PERSONAL STYLE

After a summer break I decided to do a design feature on personal style. Who we are is not just defined by our lived in spaces. I read about artist, photographer Ari Seth Cohen and his blog entitled ADVANCED STYLE. He roams around New York City and abroad photographing silver haired men and women with a little something extra. He believes they can teach us a thing or two about the way we present ourselves, and I think I agree with him!

Designing yourself and designing a room are very similar. There are focal points, accessories, colors, sizes. There are times due to certain situations, you have to redecorate in a creative way.

I am so impressed by the creativity and originality captured by the young Mr.Cohen, that I just had to share.

Here are a series of photos taken by Cohen of the baby boomer and plus crowd. This photo is actress Marilyn Sokol who lives in NYC. I hope you enjoy. All these people made me think of one question I'd like you to ponder.........
If you ever have a time that you think you need to "redecorate", do you want to be an older version of your younger self or a new version of your older self?

This is Ari Seth Cohen and one of his favorite photographic subjects, Mimi, a former model and actress.


Love the fedora! Look at the hat on this lovely woman.....

Her look is very minimal, you can say so much with very little. She is not overly accessorized and has a great presence about her. Now, let's not forget about the men....

Kinda bohemian like Marilyn Sokol.... The pop of orange and the structure of the jacket work with all the hair.... The woman below modeled with this Herman Miller sofa years ago, she likes to buy her accessories at Target.

Here is another view with the sofa!

Just as Hilda coordinates with her sofa. the woman below is really connected to her surroundings as well. Who says sneakers can't be cool.


This woman uses her long legs as a blank canvas for large geometric shapes.

Using a pin in the middle of your hat is a creative focal point.............


Here is a couple that compliment each other in every way.....a real silver set.

I really like the simplicity and drama of the sunglasses and the boldness of the well placed fluffy flower in contrast to her pulled back hairstyle. very chic.

I decided to take a 180 on the next photo. As I was collecting info for this piece, I spotted Snooki on the front page of the STYLE section of the New York Times. She is the latest pop icon from the reality show, "The Jersey Shore". Many runway models are rocking her pouf. She's been called a turnip, a spray painted Chihuahua and more. Her appeal? One fan attributes it to her "delicious artlessness". Here she is standing in a pile of debris...
Personally, she reminds me of all the "guidettes" I went to high school with in Long Island, NY in the 60's. The only thing missing is the white lipstick. She's got a tough , sexy aura.
I included her because I feel her personal style has shades of similarity to our group. They all have an unprocessed quality. what do you think she'll look like at 65?

She is not the only woman on the prowl at the Jersey shore, this would have been considered a Snooki in the 1920's, this gal must have been a blast.

The artist below creates her own style by placing herself in her own photograph.

On of my favorite men of style is author, Tom Wolf, dapper and sophisticated.


I am saving the best for last. Below is my dear friend, Susan. She is one of a kind. She has the creative spirit of a child and style up the wazoo. She is a mixed media artist and will be my next blog feature.



Sometimes we look at our world through a distorted prism. Our visual media tries to tell us what is pretty, what is hot, what is cool. If we don't look like Barbie and Ken and our homes don't resemble one of the latest design magazines, we are out of the loop.
I wanted to create design features in my blog that look in different places and inspire. Style is not about conventional beauty or money, it is simply about imagination and your courage to express it. If this is your first feature, make sure to check out my full blog with past features and design ideas at merlehillaryinteriors.blogspot.com

INTERVIEW AND ART BY MARIKO SWISHER, CERAMIC ARTIST

Mariko Swisher is a native of Sendai, Japan. She is a licensed calligrapher who emigrated to the United States 20 years ago. She began her study of ceramics in Japan. She is widely exhibited and since moving to New York City, she has studied with such greats as Akio Takamori and Peter Volkous just to name a few. David Revere McFadden, chief curator at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City, thinks Mariko's work is inspired by ethnic and folk pottery and feels her work functions on both practical and cultural levels.
At first glance, you wonder if Mariko's work was unearthed from the Tang Dynasty! Upon closer inspection, you see how her artistic vision marries the past and the present.
Her calligraphy skills and interest in ceramic design evoke a rare an beautiful combination. I feel that she bridges the gap between decorative and fine art. I also feel her pieces have a timeless quality to them and one can discover something new each time they are viewed. Her color palette is probably one of the most sophisticated I have ever seen and she uses it beautifully in conjunction with her amazing compositions. below is a close up of her painting the surface of her work. She is a true Tour de Force.


