Mansion in May Designer Showhouse Sneak Peek

Earlier this month I took a field trip to Blairsden for the Mansion in May Designer Showhouse in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ.  This year’s signature fundraiser for the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center will raise funds for an expanded pediatric intensive care unit and new autism center at the Goryeb Children’s Hospital, in Morristown Medical Center.  The show is open through May 31st.

Amid the beautiful countryside landscape of Blairsden, I met a group of bloggers for a champagne lunch and tour.  Comfortable shoes are a must to tour the 52 beautifully designed interior and exterior spaces by top designers  James Rixner, Scott Salvator, Barbara Ostrom and more.

m1

Mansion in May Designer Showhouse

The mansion was built between 1898-1903 by C. Ledyard Blair, New York financier, who founded Blair & Co. investment bank with his father and grandfather, John Isley Blair–a self-made millionaire and philanthropist.  The original Architects are Carrere and Hastings.  If the names sound familiar, it is because they also designed the New York Public Library and the Fricke building in New York City .

James Rixner gives the Grand Salon a modern and elegant design suitable to entertain the most formal occasions.  The breath taking Baccarat chandeliers are the jewels of the room.

b4

James Rixner, Designer

IMG_0242

Grand Salon – Before Photo: Wing Wong

IMG_0233 (430x640)

Colombo Mobili, Beacon Hill Fabrics

 

IMG_0235 (480x640)

Baccarat

IMG_0244

 

IMG_0263

Paolo Pantaloni – Colombo Mobili

IMG_0249

Barbara Ostrom

IMG_0256

Mrs. Blair’s Drawing Room – Before Photo: Wing Wong

 

IMG_0247 (480x640)

Bentley Home

Ostrom injected cheerful color and modern art to the Drawing Room.  The traditional classic pieces and symmetry are balanced  with contemporary ones and a touch of whimsy, such as in the painted blue and white ginger jars and monkey that adorn arch of the bookcase.

IMG_0253

Bentley Home – ottoman

Osborne & Little, Andrew Tedesco Studios

IMG_0264

James Yarosh, Designer

 Yarosh‘s Atrium had great bones.  Beautiful molded details and rich upholstered walls and furniture in Clarence House-Hill Brown Fabrics .  Although the room has no window, the ceiling illuminates the space .  I love the combination of dark green upholstery and bright green on the walls.

Atrium Before – Photo:Wing Wong

IMG_0266

 The Blairsden is open through May 31.  Hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. everyday in May.  There is offsite parking only.  Free parking and free shuttle to and from Blairsden is provided.  Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the door and online at www.mansioninmay.org  Bring a friend for a full day of design to benefit Goryeb Children’s Hospital.

ivy

 

Posted in Decorating | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Monday Quote: What’s Normal

Sorry for the radio silence last week.   We are getting ready for my son’s college graduation this week.  I attended another showhouse.  This one in New Jersey which I will give you a sneak peek.  The end of the school year means things will be anything but normal around here, in a good way.

Did you have a good weekend?  We had a nice dinner at home. My sons came home from college for the occasion.  It was a great surprise.

My younger son arrived early Sunday morning.  My older son surprised me, too.  He and a friend  drove from college (over four hours) with a U-Haul to drop-off boxes and other things before graduation later this week.  I wish he would have stayed longer, but he quickly took the bus back to school to celebrate senior week.  His visit although short made for an eventful Mother’s Day.  My younger son decided to stay overnight. What I thought would be a normal day, turned out to be a memorable Mother’s Day.

maya

Thank you boys for making the trip and to my daughter and husband for a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration.

ivy

Posted in Decorating | Leave a comment

Monday Quote: 5.5.14

peonyq

Posted in Decorating | Tagged | Leave a comment

Tabletop Market Part II

It’s no secret that I love tabletop. I treasure the moments with family and friends sharing a meal and conversation around the table, set with pretty tabletop, candles and fresh flowers.  A welcome break from the office, Tabletop Market last week was delightful.

It’s always fun meet the designers at market: Jacqueline Cambata and Kathy Shubert.

IMG_0134 (640x473)

Jacqueline Cambata’s new collection, Flourish.   Dining in beauty nourishes the soul and the body.  A lovely pairing with the lavender placemat.

showroom

IMG_0204

Golden Lotus is a favorite, although not new to market this spring.

 MY CHINA – Ca’ d’Oro collection from Sieger by Furstenberg. Minimalist and refined, the black and white contrast with a fine golden band, that is applied by hand, is inspired by gothic architecture found in intricate tracery.

Sieger4

Ca’ d’Oro quatrefoil form are reminiscent of a flower.  The patters can be mixed for a personal interpretation.

Sieger2

The table was set on the ground floor in iconic style for glamorous living with no other than Versace. 

IMG_0208

London Calling for Royal Doulton –  Designer Charlene Mullen’s famous scenic design, shows London’s landmark with a touch whimsy complement her Foulard Star pattern.

