Transforming a lifeless space

Often homeowners overlook hallways and staircases as being spaces to decorate. Many times these spaces are thought of as passage from one space to another when they could (or maybe even should) be decorated. I always look at these spaces as opportunities to create either art or photo galleries. I'm currently transforming my staircase. Up until now I had a photo gallery with all the same size frames, but I was lacking the "wow factor" that I desired. Recently while I was in the D & D Building (design building in NYC) I came across this chocolate and white striped wallcovering and immediately placed an order knowing it would be the perfect compliment to my staircase.
Before

In transition

Once completed I will share the final results. Do you transform your hallways and/or staircases? If so, what do you do with the space? Have a great Monday!

Banquette cushions installed!

My banquette cushions were installed this week! I've mentioned before that when it comes to kitchens I highly recommend a fabulous looking vinyl. Todays selection of durable vinyls range from ostrich to crocodile, from snakeskin to shagreen...diner looking vinyl isn't your only option. You could also shake up a solid with a different color piping to create a stylish look. Your options for function, style and durability are endless. Wipeable vs washable is key in a place where you eat several times a day and most days of the week!

 The Kravet crocodile vinyl I picked to have the banquette cushions made.

The kitchen the day when we moved into our home.

Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, I immediately made some changes to the seating area to suit our family's needs.  If you notice in the above photo your eye stops at the top of the green (lowering the height of the room), I wanted to create an open and airy feeling in the kitchen. Since, the ceiling is high, on a diagonal and has six sky lights I had the walls and ceiling all painted one color. It's crisp, clean and soothing to the eye.  In additon to painting, I had the banquette built around the perimeter of the wall to maximize seating capacity.  I also moved the electrical up the wall and switched out the lighting fixture. I added all new trim work around the windows to enhance the appearance. The photo ledge was hung to showcase family photos and my kiddies artwork.  My goal was to create a welcoming, comfortable and functional nook for our family to dine and do projects.

Before the banquette cushions.

 

And, now the banquette cushions to finish the look. 

A close-up of the crocodile vinyl.

Kitchen paint color: Benjamin Moore's Bunny Gray

Crocodile vinyl: Kravet (Trade only)

Reservations for comfortable and casual dining now available!

My dining room chairs!

I posted about my lack of dining room chairs here: http://hamptontoes.blogspot.com/2010/05/cobblers-children-have-no-shoes.html. As the saying goes, the cobblers children have no shoes and up until now my family had no dining room chairs. I am thrilled to report that I'm over the moon about the ten dining room chairs that we took delivery of two weeks ago! I designed the chairs and could not be happier with the results!

The back of the ten chairs are a deep, rich turquoise silk.

 The two hostess chairs have a trim tape on them.

Louis XVI Chairs: Custom made in Italy (Sedersi, Inc...trade only)

Shagreen Leather:  (Edelman Leather...trade only)

Silk on back of chairs: (Brunschwig & Fils...trade only)

Wallcovering: (Zoffany...trade only)

On the punch list for the dining room are the following items: chandelier (waiting delivery), two sconces (waiting delivery), mirror (decision needs to be made) and window treatments (almost finished). Once the room is completed I will show the before and after images.

If you read the above post you know it's been nearly three years in completing my dining room. Whether one is creating a dining space on a tight budget or not, the key is to not make impulse purchases. The goal isn't to just fill up a space, the goal is to create an area that makes you smile ear to ear every time you use the space or walk by...and perhaps, one that is created with pieces that can be passed on to other generations.  I highly recommend buying quality furnishings and no, it is not always related to how big one's budget is...Craigslist, auction houses, thrift stores and yard/tag/estates are full of fabulous pieces if one has patience and a good eye or is shopping with someone who does!

Our date with Nate Berkus!

Yesterday was the kind of day that makes me count all of my blessings. I, along with a group of bloggers and magazine media attended the new Nate Berkus show together...what an amazing day! 

 The Zhush, The Buzz/Diane James, Pretty Pink Tulips, Stylebeat, Shorely Chic, Hampton Hostess, Dunes and Duchess, Bug and Bear and Style Attic; along with the following fabulous magazines House Beautiful, Hamptons Cottage and Gardens, and Connecticut Cottages and Gardens. Check out all of the above blogs...they are full of fabulousness and written by some amazing women. The above magazines are some of my favorites!     