Now, let's take a close look!


I really like her use of animal shapes which enhance the function of the vessel.


Above, the animals in the vessel provide a repetitive textural edge to the surface.


Look at the marvelous beetles that surround the bird, this is a wonderful composition.


This is a teapot. Mariko is also a tea enthusiast. I really love the way the shape of the dog like creature arches his back and accentuates the curve of the pot. The scroll like work at the base adds such visual interest!

Mariko also makes vases in circular form, the one below is very unusual and I just love the horse!


The vessel below is also circular, but in a different way. This would look wonderful on a low table.


Below is a square vessel, perhaps a fox on the hunt? After these next two vessels, stick around for my interview.....



MARIKO, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?


"My style is based on tradition and broad cross currents of culture and history. While I make specific forms that interest me, it is the complexity of the glazing, the contrasts of the geometric and organic (quality) of my imagery that i feel is my "style". I look at both art and design and nature's design constantly. I look, sketch, remember and play with ideas to work with on the 3-d forms I make."



WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION ?


"My home and my space. "



WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?"


" Hope...... also, white rice and soy sauce."

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS?


"I like John Marin's painting, Isamu Noguchi's wood and stone sculpture works, his lighting. Among ceramic artists, Rudy Autio, (one of the artists she studied under). I also like the work of Maria Martinez (pueblo potter 1881-1980)"


IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH AN ARTIST, WHO WOULD IT BE WITH AND WHY?


" I would be interested to work with a sculptor like Akiko Sugiyama, a paper sculptor and friend of mine. I collaborate with my husband Charles (a painter). While our work is unrelated, we both pursue quality of form and design built on the art of the past.
A work cannot arise out of thin air. It is sensory experience of the life of an artist, the knowledge, memory that inspiration is built upon."

To conclude, I met Mariko and Charles many years ago when I became a patron. I am happy to say that they now live in my hometown of Lancaster, Pa. Mariko continues to exhibit her work nationally.
If you are interested in more design features, please check out my blog,www.merlehillaryinteriors.blogspot.com.

THE CUSTOM WORK OF CHERRY ORBIT

This month I am featuring the amazing works by furniture artists, Kim and Steve Cherry. They create both contemporary and traditional furnishings with a twist, color is their forte. We have worked together on many projects over the past 15 years. I am always impressed by the fresh and innovative way the Cherry's design space for mill work. Whether we work on a dining room table, a chair or a bookcase I know it will always look like a work of art. Their pieces are timeless and have been featured on HG TV and Conde Nast magazine to mention a few. They have created interior spaces as far away as Ireland. At the end of the blog, please take a look at my portfolio where you can see more of their work in different settings. www.merlehillaryinteriors.blogspot.com. Enjoy!
Here we see a fabulous armoire created for a warehouse residential space with no closets. What a great solution!

Below is an armoire we made for a client's bathroom to hold towels, soaps, etc.



Here is an example of how mill work can be incorporated into the tile work and the sink design.
Below is a bar which incorporates tile, wood, copper, and mirror. I just love the shape of the bar!

When you take a close look at the images below, you will see that they are really very traditional in line. What makes them new and fresh is the color application.


The milled doors above are basically classical features. The application of the black and white are very exciting.
What I like about the next photo is the movement propelled by not only the shape but the color. Next time you need a bulletin board, think of something fun to inspire you!


Color blocking is big these days in wall color and furniture. Look at this coffee table and just imagine how much fun you could have matching your sofa fabrics to the colors of your choice for a table. It would create an original focal point.


Kim and Steve not only create one of a kind furnishings, but also hand paint canvas floor coverings. I just love the combination below.


