The Well Appointed House by Melissa Hawks

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2012 - The Cabana by Scott Sanders

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:34:00 +0000

A smile came over my face as soon as I entered Scott Sanders Cabana inspired room! It reminded me of the kind of space I would design for a Palm Beach courtyard-style beach house – or even my current pool house in Greenwich (When the time comes to redecorate). I love and appreciate color and so this room was right up my alley! Upon entering the room, I was greeted with a Lilly-inspired Juicy Jute grasscloth wallpaper in “Split Pea” by Philip Jeffries, Ltd. The fabrics and trims that he used were by Scalamandre (if anyone knows the patterns, comment below) with fun, colorful throw pillows made by the Michele Van Saun Studio.

A fun twist on the upholstered sofa with the overstuffed pillows (love) were the metal spring table and chairs by Craft Fabricators. They give that fun, unexpected poolside cabana feel. Scott used wall to wall jute carpeting with a bright aqua custom hand spun mohair area rug on top.

I enjoyed the fun details like the the ice bucket and drinks (ready for hungry swimmers), the monogrammed beach towels and of course the bin of colorful flip-flops ready for weekend guests! Overall, a totally fun Dorothy Draper inspired room! Photos Copyright Melissa Hawks

2012 Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse Post #2: Charlotte Moss Goes "Behind the Hedge" - Blogfest

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Sat, 26 May 2012 21:31:00 +0000

This is a follow up post on the Press Preview I had of the 2012 Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse last week as part of Blogfest.

I’ve long been a fan of designer and collector extraordinaire, Charlotte Moss. She has been involved with the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse for many years and her rooms are always a treat. Perhaps it’s the implication of mossy green that almost seems naturally intrinsic to her name (no pun intended!) that made the crisp green and white sign over the doorway beckoning us in to the “Master Bedroom” seem so right.

At first glance we see a fabulous piece of framed art from her namesake collection for Soicher Marin of what appears to be a a Downton Abbey-like manor house with perfectly manicured gardens and boxwood. The art sits atop natural timber-like hallway wallpaper by Piet Hein Eek. The woods and greens encountered at the door set the tone for the room Moss designed. One can’t help but want to walk inside!

The sitting room almost feels like an indoor/outdoor space and features fabulous faux boxwood hedges from Lexington Gardens in NYC. The walls are covered in a luxe green velvet from Arabel Fabrics. One definitely gets the feeling they have gone “Behind the Hedge” to a magical spot to read and relax with a cup of tea. The room has more over sized framed art from Soicher Marin and furniture from the Charlotte Moss Icons Collection for Century Furniture as well as antique pieces. There is a delicate oriental rug from Sacco carpet and of course fabrics from the Charlotte Moss collection for Fabricut. She has become the Martha Stewart of interior design, with eponymous fabric, furniture, art and carpeting collections.

Her custom lampshades are from Diane Studios and if you like the elegant porcelain flower arrangement that she has perched on a wall bracket next to the sofa – it’s by Vladimir Kavensky. I remember seeing his work at the NY Gift Show this year. He has lovely pieces!

I’m a fan of birdcages and we sell some beautiful ones at The Well Appointed House. Charlotte and her team have made this room the perfect spot for an oversized bird cage and if you notice, they have filled the inside with moss and left the door ajar. It almost seems like a miniture room one could shrink and enter after leaving this magical place. They have left books to read for room guests and the overstuffed armchair and sofa are just cozy enough to be perfectly inviting! Elegant Fortuny pillows from David Duncan Antiques grace the sofa.

The bathroom carried through the “Behind the Hedge” theme – which could almost be part of the Alice in Wonderland movie set with the green hedge and oversized wildlife artwork “Le Lion…” over the tub. The garden theme continued with the Benjamin Moore paints she used – “Peaceful Garden” as the bathroom wall color and “Perfectly Pistachio” as the trim color. How apropos! I enjoyed the beautifully embroidered (in a lovely lavender) Leontine bath linens folded and ready by the bath. Nothing welcomes guests more than clean towels, a candle and nice bath soaps! The bamboo side table is from John Rosselli. I truly enjoyed touring this space!

