Monday, December 21, 2015

LAST MINUTE HOSTESS GIFTS



I always try to be that person who is super organized and prepared for things.   Holidays, Mondays at the office, life in general.  Sometimes I am, but most of the time I am grasping at straws and this fast approaching holiday is one of those times.  If you're like me and still need a gift for your bestie who's hosting or your in laws who are already prepping the ham, but you haven't even thought of present yet then you're in luck... 
the above are perfect. 

1.  Porcelain Platter | Chairish
2.  Horn Salt & Pepper | Bunny Williams for Ballard
3.  Rosemary Topiary | Terraine
4.  Tassel Pillow | Tory Burch
5.  Pagoda Candle Cover | Bunny Williams for Ballard
6.  Leopard Cashmere Throw | Williams & Sonoma
7.  Green Tortoise Frame | Oscar de la Renta


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

AND FIRST, THE KITCHEN








Dee & I are working on an amazing, new project from the ground up.   It's a new, beautiful construction on the North Shore of Long Island.  Finished it will be breathtaking!  We are so excited to be a part of it and cannot wait to share the process with you here.

The first step is the kitchen.  Brass, La Cornue and water views... is there anything better?  
Above is our inspiration. 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

PASSEMENTERIE






Bring back the trim!!!

For the last couple of years I had fallen under the spell of less is more.  My lamp shades went bare, my pillows screamed for cover and my curtains were tailored, but boring.  My inner-self finally broke free.  I do LOVE trim... always have.  I am actually obsessed with it.  It's intricate detail, delicate color and amazing design.  Now, my lampshades are singing, my drapes are smiling and I have to admit, everything looks trimmed!  
So here's to a new year of tassels and fringe.

xo
D.


1. Tassel Earings | Oscar De La Renta
2.  Fringe Top | unknown, similar at J. Crew
3.  Tassel Lampshade | The Rinfret Group
4.  Trimmed Pillows & Fringed Sofa | The Rinfret Group
5.  Fringed Curtain & Table Skirt | The Rinfret Group 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

MANY THANKS

 







We love the two color schemes above for a gorgeous Thanksgiving celebration!

We have so much to be thankful for this year... 
Our loving family, our amazing clients, new houses, new babies, a long and loving marriage anniversary, the list is endless.  We wish you all a wonderful thanksgiving filled with a beautiful table, delicious food, loving friends, family & some potent cocktails.  

Words to live by:
Be Kind
Be Thoughtful
Be Genuine
but most of all
Be Thankful.


1.  Green Scheme - Degorney Paper
2.  Neutral Palette - The Rinfret Group

xx
D & M

Monday, November 16, 2015

BOOK MOMENTS | TREE OF LIFE





Parish Hadley | Tree of life is one of the most beautiful design books I have ever read and the stories inside are mesmerizing.  Not that I should be shocked by this considering the talent inside.  There are so many amazing photos to choose from, but the above are my absolute favorite.  They really represent the diversity of designers included.  This isn't your typical design coffee table book, but a special story that you will want to go back to both visually and inspirationally.  If your a book collector like me or if you just want something beautiful go out and purchase immediately.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

PARISH HADLEY | TREE OF LIFE








What an amazing event last night for the new Parish Hadley book hosted at the gorgeous, new Stark showroom on Long Island.    Dee & I had the best time chatting with our friends and seeing some of our favorite designers.  I have known some of the designers honored in this book for years and had no idea they started their careers working for the legend, Parish Hadley.  There were a few designers from the book on hand to chat and sign their pages, which are all lovely.  The party was catered by my amazing sister, Amanda with Elegant Affairs.  The food was beyond delicious and the company was just as amazing.

If you are unfamiliar with Parish Hadley, he is considered the Kennedy of the interior design world.  An icon of our time, much like Mario Buatta.   Monday I will post some of my favorite moments from this book which features greats like James Andrew, Brian McCarthy, Michael Whaley, Thom Filicia... many great designers have inspiring rooms showcased in this beautiful book.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

CLIENT INSPIRATION | NURSERY







Dee & I adore designing nurseries.  There is nothing sweeter and more innocent.  It is the first place he or she will spend their days and a place that a new mommy will spend most of her time in those first few months.  It should be special, calming and pretty.  Above are some spaces that we just can't get enough of and our inspiration board for a new client meeting this week.  We'll keep you posted on progress.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

A SOUTHAMPTON GEM






I was lucky enough to visit an amazing, historic home in Southampton this weekend that Denise helped decorate this past summer in conjunction with RK Development (the best builders in Southampton).  I hadn't seen the house since the beginning of the project and really didn't know much about the house until today.   After learning the property was called, "Mocomanto", I knew there had to be some interesting stories involved with a name like that, but didn't expect what I found out.  


