Make an impromptu shade with gorgeous sheers.  Fabric available through Lisa Sherry Interieurs.

Not down with lounging on the ground?  Pack a folding table!  Available at the Lisa Sherry Interieurs Boutique.

Our generously proportioned 8″x9″ Willow Vases are perfect for cut flowers.  Or pour some sand in the base and plant a pillar candle.  The perfect excuse to turn that tailgate picnic into a sunset viewing supper.

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Who says paper plates can’t be gorgeous too?  Go disposable with these serious paper plates from Wasara.

Such a great mix of moody blues.

Window treatment evocative of sails, but not an actual sail, strikes a subtle balance.

The galley of an old schooner?

These creations fashioned by Anna Wili are truly imbued with the energy of the creatures they represent

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Marie Antoinette eat your heart out.  Love these gorgeous paper wigs from Amy Flurry and Nikki Salk from Paper Cut Project.

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Richard Sweeney’s modular paper sculptures make geometry look like fun . . . for him.

Richard Sweeney for Selfridges Flagship store in London.

Beautiful brocade inspired designs by Amy Butler

Gucci

Wallet feeling high or low?  High?  Try Tory Burch.

Low?  Try Dwell Studio for Target

Our flag fetish realized in towel form!  From Trussardi.

Burberry says don’t forget the baby.

Oh, and PS…

Who says rattan is just for sitting?  Love this rattan clutch from Tory Burch.

Remove skin and bones from fish and cut into squares.  Lightly salt the fish.  (If you prefer, boil a few cups lightly salted water.  Add cut fish and other seafood such as shrimp or scallops whole for a minute.  Immediately follow with an ice bath.)  Cut the whole seafood.  Combine all with lime and lemon juice.  Four to Five limes and four to five lemons should be enough to cover.  Let marinade for at least two hours.

Following the marinade, drain excess liquid and add remaining ingredients such as avocado, cilantro, chili peppers, salt and pepper to taste.

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Mmmmm….Hermes-alicious

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Beads can add a nice texture and relax an otherwise too fussy arrangement.

proof that truly anything looks cool under a cloche!

Love the framed art and polaroid as equally precious objects.

The refrigerator and more storage along with another more heavy duty sink are in the working pantry below.

Adorable finds from yesterday’s search.

Would be so cute as push pins in a child’s pin up space.

Start with simple table decorations.  These examples from Donna Hay are great.  Organic, Summer-y, and best of all not too fussy.

Make a bird’s nest votive holder using dodder vine and feathers.

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And of course you’ll need some easy recipes.  Start with a refreshing flavored water.  Add slices of green apple and mint leaves, raspberries, or lemongrass and pieces of ginger in the water an hour before meal time.

 Don’t forget the earth friendly compostable straws from the Lisa Sherry Online Boutique!

Next fire up the grill and try this bacon cheesburger recipe from Donna Hay.

    * 400g beef mince

    * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

    * 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

    * sea salt and cracked black pepper

    * 4 rashers bacon, rind removed

    * 4 burger buns, halved

    * 1 red onion, sliced

    * olive oil, for brushing

    * 4 slices cheddar cheese

    * tomatoe slices, to serve

    * sliced dill pickles, to serve

    * tomato sauce (ketchup), to serve

Place the mince, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well to combine. Shape 1/3 cupfuls of the mixture into patties. Wrap a bacon rasher around each one. Heat a char-grill pan or barbecue over high heat. Char-grill or barbecue the burger buns for 1–2 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.

Brush the onion with oil and char-grill or barbecue for 5–6 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside. Brush the patties with oil and char-grill or barbecue for 4 minutes each side or until cooked through. To assemble, top the buns with cheese, onion, patties, tomato, pickles and sauce to serve. Serves 4. 

Serve with disposable wood cutlery from Lisa Sherry Online Boutique.

Navy and orange.  Mmmmm.  And we just loved the fun sashes around the ankles.

From Charlotte Casadejus, made from vintage French linens.  They also have a union jack for all you anglophiles.

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Rather than muting the tones, this Jimmie Martin sofa has just been tweaked a bit to fit another pallet.  I love the idea of modifying the hues to evoke a sense of play.  The stars and stripes have such a great graphic quality they would certainly survive turning the color dial a bit.

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How cute are these? Karen Hilton Designs

.Ok so these are not flags associated with any nation, but they were too cute not slide into a post about flags.

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And while we’re decorating with flags…one of our favorite pieces available from the furniture section of the Lisa Sherry Interieurs Online Boutique.

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Of course, there’s something to be said for the pure and simple approach…  My bike all ready for a morning ride on the beach.  Enjoy your holiday!

