Archive
for July, 2012
Carpets, Paint, and a Closet…oh my!
Jul 31 2012 ·0The design for my teenage client is really taking shape. The room is still covered in drop cloths and tape but we are definitely making progress…
We have finalized the carpet. The area carpet is from Colony Rug. It’s a gray tone-on-tone pattern on top of which we will place a modern interpretation of a “shag” rug. 
The “shag” rug will be sized much smaller, 4’x6′, and bound in a red to match the sofa fabric ~ very sharp looking indeed.
I couldn’t resist showing you Lilly, from Colony, showing off our carpet choices. Isn’t she adorable?
The walls are finished! Karen, painter extraordinaire, did a great job! 
We used a Sherwin Williams gray called Pussy Willow. It’s purrr-fect.
Tina Ghiz of Aphrotidy designed the custom closet system using components from The Container Store. Here, Paul and Tina hard at work on the installation.
They started with the track which is the base of the hanging and drawer pieces.
This is the center wall of the closet. Every inch of the space is customized for my client, including an open area for a mini-fridge and the even the hanging rods were placed to accommodate the length of his shirts.
The left wall is filled with drawers that will be filled with t-shirts, underwear, socks and such.
This is a close-up view of the drawers, the open design is great for air circulation.
The right wall is for long hanging pieces such as pants.
The shelves are a wood finish that coordinate with entire palette of the room…they’re beautiful. Thank you Team for all your hard work!
“You can design and create and build the most wonderful place I’m the world but it takes people to make a dream a reality.”
~Walt Disney
xo,
Pamela
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Pamela's Posh Picks: Victoria & Albert Tubs
Jul 27 2012 ·0Things have been moving right along in my latest project. In fact, this past week I was out shopping for tubs for the next phase which will include renovating the master bathroom.
I just love tubs. To me they represent romance, relaxation and luxury. Some of my favorite tubs are from Victoria + Albert. Victoria + Albert tubs (or baths) are made with volcanic limestone mixed with resin to form a patented material called ENGLISHCAST. Replete with unique properties, ENGLISHCAST is the foundation of all of the beautiful Victoria + Albert baths.
Here are my Posh Picks from Victoria + Albert tubs…
A slipper tub for the 21st century, the Amalfi transforms the period look into sexy sleekness
I think I would feel like a Roman goddess bathing in this tub!
Bateau style freestanding design
I imagine a bath in this tub would transport you to the gently rolling seas…
Big bath luxury in an amazingly compact design
Modern, sleek and contemporary. I love the clean lines and surprising capacity of this tub.
A minimalist gem
I love the detail of the cutaway base on this tub. So chic.
A modern sit tub, the bold Sorrento is designed for full immersion
The best part ~ it’s big enough for two!
When selecting a tub for your luxurious bathroom, you certainly can’t go wrong with any of these stunners from Victoria + Albert. Of course, you shouldn’t choose a bath based on looks alone. You must consider how it feels and “fits”…
Me, testing out a tub at the Waterworks showroom at the Boston Design Center
Oh, what I won’t do for my clients!
Finally, this week’s petite oil painting is a bit of pure summer:
I had my first lobster this week at Jake’s Seafood Restaurant in Hull with my BFF Tina. It was so delicious, I can’t wait to have my next one. After all, it’s only summer here in New England once a year ~ it’s up to us to make the most of it!
xo,
Pamela
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Alice in…the Boston Design Center?!
Jul 25 2012 ·0“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”
~Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
I believe I fell down a rabbit hole when I entered the Boston Design Center last week! Right there before my very eyes in the windows of the Martin Group showroom were all the Alice in Wonderland characters dressed to the nines in Samuel and Sons trimmings!
Here is where the story begins…
Tweedledee and Tweedledum never looked so dapper!
I just love the detail of the ball fringe, so clever!
The Queen of Hearts is looking exceptionally posh in her opulent regalia:
And really, aren’t there days when your inner diva just wants to say, “Off with Her Head”??
Oh, to be able to wear such finery and be a tyrant…bliss!
Meanwhile, Alice seems to be feeling a bit odd:
Alice (via creator Geoff Howell Studio Inc.)
The details on her dress however are nothing but stunning!
Here is the ever unshakably mellow caterpillar who gives Alice sage advice, all while bedecked in his lovely green garb…
And for a close up:
So many gorgeous trims!
