27 July, 2009

Hampton Designer Showhouse 2009

I love these showhouses. I seek them out and like a kid at Disney for the very first time; drool over each of the exquisitely designed rooms, each of them perfection. My first showhouse was two years ago at Marshall Field's old Caumsett mansion. Ah yes, I still dream of those venetian plaster walls and that hand-carved lucite vanity chair. Yummy. I am expecting nothing less of this newest showhouse that opened yesterday on David's Lane in Watermill. I love even more that one of my favorite designer's, Kate Singer, has done a room and can't wait to see it. I feel a girl's day out coming!

8/25/09 Follow-Up. We made it out to the showhouse this week! Not as big a house as I thought it was going to be and on a very small lot! But, the selling price was indicative of those aspects; for only a mere 7 million in the Hamptons! Overall, the details of the house were amazing -- the millwork stood out and the quality of the construction was amazing. Apparently, Farrell Construction consistently produces quality work and amazing details, and it shows. While my girlfriend and I appreciated the house overall, it was not our style per se. A bit too high style for us and we would have liked to see more traditional aspects in the design. The library and the bedroom by Elizabeth Bailey were our favorites -- loved that Farrow & Ball high gloss, Skylight paint in the entry closet! I also loved the master bath designed by Brady Interiors. That shower was awesome! Loved those Odegard marble shower stools - like a garden stool in marble, as opposed to a teak bench or stool. A great time overall followed up by lunch @ Bobby Vans with some quick shopping through Bridgehampton and home! Loved it! Well worth the trip!
P.S. - See Habitually Chic for some amazing interior photos of the house. http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2009/08/hampton-designer-showhouse-basement.html.

The Poolhouse in My Dreams

On this hot and muggy Long Island day, I can picture myself lounging by this poolhouse with my children splashing and playing, and better yet, making southsides with my girlfriends and having our own fun. I love this classic Hamptons shingle-style design by Neff Architecture in NYC. Classic, timeless, and just plain gorgeous!

I'm Goin' to See Phoebe...

Well, at least the opening of her beautiful new Charlotte, NC store. I booked my ticket for August 6th (going down and coming back the same day) and am sooooo excited! I am just as excited to see the new spaces, and possibly meet Mr. & Mrs. Howard, as I am about all the new people I hope to meet! I hope all my fellow bloggers, who I read religiously and adore, will be there! I feel like it's Christmas and my birthday all in one! Whee!

26 July, 2009

Legends in Their Own Space...

Here is an amazing slideshow in Architectural Digest about legendary movie stars in the comfort of their own homes. I am a lover of black/white classic movies from the old days, so I got a big kick out of some of these pics. Some of the pictures are so telling and so, so glamorous. Enjoy!
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2009/07/stars_in_residence_slideshow

25 July, 2009

Susan Serra, Long Island's Kitchen Designer Queen

Here is a great blog entry from Susan Serra, CKD about a trip out east (the Hamptons) a couple years ago where she found inspiration amidst the rain. Susan's blog is so full of valuable information I wasn't sure where to look first, but am looking forward to covering it all while enjoying every image. A kitchen renovators dream webpage and blog! Enjoy!

23 July, 2009

Designing Moms...

I find it particularly intriguing when I read about a designer who obviously, in my book, is tremendously talented, and is also a mother of multiple children. How do they do it? In this case, Janet Simon, according to her website is a mom of four, and in my humble opinion, a design goddess. Mrs. Simon incorporates bold colors, while still maintaining the calmness and serenity in a room that I love. Mrs. Simon's firm is located in Morristown, NJ and one day I hope to meet this talented wonder-mom!  Please check out her website and her fabulous portfolio!

21 July, 2009

'Pretty' By Phoebe Howard

"Pretty, by definition, is something that attracts with delicacy and grace.
Pretty is not imposing or formidable, not handsome or stunning. It is neat and elegant without elevation or grandeur. It is attractive but not grandly conceived.
Pretty is the term I use most often use when describing my style of decorating.
When creating pretty rooms, I feel that a classic, timeless quality emerges. My goal is for the rooms to entice and enchant guests upon entering, with the eye not drawn to any one thing in particular."
Thank you to 'Things That Inspire' for posting this on your blog in celebration of your two year blogiversary! Congratulations!

20 July, 2009

Art...A Worthy Investment?


Yes, yes, yes! Nothing is more beautiful than a calming oil landscape, an antique black and white engraving, bronze sculpture, or miniature plein-air oil. Yet, in this day and age, original art is a luxury - no two bones about it. Therefore, I have, on several occasions, successfully approached a local dealer and asked about purchasing artwork on a lay-away plan if you will. So, if your patient and not too proud to ask about being able to put a deposit down to secure a piece, the reward is huge. Any artist or dealer would much prefer to move their pieces, rather than having them sit around for an extended period of time. I'm convinced, owning one-of-a-kind, original artwork doesn't only enhance your home, but your life. My favorite artists, that I return to again and again are J. Michael Kennedy and Trish Hurley. I try to add little pieces of art all around my home and have even purchased great pieces from Horchow that are reproduction pieces in fabulous frames. I am also a huge fan of architectural watercolors from Michael Hampton and love the Chinoiserie works of Harrison Howard. Let me know your favorite artists!





18 July, 2009

Breathing New Life Into...

In the spirit of 'going green,' these days repurposing anything is a good thing. Most recently, I found myself looking for unique chairs for my library. While not wanting to pay 2k per chair for my favorite style of chair at Scully & Scully in NYC; I decided to reuse my 10 year-old cherry, Queen Anne dining chairs. The project took longer than expected and much more armwork than I thought possible (painting, stripping, and repainting my kitchen cabinets was easier), but, what a wonderful addition they are! And, quite the conversation pieces as well. I sanded all the lacquered stain down to bare wood, applied several coats of very thick (tar-like) black rustoleum paint - knowing that my children and friends would be using and abusing these chairs on a daily basis - and then turned them over to a friend's very talented mother for the final chinoiserie style artwork in gold to match the shades and colors throughout the library. I can't tell you how valuable local artists and talent in general are to the redecorating of any home. Our local artist Elsie, was able to make the transformation of these chairs to functional pieces of art. Love them!
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