Shara Mendelson - A Glamorous New Yorker

Shara - the founder of Plum Benefits (a game-changing company that provides corporations and organizations with a free and unique entertainment service for employees - www.plumbenefits.com) - is an entrepreneur, thought-leader, and an all around savvy New Yorker.  I have known Shara for ten years and she was kind enough to open her home for a private tour that I now get to share with all of you!

Shara is living in the new and much buzzed MiMa building on West 42nd Street - one of the fastest developing neighborhoods in Manhattan - largely due to the Related Companies' massive development projects.  The MiMa is the quintessential New York luxury high-rise living experience with top of line amenities, sleek finishes and jaw-dropping views of the skyline - http://www.related.com/rentals/MiMA/.

Luckily, Shara snapped some before pics so we can all see the transformation from blank canvas to fabulous.

As you walk-in the front door, you look to your immediate right and you are greeted with a big window and a great dining / entertaining space.

Next - you walk straight in and past a sleek galley style kitchen - the view from the kitchen bar is breath-taking as you see floor-ceiling windows with Manhattan skyline views.

Shara's design plans were a labor of love - family love that is!  Her brother is famed interior designer Gideon Mendelson (founder and owner of Mendelson Group - (http://www.mendelsongroupinc.com/portfolio) with an amazing aesthetic.  Some people have all the luck! - Shara gets to pull the "sister" card!

He has truly amazing vision - here is the "after" dining room space:

I just can't handle it!  I love the round table - such a great choice for creating more seating yet leaving plenty of room for additional storage pieces and room to walk around the table - although there are 5 chairs shown, I have enjoyed dinner parties with up to 7 comfortably seated at this table.

Let's take a closer look at the amazing table top and chair fabric:

So beautiful!  Gideon - if you're reading this - I feel like I've become a close friend - hook me up!

And now - for the living room "after":

So warm and inviting - a great place to have fun with friends or spend a quiet afternoon relaxing.

My personal favorite is the rich metallic blue sofa - the color and sheen make this a "to die for" piece.  Don't let me house-sit - I would have a truck backed up to the MiMa in five second flat - I feel like this sofa would be so happy with me in Jersey City.  I also love the window treatments - they soften the space yet they don't hinder the magnificent views - a great choice.

Another favorite piece - this chair is so soft and comfortable with great textured fabric.  It's always a great decision to pick a neutral tone for furniture fabrics and add color in your accessories like this pillow and throw ensemble - it makes it easy to change with the seasons.

Shara has great taste in art - when you have a big open space with light neutrals or white walls, adorn your home with paintings / photos / and other "statement" pieces to add color and personality.  I always recommend you buy art that truly means something to you - it doesn't have to be expensive to be great art - you just need to love it and have fun with it.

So beautiful and really plays nicely with the blues and purples found in Shara's accessories and fabrics throughout her apartment.

I love everything about this bedroom scene, but what really makes it is the wonderful and serene painting above the head board.  The washed out blues give the room such a sense of calm and just the right pop of soft color.

Shara - thank you for letting us into your home!  Gideon is truly an amazing designer and you are lucky to have such a talented family.

The BIG Antique Show..BIG

Brimfield is like Christmas for decorators - it's the biggest antique show imaginable AND it's mostly affordable, outdoors, and features fried dough!  I mean seriously - there's nothing better than shopping outside with fried dough - maybe prosecco - I've been known to pack some in my cooler in my rental car.  Brimfield is three times a year for one week each stretch - May, July and September.  I recommend you go in May or September to avoid the unbelievable heat.  May and September also tend to attract the most vendors due to better weather and more shoppers.  If you're interested in a great weekend getaway for one-of-a-kind finds, visit Brimfield, MA: http://www.brimfieldshow.com/

I've done the work for you and combed through hundreds of vendors for some of the best finds.  Another piece of advice - if you go, you'll need to note that there are different sections of vendors - you will want to visit the J&J section.  This is easiest to find as it's fronted by a beautiful red barn and parking lot - you can't miss it.

