Air date today!

Recently I did a post about "Our date with Nate" http://hamptontoes.blogspot.com/2010/08/our-date-with-nate-berkus.html, however I did not mention a little segment I taped for an upcoming show. Well, this week I got an e-mail from the producer of the Nate Berkus show informing me that my segment will air today. I am smitten with the interiors that Nate has designed, so I'm honored that he liked the room I designed for my son.

Brushed steel lighting fixture.

Blackwatch plaid wool carpeting.

I had my husband's old rugby jersey framed in a shadowbox. I hope that if any man is going to be a hero to our son that his father will fit the bill. Nate loved this idea! 

Ralph Lauren wallcovering below the chair rail.

Set your DVR if you want to catch a quick glimpse! Have a wonderful weekend!

Join me!

Today, I'll be visiting the Zhush http://thezhush.blogspot.com/2010/09/summer-style-secrets-hamptontoes.html me for her last "Summer Secrets" post of the season. The Zhush is a daily read for me...she covers it all from fabulous interiors to stylish fashions, Chanel anything and everything, and all that might peak the interest of a reader. I adore "the Zhush", both the blog and the lovely person behind the daily posts!

Hamptontoes & the Zhush

Two grandsons & their bedroom

This particular set of grandparents coverted two spare bedrooms into special retreats for their grandchildren. One for their grandsons and one for their granddaughters. For their grandsons they desired to create a handsome room infused with a little youthful appeal.

Two matching beds, two different superheros, one chic chair, one shadowbox (made by the grandfather) and a fabulous paint job to create an inviting space for a three and six year old!   

The room is chic and youthful, yet not too juvenile.  

There is a lot of effort that goes into designing, creating and executing a space, so I always champion a timeless room that is sprinkled with transitional touches. You too?      

It's raining!

Let me grab my umbrella and rain boots...

What a fun and whimsical umbrella stand!
http://www.zgallerie.com/ 

Interior design inspiration

People often ask me what inspires me when designing interiors. 

L to R: Lisa w/ Hamptontoes, Elizabeth w/ Pretty Pink Tulips, Ashley w/ Asha, Sue w/ the Zhush & Carolyn w/ The Buzz

A homeowner's wardrobe can be a strong indicator as to the type of style championed. Is the home inhabited by one who dresses elegantly and timeless, is it one who loves a modern day take on classics, perhaps the individual loves some splashes of glamour and fun in their ensembles, do they dress in neutral with bold accessories or maybe the homeowner dresses with a bohemian sense of style? 

Last night I had some fun "stepping out" for a couple of hours to join some lovely blogging buddies for a fashion show. We attended the Carlisle & Per Se Fashion Show in Greenwich sponsored by Connecticut Cottages and Gardens http://www.ctcandg.com/. Carolyn of  http://thebuzz.dianejameshome.com/ modeled fashions with her lovely sister and mother...they were fabulous! 

The evening reminded me that fashion (just one of my many influences) and interior design are closely related. What inspires you when pulling together an interior space? 

Roman blinds

When it comes to windows that face a street, I usually gravitate towards top down/bottom up or up/down Roman blinds. Are you familiar with this type of blind? Depending on the manufacturer of the window treatment it is referred to slightly different, but basically it is a Roman blind that can raise from the bottom to the top/middle (first image) or it can be lowered from the top to the bottom/middle (second image.)

Here are the blinds in my son's bedroom.  

A close-up of the navy/white striped textile.

The benefit of such blinds is that it allows sunlight in while still having privacy from passerbys on the street. I have them in my kitchen (some of the windows face the street), in my son's room (faces the street) and I'm in the process of having some made for my daughter's room. Roman blinds are classic, timeless and this type of system provides great practicality.

Two's Company bookcase

This Chinoiserie inspired bookcase resides in my office adding the perfect touch of fabulousness in an otherwise very utilitarian space. If you are on the hunt for a bookcase that is aesthetically appealing, yet provides some function this piece from Two's Company is a good option.

I like books to be visible in an interior space. You too?