Downsize and Maximize!

Many of my clients are at the stage of their lives when they are looking to transition from the large suburban home to city living. These clients state the need to shed all the 'stuff" and focus on enjoying life. The pull of great restaurants, museums, cultural events and car-free living is understandably strong. I have partnered with Bob Ernst of FBN Construction and Frann Billus of Otis and Ahearn Real Estate to discuss making this bold move back to city living. The presentation focuses on the challenges and opportunities of finding a home in Boston and tailoring it to your lifestyle needs. Here are the details: Sunday, ...

Lounge Around

Chaises can be sleek and sexy or voluptuous and cozy - either way I love them. They provide the perfect perch for reading a book, polishing your nails or comfortably watching television. Whether you tuck them in a corner or make them the center of attention they add a bit of glam to any room. Here are some of my favorites from Donghia. Do you have a favorite?

TVs Hide them or Show them off?

Years ago the trend was to hide our TVs in cabinets or armoirs. People were afraid to show the world that the actually watched television! However, the birth of the flat screen TV has changed all that. Many of my clients are happy just to let it all hang out and integrate the TV into the overall design scheme. People still may disagree on how big is too big, but there are some simple guidelines for TV placement and sizing. I have found this Tech Girl article in Traditional Home particularly useful. I have enjoyed the challenge of integrating the TV into the design ...

Aaaah Spa!

I almost always end my day with a relaxing bath. It is my time for meditation, reflection and pampering. A beautiful bathroom with spa features is an investment that pays off with daily enjoyment. There are some beautiful products out there that will transform your bath into your own personal oasis. I particularly like these Wetstyle freestanding baths because they add a beautiful sculptural element to a spa bath. Wouldn't this tub look great paired with this Dornbracht Lulu faucet! Light a candle, throw in some bath salts and enjoy!

Inspiration: Erin Adams Mosaics

Erin Adams has created a stunning mosaic tile collection for Ann Sacks. I am so inspired by these artisan crafted glass tiles that I am incorporating them into several projects. The mosaics range from simple to complex, but all of them have beautiful palettes, lustrous finishes and excellent fabrication. Do these inspire you? Click here for more Erin Adams Mosaics.

Up Close

Posted on March 9, 2010 · Leave a Comment

One of the greatest challenges for a designer is designing a bathroom. Often bathrooms are short on space and large on “must haves”. Add in various construction parameters and things can get complicated. Over the years I have developed a keen sense of what really makes a bathroom work and what elevates it to extra special. Over the next couple of weeks I will focus on bathrooms and share some of my insight.

One of the simplest and most appreciated additions to a bathroom is a magnifying mirror. Women love them for makeup application, tweezing and all too often self assessment! Once the men see them, they want one of their own for shaving. These mirrors are particularly helpful for those who need to throw on a pair of reading glasses now and then…

I have posted a picture of one of my favorites from Remcraft. I love the sleek styling and the quality craftsmanship stands up to heavy usage.

magmirror

Click here to see it installed in a bathroom I designed.

Downsize and Maximize!

Posted on March 5, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Many of my clients are at the stage of their lives when they are looking to transition from the large suburban home to city living. These clients state the need to shed all the ’stuff” and focus on enjoying life. The pull of great restaurants, museums, cultural events and car-free living is understandably strong. I have partnered with Bob Ernst of FBN Construction and Frann Billus of Otis and Ahearn Real Estate to discuss making this bold move back to city living. The presentation focuses on the challenges and opportunities of finding a home in Boston and tailoring it to your lifestyle needs.

Here are the details:

Sunday, April 11, 2010
10:45 am – noon
200 Newbury Street, 4th Floor (office of Otis & Ahearn), Boston(corner of Exeter Street)

There will be a light brunch followed by presentations by Bob, Frann and myself. The focus will be on finding the right property, renovation, small space planning and design.

Space is limited so please respond before April 2nd by calling 617-594-2499.

Inspiring Travel

Posted on March 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about a trip to Italy that I took last October. One of the highlights of the trip was a stay at the Borgo Santo Pietro nestled in the Tuscan countryside. The hotel was absolutely beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The food was excellent , the views were breathtaking and the gardens were charming.

Of course, I was inspired by the hotels impeccably decorated rooms. They were elegant, comfortable and above all luxurious. Each room was decorated in a unique style, but ornate tapestries, murals, lush colors and delicious linens were ubiquitous. Despite the hotels grandeur, nothing was overdone and it was always tasteful. It appears that you can be simple and grand at the same time!

borgosanpietro The outdoors were as inspiring as the indoors. The gardens surrounding the hotel are classic Italianate gardens featuring fountains, clipped boxwoods and cypress trees. Of course, there were beautiful kitchen and herb gardens used by the hotel’s restaurant. I loved all the pea gravel terraces and patios. These terraces were a great spot for relaxing, reading and enjoying a coffee or aperitif. The outdoor fireplace was also a guest favorite on cool evenings.

Although you don”t want to leave the hotel, the surrounding area is inspiring. Beautiful scenery and charming villages are the draw of Tuscany. The village of Palazetto is a quick drive and it is great for strolling and people watching.

You can read more about the Borgo Santo Pietro in this month’s House and Garden.

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