VALENTINES DAY | RED REDEFINED

Today has always been synonymous with the color red.  Traditionally, we never jump to this color when looking for inspiration.  However, our minds have been changed with the below beauty.  Here are a few chic ways to use red. 

On your walls!

Using it as a wall lacquer in a dining room is unexpected.  Especially when paired with traditional pieces and simple ivory window treatments.  Red wallpaper is a classic and looks amazing in Mark Sike's dining space at Kips Bay.  Similarly, a red dot wallpaper perks up this adorable children's bathroom.

As accessories!

Monograms are a must of course!  Why not make a statement with yours by doing it in the color red.  How amazing are the above towels in a bathroom by Ashley Whitaker?  A classic asian inspired red lantern turns an ordinary entry into a conversation piece.  Lanterns are always a great way to add color to any space.  Keeping on the same page with lighting... why not use red lamp shades?  The bare bulb look of the past few years is over and custom lampshades are making a come back.  Red is such a fun color to use to perk up your lifeless chandelier.

As furniture!

A skirted table is a great way to add color and warmth to a space.  Christopher Maya does so above using a beautiful red fabric paired with a light blue tape.  A red upholstered sofa looks amazing in a NYC apartment.   Lastly, lacquered cabinetry in red really define the above space.  How amazing does that detail make this dining room look?!

We hope this makes you re-think red!  

Happy Valentines Day!

xoxo

m&d

MOLDING & MILLWORK MADNESS

Every designer has their magicians.  The people on their team who help create the behind the scene beauty on every project.  Recently, we've been working with a master mill worker at BRI-NIC who's intricate lines and attention to detail are beyond measure.  For our Kings Point project every room is a work of art.  Denise has been working for over a year year to customize each corner and nook.  

Firstly, we started with large, square wainscoting- a more modern take on the traditional rectangular style.  It has made such an impact already in the space.  The entry is going to be to be white outlined an an antique strie - a perfect mix of new and old.  The family room is going to have a grey wash which creates a warming, cozy environment.  The large squares perfectly frame the five Chesney fireplaces throughout the house.

Next, we focused on ceiling mill work.  In the dining room the client wanted a very formal and decorative look.  The inspiration was almost a floral motif.  The final look is going to be tone on tone in either a lacquer or satin finish.  For the living room we wanted something simple that made a statement.  A large center rectangle is framed with smaller boxed out mill work.  The center space is going to be a lacquer with the exterior boxes in a white.  All boxes framework will have a slight gilding. 

Here is our magician.  Thank you, Mario!! We cannot wait to see the finished product.  We know it will be amazing! We will keep you posted on designer notes with each site visit.  So keep checking back!

xoxo

m&d

1.  Left pictures - inspiration

2.  Right pictures - on site

FALL RE-VAMP

We love a beautiful light colored, linen sofa.  We use them often because they are classic, clean and work well with our bold accent colors.  However, recently our clients have been asking for something more durable and comfortable.  Velvet seems to be the answer.  It creates a warm, inviting lounge area and is perfect for the cold weather ahead.  Above are some inspiration photo's of gorgeous living room's with the perfect velvet sofas.  We will share photo's of three separate installs where we used velvet in the next few weeks.  They are all completely different in feel, but have one thing in common- a totally comfortable place your you and your hubs to lounge or for your little kiddies to watch their cartoons all afternoon.

Inspiration c/o: 
1. Cece Barfield
2. Ashley Whittaker
3. Christina Murphy
4. Unkown- Pinterest

FRIDAY FAVORITES | A NEW CLIENT

We have an adorable, young new client in Manhattan who we are so excited to start working on.    They love our favorite palette of neutrals, navy's and whites and are going to pop it with a little green or pink as well.  Here is our starting off point.  Traditional, yet clean and modern perfect for a newly married couple trying to blend their styles.  We will post progress photo's in a few weeks.

LIQUID LACQUER

One of our favorite new clients is an adorable, fun couple in a pre-war apartment on the Upper East Side.  We love when clients aren't afraid of color and taking risks and this couple is super stylish and on board with anything.  One element that we are definitely incorporating in this project is lacquer.  On the walls, on the ceiling, the furniture, the accessories.  When mixed with traditional lines, we can't get enough.  It looks like smooth, colorful, ice- just so chic and cool.  

Above is some inspiration...

x

HIGH POINT ENVY

So, Dee & I have been extra busy and were unable to attend High Point this year.  I've been stalking instagram & facebook for constant updates from my favorite vendors/designers.  

Here are my favorites thus far.

Obsessed with everything going on here.

FRIDAY'S FAB FIND

This chest of drawers.

With the cutey pie tassels?  I cannot get enough.  We found them recently and cannot wait to use them in one of our lucky clients bedrooms or living rooms.  Even in a nursery in pink or light blue? Aren't they so adorable?

I hope you guys have a great weekend!  Dee is headed out to Montauk for a wedding and I will be on Long Island house hunting with the hubs... I hope you have fun plans!