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

SOUTHERN CHARM STYLE

Given that tonight is the premier of our favorite reality tv show, I thought I would dedicate today's designer notes to one of the most beautiful, Charleston.  The architectural history in downtown Charleston is the reason why it is considered one of the most charming cities in America.  One glance down any unique alleyway will bring a smile to your face.  Each home has a special characteristic, a bold color, a beautiful window box accented by tropical palmetto trees.  The streets are filled with numerous architectural styles from Federal to Victorian.  Even the occasional Greek Revival.  A common style is called the Charleston Single House.  It is uncommon in that it is narrower street side than at it's side.  It is the perfect style for the cities long, narrow lots.   One look at any of the above pictures and you realize that Charleston is an absolute. precious. gem.

Top 5 spots to check out in Charleston for the interior design obsessed:

1.  George C. Birlant & Company
 Specializing in gorgeous English antiques.

2.  Fritz Porter
A collection of unique antiques, mixed with modern pieces.

3.   Indigo Market
They have a slew of palm beach regency pieces - aka bamboo galore.

4.  Charleston Revisions
For a more mid century modern style - this store is your forte. 

5.  Hagan Fine Art Ga& Studio
Beautiful artwork by up and coming designers.

Lastly, we can't talk about Charleston without discussing the queen bee herself, Patricia Astchul. The above photos, featured in architectural digest, show her ridiculously fantastic home.  Decorated by our buddy Mario Buatta this Charleston estate is the definition of Southern Chic.  The rooms are filled with ornate detail - patterns are mixed and colors are bold.   It is over the top, loud and amazing - just like Patricia herself. 

If you haven't already, grab your martini and check out this season of Southern Charm - tonight on Bravo at 9pm.  If you are Southern Style obsessed like myself you will absolutely adore it.

xo 

m

CLIENT INSPIRATION | GUEST BATH DETAILS

For a meeting next week we have been trying to find inspiration for a more formal guest bath.  The vibe is a classic, traditional, yet chic look.  Our usual wallpaper look has been replaced with decorative, painted, maybe lacquered molding.  We are thinking about picture molding, maybe french inspired for the main guest bath on the first floor.  The formality and beauty of it will meld perfectly with the ornate limestone entry.  To pull this off you really need to work with a master carpenter.  Molding this detailed will look cheap and cheesy unless done perfectly.  The color is TBD, but I love the look of the above blues and grey.  Dove white is classic and warm, but paired with a Sherle Wagner sink (similar to the second photo above, but more ornate) we are thinking that a bold color pop is needed.  

For the second guest bath on the first floor we are also going with molding rather than wallpaper, but a more modern version.  The floor to ceiling square wainscoting above is perfect.  I really love the look of this second bathroom.  Each square has a little more detail and the added framework around the window and mirror is gorgeous.  Paired with the antique silver accents it is a timeless, but modern look.

Follow us on instagram at missy_minicucci & therinfretgroup for updated pictures of each projects.  The above will be hash tagged #kingspointproject and we will post photo's of each bathroom and their progress in the next few weeks.

xx

m&d

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES | LUCK OF THE IRISH

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  This holiday has always made me happy because it was a reminder of Spring being right around the corner.  Flowers blooming, longer days, sunshine and more time outside!  It's been a rough winter with a newborn so this year I am counting down the days until I can take long walks with her.   Above are some beautiful, inspirational St. Patty's Day inspired photo's which made me smile.   Below, are our Friday's Favorites featuring some fun green items.  Happy Friday!! It's 5:00 somewhere,  go have a drink :) 

xo

m

1.  Schumacher Panel
2. Parker Thatch Stationary
3.  Oomph Lantern
4.  Stubbs & Wooton Camo Slippers
5. MH Linens Monogrammed Napkins

A CHARITABLE SUNDAY

This weekend we participated in a wonderful event benefiting a local, Long Island charity.  A few interior designers were asked to decorate tabletops and auction off items for the Junior Welfare League of Huntington's "Camp for Kids".    For 25 years this charity has sent at risk children to summer camp- a happy, carefree time that people take for granted and every child should get to enjoy.  This charity brightens up the lives of many children so we wanted to brighten up the lives of everyone participating in the event yesterday.  That is why we chose the hot pink, white and grey color palette.  Above are some pictures from the set up for the event. 

Obsessed with these kiddies - clearly they were a big help - lol

We had custom placemats made for the event which came out better than we imagined.  Topped with Kate Spade dot dishes and obviously monogrammed napkins. Our flowers were simple - a glass, cylindrical vase in the center of the table with beautiful, white quince and a few, scattered orchids in small terra-cotta urns.  A grey and white large stripe tablecloth trimmed with a gorgeous, knotted samuel & son trim (also used as napkin holders). It was a simple, colorful, happy table - one of my favorites that we've ever done.  We couldn't have done it without Elite Tent & Party Rentals our party planning partners,  Scott & Amanda Schneider (their adorable kiddies are pictured above).  For the best kiddie outfits and outrageous mommy adventures check out Amanda's blog Amanda Beau & Co.

xo

m&d

FRIDAY'S FAVORITES | LEOPARD PRINT FABRICS

If you follow us you know we have a love, almost an obsession with animal print.  We incorporate leopard, tiger, antelope or any other animal print in every project, in almost every rooms!  In our eyes it is basically a neutral.  This Friday's Favorites is all about leopard print.  Above are fun, colorful leopard fabrics.  We chose to showcase blue because it is the most versatile of the color options, but they also come in pinks, greens, yellows, grey, basically any color your heart desires.  All fabric sources are to the trade only so if there are any that you love contact us!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

m

1. Schumacher

2. Clarence House

3. Brunschwig & Fils

4.  Thibaut

5. Brunschwig & Fils

6. Cowtan & Tout

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