WROUGHT IRON RAILING DETAILS IN NYC

It is amazing what you can discover when you have the time to walk around New York City and really pay attention to what is around you. I had the luxury just the other day to wander around looking for inspiration for a wrought iron railing for a stairwell that we are designing in one of our client’s homes. While I was walking up and down the streets I couldn’t help but notice all of the beautiful metal grid work that was created on the buildings. Some of the work was very simple straight lines, while others were very ornate and contained gold and brass metals as well as the wrought iron itself. It is incredible how this architectural detail can add so much character and interest to its surroundings. Next time you are in the city and have some free time, I highly recommend taking a moment to really admire the beautiful architecture and other details that this city has to offer. Here are some of my favorite examples..

Miami Design District

    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!!!

ANKASA

      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!! 

ELEGANT DINING

  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...   

RECIPE BLOG

One of my favorite clients , Nicole has just launched a new recipe blog" Nibbles by Nic" . I was lucky enough to be invited to the party of this new endeavor. Nicole filled her newly decorated (by me) dining room with the most delectable tasting menu. 

Her food was seriously delicious.  Her menu was a fall medley of pre Thanksgiving tastes. I loved the Grandma Jane's Thanksgiving Squash as well as the Old fashioned Corn Pudding. All the food was so colorful... 

Her desserts were equally as yummy... Nicole writes about meals that are fun, easy, as well as fast to prepare. The best thing about Nicole's food is how passionate she is about it, that passion translates into great taste! 


Here are some photos of last night's party!  Enjoy!!


Check out her new blog: www.nibblesbynic.com

QR CUSTOM DESIGNS

A brand new web site just launched, that I think has incredible potential to the way we market ourselves. 

QR (Quick Response) Custom designs features clothing and products with custom codes that give people the ability to simply scan information specific to that unique code. Quick Response is a new method of advertisement, offering a new level of interaction with the public. Instead of putting a lengthy web address on a shirt or business card, all the customer has to do is apply a symbol (that looks a bit like a barcode) to their advertisement. The public can then easily scan the code using their smart-phone camera and a free application, and Voila! the information they need is at their fingertips.  Each product is custom made and designed specifically for your style. I’ve already ordered new business cards and tote bags for my company! Granted, not all products appeal to all consumers, but this is definitely a great new tool to get yourself out there to the masses. It could even lead to a revolution in the marketing world.

Check it out!

Website: http://www.qrcustomdesigns.com/#!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/QR-Custom-Designs/136741283082363

PAINT COLORS

     When I am out and about socially, (once someone finds out that I am an interior designer) I am most always asked questions. One of the most asked question over the years is about paint colors. People always ask about a new house that they are moving into. Mostly they are in a panic and ask me what color to paint the rooms, and usually don't know where to start.
      My advise is always the same. You need a starting point. Start with a beautiful rug that you first purchase, or may already have. Maybe it is a great painting that you love. It could be a wonderful pillow that you can't live without. BUT you need to make a commitment to something that you love.
Once you have that starting point, you can choose colors that work with that beloved object.

Colors that you already know make you happy and compliment your space.....At that point it's easy...   The concept for this bedroom started when the client fell in love with the linen drapery fabric. I choose the dark plum and light lavender from the drapery print....