This family room concept has got me so worked up, I may need serious help. Let me set the scene: The Paisley Fabric for drapes, paired with this unreal Missoni striped wool carpet. Two English Roll Arm Sofas, most likely in a neutral linen velvet or linen, a pair of swivel chairs in one of the orange fabrics above, and this cabinet for the TV in orange or turquoise lacquer. My client already has a gorgeous library table in a rich brown patina and we are considering a fabulous wrought iron fixture for the ceiling from Ironware International.
While my client loves this scheme, I chose a second— equally compelling alternative, so she had options. The real difference is the drapery, where we could swap the paisley for this Schumacher Chiang Mai Dragon in the aqua colourway. Rug stays the same and swivels and upholstery stay the same, for the most part. We would have to play with pillow fabrics a bit as you see, but the feeling is much the same; color, pattern and FUN!
Tell me, which scheme do you like best? We want to know!
You’ll never see me playing favorites… Fact is, I switch my moods and modes in the blink of an eye. And so, I went from one week of pure pink hotness to warm, rustic farmhouse chic the next, when my new client arrived in Boston from Charlottesville, VA.
We spent three days tirelessly shopping, putting together palettes, room concepts and plans, and we arrived at a fresh, graphic take on southern comfort. It is going to be fabulous! The colors are reds, teals, mustard yellows, warm woods, painted pieces, loads of french-y stripes and anglo-Indian small prints from vendors like Peter Fasano and Jim Thompson, all grounded by large seagrass area rugs throughout; I love it when a client loves natural fiber rugs as much as I do!
There is even a not-so-small dose of major Kelly Wearstler (yes, Kelly Wearstler can live in the country, friends…) in the Dining Room, but that board is not pictured here. (I had to leave room for another post, didn’t I?) The result, I am confident will be alive, vibrant, colorful, unique and very family-friendly. I could see this classic but rustic design direction being at home in New England, Vermont or the the Midwest, just as much as a farmhouse in the Shenandoah Valley. Heck, we’re using loads of Pierre Frey and Schumacher, folks! Take it from a born and bred Southerner, this aint no chicken fried design; this is Country Chic!
About decorating for Hanukkah. I mean, let’s be honest, Christmas gets all the billing and Hanukkah, well it’s not even a step-child. It’s like a cousin from a previous marriage. It’s okay, relatively speaking, Hanukkah is not the most important Jewish Holiday. And, let me tell you, we don’t decorate for Yom Kippur! Or really even Passover… In the spirit of equity, I thought I’d explore small statements for those of us who don’t get to trim a tree. There’s a lot to be said for lighting candles with family for 8 nights, saying a prayer, and being thankful for small things.
I like the rusticity of this. Menorahs can be so cheesy and ugly, especially if they are from the 80′s!
If you’re having dinner complete with potato latkes and brisket, place this on tabletop for some apres dinner fun!
Serve dessert on these…
What kind of festival of lights is it without cool candles?
Someone who shall remain nameless will kill me for this, but this is one cool menorah.
And this is something we could all use, regardless of denomination: Amen!
I recently travelled to Landry & Arcari Rugs in Boston to explore options for the Holiday Show-house I am participating in on December 3rd to benefit the Concord Museum. As usual, I got distracted as we browsed their extensive collection; I saw things for various clients and of course, for myself.
What I went nuts for, though, is something that in my past life I would have NEVER been interested in, but now I have become mildly obsessed with: over-dyed rugs. Half traditional, half totally modern and vintage in nature, these wild saturated beauties bowled me over. These are (usually vintage) hand knotted rugs where the original dyes were removed and then they are literally over-dyed with rich solid color that bleeds into the weave and takes on a brave dimension throughout the pattern of the rug.
They would definitely be the star of a room, but in the right setting, with the right type of home, what a bold look. I could see an over-dyed rug in a modern home with minimalist furniture and accents or in a more transitional setting, but one thing is for sure, they are not for the faint-of-heart. They are available at many upscale rug dealers, ABC Carpet being a great resource as well. Would you dare?
Additional images from Loom Rugs and Kilim.com