Photos Copyright Melissa Hawks

Kips Bay 40th Annual Decorator Showhouse 2012: Part 1 - Kitchen and Breakfast Room by Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams for St. Charles

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:52:00 +0000

I've tried to attend the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Decorator Show House every year that I've lived in the NYC area. I have attended most years and I am never disappointed! This year marked the 40th Annual Showhouse. Bunny Williams served as the Chair of this year's Show House Committee. Jeremiah Goodman (whose work I love and I own at my home) was an honoree at this year's President's Dinner and the Gala Co-Chairmen were Jamie Drake, Victoria Hagan, Aerin Lauder and Richard Mishaan (a stylish bunch!). As part of Blogfest 2012 this week, I was invited to Kips Bay for a press preview.

Since I know many of you can't make it to New York City to view the show house in person, I am sharing some of my favorite rooms of the house and the details that stood out. This is the first in a series I will do this week!

Everyone loves a fabulous kitchen, and this one by Robert Schwartz and Karen Williams for St. Charles didn't disappoint! They dubbed it "Too Hot to Handle" and with details like a "made in France" rotisserie with heavy brass detailing, I think they are right! The centerpiece of the room is pictured below (Photos Copyright Melissa Hawks) - the beautiful row of orchids atop the sink area. What could possibly make washing dishes any better than this? What a view of New York City!

Custom cabinetry by St. Charles. Countertops by New England Stone.

Flamberge (Rotisserie) by La Cornue

Island Cooktop and Cabinetry by La Cornue. Faucets by Fantini USA. Sinks by Native Trails. This has to be every chefs dream!

Miele refrigerator. There was also a beverage center and wine fridge by True Manufacturing Company. Hardware from The Brass Center.

Pictured here is Karen Williams, who I enjoyed chatting with!

I loved the Andy Warhol inspiration here!

The kitchen was the perfect combination of city sleek with classic French culinary cooking tools - a professional working kitchen perfect for soirees with a view!

Blogfest 2012 and Style Spotting at ICFF - International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:51:00 +0000

I have just spent the past two days at Blogfest 2012 in New York City. It is my second year attending the event, which is sponsored by Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brunschwig & Fils. This year's magazine sponsors are Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, and interiors. It has been quite a line up. Yesterday, I visited the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) at the Jacob Javit's Center and we were sponsored at the event by WilsonArt . Before I update you on Blogfest in upcoming posts, here are some of my favorite products spotted at ICFF:

Dupenny signature wallpaper, hand-printed in the UK. Their pillows are fun, too!

Boeme had some nice panel designs and wallhangings. I loved the bright colors in this Spanish Garden wallhanging!

Folditure definitely had the most innovative product, in my opinion. They make a fully functional chair that you can literally fold up and hang in the closet. This is a huge space saving option for people living in apartments and cities. What a fantastic idea! It may be the most unique thing I have seen in years! I am not typically attracted to highly contemporary or "function over form" but in this case, I give a thumbs up. This is what the chairs look like in a room:

There were really cute and colorful things at Iglooplay:

I enjoyed these colorful and functional table lamps at Jielde:

This item - a mannequin lamp wearing a traditional Kuwaiti gown by Al Hamad - was unusual (a few people said creepy, but I thought it was very cool)! The mannequin has a speaker in its stomach and emits music! If you shake hands with the hands, the light turns on! It's perfect for a city lounge or nightspot!

I loved these bookcases and closets for kids from the Netherlands. What fun!

This bed was another favorite - talk about a space saver! You push a button and it descends from the ceiling! It's such a great space-saving idea! It was made by FLOW and features an innovative Trak-Kit system.

Rollout Custom Wallpaper Design and Manufacturing Company can make just about anything you want into custom wallpaper. Pretty cool!

Autoban had some fun balloon chairs with a modern twist...

Jason Wu has a new licensed collection of sinks and mirrors for Brizo, I spotted super cool wall clocks at Diamantini & Domeniconi, D-Torso had a fabulous cardboard horse (wow!) and there were many other interesting new products to see! Tracy Kendall wallpaper had some amazing wall installations and I loved the game tables at RS Barcelona. These were just a few favorites! Enjoy!