Just when you think they could not have any more fun, check out this bench.................


Here is a unique pairing of a traditional spindle chair and a pedestal base table.


Lastly, if you prefer something a bit more subdued and elegant, I will leave you with this! Pleas go to www.cherryorbit.com to see more.....Thanks, Kim and Steve and I'll visit you all again next month.

ACCESSORIES MAKE A ROOM

Accessorizing any room is like adding jewelry to an outfit. When you think of it that way, it becomes easier to think about. Well placed accessories punctuate a room just the way a great necklace can punctuate a dress. If you wear a great necklace, you know not to over do it with earrings, bracelets, pins and handbags.
Here the designer illustrates symmetry. Mirrors add a reflective quality for a texture, bring light into the room and have a function. The table provides a strong horizontal line and the stacked pictures create a vertical line. Each of these elements serve to anchor and divide space creatively behind the sofa. The symmetry of the mirrors works well with the symmetry of the pillows.

It is important to connect all elements in a room. Below are whimsical antlers on the wall. What makes these two vignettes work is that anything hung or placed on a table top is in close proximity to its neighbor... the table, chest, vases, lamp, art all work to connect the dots.

One of the most challenging aspects of accessorizing is convincing people to to lower their paintings. Some one out there decided all paintings should be hung at eye level , no matter what. The rule of thumb is this.... a painting should hang no more than 4-5 inches from the furniture.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes you can rest pictures on a table as long as you vary the height, take a look at this console table.

Books are a great way to add height, color and interest to a surface. You can pick them up at flea markets. Always be sure to remove book covers. Sometimes there is a surprise of a wonderful cloth bound binding with a colored font. Notice here the mixture of wood, metal and glass. Do not be afraid to layer, place short items in front and taller items in the rear.

When you have a tall chest, what do you do with the top? Anything that is up there is lost and looks tiny because it's up so high! Consider using an over sized vase as shown here.


This adds drama and really connects the ceiling to the rest of the room.

When considering table top accessories for a dining room or kitchen, there are fun ways to add color and interest. Instead of flowers, why not fill jars with seasonal fruits or vegetables?
Here is a lovely idea for fall. The gourdes match the place mats. Repeating a design down the length of a table adds a lot of drama. If you have 2 hanging lights above your table, use 3 jars. If you have 3 hanging lights over your table, use 2. If you have one large fixture, use several jars.

Think of all the different things you can add as the seasons change. You can layer things like cherry tomatoes along with broccoli florets and actually fill the jars with water! Everyone loves that.

If you have a round table, accessorizing is a bit different. It is a wise idea to build up in the center. Most large dining tables have unused space in the center, arms can't reach. It's a perfect opportunity to create a stage of shapes and colors. Below, this table mixes oranges and pinks.


Mirrors, candles, vintage glassware dried cock's combs in fuchsia , all are welcome changes to a floral centerpiece, don't you think? Varying the heights keeps the eye moving.
When decorating around food, it is a good idea to stick to food colors. There are generally no blue restaurant interiors and no blue food and blueberries don't count!

So far we've looked at some ideas for walls, dining tables both round and rectangular, how about the coffee table? It's a coffee table before 5 pm and a cocktail table after 5pm!
Think of your coffee table as a picture plane and divide it much the way you would divide an accent wall with horizontal and vertical lines.

Here we have an acrylic table. They are great. While they function, they don't add volume and are light and airy for this setting. This would be great with a picture rug below it. The table top items here have height and a variety of shape and texture. Trays act like small picture frame and help to zero in on smaller items. Without the tray, the small candle would be lost. You can get some great trays at Pier One.
These are just some ideas to get you inspired. It is also a good idea to rotate accessories. Don't feel the need to always have the same thing.
I'll bet you anything there is a remote in the box!

If you want to see any older posts, please go to my blog,www.merlehillaryinteriors.blogspot.com.
As always, would love to hear your comments or any questions!

ARCHITECTURE ENHANCED BY INTERIORS AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN

A picture is worth a thousand words. Just look how this spiral staircase is enhanced by the repetetive design of the wrought iron. Below,the balustrades also have an interesting effect.


