Inspired.talk

Happy Fourth of July

 

In honor of Independence Day, we thought we’d share a beautiful home that will be featured in an upcoming issue of inspired.news. The home, located in the seashore resort of Stone Harbor, NJ, is a charming, newly renovated 1940s cottage. The house was originally built as an exam center for the U.S. Coast Guard, and most of the original wood and layout has been kept as it was in the 40s.

Interior designer Michael Murphy changed little about the structure, only removing one bedroom on the first floor to add the banquette for dining. The great American flag with 48 stars and a beautiful sailboat atop the fireplace greet family and friends as they enter the cottage. Murphy scoured flea markets from Maine to West Palm Beach to find the wonderful accessories that add character to the home.

The kitchen evokes a feeling of a bygone era, with a reproduction refrigerator and a working dial phone on the wall. The tray on the blue ottoman in the family room was found in the walls of the home during renovation. It probably was a sign placed on the outside dock, now a conversation piece or a tray for serving cocktails on the deck.

This special nautical home was truly transformed for the family, giving the feeling of vintage South Jersey shore living at its finest. We hope you enjoy the photos and, from all of us at Kravet, we hope you have a relaxing and safe July 4^th weekend.

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

Photo Tour of the 39th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Richard Mishaan Design

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House opened this month and we were thrilled to take a tour. It was a beautiful day in New York City, and despite being distracted by the architecture and landscaping (back yards in New York City!) the interior design was truly breathtaking and reflected the diversity and unique aesthetic of each designer. Each room and portion of the house had a distinct look and feel, which made the interior design stand out that much more.

The home, a historic mansion formerly owned by John Hay “Jock” Whitney, is a four-story Neo-Federalist marvel on the Upper East Side. Organizer and noted designer Matthew Patrick Smyth told us the current owners offered the home to Kips Bay and will be moving back in after the event ends in May. Don’t you know they’ll be excited to come home to some fabulous new wall treatments!

One thing we can’t convey in the photos was the way that scent factored into the design. Many designers took the extra step of incorporating a fragrance element, whether through candles or fresh flowers, to add to the experience of the room.

Kips Bay has offered discounted tickets to our Blogfest 2011 attendees, so in a few short weeks we anticipate a flurry of posts documenting this inspiring show house. In the meantime, here are some of the rooms that left us breathless.

Kemble Interiors

Brad Ford ID

Amanda Nisbet Design

Matthew Patrick Smyth

Wayne Nathan

Robert Stilin

Barbara Ostrom Associates

The view from the 4th floor terrace

Cayley Barrett Associates

For more on Kips Bay, visit http://www.kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org/. The show house, located at 163 E. 63^rd St. will be open through May 26, 2011.

Royal Interiors: What’s Happening at Buckingham Palace Today?

  

All eyes were on Buckingham Palace this morning for the much-anticipated wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. On this side of the pond, many were up early to celebrate, myself including (sans festive hat). In London, hundreds of thousands gathered outside the palace walls for a glimpse of the newlyweds, but few besides the Royal Family got to see the beautiful interiors contained within.

 Grand Staircase 

Buckingham Palace, the primary residence of the British monarch, is one of the most famous homes in England, in addition to being the venue of choice for an intimate reception following the Royal Wedding.

State Room

As for the décor, many of the rooms still feature brightly colored fabrics and furnishings dating back to the early 19^th century. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle Époque cream and gold color scheme. Smaller reception rooms are furnished in the Chinese regency style.

 
Throne Room

Kravet-owned GP & J Baker, founded in 1884, is a holder of the Royal Warrant. Royal warrants of appointment have been issued for centuries to those who supply goods or services to a royal court or royal personages. In the case of GP & J Baker, its beautiful fabrics adorn royal residences throughout England.

 
Green Drawing Room

We wish all the best to Will and Catherine, and will cross our fingers for a future glimpse into the interiors of their happy home! 

-JP

 
Blue Drawing Room

Hollyhock II Collection: Suzanne Rheinstein for Lee Jofa

 

This month we are launching the latest collection from Suzanne Rheinstein for Lee Jofa. Called Hollyhock II, it includes beautiful prints, weaves and embroideries inspired by antique textiles in Rheinstein’s own collection.

Refined silk, mohair, linen and cotton provide the perfect foundation for her modern interpretation of centuries-old designs from around the world. Combined with her signature palette of blues, greens and neutrals, this collection features soft grays, yellows and lavenders which are new to her color repertoire.

Rheinstein’s approach to design is elegant sophistication interpreted in her quiet and relaxed approach that is reflective of her Southern roots and California lifestyle. Her Hollyhock II fabrics are a stylish and understated way to add comfort and freshness to a room.

For more on the collection, download our digital press release. The collection is now available in Lee Jofa showrooms across the country and on www.leejofa.com.

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Lopez’s Glamorous Home in Veranda

Between her new job as judge on American Idol and her role as wife and mother to twins, it’s no wonder Jennifer Lopez craved a serene retreat in a soft neutral palette for her California home. Featured this month in Veranda, the home was designed by the talented Michelle Workman. We were thrilled that Michelle found so much inspiration at Kravet, and featured our fabrics prominently in this project. Take a look at a few of the images and be sure to pick up the issue on newsstands to see the entire project:

 
Sofa covered in Kravet Ultrasuede.

 
Custom klismos chairs in Calvin Klein Home fabric for Kravet.

 
Side chairs covered in Kravet fabric. Cole & Son wallpaper.

 
Sofa pillows in Kravet fabrics.

All photos by Laura Resen for Veranda.