October 16th, 2013 No Comments

Amy Gardella of Seaport flowers shares her vision of fall

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Amy Gardella’s Seaport Flowers company can create an arrangement big or small, for a wedding or for your home. Daily imports from Holland, South Africa and New Zealand allow Amy and her team to create arrangements with the most unique flowers available. Amy works with marrying texture and color with both Asian and European influences. For over 16 years Amy has been creating exceptional events and now this fall she will expand to offer interior design services. Pictured above, Amy used magnolia leaves, cymbidium orchids, peony coral sunset and mahogany (from New Zealand), as well as … Read more

October 15th, 2013 No Comments

create a living fall centerpiece from your local garden center

Instead of using cut flowers as a centerpiece it’s always fun to use seasonal flowers and foliage and plant in a bowl or antique vessel which should last 2-3 weeks at least when kept in a cool environment. (Placing them on an outside table when not in use is best.)  There are so many pretty, deep colors this time of year. The cabbages and lettuces are particularly beautiful. Above we pulled red lettuce, blue pansies and pink oxalis (otherwise known to some as false shamrocks or pink sorrels) in keeping with this week’s color palette. Ornamental peppers are also abundant … Read more

October 14th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: a painterly palette

I’m in love with the mood this photograph has created. It reminds me of an old oil painting with the dark background and the saturated colors of the flowers popping out. Painting a room dark has it’s dramatic appeal but it doesn’t necessarily mean to you have to go that route if you like this palette. This living room below is light and has incorporated the pops of color in book jackets, flowers and then grounded the room with dark woods and black shades. Above are Benjamin Moore paint colors I have selected from our inspiration photo to help guide … Read more

October 11th, 2013 No Comments

the vertical garden by patrick blanc

This amazing vertical garden seen above at the small Paris boutique hotel, Pershing Hall, was installed by Patrick Blanc, known for the invention of the vertical garden. Blanc has done projects large and small all over the globe, from the world’s tallest vertical garden in Sydney to a small clothing store in Charlotte, North Carolina. The garden above at Pershing Hall has over 300 species of trees, shrubs and plants.  Blanc has done several projects in the United States, check out his project section of his site and view the world map to find out where there’s one close … Read more

October 10th, 2013 No Comments

create a neutral color palette with gray & green

When people think of neutrals most automatically think of tans and creams, but gray and green can be a nice alternative. Whether it’s light or dark gray, both shades are still very neutral. Green solids or patterned fabrics add dimension and texture like this upholstered headboard in Elizabeth Mayhew’s bedroom above or these solid green drapes in a dining room pictured below. Blending in cream or white balance the overall palette. This is an easy palette to work with in kitchens too since many appliances, finishes and flooring are all in the gray family.  And don’t forget your front door. … Read more

October 9th, 2013 No Comments

we’re loving cloche centerpieces!

I’ve been obsessed with vintage glass cloches lately. I bought several this summer from my favorite antique store in the Hamptons, called Nellie’s. I love them in a collection together on a table and I’ve been using them a lot for outdoor entertaining to cover cheeses and cakes. There seems to be a trend in weddings too with using cloches for centerpieces. Event and floral designer Matthew Robbins used similar glass terrariums and apothecary beakers in his beautiful wedding (see below) and many are following. If you can’t find vintage cloches, or you’d like to source them for … Read more

October 8th, 2013 No Comments

pumpkin vases (in a pale palette)

It’s easy to have your pumpkins become your table centerpiece. Hollow out the pumpkin like you usually would and leave the top lid with stem off. Use any container or vase which is just a bit lower than the top of the pumpkin so you don’t see it, place inside the pumpkin and arrange your flowers. It’s best to have some foliage or cascading greens to cover up most of your cut top, this will make it look more clean and finished looking.  Fall hydrangea, mums and ferns could also work well in an arrangement. We also loved this gray … Read more

October 7th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: green & gray

This week’s color palette is inspired by a walk through a beautiful tree lined street. We’ve talked about nature being the best source for color inspiration but sometimes buildings, weathered shingles, paths etc. can play a big part too in the landscape. If you are stuck when selecting a palette for your home, try going through some of your favorite vacation snap shots. A vacation is usually when you are most at ease and comfortable, so if your surroundings and colors inspired you, why not try to incorporate them into your home. Above are Benjamin Moore Paint colors, from top … Read more

October 3rd, 2013 1 Comment

kitchen pendants- where to start your search

Selecting lighting for your kitchen island can be overwhelming, I know. I’ve been debating what kitchen island pendants to select for a kitchen project I’m working on right now. Industrial? Traditional? Vintage schoolhouse? Chandelier? A drum Pendant? The choices seem endless. I’m working on a farmhouse that’s a mix of vintage and modern, so I’m going back and forth between a drum shade or white and polished nickel industrial pendants (since all our faucets and hardware are polished nickel). I’ll make sure to share the outcome with you in the coming weeks. But for now I wanted to share with … Read more

October 2nd, 2013 No Comments

silhouettes for weddings, celebrations and family trees

The art of silhouettes is said to date back to the 1600’s when artists entertained royalty by cutting silhouettes of them in their hair pieces and fancy dress. Silhouettes became very popular in America in the late 18th century as portraits up until the invention of the photograph. Now there are only about 10-15 silhouette artists in the country. One of them I had the pleasure of meeting this past weekend, Ms. Deborah O’Connor. She cut my daughters’ profiles and I was so impressed with her detail. Having a silhouette cut for your wedding, anniversary or a special celebration … Read more