ArchivesFebruary, 2012

Okay, yes, the Tulip table is overused and somewhat ubiquitous, although I love it and for me it will always be a timeless classic… But what about other mid century icons less well known; you might consider a piece or two of these to add into an eclectic mix with a less expected feel.

I have always loved the Platner Table, Bertoia Chair, Mies van der Rohe anything and various and sundry Knoll pieces. More classic but less popular 20th Century design items that can be incorporated into ANY setting forever. You may think your room must be modern to use such pieces. Nope. Well, that is, not if you like the mixed-up look that I am so enamored of. Using these, if you are a traditionalist, may be a leap of faith, but a leap in a good direction.

1. Apartment Therapy 2. Decor8 3. House an Home 4. Knoll 5. Nuevo Estilo 6.Barbara Bank 7. Kim Fiscus

I have always been a sucker for monogrammed linens. Not in a preppy, grandma or Muffy kind of way, but in a simple tailored timeless way. There is nothing quite like a custom monogram on your duvet or towels to give your bed and bath a special personal feel.

My feeling is that unless the monogram itself is really special or incredibly large scale, it looks catalogue-esque, and almost not worth doing. And always looks best on white sheets or towels… So if you’re going to do it, really do it.

Ask the embroiderer what is the largest size that can be made for a piece and choose that size. Even better, choose a tape appliqué, which is even beefier in scale and a bigger statement. In this case, go for drama. In case you are wondering, the difference between embroidered monogramming and appliqué is that embroidery is done with thread and creates an “engraved-like” surface and appliqué is done with flat fabric-like “tape” making a flat surface.

The common rule of thumb is to use the woman’s first letter of her first name, the first letter of the surname and then the husband’s first letter of his first name. If you are single, use your first letters of your first, middle, and surname.

But, I enjoy a single high letter, if possible, blown up in a huge scale. For a child, you can use the first letter of his/her name. For a family, of course, use the first letter of the family surname. There aren’t many places that practice this old school art form, but the few that are really good are really great.

Most of you know Leontine Linens which is the gold standard, and the prices reflect that. When the monogram is hand-done, the price will reflect that as with anything labor intensive and hand-made. But there are newcomers to the scene like Julia B, whose work is equally original and at a slightly lower price point.

Matouk linens also does a wonderful job with their appliqués, although it is not entirely hand done. Most basic is your local Bloomingdales. Believe it or not they do a great job, can scale up the size and have a rainbow of color to choose from. Machine done, yes, but at $10 a towel, do you care enough to pay 70 times that? Only you can answer that.

I am so sick of the same carpets I could scream. I look everywhere and all the choices are variations on the same theme. That’s not to say there aren’t beautiful floor coverings available here in town, but I am ready for something really new. Really fresh. Now of course, I need to convince people to agree with me, but that’s a whole other post.

So, when I came across LA based Decorative Carpets, Inc. and thought about my upcoming trip, I got a rush. Chances are, few clients in Boston will buy rugs from such a distance, except of course, me…!

One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six

So the other day, remember I put together that mock up board for a teenage girl who I described as an earthy and outdoorsy girl with major brains to boot? It was pink and acid yellow with accents of turquoise.

Well, we had out first meeting and I presented several palettes with textiles as the jumping point. I brought bright corals, turquoises, naves and periwinkles and all sorts of yellows, all of these described to me as their favorite colors. At the last minute I did a lavender scheme, and thought to myself, as random as this is, I bet she will choose this…

And she did! She is very mature, and a major athlete and student, and this room will be her place to relax, decompress and do “stomach crunches on the floor”. I had to throw that in, because the last time I did a stomach crunch was in another decade.

Anyway, these fabrics are almost all linen and cotton, ethereal but upbeat and very Smart-Cali-Boho-Chic, just like her. We chose a soft natural and ivory textural Stark broadloom carpet, a fabulous creamy poster bed, and a dreamy tufted petite sofa, to be covered in lilac linen-cotton blend, covered in various odd pillows– it will be her hangout spot.

I am hoping to add a soft cora-colored chandelier, some lilac or pale green lamps, and loads of other odds and ends, including but not limited to, bedside tables in taupe, a bench, a writing desk and a few other surprises.

Most of the case pieces are from one of my favorite lines, Somerset Bay, as she wanted them to coordinate in a purposeful way and not be too modern or eclectic. I talk a lot about not being matchy, and I truly believe in this design approach, but in this case, when the room needs to function and be pulled together in a younger more tailored way, I am okay with mixing items from one or two lines and playing with color, finish and textiles to add a custom feel. The star of this show is clearly the fabrics, and the case goods are supporting actors. How’s this for sweet dreams?