It's All In The Details
Nov 14 2011 · 1 comment · Behind the Design ·0
“Details create the big picture.”
~Sanford I. Weill
When planning a new project, I always start with the “big picture”. Space planning and furniture pieces along with paint colors and fabrics create the outline of a space and give us a road map to guide us to a finished room. Of course the fun really begins when we select the all-important details: the jewelry of a space that adds sparkle, polish and personality.
Here are a few of my favorite details from past projects.
This light fixture adds quite a punch of red as well as a conversation piece over a kitchen island , can you tell it is made of bottles of Campari sparkling soda from Italy?
This hand beaded sequined beaded pillow adds pizzazz to any sofa or chair, don’t you agree?
The design of a backsplash is a true highlight of the kitchen counter area because it is a vertical plane. Make it command attention with sparkling tile combinations as I’ve done here.
Crystal jewels on a chandelier catch the light during the day and night and create beautiful patterns and intricate shadows on the walls and ceiling.
Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, be sure the reflection is worth the view. This shell encrusted showstopper is right at home in a seaside abode.
Every time you grasp a handle to open a cabinet be sure it fits your hand comfortably–and is a bit of eye candy too!
Selecting unique details to finish a room is one of my favorite parts of designing a space. I love seeing a vision come beautifully together, filled with memorable, personalized details!
xo,
Pamela
Art & Giving
Nov 07 2011 · 2 comments · Art Exhibits & Events ·0
You may not realize that right inside your kitchen cabinets you have the building blocks for not only creating unique artwork but also for making a difference in the lives of others. The building blocks I’m referring to are, of course, canned foods.
Yes, you read that right, canned foods!
CANstruction is a community service project that benefits thousands of hungry people. For the last few weeks, this year’s projects have been on display at the Boston Design Center. What an amazing way to showcase the artistic ingenuity of design industry professionals while at the same time providing a distinct benefit to food banks serving our community.
Here are a few of the incredible CANstruction projects…
Can you believe this pumping heart with veins, surrounded by a stethoscope, is created out of cans?
Larger than life Stanley Cup, celebrating the recent Boston Bruins championship.
WOW, the iconic Hood milk bottle, recreated using cans!
This adorable owl is my favorite~ it reminds me of the candy castles my Em and Pally would make every year out of their Halloween treats.
If you squint you can see this animal shape and the letters at the bottom~ hint, the company has 4 letters, the first letter is P…
At this time of the year with Thanksgiving just two weeks away, why don’t we all take a look in our cupboards for some canned goods to donate our local food pantries. What a CANtastic way to kickoff the season of giving!
“Be the change you want to see in the world”
~Mahatma Gandhi
xo,
Pamela
P.S. Please visit my Facebook page to see photos of some incredible design events I attended recently!
BOO!
Oct 30 2011 · 1 comment · Holiday ·0
Don’t you just love the color orange at this time of the year?
Maybe it’s subliminal but all shades of orange seem to welcome Halloween
And carved pumpkins in all designs
Dress yours using your imagination….
May you have no scary demons in your future only good spirits, friendly ghosts and lots of your favorite candy ~
Happy Halloween!
XO,
Pamela
Art for Interiors: Fort Point Open Studios
Oct 24 2011 · 1 comment · Art Exhibits & Events, Artists ·0
“Art and life are not separate domains”
~Piet Mondrian
Last weekend my friends, Ginny and Jen and I visited several art studios in the Fort Point Area of Boston. Most of the art spaces in the buildings we visited are co-ops which means that the artist and their families (and often, pets) live in their studios as well as create there. It is simply ingenious the way they have arranged the living spaces: loft style beds to maximize floor space, camouflaged kitchens behind screens or curtains and loads of clever storage and display solutions for supplies and treasured possessions. Oh, and the painting, sculpting or print making studios take up most of the square footage! It was a delightful peek behind the scenes of some wonderful work environments and some unique floor plans for me~
These tubes are just waiting to burst with color
Believing the brush will convert your dream into a masterpiece~
Of all of the artists whom we met, here are 3 of my favorites~
Linda’s pottery is very organic. The designs are original shapes with interesting details, do you see the skyline nestled in the rhododendron shape leaves?
