Last weekend I had the chance to see one of my all-time favorite furniture lines: Thomas Moser. Best known for their exquisite, hand-crafted wood furniture, the Maine-based company was here in Charlotte to showcase their collection in a trunk show at the Blake Hotel. Visitors were invited to see, touch and experience the furniture. I found myself reclining in a supremely elegant lounge chair, that also happened to be fall-asleep comfortable. Now isn’t that kind of like having your stilettos and wearing them too? Read more →
“Global” style is a popular decorating trend right now. It’s a look that’s colorful, eclectic, and a touch exotic, with a focus on natural materials and hand-done embellishments. Global style suggests a worldly existence, a life spent scouring the flea markets of France and the vibrant stalls of Marrakech. I want that life. Don’t you? If a trans-Atlantic shopping trip is not on your agenda this year, but you love global style, you can find it much closer to home. Situated right in the heart of North Carolina is an imports store called French Connections. I discovered it on our recent trip to Raleigh – it’s located in the little town of Pittsboro, about 18 miles south of Chapel Hill. Read more →
This past week was High Point’s bi-annual furniture market, when insiders get to view the latest in home furnishings and decor. It’s an opportunity to see thousands of new products before they land in stores, and to attend seminars led by industry experts. I had only a day to visit, but with my camera in hand and my Cole Haan Nike Air cushioned ballet wedges on foot (never sneakers!) I hit the ground running. Here’s my take on what’s hot in the world of furniture and design: Read more →
“Hi, come on in,” artist David French greeted me warmly his gate, “have you seen a chicken pass this way?” No, I had not seen it. “You can go on up to the studio, I’ll be right there,” David went off in search of his escaped hen. I picked my way carefully up the gravel drive, past the barn-red house and the bright blue addition still under construction and surrounded by saw horses. “A master suite,” David would tell me later. “I’m doing about seventy percent of the work myself.” With a growing family (his newborn son is just eight weeks old) and the growing popularity of his artwork, David could use the extra space. At the rear of the property stood David’s studio, an open garage packed to the rafters with his paintings and prints and art supplies. A fine layer of sawdust covered every surface. Read more →
With Mad Men finally back on the air after a long hiatus, I’ve been especially enjoying the set designs interpreted for 1966. If you watch the show, pay attention to Roger Sterling’s office. For a character portrayed as aging and reluctant to accept that the times they are a-changin’, he certainly has the most of-the-moment office furniture. Sleek Saarinen tulip tables, white leather Eames chairs, and black and white pop art paintings sharply contrast the character who, in the last episode just wonders “when things will go back to normal”. Don and his new wife Megan’s Manhattan apartment also oozes mid-century style. (I thought it was hilarious when she bemoans how she’s going to get that white carpet cleaned after Don’s birthday party.) Read more →
Perhaps only a designer like me walks into a chocolate store and is more excited by the space than the chocolate. (Well, maybe not MORE, but just as excited.) Co-owners Starr Sink, Sam Ratto, and Chris Heavner opened Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh earlier this year with the vision of producing high quality, hand-made chocolate, from bean to bar. The aroma of fresh ground cacao beans beckons you into the store. At the counter, you’re invited to savor samples of Videri’s gourmet flavors, from sea salt chocolate to pink peppercorn. The chocolate morsels are sweet but not cloying, sharp but not bitter, nuanced, earthy…delicious. A stack of neatly packaged bars calls out: take me home. It’s a Willy Wonka-esque moment. But enough about the chocolate, back to the space: Read more →
Last weekend we made a family trip up to the Raleigh-Durham area. My primary purpose for our visit to the Research Triangle was to research the local shopping. We also enjoyed some delicious dining, and visited the science museum in Durham, which James LOVED. Mainly I was excited to see the creative works by artists at the Downtown Designers Market on Saturday, and check out the local art and design scene in Raleigh. As many of these trips go, my husband was kind enough to play chauffeur and babysitter while I ducked in and out of shops. After many such uninspiring stops for my two patient guys, it was a great relief that Market Imports, our last shopping destination of the trip, ended up being fun for everyone. Read more →
The GORGeous weather we’ve had this week has me itching to throw off the accoutrements of winter. (Sad excuse for a winter though it was.) With the windows flung open and birdsong filtering through the house, it seems about time to re-instate regular pedicures and maybe take down that last remaining Christmas decoration (oopsie!) Read more →
Introducing Design Carolinas’ new Artist Spotlight series, featuring Q&A with some of the Carolinas’ most talented and innovative artists and designers.
I am excited to introduce jewelry designer Ellen Goldman of Fort Mill SC, as the first in Design Carolinas’ new Artist Spotlight series. Ellen’s beaded jewelry first came to my attention through her Etsy shop, TheStudioElle. I was immediately wowed by her intricately woven bangle bracelets and cuffs, and her sophisticated use of semi-precious gemstones. Ellen kindly answered my questions, so that I may share her story and works with you today. Read more →
If you’ve ever gone through a kitchen renovation or are contemplating one in the future, new countertops are usually part of the plan. I’m currently working on a kitchen re-design for a client and had the chance to do some countertop shopping last week. I visited some stone and tile showrooms, as well as a granite warehouse in my search for the perfect complement to my client’s maple cabinets. Pulling together a materials palette for a kitchen – one of the costliest rooms in the house per square foot – can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. Here I share my tips on shopping for and selecting countertops for your kitchen.Read more →
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