Virginia McCracken

 I stumbled upon Virginia McCracken's work the other day, and I had to share. The handmade quality of everything instantly charmed me, and each work seemed to capture a moment in a story all its own. If you're looking for artwork that sparks imagination and screams one of a kind, I think these may be a perfect fit.

*Images from The Upstairs Home Gallery at Pierre Lafond and Virginia McCracken's Facebook Page.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas...

I'm about to start decorating for Christmas, and I always start with some inspiration images. I love the juxtaposition of rustic, vintage furnishings with the sparkle of glass and silver holiday decorations in these photographs (not to mention the gorgeous spaces themselves). Hope this helps you deck your halls. Happy Holidays!

**First four images from Decor de Provence. Last image from Classic Style.

Less is More for John Derian

Not sure if you caught this piece on John Derian's East Village apartment in the New York Times Magazine, but I thought it was really beautiful and worth sharing. Of course, I am mildly obsessed with his stores, so it was no surprise to be charmed by his home. I love that he was able to make traditional furniture and detailing somehow modern by integrating a very clean aesthetic. From incorporating a 19th century sink and countertops to using theatrical backdrops, each piece makes the space feel unique and authentic. It's no surprise that an artist lives here, and for me, it was a beautiful look at how a space can express its inhabitant.

Lighting Up

Found these amazing hammered metal pendant lights by Original BTC, and we're installing them on a project this week. We were looking for fixtures that were simple with a touch glamour, and these were a perfect fit. I can't wait to see them brighten up the space!

50 Shades of White

Right now one of my projects is in the messy stage of renovation that's both a little scary and exciting all at once. We're brightening up the space with a soothing palette of neutrals that we made sure to test in the space before making our final selections. It never ceases to amaze me how colors change depending on the light of the room that they're in, so swatches help make sure that we get the look we're going for. Our winners were Benjamin Moore Titanium, Farrow and Ball Blackened, and Benjamin Moore Simply White for trim. I can't wait to show you how they look in the space!