This vase is beautiful adorned with fleurs or not. Any one of her pieces would be a perfect addition on a bookcase, as a collection on a coffee table or of course could stand alone as a centerpiece vase on a table with a fresh bouquet.
Lisa is one of my favorite Fort Point artists. I’ve had the privilege of taking a portrait class with her and she is a detailed and profound teacher. I love her work and hope to add one of her masterpieces to my collection one day and I strongly urge you to do the same!
This is called Cupcake Dress, doesn’t the fabric look yummy?
3 Graces
One of the best parts of attending Open Studios is getting to know the artist and the story behind their work.
The 3 Graces is a drawing of Lisa’s aunt’s, mother’s and gandmother’s underpants. Lisa told me a touching story about the loveliness of these women and how they touched her life~ this work now means so much more to me. When you are deciding on adding a piece of art to your home and your life, I think it is important to have a personal connection to the piece whether it is the subject, the color or the emotion. You want it to move you, that being said…
Is Madonna missing her brassiere??
View of Lisa’s studio/home, love those dresses~
Bonnie’s prints are juicy in person, the colors jump off the paper and they are perfect for interior design~ I would love to suggest coupling 2 or 3 of these for impact on a wall~
The tiles are very unique and can be used in so many ways: backsplash for kitchen, studios, and bathrooms of course, but thinking outside the box how about tile table top of beautiful tiles or even just a beautiful accent highlighted at the center?
So many great choices for a wide frame for a mirror~
There will be many Open Studios events with the upcoming Holidays. Why not consider giving a piece of original art as a hostess gift or a present to a family member or better yet yourself? I hope I have given you a few more ideas and inspiration for adding art to your interior!
xo,
Pamela
{Photos of studio spaces are courtesy of Jen Bowles, images of artists original work is from their respective websites}
Design Days 2011
Oct 12 2011 · 4 comments · Design Events, Inspiration ·0
“Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant.
There is a fire in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.”
~J. G. Von Herder
This past week the Boston Design Center hosted Design Boston 2011, a 3-day market for the professional design community. New collections, new products and upcoming trends were highlighted during this year’s version of the annual event. Taking in such a wide variety of inspiration is certainly the way to light a fire in my soul for the Fall season and the year ahead!
I attended several seminars and was treated to many wonderful speakers including: Design Trends 2012 with Julie Rokowski, Color Forecasts 2012 with Jackie Jordan, Taking Original Art to Final Product with Ken Wampler, Custom Tailored Spaces with Juan Montoya, Candice Olson on Design with none other than Candice Olson from HGTV and Martyn Lawrence Bullard of Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators, who introduced his new, delicious fabric line with Schumacher to name only a few.
I find this is the most exciting time of the year at the Boston Design Center. It is a time for inspiration, for renewal and to set new directions for my designs. My mind is overflowing with creativity and I am looking forward to translating new trends and ideas into finished spaces. If you are considering a project, this is the perfect time to contact me!
Here is a re-cap of an outstanding week and photos of some amazingly talented people (who are great charmers as well).
Ken Wampler, from the Alpha Workshops, Toni Galeno and Maria Howe from the Ailanthus Showroom
Thibeault wallcoverings by the artists at Alpha Workshops
An original block used to print wallcovering
Me with Juan Montonya in the Century Showroom, surrounded by his custom furniture pieces
Candice Olson ~ does she need any introduction? Of HGTV fame, Candice has created an elegant fabric line with Kravet
The Secret to Artful Rooms by Mitchell Owens from Architectural Digest. He presented slides illustrating some new and creative ways to display art ~ notice the sunburst mirror positioned with the art?
