{Maison Classique}

{Inspiration Room} Italianate Bathroom

j steinberg — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:42:55 -0700

Some beloved family friends just completed the construction of their gorgeous Italianate house (more photos to come). Mr. Wonderful and I were married on the grounds of one of their other estates of Neoclassic style. They just build beautiful things! Its a joy to tour their homes when they are finished and all moved in. Here are a few shots of the Master Bathroom. Enjoy!

Antique mirror and cast concrete columns, a streamlined version reminicent of Bernini's Baldacchino in Saint Peter's Basilica. All of the baseboards, crown mouldings, casings, and cobels throughout the estate are custom cast concrete commissioned especially for this project.

A cast stone soaking tub. Bliss! Out that window is a vista of lush, green rolling hills.

The window threw off the lighting in this photo, so I had to convert it to B+W. Notice the smooth barrel vaulting. Just gorgeous.

All photos are property of J Steinberg Design and may not be used or reproduced without permission. Thank you.

{Retail Pick} Au Nautrale Accents

j steinberg — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 -0700

I received the May 2009 Pottery Barn catalog yesterday. The best accents (as with all retail companies- I usually only shop accents & decor, not furniture), were these great pillows and baskets with natural fibers. So summery and so classic. Not to mention durable. A great way to add some summer to your space- indoor or out.

Paper Crochet Pillow Cover

Beachcomber Baskets in various sizes

Jute Braid Pillow Covers in two sizes

{Retail Pick} Delightful Door Knockers

j steinberg — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:40:38 -0700

(photo from Roullier White)

Remember the post on the symbolism of the red front door? This post goes hand in hand. The door knocker- its gorgeous jewelry for your door. Second to your architecture and landscaping, your front door leaves a lasting impression and also subtly nods towards your style. Door knockers have been in use since Medieval times (possibly even before that!)- to say this is a classic that has evolved is an understatement. While there are tons of whimsical designs out on the market I feel its best to leave the whimsy to a second home or vacation home according to the vernacular. If you have a beach house on the Vineyard- go for the crab, lobster or scallop shell knocker. If you have a chalet in Aspen, go for the pine cone. Select something solid in statement for your primary residence- both to echo the architecture and to give your door some classic style. For an amazing and detailed article on door knockers, visit this page on "Old and Sold Antiques Digest".

Now, lets look at some delightful door knockers! I am a fan of classic brass- both for the longevity and the aesthetics. If you go with a cool metal finish, make sure its plated on brass. It will have great hand and it will also wear well. I will start with my favorite one- a fox door knocker. Just charming!

I would love to see this fox knocker on a high gloss orange front door. *Love*.

Fox Door Knocker by The Brass Gallery

This simple and classic style would be great for both traditional and transitional styles.

Classic Ring Door Knocker. From Jefferson Brass Co.

I would love to see this on a colorful front door (any color will do). This classic French motif would really pop on a brilliant color.

Fleur de Lys Door Knocker from Doorknockers.com

The quintessential classic door knocker. Perfect for engraving a monogram or a family surname.

This one is a reproduction from House of Antique Hardware

This glorious eagle knocker is perfect for Georgian and Federalist style homes. I see this on a navy or crimson red door for the ultimate statement in traditionalism. From PE Guerin

This is a nice take on the very common lion door knocker. I hesitated in including the lion- since I feel its so conventional and sort of overused (especially in situations when one shouldn't use a lion- for some reason, I think some people feel if they stick a lion "something" outside it means "classy"...think oversized concrete roaring lion garden decor in front of a dinky tract house). But- I found this one that's done a bit differenly than other lion door knockers. Its quite tasteful and the lines are elegant. As an FYI- lion door knockers were very popular in Victorian times. This one is from Designer's Brass.

This hexagon door knocker would be amazing in brass (Guerin does offer brass as a finish option for this style). This would be a great knocker for traditional architecture with a transitional interior style. Simple, geometric and classic. From PE Guerin.

Lastly- this lovely and elegant acanthus leaf door knocker. This would suit French and American Georgian architecture quite well.

Also by PE Guerin.

