JANUS et Cie Umbrellas
Jun 15 2011 · 0 comments · Outdoor Living ·0
With the return of Summer sunshine, it’s time to trade in your rain umbrella for an outdoor patio umbrella! These beauties from JANUS et Cie are among my favorites.
A patio umbrella is a perfect element to reinforce the design aesthetic of your outdoor space. Whether you have a classic space or something more modern and bold, a great umbrella can unify and enliven your space.
“He that will enjoy the brightness of sunshine, must quit the coolness of the shade.”
~Samuel Johnson
xo,
Pamela
JANUS et Cie products are available via the Boston Design Center
Summer Art Festivals
Jun 08 2011 · 3 comments · Art Exhibits & Events ·0
Last weekend I attended the kickoff off the North River Arts Society Festival of the Arts. Held over Memorial Day weekend in Marshfield Hills, it’s a wonderful celebration of the arts showcasing a wide variety of local artisans.
2011 Festival poster artist Jody Regan's wonderful depiction of the street fair meets art show atmosphere
In addition to wonderful paintings there was also a silent fundraising auction featuring furniture hand painted by local artists who donated their time and talent to create beautiful, functional works of art.
The South Shore Arts Center festival in Cohasset is coming up next, June 17-19. I’m so looking forward to seeing work by two more local artists and friends: Kelley MacDonald and Lisa Daria Kennedy!
Pretty Jelly by Kelley MacDonald
Still Gray (the day) by Lisa Daria Kennedy
Summer is a wonderful season to explore your local arts scene. In addition to outdoor art shows and festivals, check for exhibits at libraries and conservatories which often feature rotating displays of local artists’ work. This variety of exhibits present a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and purchase local, affordable art for your home. Just like jelly in a donut, art in a space is the perfect finishing touch!
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
~Pablo Picasso
Hoping you’re inspired to go out and treat yourself to some new art this summer!
xo,
Pamela
Welcome Summer!
May 28 2011 · 1 comment · My Designs ·0
With the start of Memorial Day weekend yesterday came the unofficial kick-off to summer in New England. Mother Nature must have agreed because the weather changed right on cue: bright cerulean blue skies and temperatures in the mid 80s!
Summer is a perfect time to welcome friends and family into our homes. I thought this would be a great opportunity to show off some guest bedroom designs from a project I completed last year on Cape Cod. The home is wonderfully situated on the water with expansive views. All of the guest bedrooms are located on the second floor and all have views of Nantucket Sound. Let’s take a quick tour, shall we?
This grand four poster bed is from Somerset Bay and has a twin trundle tucked underneath. Perfect for a wee one!
Each guest room has its own bathroom and one of my favorite elements of the design was the coordinated embroidered bath towels. Monogrammed initials are classic but we were able to get creative and added a great element of fun and whimsy.The next guest bedroom features a soft yellow palette, so inviting and charming.And one of the coordinating towels…
This bedroom is complete with a window seat to gaze at the ocean or get lost in a favorite book. So comfortable ~
Finally, no home on the Cape is complete without a children’s room…
The en suite children’s bathroom features some of my favorite towel sentiments…
I hope given you some inspiration for creating a space for guests in your home this summer. I am ready to shape up my guest bedroom and make it ready for all my dear friends ~ although I think I’ll wait until a rainy day!
Wishing you a Happy Memorial Day weekend and many happy memories as you open your home this summer to friends and family!
“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
xo,
Pamela
Photography credits: Professional interior images by Jean Donohue Photography, towel photographs by Jen Bowles
My Newest Garden
May 26 2011 · 4 comments · Outdoor Living ·0
“Flowers whisper “Beauty” to the world, even as they fade, wilt, fall.”
~Dr. Sun Wolf
As New England finally welcomes the sun after what feels like weeks of being waterlogged, I am moving right along with the design and installation my new garden. I am fortunate to have an expansive deck space that overlooks the ocean. All of the french doors from the interior open directly onto this outdoor living space. Naturally that means I am color echoing all the interior colors with my flower selections. Doesn’t everyone?
This newest adventure marks my first time ever creating an entire garden without true earthly soil. My challenge is to create a lush, layered and vibrant space using only containers. I would love to bring you along for the journey!