This is Donny Duetsch’s home and his eclectic collection of graphic art that fills this large hallway. Note the fabulous curved viewing sofa.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard introduced his new book Live, Love and Decorate as well as his new fabric line with Schumacher
Some of Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s new fabrics
Martyn drew inspiration from the patterns in Turkish tile work
From the Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection at Schumacher
I attended a panel discussion on The Restoration of the Royal Opera House of Versailles featuring Antoine and Catherine Tisserant of Tisserant Art & Style and Charles Spada. Recently re-opened after being closed for the last 20 years, Tisserant Art & Style was awarded the important contract of restoring the Opera House’s chandeliers, lanterns and wall lights. This was particularly fascinating to me after having visited Paris just last month.
A photo of a chandelier undergoing a renovation from the Royal Opera House of Versailles
Notice the height is matched to the men carrying it but the width is much more~
After much painstaking work, the installation
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of the wonders I was able to see at Design Boston. With such an incredible month of design inspiration under my belt I would love to share my experiences more intimately and extensively. If you are interested in a Design Presentation highlighting my experiences and photos of Paris and Design Days 2011, do contact me!
Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the loss of a very creative man last week, I can only ponder what else he may have given us had he had the gift of time~
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
~Steve Jobs
xo,
Pamela
Design is Everywhere: Paris Metro
Oct 04 2011 · 2 comments · Inspiration, Travel ·0
“Beauty must appeal to the senses, must provide us with immediate enjoyment, must impress or insinuate itself into us without any effort on our part.”
~Claude Debussy, French composer
Bonjour mes amis! If you’ve hear that Paris is a romantic city, replete with beauty and inspiration, you’ve heard correctly! It seems everywhere you look and indeed, everywhere you go in Paris, it’s one breathtaking sight after another. Beautiful design details to delight all the senses surround you–even in the subway!
Do come take a peek at some of my favorite design moments from the Paris Metro…
My friend Debbie pointed out these chairs against the veritcal subway tiles at the Chatelet les Halles stop on our way to Montmartre. So striking!
At another Metro stop we walked through this tunnel with an amazing tree themed tile installation. I love how they've elevated the everyday to beautiful and interesting here!
Of course not all the good design in the Metro had to do with tile…
Coming around the corner in one of the Metro stations, I heard music that reminded me of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I followed the music…
The acoustics the subway halls offer are comparable to a concert hall according to my pianist son.
Here there is no ticket price, just a donation of your choosing.
Back to the business at hand, how many times did I look down the tracks for my train?!
I did encounter several more magnificent tile mosaics in the Metro, including this more abstract work:
Just look at the detail!And yes, it’s signed!From a totally different genre, another tile installation at the Bastille Metro station:
I hope you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into the Paris Metro! The designer and artist in me can’t help but notice and want to share some of the beauty that we encountered as we explored Paris. As I love to say, design is everywhere, even underground, you just have to stop and take notice of it!
A view of an iconic cast iron Metropolitain sign in Paris? The pigeon in my painting has an enviable view, wouldn't you agree?
xo,
Pamela
La Ville Lumière
Sep 29 2011 · 5 comments · Design Events, Inspiration, Travel ·0
Paris is known as The City of Light and as I discovered on my recent trip it is indeed an illuminated city–in more ways than one! Here are some images I captured in and around Paris. Enjoy!
At the Opera Garnier:
The auditorium's chandelier is surrounded by a 1964 mural by Marc Chagall complete with self portraits and Paris points of interest
Musée des Arts Decoratifs:
At the Palace of Versailles:
At the Maison et Objet show:
These amazing elongated candle lights can bend like bamboo. Wouldn't they look beautiful swaying in the breeze on a seaside patio?
We also had the opportunity to visit a Showhouse featuring the most avant-garde Parisian designers. I loved these petite pendant fixtures in this hall.
Finallly, the Pantheon and the moon:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of some of my favorite lights of Paris. While some of these fixtures are over 100 years old and some are so new that they are only concept pieces, they are all illuminating and all amazing!
“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.”
~James Turrell
xo,
Pamela
C'est Magnifique!
Sep 21 2011 · 10 comments · Inspiration, Travel ·0
Bonjour mes amis!