Fabulous Teacher Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:15:00 +0000

It's that time of year and we're in the homestretch before the end of the school year. Here are some quick ideas for fabulous teacher gifts. If you'd like to order any of these, email us. We don't even have all of these on our retail site, The Well Appointed House (some have links below), but refer to this post and we'll help you get orders in! It's always nice to surprise a great teacher with something special at the end of the year after all of their hard work with your children!

We love these fun clipboards and school house inspired letterboxes!

This personalized picture frame and letter box is perfect for an Algebra teacher!

Here's a cute letterbox and we can take any of the designs we have on our site and put #1 Teacher on it!

We love this Apple Teacher's Stamp as well! At $40, it makes a fun gift!

We also like this personalized melamine plate for your child's favorite teacher! It's $26!

These are just a few ideas. Enjoy, but get your orders in Monday. School ends soon!

Summer Handbags Under $1000

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:37:00 +0000

We've been perusing the fashion magazines and have selected some of our favorite designer handbags for Summer 2012!

We love the Jimmy Choo Capri Small Shopper. It's got a glittering finish, zebra jacquard lining for some added zing, golden hardware and flat shoulder straps for comfort. It's made in Italy and you can buy it through our friends at Neiman Marcus...

Jimmy Choo Capri Small Shopper

If you don't want to go the black route and you favor the classic Tiffany blue, check out this fabulous Tiffany Whitney Basket Satchel, that retails for $995.

Whitney basket satchel

Since Duchess Catherine donned green on her North America tour, green has been big. We've been big fans of Kelly Green for years. This grassy green Mulberry carryall is named for a cosmopolitan district of London. "The Baywater" (as it is called) has soft, pebbled leather with polished gold hardware. It's got a fold over flap with a signature "Postman's Lock". It's $1000 through BlueFly.

Mulberry grass green goatskin 'Bayswater' top handle bag

Bright colors are fun but for those of you out there who favor blacks and neutrals, we love this snake printed leather Longchamp bag for $930, through Neiman Marcus.

Longchamp Reptiligne Cuir Tote

If pink is your passion, try this signature Valentino design. Made in Italy, it features a bow and has plenty of storage with two large compartments. Pair it with your Lilly and Pucci shifts this summer!

Valentino Medium Nuage

Prada is always nice and we love this cobalt blue and canvas tote. It retails at $1000. It's very Hamptons!

Prada rope canvas and cobalt leather convertible tote

Can't get to Rome this summer to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and make a wish? Instead, check out this fun bag from Moschino Cheap & Chic. It retails for under $500 through Farfetch:

Moschino Cheap & Chic printed tote bag

Stay tuned for more summer pics!

My Preview of Justin Timberlake's HomeMint Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:34:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was in New York City where I visited with international style icon and superstar Justin Timberlake and his interior designer, Estee Stanley, to preview their new collection of home goods called HomeMint. The duo have partnered to not only create and curate this new collection, but have also launched an interesting shopping experience at www.homemint.com. Members can join HomeMint for a monthly fee and receive discounted pricing on purchases. Upon joining the website, users take a quick survey that establishes their "Style Profile" and each month, Justin and Estee select the perfect pieces to match the users style. Shoppers can also browse the entire collection, but recommended picks will be highlighted.

Upon arriving for our visit at the Mercer Hotel, I was instantly curious about their relationship and how they came together to form HomeMint. Estee has been a long time friend to Justin and happens to be his interior designer. He said that she had worked on his homes and joked that their "relationship has gone on farther than it should have" and that "when we're not at work, we both like to drink together". Clearly the two get along well. All joking aside, Justin noted that they have a similar aesthetic and that's basically why the collaboration works. JT mentioned that he really likes "layering" when bringing a room together. In terms of the obvious question we all had (why has he embarked upon this project) he noted that this "curating, creating and layering is not too dissimilar to writing a song or playing a character". Both Justin and Estee noted that they are driven by classic, old world inspiration and are not necessarily driven by trends. Here's a peek at their story:

Justin noted that there is nothing like a woman's touch in a home -- but that there is nothing girly in the collection. He has added a very slight masculine touch to the collection - to the dinnerware, cutting boards, blankets and throws -and has brought his love of photography to HomeMint. He has not only curated the collection, but taken some of the photos himself. Justin has debuted two of his Manhattan collection pieces with HomeMint. Shot using front lighting, one is called "Uptown" and one is called "Downtown". Only 50 pieces are available of each and they are signed by Justin.