Mocomanto is located on Lake Agawan which is a picturesque spot that couldn't be more perfect.  It is a historic home built in 1882 with original Tiffany & Co. windows in it's understated foyer.  It's original inhabitants, The Bettses owned a public bathing club which eventually became the very private  Southampton Bathing Corp.  Another owner, Sydney B. Woods, was the youngest player to win Wimbelton at 19!  There are many stories about this classic house, but my favorite has to do with the owner Mr. Tufu who was said to be dating Lee Radziwill.  He made a name for himself in Southampton when after a fight with Ms. Radziwill he put a dead shark in her swimming pool.  She retaliated by driving his porch into Mocomanto's pool!!  I mean, I don't know about you, but Lee Radziwill is one of my idols.  Her style, grace and whole persona is something I always looked up to.  Hearing that she was part of the homes history was very cool for me and Denise. What a story!  

The new owner is equally as cool and the house really epitomizes that.  His motorcycle is always parked out front, multiple surf boards line the pool house and a personalized corn hole game and fully stocked bar is always on hand.  The house is closed for the season, but we are sure many fun times will be had from here on out.  Hopefully without any more shark incidents.



Monday, September 21, 2015

FASHION WEEK VS. INTERIORS







Like most interior designers I am obsessed with fashion.  One mimics the other and like my interior aesthetic my fashion sense tends to be classic, but feminine with a sometimes architectural,  often times fun element.  I stalked NY & London's fashion week's runways hourly over the last two weeks.  The detail was exquisite and inspirational.  Above are my favorite looks paired with unbelievable interiors, both of which are incredible and so perfectly proportioned.

1.  Carolina Herrera | David Kaihoi
2. Michael Kors | Designer Unknown (Aerin Lauder's Apnt)
3. Ralph Lauren | Mark D. Sikes
4. Oscar de la Renta | Miles Redd

Thursday, August 27, 2015

THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE


Giving back is extremely important to my mom & I.  It is the main reason we participate in the number of show houses we do each year.  It is cleansing for your soul to donate time, money or whatever you can to something you truly believe in.  

The Ronald McDonald House is one of the most amazing charities I have come across.  Each year they help thousands of families dealing with the financial strain of childhood illness.  They provide so much help to families in need including, but not limited to  housing and financial help for entire families while their child is undergoing medical care.  This fall we are taking part in a special event where designers create little vignettes in which every item will be auctioned off to benefit the charity.  We've been lucky and very appreciative to all vendors willing to donate.  Above is our inspiration board thus far.  We wanted to create a bright and cheery room and cannot wait to be a part of helping to raise money for such a beautiful organization.

Monday, August 17, 2015

GARDEN GATES | HAMPTONS EDITION














We have the luxury of spending some time, every summer in the Southampton.  It is my absolute favorite time of year.   Hours upon hours with family & friends, laying by the pool, shopping at favorites like Roberta Roller Rabbit & Calypso, reading at the beach & going out to amazing dinners.  Although, recently my focus changed from the plethora of stores on Jobs to the beautiful, often times surreal architecture and landscaping surrounding me.  

I literally had to stop and stare at the above.  Dee & I have always been obsessed with gorgeous, classic, garden gates, but recently I slowly began stalking them because Alex & I are looking for one of our own.  These are the perfect inspiration.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!


Friday, July 31, 2015

SEE SUMMER BETTER










I'm semi- obsessed with the glasses by Warby Parker.  It's a sophisticated, classic, but super cool brand.  When they asked us to contribute to a blog post for their #seesummerbetter campaign we were thrilled!  Above are a few of my favorites and places where we think they would look fab.


1. Griffin in Blonde Tortoise | I think my favorite pair of glasses to go with my absolute favorite place in the summer (or any time of year for that matter)- Southampton beach.  I grew up summering here and it just brings me to a happy place.  I can sit and watch the waves or read for hours.
Glasses | Warby Parker
Hat | Net-a-Porter
Bikini | Shop Bop
Beach Towel | Matouk

2.  Crossfield in Polished Gold | The perfect pair to wear for some beers and great music.  Late summer (end of August, early September), after the crowds have subsided, Cisco Brewery in Nantucket is the most fun spot to party.  You're never to old for an afternoon jam session and a round of corn hole.  Hanging here with my fam is the best.
Glasses | Warby Parker
Striped Top | MDS Stripes
Sandals | Calypso
Jean Shorts | AG

3.  Reilly in Marzipan Tortoise | A chic pair of shades for a day at the Met and a picnic in the park.  Do not miss the current exhibit on China Through the Looking Glass.  It is the most amazing showcase of haute couture you have ever seen. 
Glasses | Warby Parker
Tote | Rae Feather
Jumper | Club Monaco
Flats | Chanel