A MODERN APARTMENT

We love that people come to us for all style profiles - we currently have projects that reflect traditional, transitional & modern design.  One fun project we are working on is for a couple transitioning from a larger home on Long Island to a new, smaller apartment.  They are now closer to the action in New York City and they want the style of the apartment to reflect their more modern lifestyle.  They are ditching all of their family home's traditional furniture and are now going for a more clean look with pops of colors.  Here are some of our ideas so far.

Option 1:

This Milo Baughman-esque sofa is a cool take on a classic piece.  The brass legs are expected on a chair, but interesting and different on a sofa.  We would pair it with a pop of color on velvet accent chairs and a statement light fixture.  Lucite pieces are perfect for a small apartment because their transparency give the allusion of space.   I love this look personally because it is modern without feeling cold.

Option 2:

The client likes a yellowish / mustard accent color which we don't use often because like orange, yellow is not one of our favorites to work with.  This option gives hints of yellow without it overwhelming the palette.  Grey's work well with a modern space and different shades of it also create warmth here.  This console is great for an apartment because it is small and thin.  We would probably add a banana plant in the corner of this option.  Also, maybe a pair of upholstered x-benches in a small scale yellow pattern if the client wants more yellow involved.  

Rugs and paint color are tbd on both.
We'll keep you updated on this project on instagram with the hashtag #avalonGNproject

--xo--
M&D

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES | PALM BEACH PICKS

After yesterday's blizzard on Long Island all I can think about is our yearly trip to Palm Beach.  The warm sun and bright colors are always an inspiration for our preppy chic look.   In Palm Beach culture there is always the consistent, but cliche pink and green.  A more modern interpretation comes with the colors pink and blue.  Whether in your clothes or in a classic poolside awnings, the palette is fresh, inviting and happy.  Who wouldn't want to lounge under a gorgeously blue or pink canopy with a cocktail, late afternoon when the sun gets a little too strong. Clearly this year, with little Georgia, I will not be partaking in that luxury, however I will cherish the many other memories created.  Above are some worth avenue staples for your wardrobe as well as some accessories to create the preppy chic, Palm Beach vibe in your home.  

xoxo

m 

From top left clockwise

1.  A gorgeous, blue throw pillow in a great Quadrille print - available for purchase.

2.  A neutral panama hat pairs perfectly with PB's loud colors

3.  The perfect lantern.

4.  A Mark Rothko- not very budget friendly, but Denise & I have great sources for similar items that are so please contact us if interested.

5.  A less expensive les bon bons version in a terrific pink.

6.  The perfect summer shirt - off the shoulder and linen - what's better?

7.  Last, but not least a pink, printed bikini - of course.

HUMOR IN DESIGN

It's a gloomy, 18 degrees out, we have a million deadlines and my little munchkin is sick.  To say I am stressed out is an understatement.  However, there was a glimpse of something today that definitely brought a smile to my face.  We are re-vamping our website and while looking through old client photo's this afternoon I found the first photo... the pineapple photo.  Denise and I create each job with the motto "don't take yourself too seriously".  Every home is personal and we always try to add humor where you least expect it.  In a New Canaan, CT job these adorable, preppy chic pineapple lamps perfectly perched on their lucite pedestal did the trick.   Whether it be through accessories, unexpected fabric choices, artwork or just a certain color on the wall... humor is a simple way to add personality to any room.  Below it are some other design moments that definitely make me happy.  I hope they do the same for you. 

1.  Our room in a New Canaan, CT job

2.  Sarah Bartholemew | Miles Redd

3.  Mark Sikes

BEFORE & AFTER | CHELSEA PROJECT

We love updating our clients apartments and creating their vision.  A lot of time young professionals just don't have the time to make their apartments home.  Or they just don't know how to create the home that they see for themselves in their heads.  That is where we come in!  This couple wanted something fresh, cool and comfortable with pops of color.  They wanted it to be "preppy-chic", but modern given the loft vibe the layout created and the neighborhood in which they lived.  Above are some before and after photos.  We think we created what they were looking for :) 

GALLERY SPOTLIGHT | GREGG IRBY

We've been sourcing a lot of modern art for our younger, NYC clients as well as our more transitional clients on LI and in CT.  Although there are a slew of galleries in Manhattan, my eye keeps going back to the artists on Gregg Irby Gallery in Atlanta.  He features favorites like Michelle Aramas, but always keeps it new and fresh with up and comings.  I love the above for their whimsy and color.  The first reminds me of a cool, italian market.  The second of a rainy day in sag harbor and the third's color just spoke to me.  So fresh and happy!  Check out their website for amazing art work.