He noted in the interview yesterday that he knows so many artists, sketch artists, photographers, etc. that people wouldn't know about or hear about (he said a lot are in Los Angeles) and part of the fun for him is introducing shoppers to these great sources at reasonable prices. One fun one is photographer and internationally renowned professional surfer Daniel Fuller. Justin selected a fabulous photograph done by Daniel of of the beach at 3 a.m. using a unique technique, priced at $149.99.

HomeMint includes a private collection (pieces created exclusively by the duo), unique finds (hard to find pieces and rugs), art (by Justin and emerging artists) and collaborations with artisans from around the world. Their website includes linen day blankets and towels by Brahms Mount (A textile weaving company based in Hallowell, Maine), tableware by Canvas (A New York based design company dedicated to sustainable designs), Bedding, Towels and Table Linens by Matteo (an LA based design studio and workshop), Baskets by Medina (hand woven in villages in Morocco, Ghana, Mexico and Bangladesh from renewable palm fibers) -- and Pillows by HomeMint. The pillows are designed by Justin and Estee and are manufactured in Los Angeles.

My favorite from their "Private Collection" were the "Coco's Vintage Pillows". The fabric used to make these pillows was cut from vintage Chanel Haute Couture fabric that Estee found hidden in a Los Angeles fabric shop. Very unique! She said that she got 100 yards of the Chanel fabric, so these are limited in quantity.

Here's another pillow made of natural fibers that was at the preview yesterday, available for sale on their site:

You'll have to visit the site for yourself to check it out. Let us know what you think. Please post comments below. Photography from this post may not be copied or pinned. As I was leaving the Mercer Hotel, I noticed the papparrazi starting to descend...perhaps a hotel staffer tipped them off that Justin was inside! Here's a shot I took of them!

-Melissa Hawks

Heading to the City to See Justin Timberlake & Met Gala Fashions

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:06:00 +0000

We thought about doing a blog post on the top fashions of the MET gala this week in NYC, but I knew that every magazine and blogger around would do so. Instead, I wanted to take a look at any interior designers who may have attended and I see that James Conran attended with his wife Coco Rocha

Pink was the color of the night at the Met Ball, in honor of Elsa Schiaparelli -- but model Coco Rocha donned an eye popping canary yellow Givenchy jumpsuit previously worn by Elizabeth Taylor (apparently it still had a wine stain on it from that previous wear). She had fabulous pink hair in honor of the evening. Coco started getting ready for the evening around 1p.m. that afternoon and her husband (interior designer James Conran) apparently took 5 minutes. (Perhaps that's why I am having trouble locating a photo of him at the event - though I've included another one below so you get the idea). So, that was one interior designer that was lucky enough to attend...

You may not think of Justin Timberlake as someone in the world of interiors, but actually as of today, he is!

I am actually about to head to NYC to meet with him this afternoon to preview his new HomeMint collection! Details to come this evening! I am looking forward to my ten minutes with him!

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel rarely walk the red carpet together, but here he was at the Met Gala. He's also in town to promote his new collection. I'll share photos with you all this evening. Meanwhile, I have to admit that I am looking forward to meeting Justin later in two hours! Stay tuned this evening!

-Melissa Hawks

Our Chalkboard Globe Featured In June's Oprah Magazine - on the O List!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:14:00 +0000

It's always fun when Oprah's people come calling, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see our Chalkboard Globe featured in the June issue of her magazine, Oprah Magazine. Oprah and her team of editors put the globe on her "O List". It hit news stands today which means that the globe will be selling out. Orders yours today before they are gone!

