My Current Obsession . .

Happy Sunday!

I have a current obsession.  Allow me to elaborate.  Yesterday I played with all the things I love, one is pondering new ideas.  I hate repeating things.  There are too many ways to be inspired and directions to go and being original is the goal.  But first of all,  I was up early just to get on the One Kings Lane site to snag a piece or two from Iris Apfel private collection that went on sale at 8 am.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to have something from a design icon.  Within minutes everything was spoken for.  I was surprised the site didn't crash.  But I hung in there and the piece I wanted, which was "on hold" suddenly became available (you have 9 mins to purchase).  I grabbed it.  A marble covered mask.  I know, a little odd.  I love it, not that I plan to wear it, (but you never know) I plan to frame it in some sort of amazing way (and Veronica - I will be seeing you!)  I also scored a cool, metal bracelet-like belt and her book "Rare Bird of Fashion."  

I love her.  She is a Rare Bird and a no-bull shit - 93 year old that doesn't worry what anyone thinks. She's a true original in everything she is, sees and does.  Get the book, her life is amazing.

So back to the obsession thing.  It's the look of marble and other semi-precious stones, hence the marble covered mask.  I say "look" because it's not just the real thing I love, it's the natural (and exaggerated, human tweaked)  patterns.   I want it in art, in wall paper, in jewelry, on counters, on furniture. This obsession of mine started originally with Kelly Wearstler (another icon I obsess over).   Her use of this material in it's true sense, on floors, on walls, on furniture is stunning.   Her layering is amazing,  her color tones I could get lost in.  Take a look at a few of amazing spaces and you'll see what I mean.

I love following her on instagram and somewhere along the way her images with their amazing color combinations, and patterns inspired me and became something I wanted to incorporate in the way of fabrics, papers and most importantly, art.  There was something rich and luxe about the movement of the patterns.

 Addison Weeks also started appearing in my travels.  I first got a look at her jewelry at Slate Interiors and have loved ever since.

Addison Weeks

My obsession only continued when I was introduced to Calico wall paper one trip to New York.   This was the first I had seen of this type of paper and after talking with the creators , Rachel and Nicholas and learning a little bit about the process, I became even more obsessed.

So much so, I used one of their papers on an install of my own . . .

Then Zoffany came along with their Quartz line of papers. Oh man.  Had to use.

We just recently back these built in cabinets with one of their papers then I went further in the space and added those touch of gold and metals to bring it all to life.

The new project I am working on will incorporate another pattern in the same Quartz book I love !  Stay tuned for that.  My new clients Leslie and Jef Pearce have just finished building their dream house.  Ultra modern and sleek.  I was thrilled to jump in (thank you Jill Pleune) to help pull together the look to go with the architectural design that Jef created himself.

Their master should be as luxe as Miss Leslie herself.

When it comes to art, marble paper was used way back when as a mat to frame a piece.  You remember, those tacky green marble mats surrounding a painting, print or photo.  Well get rid of those.  What I am interest in is the over piece resembling the look of anything marbleized on a large scale.

Give me any one of these vintage marble papers in the form of a large painted piece.

Keith, my artist husband, loves working in mixed media.  He has created encaustic pieces (using pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay) and has recently started working in ink.  The look is exactly what I am talking about.  This piece was one of his first encaustic pieces where he played with the movement of the wax, acrylic and metallic.  I love this one and had it framed in my office in the most gorgeous mint lucite frame (thank you V)

I am sure my love for this look will continue.  As like marble - it stands the test of time.

Stay tuned, Mekenzie shot the show at Hart Witzen Friday night, which will give you a better idea of encaustic and show off some of Keith's work!

Install of the Day !

Hi All . . 

Friday was a busy, busy day - I just woke up, and I think it's 2:00.   We finished two installs and started another two for this Monday and Tuesday.   Take a look at the first.  I was more than excited to bring all my goods over to the Freemans.  I have been working on their home since last November, installing their new guest cottage, family room, and master bedroom.  Friday we wrapped it up with the main living room.   I have been looking forward to this room for six weeks and could not wait.  From the very beginning I wanted this space to be modern and contemporary with an artistic flair.   I love that Scott kept referring to this room as "my baby" and it was.  He and Mel, were both most agreeable to each and every element.  So with Mekenzie in toe, it was install day.

With all the gorgeous windows,  I decided to lose the heavy drapes completely,  lighten the walls and streamline the furniture.  But the main thing I wanted to express were unique pieces and artistic touches.  This room greets you at the front door and creates a definite mood.  Let the cocktail party begin.

I worked with my custom sofa vendor to create these two white leather sofas, one at 100 inches, the other at 84, that follow the windows.  The low back doesn't block the view and with a family of four small girls and two dogs, the leather is easy to care for.  They are both extremely well made, and oh, so comfortable.  I brought in a graphic, grey, rug and a lucite coffee table, light and airy.   With all the rustic (yet chic) elements throughout  the house, I brought a hide chair in the space with a beautiful back view, as you see it from the entry.  A new black baby grand is cornered in front of the most amazing wallpaper, or should I just call it large scale art.  Calico designed this paper.  It's elegant and breathtaking and gives the large stone fireplace a little more sophisticated drama.  Printed in a continuous pattern with silver metallic coming though, the marbling effect is a shimmering stunner.  My thanks to both Nicholas and Rachel for creating such a beauty for us and my favorite element in the room.  Take a look at a few of their other patterns and colors.  Be sure and check out their site, the process is amazing.  I will be happy to source for you as well.

This mirror installation was the artistic touch I was looking for.  I worked with my carpenter to create these frames, all twelve of them and we carefully hung them in a strategic meandering pattern, creating the look of one large piece.

The chandelier is another focal point of the room, with a dimmer, at night it just glows as you drive up the drive.

I chose a pop of teal for a little color in the pillows, and brought that color back in a velvet bench by the front door.

A quick stop at Isabella on the way over to snag another two pillows, odd numbers are always better and I love this hand painted grey metallic on white paired with the splashy ikat.

Grouping family photos in large white frames, mixed with some contemporary art adds a personal touch and bit of whimsy.

It was just as I imagined and I was thrilled !

While installing the living room, I headed down the hall to add a few finishing touches to the master . . 

Two new pieces of art, a new side chair and bench.  We moved the original dresser I chose to the guest cottage, as it was perfect there and I found a new long cream one for this space.

All the work is coming to a close at Casa Freeman.  Take a look at the earlier rooms I completed for a full picture of the overall style.

Their guest cottage complete with lounge, loft bunks and wet bar.

The family room, formerly garage, is just off the new living room.  Hidden storage, large sectional for TV watching.  Rustic, yet chic.

all photos by Mekenzie France

I have loved seeing this home come together.

Stay tuned, I give you a look at our second Friday install !