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This eclectic mix of rugs pieced together is a studio fav for the week.

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Stairs are an architectural element we often overlook but they have so much potential.  Vertical stripes are a great way to emphasize stairs .  Love the neutral ground and one judicious gesture of dynamic color.

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For the more color shy.  This single vertical strip serves to emphasize height and the sculptural quality of your stairs as well.

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Horizontal stripes de-emphasize the height of the stairs to create a more intimate feel.

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Or for a real twist, try the anti-runner.  Paint out the stairs and leave the strip where a runner would be natural.

Great pattern and inspired color for a small space like a vestibule or powder room.

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A great way we soften all those shiny and/or hard surfaces is to add a touch of softness and texture.

.                                                                                             Designs by Malene Birger

Soft hues with lots of Sparkle are just the right mix for a summer day and they also light up for a fun night!

One of our signature PRINCIPES or principles…

Telephone, Text, and Email  (but send a lovely letter once in a while)

Loving these artfully hand letterpressed cards from Sideshow Press.  Great with a gift or as one.

And as the seasons have changed so has business.  We are busier than ever.  As well as completing a number of projects, we’re currently working with clients in Manhattan , Charlotte, Raleigh, Minneapolis, and hosting our EXterieur event.

Our Summer resolution – have fun of course!  To kick off Summer we thought a post with less words and more play was in order.  So scroll on for some tear sheets we think sing of Summer fun.

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Our Summer mantra – Don’t forget to play!

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With every project there are always pieces the homeowner has collected and knows they want to keep.  But when you are just beginning a design and cultivating a collected look there are key pieces in every room that a designer can start you with to head you in the right direction for a life-time of collecting.

Read on to pull this picnic together with supplies and the perfect menu.

March is the month of transition and these glasses perform double… triple… multiple functions.  Perfect for a summer lemonade or a red wine by the fire.  See our recipe for Pernod and Mineral Water for a lovely Mediterranean inspired drink.  And don’t forget the straws great for juices or champagne drinks.  Get them all, even the straws, at the Lisa Sherry Interieurs Boutique.

Ingredients

1.5kg/3¼lb leg of lamb, cubed
2 tsp ground coriander seeds
2 tsp ground ginger
pinch saffron
2 tbsp olive oill
18 shallots whole, peeled
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp plain flour
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 cinnamon stick
600ml/1 pint lamb stock
2 tbsp flatleaf parsley, chopped
2 tbsp coriander, chopped
1 preserved lemon, rinsed, inner pulp removed
110g/4oz medjool dates, pits removed
1 tbsp clear honey

Method

1. Place the lamb in a bowl and add the ground coriander, ground ginger, saffron and one tablespoon of the olive oil. Mix well and leave to marinate in the fridge, covered, for 24 hours.
2. The next day, heat the remaining olive oil in a heavy-based pan with a lid. Cook the lamb until browned all over (you may need to do this in batches). Remove the lamb from the pan and set aside.
3. Fry the shallots in the same pan until lightly golden then add the garlic and return the lamb to the pan.
4. Stir in the plain flour and add the tomato purée and cinnamon stick.
5. Stir in the lamb stock and bring to the boil. Cover tightly and simmer gently for 1½ hours, or until the lamb is tender.
6. Add the parsley, coriander, lemon rind, dates and honey, stir well to combine and serve with a bowl of cous cous.

For the chocolate filling:

8 large egg yolks
1 cup confectioners sugar sifted
2 tablespoons white creme de cacao
2 tablespoons Kahlua
2 teaspoons Cognac
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons Dutch-Processed cocoa power
12 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cups heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks

For the marshmallow fluff meringue:
3 Large egg whites
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of cream of tartar
teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup of marshmallow fluff

For the graham cracker crust:
3 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
cup (1stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°F
To make the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and granulated sugar until will combined.  Press into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan.  Bake the crest until starts to brown and become crisp, about 10 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

To make the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and confectioners’ sugar together in a large bowl until they are thick and the color of butter.  Beat in the Cognac, crème de cacao, Kahlúa, vanilla, and salt.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.  Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, and stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.  Let cool slightly, then gradually beat into the egg mixture.

Fold the softly beaten heavy cream into the chocolate mixture just until combined.  Spoon the chocolate cream over the graham cracker curst, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.  Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very firm, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

When ready to serve, make the meringue: Using an electric mixer set at low speed, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the salt and cream of tartar and beat at medium speed until soft peaks form.  Beat in the vanilla.  Add the marshmallow Fluff to the egg whites a little at a time, beating constantly until stiff peaks form.