I always get tons of inspiration - it's the latest and greatest in collectables and trends in the ever-changing antique market.  Here's the amazing part - what you see at Brimfield one year will no doubt be in the department stores the following year.  Everything from old seltzer bottles to mason jars and fishing floats are found aplenty - yes, fishing floats are the new / hot garden decor trend!  Who knew?  Oh yeah, I did!

In the J&J field, I spotted this amazing collection of rare wooden spoons and servers:

Some of these started at $1000!  Okay, okay - now on to more affordable items as promised.

Here's a super cool collection of old mixers:

One of these on a kitchen island, breakfast bar or baker's rack will truly make a statement and conversation piece.  Many mixers go for a mere $50 - a great collection to start too as they come in all shapes and sizes.  Feel free to bargain with all the vendors at Brimfield - be polite and start by knocking off 15% from the listed price - most good dealers will give you at least 10%..especially if you bring cash.

One of my favorite things to do at Brimfield is search for fun re-purposed items or salvaged pieces:

This mirror used to be a window in a German factory.  The window panes were replaced with mirrors and the drop top gives so much character.  Ummm - I totally bought it!

This trough used to be a wooden gutter - the dealer simply attached some galvanized metal to each side and poof!  You have the coolest planter ever.

This dealer took an old sink and built the coolest potter's table.  Picture this on your patio with plants OR make it into an outdoor bar - super fun!

I was in the market for a new bar in my living room / kitchen.  I had searched and searched all the well-known furniture stores and I just couldn't find something that was the right size with the right amount of fun and uniqueness.  Thank God for Brimfield.  I found this amazing dry sink that has a ton of storage and makes the best bar:

I bargained a bit and got this for a mint!

Doesn't it just belong in my home!  I adorned it with old bottles, flasks and seltzer bottles.

Here's another little display on my breakfast bar - old kitchen utensils along with a mason jar and some bottles..this whole display cost under $50!

Until September!!

New Orleans's Decadent Residents

I had the opportunity to tour the homes of some of New Orleans' most festive and decadent residents  last holiday season.  I know, I know - it's been like forever since I've posted something.  I'm back!  I have so many things to share from the last six months so gear up for my return.  I know you all missed me!
I toured 8 homes in the French Quarter and it was a blast - and yes, I got blasted too..I mean come on, it's New Orleans after all.  Hello Hurricanes!
I had so many pics that I've selected the best for you all to see - I really picked out the coolest architectural features and unique design choices.  I got some GREAT ideas for my design projects and even my own home.
Let's start in the living room of one lovely woman who really knows how to decorate for small / interesting spaces.  Her two story cottage was no more than 500 total square feet, yet with some of her great design choices, you'd think the space was much bigger.
Here's her living room:

Such a warm and inviting room - I love the brick of course.  I also want to point out that she used "apartment sized" furniture - while the room looks cozy and comfortable, she also managed to keep it simple and uncluttered - totally important with a small room.  She highlighted the brick wall with down facing lights in the ceiling - this is a great trick to create warmth, highlight wall art or highlight a feature wall.  I love the zebra chair - take risks on accessories or small pieces - they will add just the right amount of flare.

Now to the fireplace:

Love the old mirror and antique clock mixed with a bit of African art to the left.  You can mix and match and don't have to feel confined to one art style or time period.

Now to the upstairs:

I mean - wow.  I LOVE this room.  It was my favorite on the entire tour of New Orleans.  By opening the ceiling and exposing the natural beams she created a sense of openness and height - making the room feel bigger.  Plus - if you know me - you know I'm obsessed with beams.  Notice she added up lighting to bring your eye up to the ceiling.  She used lighting again to draw your attention to the best stuff in the room.  Smart lady!

Here's the ceiling up close:

And no home tour is complete without the bathroom:

It's not often you see brick in the bathroom - I think it's wonderful.  So warm and rich - it takes one coat of sealer to water proof brick making it a great material for a bathroom feature wall.

Now off to another great home.  This couple also had some interesting spaces - while they had a full open living room, they had a small study in the back of their home and they added some great features to make the space more usable:

Floor to almost ceiling built-in bookcases are always a great choice in tight spaces - they add height and storage.  Okay, okay, so I included more of the beams than the bookcases - I can't help it!

