Kips Bay Kathryn Ireland Bedroom

Posted on May 24, 2013 by quintessence   •   4 Comments

Kips Bay Kathryn Ireland Bedroom

One of the few oddities of the Kips Bay show house is that there is only one bedroom. But Kathryn Ireland‘s beautiful design incorporating her new wallpapers and fabrics for Scalamandre more than makes up for it.
British heritage meets California cool in this perfectly appointed example of Ireland’s style of comfortable elegance. With a balanced yin yang of feminine and masculine, this room’s updated traditional feel has move-in appeal. Any trepidation one may have had initially about Scalamandré’s choice for their new collection was immediately assuaged by this beautiful bedroom. Swathed in the lovely Duden Lodge wallpaper, named after the house she was born in and a former hunting lodge of Henry V111th, the room breathes an elegant gentility.…

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Magni Modernism

Posted on May 21, 2013 by quintessence   •   3 Comments

Magni Modernism

James Magni’s new volume, Magni Modernism, celebrating his 25 years of design, is a testament not only to the longevity and relevance of modern design but to Magni’s particular refined and soulful version. The power of glamorous simplicity, elegant open spaces and harmonious connectivity mark the fourteen projects that fill the volume.

Trained as an architect, Magni found his true calling in interiors, offering him the opportunity to find soulful connections between all elements of a residence – architecture, furniture, art and landscape. His interest resides in the holistic entity of design, creating thoughtful environments that enhance their owners’ lives. Through intensive attention to detail and craft, Magni’s homes are luxurious yet focussed on the human element.…

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Kips Bay Decorator Show House Part 3

Posted on May 20, 2013 by quintessence   •   9 Comments

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Part 3

Finishing off the main floor at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is James Huniford‘s dramatic atrium. With the feel of an artist’s studio, Huniford included a creative mix of antique and custom furniture, art and accessories.

In the stunning Maison Jansen brass mirror from Bernd Goeckler, you can see the double story windows and overhang connecting the room to both the garden and other interior spaces. The geometric angularity effortlessly connects a lacquered wood Jacques Quinet chair from 1949 with the mirror and the Huniford Collection oak side table.
Another successful mix of eras is evident in this view where Huniford’s custom sofa offers a contemporary take on a wingback juxtaposed with Josef Hoffman’s Viennese Secessionist chair from Kimcherova.…

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Kips Bay Showhouse Continued

Posted on May 20, 2013 by quintessence   •   5 Comments

Kips Bay Showhouse Continued

While I am still catching up with all the recent design events this spring, the Kips Bay Showhouse is one I know is high on readers’ lists. I was hoping to get through more of the rooms for you today, but with a college graduation this weekend, I’m afraid work took a back seat. On the first floor, Andrew Suvalsky‘s foyer and powder room packed a bold and colorful punch.
With a Mad Men meets Vegas vibe, his playful and upbeat room featured an eye popping mix of art, finishes and color. The trend toward Moorish elements was boldly expressed in this glamorous gold based table.…

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1st Peek | Thom Filicia Does Greenwich in ELLE DECOR

Posted on May 16, 2013 by quintessence   •   8 Comments

1st Peek | Thom Filicia Does Greenwich in ELLE DECOR

The June ELLE DECOR is all about getting inspired. And as Memorial Day approaches, it becomes for many, focussed on the ease of summer living and weekend retreats. So I am delighted to share with you a sneak peek at a weekend house here in Connecticut, where designer Thom Filicia helped a young family create their escape from city living.
When considering where to weekend when you like in New York City, suburban Connecticut isn’t on the top of most families’ lists. That’s usually reserved for the “big move” when your brood has outgrown apartment living or school tuitions start to outpace take-home pay.…

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Kips Bay Show House First Look

Posted on May 15, 2013 by quintessence   •   12 Comments

Kips Bay Show House First Look

During the flurry of spring design events, Kips Bay is always on everyone’s list. This year, the anticipated show was back in an upper east side townhouse venue. Built in 1899, the Sharp Townhouse on East 64th Street is a five story almost 7,000 square foot residence with a handsome limestone facade.

Upon entry, the first space is by designer Robert Brown, whose bedroom we just visited at the Adamsleigh show house in Greensboro, NC. His “receiving lounge” is a handsome textural study in neutrals.
Swathed in snakeskin patterned walls in a paperbacked Kelly Wearstler fabric, the room featured a successful mix of contemporary classics with modern art and antiques.…

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Junior League Show House at Adamsleigh Continued

Posted on May 13, 2013 by quintessence   •   9 Comments

Junior League Show House at Adamsleigh Continued

Today we move upstairs at the Junior League Show House in Greensboro that I visited when at High Point. It was a treat to have so many different bedrooms and baths to see in this large house. At the top of the stairs was designer Megan Winters‘ bold and graphic guest room for Thomas & Gray.

Taking its cues from the runway, the black, white and gilt scheme was used to great effect in this space. Winters updated the existing architecture of the room with a successful classic meets modern scheme.

The contemporary art and lighting enhanced the color theme with elegance and energy.…

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Junior League Show House at Adamsleigh

Posted on May 13, 2013 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

Junior League Show House at Adamsleigh

Having a show house during High Point was a wonderful way to both highlight local and national talent and provide inspiring decorating ideas that got everyone’s cogwheels turning while shopping the market. Kudos to the Junior League of Greensboro and Traditional Home for assembling such a great group of designers who all contributed innovative and stylish solutions. The large living room on the first floor was a knock out rendition by Miles Redd for Century furniture, using some pieces from the Oscar de la Renta line, for whom Redd is the Creative Director.

One end was anchored by a comfortable seating area and the other by the fireplace, in a sea of elegant cool blues.…

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La Cienega Design Quarter Legends 2013

Posted on May 10, 2013 by quintessence   •   9 Comments

La Cienega Design Quarter Legends 2013

It’s hard to beat the La Cienega Design Quarter in Los Angeles for its charming casually chic home shopping venue. And Legends, the annual three day design event centered on the district, has become a must-visit destination for all design aficionados. I was thrilled to finally make it out for the five year anniversary. Although only a quick two night visit, it was abundantly clear why this event has garnered so much buzz.
With a focus on education, creativity and camaraderie, in the alluring indoor/outdoor setting that is southern California, Legends celebrates the best of design and the decorative arts. The opening night gala was hopping with a little West Hollywood glam in the exquisite Therien showroom.…

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1st Annual Garden Show at the Antique & Artisan Center

Posted on May 8, 2013 by quintessence   •   6 Comments

1st Annual Garden Show at the Antique & Artisan Center

While I am currently in LA for Legends, I’m so glad I’ll be making it back in time for a full schedule of wonderful design events in Connecticut this weekend. High on my list is the 1st Annual Garden Show at the Antique & Artisan Center in Stamford. I’ve written before about this marvelous resource of eclectic design finds that has recently been upping its game under the transformative direction of Mari Ann Maher, who many of you in NYC may remember from her years at John Rosselli.
With a new design library (inaugurated last fall in time for the Miles Redd Big Book of Chic book party below), even more stylish booths and vendors, as well as the addition of an in-house upholstery center, the center has become an irresistible and addictive location for one-stop shopping.…

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