The Good Work of Housing Works

I heard about the Housing Works fundraiser for years, how much fun it was, how much money it raises.  Well, I finally got to experience it, and it was all that and more!
My press pass allowed me early access to photograph the vignettes, because when the doors open, it is pandemonium.  I imagine it must have been like what the Filene's basement bridal sale was like back in the day.  A horn sounds at 6:30 pm and everything is for sale 50% to 70% off retail prices, with all proceeds going to Housing Works.  Because everything was styled so beautifully, each piece felt elevated and easily helped you really visualize how it could look in your own home.  Everyone rushed to the pieces they had scouted out before hand to grab those tickets and turn them to SOLD!

But before everything was dissembled and disheveled ~

This bold, graphic room easily reads beachy, lake side, or mountain modern:  now's the season.

George Oliphant fr  George to the Rescue

If you were setting up a nursery this was the place to be, as there were several

De la Torre Design Studio

My friend Tamara took us on a journey to a beautiful French seaside cottage.  I really got a first hand sense of how much work goes into putting a space together, and how the design community comes together  to support one another and a charitable cause.

Tamara Stephenson

You could have moved right into this one.  That's what I call a room in a box!

Rinehardt Miller Interiors

Carrie Bradshaw's closet, how it might look today by the girls that styled it in the movie(s), so they would know!

Marks and Frantz

Miles Redd was having a chic, primary color, art heavy moment.  Yet everything he touches turns to gold

Tyler Wisler created a cozy, den thanks in large part to the mood lighting and wall hung fireplace.

I wanted to say yes to the Donghia cocktail table, but alas, I have no where to put it.  The prices definitely sway you!

Antonino Buzzetta

Kinda stops you in your tracks; loved the paintings.  It was (or looked like) pink smoke.

Nest Interiors

I think I screamed a little when I saw this Lindsey Adelman looking lighting.  I did, I did.  She generously gives you directions on her web site and you can recreate it for yourself just like Marc did.

Marc Houston

The framed silk Hermes scarf was a steal!

HB Home

But I spied with my little eye a Danish modern chair with a Tibetan curly lamb seat that was calling my name.  Patrick Hamilton did a beautiful room vignette, each piece strong enough on its own, together it sung.

I positioned myself next to the chair so reaching the tag was easy when the horn blew.  I grabbed my ticket and thriumphedly claimed my prize.  Don't be surprised if you see this little beauty in an upcoming project.

With the purchases out of the way, it was back to the party.

A good time for a worthy cause.  That's a win/win!

Design Morsel: Accent Wall

Today's design morsel is ~ The accent wall made from wood paneling, chrome trim and inset squares of cowhide.  The monochromatic, tactile effect is stunning!!

This is an example of the goodness of the adage, more is more.



Design by Eddy Doumas/ Worth Interiors

Allow Me to Introduce….

One of the main reasons for going to market is to see the new introductions for the coming season of your favorite designers or the companies you do business with.  Much like fashion, we crave newness, trends or needs change, as do our buying habits.

Aerin Lauder is VERY busy building her lifestyle brand.  She and her talented team continue to churn out really beautiful objects.  Her lighting for Visual Comfort was simply the chicest I have seen in a long time.  I loved every piece. The materials, the design, the sculptural nature: she has all the bases covered.

EJ Victor debuted AERIN's new introductions to her furniture line that will sit beautifully side by side with her existing collection.   Each piece strong enough to stand sublimely on its own.  

The only problem with new introductions is they won't be on the showroom floor for 6 months to a year.  It's like you can see but you can't touch ~ it's such a tease!

Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair ~ don't confuse her girl next store, I want to be your best friend persona for someone who is anything less than serious about classic, traditional design that is sophisticated, functional and timeless.

Mary McDonald for Chaddock ~ continues to make magic.  Her gift for mixing Neo- Greco Roman and classicism, layered with French Regency is a recipe for success.

David Easton's collection, also for Chaddock is refined, elegant and a little quirky (in a good way) just like the man himself.  I sat next to him at lunch.  He's a pip!  His interiors are inspired by global travel and change.  He believes a space should make you feel a sense of comfort.

Charlotte Moss for Century ~   The scope of her new collection was the most comprehensive that I saw at market.  Her Southern upbringing, attention to detail, travel and being continually inspired by the great lady decorators always informs Charlotte.

  

 Celerie Kimble for Henredon ~ 20th century styling; curvaceous and scaled down, tradition with  a twist infused with a modern warmth seem to create a WOW factor.

Two of my favorite pieces that stopped me in my tracks from Emporium Home ~

shagreen, leather + hip design = LOVE IT

I kept muttering under my breath,"why did it take me so long?" I was reminded of a valuable lesson; designers work hard and play harder. It took me days to recover. I can't wait to go back : )

Hardware is where it's Happening

Lisa Jarvis

Another trend that was predominant at Market was the use of gorgeous hardware.  Every (almost) cabinet, breakfront, etagere, and chest was enhanced with the addition of sculptural metal pulls, dramatic mother of pearl handles, decorative horn, or a plethora of other options.

The choice of hardware speaks volumes about the theme or inspiration for which it is intended.  Does the hardware have an ethnic feel, is it Neoclassic, Regency, or Deco?  Are you looking to convey a masculine or feminine feel?  It can be subtle or over the top.  Keep that in mind when choosing the piece or changing the hardware.  If you are redecorating and you want a subtle but impactful change, it is as simple as switching out knobs to make a fairly big difference.

What have we learned ?  If you don't need a new piece of furniture but you want to update an existing piece in your home or just add a dash of drama,  replace the hardware!  Make sure its sculptural, don't be afraid to mix metals, shapes, or materials, and it will surely be marvelous!