New Wastebaskets!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:19:00 +0000

I'm always on the lookout for fun, colorful and sophisticated wastebaskets for my retail site, The Well Appointed House. I always say that there are a few things to quickly spruce up your home for guests. One thing to do that's nice is to have a powder room that is kept neat and tidy for guests - with some lovely hand towels, a fresh candle, a sweet smelling room spray and elegant soaps. Perhaps some fresh flowers and a nice wastebasket and/or tissue box. The wastebasket sets are fun because you can change them ever so often to keep things feeling new. Here are some "just added" wastebaskets from our retail site. Take a peek! We've got geometric patterns, traditional floral prints and some more modern, punchy blooms!

View the entire collection here!

Why not order some personalized soaps while you're at it! They also make nice housewarming gifts!

Monogrammed Four Bar Soap Set $35

Monogrammed Soap and Towels Set $35

Enjoy!

Winner of our $150 Gift Card Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:39:00 +0000

The winner of our latest $150 gift card giveaway is Christine of "Fresh Local and Best". Please email us to collect your winning coupon! We appreciate all of you following. We will do another drawing next month, so don't fret if you haven't won yet. Keep entering! We have lots of fun giveaways planned! Stay tuned for more!

The Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy's Thirtieth Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon - aka "The Hat Luncheon"

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:21:00 +0000

Today was the Thirtieth Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon in the Conservatory Garden in Central Park - and though it rained again this year, philanthropic ladies and gentleman from NYC and the surrounding areas did not disappoint. This powerful bunch raised over $3 million today for the park! (WOW) It's always a spectacular afternoon! Greenwich was well represented as well! Today's guests included Caroline Kennedy, Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Martha Stewart, Liz Lange, Lela Rose, Hamish Bowles, Preston Davis, John Truex & Richard Lambertson, Ellen Futter (President of the American Museum of Natural History, who I know through my involvement there), Nancy Kissinger, Fe Fendi, Designer Meg Braff, Lauren Santo Domingo and many, many other fashionable guests! Some pics of me with some friends in attendance today:

Melissa Hawks, Marjorie Pastel, Carmina Roth and Zoe Khayatt

My dress this year was a "flowerful" creation by Erdem! My friend's hat was by Suzanne's Millinery

Today's luncheon was sponsored by Tiffany & Co and we were all sent home with spectacular Tiffany blue tote bags and umbrellas! The tables were spectacular - completely decked out in Tiffany blue (what could be better?) It wasn't just another day at the park, that's for sure! Another job well done by the entire Women's Committee! It was elegant as always!

Photo: Tiffany

As if sponsoring the luncheon wasn't enough, Tiffany & Co had spectacular windows made at their Fifth Avenue store in honor of the Central Park Conservancy luncheon. (and they held a cocktail party for the benefit committee, which I regretfully could not attend). Tiffany & Co is an avid supporter of various NYC charities - they have also sponsored the Family Party at the American Museum of Natural History, which I am also involved with. Thanks Tiffany! Take a look at these delightful windows:

Dazzling diamonds shine bright at the miniature gates to Central Park, created for the Tiffany windows:

Diamond dragonflies grace the miniature sailboat at the boat house replica

An arial view of Central Park with a "You are Here" for Tiffany visitors, marked with a Jean Schlumberger jewel.

A map of The Reservoir marked with diamond brooches. An amazing salute to the luncheon!

Full event coverage can be seen at Julie Skarratt Photography, on New York Social Diary, at Women's Wear Daily and at PatrickMcMullan's website.

$150 Gift Card Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:27:00 +0000

We almost forgot! We are overdue for our $150 gift card drawing to The Well Appointed House! In order to enter to win, you must be a follower of this blog (we check) and post a comment below throwing your name in the hat! Tell us what product you'd like to buy! We will draw by Friday of this week! Good luck!

Shop for Mother's Day! Coupon for The Well Appointed House!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:59:00 +0000

The Well Appointed House

Fabulous Beach House Decor for Summer of 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:43:00 +0000

YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MANY FRIENDS YOU HAVE UNTIL YOU'VE GOT A BEACH HOUSE!

Have you heard that before?! We have! If you have a beach house or summer cottage and are starting to shop for the summer 2012 beach season, look no farther than The Well Appointed House. Here are some of our favorite picks for this summer!

View these items by clicking here to see our Beach House Decor!

And while you are shopping, leave nothing on the beach but footprints! Enjoy!

