Laman

Classic Nautical Design by Suzanne Kasler

Spring is on its way and I recently opened up my beach house for the summer. In my research on Suzanne Kasler I came across her work on the 2004 showhouse for Southern Accents at Watersound Beach. But 2004 is so long ago you say - I want new and updated! Suzanne Kasler proves yet again, that classic style is timeless!
So let's spend a moment to review her wonderful interpretation of the classic nautical theme for those of you who may have missed it.
Notice Suzanne's use of horizontal hung wood paneling finished with marine like varnish. This detail along with the yacht like fittings and the bunks attached to the walls with boat cleats, really gives the feeling that you are in the cabin of a boat. Swing-arm lamps, installed high on the ceiling for reading in bed. I especially like the sailcloth curtains, hung with rivets and and tied with top stitched leather fittings. All these elements bring your eye up and down around the room.
Antique badminton racquets mounted on the wall and a basket of vintage croquet items flank the cupboard, filled with assorted finds from the sea mixed with books and vases. The patchwork rug and seagrass chairs all subtlety give you the feeling of the beach in a classic and sophisticated way.
Here is another room from the showhouse. Like the room above this room also uses the warm varnished wood, but on the ceiling. Notice the sea inspired lights and nautical ladder to sleeping loft above. White slipcovered couch is welted in navy blue.
The propeller fans, lacquered red cabinets, and a porthole-like mirror, evoke the feeling of being on a ship; again in a very soothing, non kitschy way. And, again your eye moves up and down around the room as the details gently unfold themselves to you.
Suzanne brings in texture with the seagrass ottoman, the rug, the woven shades and the baskets. She completes the look with a vintage pond yacht model and sailing prints. I also like the touch of the vintage style electric fan. I think the noise of that fan would really add to the experience of this classic room.

Wanting a sophisticated and classic nautical style? Look no further!
To see more of this house visit Southern Accents Watersound Beach Showhouse.
Read More

2009 Kips Bay Show House: Bathrooms

Even the bathrooms at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House are chic and stylish! I especially loved the "his master bathroom" designed by GunkelmanFlesher. The firm is was founded in Minneapolis and has a design style that runs from traditional to contemporary which means that their work is tailored to each specific space. It's this mix of elements that works so well in this bathroom too.

First, the walls were treated in a cement finish that add a rough and masculine texture to them. It's a very unique wall treatment that sets the stage for all the other materials. This bookcase is metal, the chair is rope, the chair on the other side is leather, the rug is a natural woven material, the vanity is wood as is the floor in the room and shower, and they all work perfectly together. The materials are masculine but I love that the room isn't too masculine.

I love that the bathroom is treated as a real room which includes furniture and art. It's also a large room and I appreciate that they tucked the shower and toilets behind the vanity wall. I think it's nice if the toilet is not the first thing you see when you walk into a bathroom.

I loved the teak floor in the shower and wooden cubes. Of course you wouldn't shower with a vase of forsythia but I think it adds another wonderful natural element to the room. I think the entire room was really well thought out and even though it's a man's bathroom, I wouldn't mind using it too! I had a chance to meet Andrew Flesher of GunkelmanFlesher and he couldn't have been nicer. Since they have recently opened a New York office, I have a feeling that we're going to be seeing a lot more from this talented team!

"Her Bathroom" across the hall designed by Shields & Company couldn't be any different but it's still very chic! I can only imagine how much time and effort went into designing an entire room in this Dahlia floral pattern mosaic tiles by SICIS! It's amazing! And the best part of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is that there is something for everyone!

Read More

Dormitorios Juvenil color verde

Dormitorio juvenil en colores verde, buena combinacion, el ambiente se ve muy calido y especialmente para decorar en un lugar de espacio reducido.

Imagenes de dormitorio juvenil: kibuc.com
Read More

Dormitorios tono turquesa

Kibuc presenta su estilo de dormitorio en tono turquesa. La combinación de colores es perfecto como tambien los detalles del dormitorio. Asimismo sobresale el modelo de la alfombra y el color, le da mas vida a este dormitorio.

Fuente: kibuc.com

Read More

2009 Kips Bay Show House Designer: Lichten Craig

Right next to Kathy Abbott's room at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is a wonderfully chic sitting room and bedroom by Lichten Craig. I know I sound like a broken record but I really loved this room too! I think the fact that Lichten Craig is an architecture and design firm is the reason that their room is full of so many wonderful details, starting with the sitting room floor. When I was reading over their notes, I was amazed to find out that the custom oak floor in the radiating squares pattern was finished and cut off site! I guess they definitely measured twice and cut once since it looks beautiful and sets the stage for the dramatic double door entrance into the bedroom.