I have returned from an absolutely amazing, as well as exhausting, trip to Paris! I do believe my eyes are literally sore from taking in all of the incredible beauty we saw during our week long visit. I am full to the brim with inspiration and looking forward to sharing new, creative ideas with my clients! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to sharing the highlights of my trip with you, here on my blog.
To that end, here’s just a little tease of what I’ll be blogging about over the next few weeks…
To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway,
“If you are lucky enough to have [visited] Paris…, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Paris has long been in my heart and after this magnificent trip it is sure to make it’s way into my designs!
xo,
Pamela
Bonjour Paris: Maison & Objet
Sep 05 2011 · 3 comments · Design Events, Travel ·0
Bonjour mes amis!
I have some very exciting news to share with you. This Tuesday I am flying off to Paris to attend the tres chic Maison & Objet show.Maison & Objet is a huge design trade show showcasing an unrivaled collection of talent and innovation on display in one of the world’s most spectacular cities. At this prestigious international show of home fashions, I will be among the first to discover the newest trends in textiles, tableware, accessories, decoration and furniture. I am sure to come home overflowing with inspiration for all of our newest projects!
In addition to seeing new trends in eight exhibit halls, I will be attending lectures and panel discussions led by the best in the design industry. Of course no trip to Paris is complete without a trip to Notre Dame to light a candle, a visit to the Musee D’Orsay to marvel over Monet’s Rouen Cathedral, or an evening at a bistro, sipping a glass of champagne overlooking the Seine. It’s sure to be a trip full of wonderful memories and overflowing with inspiration!
My promise to you is to come away with a memory card filled with photos of creative genius to share with you, sketches to record everything I think I may forget and renewed spirit to enliven our design palettes. I am also looking forward to putting together a presentation to highlight my design finds and photos. I would love to speak at events and share what are sure to be fantastic finds from the City of Lights!
As I pack my bags I am leaving you with this last image, I have been working my new hairstyle for Paris: the French twist. What do you think?
“Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.”
~Honore de Balzac
Au Revoir!
xo,
Pamela
Out & About: Trillium on Nantucket
Aug 25 2011 · 0 comments · Inspiration, Travel ·0
Shopping at Trillium is like salve for the soul. There are always new items, and Robin [the proprietress] always make you feel so at home. I love the reaction I get from friends when they discover the gift I’ve given them came from Trillium.
~another happy Trillium customer
As summer in New England begins to fade, we are reminded that every warm and sunny day is precious and every summer tradition is meant to be cherished. One of my favorite summer traditions is journeying to Nantucket with dear friends. I am blessed to have a friend who owns a home on Nantucket and for the past 22 years she has shared it with me and five other friends. During our summer sojourns we have established many wonderful traditions. Not surprisingly, a few of them revolve around…shopping!
This week I am thrilled to share our very favorite shop for decorative home accessories, tableware and fanciful pillows from all over the globe: Trillium. When you receive a one-of-a-kind bag with a box from Trillium, you just know you are in for a treat!
This colorful table setting is anchored by the simple white plates with a lush beaded detail. These lovely plates will truly highlight whatever bounty is placed upon them. I can just imagine a feast of fresh Nantucket grown vegetables and fish. So scrumptious!
I just love the bright pops of color on this table. The not to be ignored whimsical candlestick transports me to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Be Our Guest indeed!
How charmingly organic are the floating votives with the garden hosta leaves? All you need are these elegant tiered glass vases to add a unique touch to your table.
You know how I adore pillows ~ aren’t these amazing?? I love the mix of textures and patterns, so effective in creating a tactile, dynamic and inviting display.Every table should have something that catches the light and metallic pieces fit the bill perfectly.
The combination of these feminine glasses from J.L. Coquet on a mixed metallic placemat is at once traditonal, modern and a bit sexy. Oooh la la!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little glimpse into one of my favorite Nantucket shops. Next time you’re on the island be sure to stop in! If you haven’t celebrated summer with your friends yet, embrace the last days of this magical season and toast to the warmth of friendship.
xo,
Pamela
Posh Palettes Presentation Panel: Romantic Peony
Aug 19 2011 · 5 comments · Posh Palettes Presentation Panel ·0
Don’t dream your life, live your dream
~Unknown
Our latest Posh Palettes Presentation Panel was created for a vibrant, energetic client who needed a restful retreat to recharge her batteries.
