Oh, What A Night!

Celebrating Mark D. Sikes and his Coastal Living Idea House in Newport, Rhode Island. 

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I've had a few "pinch me" moments the past few weeks. There is of course a longer, more contextual narrative to note at a later date, but it really boils down to a very special feeling that I hope will never fleet.

Feeling nurtured, inspired, challenged and respected are some of the most important things in life - all feelings everyone deserves to, and should, truly feel to their core, at least for some juncture of their life. When I was younger, I was told by a very influential mentor to "select your own board of directors in life" - both personally and professionally. As I've gotten older, I have learned how incredibly important that mentality is, and how the company you keep, truly shapes your own life perspective, approach and definition of success.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the past few weeks with some accomplished individuals - architects, designers, artists and creators - all of whom embody the feeling I described prior. They champion for each other's successes, share their varying perspectives and experiences, and brainstorm on creative solutions for each other's work. The sense of community and unity is incredibly palpable. The authenticity and passion for their respective work is rich and never wavers.

In a strange way, in a short span of time, many of these individuals feel like family. They have taught me such a simple lesson - a beautiful one that I will always cherish.

Life is short - choose your board wisely and don't forget to celebrate the milestones along the way. Champion for and nurture others, and follow your heart and intuition.

Brass on the Brain

I've developed an affinity with brass - yes, that yellow alloy of copper and zinc. I find the metal rather unique as it can make a strong statement in even the simplest form. It can also lend to particularly modern aesthetics, or, equally, more traditional pieces. Brass evokes its own glamour without much exertion or force. Above, a 6" brass knot via One Kings Lane, a fun objet for the home. Also loving this tiny "c table" from CB2.

Tom Scheerer

Love this little morsel of a loo by one of my favorites, Tom Scheerer. The wallpaper and hat collection lured my eyes closer.

Perfectly Imperfect

I just love this loo - the mix and match of art, stripes and old world charm. It has my vote.

Photo by Simon Upton @simonuptonphotos | Design: Frank de Biasi and Gene Meyer

Ship Shape

Love these sweet little beds in a guest room by Amanda Lindroth. Makes me think of summer sleeps on Nantucket and elsewhere....I'm also on the hunt for upholstered X benches...

Sarah Bartholomew

At long last, Sarah Bartholomew's new site is live, and her portfolio is stunning (no surprise there, of course, as the southern designer has one of the best eyes out there). This living room at a Belle Meade Georgian home is one of my favorite spaces. The use of pattern and texture is brilliant - classic but modern. Follow along: @sarahbartholomewdesign

Newport Lamp & Shade

A slightly hidden hideaway among the cobblestones of Franklin Street is Newport Lamp & Shade Company. Their name is perhaps a rather apparent nod to their expert lamp repair service in their workshop - a space flooded with lampshades of all fashions that will surely make you swoon. The remaining square footage is a sea of carefully curated gifts and home goods - from an antique sign (I immediately had my eyes fixated on the "Punch" sign hanging from the doorway only to learn that it had sadly sold), to dish ware that would make a splash at any outdoor summer soirée.

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Sherbet

Love Tom Samet's capture of this living room upon a stay in Florida. The sherbet hues are enviable and elegant, lending to a cocktail ready room. Makes me want to meet the individual responsible for creating such a splashy space.

Rattan

London based designer Allegra Hicks and her husband recently took up residence in a historic building in Naples, Italy. I'm gushing over her terrace (above), as shown by Architectural Digest this month. I'm a huge fan of rattan seating, it reminds me of my Grandfather's breakfast table in his New York kitchen. He would shuffle into the kitchen in the wee hours of the morning in his bathrobe and slippers beckoned by his habitual breakfast, one that was routinely prepared the night prior. He was also surrounded by terra cotta planters like the above, full of geraniums he would nurture. Above: Allegra Hicks' terrace chairs are Verner Panton and rug from her own collection. Read more, here.

2015 Lineup: San Francisco Decorator Showcase

The venue for the 2015 Decorator Showcase (rendering above) has been selected and I'm quite thrilled to mark my calendar for one of my most favorite annual events. As I've posted before, the annual public event is a fundraiser for San Francisco University High School, raising over $700,000 last year. 3630 Jackson Street is located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco and will play host as over twenty-seven interior designers have been selected to transform the home. Mark your calendar from April 25th to May 25th! Read more, here.