First, a ‘before’ view. This is the deck in its earliest stages of design.
- Oh dear, it seems I have a LOT of work to do to create my outdoor living room!
Just as soon as the calendar would allow I made a trip to one of my favorite nurseries, Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland. Highly recommended!
These are my soggy plants purchased on a rainy day with my friend Jen. The colors are fiery sunset hues of orange and poppy that coordinate with my indoor living room.
Of course I have a planter with kitchen herbs. This is a round basil plant, the scent is simply intoxicating. I will probably arrange 3 of them together, don't forget: odd numbers always work best in design!
Lisa Swanson of Zinnia Designs has been helping me with this new way of gardening. Her knowledge and hard work have been instrumental in getting my newest outdoor space off the ground (literally!).
I am very happy with the progress so far on my garden. Things are coming together and I can already see containers are starting to fill in. Now all I have left to do is plant the remainder of the materials, pray for continued sunshine and of course, have a party. Then it will really feel like a garden!
xo,
Pamela
{You can reach Lisa Swanson of Zinnia Designs via email at: lmarie4swanson(at)comcast(dot)net}
Food, Glorious Food, Part 1
May 22 2011 · 1 comment · Personal, Travel ·0
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta”
~Federico Fellini
One of the highlights of our trip to Italy was attending a cooking class at Ristorante Il Ritrovo . Chef Salvatore was a wonderful, engaging teacher and just the epitome of an Italian chef. Chef Salvatore views cooking as his art and he excels at his art!
Our first task was to make pasta. After combining the ingredients, we kneaded the semolina dough.
Next step: putting the dough through the pasta press to make a uniform sheet.
We made flat pasta as well as ravioli. For the ravioli filling, we made a luscious mixture of 5 different cheeses.
Armed with a pastry bag loaded with cheese filling, I placed precisely spaced dollops onto the pasta sheet
After the pasta, it was time to whip up a tomato sauce. We created a wonderful Pomodoro sauce.
The key to this sauce, as with so much of the cooking in Italy, is in the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Chef Salvatore emphasized this point to us repeatedly: use the best ingredients you can. Our sauce was so delicious, I thought I’d share the recipe! I can imagine using cherry tomatoes from the garden this summer as the basis for this sauce. Mmmmm ~
Pomodoro Sauce
Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 small clove garlic, finely minced
1 bunch flat leaf parsley, dry and finely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper
Extra Virgin olive oil, best you can find and fruity (frutti)
Starchy water from cooked pasta
Coarse salt
Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano
Fettucine or other long, flat pasta
Directions:
- In a cool saute pan, combine 3-4 T olive oil and garlic then heat to medium. Stir occasionally, taking care that the garlic doesn’t brown as the pan heats up.
- When you begin to smell the garlic and hear it sizzle a bit, stir in crushed red pepper and a handful of parsley.
- Add tomatoes and let them cook for a few minutes. As the tomatoes begin to soften, crush them with a fork. Continue crushing tomatoes as the mixture cooks until they no longer look like tomatoes.
- Add a ladleful or two of starchy water to the tomato mixture and stir until blended.
- Add salt to taste
- The pomodoro sauce won’t take more than 10 minutes to prepare and shouldn’t be cooked much longer.
- If necessary, remove the sauce from the heat while you wait for the pasta to cook.
- Once pasta is cooked to al dente (firm to the bite) stage, drain, and add pasta to the saute pan with the sauce.
- The pasta will continue to cook so it is important not to overcook the pasta in the water.
- Serve immediately, topping with fresh parsley and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Click here for printable recipe
After all of our hard work, it was time to sit down to an amazing meal in Il Ritrovo’s dining room overlooking the Mediterranean. We enjoyed roasted vegetables, our pasta dishes and a chocolate torta for dessert.
What an incredible experience! The food that we prepared was simple but delectable. With minimal ingredients you could really taste the freshness as the flavors exploded in your mouth with each bite. As an interior designer, one of the most important aspects of any of my projects is editing a space. A few well placed, hand chosen pieces make the design pop. In Italian cooking and interior design the same principle applies: it doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful ~ or delicious!