They had the perfect rounded windows in their living room - perfect for framing their Christmas tree:

Finally - the last house to feature had the best garden view ever!

I'm so jealous of their fountain - such a New Orleans staple.  The best feature in this last home was the pass through from the living room to the kitchen:

With garden views, strip lighting, and floor to ceiling wine storage - I'm moving in.  Think of all the prosecco I could fit in those racks!  Cheers to New Orleans.

Ashley Hubbard

Two of my passions collided on a recent trip to DC - chocolate and design!  While shopping in Georgetown, I stumbled on a gem of a chocolate shop just off the main drag.  Fleurir - on P Street - features exotic truffles handmade by Ashley Hubbard (the proud owner).  I tried the cheesecake truffle and could have stuffed another 50 in my mouth ala Lucille Ball.  I regained focus and couldn't help but drool over - not just the 50 other amazing truffle varieties- but the UHmazing design.  Fleurir is one of the most unique and beautiful shops - chock full of design ideas that you can take to your home.

Leah Moss Interiors did the design work - www.mosseclectic.com - I owe Leah a big glass of champagne so I can get her to spill all of her secrets of design - cheers Leah!

Here is the full view of the shop as you walk in from the street:

Here is another full view of the shop if you turn to look in the opposite direction:

Now..let's focus on some of the best features - I plan on using some of these at home!  I love the branch theme - starting with the wall installation - this is a unique focal point that consists of a spray painted branch adhered directly to the wall and then volume is added by painting additional branches.  The combo of 3 dimensional branches and flat paint create an interesting conversation piece that can be dressed for all the seasons.

Some close ups:

Christmas ornaments could be replaced with Easter Eggs or dried flowers in the Spring - sea shells in the Summer - and then fallen / pressed Autumn leaves come September - the possibilities are endless.

Weaving around floating shelves adds both structural support and more design impact.  Be sure to match your shelving colors to the branches for a cohesive look.

Carrying on with the rustic and natural theme - the wall space between the two front windows is dressed with wood paneling.  Wood paneling used to be a scary scary thing (see the 1970s)- but Leah has made it so "now" by choosing randomly sized and painted wood pieces - creating art.  This is simple to do if you go to your local lumber yard or hardware store - you can ask for scrap pieces and then paint them or distress them with nails and random hammering.  Cut the pieces at different lengths and you can dress a feature wall on the cheap.

Perhaps the most interesting feature in the shop was nearly hidden behind the truffle display cases - truffles can be very distracting! - was a window surrounded by moss - yes, as in moss that you find on logs in the forest.  It's been dried and preserved - then fixated around the window.

              

Kudos to Leah for taking a risk with this choice - it pays off in a big way.  I would use this idea in a sun room or around french doors that lead out to a garden.  It adds both color and texture - I've seen moss used so often on tablescapes and to dress mantle pieces - but never around a window as a permanent fixture.

As you all know - I love my antiques.  I couldn't help but notice her great collection of antique mirrors arranged in random order on the wall.  This is a great example of how to effectively arrange collections - you always want to have an odd number featured and Leah shows that you don't have to kill yourself measuring perfectly - create more impact with an asymmetrical layout.

I also love the metallic yet earthy wallpaper - the branch design fits next to the moss adorned windows and plays nicely off of the branch wall installation on the opposite wall.

Last but by no means least - the ladder!  Using ladders as a decorating feature is super hot right now - Leah and Ashley found this ladder in the trash and decided to salvage it with some Restoration Hardware paint - the slate collection (www.restorationhardware.com) was painted on and then quickly wiped off while still wet using a cloth - be sure to leave areas inconsistent with paint coverage to achieve a vintage look.

The steps of the ladder provide creative real estate for holiday decor - if you want this to function as shelving like shown - look for step ladders or simply add wood inserts and adhere to each step.  Another great option is to leave the wood inserts out and simply hang plants off of each step and treat the ladder for outdoor use with water seal - leaning it against your deck railings or directly against the exterior of your home will provide a super fun new feature.

Now..let's try the key lime truffle!

