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

August 20th, 2012 No Comments

this week’s color palette: eggplant shades

This eggplant still life was photographed by Sang An and styled by me for Oprah Magazine. It’s one of my favorite shots we did together. The colors are so rich and natural. I know all the stores are pushing fall right now- (too early for me! summer isn’t over yet!) but here in the height of summer vegetables we find these gorgeous shades in eggplants. So even though I think most of us associate these colors with fall, they are found during summer in nature. They are so deep and saturated and beautiful. I love it. I would love to … Read more

August 18th, 2012 No Comments

Reese Witherspoon’s home featured in elle decor

Have you seen the September issue of Elle Decor magazine? It features actress Reese Witherspoon’s California ranch. If you haven’t seen a copy, you can read it online. Here is the link: Elle Decor/ Reese Witherspoon. It’s understated elegance at it’s best.

August 17th, 2012 No Comments

shopping for succulent wreaths and succulent vertical wall planters

I am most definitely going to order a succulent wreath this year for the holidays and here is a company that is taking pre-orders for November delivery- Cactus Jungle Nursery. They have 10″ wreaths for $44 and 15″ for $132. I’ve also been so interested in creating a vertical wall succulent planter. Sunset magazine has a great little article on how to do it yourself or where to buy a pre-assembled succulent garden (at sgplants.com, note they also have succulent wreaths and kits). If you just need the frame and want to plant it yourself, try searching … Read more

August 16th, 2012 No Comments

Succulent inspired paint colors

Here are some suggested paint colors from Benjamin Moore pulled from our inspirational succulent color palette this week. Deep Teals look fantastic in dining rooms and studies. Faded green-grays you find in succulents are wonderful for kitchen cabinet colors, living spaces that have a lot of sunlight or restful bedrooms. Blue-greens also work well in living spaces, bedrooms and especially baths.

August 15th, 2012 No Comments

wednesday weddings & celebrations: succulent favors

This a is great sustainable favor for guests. By taking a small bubble vase and layering sand and rocks in the bottom with a selection of succulents, you can create a miniature succulent terrarium for each guest. If you chose something like this for your own wedding or celebration- it’s great because it’s something you can do in the months or weeks ahead of your event or if you don’t have the time, you can ask your florist or local nursery to put them together for you. You can find many sized vases like this, sand, rocks etc. at Jamali … Read more

August 14th, 2012 1 Comment

tuesday’s tabletop: succulent centerpieces

I was asked to design a table for Hampton Cottages and Gardens for the Hampton Classic (an equestrian competition). It was very last minute and the event was outside in very hot, humid temperatures. Traditional flowers might not hold up in the heat- so I chose to use different varieties of succulents, so I was sure it would look crisp and clean. I used different sized Jars bowls and Mud Australia bowls (available from my store) to plant the succulents in and topped off the dirt with small white seashells to finish the centerpieces. The tables were all … Read more