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One of the things keeping me busy this summer was an amazing vacation in Virginia where the boys enjoyed all sorts of traditional ‘boy’ activities such as crabbing, fishing, building sandcastles, foraging for bugs (of which there were plenty) and the like. Meanwhile, the girls, took advantage of being officially in the South and escaped to the local quilting store.
Now, I’m no quilt expert (in fact, I can barely sew on a button), but I know a piece of textile art when I see one. So you can imagine how pleased I was, on my return, to find an email introducing me to a fabulous online textile store, Darjeeling Cotton.
This is my favorite of the patchwork quilts on offer. Bold, simple colors and a classic design that would look great in a girl’s bedroom or even in a modern family room.
The handblock quilts are also stunning. I particularly like the Crimson Buti range (above).
The Flower Garden design (above) is a little more traditional but would be stunning against white sheets. Indian handblock prints are very ‘of-the-moment’ – and for good reason. They look fresh, authentic and pretty, while giving any space an eclectie, personal touch.
Best of all, for every quilt sold Darjeeling Cotton donates $12 toward educating a child in a developing country. So you can feel good while indulging in something beautiful for your home…
Ten days ago, I became an aunt again. (Hurray! Welcome to the world, baby R!) Of course, any new baby in the family is an excuse to think about nurseries, so this seems an appropriate time to share my own experience on the nursery design front. While looking for inspiration for our own two kids’ rooms over the years, I have realized that very few of the articles about nursery design tell you what you really need to know. The fact is, bringing a new baby home for the first time is a stressful experience. As I found out with our two babies, all those little design decisions I had thought so brilliant in my nesting phase, turned out to be completely impractical the minute we got home.
So, for the sake of any other moms-to-be out there, here is my ‘no-nonsense’, ‘tell it how it is’, ‘the stuff your own mother never told you’, guide to nursery design. Before I launch into this, I should say that I’m basing it on my own experience and that of my friends who are moms. I’m no baby nurse, child development expert or safety guru. Just a mother with an acute memory of the initial few weeks of our children’s lives…
Ok, you know the basic nursery set up: crib, rocker, changing table, lamp, rug. What else should you know?
Rule 1: keep calm
No, not you. You can accept now that you won’t be in serene maternal bliss the entire time. I mean the room. For the first few weeks of a baby’s life, he/she just can’t handle too much stimulation. Yes, they need interesting things to look at. But, one thing at a time is enough. You know the feeling when you go into a new store that’s packed with things you absolutely love and you don’t know where to look first? Your heartbeat increases and your eyes are on stalks. That’s what it feels like to a new baby all the time. So spare the poor thing and keep it calm and simple. If you put a mobile over the bed, ideally you should be able to detach it or move it away when the baby needs some peace. Don’t cram the space with bouncing, bopping, twirling, tweeting, musical things. All baby needs for entertainment is you, so edit the rest.
Rule 2: clear the surfaces
You’ve picked out some adorable trinkets to make your baby’s room just perfect. Now, here’s the thing: when you get home from the hospital, you will sweep all those cute knick knacks into the nearest drawer and load up every surface with diapers, tissues and feeding supplies. You’ll be surprised at how much space all this paraphernalia takes up. Wherever you are in the room, these things need to be within arm’s reach. Anything that gets in the way will just be an annoyance. I know you don’t believe me now, but you will. The one exception here is a clock. You will need one of these to time feeds. Get one you can read in the middle of the night when the lights are dim.