The inspiration for this space was nestled in my soul for more than two years. When I saw this peony painting by local artist Lisa Daria Kennedy I felt an instant connection. I was drawn to the beautiful pink and chartreuse hues. Months later I came across the magnificent textural peony fabric. When my client, a dear friend, came to me looking to redesign her bedroom, it was a perfect marriage of inspiration and purpose.
Once again, this Posh Palettes Presentation Panel pulls together both decorative elements and nods to my friend’s personality. Both her active, busy life (she’s a personal trainer and a world traveler!) and joie de vivre are reflected on the inspiration board. The color palette is the perfect mix of restful and dynamic, jazzy and romantic.
As with any bedroom, the bed is the centerpiece. With this bed, the custom made headboard is a stunning focal point. With it’s bowed, lip shape it is both feminine and a bit flirty. Covered in the inspiration fabric and outlined in a poppy colored cord, the bed commands a true presence in the room. The silk plaid dust ruffle incorporates several complementary colors. The walls are a soft chartreuse color and the ceiling a gentle blush color. The glass chandelier is from Murano, Italy and purchased by the homeowner on one of her many adventures.
Another stand out feature of the bed is the plethora of pillows~ one of my signature design elements. Really, can anyone really have too many pillows?? Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, especially when incorporating so many beautiful and diverse fabrics!This vibrant poppy colored chair is a perfect example of how the homeowner is not afraid of color~just one of the things I love about her! The chair provides a wonderful pop of color as well as a place to reminisce about her travels and plan her next trip.Once again in the drapery, elements from the Presentation Panel have been incorporated. The crystal bead trim on the Roman shade echoes the sparkle of the chandelier. The couture drapery with dressmaker details is monochromatic to the wall, providing elegance and romance without being distracting. We incorporated another one of my signature details here: ball gown drapery panels, so called for the way the fully lined panels fall gently like a ball gown skirt. This is one of my favorite views of the bedroom. I love the reflection of the bed and the chandelier in the mirror. The bureau vignette represents the fusion of my design and my friend’s dimensional personality. Here we see substantial rococo details along with personal artifacts and fresh flowers.Finally, a close up view of the painting that started it all. From the Posh Palettes Presentation Panel to this bold and romantic bedroom, this space is now a wonderful place to come home to at the end of the day. Sweet dreams!
xo,
Pamela
What's Your Favorite Color?
Aug 07 2011 · 0 comments · Inspiration ·0
“The world is your kaleidoscope, and the varying combinations of colors which at every succeeding moment it presents to you are the exquisitely adjusted pictures of your ever-moving thoughts.”
~James Edward Allen
When my son was 5 years old I remember him asking my Mom, an artist, that age-old question: What’s your favorite color? Her answer? It is never brown but everyday it is different depending on the day. Sometimes red or blue or green, true Crayola colors.
That answer so resonated with me that I still use it myself. Truly, I see beauty in all colors and am fascinated by color everywhere I go. I find myself composing color palettes in gardens, museums and even retail stores.
During a recent trip to Anthropologie, I was delighted to be surrounded by a number of striking, colorful displays. Here are a few of my favorites to share with you!
Oh, yummy Anthropologie, thank you for your continued inspiration every time I visit! Just remember, inspiration and favorite colors are everywhere!
xo,
Pamela
My Love Affair with Dale Chihuly
Aug 02 2011 · 3 comments · Art Exhibits & Events ·0
“Glass is the most magical of all materials.”
~Dale Chihuly
I first fell in love with the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly during a visit to London to see my daughter Emily who was studying abroad at the time. There in the rotunda of the Victoria and Albert Museum was the most spectacular chandelier I had ever seen. I almost fell over the balcony railing, stunned by the beauty of the installation.
