Archive for August, 2012

August 31st, 2012 No Comments

friday shopping: red stripes

Yesterday we showed you Amy Neunsinger’s room with blue walls and red beams. Today here is an opposite example of how to include color. Walls, floor etc. are all in neutral white and the rug, towels and accents are the pops of color. This way of adding pops of color is obviously easy to change when or if you grow tired of the color you selected. Painting walls, floors and ceilings in a color is more of a commitment and a little more time consuming to change but remember- paint can be changed at low cost and doesn’t have to … Read more

August 30th, 2012 No Comments

interiors: pops of color

To bring in pops of color here’s what talented photographer, Amy Neusinger did in her Laurel Canyon home. Amy painted her walls blue and beams red while keeping bedding, window treatments and floors more neutral. Try Ralph Lauren’s “Dressage Red” or Sherwin-Williams “Gulfstream” for floors, moldings, doors or details. Of note: We covered Amy’s wedding in Martha Stewart Weddings and we worked with Amy a lot on photo shoots while I was at Martha Stewart Living. Amy hosted us for dinner in her California home before it was renovated. She and her husband were excited talking about what … Read more

August 29th, 2012 No Comments

weddings & celebrations: finding the perfect ribbon

When you are searching for ribbon- whether it’s for your wedding bouquet, favors or holiday wreaths… one of my styling sources is Masterstroke Canada for ribbons. Owner, Steven Fraser, is an expert in the field and has a very extensive collection. From satin to grosgrain to velvet, you can find most any color, width or novelty ribbon you can imagine. If you don’t see it on their online store, then I’m sure they can help you find what you are looking for. I highly recommend them as the ‘go to’ source for ribbon.

August 28th, 2012 No Comments

tuesday’s tabletop: carrot & stick press

Carrot & Stick Press has been one of my favorite press companies. You might remember we featured their lobster placemats over the 4th of July. They have wonderful printed cards, placemats, place cards, notebooks, folded cards, etc. that are perfect for entertaining or setting a table. Here I pulled their striped paper placemats in red and aqua stripe and a very festive Hawaiian floral print. Pair these with your everyday white china and it will bring your table to life. I also pulled a few of their notebooks as well. These are perfect place cards and favors in one. … Read more

August 27th, 2012 No Comments

color palette: red and pool blues

As the last days of summer draw near there are just a few weeks left to enjoy our pools here on the East Coast. I saved this photo from an old Elle Decor because I loved the circular pool and the vibrant red striped chairs and awning. This photo was taken at Ferragamo’s 15th-century Tuscan villa- but the pool dates to the 1950’s. I always tend to stay in my comfort zone when selecting chair cushions and towels around our pool- but going bold with red and white stripes is like eye candy and I should probably take heed from … Read more

August 25th, 2012 No Comments

a brand new cookbook from katie quinn davies

Along with Australian Donna Hay, I’ve also started to follow the  ‘What Katie Ate’ blog from Australian Katie Quinn Davies. The photography is beautiful and recipes…scrumptious. She has a new recipe book launching this October. You can pre-order on Amazon.

August 24th, 2012 No Comments

field trip: my favorite farmer’s markets in the hamptons

Since eggplants and fresh vegetables are in full season here in New York, I thought I’d share my two favorite farmer’s markets in the Hamptons with you. The first market is Halsey Farm Stand on Deerfield Road by the Head of Pond intersection in Water Mill. They have a huge selection of vegetables in unusual varieties, fresh corn that’s still warm from being just picked in the fields, fresh flowers, cheeses, honey, jam…and chocolate mouse pies from Gurneys in the fridge! There’s plenty of parking and they take credit cards. The second is Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton. … Read more

August 23rd, 2012 No Comments

Fall forecast: is eggplant the new black in color trends?

If you are looking for a perfect shade to paint your dining room, media room or library so it feels cozy and sexy here are a couple shades you might want to try…Farrow&Ball’s Brinjal #222 and Benjamin Moore’s Caponata #AF-650. That’s what I’m seeing for fall. In fact Pantone color experts forecast a deep, darkened red similar to eggplant for men’s fashion #19-1652 and a ‘sea fog’ #16-3304 (a soft lavender/blue for ties and shirting) and for women they forecast a more quieting shade of purple called ‘rhapsody’ #16-3817, like the 5th color down on our color palette this week, … Read more

August 22nd, 2012 No Comments

weddings & celebrations: eggplant color inspired floral centerpieces

Our eggplant inspired color palette this week lends itself perfectly to many different varieties of flowers. These gorgeous arrangements are all by Michael George, one of the premiere florists and event planners in New York City. Clockwise: Purple and Pastel Mix, including black callas and ilex berries mixed with soft pastel rambling rose (in a black glass cube), Purple Fringe Tulips, Monochromatic Purple Mix, with hydrangea, roses, tulips and novelties, Black Miniature Calla Lilies, Dark Purple Composition, with dark stock, iris, anemones, rununculus and mini callas, and Chocolate Cosmos in mint julep cup. If you’d like to order any … Read more

August 21st, 2012 No Comments

tuesday’s tabletop: using eggplants, plums, black olives, wine & garlic as your centerpiece

These items all have a beautiful color palette….eggplants, deep plums, black olives, red wine and garlic with a bit of purple striations. Using food as your centerpiece is always pretty and very easy to pick up at the grocery store while you are selecting your food for your menu. By putting these items in black bowls and grounding them with black linens, dishes and glasses, it makes a sophisticated, yet approachable table setting. Black linens and plates might seem a bit dark to some people, but coming from my stylist point of view- it makes food look fantastic! … Read more