Rule 3: the rocker is your best friend
Maybe your baby won’t like, or need, rocking. Maybe you will be very lucky and get a good sleeper. But chances are, at some point, you will be willing to try anything and pay any amount to get your baby to sleep. If, for aesthetic reasons, you have chosen to go with a chair that doesn’t rock, you will regret that decision. Now, rockers are like sleeper sofas: over-priced, usually ugly and never as comfortable as an ordinary chair. But, when you’re feeding, their true meaning in life is suddenly revealed. You will be thankful for that upright back and those big arm rests that seemed so ugly in the store. I should also add a note on cushioning here. For the first few weeks, it’ll be difficult enough to sit down on anything, let alone a hard, cold, plastic surface. So, whatever you do, please don’t buy an Eames rocker. Yes, they look fabulous, but, at 3am, when it’s cold and you’re sore, you will wish for the monstrous, but comfy, rocker you eschewed earlier. ‘Ah’, you say, ‘but I have thought of that and will have a lovely sheepskin rug over my Eames chair’. Yes, and that will look wonderful. It will not, however, help you when you’re into your second straight hour of nursing and your nodding head is desperately seeking something comfortable to rest on. (I’m sure hundreds of Eames-owning moms out there will disagree…)
Rule 4: cater for your support team
Hopefully, you won’t have to do all the feeding, bathing and rocking yourself. If your other half/best friend/mother are there to help, you will need space for them too. Your nursery probably won’t be big enough for two chairs, but that is why the ottoman was invented. Yes, you bought it imagining you’d be lying back, feet up, blissfully cradling your child. Maybe in time. But in the first six weeks, that space will mainly be occupied by your husband or some other valiant helper, who will be manically flipping through the pages of the baby care manual searching for answers, while you struggle to master the art of feeding.
Rule 5: control noise and light
Your baby doesn’t really care what the nursery looks like, but he/she does care what it sounds and feels like. The key here is to be able to vary sound, heating and light easily. Firstly, you’ll want to be able to block out daylight for naps. Whatever napping philosophy you subscribe to, there’s no doubt that getting baby used to sleeping in the dark and being awake in the light, is a good idea. At the very least, you want to avoid bright sunlight interrupting his or her sleep. So, a blackout shade is ideal, plus drapes to cover the edges of the shade around which light will seep. I’d also highly recommend a dimmer switch for your lamp, for more soothing night-time lighting.
Controlling noise is critical. We found playing bird and water sounds was quite effective at calming our child and getting him to sleep. Not all babies go for it. Some friends swear by white noise machines. But the aspect I wanted to talk about here is the unforeseen, annoying noises that keep your child awake – but can be avoided. For example, that crib with the drop down side you thought was such a clever idea. The theory is great: you feed the baby, he drops off to sleep, you ease out of your chair and lower the crib side to place him gently on the mattress… Now, when you test this in the store, try lowering the crib side with just your foot. Does it glide noiselessly down? No. It falls into place with a resounding crash. Now your baby is awake and you have to start again. Similarly, when you test that rocker, try getting out of it, without using your arms. First of all, can you even get out? Assuming you can, does the whole thing creak? If so, forget it. I know these seem like small things, but, believe me, they could mean an extra few hours of sleep for you so are well worth investigating.
As you can see, in the first few weeks, practicality really does rule. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics – far from it. But my advice is to make sure you put comfort (yours and baby’s) at the top of the list.
Credits:
1, 2 and 4 – Coochicoos; 3 and 5 – Sarah Richardson Design
I am a huge fan of neutral interiors. Huge. Those people who say beige is boring can’t have seen it done right. To me, nothing is more soothing and elegant than a beautifully balanced scheme with whites, grays, taupes, chocolates and charcoals. So this post is both a defense and a celebration of neutral interiors. Here (in no particular order) are my top ten all-time favorite neutral interiors.
1. Contemporary cool
My number one room is actually two adjoining rooms, designed by Charlie & Co Design in Minneapolis (via Houzz). Each has a slightly different feel but the overall effect is very cohesive. I love the concrete fireplace, tan leather sofas and mixed material cabinetry.
2. Eclectic organic
Entry halls are difficult to make interesting because there’s limited space for furniture and accessories. So making the most of the surfaces is important. This hallway uses an eclectic mix of Moroccan-inspired tiled floors, period molding and organic materials and shapes such as the branch mirror (and the woodblock table and Jonathan Adler lamp in the adjoining room) to make a stunning neutral space. Apply the same lessons to other spaces and use pattern and texture to liven up a neutral interior. Via The Marion House Book.
3. Modern lodge
I’ve featured this room before but had to include it here because it’s such a great example of neutrals done right. The only splash of ‘color’ is in two tiny pillows, but this space is anything but drab. That’s because the color actually comes from the use of lots of honey-hued wood. Interesting shapes and lots of tactile materials such as linen, rope (or cane?) chairs and felt. House designed by John Maniscalco Architecture via Houzz.
