Pantone Color of the Year 2011!

Pantone announced the 'it' color for the up coming year.  The grand prize winner is.....

HONEYSUCKLE!! 

"While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."

-Pantone

Let's look at some examples of how to use this bright cheery color in interiors, shall we?

{via Drake Design Associates}

The first interior I thought of was Jamie Drake's bedroom for Kips Bay 2007.  Jamie is the king of color and I remember him mentioning how much he ADORES pink in a seminar I attended while in college.  And I just ADORE Jamie's bold style!

{via Drake Design Associates}

"Pink is a seasonless color for me.  Are the cheeks of angels appealing only in the summer? 

Adding cerise pillows and accessories to a beige room or coral lamps to a gray space creates

 instant dazzle.  And lamp shades lined in pink will make everyone in proximity look like

they've just returned from the best vacation ever."

-Jamie Drake

{via Suzanne Kasler}

Recently, I've been noticing Suzanne Kasler using shades of pink in her interiors, like this funky teen's room.  (I read that the teen requested a hammock, so Suzanne custom made this hammock as a guest bed.  How fun would sleepovers for this lucky girl?)

{via Suzanne Kasler}

{via Suzanne Kasler}

{via Suzanne Kasler}

Sometimes pink can be just the right amount of 'punch' you need in a space like the above Suzanne Kasler entryway and book shelf.   If you want to add a dash of pink without committing to a pink wall or piece of furniture, books are the perfect answer!  Here are a few of my favorite pink books:

{In The Pink, Wacky Chicks, Fashion, Shocking}

"Pink can say a lot.  I like to pair hot pink with cinnamon brown; it becomes seductive. 

Bright pink mixed with oranges and purples is always a fun match."

 - Eve Robinson

So what do you think?  Is the color of the year spot-on chic or is it Pepto-Bismal dismal?





Design Legend: Alexa Hampton

Alexa Hampton

I don't think I have ever been more excited about a book release than I was for Alexa Hampton's recent "The Language of Interior Design" (well, except maybe for a Dan Brown book or two...).  Alexa Hampton is the daughter of the iconic Mark Hampton (if you are a design history buff you MUST learn everything you can about this man.  Amazing.) and inherited his firm in NYC when Mr. Hampton passed away in 1997.  Alexa had some big shoes to fill and she more than does those shoes justice.

Alexa was inspired by her childhood.  In her book she states, "In my case, my training started quite young, as my father, Mark Hampton, a well-educated, accomplished, and highly esteemed decorator, insisted on spending our family vacations touring houses and palaces, museums and churches, both abroad and in the United States.  While other families were skiing, sunning, playing tennis, or visiting amusement parks,  my sister and I could be found being dragged by our parents to see architectural high points, museums, and galleries around the world.  By the time I was twelve, I had seen the Pantheon, the Parthenon, and Buckingham Palace."  Lucky duck.

Alexa later went on to achieve a degree in Art History and started working under her father at his firm.  The hallmarks of Alexa's work include British architectural elements, Roman antiquities, and soft colors (though both her and her father claim to not have a signature 'style').

NYC Apartment.  My personal favorite of Alexa's work.
I ADORE the mix of traditional klimos chairs and a vintage 50's chandelier.

New Orleans Entryway.  I think whoever lives in this house wears ballgowns daily.

Is that a campaign end table I see??

Bright.  Sunny.  Perfect to wake up to on a winter's morning.

If my home was traditional, THIS is how I would design my home office.

Alexa's watercolor for her 1999 Kips Bay Showhouse.  She inherited her father's talent for renderings.

Alexa also has a GORGEOUS line of furniture for Hickory Chair.  Here are some of my favorites:

I must own this barrel chair one day.  So chic.

Looks like Alexa loves campaign furniture as much as I do! 
I would break up the set, though, so it's not so matchy-matchy.



A perfect example of using a desk instead of a traditional nightstand.
The swing-arm floor lamps is a great option for bedside and work surface lighting.



The Mark Desk

I have ALWAYS wanted to use a sofa as seating at a table, but clients usually look at me funny when I suggest this.  Look how functional and elegant it is, though!



Quatrefoil Light Fixture in Natural Brass.
A trillion times better than the ubiquitous 'boob' light.  Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about.

“Suitability and appropriateness are hallmarks of great design, and I strive to have both in my work,”

Read more: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architects/100/alexa_hampton/alexa_hampton_profile#ixzz15ZRH8OHu

http://www.markhampton.com/



Garrow Kedigian Kips Bay 2009

I couldn't post about Kips Bay without posting my all-time favorite Kips Bay room by Garrow Kedigian from last year's showhouse.  Mr. Kedigian was a newcomer to Kips Bay and got stuck with the most undesirable room of the entire house- a 95 sq. ft maid's room on the 5th floor.  Boy, did he stand up to the challenge! 

Classic Greek mythological themes are used throughout.  Notice the Greek Key pillows, carpet and the ancient-looking bust. Adore.

This room follows the same principle of Katie Ridder's entryway from this year's showhouse- go big and bold in a small space!  I love the over-scaled painting, chandelier, and floral arrangement.  They really pack a punch.

NY Times article on the 2009 Kips Bay Showhouse



The orange lacquered wall help reflect light in this small space.  The white 'moldings' were created with white paint which is more graphic than traditional molding and less expensive! Win Win!!

Garrow Kedigian Interior Design

 http://garrowkedigian.com/

Kips Bay Showhouse 2010

 The Kips Bay Showhouse is the pinnacle of all showhouses, year after year.  After a looooonnnngggg wait (this year's showhouse was delayed 6 months),  it's finally open!  All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Club.  If you are in NYC or will be visiting, make sure you drop on by as it closes it's doors after Nov. 11th.  What I wouldn't do to go! Here's a few of the highlights:

Aman Carson Interiors
(Great design trick: add mirror to the back of a plain shelves to enlarge a space and infuse a little glamour.)



Etienne Coffinier Designs Master Bath
(The bubble installation was based off a Harper's Bazaar photo shoot from the 1960's. Love.)

Eve Robinson Kitchen
(I must research the chandelier. I die over it.)



Jeffrey Design Group Bedroom
(Black suede ribbon was attached to the basic lampshade, a classic design trick anyone can do! I love the mix of the 20's bed with the 70's lamps.  THIS is how you mix different periods.)



Jennifer Post Media Room
(Clean, sleek and just about perfection.)



Vincente Wolf Library

www.vicentewolfblog.com

 Vincente Wolf hasn't participated in the showhouse since 1991, so this is quite a treat!  On his decision to participate this year he said, "I think our times call for experience.  It's a chance for the average person to walk into one of your rooms.  It shows what decorators do, instead of the stupid TV shows that say you can do it for $5." Amen, Vincente.  Amen.

Vincente Wolf Library, Fireplace Shot

www.vicentewolfblog.com

(Wing back chairs for Vincente's own collection.)

 And my personal winner of Best of Show:

Katie Ridder Entry

 What's not to love about this entry?  I'm a big believer on making a style statement in a small space, like a entryway or powder room.  This space would definitely make me feel welcome each and every time I came home.  My favorite part? The coral finial.  And the painted ceiling.  And the pagoda wallpaper. And the pink trim.  And the border on the runner. It's all in the details!!!


Katie Ridder Entry

Kips Bay Showhouse 2010

http://www.kipsbay.org/

106 East 71st Street

New York, New York

Thursday, October 14th - Thursday, November 11th