Recently I made a pilgrimage to another exhibit of Chihuly’s work, this time a bit closer to home. “Chihuly: Through the Looking Glass” is currently on display at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts through August 8th. This spectacular exhibit holds appeal for all ages from young children to adults and is NOT to be missed!
“One night in 1965 I melted a few pounds of stained glass in one of my kilns and dipped a steel pipe from the basement into it. I blew into the pipe and a bubble of glass appeared. I had never seen glassblowing before. My fascination for it probably comes in part from discovering the process that night by accident. From that moment, I became obsessed with learning all I could about glass.”
~Dale Chihuly
What Chihuly has done with that knowledge over the years is on full display at the MFA exhibit. A few of my favorite moments from “Through the Looking Glass”…
This glass garden exemplifies Chihuly’s “when one is good, a dozen is better” philosophy just beautifully.
Reminiscent of the Fiery Sunset Posh Palette Presentation Panel, I find these colors so vibrant and inspiring!
“Through the Looking Glass” is a phenomenal exhibit that will leave you both inspired and infused with a sense of wonder and awe. Truly amazing work by a visionary artist. I do hope you have a chance to visit!
“I never met a color I didn’t like.”
~Dale Chihuly (and Pamela Copeman)
xo,
Pamela
Friends, Gardens and Outdoor Living Spaces
Jul 25 2011 · 2 comments · Outdoor Living ·0
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
~Marcel Proust
I am fortunate to know several talented gardeners whom I call dear friends. As the summer season has progressed, I’ve paid visits to three wonderful local gardens. Today I’d like to share just a peek into each unique space.
My friend Ginny‘s yard is filled with beautiful, abundant, colorful garden beds. One of my favorite elements in her yard is this stunning mosaic bench.
Handmade by Ginny and tucked into the corner of one of her backyard gardens, this bench is not only an unexpected design element but also a practical spot to take a break from the work of weeding. I love how the colors in the bench perfectly echo the flowers, including these irises, in the garden. Just lovely.
At my friend Jen‘s home, an eclectic border garden greets you as you approach the entrance.
I love the mix of plant material and elements in this garden, especially the lantern which adds a touch of contemporary art to the space. There’s more drama in this terrace area.
The elephant ear in the window box combined with the surprising addition of an adjacent lemon tree, provides a mix of foliage that both adorns and enlivens this petite space.
There are so many inviting features in my friend Debbie‘s garden that it’s hard to pick a favorite. One of the most dramatic elements is this beautiful pond that Debbie and her husband constructed.
The nearby bench provides a perfect spot to cool off, sip iced tea and share a secret with a friend. This patio is one of the first spaces you see as you enter the yard and you can’t help but be drawn in by this delightful space.
The wire love seat beckons you to sit and enjoy the view, including several interesting items such as sculpture, an ornate iron trellis and across the patio, another water feature: a small copper fountain.
Really, is there any more delightful way to spend a summer afternoon than in the garden of a friend?
xo,
Pamela
Posh Partners: Colony Rug
Jul 19 2011 · 1 comment · Posh Partners, Vendors ·0
“Always do more than is required of you.”
~George Patton
As a designer, it is my job to envision a space as it could be. Executing that vision requires the assistance of trusted and skilled partners. Today I’d like to highlight one of my favorite vendors, the wonderful people at Colony Rug.
Colony is a family business with a history of outstanding service. While they sell rugs, they are truly in the business of building relationships. In fact, my relationship with Colony Rug goes back nearly 20 years! Colony is the place for all types of carpet from premier wools to imported rugs with contemporary patterns to commercial carpet and spectacular one-of-a-kind floor coverings. Their workmanship is second to none. Colony creates carpet with perfect, nearly undetectable seams and unique, cut and sewn to fit shapes.
Positively incredible!
For a recent project, the crew from Colony was charged with installing a large carpet in a relatively small area. As usual, they worked with both precision and consideration.
In addition to the space constraints, this space also houses a baby grand piano. With the utmost care, the Colony crew lifted and repositioned the piano, placing it down on the new carpet perfectly.
