Design Series Week 4- Decorating with Tortoise

Pen Shell Accent Table by Williams Sonoma

As I've mentioned on more than one occasion, I find it particularly important to keep current with the latest design trends. Oftentimes I feel as if I've seen it all - feathered walls, backlit floors, and simulated fireplace flames to name a few - but it's intriguing how one little idea can take off. One of my clients in Brookline showed me the accent table above. Maybe you've seen it: the Pen Shell Accent Table from Williams Sonoma. I like the simplicity of the design, but it was the veneer that struck a chord with me. It reminded me of tortoise shell. Ever since, I've been noticing just how much tortoise is currently being used in home decor, and thought it would be a great topic for my final design series post. Below is a collection of all things tortoise that I was able to round up for you:

Tortoise Blinds from Smith and Noble

I need to start using tortoise blinds more. They are lovely when layered beneath a stationary Roman shade like in the image above. I like how these ones open top down as well as bottom up. It makes creating a sense of privacy easier.

Barbara Bradlee

I found this example of tortoise decorating in the Kravet showroom a few weeks ago. When allowed to become a focal point, the shell itself is quite impactful.

Tortoise Shell Table Lamp by Cyan Designs

I've recently discovered Cyan Design as a fun source for unique and affordable home decor. The shell on this table lamp looks so luxurious atop a lucite base.

 

If Oscar jumped on the tortoise bandwagon, then it must be a good trend.

Tortoise Shell Mirror, Design by Su Casa Designs, Boston

Sometimes I think that tortoise shell can feel somewhat glam, so I was excited to see this tortoise shell finished bamboo mirror above with a Greek key motif. The space feels beachy and bright.

Tortoise Shell Stone, design by David Wilkes Builders

 Who would've known that there is such a thing as tortoise stone, made to resemble the shell. I like the color and tonal variations of the pattern on the walls. It gives the contemporary space some warmth.

Vintage Tortoise Shell Chair, from Pinterest

How interesting is this? So unique. I could just imagine uncovering a treasure like this at an estate sale. I would enjoying using this as a statement piece in a grand hall, maybe in front of a large leaning floor mirror with a standing lamp.

The design world is so much bigger than anyone could ever imagine, myself included, and it's often difficult to keep up with its pulse. It was my hopes in this four week design series that I could give you a glimpse of what I'm finding interesting these days, what inspires me and gets me excited about what I do. I always welcome your feedback, so please let me know what posts you enjoyed.

Design Series Week 3 ~ Decorating with Pattern

Who do you consider to be the Queen of Pattern? I can think of many designers who enjoy using patterns, whether it is layered patterns, or one that stands out against a more even backdrop.

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection

Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection

I have a client in Brookline who loves Lilly Pulitzer.  It's just my luck that Lee Jofa carries a Lilly Pulitzer fabric and trim line that I have employed on more than one occasion, and their sister company, Brunschwig , has an abundant selection of fabrics with bright colors and bold patterns. The makings of a fun project are in the works. I am thinking something energetic for a chair and pillows juxtaposed with a solid sofa to ground the design and provide some rest for one's eyes.

Lilly Pulitzer Bedding for Garnet Hill

 Her patterns and colors are lively, full of optimism, and vivid. This image above makes me want to be a kid again. Doesn't this bunk room look like a fun place to sleep?

Lilly Pulitzer Trims for Lee Jofa

If Lilly Pulitzer is my Queen of Pattern, then Jonathan Adler is my King. His style is a stark mid-century contrast to Lily's preppy take.

Jonathan Adler

Carnaby Vase

Brocade Wallpaper

Which designer do you prefer? Could you live with this much pattern?

Design Series Week 2 ~ Decorating with Leather

Pinterest

A current client and a recent house guest both asked me if people still use leather.  I said it is always "in" but with judicious use.  Meaning a leather sofa is always in vogue, but a sofa paired with a matching leather loveseat and chair in the same room is not, that's over doing it.  However, I've always thought that leather sectionals are incredibly welcoming. Just think cozy cabin in the woods.  Or, picture a white leather on a more contemporary and sleek style sofa.

Marie Burgos Design

Using top grain leather on a sectional can be cost prohibitive to many, so it's exciting to see what other ways leather could be used in the decoration of a space. As I mentioned before, a little leather can go a long way.

StudioArt Leather Wall Tiles

I found this leather type guide online and thought it was good enough to share. It breaks down the 3 major leather categories- Aniline, Semi-Aniline, and Pigmented, and discusses major terms and explanations of the more technical aspects of the hide. It's very informative and worth a look.

Beckford Leather Wrapped Table Lamp at Circa Lighting

Novica Round Leather Frame Mirror

Leather Pillows at Pottery Barn

Marco Side Table by Bungalow 5

Do any of the leather goodies above spark your interests? Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Design Series Week 1 ~ Decorating with Orange

Katie Rosenfeld Design

I'm a lover of all seasons. Each one has its own specific and unique qualities that make it special and enjoyable. Living in New England, where we have 4 distinct seasons throughout the year, I continue to find myself enjoying the change in weather every 3 months.


This fall, I embraced one of the colors in the fall palette and painted our kitchen orange. It really looks wonderful and I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and putting this current color to good use.

Amoroso Design

Orange is stimulating and energizing, and provides visual warmth, especially in a room like the kitchen where there are many hard surfaces. The orange accents in the sofa and chair pillows, and the stair wall are an invigorating punch on a neutral living space.

Winder Gibson Architects

 I have a client in Weston for whom I am designing a bedroom scheme around grays and oranges.  Here are some fabrics that I would love her to use.

Queen of Spain in Carrot by Schumacher

Bleeker in Spark by Schumacher

Shall We in Keen Peach by Lee Jofa

Did I give you the orange bug?  If you didn't catch it yet, maybe you will after taking a peek at the below.

Helloloverofbeautifulthings.blogspot.com

What an amazing office space above. The orange boxes are the perfect pop of vibrancy and storage solution. I like the way they create a sort of collection, and doesn't look messy. I could certainly get used to lying on a daybed and enjoying that patio.

Jim Courtney

This living space is definitely not for the faint of heart. I am a lover of color, for sure, but this room may require a pair sunglasses. Regardless, it makes me happy to see someone who isn't afraid to put a bold color to good use, which is something that I continue to find inspiring. The wall color is Bold Orange by Ralph Lauren Paint.

Chester Bloom Lamp by Jill Rosenwald

I always like to give my readers an option for infusing a jolt of color without being extreme. The ceramic lamp above is an inexpensive design element that you could use to bring some personality into any room. Jill Rosenwald is a Boston based ceramic artist who has the funnest products. Still not a huge fan of orange? She can custom color any lamp just for you.

Interior Trim Anatomy

At the moment, I am working on three projects that involve the design and installation of decorative moldings and custom millwork.  As a designer, I have to be able to envision the big-picture of the whole concept of a room, but sometimes I also get to design down to the very small details.  It is all design and it is all fascinating. 

Carefully considering the way in which moulding pieces can be stacked and arranged to create a more intricate profile, and the conditions created when bringing edges and faces together certainly requires some brain gymnastics, but carefully paid attention to the above makes all the difference. I like to think of the trim and moldings of a space as the icing on the cake- it is the final touch to the bones of room, before furniture, lighting, and accessories come into play. They set the tone, be it modern, traditional, or somewhere in between. Mouldings add a customized finished design element which completes and personalizes the space.

Pinterest

Here is a rundown on some moulding must-knows:

Thehardwoodcompany.com

1.  Cornice

2.  Chair rail

3.  Baseboard

4.  Casing

5.  Panel Moulding

6.  Ornament

7.  Mantel

Click here to delve in further with the help of Elle Decor.

The chart below shows the types of classical moldings along with their names. I had to learn these early on in design school. This really shows how intricate a design you could get when stacking and layering pieces to create something unique.

Flickr.com

The combinations are endless, and the sky is the limit. I hope you find the images in this post as inspiring as I did.

Tripadvisor.com

AlexMoulding.com

Pinterest

Porta Romana Lighting - A New Source to Add to Your Design Library

As an interior designer, I always getting excited when I find a new source or a new product line. Whether it is for furniture, accessories, lighting, or tile, it's great to add something new to my repertoire. While recently at the Boston Design Center, I was searching for some unique lighting fixtures for a client who lives in Brookline,  and I walked into Studio 534 and I discovered Porto Romana lighting.

Porta Romana Lighting

Based in the UK, Porta Romana prides itself on awe-inspiring designs, unexpected detailing, and unparalleled craftsmanship. I couldn't agree more.  The designs are so beautiful and elegant, the materials really catch your eye.  Below are some of my favorite fixtures:

Mah Jong Wall Sconce

Salperton Wall Sconce

Vortex Chandelier

Perfume Bottle Lamp

Clef Wall Sconce

What do you think? Which fixtures are leaving an impression on your design taste?

Getting Creative in Tight Spaces - Bathroom Storage

Sometimes the smallest spaces can be the hardest to design right. I constantly find myself walking a fine line between ample storage and the visual weight of a room. Bathrooms, in particular, are rooms where storage is premium. There are just so many things that need to have a home in a bathroom- towels, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotions, makeup, the list goes on and on.   There is so much out there that creatively addresses the bathroom storage issue. Below are some of my go-to recommendations when I have a client that asks for more storage in their bathroom.

Via BlueSlide Art Tile, CA

Shower Niches

These wonderful storage niches don't take up any room, they add to it. What is great about shower niches is that they often fit right between studs in your wall framing, so you don't have to build a wall out to put them in. Tile it in the shower wall tile, or using something that coordinates, and you have a stylish place to house your shower essentials.

Waterworks Triple Tier Shelf

Wall Mounted Shelving

You cannot go wrong with a narrow wall mounted shelf. It takes up no floor space, and the glass shelves take up no visual weight, either.

Via Houzz

Wall Mounted Vanities

To reinforce my point, lift storage opportunities off of the floor. Vanities like the one above are packed with storage space, but the piece doesn't take over the space because you can see the space between it and floor below.

Bamboo Towel Rack by Neiman marcus

Towel Ladders

You can certainly fit plenty of towels on a towel ladder like the one above. I've seen these wall mounted as well, so you don't need to worry about taking up precious floorspace with a ladder footprint. Stack 'em up.