Carefully cut the S’mores into 15 large squares.  Place each S’mores on a dessert plate.  Top each with the meringue in a large dollop.  Use a small kitchen torch to carefully burnish the meringue until tipped with golden brown.  Serve immediately.

Some other sites for more detailed instructions: Of course we had to tap Martha on this one.  And for the truly dedicated botanist click here.

Meanwhile, we’ll be working on the new look for her home and we’re so excited to have a client who wants BLACK WALLS!  This tear sheet speaks to Catherine’s desired new look and our signature style.  From the cozy sit-around to the fresh black, white and gray color palette, we plan to introduce these elements and more into Catherine’s home.

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A wise person (yes, it may have been your mother) once said, “all things in moderation.”  We can only retort sometimes a little splurge a little excess is good thing. Cutting to the chase, this brings us to the topic of BUTTER. Much maligned by new wave chefs and just about every diet doctor, butter often makes stuff better. Do your best Julia Child this VD and think about baking a cake from scratch (it will require beaucoup b-u-t-t-e-r).  See below for the recipe fromMowielicious.

Chocolate Sponge Cake:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

6 eggs, separated

A pinch of salt

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup cold water

1/4 cup (heaped) cocoa powder

1. Preheat the oven the 325F and butter a circular cake tin with baking paper. Mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in one bowl.

2. Beat the 6 egg yolks in a separate large bowl and mix in the sugar.

3. Fold in the flour/cocoa mixture alternately with the water in roughly 2-3 additions each.

4. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, then fold this gently into the batter.

5. Pour batter into the tin and bake roughly 45-60 minutes. Check to see if the cake is ready by inserting a metal skewer into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Take the cake out of the oven and allow to cool.

6. Once cool, slice in half, and add a layer of chocolate buttercream. Place the top half back on, and layer another level of buttercream on top. Don’t worry too much about adding a layer of buttercream to the side of the cake, or about how the cake looks. Once you top it with the macaroons and fruit, it doesn’t matter what the bottom half looks like!

Chocolate Buttercream:

Ingredients:

3 egg whites

1 cup sugar

300g butter, room temperature

200g good quality dark chocolate, melted over hot water bath (I used 80% Green & Black’s)

1. Hand whisk the egg whites until foamy. Mix in the sugar, and place mixture over a water bath. Keep whisking by hand until the mixture turns whitish, is piping hot and the sugar has dissolved.

2. Remove from water bath and mix with an electric mixer on high speed. Keep mixing until the bowl starts to cool down.

3. Add butter, one tablespoon at a time at first, then two tablespoons at a time. Make sure to incorporate the butter properly into the mixture each time you add butter.

4. Add melted chocolate and incorporate completely.

5. Layer chocolate buttercream onto cake as described above, making sure that the top layer is quite thick. Again, it doesn’t have to look pretty as that’s what the macaroons will do.

6. Place the macaroons one at a time all around the cake to form a circle, as seen in the pictures. Add fruit to the middle and decorate with daisies or any flowers my happen to have lying around.

Keep refrigerated and serve cold.

Recipe  from Mowielicous

A handpicked bouquet of fleurs… such a sweet expression of love. But winter can be a deal-breaker unless you live in a warm climate. Fear not Minnesotans (and the like). Creative thinkers can always find blooms for beloveds! With a little bit of luck and good timing you can capture delicate ice flowers early in the morning after a cold night with little wind. Grab a digital snapshot or better yet simply blind-fold your (trusting) honey and lead him in slippers and parka to the special spot.

At risk of appearing shallow, we think “trendiness” gets a lot of bad press. To be clear, we love classic styling and looks that endure through years and generations. But, we reserve the right to be whimsical, spontaneous and adventurous. If that means pink kicks with a oversized taffeta bow, so be it.  Guys who come along for the ride in hot pink and plaid score high marks in our book.

Christmas is not the only holiday worthy of a greeting card. Don’t miss the opportunity to reach out to people you love this Valentine’s Day with a heartfelt message. We love Red Stamp’s offerings (redstamp.com). You can actually customize a VD card for as little as .96 cents. Their site is so easy to use (you don’t have to be a graphic designer to figure it out). While we totally support emailing, blogging, tweeting and the like, there’s nothing like a lovely card in the mail to let someone know they’re special.

We all know that Dorothy had to go all the way to Oz to find delight in her own backyard. If you’re lusting after a long weekend with your love, but are time and budget challenged, please do this. Get a compass and outline a 100 mile radius from your home base. Pick a destination. Then pack a bag, gas up the car, keep an open mind and set out on the road to adventure. With the right company and the right attitude, a great time is guaranteed.