{Trade Pick} British Colonial Settee

j steinberg — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:44:23 -0700

I am on the mailing list for many, many (many!) product lines. This one came across my wire today and I drooled a bit, thought about where I could put it in our place, decided I didn't have room for it- and that I would just post it here. I'm pretty sure I have an affinity towards British Colonial styling from growing up on "Pippy Longstocking", "The Swiss Family Robinson" and Disneyland's "Jungle Cruise" as a child. I also love the dark wood in British Colonial style- just like American Georgian and Federalist, which I (surprise!) admire as well. Enjoy this gorgeous settee! I would get a long down stuffed, self-welted cushion made from cut velvet for this chair. In white or possibly my signature mossy green from my living room. I would then place it in the foyer or somewhere in my bedroom. No pillows. Wouldn't want to hide that gorgeous canning or fluting!

"Settee BR003SE", Chocolate stained Mahogany wood.

$4,200 retail. By British Regency.

{Arch Style} Jack Arnold, Architect

j steinberg — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:41:03 -0800

Do you know about Jack Arnold? Have you seen his work? He's a residential architect that has carved out a little niche for himself in the French County and Olde World style architecture arena...and I am a huge fan. I've noticed (for awhile now) he is running more and more ads in shelter publications, and he also has a few product lines out- so I'm sure Arch_ID minded people are catching the fever. If you remember back about a year, his personal home was featured in Veranda, too. I have the spread somewhere in my files (which I am noting to myself to go and find!).

After viewing many of his houses online and from his folio books of plans (see photos below), I honestly can't pick The One I like best. The hardest part of being an interior designer is "committing" to a home style for us (sorry, Mr. Wonderful- what I say goes!). Its hard to make a final style decision (both exterior and interior) when there are so many lovely choices for everything! Its easy to do for clients, but for me- when I can feel my emotional response to so many different styles- its really hard to pick just one (currently, we are stuck between American Federalist and Jacobean Tudor Revival w/ a bit of French Normandy flare). I want them all- even the stark modern spaces. I love them all.

Anyways, I digress. I do not know Jack Arnold, but maybe our two worlds will bring us together one day. Or maybe I will hire him as my architect one day, purchase an antique from his wife (I'm pretty sure she has a shoppe and does interior decor) or at least purchase his plans (and of course tweak them a little...I am pretty particular and I feel mass produced plans can only take someone so far, especially a classically trained designer who rocks space planning). But oh how I love his work. The character really jumps out at you...the rustic stone, the brick, chimney pots, shutters, and other details...enough to make a (very picky) designer like me very happy- even just to look. I heart Jack Arnold. Jack...if you are out there- I love your work! Consider me a patron in waiting. (I also say this about Derek Gores, the artist responsible for amazing collage portraits).

Go here to see his photo gallery. Really- go, now!

Go here to see his product line for architectural chimney pots.

Go here to see the house plan portfolios he offers....or, walk through the ones I have received as gifts from my mom- who is equally (well, okay, not equally) enamored with interiors and design.

The plan books come in different styles. Each folder has two components: a look book of each plan, and loose plans that relate to the look book. You get a rendering, photographs/details and the actual floor plan (not to scale) of each house. Really fun!

{Inspiration Rooms} Classic Knows Best

j steinberg — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:54:25 -0800

If I told you this bedroom was from the 80's, would you believe me?

Guess what- its from the 80's! Pretty unbelievable, huh? This is a perfect example of how classic interiors can be enduring and relevant, even decades past their "designed on" date. I came across this clip in my files and had to throw it up on Maison Classique. A few years ago, I cut this out of an old Arch Digest from either the mid or late eighties. I still remember marveling at the year of issue.

Today, perhaps you would switch out the lamps (or forego the trim), and perhaps throw the flowers in the foreground into a crystal vessel. But everything else, even the color palette, could pass for today. I love the bold stripes and the shape of the head and foot boards. I even love the fun pillow shapes. And I especially love the diamond-pane window, (but I have a feeling it was like that before the designer got there). It all works. This room and design is going on 30 years old.

Will your interiors look relevant in 30 years? Do you want them to?

To all you readers with classique tastes and households- this is what you have to look forward to. Constant style, an enduring investment, and an aesthetic sensibility that reaches beyond trends of the moment. What a way to be chic and timeless.

{Arch Style} Storybook, a Romantic Revival

j steinberg — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:50:22 -0800

I am quite sure this is the most charming residential architecture style of all time. Its called Storybook...and doesn't it evoke that childhood fantasy of Princesses (I don't know about you- but I think of Snow White in the enchanted forrest) and, possibly, Hansel and Gretel?! I've adored this style as a young person ever since a Storybook style roofline struck me as different (of course, I didn't know it was called Storybook style then!). This style was hot during all the Romantic Revivals in the 1920's, which explains why there are so many of them (well, relatively speaking- its not like there are entire neighborhoods of nothing but this style!) out here in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Just adorable.