 

Now on to Nate Berkus! First, let me begin with saying that Nate is even more gorgeous in person, if that is even possible! Might I add that after seeing his beautiful mother in the audience I know where he gets his good looks!

The new Nate Berkus show will be airing this Fall! My prediction for the show is that it will be wildly successful! I can just imagine his viewers watching him daily and repeating his tips for creating a meaningful home! Will you be tuning in to see this design guru give his thoughts, tips and tricks for creating a home that chants "I have lots of pride" in my home?

Our group was lucky to be audience members for his first official taping! Once I have the exact date of our airing I will be sure to pass along the information (so you can spot us on the show!)

Be in front of your television on September 13th for your date with Nate! Or better yet, be an audience member at one of his tapings. Click on his show website for details: http://www.thenateshow.com/

Here I am with The Zhush and Pretty Pink Tulips

Here we are in the studio after the taping of the show. Left to right: The Zhush, Me, Style Attic, Shorely Chic and Pretty Pink Tulips. 

Meeting friends from blogging is something I did not anticipate, but it is my greatest reward for all the work and effort that goes into creating posts and following blogs.

Thanks Nate for a very fun morning! Loads of luck to you!

Your tour of the NYIGF

Today was the last day of The New York International Gift Fair. Here's your tour of some of the things that caught my attention.
 Two's Company has fabulous options for nesting tables!

Everytime I see this ottoman I love it! You too?

How lucky can a gal get? Two's Company offers shopping for home furnishings and jewelry in one spot! Love this necklace!    

  Lazy Susan http://www.lazysusanusa.com/ has so many fabulous accessories and accent pieces for the home. Here are some of my favorites. 

Love these blue boxes!

  

This ice bucket is so striking!

Dwell Studio http://www.dwellstudio.com/ introduced their wool rug line-up. I liked them all! 

  

Karen Alweil Studio http://www.karenalweilstudio.com/ offers an amazing selection of stylish seating options for little ones!

  

This little green "guy" was a sturdy seat! It would be fun in  a family or playroom.

The City Girl Farm http://www.thecitygirlfarm.com/  was such a fun spot! These chicken foot stools were beyond adorable! Great personalities, from the chicken foot stools and from the owners. One of these chickens could be the perfect whimsical touch to a home interior! Maybe I need a chicken running around our vacation home?    

 

 

Melissa and Doug products are an absolute favorite of mine (or shall I say my kiddies?) The Trunki is a carry on suitcase for little tykes. The long strap allows them to pull it and when they get tired, they sit down on the saddle seat and you pull them! It is expected out this Fall.   

 I hope you enjoyed your visit to the NYIGF!  

NYIGF - Your tour

The New York International Gft Fair (open to the trade only) is in full swing this week. The show is packed with fabulous vendors that I'll be sharing with you.  

Bungalow 5 introduced the Chloe table! It comes in white or mahogany finish...love the look! Also, Bungalow 5 is opening a New York City showroom in the near future!

 Perhaps an end of the season soiree with this three tier tray by Go Home! Two of these, one of each side of a buffet filled with appetizers and/or desserts would be stunning! 

Oomph offers little side tables that are perfect accent pieces for your living spaces. Being a lover of orange and animal print, I was immediately drawn to this one!

I blogged about Bongenre.com in January, as they have an amazing selection of melamine dishes. They have now introduced ABC pillows, but with a design savvy twist!

Monday through Wednesday this week is all about the NYIGF!

The "Local Scoop"

Please join me today for part of the "Local Scoop" series!
I happily agreed to chat about the Hamptons on Kate's fabulous blog, Party Resources!
http://partyresources.blogspot.com/2010/08/local-scoop-hamptons_13.html

Have a great weekend!

Restoration Hardware + Sale = Happiness

My last post, Katherine Rally Textiles, was about pillow/textile options for the interior of your home. Today's post is about the end of the season sale at Restoration Hardware that will tackle any outdoor spaces you have.  We have a swing hanging on our front porch, that was in need of some inviting pillows. After client meetings yesterday I popped into Restoration Hardware and scored these pillows for $10.99 each! 

Do you find Restoration Hardware's color palette to be as calming as I do?