This Valentine’s Day connect with the person you love through gentle motion, stillness and serenity.  We’ve heard about a number of yoga studios offering a couple’s yoga class for Valentine’s Day. We say “beats a box of chocolates.” If you’ve been eager to introduce your man (or woman) to the quiet beauty of yoga, hop on this gift idea. Find a resource in your town with a google search.

Books, movies, videos!  In today’s world we all consume media in so many forms and fashions (our collective heads are still reeling).  We love, love, love Jane Campion’s Bright Star.  The art direction is so dreamy and evocative.  Saw the movie, but still want to see more?  Immerse yourself this digital scrap book.

Color plays  a variety of roles in the drama of the design practice; sometimes cast as extras in supporting roles and many times the star of the show.  In these roles a particular color selection can show the audience a bit of the character and personality of both the designer and their clientele.

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Color, when used precisely in one or a select few choices, will add a focal point in a space that says, “Here I am.  The one, the only, come on over!”

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Here the star of the show is an acidic green, paired with a very neutral yet cool background.  There is a balance here that makes for a space  anyone can enjoy… If you didn’t like the color green before, you love it now!

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We LOVE black!  When a color consumes a space , the result is an intimate place , a sanctuary.  Here I could see myself curling up in my favorite PJ’s and reading a great book, or rummaging through all my old domino magazines.

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This tear sheet from Elle Decor is a great example of the endless range of texture white enhances.

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Some may say a limited color palette of white will be cold.  I think this pair is evidence that white can be quite cozy thank you very much!

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Via Domino

One object we all tend to collect are those inspirational pieces of art.  We all have sentimental family sketches or precious originals passed from generation to generation.  Whether museum worthy or taken from a calendar we just love to mix a variety of pieces.  With creative care each piece can be unique right down to the frame.

Via Shelter

Via Domino

Collections can be continually changing.  A loose grid organizes this temporary inspiration wall.  The simple act of installing and adding to an inspiration wall can be a daily meditation on goals.

Here subject matter provides the relationship with this collection of “Nudes Descending a Stair Case”.  Meanwhile, hanging the works in loose columns acts as another organizing element.

Collections don’t have to remain along walls.  I know we’ve seen this for years, but I still marvel at the innovation of overlapping art onto a book case.

Via Met Home

Word truly becomes art in this creative installation.

Here the standard display case is certainly less than traditional.  We love this over the top pair of stacked cases.   We’re all suckers for a shell collection, but it can get old.   Forget the bowl and go for an over the top terrarium constructed from sea life.

If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the December issue of Elle Decor UK here’s a sampling of the gorgeous article featuring Dutch designer and boutique owner Monique Meij-Beekman.  With her understated palette, texture takes the lead and makes us sigh.  Just what we all need this time of year.

The image above inspired the installation in my own living room (following).  A great example of grouping inexpensive items to inspire abundance.

Found objects can even be incorporated into holiday cheer.  Simple ribbon tied to a twig inspired us to create our own grand statement in the studio using this great branch and simply folded ornaments from news paper.

From my own garden. No need to spend a bundle on topiary. When seasonally sensitive plants are brought inside to weather the winter, I like to use simply arranged clippings to take their place.

A gorgeous grouping of hellabores show holiday arrangements do not always require evergreens.

A small detail but inspired nonetheless.  Feathers to complete this festive vignette.

Genius innovation Billy Milner uses copper tubing as garland!

A simple bundle shows the beauty to be found in the more stark silhouettes of the winter scape.

This dramatic arrangement acts as an architectural element anchoring the room.

 The height and scale of this fiddle leaf ficus provides a connection between low slung furnishings and the extreme height of the interior.  The gaze is drawn upward to keep the eye scanning throughout the whole space.

Another important element – the container, or lack thereof.  This simply wrapped root ball shows just how the container serves to further express the aesthetic of the surroundings.  We can’t imagine a more appropriate way to relate to the worn and textural elements of this vignette.

Via India Hicks and David Flint Wood.  

Often designers use plants to “soften”.  In contrast, these fronds serve as a highly graphic and rectilinear element with the more static furnishings expressing softer lines.  Proof that every design rule can and should be challenged.

Via Donna Hay

                                               Antique wedge through tenon table paired with mid-century modern                                                     Tulip Chairs.  Two takes on the dynamic hour glass shape.

                                          Gustavian upholstered chairs and the ornate chandelier make an unexpected,                                      yet appropriate pairing with the trophy wall.