4. Fashionable classic
Here’s a neutral space with a completely different vibe. This is the former living room of fashion designer Collette Dinnigan, featured in Elle Decor (via LiveBreatheDecor). There’s virtually no color here at all (unless, is that a pale lilac throw…?) and yet the space is both interesting and beautiful. The pale furniture lets the period fireplace take center stage, while the modern floor lamp keeps it all from looking too saccharine sweet. If you have a strong feature like this mantelpiece, an uncluttered neutral scheme – with plenty of negative space to let it breathe – is a good way to make the most of it.
5. Upscale artistic
This space is a work of art – and not just because of the huge canvases. I love the herringbone wood floors, gently curving staircase, uneven turned wood floor lamp and the balance of black, white and beige. This is a great example of how unique shapes can enliven a very straightforward color scheme. The bentwood ball, on the other hand, just makes me think of tumbleweed… Via Canadian House and Home
6. Urban luxury
No neutral round-up would be complete without a room from the Queen of Taupe herself, Kelly Hoppen. This designer is renowned for her stunningly luxurious interiors, characterized by acres of taupe linen, black wood and polished crystal. I personally like her own London loft (above) best as it’s more accessible and yet still inspirational. This is one room to study if you want to know how to make beige sumptuous.
7. Nature-inspired
One way to bring a neutral interior to life is with lots of plants. The greenery adds color without it actually ‘counting’ as color. I love the way this contemporary space uses frothy ferns, a hide rug and sequined pillows to make a more industrial loft friendly and inviting. Via Apartment Therapy
8. Understated glamor
The thing about neutral spaces is that you can go completely OTT on glamor, but it will never look kitschy. Take this stunning apartment, featured in Lonny Magazine. Opulent chandelier? Check. Herringbone hide rug? Check. Faux antlers? Check. Both Bertoia AND Calvin chairs? Of course. This is the epitome of glamor and yet it’s tasteful (and gorgeous) because the palette is so subtle.
9. Relaxed Californian
Well, if you know me, you know I love this room and come back to it time and time again. OF course, it’s the living room of Julie from Remodelista. What do I not love about this space? White cathedral ceilings, wood shelves, an Eames rocker. But the reason I think it’s a great example of a neutral room is that it shows how the right layout and the emphasis on a few key features (in this case the shelving) can make all the difference.
10. Hamptons classic
Where else to search for the ultimate neutral interior than a designer’s Hamptons retreat? This is the home of Thomas O’Brien, via Habitually Chic, and is a great example of how different warm whites, layered expertly, with a little dark brown or black to anchor it, can create a casually-styled look. O’Brien is a collector at heart and his rooms always have an inspiring mix of pieces – from stacked books to unusual lamps. If you want to make a neutral space warm and personal, start here.
So, what have I missed? Any other stunning neutral spaces that should make it into the top ten list?
This has to be one of the most beautiful tile collections I’ve ever seen.
It’s from Maybury Home, a British company that specializes in mother-of-pearl tiles. I ordered some samples and can assure you they’re just as stunning in real life as in the pictures. I’m particularly enamored with the gray herringbone…
…and the gold mosaic (but beware, the mosaic pieces are really tiny so, although they are mounted on a single 2×2 inch tile for easy installation, the effect is very intricate):
I am definitely keeping these in mind for the bathroom renovation…
Wow. It’s been weeks, months even, since I posted last. Real life took over and I ended up with barely a moment to myself, let alone the time needed to blog. But it hasn’t all been hard work, travel, and family! I’ve actually been pretty busy with a few design projects. So I thought I’d end my blogging hiatus with a brief round-up.
Thank you’s and mentions
I’ve been honored to be featured on several fabulous blogs and web sites in the past few week. Natalie Myers of SoSmartalec, featured our house on Houzz.
BabyLifestyle.com did a cute piece on our youngest son’s nursery.
And Alice in Designland featured a photo tour of our house. Thank you all for your kind mentions.
Our kitchen renovation
Believe it or not, we still haven’t broken ground on our renovation. But it’s close, I promise! Most of the design choices have been made. I’ve changed my ideas somewhat since this post. But, the core elements remain the same. I will provide more detail in later posts, but, for now, here’s the image that has been the cornerstone of inspiration (via this site).
Yes, I know, it’s not a kitchen. But here’s what I like: it combines period architecture with mid-century and modern furniture and elegant neutral colors. It’ll be great, honestly…. As a sneak preview, here’s the color palette.