Katherine Rally Textiles

All summer long I have found myself perusing the Katherine Rally Textiles website and admiring their batik textiles. I recently received samples of their textiles. Once I looked at the textiles,  I knew I had to introduce Katherine Rally Textiles to you. The patterns are original and gorgeous! The colors are stunning! I am impressed with the products, as well as the Katherine Rally Textiles story!

This husband (Rally) and wife (Katherine) team created Katherine Rally Textiles from a desire to follow their passion! As Rally put it, they are creators and designers who love what they do and do what they love. Here they are in a family photo surrounded by their textiles.

My Q & A with Rally...

Hamptontoes: What is a typical day like for you as textile designer?
Katherine Rally Textiles:  99% PERSPIRATION, 1% INSPIRATION

Hamptontoes: What are some of the ways you envision customers using your textiles?
Katherine Rally Textiles: WE DESIGN FABRIC TO BE USED FOR ANY NUMBER OF REASONS: FROM PILLOWS TO NAPKINS, FROM UPHOLSTERED PIECES OF FURNITURE TO STRIKING WINDOW TREATMENTS. THUS FAR,  WE'VE  HAD CUSTOMERS ALSO USE IT TO MAKE CLOTHING AND BACK IT TO HANG AS WALLPAPER!

Hamptontoes: Your website says you call Aspen and Bali home. Lucky you! How do you use your textiles in Bali vs Aspen? Katherine Rally Textiles: WE REGULARLY USE OUR NAPKINS AROUND THE HOUSE IN BALI. SINCE WE HAVE TWO VERY YOUNG CHILDREN, WE'VE USED THEM TO CLEAN UP THE MOST ASTONISHING MESSES. OUR PILLOWS GET USED A LOT IN ASPEN SINCE OUR COUCH IS NOT VERY COMFORTABLE.

Hamptontoes: It appears that certain patterns are offered in certain colorways.  Is this correct?
Katherine Rally Textiles: ACTUALLY ALL OF OUR COLORS ARE AVAILABLE IN ANY PATTERN. THAT'S THE BEAUTY OF THE BATIK PROCESS WE USE. WE DID NOT INCLUDE THE ENDLESS OPTIONS ON-LINE, HOWEVER THEY EXIST.

Hamptontoes: Any thoughts on starting a Katherine Rally Textiles blog?
Katherine Rally Textiles:  NO. I AM A GREAT FAN OF BLOGS. THEY ADD SO MUCH TO THE DESIGN WORLD. HOWEVER, TO DO A BLOG IT TAKES SO MUCH TIME AND WRITING TALENT. I HAVE NEITHER. THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT BLOGS TO READ ALREADY. I LEAVE BLOG WRITING TO THE WONDERFUL PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOURSELF.

Hamptontoes: Is Katherine wearing one of the textiles in the family photo? I'm not only thinking about your textiles for interiors, but for fashion too! I could just see the batiks as tunics or caftans.
Katherine Rally Textiles:  NO SHE ISN'T. THE DRESS IS FROM FROM THE UBUD MARKET, HOWEVER WE'VE ALREADY MADE MOST OF THE CHILDREN'S CLOTHES FROM KATHERINE RALLY TEXTILES. 
Hamptontoes: Can your textiles be used outdoors?
Katherine Rally Textiles: NO, UNLESS YOU DON'T MIND FADING, MOLD AND ALL OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT HAPPEN TO NATURAL FIBERS WHEN LEFT OUTSIDE.

 Hamptontoes: Just for fun...A home in Aspen! My husband and I love snowboarding in Aspen. Do you and Katherine hit the slopes? One of my favorite sushi restaurants is in Aspen, Takah Sushi. Do you visit Takah?
Katherine Rally Textiles: ACTUALLY,  WE LIVE 18 MILES AWAY IN THE LITTLE VILLAGE OF BASALTI. KATHY
AND I ARE BOTH SKIERS. AS FOR TAKAH SUSHI, IT'S ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES. SOME OF THE BEST SUSHI ANYWHERE AND SO MUCH FUN!

 Hamptontoes: What is the best route for Hamptontoes readers to purchase your products?
Katherine Rally Textiles: PLEASE HAVE YOUR READERS CONTACT US THROUGH THE WEBSITE.

Katherine Rally Textiles http://www.katherinerally.com/

What do you think? How would you use their products?