This is a house in my grandparent's neighborhood (which is chalk full of revivals of all types- I love their neighborhood!). Its recently received a facelift and of course, I made a note to photograph it when it was completed! I love the roof, which also happens to (typically) be the most defininig element in Storybook architecture. Here is a close up:

How cool and intricate and amazing. This Storybook roof is more detailed than the norm.

I'm not sure if the photo is coming through all that well- but there are metal components in addition to the various size and shapes of the shingles. Just amazing.

Edited on June 14, 2010 to note that Steve Fuller of Storybook Roofs did this work. Isn't it great?! He contacted me after coming across this blog post. Im so glad he did....because now I know who to hire if I ever need his specialty service! He is the go-to "storybook roof man"! Click here to view more of his work on his website.

And, here is a book you may be interested in! I've had this one since design school- what a great addition to your library! I highly recommend it if you love revival style residential architecture (and, if you are here on Maison Classique...I would assume you do!). Book info: "Storybook Style, America's Whimsical Homes of the Twenties" by Arrol Gellner and Douglas Keister, Penguin Books, 2001.

A fun Link to check out if you want to learn more and some designer jargon regarding this style: StoryBookers.com

Resource for the go-to storybook roof contractor: Steve Fuller of Storybook Roofs

Designer Q+A: What is the Symbolism Behind a Red Front Door?

j steinberg — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:15:51 -0800

The symbolism surrounding a red front door is not exactly clear. In China, red means luck. In Feng Shui, a red door is usually a recipe for prosperity. In Colonial times, it symbolized that the home and its owners were welcoming. I have also heard that a red front door means the mortgage is paid off- making a red front door more of a status symbol rather than a spiritual or friendly sign.

(A red door in a neighborhood around the corner from me.)

Given that there are a few meanings tied to a red front door, I feel it best to observe the architecture first, then try to make sense of it. Take, for instance, this Colonial style home. This particular red door is probably speaking to tradition more than anything else. However, a red front door on a contemporary home is probably not there for tradition, and possibly there for luck or prosperity, instead.

In some neighborhoods, where traditional architecture abounds, the red door may be quite common. To stand out, consider other colors. Lately, I have noticed a trend for yellow front doors (yes, yellow!). Remember that your door can be a statement. It does not have to match the rest of your trim or dominant exterior color.

Door colors that I would consider experimenting with, given the proper architecture and neighborhood: deep purple, midnight blue, deep orange,

yellow (A yellow door is too fun, plus, its also my favorite color!). Really, you can use any color- so long as you get the right value (not too bright or vibrant and not too light or pastel).

If you want to experiment with a front door color, but you are nervous to make a bold statement- start with a color that is already part of your house's exterior, just go a lot deeper. If you have a light blue house, consider navy blue or black. If you have a tan house, try rich chocolate brown or any other deep earthy color such as forest green or a burnt sienna brown.

Just be sure to consider your house's architectural style and go from there. A colorful, statement making front door is a sure way to set your house apart while implementing a fresh take on tradition.

The orange door photo can be found in this photostream. The yellow door photo can be found here.

Project Board: Fresh Federalist

j steinberg — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 09:00:21 -0800

Fresh Federalist by Janelle Steinberg

My basic guidelines for executing contemporary American Federalist Style:

-Correct use of period colors, with a few liberties

-Updated furniture with classic lines and proportion. For a truly fresh and contemporary take, few antique furnishings should be used (rather than all the furnishings being antiques- which puts the room on track for being a "period room"). However, antique accessories are absolutely called for.

-Use of hallmark Federalist style motifs, such as the eagle and dentil mouldings.

-A general use of symmetry in layout and room arrangements, with playful asymmetric elements in the details such as accessories and art arrangement.

-Heavy concentration on the interior architecture: custom built-ins and appropriate mouldings are key.

-Brass or gold metals for hardware, lamps, etc.

-In general, darker wood stains and dark paint colors when one desires an alternative to wood grain.

Project Board: Theatrical Transitional

j steinberg — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:02:42 -0800

Theatrical Transitional by Janelle Steinberg

This Transitional interior design calls on dramatic art to make a statement (okay, so you probably aren't going to be able to buy the Pollock!). To get this look, pay attention to the overall mood. Keep furniture lines simple and clean. Use one or two pops of color. Keep the background neutral. Utilize items with a history, such as table top urns, to contrast with the contemporary art and furnishings. The result is elegant, livable and timeless Transitional interior design.