Just think of all the possibilities with these amazing pieces of passementerie! Wonderful pillows, shams, duvets, leading edges on draperies and upholstery, and table skirts just to name a few~ oh my! These exquisite tassels, trims, beads, tapes, ropes are just waiting to bejewel your home decor and with the right designer, that is not impossible at all!
xo,
Pamela
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Pamela's Posh Picks: Party Bites
Jul 20 2012 ·0With the summer entertaining season in full swing, I’d thought this would be a perfect week to share some of my favorite festive appetizers, along with a few tips and tricks for serving.
Here we go…
Ricotta Cheesecake and Fruit Lollipops
These adorable sweet snacks are so easy to put together. To make them even faster, you could substitute store-bought pound cake for the ricotta cheesecake.
I love the idea behind these crudité baskets! You could use any small container, perhaps a berry basket or even an espresso cup. Served with a larger bowl of yogurt-based veggie dip, you have a healthy and refreshing appetizer for your guests.
This Caprese salad on a stick is simple to prepare and so delicious. I can almost taste the mouthful of bursting fresh flavor!
Tostito’s scoop chip are so versatile, they make a great “nest” for a variety of fillings. I love how this taco bite is dressed up with the piped star shaped sour cream ~ what a great detail!
How fun are these pizza cones? The tortilla shaped cones offer a variety of possibilities for fillings. How about Boursin cheese, yellow pepper, watercress and a hint of red onion? Just use your imagination!
It’s a great time of year to entertain with the warm weather and bounty of fresh produce. Check your garden or local farmer’s market and get creative. Any appetizer can be party-ready with a few simple touches, whether a hand-tied ribbons on the serving skewers or a bouquet of fresh herbs or flowers on a serving tray, presentation can make all the difference!
I imagine a twilight Summer party would be just delightful under this Starry Night tent in this week’s petite oil painting:
Enjoy!
xo,
Pamela
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Demolition Day
Jul 16 2012 ·0I LOVE Demolition Day! Demolition Day is truly a sign of progress, it means designs are moving forward and a big rush of adrenaline at the excitement of it all!
Last week it was time for Demolition Day on the bathroom portion of the Teenage Boy’s Domain project I’ve been chronicling on the blog. We are working with the award-winning S+H Construction firm of Cambridge. The entire team is professional, outstanding in their field and, so importantly, on time. All of this translates to a smooth Demolition Day.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here goes…
This is the perfectly prepped bedroom that is not being demo-ed. The space is totally protected, I love how they’ve covered the hard wood floors to the bathroom.
Here is the shower minus the inserted fiberglass unit ~ voila, an extra 3 feet of space! Ahhh, the secret discoveries of demolition!
Here we found some hidden exterior shingles. Why are they there? Who knows, but no worries.
This space will house the new tiled shower with glass door, stay tuned…
The demolition of the guest bathroom came with a LOT of noise. Getting those funky tiles up from the sub floor was not a quiet job! Look for this window to be replaced as well.
This view shows the bath/shower area as reflected in the soon to be replaced mirror.
I can’t wait to share the custom vanity that is being designed for this bathroom. The space will be absolutely transformed, just you wait and see!
While these may not be the prettiest photos I’ve shared on the blog, when you see the finished project you’ll be amazed at how far we’ve come!
“An architect’s most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board, and a wrecking ball at the site.”
~Frank Lloyd Wright
xo,
Pamela
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Posh Palettes Presentation Panel: Teenage Boy's Domain
Jul 10 2012 ·0If you are familiar with my blog, you know that one of my favorite things to do at the outset of a large design project is to put together a Presentation Panel. Whether virtually (as I showed you last week) or on an actual inspiration board using real materials (my Posh Palettes Presentation Panels), I love pulling together inspiration as I begin to design a space.
Today’s Posh Palettes Presentation Panel is for the same teenage boy I’ve introduced you to over the past few blogs. Last week I shared the mood board for his en suite bathroom, today I’m sharing a peek at the design for his Bedroom.
The catalyst for the entire suite was a collection of posters my client acquired last summer. 
These bold, graphic posters, which will be framed and hung artfully in one area of the room, provided us with the inspiration point for the design. Once this decision was made, the color palette and other finishes fell easily into place.
This section of the panel gives you some idea of the red and black values we are working with:
I love the richness of the Kravet fabrics we’ve selected!