There’s silver travertine (for the backsplash tiles), white quartz, walnut shelves, matte white cabinets, and flint tile flooring. The palette has moved on since my last post on this topic, the reason being that I decided to stay more in keeping with the period architecture of the house, while still creating a contemporary look.
I’ve also been working on some designs for friends, family and readers. Oh, and our company is planning a new office so that’s at the back of my mind too.
So it’s been busy round here. But at least there will be lots to update on in the next few weeks. Watch this space…
I first became a fan of designer Kelly Hoppen’s inimitable style when I visited her store in South Kensington, London. I had just graduated and was living in a poky rental in Islington with vivid pink walls and unsalubrious neighbors. Her store seemed like a refuge of tasteful calm.
Kelly Hoppen is sometimes referred to as the queen of taupe. But her style is anything but drab, as her latest book, Kelly Hoppen Interiors, proves. It’s full of deeply glamorous spaces, rich with luxurious texture, seductive lighting and exquisite attention to detail. Best of all, it reveals some of the trademark secrets that define Kelly’s unique style. So, for those who aspire to a Hoppen-like home, here are my favorite tips.
Doors and floors
Kelly’s interiors are often characterized by spectacular decorative doors and door hardware. Large-scale, full-height doors are a regular feature, especially when they’re sliding or folding. She views door handles as being as important to a room as earrings to an outfit, and the range of crystal, metal and glass fixtures in her spaces proves why.
Floors are equally important. The book is full of interiors with beautiful dark wood floors and custom silk rugs with contrasting borders. Hoppen says she treats floors as art works, and it shows. She’s not afraid to mix different types of flooring in a single space, in order to define different areas.
Banners and buttons
A key signature detail that any homeowner could emulate, is Kelly’s banners. These are contrasting bands of color or material that run up a wall, over a floor, or even around a pillow. A run of dark wood across a white resin bathroom floor, for example, can link a window to a freestanding tub. Even a simple band of contrasting fabric around a pillow can make a bed seem custom-designed. Banners are a simple way to bring cohesion to a space.
Buttons are another regular feature on upholstery and pillows, especially these over-sized horn buttons, which are a simple way to ensure a pulled-together, luxurious look.
Organic shapes
Kelly uses organic shapes throughout her interiors, including furniture, lighting and architectural elements. While a coffee table made from carved tree roots might not be in everyone’s reach, the principle can be applied to every budget. Wood blocks as stools, ornamental sculptural stone balls and round mirrors are all cost-effective ways to get the look.
Textures
Where do I start with this? The book is packed full of rooms with every imaginable luxurious texture: from glossy lacquered surfaces, to quilted velvet, to silver chain fringing. I also love the more homely materials, such as the wood cladding used in this chalet bedroom below. Although the oversized bedspread would drive me crazy, you have to admit that the combination of exposed wood with sumptuous fabrics and glamorous lighting is pretty special.
Decorative displays
Kelly is the master of the display. She uses repetition, grouping and color to create an effortless effect. Some memorable tips? Reflective glossy surfaces are great for displaying silver and glass. Rows of goldfish bowls can be filled with moss, shells or candles for a cost-effective display. And, never display a pair of items at jaunty angles. (This last was a revelation to me – after years of arranging everything at angles, I’ve now gone round and straightened it all out and it looks miles better – much to the amusement of my family…)
Overall, Kelly Hoppen Interiors fits the bill as both coffee-table book and text book, with plenty of images for inspiration, but tips to create the look at home too.
Credits: all photographs by Mel Yates.
A friend who is expecting a baby girl this summer asked for some tips on converting her guest room into a nursery. As her first child was a boy, she was looking forward to choosing more girly furnishings, but didn’t want to go over-the-top as the room still had to function as a guest room. I was all too happy to help (aka window shop) and came up with a couple of options.
As with most redecorating projects, the space already had some furnishings that this mom-to-be wanted to keep. A brown and white polka dot rocker, white crib and changing table, sand-colored sofabed and cream walls (it’s a rental and painting isn’t an option).