Jeffrey Bilhuber in Greenwich

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:32:00 +0000

The Greenwich Historical Society celebrated interior designer Jeffrey Bilhuber here in Greenwich last week at a beautiful luncheon held at the Belle Haven club. The event chairs were Catherine Tompkins and Carrie Wallack and I served as one of the table hostesses! The subject matter and setting were exquisite and a wonderful afternoon was had by all! I donated a fabulous "Jetsetter" gift basket to the raffle that included one of my luxurious cashmere travel sets (pillow and blanket for chic jet setting), a Getaway combo bag and makeup case, a Well Appointed House candle, and a classic St. Regis travel clock...

The invite, from my desk...

Jeffrey Bilhuber with chairs Catherine Tompkins and Carrie Wallack - Photo Fairfield County Look

Jeffrey gave a wonderful lecture on his experiences in interior design and in putting together his latest book, "The Way Home: Reflections on American Beauty". Some of the attendees of the luncheon, including one of my good friends, is a client of Jeffrey's -- and Carrie Wallack's home was featured in his slideshow and book. Jeffrey said, "The houses I cherish most are those that speak volumes about the people who live in them. They reveal home truths rather than constructing domestic fiction about desired lifestyles."

Bilhuber has been likened to a 21st century Billy Baldwin. In addition to designing for celebrity clients like Anna Wintour, David Bowie and Mariska Hargitay -- he has worked with Peter Jennings, Hubert de Givenchy, Jenny & Trey Laird, Alison & Leonard Stern, Elsa Peretti and Paul Wilmot, among others.

The tables were beautifully done with table cloths that were made for the event using a patchwork of Quadrille Fabrics, table centerpieces by Greenwich Orchids and table settings by Juliska. Lovely!

Photo

Lunch was kicked off with a delicious Carrot and Ginger Soup, followed by Chicken Paillard (yum) and Jeffrey's favorite "Gin and Juice" sorbet from high Road Craft Ice Cream and Sorbet. Everything was superbly done!

Jeffrey's fabulous home books were available for purchase.

Photo

Take home gifts that were on our seats...(Photo)

Event Sponsors included Artistic Upholstery, Greenwich Orchids, Juliska, Quadrille Fabrics and Dovecote. The Well Appointed House was a raffle contributor. See more party pictures here. It was a lovely afternoon!

Bunny Williams is Opening Pop-Up Shop in NYC!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:51:00 +0000

We all love Bunny Williams (I enjoyed seeing her in LA last month at the Design Bloggers Conference). It's exciting to hear that she will be opening a pop-up shop at 306 East 61st Street (4th Floor) from May 1st to May 11th. The shop will be open to customers and the trade and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will be closed on weekends. The shop will feature items from her Beeline Home collection, things from the store Treillage (that she and her husband John Roselli run) and fabulous mirrors she is designing for Mirror Image. We're fans of hers, so go check it out if you're in NYC!

Interior Design Updates: 2012 Kips Bay Showhouse, LuLu DK Child for Schumacher, High Point Market Week 2012, Jeffrey Bilhuber Luncheon in Greenwich

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Here are some updates on what's happening in the interior design world this week:

Kips Bay Showhouse Announced the 2012 Dates and Designers
The much-loved and celebrated designer Bunny Williams will be the Chair of this year's show house. She will be decorating a room with David Kleinberg and Brian McCarthy in honor of Albert Hadley, who passed away recently. The show house will be open to the public May 16 through June 14 2012. The President's Preview Dinner will be held Monday, April 30th at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and opening night cocktails will be held on Tuesday, May 15th. Over four decades, the show house has raised over $17 million for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. Mark your calendars!

Schumacher Announces New LuLu DK Child
Schumacher announced this week a collaboration with Lulu deKeiatkowski, founder and designer of LuLu DK Fabrics. Lulu DK Child features eight prints and six embroideries on cotton. It's a charming collection for both boys and girls!

High Point Market Week

High Point market week is coming up! It's April 21-26!