Life is too short, and I’m Italian: I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0
~Sophia Bush
xo,
Pamela
Rain, rain go away come again another day~
May 19 2011 · 2 comments · Travel ·0
All of the rain we’ve been having here brings back memories of our Italy trip where we also experienced plenty of rain. Soggy memories, but good memories to be sure!
On the day we ventured to tour the gardens at the Villa Rufolo ~ rain!
The weather, there’s not too much you can do about it…
“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down.
Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.”
~Gilbert Chesterton
xo,
Pamela
Hip Hip Hooray!
May 14 2011 · 3 comments · Personal ·0
Last weekend we journeyed to Delaware, Ohio for my son Freddy’s graduation from Ohio Wesleyan University. It was a wonderful trip with lots of celebrating, lots of memorable moments and lots of reminiscing. Of course there were also lots of photos!
Yes, he has a JOB! Shadowbox Cabaret Theater of Columbus has a new member of the troupe ~ a star is born!
We enjoyed a magnificent show at the Shadowbox Cabaret Theater! So looking forward to our next visit there when Freddy will be part of the ensemble!
I am so proud of my son and so excited to watch his future unfold!
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
~Henry David Thoreau
Love you Pally!
xo,
Mom
Professional Interior Images
May 12 2011 · 1 comment · Behind the Design, Meet the Team ·0
As an interior designer and an artist, much of my work involves telling a story. In interior design, storytelling connects people to spaces and objects, helping unite the overall vision for the project. One often overlooked aspect of many interior design projects is preserving the finished space in photographs. While I often take pictures myself of a space in progress, one of my most important partners is Eric Roth, my go-to photographer for completed projects. I wrote about Eric recently and gave you a behind the scenes glimpse at what goes into taking professional interior photographs. While I still can’t show pictures from that shoot, I do have another project to share.
Welcome to Otis Hill Road, a lovely early 20th century home overlooking a picturesque harbor on the South Shore. This is one of my favorite projects and I love how Eric captured the beauty and essence of the space. When I work with Eric it is always a cooperative effort, which is wonderful for a designer. Eric collaborates but does not dictate. He is easy to work with, listens to suggestions and ideas and has a wealth of experience and professionalism that he brings to each job.
Let’s take a peek at the space, shall we?
First, the foyer. At Eric’s suggestion, we moved the slipper chairs to a different angle at the table. With this small change, Eric was able to present the space to its best advantage in a memorable and striking photograph.These next photographs show the living room which is open to the formal dining room. Eric shows a beautiful wide shot, highlighting the interior space, the ceiling and light fixture as well as the seaside sunset view. In addition, Eric takes care to feature the subtleties of the space as well. This shot of one of the custom pillows not only provides a nice contrast to the wide shot, but also highlights the luscious trim of the pillow. Trims are one of my signature details and this thoughtful inclusion serves to reinforce my design aesthetic.
In the dining room, the table is set for a birthday party. I love the details that we added: festive dishes, a petite cupcake painting and a simple pot of flowers with a pop of color. All of these elements serve to reinforce the story and continuity of the space.Moving into the kitchen, another story is being told. The stove is lit with the kettle set to boil and the coffee cake is cut. Rather than feeling contrived, the image invites the viewer in, just in time for breakfast while also highlighting the custom cabinets, tile work and granite countertops.Another kitchen photograph shows the decorative drawers dressed for Spring, complete with eggs and nests. On the counter, lettuce and cantaloupe waiting to be enjoyed.
What’s wonderful about working with Eric is his ability to compose a shot and work cooperatively to style a photo. The details and props thus serve to enhance the story and the space, not distract from it. Eric’s interior photographs invite the viewer into the space with their composition, and then to linger over the details and the story.
As a designer, when I work with Eric Roth I feel secure in knowing that my projects and my hard work will be preserved in the most beautiful and professional manner. This allows me to not only build my portfolio and client base, but also to present projects for publication and industry recognition. Eric’s professionalism, warmth and sense of humor are a wonderful compliment to my skills and vision. At the end of a shoot with Eric and his team, no matter how long the day has been, we always leave knowing we have great photographs and just as importantly, smiles on our faces.
“You don’t take a photograph, you make it”
~Ansel Adams
xo,
Pamela
Positively Positano
May 08 2011 · 4 comments · Personal, Travel ·0
“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are
there and becomes beckoningly real after you are gone”
~John Steinbeck
I feel as though I am just now waking from the dream that was my trip to Positano, Italy. It was, in a word, amazing. It was my first visit to this breathtaking region and Positano did not disappoint.
