Making Lemonade...

Boston Install Tuesday

CHC Presenting Tuesday Morning

October Window

A weekend in Lenox Massachusetts.

Kevin and I were graciously invited to wedding at Wheatleigh in Lenox Massachusetts this past weekend.
Built by Henry H. Cook as a wedding gift to his daughter, Wheatleigh is a magnificent example of the Berkshire cottages. The cottage, which is now a spectacular hotel, was designed by the architectural firm Peabody and Stearns and the grounds were designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead. You may have seen his work if you visited central park! http://www.centralparknyc.org/
We were honored to be invited to this incredible event. Thank you C&J

www.wheatleigh.com

I can't get enough Lladro!

LLadro, the Spanish company, is still producing spectacular pieces. For over 60 years the Lladro brothers, Juan, Jose, and Vincente, have worked together with around two thousand crafts people in a small town outside of Valencia Spain. Here are a few examples that I think are amazing.
http://www.lladro.com/

 This conversation piece would work perfectly in a powder room.

 A pair of these on the mantle would be spectacular!

 I see these in a Manhattan loft flanking a fireplace.

Beautiful in both its creativity and delicateness.

Designer Tip: How much paint will I need to buy?

If you're like most people, one of these two things is probably true- you've either run out of paint just shy of finishing that second coat- OR you have 90% of a $50 gallon sitting in your basement never to be opened again.  In an effort to save both money and the environment- we did a little research on how to determine your paint needs BEFORE you start.  Hope you find this little tip helpful.

1) Calculate your wall area (LXH) - don't subtract doors or windows unless they take up over 50% of the total s.f.

2) For TWO coats of paint, you will need a gallon for every 225 s.f.

3) Add 10% for future touch-ups

Happy Painting!

Texture and subtle pattern pull a project together.

Antique brass mirror over chinois fret wall paper in a soft alabaster grey. www.mgbwhome.com

Rubelli fabric on a soft fold roman shade. www.donghia.com

Arteriors bedside lamp on JBanks nesting tables in laquer finish. wwwarteriorscontract.com www.stanfordfurniture.com

Handmade paper cranes fill a glass cylinder lamp. www.thecuritorium.com

Silk velvet on slipper chairs. Glazed linen curtains with decorative leading edge in raw linen. www.pearsoncompany.com

This looks like a job for serious interior designers...

Amazing things happen when we least expect them...

Hi everyone,
We have been really busy at CHC and I apologize for not updating the blog.
First and foremost congrats. to my brother and his wife. Oliver Whitford came into the world last Thursday!

The finishing touches are being added to Somerville...This has become my favorite room.

 Kravet chairs, Pearson cocktail table and Stanford sleeper.

CP and JBaker fabric from England. I was feeling very royal when I selected it. William and Katherine eat your heart out.

Can you guess what we are working on next?
Here is a hint!

Keep you posted!

P.S........

Every morning as I am walking to the gym, I see these and smile. Beauty can and will thrive in the most unusual places when given a little water and a bit of sun. We are all blessed when we chose to open our eyes and see the blessings around us. When given the opportunity our creativity has no limits.

XOXO

After a Long Road, Its all Coming Together!

Here are a few pictures from our installation weekend.

More to come!
XOXO
J/K

Shop till you drop!

KOB and I criss-crossed Manhattan this weekend shopping for decorative accessories for our clients. While there we stopped by The Jacob Javits Center for ICFF and visited a friend who went to RISD with us.

We tried to "contain ourselves" but NY has some great stores!

Here are some of the stores we loved...

http://www.muji.us/
http://www.ochre.net/en/
http://bowerykitchens.com/
http://www.wolfhome-ny.com/
http://www.abchome.com/store/store/pc/viewCategories.asp

Of course Chelsea Market.

The High Line was wonderful.

Buddakan was great!
http://www.buddakannyc.com/

Here are a few favorites from ICFF.

www.fauxbois.us

This was amazing!

www.llardo.com

Cork slab.

www.suberra.com

It's That Time of Year!

Spring is finally here and I can't wait to open the windows and let in the fresh air.
I think I am one of those crazy people who really likes cleaning.
I love making my things look new and fresh by cleaning and properly caring for them.
I also think its important in 2011 to clean and repair if possible.
Here are some great tools that are beautiful as well as functional.

All of these are available at:
http://www.bellocchio.com/catalogue/maison/

Once you have cleaned and donated gently used items its important to store them properly with labels!

Remember to take your time, have fun and be thankful.
JWS

Stop by Rustigian Rugs for Their Spring Sale!

I just wanted to thank Roz, Eddie, and Erich for all their help today in ordering two area rugs for the guest suite.
Located in Providence, Rustigians has been selling new and vintage rugs since 1930.
They also provide repair services if you need them.
They are currently having their spring sale so check out their website or visit them in person. There is plenty of parking!
www.rustigiansrugs.com

Speaking of a decorating job...

Take a look at these "inspired" interiors!
I can't decide if they are awful or if they will be the next hot scheme in a New York restaurant.

WHAT is happening in here.
I feel like I am in a underground prison. Wow, that is a lot of mirror.
Do you think the upholstered seats are easy to clean?

OK, look at the tubes in the corner. I think they are cardboard...I see why maroon and beige never really caught on residentially.

Speaking of residential interiors, what was with brown in the seventies? Was there a shortage of other, less offensive colors? I mean nothing says light and fresh like brown, yellow and orange.

Has anyone seen my zebra?

And you thought you had seen it all. Yes, the window casing is upholstered! I think this person was dead inside. Very, very dead.