What I noticed about the door were not only the square polished nickel hardware that the doors were built around but also the sleek Art Deco Olive Knuckle hinges from Von Morris. I also appreciated that all the screws on the hinges lined up as well. It's that attention to detail that will set a great architect or designer apart from the rest!

I also love that in the land of McMansions and cavernous bedrooms that this one feels cozy when you close the doors. I think it would make a perfect guestroom. The 1950's abstract painting is second in the show by Steven Pace. The other is in Donald Schermerhorn's room. It works well with the art in the sitting room which includes another abstract painting not seen in these photos.

What I thought was wallpaper is actually a silk cut velvet in a faux bois pattern from Schumacher that was used to upholster the walls. I have to tell you that I normally do not like cut velvet or faux bois ("fake wood") but it looks great in this room. I'm also impressed when a designer can make me think twice about something I would have usually written off. The unglazed bisque double gourd lamps are by everyone's favorite potter, Christopher Spitzmiller. I love the symmetry of the windows, lamps, bedside tables and benches at the end of the bed.

I think future Kips Bay Decorator Show Houses are going to have a lot to live up to since this one seems to be one of the best in many years. I am so happy that it introduced me to so many wonderful designers and I can't wait to check out the Lichten Craig website to see what other chic homes they have created!
Read More

operación : un hogar más agradable


Hoy podría haber titulado este espacio como " Rollitos...... de primavera ", y es que para conseguir atrapar la luz , el sol de la primavera , he colocado de otra manera los visillos que puse en el porche de la casa.

Simplemente los he enrollado con la misma puntilla que los recoge y ahora tienen un " aire más actual ".
Puedes leer aquí el artículo sobre ello y apreciar el cambio.

La cerámica, sencilla , blanca y preciosa, recoge un ramo de la poda hecha en el patio. La compré en la Plaza Mayor de Cuenca en nuestro último viaje

Me encanta tener un lugar tan luminoso y que invite a la costura. Seguro que tú también tienes " ese sitio particular " del que disfrutes enormemente. ¿ Cuál es , por cierto ?
Read More

The Skirted Roundtable

image

ok ok ok – here’s what I’ve been working on for a while, really secretively!  A new endeavor.  Just think, how many times have you said to yourself that you just wished you could listen to Cote de Texas lecture about interior design or blogging?   Never?   Oh, come on!!!    Well, if you DID ever wish it – now you actually can listen to all my thoughts, out loud!  I’ve teamed up with Linda Merrill from ::Surroundings:: and Megan Arquette from Beach Bungalow 8 to do a “radio” show!   Each week, we’ll be talking about interior design and blogging in short intervals (15 minutes) for all those with A.D.D. out there.  It won’t take up too much of your time to listen, so please do!!!   We’ve set up a new blog to put the recordings on it – The Skirted Roundtable – located here.

 

The radio show won’t be live, it will be taped – due to technical issues, schedules, children, husbands, barking dogs and noisy garage doors.   Since it’s not live – we’re asking the readers to leave us comments on topics you want to hear discussed.  AND – we want to have guest hosts – just like The View, so be sure to let us know if you are game for that.

 

Long time readers will understand our name for the radio show The Skirted Roundtable – a play on words for a lot of things, along with a fond remembrance of one of the earliest design blogosphere’s dustup:  skirted tables – love them or hate them.    I’m sure one day, we’ll probably get around to talking about skirted tables too.  

 

So…..head over to The Skirted Roundtable blog and listen away.  There are two shows up already, all you have to do is hit the button to play them.  We hope you enjoy it and we really hope you’ll come back and listen next week too!!!!

Read More

2009 Kips Bay Show House Designer: Kathy Abbott

I feel like I could say that every room in this year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House is my favorite but I really did find something to love about all of them! One of the most sophisticated and elegant rooms this year is the library created by interior designer Kathy Abbott. On the surface, it's a gorgeous and serene room but after talking with Kathy I realized how much work went into creating a space that looks this perfect.

Her space began as three small rooms with two doors and an unsightly air duct that she was able to rework into one long room with a single entry. She covered the air duct with wonderful wood paneling and another problem area with built-in book shelves that look as through they have always been there!

As I've mentioned before, it's the stories behind the rooms that makes me appreciate them that much more and I really enjoyed chatting with Kathy about design and blogs! I can attest that she is as lovely and elegant as her room!

