Dining Chairs. Mixed, Not Matched

If you hire me, whether your leanings are modern or traditional, you're on board with my love of all things layered. You sign up because you like my taste and style, even if you don't yet know that means a motley mix of furniture pieces, fabrics and finishes. I won't let clients succumb to fear-based matching, even when they call it coordinating. I've said it over and over, "If you just buy what you love, no matter the style, it will always 'go'!" I totally believe this, whether 'it' is a dainty chair, an abstract painting or the fabric for a pillow. I also try my best to mix the finishes on pieces to avoid that showroom feel. Especially when it comes to dining rooms. 

I'm onto finish number three in a current dining room. We are designing the chairs that will surround an 18th Century farm table. The room is actually more of a dining porch, designed to look like an exterior space that was later enclosed with windows. "Original" exterior shingles cover the walls, tongue and groove lines the ceiling, lantern style sconces light the sitting area, and tumbled stone lays across the floors. Classic, casual and super comfortable. 

I envision a barefoot sort of dining room; one that beckons friends and family to a table set with beers and bratwursts, yet knows how to gussy itself up for the occasional holiday dinner. 

We found our long, amazing antique farm table over a year ago. I knew it would ensure that the space stay true to its casual beginning. I'm cozying up the stone floors with sisal. The long bank of windows will be warmed with draperies in a classic blue French check. A pre-electric, brass chandelier has been wired to accommodate our modern penchant for light.

So onto the chairs. From the beginning I saw antique Swedish something or other. I hadn't quite settled on the style. Maybe an upholstered Louis XVI, or a simplified Hepplewhite, but definitely something with the lightness of a painted finish. I always love this contrast with an antique walnut table. 

I'm definitely throwing some kind of wicker in the sitting area at the end of the long space. 

So many directions to go. So many beautiful choices waiting to be chosen. No matter what, I'll be sure the chairs, like the rest of the house, are comfortable, casual and totally inviting.

Happy Weekend and Happy New Year!

May much of it be spent at your own tables enjoying friends and family!

Sources: Veranda Magazine

Serious Prep School Style

As leaves burst with fall colors and dormitories all over the country fill with students, I'm once again reminded of aspiring designer Maximilian Sinsteden's digs. He's now well on his way in the world of interior design, in part thanks to this NYTimes article that brought him to my attention.

But I still love to look back at how it all began, here, with his uber preppy dorm room at Drew University. Even the most talented studio art directors could only hope to get "dishelved prep" so right. I think the only other person to take this affectation of young American WASP to such heights of perfection was that Jewish kid from the Bronx, Ralph Lifshitz. Or as we all came to know him, Ralph Lauren. 

Note the Bunny Williams book at the far right. I just love that green paint and his artful tie display.

A mix of plaids, paisleys, and persian rugs makes this one very stylish dorm.

No posters on this gallery wall.

Something tells me while the rest of the kids were chugging flat beer from plastic cups, Mr. Sinsteden was stirring some mean Tanqueray and tonics, in vintage Baccarat. 

The Un-Staged Home

Earlier this summer I received a fantastic article written by Bunny Williams for William Sonoma Home's "To the Trade" series. It's all about Making A House A Home, something too many of us designers (and clients) tend forget. 

Everything doesn't have to be hidden that is not entirely by design, or arranged for maximum impact. I'm all for the beauty of cool objects and the serenity of an orderly, well designed home. However, I love that she reminds us that, when arranging furniture, we should think first of maximizing easy conversation rather than style; that people should display the books they truly read rather than the pretty ones, and that it's okay to let newspapers and mail be seen, just not "left lying around willy-nilly." (Who but she could use the term "willy-nilly?") 

I think this is why I tend to gravitate toward European home magazines. The rooms, even in all their glossiness, never look "staged," but rather like living, breathing, spaces occupied by living, breathing people. That's always more interesting to me. Like perfect people, perfect rooms, no matter how stylish, are totally boring.

A Bunny Williams designed salon for Kips Bay.

I think the vibrant eclecticism of this space makes it all the more inviting.

In a world of pretentious kitchens, this one actually makes me want

to cook big meals with my kids and hang out with friends.

Perfect for a long family breakfast (coffee reading at hand) or 

a formal dinner with friends.

Images: Kips Bay shots via Cote de Texas, Bunny's seaside living area as seen here in Lonny, my pinterest, Minnie Mortimer's Malibu home via Vogue