1. Emyo

2. Ritva Porter

3. Kathy Court

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

AN INTERESTING ART SOURCE

I am contacted daily by vendors promoting their products or wanting us to check out their websites.  I always take the time to do so because it's so fun to use something new in whatever projects we are working on.  Using the same thing over and over gets old.

Recently, I received an email from ArtStar.  A website that was created to make contemporary prints accessible to everyone.  Coincidentally I was searching for prints to use in our Nantucket staging job so it was perfect timing.  I was immediately obsessed with their Slim Aarons esq take on photography, their adorable trendy fashion items and their section on prints for kids.

Unfortunately we were on a deadline for Nantucket so we did not use the above, but I intend on revisiting them very soon for a new project.

STAGING ON NANTUCKET

We have an amazing, fun new project- staging the family estate in Nantucket!   

This house has been in the family for generations.  It is currently decorated to suit a more formal time period which makes it outdated, especially on Nantucket.  Working with Suzanne Rinfret Moore, an amazing chef with a great blog called Smoores in the Kitchen, has been wonderful.  She is so open to suggestion and was the motivation for changing things up.  We loved the idea of wanting the younger generation of Rinfrets to come to the island, relax and have a great time.  Our goal is to keep our family history in the bones, but make the decor modern and fresh.  Above is how we plan on doing so.

We will keep you posted on the progress, but so far we are thinking about replacing the following:

1. Dining Room- Modern art above the fireplace | Mirrors & lighting over server | New table & chairs

2.  Living Room- raffia paper | Coffee table | Linen arm chairs | Hanging Lantern | Rug | Artwork | Pillows
3. Family Room - Lamps | Change valance | Artwork | Throw Pillows

3. Kitchen- Island lighting | Kitchen chairs | Accessories

4. Guest Bedroom- Nightstands | Bedding | Throw Pillows
5. Guest Bedroom 2- Bedding | Replace Vignette by window | Throw pillows

We are hoping to install at the end of the month and are thrilled to spend some time in one of our favorite places on earth.  Cannot wait to see how it turns out!  

BEACH HOUSE SHOOT

We had a fun time this morning shooting with Newsday for an upcoming feature in their "Design Editions".  It was an interesting staging being that it was raining buckets, but we think it turned out adorable.  We were asked to pair inexpensive bedding with an overall chic, sophisticated look.  This is what we came up with.  Check it out in next Friday's paper.

WE BID YOU ADIEU

The above are some of my favorite "vignetting" moments at this years Home is Where the Heart is show.  This years show house was wonderful to be a part of.  So many talented and sweet designers who I adored getting to know.  Tomorrow is the last day to check it out so if you live on Long Island and will be in the area, please stop in.  All tickets benefit the American Heart Association.

1. library by us :)

2. sunroom by my amazing friend, Melanie Roy

3. sitting room by Barbara Page

4. little girls room by NoliHahn

5. entry by the ever gracious, Kim Courtney Interiors 

STAGING 101

Dee & I met a lovely new potential client yesterday that wants our help staging her house before she puts in on the market next month.  I personally love a staging client because it gives immediate satisfaction.  There are no lead times or backorders- everything must be in stock and ready to roll.  The challenging aspect of such a job is melding your style with that which is already in the house.  Most staging clients want you to use what they have and incorporate some new, fresh pieces and this one is no different.

Here is a quick little idea board that we are putting together for this new client.  Let me know your thoughts.  I would love to know if you enjoy staging, how you work it and if you take on these types of jobs as well.

BOXWOOD BASICS

Alex & I were almost home owners this weekend (for the fifth time).  

I cannot take this Long Island real estate market…

This house was so charming.  It was adorable, but a complete disaster at the same time.  Let's just call it a fantastic fixer upper.  It got me thinking... Which would I do first?  Exterior or interior revamps?  For me, curb appeal is very important.  You can hide certain things on the inside- throw a skirted table over some water damage in the living room, wallpaper the back mess of a bookcase, place a gigantic, modern piece of art over that crack in the dining room wall- everything is manageable on the inside.  Interiors, I know, I can make amazing, but poor landscaping can really destroy the overall look a house.  Basically, a few, layered boxwood's can change your life.  Here are my favorites that I will definitely copy once we finally find our home.

Cannot wait.

SPRING SHOW HOUSE PREVIEW

We're so excited to be participating in another "Home is Where the Heart is" show house on Long Island.  It's such a terrific cause benefiting the American Heart Association.  Dee & I have taken on a fun challenge.  We are doing the library which Denise actually did 15 years ago! 

This is our rendering for the new space which is a great mix of our styles.  I can't wait to see the finished room.