Jeffrey Bilhuber Lecture & Luncheon in Greenwich, CT

The Greenwich Historical Society is hosting a lecture and luncheon with interior designer Jeffrey Bilhuber this at the beautiful Belle Haven club this Wednesday April 18th. I'm a table hostess at the event and can't wait to hear about his design projects. The Event Chairs are Catherine Tompkins and Carrie Wallack. Jeffrey is an AD100 top designer who has designed for celebrities Anna Wintour, David Bowie and Mariska Hargitay and also a few friends of mine. Hamish Bowles of Vogue has likened him to a 21st Century Billy Baldwin! I'll let you know how the luncheon is!

Spring is in full swing!

The Secrets of the Little Black Jacket by Chanel

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:29:00 +0000

If you've ever wondered what goes into the creation of the Little Black Jacket by Chanel, watch this video! It is spectacular! Enjoy!
~ Melissa Hawks

Reusing Gracie Wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:29:00 +0000

When I installed Gracie hand painted wallpaper in my previous home, in Westchester, I had it backed in muslin fabric with the thought that if I ever so desired, I could take down the paper and reuse it. I had been told this was an option, and quite frankly, I wasn't sure it would work out!

Well, I am here to tell you that it is possible! Here are a few photos of the paper in my previous dining room (all photos copyright The Well Appointed House/Melissa Hawks):

Here are some photos of Joe Shea and his team reinstalling the paper, two years later, in my home in Greenwich:

The end product (minus a rug, and these are iPhone photos!)

Well, as they say...

If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it's yours forever. If it doesn't, then it was never meant to be....

I say:

"If you love something...

back it in muslin...

Keep it...

and rehang it!"

Enjoy!

-Melissa Hawks. The Well Appointed House

Style Spy: Taylor Tomasi-Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Gabrielle Katz) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:25:00 +0000

It's no secret that editors are New York's celebrities. We live for sightings of the arbiters of cool -- constantly checking street style blogs like Tommy Ton's on style.com for a glimpse of the chicest of the chic. Some make us more excited than others, which is the case with former Accessories Director at Marie Claire and now Creative Director at Moda Operandi, Taylor Tomasi-Hill.

via google

TTH has made a name for herself in the industry with her scarlet mane and constant blend of feminine sensibility with harder, more masculine structured pieces. She is a complete original with exceptional taste, and it's no surprise that Vogue contributor and Moda Operandi founder Lauren Santo Domingo chose to profile her Chelsea apartment.

Both Taylor and her husband are hardcore New Yorkers but their Texas roots are evident in this culture clash of a creatively cultivated apartment.

Tomasi-Hill told Vogue that one of the items she and her husband disagreed on was the farm sink that she cleverly uses as a counter.

Plenty of nick-nacks and odds and ends make up the personality of their space. You can tell that each pieces tells a story.

And then of course there's her closet... the shoes alone leave you wanting more!

Tomasi-Hill knows that like every great wardrobe, every great apartment needs layering. It needs an eclectic feel -- a sensibility all its own. Get the look with some key pieces from The Well Appointed House.

The colored letters and characters are the best! Hang one on the wall of a children's playroom or a funky eclectic space either spelling out a name, phrase or monogram. (and work in some key lighting while you're at it!)

This pillow is not only beautifully illustrated it is unique and brings a sense of the exotic outdoors to your home, perfect for a New York City apartment in need of a little wildlife.

Frame this print in a chunky wood frame and add to its rustic charm. Hang against a white wash brick wall for extra contrast.

This papier-mache mirror has a branch motif and comes in an array of different colors, meaning it coordinates perfectly with your space's hue constraints.

And who could resist this little love bird!

For furniture, this hand carved wood frame chair with vintage inspired upholstery doesn't get any better. It has a taste of sophistication with some down-home country char,

You have to love this tin embossed table for the sparkle and little add bling it brings to the room. It is the perfect finishing touch for your Taylor Tomasi-Hill digs! -Gabrielle Katz, The Well Appointed House

Sale at The Well Appointed House! This Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:17:00 +0000

Save 20% now at www.wellappointedhouse.com !

Oscar de la Renta Children's Collection Has Launched!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Oscar de la Renta has launched his first children's collection. The legendary designer is bringing his signature feminine style to the kiddie set just in time for Easter and Spring Cotillions.