IMG_0189

Inspired by nature and the colors of the garden, Miranda Kerr’s collection for Royal Albert includes pretty peonies, butterflies and pastels.

IMG_0194 (480x640)

IMG_0195

Bordallo Pinheiro – Cabbage Tableware is being distributed by  Vista Alegre.  The  collection includes accessories including footed cake plate, cheese platter and olive holders.

IMG_0129 (640x480)

Soft neutral grey – Vera Wang for Wedgwood

IMG_0198 (640x480)

IMG_0186 (640x480)

Ralph Lauren – Crystal.

IMG_0153

The selection of tabletop market was impressive.  From modern to tradition there is something for everyone.   Do you have a favorite?  Thanks for stopping by.

ivy

Posted in Decorating | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Monday Quote: 4.28.14

Happy Monday!

long

via 1/

Posted in Decorating | Leave a comment

What to Wear: Spring Favorites

Spring favorites from Stella & Dot.

clutch  clutch2

Why Stella and Dot?

stella1earringsscarf blue2

It’s a brand that is stylish and well priced.   What are your favorite colors and accessories for spring?   Browse my online shop here.

Double Clutch – Geranium Perf,  Norah Chandeliers earrings, Palm Springs Scarf – Citrine Floral, Avalon Bracelet Clutch- Bright Cobalt
IMAGES: STELLA & DOT

 

Posted in Decorating | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NY Tabletop Show – Part I

The sweet fragrance of carnations and cherry blossoms filled the lobby of  Forty One Madison Avenue for the New York Tabletop Show (April 22 – 25), which opened Tuesday to  buyers and retailers. On Thursday, April 24, Interior Designer Day, the trade will be hosted to preview dozens of new products and seven new showrooms throughout the building.

Flower Magazine created a stunning wall in the lobby adorned with over 4000 carnations.  The set was staged for a enchanting garden celebration.

Flowermag

Kelly Wearstler – Bedford & Doheny Collections for a mixed and matched trompe l’oeil tabletop.   Stunning and modern pieces for a glamorous lifestyle.  (Pickard Showroom)

IMG_0133

Mottahedeh – Robert Haviland and C. Parlon introduce Linae, beautiful alternating grey and platinum lines radiating from a platinum filet for a sophisticated new pattern.  Grey is the new neutral.  Combine it with a splash of color for feminine and masculine appeal.

IMG_0175

WHEN THE FRAGRANCE IS A MEMORY, THE VESSEL IS A TREASURE — Heirluminare Home – Fragrance Candles in Blue Canton, Tobacco Leaf, and  Famille Verte. Perfect gifts for the host, birthdays and Mother’s Day.

IMG_0168

Mottahedeh also introduced Tobacco Leaf  Contempo Service Plate.  The Contempo service plate has a wide boarder with a splash of the loved Tobacco Leaf pattern giving it a modern touch.

pr1

Hering Berlin – The art of porcelain came through with the Cielo bisque porcelain, freeform ceramics and  perforated by hand details.  Simplicity is indeed beautiful.  I loved the cloche and the versatility of various combinations in the Noble pieces.   Cooks at home and restaurants love its beauty and durability.  Many of the pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe.

IMG_0130

There are a few more showrooms I want to share with you: Casa Alegre, Ralph Lauren, Pickard, and Rosenthal & Sambonet.  Thanks for stopping by.

Images:  All pictures are my own.

 

 

Posted in Decorating | Leave a comment

Monday Quote: 4/21/14

Happy Monday!    I’m crossing my fingers that spring is here to stay.  The trees are a blooming.  The birds are singing.  Happy to start a new week this Monday morning.

done

Enjoy it!

ivy

via etsy.com

 

 

Posted in Decorating | Tagged | Leave a comment

Easter Centerpiece

Moss is the new glitter this spring.  My creative juices are flowing for a  centerpiece to decorate my Easter table.  Yesterday, I headed to my local florist with moss and a birdcage in tow.  A floral bouquet, rather than individual stems, saves money and an inexpensive birdcage from HomeGoods was all I needed for an one-of-a-kind centerpiece.

IMG_0097

Here is my Easter birdcage centerpiece.  I’m thankful for the opportunity to bring the family together on Sunday.

Wishing you a Happy Easter!

ivy

 

Posted in Decorating | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Legacy Home: Make Your Bed

Legacy Home at High Point Market was a must stop.  With an impressive selection of fabrics and over 30 styling combinations, create your signature style using the headboard program. Making your bed with Legacy Home is a great way to indulge yourself.

headboards

Headboard style: Jackson in Secret Garden Chartreuse

Alicia    Stella

Legacy Home adds a fresh and modern esthetic to traditional style.

Jackson

Debra Ryan SIGNATURE
Headboard Collection
Jackson Style with Nailhead Rail

Sloan    Cameron

Haven

Haven Collection

Legacy Home is a fine resource to turn to for a fabulous bed makeover.

ivy

 Images: via Legacy Home

 

Posted in Decorating | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment