Brand New England

Like everyone else these days, I love New England style homes, whether they're in California beach towns, Napa wine country, or Midwestern plains. But I personally like to blend the clean, classic look with unexpected elements of modern, French or even Baroque. I encourage clients to use salvaged or modern light fixtures here and there, hang a gilded Chinoiserie mirror over a contemporary sideboard  or paint at least some millwork a color other than white (like the teal lacquered library I'm rendering tonight!). Blended, eclectic interiors are so much more expressive, more interesting and, like all spaces done well, age better.

Tonight I happened upon this Interiors spread by Westport designer Lynne Scalo. I was blown over by her super fresh, eclectic take on New England style. I think you will be too.

Happy Weekend!

Sources: Interiors

Little Black with Your Coffee

I'm usually one for light, bright decor in a breakfast area, but I love the touches of black in these breakfast rooms; black fabrics, rugs, lampshades, even walls. I might even start taking my coffee black.

Antique mirror set in black lacquer mullions makes this such a rich space. Even the floor is black lacquer.

Love the combination of black with those copper light fixtures.

It's hard to tell in this photo, but that rug and the wallpaper are actually black. Black and emerald green is such a classic combo and trending hard right now. For more of this look, click here.

This room would sure wake you up.


Just a touch of black adds a little contrast here...


and a lot of contrast here.


For the moodier morning people.

Okay, so this is more of a dining room, but it's one of my favorites. I love the way this black rug grounds this crisp white room. Same for the shades on those emerald porcelain lamps. To order that fabulous light fixture, or any products you like on these pages, just shoot us an email.

A REAL Kitchen Table

I've had this in my "tile file" forever (love the dark grout and wood countertops). But this morning I saw something in it I'd never seen before.  A perfect solution for a small space kitchen. 

If you don't have room for an island plus a breakfast table, why not a classic style kitchen with a large farm table in the center? We never do that anymore. I'd prefer the way this kitchen would "live" to one with a skimpy island and a few barstools. You get fabulous prep space and dining for eight all in one because this stone kills both birds, turkeys or whatever you're cooking. It's the perfect spot to stuff him, dress him, snap peas or shuck corn. And the best part for this lazy cook, you can do so while seated. 

I remember my feisty great-grandmother at her center kitchen table, chopping meat for homemade sausage, while us kids sat around her rolling out biscuits. And then of course we'd all assemble for a casual meal in the warmth of that kitchen, eating, laughing and sharing the fruits of our labor.  Isn't that cooking is all about?

Hail Caesarstone

As I've said, I think Carrera marble is currently the law here in Los Angeles. But I am forever trying to convince people Caesarstone is the way to go! That's why I was so happy to see their newest products (via Amber's blog) this week. The stuff is virtually indestructable. I once had a rep scribble all over it with a Sharpie, four year-old style, then remove it. Oh wait, that was Corian. Anyway, Caesarstone is still heat, scratch and stain resistant, and five time stronger than granite. Plus they're always coming up with beautiful new products. Gorgeous in the kitchen or the bath! (I'm loving  "Ocean Palace" and "Fair Lady.")

Check out their site.

Dreaming of a White Kitchen...

I'm dreaming up (another) fresh, white kitchen for a client.  It's not that I'm stuck in a 'white' rut. It's more that I'm always indulging my two greatest passions in kitchen design: Clean and Bright.

First, the cleanliness. Not the sexiest passion, but a passion nonetheless. To me white equals clean. White towels, white sheets, white kitchens and baths. Who doesn't want their kitchen to feel spartan clean? At least between meals. 

Second, the brightness, or more specifically sunlight!  White kitchens reflect more sunlight. My vampire/Norwegian husband says I'd live in a greenhouse if I could. (Who wouldn't?!) So, considering we spend a majority of our family time in the kitchen, you better believe I want great sun exposure and tons of windows. A view of a beautiful garden with a wood or ocean in the background is a big plus, too. (Remember, I'm dreaming, for my clients' sake.)

With the saturation of white, Hamptons Style kitchens, I try to add unique decorative and architectural details to keep each project special. I'm always scanning the market for new fixtures, windows, millwork, etc. Finally, I always add greenery and lots of fabrics to warm things up. Here are just a few images from my files, each with its own bit of inspiration.

This first image inspired a recent project. The ceiling plan was an electrical and architectural nightmare, since they had to work with an existing space. We loved the dark line around the ceiling perimeter. The painters thought my clients were nuts. But the final effect is stellar. So is the entire kitchen.

 Take about unusual details. Love this tin coffered ceiling. Who knew metal could feel so warm.

 I love the detail of this backsplash. It's a cut slab remnant, installed against simple subway tile.

This is on the top of my wish list for a current project. Those glass cabinets are as close to a greenhouse as you could get. Beautiful! I've worked them in! With all that light you could have a few small potted citrus in there. An orangerie kitchen!

I always love a wall of floor to ceiling lighted cabinets. (I'd add a rolling ladder on an antique brass rail). My client pointed out that things would have to be kept "very organized and pretty up there." But, I pointed out, it's not like you'll be storing Sipee cups and Tupperware up there.

Great fixtures and a cheery color scheme keep this Elizabeth Dinkel kitchen fresh and unique. I think white cabinets and Carrera marble are now officially the law here in Los Angeles. 

 Another Elizabeth Dinkel. Love the nickel pendants. 

I lost the source for this house long ago. I just had to show you the picture window, perfect for plants and herbs. I think I'll try to incorporate deep sills in this next project for said purpose. Years ago I ripped an ugly aluminum picture window out of a house in Encino. The owner had kept it filled with plants. But it was so dated. I have to admit, the kitchen lost something when we replaced it with a standard window. I should have replaced it with something like this. There are even better ones on the market now. I would also love to see a lighted lower cabinet on that island. I've seen this done to great effect! Love that clerestory at the dining room passage, too. Okay, and last thing on these images (that I'm not even particularly crazy for): I love the paneling's height and proportion in the dining room. Let's move on.

A Carrera sink (with breakfront)

Double islands used to feel like the spawn of extravagant McMansion kitchens. But I now find them to be one of the most functional layouts for a large family kitchen. I also love the mix of warm wood on the fridge wall with the otherwise all white kitchen.

Hope you found something inspiring, too!