The collection includes party dresses with girly tie-backs and mother-of-pearl buttons with a hint of tulle, pleated gingham ensembles and more casual summer and beach dresses. There are tunics, beach coverups, bathing suits, blouses, shorts and leggings. His designs feature peter pan collars, exquisite smocking, rick rack trim and some fabulous Liberty of London floral patterns. For boys there are rompers, polos, blazers, bathing suits, shorts and trousers. The designs are reminiscent of my old favorites from Papo d'Anjo (now defunct, which was disappointing) and Best & Company. Take a look at the collection here! Women's Wear Daily reported that Catherine Monterio de Barros, the founder and designer of Lisbon-based Papo d'Anjo has been brought on board as Vice President of design for the new collection. What do you think of the collection?

Kate Moss at the Ritz Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I received an email in my inbox yesterday from Vogue with the subject "Kate Moss at the Ritz Paris". I had to open it, because it brought back a memory of staying at the Ritz Paris just last May and dining opposite Kate and her boyfriend in the garden. In the April issue of Vogue, editors and photographer Tim Walker give readers a glimpse of Kate Moss in couture at the Ritz one last time before it closes its doors for renovation. It was fun to see Kate in the spread by Vogue in all of the places we dined -- I love her fabulous hat in L'Espadon, where we had one of our best meals on the trip. Read the full Vogue article here.

The first floor spanning "Imperial Suite". This was the room that Karl Lagerfield took over for his 1996 couture collection. There are fabulous tales in the article of Lagerfield, Valentino and others staying at the Ritz during fashion week each year.

Wow! It's the "Flower Room"at the Ritz. If you've ever stayed there, you'll know how spectacular the flowers are and now I know where they come from! Vogue explains that floral designer Djordje Varda leads a team of five florists who arrange 10,000 blooms each week. There is nothing like fresh flowers!

Kate Moss in the Coco Chanel suite bathroom wearing Balenciaga. I wrote last year about the fabulous bathroom I had at the Ritz Paris - read the article here.

Kate Moss wearing Armani Prive in the Coco Chanel suite of the Ritz.

Kate wearing Giambattista Valli - I love this photo because you see how grand this hotel is, how huge the rooms are and just how tiny Kate Moss is.

As if Kate's romp through the Ritz in this article isn't fabulous enough, the editors take you back in time through the Vogue archives to past features on the Ritz! Look at this fabulous sketch by illustrator "Eric" for Vogue's August 1936 issue showing women in hats at the Ritz Bar:

Check out the full archives here. I miss the Ritz already and can't wait to see it renovated! The renovation will take 27 months and from what I hear, the entire staff will be laid off during that period. The hotel was founded in 1898 and it has only had one renovation, in 1979. It's time!

Fiat Jolly - The Ultimate Beach Ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Hawks) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:56:00 +0000

One of my favorite blog entries from the past was the one I did on Nantucket beach cars. I took the photos myself and had a lot of fun when I was on Nantucket grabbing my camera when I spotted a favorite. If you haven't read the entry, check it out here. Beach or "summer" cars are always fun to see and especially fun to ride in or own. There's nothing like having an open-air car for long, leisurely drives along the coast! Imagine yourself with a gorgeous Hermes silk scarf in your hair, wearing fabulous oversized sunglasses, and with an equally gorgeous significant other seated with you, on your way to lunch at Eden Roc.

Take a look at the simply charming cars below --the Fiat "Jolly". They almost look like some of the pedal cars we sell for kids, only they were very real cars intended for adults! They were also called La Spiaggina or the "beachette" (how apropos!). They came with wicker seats and were used as beach cars, estate 'roundabouts', yacht tenders and golf carts. Since there were so many beachfront cities and resorts along the Mediterranean Sea, these beach buggy cars became quite popular. Celebrities such as Airstotle Onassis, Yul Brynner and the late Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli used them. They were sold in the United States between 1958 and 1961 and remained popular through the late 60's. (They weren't inexpensive) The cars came in pink, coral, white, pale yellow and sky blue.

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This is a more modern day version -- the Fiat Panda Jolly. It tootled around the island of Capri a few years ago, shuttling VIP tourists around to their various destinations. Adorable! Do any of you have a fabulous beach car?

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