Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Being Thankful...

 Make it a habit to tell people thank you.
To express your appreciation,
sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return.
Truly appreciate those around you,
and you'll soon find many others around you.
Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.

- Ralph Marston

If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation,
you will discover that your life will
suddenly be filled with gratitude,
a feeling that nurtures the soul.

- Rabbi Harold Kushner

Let us rise up and be thankful,
for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,
and if we didn't learn a little,
at least we didn't get sick,
and if we got sick, at least we didn't die;
so, let us all be thankful.

- The Buddha



Saturday, November 19, 2011

Holiday House 2011


The Holiday House is celebrating its fourth year in raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure through showcasing the most influential and premiere interior designers, architects and artists work in the grandeur of the Blavatnik's spectacular mansion at 2 East 63rd Street.  The show which started as a table top presentation has extending into full rooms created by an elite few.  I just went to check out all the amazing spaces the other night and the rooms did not disappoint...  Every inch of the townhouse is up for grabs, so anything from a proper room, to a hallway, to the main grand staircase can be embellished by a different creative, in the holiday theme of their choice.  Here's a handful of rooms that caught my eye...

Starting off right in the entry foyer, the design firm of Bradley Thiergartner Interiors took on Christmas.  The smell of pine hit you immediately walking into the quite traditional set up by the duo of Benjamin Bradley and David Thiergartner.  A large installation of foliage and fruit surrounded the arch as you enter into the mansion.

Benjamin Bradley in his Christmas wonderland

Right off the Foyer is a grand room, a formal living room space if you will, celebrating Mother's Day.  The vision for the Hollywood glam inspired space was the creation of Ally Coulter.  This was quite an undertaking for the sheer size of the space, but I was impressed with the details found in the room.  It was very lovely.

Ally Coulter's homage to Mother's Day

Ascending the stairs was a room in shades of lavender, lilac, pale greens and just soft tranquility.  This was "Sunday in Repose" done by Eileen Kathryn Boyd.  The watercolor effects done in the wall panels I was told was actually stick on adhesives.  How genius! I don't know which company they used, but it was such a striking effect which could be removed and changed out with a fraction of the time and cost of traditional wallcovering... So smart.

"Sunday in Repose" by Eileen Kathryn Boyd

I walked around the corner and before turning saw a smaller room with a pretty young lady fluffing a pillow.  This was Jennifer Duneier's Easter room.  The walls were papered in a gorgeous glass beaded geometric pattern from Osborn & Little, while all the trim and casings were popped with metallic silver.

Easter realized by Jennifer Duneier

Then up to the third floor, which was my favorite... This is the floor that the rooms took on a darker sexy feel. I'm partial to darker colors in rooms, since people always tend to shy away from them. At the far end of the floor, there was a New Year's Eve celebration happening brought to life by Andreea Avram Rusu.  The palate was deep rich tones, low lighting, and interesting furniture pieces.

Andreea Avram Rusu brings in New Year's Eve

At the other end of the third floor was "Dark & Stormy:  A Cautionary Tale of Halloween" by Suzanne Eason.  I do like things a little dark a little creepy, but still chic, and this was it.  Stenciled birds flew across the ceiling while orange accessories popped on charcoal toned furniture pieces.  There was nothing that screamed Halloween, but you could feel the eeriness of the space. I love that!

Suzanne Eason's interpretation of Halloween

Moving to the room next door, we see the team of Thomas Hickey and Edward Yedid, also knows as GRADE Architecture + Interior Design tackling the ultimate bachelor pad.  What holiday is that supposed to represent? Well here's a hint, they call the room, "Achieve Independence".  Hehehe... This was probably the room that tied for 1st place in my book.  It was dark.  It was sexy.  It wasn't overly masculine by my standards, but it was just inviting.  You wanted to loose yourself and the stress of the day in that room. LOVE!

Achieve Independence with GRADE Architecture

Lastly on this short highlighted list of the rooms at the Holiday House, also on the third floor is the "Celebration of the Marriage Proposal" which was my other top pick.  This room was Charles Farruggio's vision brought to life with an eclectic and smart mix of furnishings and lush fabrics. Details were all thought out, and no surface was forgotten or unaddressed.  I particularly loved the painting anchoring the room.

Celebration of the Marriage Proposal by Charles Farruggio

Yes, looking closely at the canvas above the fireplace, that would be two handsome gents.  I do appreciate the sanctity of marriage, as my husband and I will be celebrating 18 years together and 7 years of marriage very shortly.

I say Bravo to all of the participants in the Holiday House this year, as the cause is just a phenomenal one, but to take on a challenge like this is quite ambitious!  I was actually lined up to do a room myself, but I could not figure out how to logistically make it happen in the time frame given, but am now absolutely looking forward to contributing to the house next year!  If you're in NYC and can take the tour, it's worthwhile.  The showhouse is open till December 11!

The Well Dressed Home


Yay, the Holidays are here!!!... I picked up a handful of ultra-awesome items from my go-to source for everything cool, WDH!... So many uber-chic things, you really can’t go wrong, but these are some of my faves!

I’m known for my love of a good skull or animal head so it’s a no brainer that I’m dying over the Deer Head in Black. OMG, I can’t stand how much I love a stag moment!  It looks completely divine sitting alongside a clustering of framed pieces or proudly chilling on his own.  I love the idea of something that’s kitschy and sophisticated all at the same time, and this guy is it!  He’s the perfect size as to not take over a wall, but just add a little pop of whimsy!


Next I jumped all over the Royal Queen Pillow!... So fun! So chic! So going somewhere in my place before anyone else gets it!... Now where? I’m kind of loving it on my sofa with Her Majesty sitting proudly holding court.


But wait, actually flipping it to the Union Jack side on my leather lounge chair is looking pretty hot too, right below that amazing DeerHead


Or maybe the Queen Mother wants to spend some time with me in bed? I don’t know.  I think this is a floater pillow which will migrate around the house depending on my moods, which is exactly the beauty of it… It’s just going to go in any environment seamlessly and effortlessly. LOVE that!


Lastly, I will admit, I suffered from running late constantly because of trying to un-earth and un-tangle my jewelry every morning… NO MORE I tell you!  This Stag Jewelry Stand is just what I needed!  I mean come on, I’ve already proclaimed my love of deer, but now this guy is making my life more beautiful through organization! Genius I tell you!  The glossy white porcelain with its catch all base just makes me happy… To not rifle through a massive ball of chain is just one of those simple things in life that makes me happy!  The stand being super cute doesn’t hurt either!


So at the start of this shopping season consider a stop by The Well Dressed Home for some fun items that are sure to delight the lucky people who are on the receiving side...