Celebration of a Legend - Albert Hadley

It was on Thursday that design legend Albert Hadley passed away. Now this may be old news to many, but nonetheless I still thought it posed an opportunity for me to share what I found inspirational in him.

In a field which can often get wrapped up in names and labels, deadlines and schedules Hadley had the insight to what in my opinion design is really about. 

"But names really are not the point". It's what you can achieve for the simplest person. Glamour is part of it, but glamour is not the essence. Design is about discipline and reality, not about fantasy beyond reality." (Source)

He managed to transform spaces for many of America's elite, but still retained his humility. He drew on history and seemed to respect it while challenging it all at once - a dangerous dance that many do not get right. But he did. 


His work speaks of ease and elegance and is presented as beautifully uncontrived - statues of any great designer. 


How does Hadley's work inspire you?

Hadley's Design for a Colonial Living Room 

Hadley's Manhattan Apartment 

Diana Quasha's Manhattan Apartment

Hadley's Design for Brooke Astor's Library 

Further Reading

An amazing book published by Rizzoli - get it here

Image Sources 1/2/3/4/5/

Spring into Velvet

Velvet is one of my favorite textures. And it's no longer reserved just for cold winter nights, Louix XVI Settees or luxurious throw pillows - Velvet is getting a light and fresh opportunity this spring. Re-interpreted in the soft pastels which are trending this spring,  I think it's the perfect unexpected texture to bring into your interior. Here are some of my pics:

Chair
Album
Stools
Settee
Album
Belts
Pillow

Polka Polka

Another post inspired by fashion - Polka dots - classic, fun and slightly whimsical, I love their unexpected quality. As the pattern can tend to be bold I like to showcase them in neutral colours and as accents. Keep in mind the more contrast between the background and foreground colours will produce a bolder effect and the pattern will be more visible.  Some of my favorite places to introduce are on pillows, bedspreads and as tabletop decor. 

 

   

Image Credits: 1. http://www.bodenusa.com/ 

2. http://www.flickr.com/

3. http://prepfection.tumblr.com/

4. http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/

5. http://classy-in-the-city.tumblr.com/

6.  http://mechantdesign.blogspot.com/

7. http://inspired-design.tumblr.com/ 

Lace - No Longer Just for Grandma

One of the most significant appearances of lace in 2011 was definitely the Dutchess herself Kate Middleton on that very special day. And while lace always seems to be appropriate for wedding occasions. This season bringing lace into your home packs a special punch. 

Incredible elegance 

with an air of tradition. 

Keep things simple and light to prevent this from feeling too fussy. 

Ultra Feminine. 

Layer different textures and patterns that have similar colour veins to give this look dimension without it feeling too heavy. 

Vintage Appeal. 

Whether it be a curtain detail, antique table cloth, napkin trim, or vintage pillow. In moderation lace will be sure to instill romance and charm. 

Image Credits: 1. www.fashionetc.com 2. www.firsthome.tumblr.com 3. www.oncethingslookup.tumblr.com 4. www.lilacandgray.com 5. www.reasons to breathe.tumblr.com 6. www.vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com 

What I'm thankful for - and interiors to match

HEALTH

This space to me simply speaks serenity. A place for reflection and contemplation which feels blissfully minimal, but maintains the notion of comfort and home. 

LOVE 

Any one who knows me well knows that I am a big snuggle fan. I can't think of any way that I would rather spend a Sunday evening (or most evenings for that matter). So I'm going to be wrapping up and enjoying the sweetness of being with my loved one (excuse the cheesiness). 

BOUNTY

This is definitely a time for food that warms the soul. My favorites? Brusselprouts, Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie and of course one delicious turkey (or chicken boss as my boyfriend would say)- ethically and sustainably sourced of course. 

SUCCESS

Having a lot of upheaval in my life over the last 6 or so months, I have definitely been craving some stability. My career path is finally taking shape and I feel like the train is officially on the tracks. I can't wait to see what the future will bring and I think that is something to be thankful for! 

The home of Lord and Lady Rendlesham. D

esigned by one of my favorite design icons David Mlinaric.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Image Credits: 

Health

 coastalliving.com 

Love

1.http://imgfave.com/collection/2706/For+Love  2. http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com/

Bounty

1. http://thestonesoup.com/, 2. tumblr.com 3. http://www.marthastewart.com/ 

4. http://bigmariolife.blogspot.com/

Success 

1. http://dailycupofcouture.blogspot.com/ 2. http://houseofbeautyandculture.blogspot.com/

Brown - gilded with an update.

Chocolate brown certainly had its heyday - paired with pink or maybe baby blue it dominated the colour spectrum in the early 2000s, but fear not chocolate lovers - I think it's making a comeback - with gold! 

There is something about brown and gold that evokes luxury and opulence (to me anyways). So whether it be velvet or leather, gold matt or polish - indulge in this combination of sophistication. 

Image Credits

1. Antique Brown Velvet Settee from www.jaysonhome.com/

2. From Nicole Gaetano via Pinterest

3. Kate Spade - Year of October Ring $78 www.katespade.com

4. From Martha Stewart Living October 2011

5. http://jenningsandgates.blogspot.com/

6. Paper Mache Bowl, Brown and Gold - The Moon from etsy.com

7. Image from Anne S Lucas - taken at Kipferl Islington, London. 

8. Michele Carles for Maison du Chocolat - found this amazing image through a great post on This is Glamourous citified.blogspot.com/

Monday Bliss - Chunky Knits

The days are becoming more crisp and the nights more brisk and it's officially the perfect time to add chunky knits into your interiors. Love them layered and casually resting on top of a trunk or deep window sill. I think knits look especially beautiful when textures are mixed, but maintain a similar colour vein to keep things dynamic and sophisticated. It's time to snuggle up! 

Image Credits 

1. http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/ 

2. http://browndresswithwhitedots.tumblr.com/

3. http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/

4. http://wa-rm.tumblr.com/

5. http://hautemamasfaves.tumblr.com/

6. http://hautemamasfaves.tumblr.com/

Headboards for your alter ego

Bedrooms really become private places of comfort, but why not step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in dreamland. Maybe it's an idea for a second home...whether it be a city apartment or country getaway - get inspired by the headboard which depicts your alter ego!

DARK

 The Copenhagen home of Marianne Brandi and Keld Mikkelsen - founders of fashion company Day Birger & Mikkelsen.

LAVISH

A reengineered chinoiserie headboard purchased from Christies. Featured in the home of Andrea and John Stark designed by Jeffrey Bilhuber from House & Garden October 2005.

EXOTIC 

Image from decorpad.com

MINIMAL

West Elm’s sophisticated Nailhead Upholstered Headboard Image from http://www.ivillage.com/

STARLET 

Custom headboard by Heatherly Design http://www.heatherlydesign.com.au/

SWEET DREAMS!