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Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts

Design Traveler: Shari from Little Blue Deer

Greetings!  Shari from Little Blue Deer here!  I am so honored to have been asked by one of my very favorite clients, Christina, to guest post while she is in fabulous Paree!  I know she'll be chic'ing it up all over the 7th Arrondissement, while we're here slogging away stateside, right?! 
One of the many perks to my full-time job as a design blogger and blog and website designer to the stars (that's you guys!) is that I get to travel frequently.  All I need to work is my laptop and a wireless card, so I have the freedom to go wherever I want to when I want to.  It's a privilege and a luxury, and I try to make the most of it.  
The place I travel to most frequently is New York City.  As a former Manhattanite, I love to see all of my friends, and some of my favorite and best clients are there, so it's always fun to hook up face to face.  Since I go there so often, I wanted to share some of my fave NY picks with you!  
Hotels:  
Even though I usually stay with friends, that doesn't mean that I don't pay attention to what is hot and happenin'!  You can't go wrong with The Standard.  As far as I'm concerned, this hotel is the gold "standard" (get it?!)  in downtown accommodations (is this "Dirty"?  You be the judge.)

And the High Line location has floor to ceiling windows in every room, plus it's the home of the Standard Grill.  
If downtown hipster makes you turn up your nose, you can't go wrong with The Carlyle.   One of the Upper East Side's finest, last time I was there they served up Bulgari Green Tea-flavored toiletries, and I will be the first to say that I am not above stuffing a few of those babies in my bag!  

So, we've got the sleeping down, but a girl's gotta eat, right?!  Seriously, take the trip out to Sunnyside, Queens, and load up on Salt and Fat

For a quick lunch, grab the most fabulous grilled cheese you will ever experience at Little Muenster on Stanton Street.  Don't forget the tomato soup!

You guys thought I was going to talk about shopping, right?  While I DO love to shop while I'm in NYC, an even more fabulous, and longer-lasting, treat, is a haircut by the "dancing hairdresser" of the Lower East Side, Misin Shin.  I found Misin quite by accident, and what an amazing discovery.  One of his trims lasts for months, and honestly, my hair has never looked so, well, finnnne.  Also, uh, he dances.  Check it out.

Finally, one of my NY must-haves is my iTunes NYC playlist.  Load up with tunes by M83, LCD Soundsystem, CHVRCHES and Santigold and you'll retain your hipster street cred even while rocking Tory Burch. 
And...that's all, darlings!  Can't wait to hear all about Christina's fabulous trip, see you guys in NYC!

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Stephen Gambrel's first restaurant design.. Cole's NYC


Stephen Gambrel has ventured into commercial design with Cole's Resturaunt in Greenwich Village, NYC and I love the outcome photographed here by Adrian Wilson.  The Grey and yellow make a wonderful statement in the space along with the vintage mix.

Their site discribes it best:  Inspired by the artistic scene of 1950’s Greenwich Village, Steven Gambrel designed the 94-seat space to evoke the decade that earned the neighborhood the romantic reputation it has to this day. Each one of the intimate rooms has its own distinct feel, incorporating retro and contemporary design elements. Burlap panels in the Dining Room are the backdrop for the art provided by charity partner ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America) as well as pieces from Swet’s own collection, ranging from ’50s-era sketches to ’90s street art. The Café, situated between The Bottle Room and the Dining Room, is lined with wooden plank booths ideal for groups while The Bottle Room offers seating at the bar and high tables, and is lined with amber-toned panels reminiscent of the warm hues emanated from light hitting a whiskey bottle.








Photobucket If you would like help creating inspirational spaces for yourself contact us!

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day dreamer...


The mirrors and the trim in this space makes my heart skip a beat..  oh the things we could do together!  

wishing you a wonderful Sunday..  hope you are enjoying your weekend!

image via

 
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If you would like help creating inspirational spaces for yourself contact us!

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Designers at home: Francine Gardner of Interieurs


This is our first of hopefully many in the series: Designers at Home!  I am very excited to welcome Francine Gardner of Interieurs!   Francine is an amazing designer and has traveled the world in search of inspiration.  I am absolutely in love with her home, it is so personal and beautiful beyond words.  Francine was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about her life, her business and her design presence below.  I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her life and take time to discover her shop in New York the next time you are there, I know I will.



 




.        What are the three major differences when designing for yourself, as opposed to designing for your clients?

Budget! When designing for myself, I often need to compromise on the level of contractor, finishes etc..I do not plan or follow the process as I would for a client. I buy what I love regardless of the period, the importance of a piece of artwork for instance. My personal space is to be lived in, with the constant influx of friends, my son's friends, pets, kids… When I design for a client, I start with floor plans, look at the light, the flow and am extremely focused. Once a presentation is approved, I start the installation process and shopping process. I practically custom design everything for my clients, from kitchen to bathrooms,  cabinetry, interior architecture, pool etc… Then I go shopping for the unique pieces that will give the house its personality, always keeping in mind the client's lifestyle and budget.
 
2.       As designers, we tend to love many different styles and items.  How did you select the style for your home and why?

My current home evolved over the years. We bought it sight unseen as it was love at first sight, a stone stable and carriage house that reminded me of the houses of Gascony in France. It is filled with heirloom furniture mixed with modern pieces from my Showroom. From my travel, I have brought back textiles, art, objects, furniture which are part of the home. Books are present in every room, stacked or on bookshelves. My style is eclectic with a soul…if that makes sense.

3.    How would you describe the style in each of your homes?

The common denominator in all the homes I have designed is unique, eclectic. From Beach houses to ski houses, contemporary loft, apartment, country houses….the style is clean, uncluttered, with meaningful furniture. Attention is given to the surfaces: walls, floors, ceiling and each home is unique in itself but represent the life of their owners.

4.     Your homes tend to be very neutral, is there a reason behind this?

My clients live very busy lives, often managing multi homes. My goal is to provide a sanctuary where they can be themselves, at peace, I bring calmness to their lives and can only do so by keeping a neutral palette. The color come from the spines of books, artwork, flowers, objects…

5.      What is your staple piece that you incorporate into each of your designs and feel is necessary to a complete and finished product? (mirror, chair, art, etc.)

I would say our lighting is always unique and often custom made. All our project have at least one light by Jose Esteves, either from our Interieurs collection, or custom designed.

6.     What is your favorite room in your house and why?

My library…this is where I deep into my world of books and leave everything behind.

7.    What is your secret to creating an elegant space synonymous with comfort?

Proportions, textures, quality of the furnishings and a good floorplan.


Thank you again to Francine for taking the time to participate! 

all images via Francine Gardner


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greige and pink...




I fell for the eclectic mix in this space, that and the windows and multiple fireplaces.  The wall color is fantastic and the little accents of pink and feminine touches are just perfection.  This is the home of Hilary Robertson, the owner of Mrs. Robertson in Ft. Greene and it is a divine mix of vintage and well traveled collections, just the way a home should feel.  






images via
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Travel design: The NoMad Hotel



I ran across these pictures here and was reminded that I had read an article on the design style of this hotel a little while back.  I cannot remember where I read it but the gorgeous photos are just another great story in the book of the great collaborators that created the Ace hotels.  On my next trip to New York I am going to have to see if I can stay at the NoMad.  I love the down to earth styling that makes you feel like you are in an apartment rather than a hotel room and that is my favorite type of accommodation! Take a look at the detailing on those leather headboards just beautiful.



 "The NoMad Hotel is housed in a turn of the century Beaux-Arts building that has been fully restored to its original grandeur with interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia. The hotel is intended as a fresh take on the classic grand hotels of Europe with a distinct New York sensibility. The design of the hotel was inspired by the Parisian flat of Garcia’s youth. The 168 rooms are residential in feel and decorated in his classic, timeless style. Each room is appointed with hand-selected, richly textured custom-designed furnishings and original artwork. The soaring ceilings throughout the public spaces provide a fine gathering place to enjoy dining, drinking and socializing."






 
"....a Parisian inspired lifestyle hotel that speaks to the building's architectural heritage. The NoMad Hotel accommodates 168 guestrooms with double bay historic windows and views of the Empire State and Flatiron Buildings. The property features a high-ceilinged lobby with original detail and a glass roof atrium for all day dining. The interiors of the hotel are being designed by internationally acclaimed interior designer Jacques Garcia."


images and quotes from NoMad
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Oh so Manly..









How amazing is this Manhattan home of the Chief Creative Officer at Ralph Lauren?  It is so very manly and I love the mix of vintage and new.  The tolix chairs alone make the space for me.  

What do you have planned for this weekend?  I am taking a well needed break from work and activities for a little relaxing time at home.  

Also, don't miss out on One Kings Lane's newest vintage sales that started just yesterday.  Just think of all of the great goodies you can find everyday!



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Huniford Design









Huniford Design does the mix so well.  His ability to mix the clean lines of modern pieces with classic and vintage is amazing.  A style that is simple and sophisticated is refreshing in the design world of late.

I love the chairs in the first photo!

To see more of their work visit their site here...

images via Huniford


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