I was recently in Miami and visited the Miami Design District. I frequent this area once in a while. If you never have been there, and wind up in Miami, check it out. It is different from the design center in NYC, because in NY most of the "trade" showrooms are in a few high rise buildings. One of them is of course the D&D building and the other is NYDC. There is also the A&D building, and a few others that are smaller.
However in Miami it is all spread out within a few blocks. There are many store fronts which feel more like charming shops, parts are also in larger buildings but there is an almost quaint European feeling to the place. Most of the showrooms are shops with ground floor windows. A few of the places were new to me.. One was Bobby Berk Home (great for kids) the other one that I thought had great style was Uzca... Take a look... I hope you have a wonderful 2012!!!
People always ask me "where are your favorite places to shop?" One of my favorite places is Ankasa, www.anaska.com . They just opened a new retail store on Madison Ave. between 87th & 88th streets. They carry mostly high-end accessories, pillows, lighting and small pieces of furniture.. They have a very glamorous look, their merchandise always intrigues me. Ankasa's pillows always look handmade. They use wonderful textiles, like cashmere and lace, skins and embroidery... Their products would help finish off any room in your house, check them out the next time you are in the Upper East side of Manhattan.. Happy Holidays!!!! Enjoy!!
With the holiday season already upon us, I thought it was apropos to discuss setting a table for the holidays.
I always go for very dramatic tables. For me setting the table is as much fun as actually eating, if not more.
For the holidays I always take out my "best" china and silverware. There is nothing more festive...
BUT... things have changed lately. There are beautiful tabletop items to buy for the holiday table without spending a lot of money.
This dining room is a project that was just completed. It is an elegant dining room made for entertaining. The walls in this dining room were upholstered for a feeling of warmth and drama. The chandelier, sconces, and mirror are all vintage pieces. The server as well as the dining table were custom made... we waited almost a year for the rug.
However, for the photo shoot I ran right over to one of my favorite sources for great style (without the big price tag). www.crateandbarrel.com/
I bought the place-mats, dishes, goblets, napkins and napkin holders all at Crate and Barrel. The silverware was my Grandma's ( but I am sure there is gold flatware out there somewhere...)
What I am trying to say is: decorative items can be mixed, some things are antiques while others just look very high end. Good design does not have to be very expensive...it just has to have great style...Another wonderful place to shop for table decor is estate sales . Don't forget the flowers.... Enjoy the holidays...
