Although the style of Art Deco began in Paris in the 1920s, it quickly became an international style and influenced all areas of design: architecture, art, furniture, fashion, housewares, and film. A departure from the organic, sensuous lines of the Art Nouveau movement, Art Deco is characterized by linear symmetry, sleek lines, and geometric…
As a young schoolboy growing up in France, I obstinately told my teacher, “I don’t need to learn English! I’m never going to use it!!” Yet here I am, many years later, living in the great city of NYC with my own business- and an American citizenship. I initially came to the US in…
I’m sure many of you have heard of, or even use, the social-media phenomenon Pinterest. I’ve just started using it a few weeks ago, and I have already racked up a bunch of pins (images “pinned” to a virtual board)! I’ve found that it is a great tool for designers- it can organize thoughts and…
Whether you are relaxing out in the Hamptons or chilling in the city this weekend, it is definitely time for some refreshments! Here are a few recipes from the Martha Stewart Summer Drinks collection that are not only delicious, but such beautiful colors, too. When entertaining, it’s always a great idea to think of the…
Now that Spring has almost turned into summer, make sure you get that annual spring cleaning in before it’s too late! Over the last few weeks, I’ve been encouraging my clients, friends, and employees to go through their things and donate whatever they don’t really need (or absolutely love). Stuff accumulates more than we realize,…
As we all know, color can be an incredibly important tool for making a strong impression, changing up a room, and even making your day a little bit better (or worse!). I have always used color to bring out positive elements of a room or accent piece- my reputation is strongly based on my fearless…
Museums can be a great source of inspiration and sometimes a visit can be the motivation one needs to get the ball rolling on a creative project! I’m sure you already know about the Met, the Moma, and the Whitney- which are all great institutions. However, there are many other museums with masterful collections that…
I hope you all are having a good friday morning! Although I am heading off to Paris this weekend to see my family, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite traditions that I have celebrated the last few years with my “Jewish mother” in NYC- the Passover Seder. The Passover Seder is…
Once in awhile, when the craving for some fresh-baked french bread or a buttery pastry hits, I head over to my favorite bakery down the block, Soutine. It is a tiny store, but chock-full of good things! Roll out of bed and grab a perfect pain au chocolat, or take your lunch break to get…
This week, we had the pleasure of attending the cocktail benefit for the sneak preview of DIFFA’s 2012 “Dining by Design” show, in which designers and companies design dining rooms to benefit AIDS research. Sponsored by Architectural Digest, this monday will be a special dinner and silent auction for charity (but the show is open…