When working with Colony, Page and the crew aren’t satisfied until the customer is delighted and has had a superior experience. One of the best examples I can give of Colony’s impeccable service occurred when a large quantity of black paint was spilled on a newly installed Colony carpet at one of my design projects. You can only imagine my horror! One call to Colony was all it took to remedy the situation. Within hours they were on-site working their magic. When they were finished, perfection once again!
Excellent selection, expert craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service are all part of what make Colony Rug in Hanover one of my favorite Posh Partners!
xo,
Pamela
Artist Spotlight: Kelley MacDonald
Jul 13 2011 · 14 comments · Artists ·2
“A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, and inspires.”
Hedy Lamar
Today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful artist and friend, Kelley MacDonald. Kelley paints in what she describes as a contemporary realist style. Kelley is well known for her “Dailies”: small, daily paintings focusing on a variety of subjects from donuts to landscapes. Kelley was in fact just named as the newest member of the DailyPainters.comgroup, an artistic goal for her and a true and deserved honor!
Recently I made a trip to Rhode Island to visit Kelley. Whenever I am invited to Kelley’s studio I know I’m in for a treat. The walk up the well worn, creaking stairs to her space fills my soul with anticipation. In the style of Monet, all four studio walls are covered from floor to ceiling with paintings. Dailies, sunsets, figures and birds are on display along with several of Kelley’s beribboned award-winning paintings.
As a painter, I am always hopeful that some of Kelley’s immense creativity will come to me through osmosis during one of these visits. I am newly inspired after each visit with Kelley and invariably I paint the next day with freer strokes of my brush and joy in my heart.
Kelley’s work reflects the heart and soul of a truly good person. In each painting, she sweeps her canvas with love and positive energy. I am proud to own several of Kelley’s paintings. Her sunset and daily paintings hanging in my home not only bring vitality and happiness to my space, but also keep me company and remind me of my dear friend, Kelley.
xo,
Pamela
Garden Update
Jul 10 2011 · 2 comments · Outdoor Living ·0
“Earth laughs in flowers.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not only the Earth, but also containers filled with Earth! The sun has been shining and there’s been a transformation taking place on my deck. Before I show you what it looks like now, how about a little reminder of what the terrace looked like just 6 short weeks ago…
Now, with a little sunshine, water, and a lot of hard work…
Now that the terrace is in tip-top shape, the parties have started. Good friends are the best decoration for any space!
Just as it’s important to coordinate interior and exterior spaces, coordinating your dress with your space is also a key design principle!
In addition to color coordination, there are other important design principles at work in this terrace space.
Incorporating personal, sculptural elements adds depth to the space. Lanterns, both paper and solar powered, add texture, visual interest and a whimsical flair.
When selected carefully, silk foliage adds another layer of interest and versatility to an outdoor space. Outfitted with white lights for evening ambiance, this 9 1/2 foot ficus tree is from Beacon Hill Showroom.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of my Terrace Garden–and I hope your outdoor space is bringing you just as much happiness this summer season!
xo,
Pamela
Posh Palettes Presentation Panel: Fiery Sunset
Jul 03 2011 · 1 comment · Behind the Design, Posh Palettes Presentation Panel ·0
“The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color.”
~Hans Hoffman
Today I’d like to introduce the Posh Palettes Presentation Panel. Every design project that I undertake begins with an inspiration board. After an initial meeting with the client, I set about pulling together fabric, wallpaper, trims and other objects that will set the mood for the space. Just as importantly, my goal is for the Presentation Panel to evoke an emotional response from the client. Each board is reflective not only of my vision for the design of the space, but of the personality of the people who will be living in that space.
I put together this Presentation Panel for the living room of a waterside condo. The orange and poppy colors are pulled directly from nature and the stunning sunsets that are visible from several rooms in the home. The woman who lives here is an artist, loves travel and the beach and has a flair for glamour. As a designer, it is my job to integrate all of these elements into the space and it begins with the inspiration board.
