Month: September 2017

19Sep

Stephen Sills Hi Low Farm Kitchen

Stephen Sills Hi Low Farm Kitchen

Stephen Sills Hi Low farm kitchen strikes the right balance between minimalist and transitional.  His kitchen is located in Bedford, New York.  After an extensive renovation that included an addition in his Farm Hi-Low, yes I believe that’s the name, the kitchen is the place where everyone visiting ends up.  “I love kitchens but it’s very contradicting, because I normally don’t like anything utilitarian”  Sills says.  Stephen Sills has had the estate for a long time but he only took on the addition and renovation project last year… The kitchen is as stylish as it is functional with no need for excess with a mixture of raw and sleek with the raw side found in the limestone floors, raw-cypress islands and distressed terra-cotta tiles.  The sleek opposite side is in the matte stainless steel cabinetry, white quartz counter top and simple few accessories.  Humble natural materials mingle with man made polished ones… “No matter how many people are here,” Sills adds, “everyone wants to pile into the kitchen”.

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18Sep

Oprah Winfrey’s Rose Garden: A spiritual Oasis

When you see or hear the name Oprah attached to something, you know the end result will be far from simple.  Furthermore if it has something to do with beauty and serenity, inner beauty and natural growth.  Unsurprisingly Oprah Winfrey’s Rose Garden is worth keeping on an inspirational board for all the valid reasons as you can corroborate by looking at these images below.  Rose parterres, gravel pathways, topiaries, and a metal arbor where Oprah usually goes to get in sync with nature.  She declares “Sometimes I stand under the arbor, close my eyes, and allow myself to take in as much as I can: I hear birds splashing in the fountain and literally smell the roses. This garden makes me present.”  One of the many effects Gardens can have on people, which I wrote about in this post.

Oprah winfrey's rose garden

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15Sep

Sweater Weather: The Ultimate Sweater Roundup

There is nothing easier in the dressing department than a pair of pants and a sweater… It’s a no-brainer as it doesn’t require any level of imagination nor creativity… It sounds appealing doesn’t it..?  I admire a very well layered attire but often we just want to keep it simple and low maintenance.  After all, we can always add some sparkle to make a simple pant and sweater match interesting.. Like what sort of sparkle you ask.. well anything from a belt, a necklace, big earrings, or a pair of beautiful boots… This roundup of Sweater Weather offers chic options from very affordable to more expensive ones.

Burberry wool and cashmere sweater

Wool and Cashmere Sweater

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12Sep

The Collection of Alberto Pinto at Christie’s Paris

Concurrently with La Biennale Paris, the auction house Christie’s Paris is offering The Collection of Alberto Pinto auctioning objects from the Interior Designer’s Paris apartment.  The over 1,000 lot collection spans a great range of artistic periods and styles from the Renaissance to European and Asian porcelain, silverware, linens and works by Claude Lalanne.  Besides being a passionate collector, Pinto also knew how to decorate the most extraordinary table settings for his clients and his own parties.  The Collection of Alberto Pinto at Christie’s Paris will be offer from Sept 12-14 and you can bid online.

The collection of alberto pinto at christie's paris

The collection of alberto pinto at Christie's paris

Alberto Pinto was born in Casa Blanca to Argentinean parents.  His many cultural influences since a child can be easily seen in his eclectic interiors.  Pinto studied at the Ecole du Louvre in Paris after he moved to New York City where he founded a photo agency specializing in architecture and decoration.  After doing various photo shoots for press group Conde Nast, he developed a particular flair for Interior Design.  His newly discovered passion led him to open his own design firm in Paris.  After Alberto’s passing in 2013, his sister Linda who had always worked at his side, took over the management of Alberto Pinto Interior Design which employs 80 people.  Architectural Digest featured Linda’s Parisian apartment early this year, you can see it here.

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11Sep

Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay: A New Favorite Designer

While flipping through House & Garden magazine I was delighted to come across Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay.  I had seen snippets of her sophisticated interiors here and there but did not notice the Interior Designer behind them.  “Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay has always worked in a creative field, she started in New York City as a fashion stylist for some of the top department stores and magazines such as ELLE and then graduated into art direction, managing photo shoots and layouts for renowned stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Brooks Brothers and Bloomingdales. This set her up for her next move to the United Kingdom and interior design.” H.F.L

With such a background, exposure to top creative fields and exquisite environment, it’s no wonder that Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay’s interiors are enveloped in an aura of culture and refinement.   Her finely detailed rooms exude a sense of coziness and elegance juxtaposed with modern touches that make them mature and elegant but still cozy and inviting.

henri fitzwilliam-lay living room

This stunning living room, upholstered in blue and green, was the one responsible for introducing me to Fitzwilliam’s work.  I admire very much how harmoniously she uses color in a room. 

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