And the Oscar Goes To...

... Madeline Stuart and Architectural Digest for the lovely art deco inspired Green Room design. 

 

 

Even though the The Academy Awards are still 2 days away, Architectural Digest has revealed the final Green Room design a bit earlier than I expected (making design freaks like us very happy!).  As we know, the goal of the design was to celebrate the famous 1930s art director and set director, Cedric Gibbons.  Not only was Gibbons a founding member of the Academy, but the man designed the Oscar statue himself!  Fun stuff.  To read the AD article and see the slideshow, click here.

So, what do you guys think?   I'm liking it.  The room is a bit flashier than I expected (although, this is Hollywood we're talking about), but I still think that the art deco inspiration rings true.  The black and gold entry doors ALONE are worth talking about (gorgeous!).

 

 

Happy Weekend!

 

 

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Casual in the Country

I'm loving the casual nature of this Upstate New York home, featured in the March issue of House Beautiful.  It's simple and unpretentious and so welcoming!  In terms of interior design, I'm noting the classic wallpaper, unique mix of pattern, the trim & door colors, and (of course) the interior shutters-- so good.  Lots of fun inspiration here...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

see the entire House Beautiful slideshow here.

 

 

interior design by Charles O. Schwarz III

 

 

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Calke Green

Last week, I blogged about the Green Room at the Oscars.  Well, this post is about another type of green room, in the most literal sense.  I recently suggested Farrow & Ball "Calke Green" for a client's guest room, and it's such a ROCKIN' shade of green, I thought I would share it with you today.  Honestly, it's the perfect shade of warm olive and I'm so inspired to use it!

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green"

(via)

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green"

 

Farrow & Ball "Calke Green" in high gloss

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Farrow & Ball "Calke Green"

(via NBC's Parenthood)

 

 

F&B "Calke Green" a fabulous color that doesn't feel forced or obnoxiously bright.  It has a preppy, old world feel, and I really like that.  I look forward to seeing it in the space.  But until then, here are some other "green rooms" that are floating around my desk for inspiration!

 

 

 

of course, the Green Room at the White House.  :)

 

 

Happy Weekend!

 

 

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Love

 

 

wallhanging by Paul Smith for The Rug Company

 

 

Happy Valentines Day, lovies!  I hope your day is filled with wine and chocolates, red roses and paper hearts.  Hugs and kisses on this lovely day.  xoxo

 

 

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Madeline Stuart at the Oscars

I like going to the movies and watching the Academy Awards, but I wouldn't call myself a huge film fan (although I REALLY enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook this year-- did you see it?).  Yet, when interior design and good movies unite, well, that's a combo I can't turn down.  When I heard that Architectural Digest had selected Madeline Stuart to design the 2013 Oscar 'green room', my ears perked.  What's this you say?  A 1930s-inspired room specifically for celebrities lounging in black tie attire?  It doesn't get more glamorous than that.  I can only dream that the space will be filled with art deco details and the most elegant furniture, metallic accents and super luxurious upholstery fabrics.  Oh boy, I'm excited just thinking about it.  I can't wait to see what Madeline Stuart will create.  We'll have to wait until the big awards show for that reveal (Sunday, Feb. 24th).

A rendering of Madeline Stuart's design-- with a specific nod to legendary 1930s Art Director, Cedric Gibbons.  Read more about the story here.

Until the green room is actually revealed, I thought I would post some of my favorite images from Madeline Stuart's portfolio.  I love how most of her work is grounded in traditional design, but features a flair for the dramatic (whether that's achieved through bold color, or using yards and yards of yellow silk drapery, each space has a dramatic presence that still feels livable and unique).  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

visit Madeline Stuart's professional website HERE.

 

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Serena & Lily KIDSHOP

I just stumbled upon something, so I thought I would pass it along.  Please take a minute to soak up all the preciousness that is the Serena & Lily KIDSHOP catalog...

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know if I've seen a better "baby & kids" catalog!  The rooms are adorable and the products are even better.  If you've got a nursery in the works, or a little niece or nephew that needs to be showered with gifts, check out the Serena & Lily KIDSHOP catalog HERE.  It's beautiful, easy to shop, and in true Serena & Lily fashion, there will be plenty to see.  :)

 

 

 

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Interior Shutters

 

 

I met with a new Philadelphia client yesterday.  While I was there, we started talking about interior shutters (see her beautiful windows above).  Her 100 year old stone house features 18" think walls with deep inset windows-- it's gorgeous!  Interior shutters seem like a wonderful solution for this historic home. 

 

Originally created out of pure necessity, interior shutters provided security, shade, and insulation from the outside world.  Raised panel designs were most popular in the north east, while louvered styles dominated the warmer climates of the south.  I've been a fan of interior shutters for quite some time.   I love the idea of being able to block everything out and create total privacy.   But my favorite thing?  I love the way built-in shutters enhance the existing architectural details of a room.  They fold away and hide against the wall, allowing lots of light to pour through the windows.  Dave and I are thinking about installing them in our own home this year (mostly for the bathrooms, and possibly for a few other rooms as well).  Add this to the loooooong list of 2013 projects.  :)

 

 

These are some of the inspiration images floating around my desk... 

 

 

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If you're a history nerd like me, or if you own an old home, you might enjoy reading a bit more on the historical significance of interior shutters.  Here are a few interesting links that I've been reading lately...

 

 

This Old House, article by Catherine Lundie

 

Historic New England, Window Dressing: Shutters and Blinds in Historic Houses

 

Dos & Don'ts of Exterior Shutters, Lindsey Daniel, Architect

 

 This Old House, Historic Window Treatments

 

 

 

 

Also, for what it's worth, here's an interesting list of sources (nationwide) for custom and pre-made shutters:

 

Historic Preservation list of exterior/interior shutter products and manufacturers

 

 

 

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