The first scheme we came up with takes girly pink in a more grown-up direction by mixing it with red and brown and injecting some exotic elements such as block-printed Indian bedding, Japanese paper for pinboards, and red lacquer side tables. The bedding inspired an elephant theme which was sweet enough for a nursery but not so cute that it wouldn’t work in a guest room. Here are the products used:
2. Crib bedding from Rikshaw Design
3. Zigzag rug in ivory/flax from West Elm
5. Stacking boxes from Serena and Lily
6. Japanese paper from Paper Source
7. Elephant decal from Etsy
8. Butterfly mobile from Etsy
9. Bedside lamps from Pottery Barn
10. Side table from Serena and Lily
11. Woven wood blind in gunsang chocolate from The Shade Store
The second scheme is more subtle and grown-up, combining aqua and taupe with the existing brown and white. The starting point was the Thomas Paul rug, which would be great for a nursery, but also for a guest room. Two-tone linen drapes, more Japanese paper, a Turquoise Jonathan Adler lamp and very subtle crib sheeting from Dwell, complete the look. Here are the products:
1. Pillow for sofa from Wisteria
2. Thomas Paul rug in powder blue
3. Bird decal from Etsy
4. Dwell crib sheet from Giggle
5. Paper for pinboards from Paper Source
6. Turquoise lamp from Jonathan Adler
7. Dwell storage boxes from Polka Dot Peacock
8. Side table from Brocade Home
9. Ivory linen curtains with 2’ border in Sterling from The Shade Store
10. Butterfly mobile from The Modern Baby Co.
As ever, nurseries are fun to plan, even if it does mean plowing your way through the many lurid, frilly items on offer. More designers are coming out with tasteful nursery furnishings at reasonable prices, and the abundance of handmade pieces available online means it’s far easier to create a space that’s personal and stylish. We’ll have to wait to see how this space turns out as the baby isn’t due for a few months. But, meantime, we’ll enjoy the preparations!
Today, I’m speaking with Jennifer from Niche Interiors, an up and coming interior design firm in San Francisco. What I like about Jennifer and her team’s work is the fact it’s so accessible, and yet inventive and unique. It’s great inspiration for anyone wanting to give their home a more polished, pulled-together look: Jennifer combines pattern and color effortlessly, mixes custom upholstery with off-the-shelf pieces, and brings a refreshingly youthful vibe to the San Francisco design scene.
Four Walls and a Roof: What do you consider your big break in interior design so far?
Niche Interiors: I’m grateful for all of the “little breaks” I’ve had along the way, but I would have to say my big break was the first clients that hired me when I went out on my own. They trusted me with their beautiful new home in West Portal, despite the fact that I had a very small portfolio at that time. Luckily, they were the most down-to-earth and fun clients to work with! The project reflected this and our collaboration resulted in a stunning dining room that is still one of my favorite images in our portfolio.
FWR: How do you keep every project fresh and unique to the client, but without losing your own aesthetic? Is it important to have your own ‘stamp’ on a design?
NI: Our philosophy at Niche Interiors is that each home should be as unique as its inhabitant. We focus on creating spaces that reflect our clients’ lifestyles, tastes, and hobbies — not our own. The one thing that we do bring to all our projects is a clean aesthetic. Whether it’s a traditional or contemporary space we always try to keep the design concept very focused.
FWR: It seems that appointing an interior designer is no longer something only celebrities and millionaires do! Who is your typical client?
NI: Very true. Interior design has become much more accessible. Our typical client is a 30-something couple (or family), living in San Francisco, who needs help creating a stylish and comfortable home. Niche Interiors is usually hired with a life change such as moving or expanding the family, and the budgets that we work with vary widely.
FWR: Tell us a bit about your design process. How do you get from vague concept to a concrete design?
NI: We create customized image books for each project. Client feedback on visual images is an invaluable tool that helps us create the design concept. We actually make lists of specific things that clients do or don’t like in the image books. For example, dislikes might be: Stripes, velvet, tufting. ‘Loves’ might be: Contrast, organic shapes, uneven textures. This helps in the creation of a specific design concept.
FWR: You’re obviously not afraid of pattern. What are your tips for using pattern in a home?
NI: Be bold and go for it! Mix patterns in similar tones and in contrasting scales. Small repeat prints mix well with medium or large repeats.
FWR: Do you have any tips for homeowners on a budget? How do they create a great look without spending a fortune?
NI: Start with a clear design concept and specific color scheme and don’t stray! Invest your money in good quality upholstery, rugs, and quality contractors. You can go low-end on things like side tables, lamps, pillows and occasional furniture.
FWR: I’m a big believer in the power of design to change the dynamics of life in a home – do you ever get feedback on whether your designs have impacted the lives of your clients?
NI: Yes, I do — and the feedback I get from clients is the most rewarding part of my job. Not only do we get comments about how beautiful the spaces look, but how much more comfortable and functional the spaces are for our clients. One of my favorite comments was: “We now sit in our living room every night because we love it so much — it’s very us but way better.”
FWR: What’s the biggest design challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?
NI: That’s a tough one! I would have to say the TINY bathroom remodel we tackled in Bernal Heights last year. It was just under 6′ x 6′ and the only full bathroom in the house. We needed to keep the tub since the couple was expecting a baby. The 14″ deep wall-mounted sink saved the day. The glass tiles made the room feel a little bigger, and the skylight brought in much-needed natural light.
FWR: For those of us in San Francisco, what are your favorite design stores in the city?
NI: Monument and Past Perfect remain go-to sources for vintage finds. Kneedler-Fauchere in the design center has a beautiful array of furnishings and lighting. A quirky shop that I like to stop in once in a while is The Apartment on 18th Street — you never know what you will find there.
FWR: What do you think are the big interiors trends for 2011?
NI: Lighter woods, brass, traditional shapes, and tufting are all on their way back. I also think there is a shift away from the eclectic “anything goes” look towards more polished, put-together spaces.
FWR: Couldn’t agree more! So, what looks are you dying to try in an upcoming design?
NI: I’m dying to create a huge octagonal ottoman in a bold print. I also would love to switch gears and work on a really masculine tailored space with menswear details such as pinstripes, herringbone etc.
FWR: Sounds intriguing. I hope you get the chance. So, one more question on a topic close to my heart: You’re a great example of how interior designers can use social media to build their business. What does social media mean for you and how do you find time to stay engaged with it?
NI: Social media allows us to connect with potential and current clients and other trade professionals in a more informal setting. We love being able to instantly share the progress of a custom piece of furniture or before and after photos of projects. It’s fun, collaborative and gets people engaged. I will admit that it can be a challenge to keep up with everything — but our goals aren’t too lofty. We try to write one blog post per week — my junior designer Kerry and I take turns writing to keep the content fresh.
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Credits: Photos 4 and 6 credited to Hale Photography. Other photos via Niche Interiors.
There’s so much to like about this red-accented space that it almost makes me want to redecorate our entire house from scratch (family – don’t be alarmed, I said ‘almost’).
There’s nothing quite like joyful, juicy red, used in just the right quantity. Here, because the space is so light and easy, the effect is uplifting. I’m a huge fan of the kilim rug combined with a very simple, blocky white table.
The central shelving unit looks like a clever disguise for a load-bearing column. Doused in red, it brings the entire space together.
The Asian elements, such as these meditation chairs, the Buddah, rush mats and Japanese-inspired screens below, bring order to a small space and prevent it from looking cluttered.
Is there any smarter combination than red, white and charcoal? That dark wall works well to ease the transition between living area and kitchen.
A perfect study in red.
I think teal might just be my color obsession for January. Fresh, but not in your face, it’s just the tonic we need for this time of year. Sort of the color equivalent of a detox!
I recently came across this stunning loft apartment, the Paris Home of artist Claire Basler, featured in March 2010′s Elle Decoration. (Found on the charming blog of furniture design firm Pacha Design). The colors in this space are so subtle but the teal wall is really exceptional. A great foil for the sculptural lighting and floral arrangements.
Then I remembered the winning entry from last year’s Apartment Therapy Room for Color contest. Here teal is moody, enigmatic and not a little whimsical.
And, just to prove that teal can work for more traditional designs too, this living room from Canadian House and Home has been doing the rounds (I spotted it on Delight by Design and Little Green Notebook) and it’s easy to see why. Teal walls knock the formality out of this classical space, bringing it firmly into the 21st Century.
Of course, if you don’t fancy the commitment of a teal wall, how about this gem of a wing back chair seen in Lonny Magazine? C’mon, if this doesn’t seal the teal (sorry, couldn’t resist), nothing will…
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