This room is a bit dark since it only has one small window so Kathy decided to work with what she had instead of trying to fight it. The custom Gracie wallpaper and Asian accents create a little jewel box that makes it look the perfect place to get away from the television and computer and curl up with a good book! Kathy knew she wanted a silhouette patterned paper since it has a bit of a younger feel and the gold tea leaf paper helps reflect what little light is in the room. I usually don't respond to traditional design but I think this room strikes a perfect balance of not being too masculine or feminine or too cluttered. In fact, I'd say it's pretty darn near perfect!

Read More

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Special Events

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House just announced two special events that I know everyone will be interested in attending!

Tuesday, April 21st
3:30 - 4:30pm
Albert Hadley Book Signing
Design legend Albert Hadley will be signing copies of his books The Story of America’s Preeminent Interior Designer and Albert Hadley: Drawings and Design Process. If you don't have the latter, I know they recently had copies available at the New York School of Interior Design.

Tuesday, May 5th
3:30 - 4:30pm
What Can We Learn From Decorator Books?
A panel discussion with Jeffrey Bilhuber, Jamie Drake, Juan Montoya, Ann Pyne & Bunny Williams. Moderated by Annie Kelly.

The book signing and panel discussion will take place at the Show House and are included in Show House admission.

22 East 71st Street
New York, NY 10021
April 17 - May 17, 2009
Admission: $30
Read More

Quilt Mother Goose wip

Ya estoy acolchando......... Primero el interior y luego los bordes...Tengo que tener cuidado de no pillar los prairie points ( los triangulitos )




Esta vez con hilos de aquí , ¡ vamos de la misma España !
Marca:Presencia
Grosor: nº 50
Color:blanco



El acolchado libre lo estoy haciendo" más suelto", dejando que " la tela respire " e intentando que unas líneas no estén tan juntas de otras .
Read More

Home and Garden hosts Suzanne Kasler

What do you say about a store that is brimming with beautiful things?

That has the best selection of Julie Neill Chandeliers, Aidan Gray accessories, and Hickory Chair upholstery and case goods? A store that is full of edgy accessories, new ideas in garden decor, and lovely Swedish and French reproductions.A shop that tops it off with a talented in house staff, an excellent relationship and appreciation of local interior designers and owners with great business sense and even better taste? You call it Home and Garden in Covington, LA.

Just a short drive over the Pontchartrain bridge from New Orleans and you arrive at a mecca of fabulous home design all under one roof. Home and Garden is owned by: John, Kenny and Jennifer Rabalais. With their outstanding taste and excellent business acumen, they have a created a wonderful environment for designers and homeowners, alike, to create beautiful interiors.Home and Garden houses the largest display of Julie Neill lighting, outside of Julie's own shop, and the largest selection of Suzanne Kasler's line for Hickory Chair in LA. Above notice the Julie Neill Juliette chandelier and the Suzanne Kasler Choate Dining Table.

With so many wonderful lines available here, and so much inventory to choose from, Home and Garden creates some fabulous vignettes. Here is a wonderful dining room! Notice how the Julie Neill Ingrid Chandelier Pendants echo the lines of the dining chairs.

As promised in my previous post on New Orleans, meet Jeffrey McNeely, Director of Retail Development and the namesake of Julie Neill's new Jeffrey Chandelier above. Jeffrey works exclusively with designers to help them create the perfect look for their clients. Notice the Julie Neill Madeleine chandelier to the left and the Artemis toward the middle bottom, and the Jeffrey on the right- Suzanne Kasler Prado Bookcase in the background.
Home and Garden has literally hundreds of interesting accessories. Above is an impressive display of metalware by Beatriz Ball.

Here is a summer beach tablescape complete with Aidan Gray candlesticks.

Lovely slipcovered ottomans with incredible ribbon detailing and an Aidan Gray lamp.

They also carry several slipcovered lines. I loved this sweet chair with embroidery.

Home and Garden also has several vintage items and antiques - Here is an antique lantern, the patina on this piece was amazing.

Millie, Kenny, Suzanne, Gina

So imagine my excitement when Kenny Rabalais invited Millie and I to come to Home and Garden and meet famous designer, Suzanne Kasler! For my readers who may not know, Suzanne has been named by "House Beautiful" magazine, one of the top 100 designers for 2005 and one of the top 125 designers for 2004; "House & Garden" named her one of 50 Tastemakers in March of 2006; and Suzanne was the 2003 Southeastern Designer of the Year!

.

