Architectural Digest, Benjamin Moore, Frette, Hearst Design Group, Koroseal, Lexington Home Brands, Scalamandre and Sferra. The elevator doors open May 16th through June 14, 2012. And don't forget about their wonderful on site shop, where you can donate home accessories as well as purchase design finds.

Let the transformation begin!

Here is the top talent:

Alexander Doherty Design
Andrew Tedesco
Brian del Toro
Brian McCarthy
Bunny Williams
Charles Pavarini III
Charlotte Moss
Chuck Fischer
Coffinier Ku Design
David Kleinberg
David Scott Interiors
Gunn Landscapes
James Rixner
Jamie Drake/ Drake Design Associates
Laura Bohn
Lynne Scalo Design
Mark Hampton LLC
Monica Rich Kosann
Neal Beckstedt Studio
Patrik Lonn Design
Raji Radhakrishnan/Raji RM & Associates
Scott Sanders LLC
Shawn Henderson Interior Design
St. Charles of New York
Susan Zises Green, Inc.
Thom Filicia
Timothy Interior Designs
Todd Romano
Vert Gardens
Zoya Bograd of Rooms by Zoya B.

SPRING FEVER IS IN THE AIR AT LENOX HILL!

2012-04-18T07:30:00.005-04:00

Warm days are here and with that comes Spring Fever, the theme of Lenox Hill Neighborhood House's annual benefit where tippity top interior designers create glorious tables to celebrate the harbinger of spring. This year, honorary chairs Bunny Williams and John Rosselli gathered 45 designers to set tables decked out in spring finery at Cipriani 42nd Street. What a stellar year- creative genius was out in force.

Enjoy the floral festiveness!

All photos courtesy of Roberto Ricci and Marco Ricca for Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Elizabeth Pyne's Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah had a canopy of flowers overhead, created by Botanica Inc

A tablecloth made from Quadrille's new Tulips pink and green print added to the garden esprit

Lindsey Coral Harper celebrated Bright Lights Big City with her Lamshop designs and fabric by Lulu DK

A joyful balloon-like multicolored ball of flowers by Sebastian Li Designs blew the lid off

A closer look at the technicolor dream

Allison Hennessy captured Little Thatch Nights

The table was inspired by an umbrella I had shown on Stylebeat that she purchased from The Indian Garden Company. She shared, "I wanted to pair the neutral large patterned umbrella with a smaller colored print and that's where the Duralee printed table cloth came from. The simple green grasses and accents were inspired by an arrangement by Colin Cowie in his book Wedding Chic."

Ashley Whittaker's In Bloem with divine flowers arranged by Emerson Merrick

Lush lush lush, love

Pagoda Red, from Chicago with The Orient Expressed, inspired by China’s garden city, Suzhou

A vintage ceramic garden pagoda enlivened the center of the table

Donald Schermerhorn paired aqua and pink

Charming

David Duncan Set Sail for Spring with his table that included a centerpiece inspired by Serge Roche

Icy blue and gray

Dennis Rolland created magic with Imperial Garden Fête

A pagoda from Two Worlds Arts soared towards the ceiling

Alessandra Branca's heavenly table, Harbour Island. Are there words to describe the beauty? No.

A Les Indiennes fabric tied the red and white scheme together

Leta Austin Foster's Springtime in the Serengeti with a Christopher Cope topiary giraffe as the centerpiece

A kicky watercolor stripe zebra fabric added a dash of green and white

Thomas Burak Interiors and Michael Devine channeled A Spring Day in the Garden

Oh the flowering branches!

Potted white geraniums looked charmingly fresh next to Michael's pretty pretty fabric

Jon Call's Midnight Garden

Love the natural wood with eggplant and blue

Christopher Spitzmiller with Ten Swans a Singing

The antique ceramic swan looks very lifelike. Last year P. Allen Smith used a taxidermy swan, I see a trend here...

Blogger and my favorite bon vivant Nick Olsen created The Cult of Persephone

A riot of color, a signature Nick touch

Serene and cool, Marchesa's Lenox table dressed in white

MAGICAL MARRAKECH MOMENTS

2012-04-17T07:30:00.001-04:00

Capturing moments in Marrakesh with my camera, I could not get over the color, elaborate detail work, lush gardens and play of light over it all. There are beautiful hand - crafted details all over Marrakesh- too many to catch everything on film. Lush gardens bursting with color, painted buildings in saturated colors , intricate handwork on any number of surfaces, the amazing light. Just some of the things that made Marrakech magical.

A sunlit doorway at the ice cream pavillion at La Mammounia

The gardens at La Mammounia before sundown

Monochromatic white pierced lanterns hanging in Moor, a French inflected fashion and home boutique in Gueliz

Dinner at La Pause in the desert

The mixed-up boldly patterned tile floors at Popham Design

The vivid bouganvelia and saturated yellow pots at the divine Majorelle Gardens

The riad Maison D'Arab

Riad Monceau where our small group dinner were held

A carved archway

Pierced lanterns at the entry of the dining room at Maison D'Arab's restaurant, glowing at night

A decorative painted ceiling and elaborate brass lantern at our hotel, The Sofitel

GREETINGS FROM MARRAKESH

2012-04-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

Photo courtesy of La Mamounia

Can't wait to share my finds when I get back...