VIOLET REVISITED

I wish I had a picture of my bedroom as a child.  It was a Mario Buatta-esque full canopy bed in purple chintz with matching chaise, framed by purple painted walls.  Denise even had a matching dress made for my favorite doll which sat on my perfectly purple, mini french desk chair.  It was a bedroom fit for a little princess and I was obsessed with it.  As an adult I never thought of incorporating this color into our work until recently.  Inspired by a few new clients we started envisioning a way to create sophisticated, feminine flair that wasn't pink.  Now we have two beautiful, chic rooms in this palette that we cannot wait to share.  Paired with gray or a lime green, it is an absolutely beautiful color.   Here are a few ways to incorporate this color in a minimal, subtle way..

Paint your walls!

This bathroom in one of Aerin Lauder's homes is absolutely beautiful.  The lavender walls are almost white - the paint is muted down to the perfect shade.    Paired with dull brass fixtures and a classic venetian mirror, this bath is simply elegant.  Paint is easy and inexpensive to change, especially in a smaller space.  This is the perfect, non comital way to add a pop of color in your home. 

On your windows!

How fun is the above dining room?   The lavender panels are an amazing accent paired with traditional gracie wallpaper.  Using a color like purple on your windows adds a punch of unexpected color.

Accessorize!

Lacquered boxes or porcelain is an easy way to add an on trend color to any room in your home.  Spice up your bedside or living room end tables with a pop of purple.  

As an accent fabric!

We love an ikat... especially a colorful one.  If you don't see yourself fully upholstering a chair in a colorful fabric, throw pillows are an easy way to add color.  The above living room by Ashely Whitaker is a great example of such.

xo

Missy

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES | KLISMOS CRAZY

The classic, Greek klismos chair has a very distinctive shape.  With its tapered legs and curved back there is no mistaking it.  Every couple of years it will make a revival and we are currently re-coveting this style.  We love them used as dining chairs around a traditional English table or in a larger scale, as an accent chair in a living room.   It adds a unique vibe.

Here are a few of our favorites.  We are using the top right chair in a blue linen for a kitchen.   They are so fun when upholstered in a colorful fabric or a mini print.  All to the trade only sources so contact us if you like any of the above.  

Have a great weekend!

xxx

M

SYMMETRICALLY CHALLENGED

Often times when we think of the word symmetry we automatically assume "the same".   People can mistake "sameness" for boring.  However, when speaking in terms of design if a room is not symmetrical it can seems off balance.  When Denise & I walk into a space our eye automatically fixates on anything that is throwing off our perspective.  We are drawn to it, obsessing over it and we immediately have to fix it.  Whether invited to or not - haha!  I thought this was a unique obsession, something inherited from my similarity symmetrically obsessed mother.  However, we realized that we were in good company a few years ago when attending an event with the esteemed Mario Buatta.  While accepting an award he chastised the group for not handing him two statues.  He said he couldn't possibly move forward with his speech only holding one award is his hands because it wasn't symmetrical!  It would drive him crazy!  This is when I realized our obsession wasn't nutty, it was innate!  Here are a few tips to help the symmetrically challenged.

Exterior Perfection

Curb appeal is everything.  What people see when they pull up to your house is what will carry through their visit.  Who wouldn't want to have the above front door?  The evenly spaced, manicured boxwoods, the amazing double pulls on a door with beautiful, intricate millwork?  Even the stripes are evenly spaced.   By simply placing two planters with manicured boxwoods on either side of your front door you will immediately add charm and character to your home. 

In Your Backyard

 I am in awe of this boxwood wonderland.  The lattice work perfectly frames both the garden and the home and there are even an even number of dormers!  Yes, I have OCD.  It is perfection.  

An Even Entry 

An entry should be something that makes you happy as soon as you walk into your home.  This picture is a perfect example of how symmetry can be anything but boring.  It can be colorful and pattern filled, but still pleasing to the eye.  This wallpaper is a chaotic, but calming feature when paired with perfectly balanced accessories.  

Perfect Proportion 

This living room by Mark Sikes shows that balance in a room does not have to mean using the same pieces of furniture, obviously.  In the above he pairs a french upholstered chair with a Billy Baldwin Esq slipper chair.   The proportions of both chairs are similar so they work perfectly together.  He also balances wall space on either side of the fireplace.  A door on the left is paired with a chinoiserie bookcase on the right.  The difference in height is made even by adding ginger jars and artwork.

If symmetry isn't your thing we are obviously obsessed and happy to help...  

Whether you ask us to or not {wink wink}

xoxo

m&d

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