My First Publication: Design New England Magazine

I am so proud to be part of the 2014 March/April issue of Design New England Magazine.  I've been eagerly waiting its arrival and the issue is finally here!  

I was contacted early January by one of the editors about being a contributor for their recurring section in their magazine called Selections.  For this task, three designers were asked to design a guest bedroom for a visitor of their choice, all three had to be different.  The element we would all be using was a great Thos. Moser bed which we would design and style in their Boston studio.

Of course, my answer was YES!  I had spent the last year while in North Carolina working with some of the most talented photography studios in the home furnishings industry.  My experience working with their elaborate, amazing crew taught me so much and sparked a passion for these quick design on location settings.  Set design is so different, one of the first things I learned was that you can have a gigantic pile of props, furniture and staging to the right, and have a perfectly styled magazine ready room to the left.  The only thing that matters is the view behind the camera.  Check out Widner Creative and Diana Parrish Design Photography.

Below is my design, but you can view the whole feature by clicking here.  Our feature begins on page 41.

It was a pleasure working with the art director, associate editor and photographer during this shoot.  Their professional team has a great eye for design and produce exceptional content for their publication.  You must check out the rest of the magazine filled with beautiful editorials on projects for home, kitchen and garden throughout New England.

Happy Reading!

Design Cats: Sushi

Okay, so you may think its a little crazy that I'm posting about "Design Cats"  but when I get photos like this I just can't help myself.

Design Cat "Sushi" loves her new living room. Her owner snapped this photo from their second story balcony one morning.  Its a great view to see the pattern in this hand loomed, plush high/low pile in the area rug.  Sushi is posing pretty too.

Good Things Come in: Safavieh Packages

Good things come in brown boxes... from Safavieh.  Today a companys branding message is everything.  Because we're socially connected through twitter, instagram and pinterest 24/7, we like things that speak to us and can bridge that gap between social cloud and real life.  You many know Safavieh because of their fabulous rugs, but let me tell you, their furniture does not disappoint either.

As I'm getting ready to leave my house Monday morning I'm greeted by the delivery of  two big boxes with a personality of their own saying, "Hello, we know you've been waiting on us.  We're here!"  Safavieh has turned their box branding into social media hash tags that can be found across multiple platforms.  Clever.

So, what was in the boxes?  I've become a fan of interesting wing back chairs over the last couple of years.  I love the grandeur, the scale, the masculinity and how fabric application can dramatically change their effect on a room.  I've seen some unique oversized elephant ear shapes, classic lines, tufted, but its always that something different that sticks in your mind.  



These Kameron Chairs from Safavieh furniture have grabbed my attention for some time now, I just had to find the right client to take them home.  When I did, I knew the result would be magical.  Not only are they unique, these chairs have the perfect place for your arm to rest and they actually "hug" you.  For added bonus, if you are hard of hearing, the acoustics are great. Stay tuned for the full room reveal later next month.

Photo of the Day: Design Cats

I snapped this photo today as I was packing up to visit a client.  I just love the little kitty feet.  As you can see someone was overseeing my progress.  Do you have a little project helper?

Project Notes: Parisian Chic

January and February have been busy months so far, I started working with a client right after New Years whose resolution was to do her living room.  The couple entertains alot and really wanted to make their mark on a home they had bought in recent years.  They've made some great decisions and the rooms is just a few weeks away from being complete.  Here are a few shots of our progress on this Parisian Chic look.

One of the first things I noticed in this living room as the tremendous light filled ceiling space. It took two stories of scaffolding and three professionals to hang this french Restoration Hardware chandelier.  This new focal point in the room replaces a stock ceiling fan that came in the home. 

Once we had our look down finding artwork that the husband and wife could both enjoy was easy.  Here is a sneak peak at the intricate 18th century french garden plans by Charlotte Moss for Soicher Marin.  I can't wait to share the full set when they are hung.

Every french garden needs some greenery.  This succulent selection gives a hint of lavender which happens to be a favorite for the client.  Look for how we used this as an arrangement in the final room.  

Maiden hair ferns are one of my favorite because of their delicate tiny leaves.

Last but not least, this almost 5' fig tree will be a great offset to the white linen curtains against the client's set of windows.  The leaves look really healthy for a good start.  Ideally we'd like one that is 6-8' tall but we can jack it up a little until it grows. 

Check back in a few weeks for the final look pulled together!

Give Me that Thanksgiving Feeling

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and if your hosting a gathering that may mean panic mode for you... don't fret.  Here are some quick ideas to add a little style that is sure to get compliments.

1.  Threshold bar cart from Target.  I saw this in person and it stopped me in my tracks.  Great price for the market at $129.99
2.  Roasted Brussel Sprout Skewers - Giada had these on the Today show so you know they're "in" right now.  Search Pinterest for recipe.
3.  Brass and Marble lamp - Arteriors great for living room side table or possibly corner island off the kitchen.
4.  Get crafty with these 'I'm Thankful For' placemats.  You'll need craft paper, scissors, a ruler and a black or Metallic marker.
5.  Serve Lambrusco, any kind.  I'm totally into this right now, sparkling red served cold.  Refreshing!
6.  Need to separate certain guests?  Use Rosemary Place settings to keep fighting to a minimum and avoid an awkward seat directing.
7.  Host or attend in casual style with an added surprise of sparkle.  You can achieve this look with gold jewelry too!
8.  Hostess Gift Idea:  What does the Fox Say?  Brass Fox Wine Accessory Set Threshold at Target $12.99
9.  Birch woods wallpaper - Modern Cabin with a Scandinavian touch.  I don't expect you to wallpaper over the weekend, (although its possible in the powder room) but statement pieces like this make a great impression and big change in any form.
10.  This setting is exactly where I want be on Thanksgiving. The room looks spacious enough to host a crowd and the colors tones and lighting give the right amount of holiday cozy.  It takes me to the southern mountains, with the smell of deep fried turkey and the family gathered on the back of a metal tailgate in Eddie Bauer garb and big bauble necklaces.  Get the gun out for some after dinner for target practice, Kentucky bourbon and time honored family tradition. 

Share quality time with those you love and remember those less fortunate.  Is there someone at work without family close by?  Extend them an invite and make them feel welcome.  Holidays are about giving.  Enjoy!
-Amber

Weekly Obsession

Recently my Donghia rep from the Boston Design Center came to visit.  Oh, what lovely things she brought!  It feels like Christmas every time I go to the mailbox picking up my samples.  Here is my newest obsession from Elitis Auteur & Editeur


Volare Euraquilo


Volare Mistral

Volare Pamparo

These wallpapers are absolutely insane, I'm coveting them like gold until I can find the right client application.  Have a spot in mind for your home?  Contact me.