Adding the Last Layer!

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The last layer of a home is what gives people the most joy in my opinion.  It is the life stories, the collected art, the family heirlooms and cherished memories you have held onto that give your home soul and conviction! 

Recently we were invited to implement this imperative  layer into a home that was almost there!  The homeowner and designer did a wonderful job with the shell of the home and what a pleasure it was to help them take it to the finishline.  Each visit was filled with more pictures, art and records to be framed.   It takes decades to really curate a home and this client has held onto the most beautiful chotskys that we were able to pull from!   Below are just a few of my favorites from these heart filled installs-Enjoy!

 

How-To: Hanging Artwork

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Choosing artwork for your home is a very personal thing. Each piece of artwork in your home should mean something to you - whether it reminds you of a special memory or  it just speaks to your soul. You will be living with this piece, so you should love it! Once you find that special piece it is always a question of how high to hang it.

1. Hang the art with the center at eye level. 57"-60" from the floor to the center of the art is a good overall rule. It will change a little if the artwork is hanging above a console or with another piece or over a bed.

2. Keep about 1 1/2" - 2" between stacked art. It looks better to keep stacked art closer together. Initial instinct may be to spread it out over the wall. Don't be afraid to hang your lowest piece lower. It's ok if it isn't seen at eye level. When you step back it will have a bigger impact if you are stacking several pieces or two large pieces.

3. In general, hang the artwork no higher than 6 inches above a bed or fireplace. And when in doubt, hang it lower than you would think!

4. When creating a gallery wall, start from the center and work your way out. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfectly symmetrical. Think of it as a collection. Just make sure it feels balanced on both sides.

5. Keep it symmetrical with a simple grouping. When there are just a few in the grouping, set them up so that they are symmetrical with the largest size in the center.

6. Layer your art. Don't be afraid to try something new. If you love an art piece that is slightly to large to go over a bed or above your console, layer it and float the piece of furniture.

7. Lean artwork. If you have a large piece or even a small piece it is an easy casual look.

What's in Store - Artwork

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Spring is the perfect time to give your walls a new look. After that fresh coat of paint, pick out a few new pieces of art. The whole room will look different! Take advantage of our Art Sale going on now! 20% off all in-store and special order artwork and mirrors. Here are a few of our favorite new pieces we have in stock. If you don't see what you are looking for stop by or give us a call and we can help you find that perfect piece! 30"W x 40"H - $773.75  40"W x 60"H - $690

38"W x 27"H - $647.50

From left to right 29.5"W x 34.5"H - $550 | 41.5"W x 49.5"H - $937.50 | 23.5"W x 23.5"H - $350 | 24.5"W x 28.5"H - $400

45"W x 60"H - $799.50

61.75"W x 55.75"H - $1,400

30.75"W x 34.75"H - $387.50

The Final Reveal!

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Remember our gracious client that let us design a cozy retreat for her guests?  Well - Ta Da - here is the final reveal!  Our client couldn’t be more pleased and neither could her guests!  (Which by the way, haven’t stopped visiting  - we may have made this room a little too inviting!)  This guest bedroom is all about comfort.  We filled the room with luxurious linens, plush pillows, functional storage, loads of seating and whimsical artwork to create a cozy retreat fit for a Queen (and her baby)!  This cocoon of beautiful details will make anyone want to stay in bed all day!

- Christy

[photos by Meikel Reece]

Inspiration in Unusual Places - Fashion Week

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There are so many inspiring colors and textures during Fashion Week - We can't help but be inspired! The bright colors of this Oscar de la Renta dress are a perfect match for Miles Redd's famous red living room.

Love this happy Kate Spade outfit! Every room needs a bright ray of sunshine.

This Tory Burch dress and coat are elegant. The geometric pattern on silk make the most stunning drapes in Lauren Santo Domingo's Paris Duplex.

[all Fashion Week Photos from Elle, Room 1, Room 2, Room 3]

Private Residence - Office

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There’s just something about starting with the shell of a room and transforming it from top to bottom that I really love- designing everything from the fireplace and built-ins, to finishes and furniture, and getting to really transform a room to resemble our client is just so inspiring. For this particular project, I had the opportunity to work with the husband of a client on his sophisticated office/man cave.   He wanted to create a place where he could work or relax, and where his kids could be near him while they did homework- picture a cozy fireplace, gorgeous cabinetry, and loads of books!

We wanted the room to feel enveloped and handsome, so we selected a rich walnut for all the cabinetry and built-ins. To give contrast to the space, we selected a limestone fireplace and then played with parchment and gray tones in the furniture.

 

We anchored the room with a tufted sofa in a cognac colored leather and incorporated a sculptural chair to add some flair. Instead of a traditional cocktail table, we selected two weighted ottomans in a luxurious gray velvet. In addition to a built-in desk under the window, our client wanted a large table in the center of the room that he and his kiddos could pull up to. We selected a large leather-wrapped table and a pair of chairs upholstered in a graphic fabric. Now, imagine this whole scene against a herringbone wood floor- yep, that happened.

This room is going to be absolutely fantastic- I can’t wait for the final reveal of this perfect den!

- Natalie