When I put together a Presentation Panel, I try to add every element we might consider using in the design such as trim and coordinating fabrics. While not everything will end up in the completed space, it helps reinforce the mood and style of the design.
Finally, I always add details that reflect the client’s life and personality. On this panel you can see that there are pencils and pens, a notebook, a calculator, computer cords etc. ~ my effort to capture the technology savvy side of this young man.
This is going to be a vibrant, striking and unique space, I am so looking forward to seeing it come together ~ and of course sharing it here!
“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experience they’ve had and synthesize new things.”
~Steve Jobs
xo,
Pamela
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Pamela's Posh Picks: Sophisticated Seashells
Jul 06 2012 ·0Summer is in full swing and every time I look out onto my terrace to the ocean beyond, I am reminded at just how much I love living at the beach. I also love strolling on the beach and discovering Mother Nature’s keepsakes, seashells. This week’s Posh Picks are all about elevating seashells from kitschy knick-knacks to sophisticated home decor.
My first Posh Pick is this incredible custom pool cabana bathroom.
The seashell mosaic in this Moroccan inspired design is full of color, imagination and pure fantasy. The arched mirrors are not only functional but are also reflective of the seashell encrusted walls, contributing to the feeling of being in an underwater cavern. Amazing!
My next pick is this stunning table from the Kips Bay Show House I visited during Blogfest this year.
This elegant sofa table emanates sophistication. The shape of the table, the graceful curves of the legs and the dark tortoise shell color of the shells help make this table a beautiful conversation piece.
This seashell chandelier is totally over-the-top in the best possible way.
It is fabulous and wildly creative while still in excellent taste. I love the pearl dot seashell covered lampshades ~ beautiful attention to detail! I could see this chandelier hanging in a ladies boudoir or over a feminine writing desk. Better yet, how about over a mermaid’s breakfast table??
Perhaps my favorite seashell mirror ever, this amazing piece is from Currey & Co.
I used this stunner in a powder room I designed on Cape Cod. It was love at first sight! The amazing collection of silvery, iridescent seashells on this traditionally shaped mirror are the perfect complement to the luminescent wallpaper. What a shame this mirror is no longer available ~ I’d love to have one in my own home!
My final Posh Pick of the week is a sentimental one: a Sailor’s Valentine.
These beauties are steeped in history and romance and the delicacy of the seashell arrangement captures my heart. An antique Sailor’s Valentine such as this one is a wonderful way to add sweet seashell sophistication to a space.
In keeping with the seaside theme, this week’s petite oil painting features two young girls at the beach. Sharing secrets, perhaps?
“Don’t grow up too quickly, lest you forget how much you love the beach.”
~Michelle Held
xo,
Pamela
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The 4th of July: Time to Celebrate…and Decorate!
Jul 03 2012 ·0Happy July 4th! Time to take a break from our routines and celebrate our country and enjoy the summer sunshine. Time to take out the patriotic plates, red, white and blue buntings and American flags. Time to gather with family and friends.
Here are a few ideas to help you jazz up your home and terraces for your 4th of July celebration~
Set the table with stars and stripes.
Go ahead and mix in some seasonal paper goods. There are so many great patterns to choose from and paper plates help make clean-up a breeze.
Don’t forget to add decorations in unexpected places. Even the sculpture in my Foyer “dresses” for the 4th of July!
One of the best parts about a summer holiday is enjoying your outdoor spaces. This time of year my deck is in full bloom ~ and the perfect spot to watch fireworks from afar. I love to accent the fleurs with a small flag…
and a well-placed tiara or two! Isn’t she beautiful?
Don’t forget about crowns for you and your guests as well.
I use my collection year after year, adding to my stockpile when a festive headpieces catches my eye.
Patriotic tiaras make for great photo ops!
At my home, the main event on the 4th is always the fireworks display from Boston decorating the night sky…
The most perfect spot to view fireworks has to be with a reflection on the water, how lovely!
The grandest of finales:
As you can see I must perfect my ability to photograph at night~but believe me, it is stunning!
After a night of patriotic revelry, I always love knowing a fun time was had by all…
Oh beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountains majesties Above the fruited plain.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
As much as I enjoy this fun and festive summer celebration, l do hope you’ll join me in remembering the heroes who help make our freedom possible. I’ll be raising a glass to my dad Marston who served in WW II, 8th Armored Division. Thank you for your service!
Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!
xo,
Pamela
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