Since her launch of her line for Hickory Chair last year, Suzanne has been visiting premier retail locations and sharing her visions of design. Home and Garden hosted a luncheon in Suzanne's honor and invited local designers meet her and learn more about her design inspiration and philosophy.

Probably the most interesting part of meeting Suzanne was learning about many of the pieces in her line and what inspired her to have them recreated by Hickory Chair. I learned that many of her pieces were recreated from antiques she had personally collected over many years, or had found for her elite clientele. She spent over a year and half working closely with the craftsmen at Hickory Chair to create what she believed were beautiful pieces that would fit in with both modern and traditional styles. Let's have a look:

The Frederica Bench is a beautifully proportioned, delicate, hand-carved reproduction of an antique French bench from Suzanne Kasler's home. Though beautiful, the original, like most antiques, was bit too narrow and uncomfortable. She deepened the seat and softened the cushioning and now, its the perfect marriage of beauty and comfort. She couldn't find a wide enough stripe for the bench, so she used solid fabric cut to width to create the wonderful striped effect. Anasthasia bench, Antoinette side table and Alexandra chair also pictured. Suzanne has known the Rabalais family for many years and helped decorate John's home in Rosemary Beach, Florida. The slipcovered Nanette chair was actually inspired by a chair Suzanne found for John. She fell love the oversized shape and scale and convinced him it was perfect for his home. Also pictured are the Auburn ottoman and Ainsley chairs.

The original Campaign Desk, actually sits in Suzanne's home office. It was a bit too narrow and also quite warped, as antiques tend to be over years of use. The Hickory Chair Campaign desk has a wider proportion for a laptop and of course no warping. The metal work on the original was painstakingly recreated. Suzanne commented that she was thinking of switching out her original desk with the new one, simply because it looked identical and lived much better! One of Suzanne's favorite pieces in the line is her Anasthasia bench, a Russian antique that she found in Paris. The original, above, sits in Suzanne's living room. She said she missed the bench, as Hickory Chair had several of her pieces for months and months, while they meticulously recreated them down to the most minute detail.


And here they are recreated at Home and Garden. I love Suzanne's signature stripe upholstery. Also shown is Suzanne's new Emory skirted sofa.
Here are the Anasthasia benches upholstered in plain linen.



Comfort is very important to Kasler. All her upholstered pieces were designed with comfort in mind. Here is the Emory chair.
But when we think comfort we so often think unattractive; not so with this line. Suzanne is famous for her dressmaker like details. Here is the Emory chair at Home and Garden. Notice the flange welting and pleated skirting.

She is inspired, she says, by the French antiques and French modern pieces she collects. This inspiration is then personalized by the addition of signature details like grosgrain ribbon trim and dressmaker skirts (blending dressmaker details into upholstery is a favorite Kasler technique).
The result is refreshing, a little witty, and versatile enough to work in environments that range from informal to elegant; evident again in the slipcovered Nanette chair

Other items recreated by Hickory Chair from Suzanne's home include:


The Choate Dining Table which was inspired by Suzanne Kasler's antique Regency table.
The Piedmont table, a great wooden, farm table inspired by the original which sits in Suzanne's kitchen. Also pictured is the new Carlisle Credenza, which Suzanne explained is better because the doors are not warped like her original. And the Chastain Chair, which comes slipcovered or with bare legs, which was inspired by a wicker chair Kasler slipcovered for her office.



She also has a wonderful line of lighting made by Visual Comfort.
This chandelier is a copy of the one that hangs over her kitchen table.


Here is her brand new Thornton lamp, just released at market. I love this!! It is modern and classic at the same time.
Her lights are available at Circa Lighting.



She also has the Suzanne Kasler rug line available from Safavieh. A wonderful collection of 10 to 12 hand-knotted wool or combination wool/silk rugs.
For more information about Suzanne Kasler see this wonderful post by Things That Inspire and this interesting and very comprehensive post by Cote de Texas.
Suzanne mentioned that as a designer she was so clear on what she wanted to create, but she did not know what to call her "signature style". Her publisher mentioned they were very inspired by her interiors and hence came the name for her new book: "Inspired Interiors" , which will be released in October 2009. I am sure it is going to be fabulous and chock full of wonderful information.
I had an unforgettable time in New Orleans, meeting Suzanne Kasler, and of course the Rabalais family, and their exceedingly talented staff. If you get to New Orleans, do not miss visiting Home and Garden. You will be thrilled and astounded, as I was. Oh, if only I could have stayed longer...
Read More
DISCLAIMER
If you are the copyright owner of any of these articles or image and don't want me to share them, please, write comments on pages and I will gladly remove them.