Different parts of the staircase give designers the opportunity to infuse different materials for interest: metal, wood, and paint color. Below we see how the introduction of fabric beside a window can enhance the architectural features of the panes.

Side panel draperies are a wonderful vehicle for color blocking. Not only do the panels enhance the height of the room, draw your eye upward, but give the chance to add bits of color for accent. A large scale pattern with the architecture would have worked equally as well. The secret find of a large pattern fabric is the way the print becomes altered when shirred.

Sometimes, its important to know when not to add anything.... "less is more", take a look...

The next two photos show how just simple paint can define shape and space. All this oval tray ceiling needed was a color.


The same is true for the mud room next to this kitchen. The use of a high contrast color next to the moulding and a strong fabric pattern on both window and seat cushion invites you in its direction, stands up to the kitchen area and gives a visual anchor to the space.Who says a mud room can't look fabulous!


Don't forget about ceilings! They are a very important architectural feature and the most underused surface. We've seen color blocking above in the kitchen, but what are some of the other ways to treat a ceiling? Below is a combination of wallpaper and wood separated by moulding.


If you don't want to tackle a whole room, start out with a powder room and use your imagination! Before we move outdoors, sometimes certain accessories can provide architectural elements. In this photo a mirrored screen is used to divide a space, how unusual!

The last few photos show how landscaping can enhance a property. The use of greens, water, stone, and wood create a majestic and magical atmosphere. The one rule of thumb about landscaping is this...... never think of landscaping as parseley around a turkey.

Some advice if you are considering using wrought iron around a pool, for decoration or simply for safety.... NEVER use white. It does not harmonize with nature and just sticks out like a sore thumb. Below you will see wood arbor squares which work nicely with the slate tiles. Notice the clever way the boxwood plantings are framed around the pool.

The last photo below is just a great example of all the elements working together.........

If you are interested in reviewing my older posts or my favorite websites, go to www.merlehillaryinteriors.blogspot.com. I love all your comments, hope you enjoy!

BEDDING,PILLOW AND DRAPERY IDEAS

Happy new year to everyone! This month we're going to take a look at some of the trends in drapery, bedding, and pillows Here, you see a lovely mix of color, texture, shapes and pattern. The neutral sofa acts as a wonderful backdrop to to the drama created by the textiles. What is nice about this is, that if you tire of the look, it is easily replaced with other colors at a small expense.

The photos below show how you can elect to trim your pillows with your own designs, with the use of decorative tape. Here is a Greek key design. you can also elect to applique part of another fabric on to the face of a pillow. The applique need not be the whole print! You may edit a design and select only portions of the fabric to highlight.

Pictured here top and bottom are some of the new color combinations, soft taupe/gray with the muted pale yellows.

Don't be afraid to mix patterns, the chevron upholstery and the applique work nicely together here.

Below you are looking at a roman shade with beaded trim. a detail like this adds a nice touch.



Next, consider using fabrics with lots of volume for a dramatic effect. Certain silks are full of volume but are light and airy at the same time. This shirred side panel reminds me of a wedding gown. How about this for a woman's study or bathroom?

The next set of photos takes a close look at bedding. These are soft and serene traditional and contemporary.

Notice the canopy, you can create this look easily and coordinate it with the pillows. The largest pillows are called euro shams and using them first is a great way to begin building your bed ensemble. Notice the inverted pleat duster, tailored yet soft. Fyi... your sleeping pillows can hide behind the euros!

This bedding incorporates wonderful shades of dusty blue, very restful. Benches at the end of a bed not only look great, but it's a great place to store pillows and extra blankets at night. Notice the upholstered headboard, another great way to incorporate color with your bedding.

The last bed here is more contemporary, very sharp with the use of the bolster pillows.

Look how just a small amount of banding at the end of a pillow can pull a whole look together.

If you are interested in going back and reading any of my other blogs, feel free to go to www.merlehillaryinteriors.blogspot.com You can go to the blog archives on the right side of the page. In the meantime, feel free to tell me what you think, I love reading all the comments.