Getting to Positano involved a drive on mountain roads replete with hairpin turns. Yet with each curve, a new breathtaking vista came into view. Driving here is not for the beginner or the faint of heart!
Located along the Amalfi Coast, Positano’s dramatically steep seaside cliffs and stunning views greet you as you arrive. The town of Positano is tucked into the mountains and presents a dramatic vertical panorama of colors; houses in pastel pinks and yellows, the sunbathed shades of ivory limestone and of course the incredible blue of the sea. With this unique geography, steps nearly replace roads in Positano–with over 400 from the beach to our villa!
Positano is full of charm and was the perfect backdrop for a vacation with my gal pals Tina and Gina. And yes, during the trip I changed my name to Pina–it seemed only fitting!
More inspiration and photos to come!
xo,
Pamela
Off on an Adventure…
Apr 25 2011 · 0 comments · Personal, Travel ·0
I am heading off on a much anticipated girls’ vacation, sure to be filled scenic touring and plein air painting. As usual I’ve packed “light”, with contingencies for all possible weather situations: rain, wind, & beach. After all, one can never tell! I will be sure to post beautiful pictures of inspiration upon my return!
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and
permanent, in the ideas of living.”
~Miriam Behar
xo,
Pamela
Ruffled Umbrellas
Apr 15 2011 · 3 comments · Outdoor Living, Personal, Travel ·0
I don’t know about you, but around here it’s been a long week. Tax time, personal and professional obligations and the persistent lack of natural greenery outdoors have all taken their toll. When I came across this photo I took during a trip to Bermuda last year it summed up how I’m feeling right now.
Can you see that one of these glamorous umbrellas is not like the others? The one with its arms down, too tired to extend and hold up its beautiful bounty of ruffles? That would be me at the end of this week!
This weekend I’m planning to take some time to refresh and recharge, perhaps envisioning myself relaxing by the Spa Pool at the Hamilton Princess once again.
Hopefully by next week I’ll be fully extending my arms once again. Wish me luck!
xo,
Pamela
The Photo Shoot behind the Shoot
Apr 08 2011 · 4 comments · Behind the Design ·0
Last week I finished an interior design in Boston. One of the best parts of wrapping up a project is styling the space for professional photographs. For photographs of this project I joined forces with the brilliant Eric Roth.
The space itself is doll house size which made the shoot extremely challenging. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of what goes into getting the best images of an interior. Take a peek!
The pro at work~ Eric setting up his equipment
Can you see the red light inside the dryer? Anything for the perfect shot~
It took a great team for this photo shoot Eric, Kate and Eileen
Checking the cornered mirror reflection in a very teeny, tiny bathroom
Interesting tripod placement, don’t you think?
After a long shoot, the team is still smiling ~ Eric, Kate and Eileen, we had a great day
A happy designer and a happy photographer!
I am so happy with both the project and Eric’s photos and can’t wait to share them with you. I have my fingers crossed that the project will be published, I’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Fanciful & Fresh: MacKenzie-Childs Flower Market
Apr 05 2011 · 3 comments · Inspiration, Outdoor Living ·0
Walking into the MacKenzie-Childs display area at Neiman Marcus was like stepping into a wonderful spring tea party!
Since 1983, MacKenzie-Childs has created one-of-kind collectible ceramics. The company also designs and handcrafts furniture and other home decor, all with the MacKenzie-Childs signature flair. Their latest collection is entitled ‘Flower Market’, a delightful combination of botanical prints, bright colors and whimsy.
This wonderful piece, the Flower Market Bonnet Chair, is right up my alley!I could easily see the Flower Market wing chair and ottoman as the inspiration for an entire outdoor spaceThe Flower Market collection also includes tabletop accessories in several different colorways, which looked lovely and lively grouped all together in the store display.
MacKenzie-Childs has long been a favorite of mine, I have several pieces throughout my home. With their dedication to innovation and handcrafting by dedicated artisans, MacKenzie-Childs embodies tradition with a twist. Whether a trip to Neiman Marcus is in your plans or not, it’s well worth the time to take a peek at the MacKenzie-Childs website. Instant inspiration, instant Springtime!