This blend of pieces makes us think of the influence African art had on France and the art world during the opening of the last century.   Think Matisse or Picasso’s studio during his African Period.

Geometric shapes serve as the perfect jewel in an organic setting.  As winter approaches architectural elements like these sand stone orbs add interest to an increasingly sparse landscape.

Love the contrast of organic material and simple geometry in these pendants.

Of course the artful application of topiary perfectly expresses the beauty of a delightfully imperfect geometry.

10 Stories of Fabu

Surveying the scape.  So much to see.

Tom Dixon Beat Lights
These grand scale hand beaten brass pendants make for a dramatic grouping. The contrasting patina black exterior hides a brass interior glowing even when not illuminated.

"Fashion People Turn to Second Careers (to ride out the economic downturn)" p. 48 of fall 2009s "Time Style and Design"

Ok, I pulled this out of Time Magazine… you have to love this cartoon.

With the winter winds rolling in, its about time for us to put away those cute summer clothes… sadly.

Hold on though! Get rid of those saddened thoughts, because here is an outfit to excite even the fondest of summer lovers! This inspiring eclectic ensemble, pulled out of Elle Magazine, shows how to throw together the perfect fall look.

Love the socks with the heels! (make sure they arn’t too thick though-or it will appear frumpy) This is a great way to convert those sassy, strappy summer heels into something more appropriate for the colder weather.

The classic button down and vest are completed by a beautiful green jacket, giving the outfit an almost equestrian/ Ralph feel, however, then what pulls it all together is the graphic mini skirt to give it the flirty, casual feel it has. Perfect for a fall day.

Walking through the front door you notice the calming color scheme that is evident throughout the entire store. We loved seeing that huge landscape as soon as you walk in! Gorgeous!

It all starts to fall into place as our staff worked hard to make it happen!

And finally! The completed room filled with accessories and furniture:

…And for those curious about who we are, we left some of the recent magazine articles featuring Lisa Sherry Interieurs on the cocktail table, full of images, that give unfamiliar guests an idea of our style.

This is the delicious recipe served at the birthday party mentioned below: Bon Appetite!

"Off the Shelf. Cooking From the Pantry" P. 96-97

"Onion, Anchovie and Olive Tart" p. 97

Its not hard to see why this is one of our favorite showrooms at market…

The large scale of the light fixtures creates drama and give a cozy feel to this little “lounging nook” in the showroom.

Love the scale of the horse!

We love love love the stacks of books on the stairs (look at the left)

Our favorite drapes at market!

Meeting Margaret Russell  (the Editor-in-Chief for Elle Decor) at a book signing for the release of her new book Style and Substance.”

Natural and organic woods are becoming a trend.Their earthy quality really shines when juxtaposed with a simple little linen slipper chair, a stainless steel accessory, or a glass vase. Remember, its all about the mix! Contrasting materials make for a more interesting composition.

What a nice surprise!

As we were walking through Neal Johnson and Bourgeoise 3D’s showroom in Innerhall, this magazine cover caught our eye. It’s our featured article on the cover of Charlotte’s Home and Garden magazine! Bourgeoise 3D and Neal are based out of Charlotte and their line offers a great mix of newly interpreted case pieces and  beautiful antiques.

One of the popular items seen at market this fall were gypsy tents, posted outside of a number of buildings all around market. We picked up a flyer for “The Martyn House” and discovered that these tents are transformed into guest rooms at this little resort in Ellijay, GA

Wanna go Glamping??! (Glamorous Camping)

Have an event coming up? check out these fab reproduction tents and umbrellas. They come in many colors, sizes and styles. Visit www.themartynhouse.com

A fun little birthday celebration! We bunched rice paper lanterns together and strung up cut-out paper circles that spelled out “happy birthday.”

Place settings were white river rocks (displaying each persons name) on top of an oak leaf. A simple, organic table setting isn’t complete without these clusters of garden grown herbs bunched in several little glasses, scattered throughout the table.

Our blog, although we are a team of empowered interior designers, does not just focus on design principals for just the home. Instead, we wish to delve into the importance of a well-designed life and how to incorporate that into your day. Those little things that just make the difference in a holistic design approach that can be applied to every aspect of your life.

We are so excited to blog about our inspirations and forward them onto you. Your more luxurious life lies ahead so read on and enjoy!

Imagine an exquisite getaway just outside your front door. A place to entertain new and old friends, a chic retreat after a day of work, a calm serene yard-scape to ease even the most frantic of days. One beautiful detail to enhance a lawn and make it appear even more luxurious is the addition of a fabric. For example this draped off seating area provides privacy and softness. Love that driveway!