Monday, May 30, 2011

Hardware Made Spectacular!


P.E. Guerin, an age-old company that specializes in custom hardware, opened their current New York City location in Greenwich Village in 1892. The firm, one of the only foundries of its kind in the United States, creates exclusive products that transcend the definition of hardware with their signature artistic design.

Once you purchase your first P.E. Guerin cabinet knob or faucet, you are hooked for life. 

The company also makes furniture such as this fabulous metal etagere that I used to decorate a showhouse for Charlotte Moss.





When starting a new project, I like to begin by specifying materials for the home at P.E. Guerin. Beautiful hardware sets the tone for the type of furnishings and wallpaper I choose for each room. A special doorknob will entice a guest to enter a glorious room filled with cremone bolts and custom hinges with unique finials on each cabinet.



A variety of door handles laid out on a counter for sampling.

This masculine lion door knocker makes quite a statement.
These beautiful French cabinet knobs, not only feel great to the touch, but also add character to any new piece of furniture.
Cabinet Knobs with custom acanthus leaf details.
You can customize a P.E. Guerin faucet for any theme. This elephant spout works well with the bone tusk handles for an African themed Powder Room.
Have fun at the beach with this sea turtle and frog spout that lifts and lowers for the drain pull.
Make an appointment to visit P.E. Guerin at the start of your next design project, and you will be set to go!

Friday, May 27, 2011

“My life is like a stroll on the beach...as near to the edge as I can go.”

                                                            ...Thoreau


Enjoy your weekend!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Shell Art

On your upcoming Memorial Day getaway to the nearest ocean, take in some design inspiration along with the calming sea breeze. Explore the beach and sand dunes for magnificent shells that wash in from the ocean - you might even find a starfish or two. Collect your favorite shells to create a piece for your home that will always remind you of this summer.




I found the oyster shell lamps below at Patrick Jefferson in London,
along with the beautiful work of art above.





Shell box through Coco House in West Palm Beach.


Above is a wonderful mirror composed of shells in various colors and shapes. Design your own mirror by starting with a plywood wooden base, then simply glue on your own shells in patterns. Take your creation to a frame shop to add a piece of antique glass mirror in the center. 
Custom Mirror by Peggy Green


Great way to decorate your shelves with seashells.



Shell mirror in this tropical Entry designed by Charles Faudree.


 Simply pile large shells in a French urn and display on a skirted table like this elegant example from Veranda magazine.



This tall shell sculpture is available from Knollwood Antiques in New York.


A beautiful way to show off your shells on a lucite stand available at the Accessory Store.

Cache Pot of shells.

 I visited the Musee d'Orsay on a trip to Paris last Fall and loved this glorious shell sculpture in the entrance!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Terrain at Styer's



This past weekend, I was driving to Philadelphia and decided to stop by this nursery that I had heard so much about in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania.  Terrain was designed by the masterminds behind Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.  It is an exquisite nursery with several small buildings designed to suit everyone's needs.  Each small clapboard house sells a variety of different products...oils and essential soaps, books, a furniture gallery, artwork, jams and sauces, garden footwear and clothing, pots and plants...Terrain is a one stop shop. 

Furniture Gallery

 Potting Shed

 



Gift Shop








Ball of succulent plants...would be great to hang a bunch of these in trees!

 
For the Hummingbirds!

Table full of planting soils and solutions. 

Take your pick of plants and herbs!

 
The wood shed.