While all elements on a board won't make it into the final design, they contribute to the mood of the space
The vibrant sunset colors are luxurious but not fluorescent. The fabrics are tactile and lush despite being used in a contemporary design.
In the before shot of the living room, you can see that the space lacks definition.
To address this problem, we created two partial walls that serve to define the room while still leaving it open to the rest of the space.
The orange and poppy colors are juicy, vibrant colors, that provide punch in the space. These “pop” colors are set against a neutral, sand colored background. The net result is to ground the space visually with the sand colored sofa and carpet. This strategy also makes it far more practical should the homeowner wish to change the room in the future. Swapping out pillows and accent pieces? Easy, breezy. Re-upholstering a sofa? Much more involved–though I’d be more than happy to oblige!
Finally, in this shot we can see a glimpse of the outdoor space that is visible from the living room. The colors of the blooms outdoors have been carefully coordinated with the design inside the home. Carrying the orange and poppy scheme beyond the room and into the adjoining outdoor space creates a seamless and beautiful transition. A perfect illustration that even what’s outside your windows counts in interior design.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this peek at a Posh Palette Presentation Panel!
xo,
Pamela
May I Recommend: Cocktail Culture at RISD
Jun 29 2011 · 3 comments · Art Exhibits & Events ·0
“Distinctly American, cocktail drinking inspired a new language of dress and design in the twentieth century…It spurred a culture of sophistication, including attire and barware, whose elegance and inventiveness reveal the rapid social changes that shaped their design.”
~Joanne Dolan Ingersoll
Going on right now through July 31st at the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cocktail Culture is a delightful journey back to the days of when having a cocktail was not just an activity but an elegant experience. As a practitioner of design and an artist, I found this exhibit to be not only a beautiful and fascinating window to a bygone era but supremely inspiring as well.
Do join me, put on an episode of Mad Men and take a peek at some of {my} highlights of Cocktail Culture!
Nearly every woman has one, it’s the Little Black Dress. Embodying elegance, chic and sophistication, this exhibit explores the birth of this icon of fashion and how it “transformed the wearer into an alluring model of glamour.” Oh la la!
And for the gentlemen, another fashion “icon”…
The exhibit also featured several gorgeous pairs of shoes. And oh, how I love shoes!
Bejeweled and embroidered evening shoes, circa 1927 were the inspiration for this watercolor painting
Barware to die for!
Delightful (and informative!) bar linens
Fun cocktail accessories
Whether Cocktail Culture inspires you to sketch, paint or refresh your wardrobe, it is a definite must-see for admirers of design, fashion and of course, cocktails!
Cheers!
xo,
Pamela
Anna French Introduces The Aria Collection
Jun 24 2011 · 1 comment · Design Events ·0
An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house.
~Maria Callas
This week I had the privilege of attending an intimate presentation with textile and wallpaper designer Anna French and her son Jonathan. Held in the Ailanthus showroom at the Boston Design Center, Anna and Jonathan introduced Anna’s newest fabric line from Thibaut: Aria. Whereas Anna doesn’t make many public appearances this invitation-only event was truly a treat.
As you may know, an aria is a song within an opera. For Anna, an opera lover, her Aria line is indeed a composition, not of music but of patterns and textures. Aria represents an evolution in Anna’s style and design sensibilities.
While bold patterns are still evident, there is a distinct overlay of subtlety. Gone are the shocking bright hues of her last few lines, Wild Flora and Glamour. Instead Aria features a more organic but still sophisticated vibe.
Anna sighted several sources of inspiration for the Aria line including nature, museums, open markets and documents (in this case a document being a historical fabric sample or remnant found at a flea market). I very much appreciated the understated yet energetic feel of the Aria line which would work wonderfully in a variety of environments.
Throughout the line, beautiful textures including embroidery, velvet, madras and linen combine with fresh patterns with a luxurious and yet lively result.
It was a pleasure to meet Anna and Jonathan and hear about the nascence of the Aria line. Each fabric has a story and it’s always interesting to hear that story directly from the designer!
xo,
Pamela