Caribbean Dreaming
Apr 02 2011 · 2 comments · Travel ·0
Mother Nature played a cruel April Fool’s joke on us yesterday in the form of snow and stormy seas. Oh Spring, where are you? The gray weather had me longing for the warmth of Puerto Rico where I visited with my daughter in February.
During our quick getaway, rest, relaxation and inspiration abounded.
Colorful row houses and beautiful ornate architectural details enlivened the streets of San Juan where we stayed.
The purple color of this whimsical building reminds me of the hyacinths that will soon be peeking out from our gardens–we hope!
As we explored, we stumbled upon a wonderful shop that was part thrift store, part flea market, and part antiques shop. Inside was a eclectic and enchanting selection of treasures.
Even while out at dinner, inspiration could be found. This unique light fixture is located at Budatai, a restaurant where we enjoyed the last evening of our trip.
Throughout our visit, I was struck at once by the distinctive and vibrant character of San Juan and the universality of good design. From the architecture to the found objects at a funky boutique to the elegant lines and bright colors of the city itself, San Juan was a feast for the senses and a wonderful way to refill my creative reservoir.
Of course the very best part of the trip was being able to spend time with my biggest inspiration of all, my wonderful daughter Emily.
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
xo,
Pamela
Sophistication by the Seaside
Mar 26 2011 · 0 comments · Press ·0
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND HOME
“The overall design plan for each room was to focus on the beautiful ocean views. But the homeowners wanted to go beyond the basic sea and sand color palette, so Copeman worked out a detailed plan to create a color scheme inspired by the surroundings, rather than a literal interpretation of them.
Sophisticated shades of brown and raspberry were mixed with hints of ocean blue and an array of subtle finishes. From the shimmering shell tiles on the foyer ceiling and living room bookshelves, to the organic woven wood shades and the opalescent seashell chandelier, everything whispers rather then shouts. “
Do Flowers Really Bloom in March?
Mar 25 2011 · 2 comments · Art Exhibits & Events, Inspiration, Outdoor Living ·0
The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks
~Tennessee Williams
What better way to break free of the lingering gray New England winter than to attend the Boston Flower & Garden Show? The Seaport World Trade Center was a feast for all the senses when I visited with my friend Mrs. Blossom (yes, I really have a friend named Mrs. Blossom).
Among the exhibits there was a plethora of hardscaping, particularly stonework. This wonderful stone arch was created by Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association.
Philip Gorrivan
Mar 22 2011 · 0 comments · Design Elements, Meanderings ·1
Last week I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Philip Gorrivan at the Boston Design Center. Mr. Gorrivan was introducing his latest fabric line, Philip Gorrivan II for Highland Court at the Duralee Showroom.
Consider Living With Art: Local Artist Lisa Daria Kennedy
Mar 16 2011 · 1 comment · Art Exhibits & Events, Artists ·0
“A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts
and inspires.”
~Hedy Lamarr
For me, an interior design isn’t finished until the artwork has been installed. Art is the perfect finishing touch, imbuing a space with personality, color and life. In my area, south of Boston, we have a wonderful creative community. Whether it be oils, watercolors, acrylic or mixed media, we are blessed with artists who create with ease and great talent.
Dream Closet
Mar 11 2011 · 7 comments · My Designs, Personal ·0
Life is the room, Success is the door, Distraction is the lock, and Organization is the key.
~Jean-Pierre Ombregt
Recently I found myself in the position to make one of my longtime dreams come true. As an empty nester with a bit of extra space, it was finally time to create the closet of my dreams: an accessory closet.
As a lover of all things glam and fabulous, I’ve been amassing quite a collection of jewelry and accessories over time. Great costume pieces, bejeweled and patterned shoes along with purses, belts, and hosiery make up my treasure trove.
Fashion Plates Glamorous by Design
Feb 26 2011 · 0 comments · Press ·0
Boston Globe Magazine
I’m in a totally visual business, says interior designer Pamela Copeman… It’s important that I start projecting that as soon as I meet my clients.” And she does, with a wardrobe full of tantalizing colors, textural fabrics, and wherever-did-you-get-those accessories.