Oooh La La Montreal!

I went to Montreal a month ago and was immediately taken with Old Town - an area that features historic French architecture.  I took photos of my favorites - here are some street scenes to start the journey:

Rue des Artistes - an alley full of local art for sale - a decorator's dream!  Such amazing landscapes and other French inspired pieces - my suitcase just wasn't big enough.

Because of their long Winters, Montreal really maximizes the warmer months with tons of alfresco dining and drinking spots..champagne anyone?!  Look at these open air bars and restaurants with lush window planters - one of my favorite exterior decor choices.

This corner store set the scene - I just love the stone exterior with framed windows.  Forget vinyl windows of today - the old finish with the swing open design gives such character.

Now for a little house shopping - here are the places I plan to buy when I win the mega millions:

Juliet balconies plus a roof deck!  Yes please.

This is a closer look at my new obsession - windows that open to the street.  Throw in a rustic stone exterior and Dickens-esque lamp post and I'm reaching for non-existent millions to purchase!

Annnnd - my favorite.  I just love the contrast of a patina looking roof with dark iron window pains and rustic stone (again - see first blog post for the beginnings of my obsession with rustic stone and brick)

Finally - no trip to Montreal is complete without a spiral staircase.  They are everywhere!  Word on the street is that they are a preferred choice for any exterior entryway because they combat heavy snow pile up and are also easier to navigate during the slippery Winter months.  Who knew?

Leading to the roof in the center of an open air marketplace - I love how they hang plants off the steps to give more interest.  I'm stealing that idea!

A residence outside of Old Town area - notice the bold color too - such brightness.   You will see these types of exteriors - spiral staircases with vibrant color choices lining the residential streets.

I hope you enjoyed a little taste of our neighbor to the North.

Inspiration from..rolling pins?

I suppose I owe my mother some credit for my decorating skillz (yeah, still spelling it with a z) - mom, if you're reading this, notice I said some and not ALL!  She gave me the antiquing bug for sure - we often scope out shops in New York and Connecticut - actually not "scope" - we scour / dissect / look into every object until Dad wants to drive off the highway and into the Connecticut River.

Antiques are super fun because everything has a story - not just a history.  What was once a chopper for root vegetables is now decorative wall art - and those canning jars?  My god - let's get into the number of ways you can decorate with jars.  Even rolling pins these days!  I took some pics of the more popular items that you may have seen in your antique shops in decorative arrangements so you know how they can be used.

This set of choppers is around the door way to the dining room in my parents' CT home:

One suggestion: if something catches your eye in a shop - don't just buy one!  Collectables are super popular and make great displays that are cause for conversation.  Always consider where you're putting them - choppers are great in this entryway because it leads in the from the kitchen - always fitting for displays of kitchen and cooking products.

Yes - even rolling pins make a great set!  Who would've thunk it?!

I love these arranged with other simple kitchen items - it's so much fun and a bit more recent on the antique scene.  Another great collectable that is emerging are old cutting boards arranged on your kitchen wall.  So fun!

Now Jars Jars Jars!  We all love Jars!

Here's a group shot!  You can fill jars with almost anything and it will then fit any style of home - country style can have flowers or buttons while contemporary coast line can feature beach glass and shells - modern homes can feature exotic marbles or stainless steel balls - jars come in all shapes and sizes.  You can mix them together or have them alone.

Putting letters or other old game pieces make really fun gifts and they also dress up a kid's room - super fun!  Scrabble was never so stylish!

These jars look great when partnered up with another favorite - old seltzer bottles!  More on those in future episodes..

My personal favorite - reclaimed tool boxes.  They are great for so many uses and just give you an excuse to buy more stuff - you know, you have to add some bling to your tool box!

Here is my mom's version with amazing flowers from the garden:

I love it and if you look closely..yup, the flowers are sitting in JARS!

Here is my version of the tool box - tricked out with booze!

This shows that you can mix antiques with modern elements - placing this amazing shaker from CB2 and these stemless martini glasses makes such a fun display for parties - plus it makes carrying all those drinks so easy.

Speaking of drinks..hmm..