Before & After: Breakfast Room Banquette

Happy Monday!  We had a mini installation at a client's home last week.  So, I thought I would share a quick "before & after" post today.  Because, everyone loves a little "before & after"...

One of our longtime clients wanted to transform the breakfast room off their kitchen.  We envisioned a sleek space with LOADS of seating.  A place that felt comfortable enough for casual breakfasts, yet tailored enough for semi-formal dinners.  The style of the room had to coordinate with the vibe that was happening in the rest of the house.  So, we kept the colors simple: different shades of grey, cream and white, with a dark contrast of ebony wood. 

The breakfast room itself features windows on three sides and a vaulted ceiling.  So it's about the most cheerful place you can imagine.  In the winter, I can imagine sitting here and sipping coffee while the snow falls...  In the summer, it's the perfect place to sit with open windows and a warm breeze.  :)

(designing a 3-piece custom banquette with tight upholstered back, waterfall skirt, and a french seam)

We selected a heathered grey upholstery fabric that would wear well for this busy family.  The finish on the custom table would be a weathered ebony wood.  Double x-base pedestals would anchor the table and create visual interest.

(before)

(after)

Such a gorgeous space!  Even though this shot is virtually unstyled (and "professionally" taken with my iPhone), you can see that this breakfast room design is complete.  It suits this young hip family and feels right with the rest of the house.  That modern light fixture from RH Modern adds just the right amount of sparkle without taking anything away from the amazing view outdoors.  The heathered sisal rug hides EVERYTHING and it brings such beautiful texture and warmth to the room.  I love how this space turned out.  Our first installation of 2016-- not a bad way to start the year.  :)

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Kristen Panitch

I'm working with a new design client on a smallish project in downtown Philadelphia.  My client's style is fabulous and she came to me with a handful of inspiration images (all inspiring and beautiful).  I'm calling it "polished eclectic" where things are perfectly tailored, buttoned up and organized... but, there must be some balance of eclectic materials, texture and overall personality. 

Anyway, a few of the images came from Los Angeles based designer, Kristen Panitch.  All I can say is, HAVE I BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK?  Kristen Panitch.  This woman is insanely talented.  Come to find out, some of my own all time favorite images (for the design of my own home, especially) have come from her portfolio.  So, it turns out, I am VERY FAMILIAR with her work, but I've been too aloof to realize it.  So, get your "PIN IT" buttons ready, ladies.  Because these pictures are extremely pin-worthy.  :)

This particular project (Kristen calls "Latimer Road") should be called, "Kelly's Dream House."  Just look-- the mix of antique and new, the fantastic color scheme, and the traditional architecture.  Amazing.

If that's not enough, take a gander at some of Kristen's other projects....

Gorgeous, right?  For even more inspiration, check out her stunning portfolio HERE.

Happy Wednesday!

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Fine Dining

It's Thanksgiving week!  And many of us are thinking about cooking turkeys, and when to start prepping the side dishes.  We'll be ironing linen napkins and tablecloths, polishing silver, and adding a leaf to the dining table.  It's a special holiday!  Let's bring out the best china. 

 

 

 

 

 

We'll be heading to upstate New York this week to have Thanksgiving dinner at my mother-in-law's home.  I'll be bringing dessert (carrot cake, pumpkin pie, and apple tarts), and breakfast for the next morning.  I'll also bring a floral centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table.  This year, I'm thinking of making something that feels fresh and classic, without the expected orange and red mums.  Something like this inspiration picture...

 

 

(I'll replace white tulips with either white hydrangea or white roses, but I think the feel of the piece will stay the same.)

 

 

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Thom's Lake House (second edition)

I'm calling this post, "Thom's Lake House (second edition)" because this is the second time I've posted about a Skaneateles Lake house, owned and designed by Thom Filicia.  The first time we visited this topic, was back in 2009.  That house was stunning, and perfectly livable, while still feeling tailored and polished and preppy (my favorite combination).  Thom's newest Skaneateles acquisition is also amaaaaazing and is featured on the cover of House Beautiful this month.  I am a huge fan of Thom Filicia and think that he has a tremendous perspective on interior design. 

I'm devouring every photo of this home-- check out my favorites...

This room is crazy-- love the wallpaper, mix of pattern and color, excellent upholstery fabrics, modern furniture, cushy seats, etc, etc, etc.

   

Hello, navy linen upholstered walls!!  And, Thom's stunning dining chairs that he's designed for Vanguard Furniture.

 

 

Rope railing and seagrass runner-- perfect for a lake house.

I've seen Thom use Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings in many of his designs.  I suspect that this woven paper is from that collection (maybe it's this one?).

 

 

Love those walls, that ceiling, and the black barn-style door.  Also, I really like how Thom mixes colors and patterns, but everything remains within a similar tone.  It's good.

 

 

dogs & a lake view

 

Insanity.  I'm liking this modern group (and would never guess that this shot was from a lake house, would you?).  That terrific console is one of Thom's designs for Vanguard.

 

Panelled ceiling, wallpapered walls, black doors and windows.  Incredibly chic mix of color.  Love the modern furniture and different wood finishes (plus, that pop of red).

 

So much to see in this room.  The chairs are to die for.  Of course, he designed them.

(also, the ottoman coffee table)

 

 

boat dock and fire pit!

 

 

I bought Thom's book, Thom Filicia Style, back in 2009.  And over the years, I've referred to it repeatedly for inspiration and fresh ideas.  As a result, the cover is partially ripped and it's full of dogeared pages and blue post-it notes (not joking).  Now, I am SO EXCITED to see that he has a NEW book coming out next month.  We can buy it here.  

 

American Beauty: Renovating and Decorating a Beloved Retreat

(I must have it.)

To see more pictures from the House Beautiful feature, click HERE.

 

 

Also, a note to House Beautiful:  Thank you for bringing happiness to my life and filling my heart with joy.  The newest issue does not disappoint.  I love every feature, and every single article.  Keep it up.  :)

 

 

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