Weekly Trade Pick: Circa Lighting Wall Sconce

j steinberg — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:29:58 -0800

Weekly Trade Pick:

"Ginger" Sconce from Circa Lighting

How to use it:

Anywhere you want a set of wall sconces- over the fireplace, flanking a console table, in the bathroom...the possibilities for wall sconces are endless. This sconce is perfect for a Transitional style interior.

Product Description:

60 watt lamp, Natural paper shade

4 available finishes (brass shown)

Retail Price: around $350 each, $700 for a set

JSD Price: $278 each, $546 for a set

November "Style Mix" Project Board

j steinberg — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:48:03 -0800

Style Mix by Janelle Steinberg

I have put together a few items according to interior mood. A chair, a mirror, a lighting fixture and an accessory in three different styles. Enjoy!

-Janelle

Weekly Trade Pick: Upholstered "Manhattan" Chair

j steinberg — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:02:53 -0800

Weekly Trade Pick:

Upholstered "Manhattan" Chair by Summer Hill

How to use it:

A great chair for Traditional and Transitional styles. If covered in a light fabric with lighter leg stain, this chair could also sit in a more formal Contemporary style interior. The gracefulness of the simple, sloping lines is the main feature of this versatile chair. Use a more formal fabric (velvet, mohair, silk) for a living room or a casual fabric (chenille, corduroy, linen, cotton) for a family room.

Product description:

Exposed wood leg: Walnut stain (shown) or select from 14 other custom wood finishes.

Optional nail-head detailing

33" seat depth

Retail Price: $3936 (base price)

JSD Price: $2835 (base price)

I hope you enjoyed this designer exclusive!

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Retail Pick: French Directoire Accent Table

j steinberg — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:58:15 -0700

Weekly Retail Pick:

Source Perrier French Directoire "Gueridon" Occasional Table

How to use it:

-This table is flexible enough for pretty much any situation. The study, the office, the living room, the bed side...anywhere you want to chic-up a space, echo French style and furniture savvy, or even juxtapose masculine and feminine. Perfect for a lamp or as a "helper" side table (such as a cocktail surface for guests, or a surface for stacked books and a small flower arrangement).

-The clean and modern lines lend themselves well as a statement piece for both modern and contemporary interiors. The historic interpretation of Directoire style is well suited for transitional, traditional, classic and period interiors. It just may be the perfect table for any situation.

-Remember that in design- the possibilities are limitless. You can have the metal refinished if you don't favor brass (but I see a comeback for Brass and gold-tones) or create an insert for the top of the table if you don't favor black granite. You could employ a wall covering you like, leather, a fine lacquer finish or even photos and paper mementos put under custom cut glass. Personalize an already fabulous piece of furniture to further define your style and ensure no one else has the same thing.

How to get it: This piece is available through Source-Perrier online and via catalog.

Retail Price: $875

Check in for my weekly trade pick later this week!

-Janelle Steinberg, BA ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Bi-Monthly Editorial: The Accent Wall

j steinberg — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:25:55 -0700

I grew up with a mother that loved Accent Walls. When I say "Accent Wall", I am referring to a room where only one wall is painted a color- and the other walls are left white. I'm not sure if it was the trendy thing to do back then, (in my defense, it wasn't all that long ago!), or if she was just afraid of using color in a more liberal fashion. Usually the wall to be painted was the wall with a focal point- the fireplace wall or the wall with the bed. She was always concerned with making our home lovely, which I give her credit for, but I grew to detest Accent Walls.

Now that I am an interior designer, I find that people still have accent walls! Once I get to the root of the preference, I find its usually due to fear of color and what that color might do to a room (the biggest worry is that it will be "dark" or "make the room look smaller"). I will say that Accent Walls have their place. Contemporary, modern and eclectic interiors lend themselves very nicely to the concept of accent wall color.

While I am still not a huge fan, here are some tips for executing a room with an Accent Wall, (should you choose to do one yourself):

-No matter the space, accent walls are best achieved where all the walls are painted a light or medium neutral color and the accent wall is painted a darker color that relates to the neutral or a bold color that contrasts with the neutral. Don't leave the other walls white.

-You have to be sure that every other element in your room coordinates (but isn't "matchy-matchy"!) and carries out the accent colors hue and value. If there is no thought of coordination and balance of color throughout the room, your accent wall will look like floating, unrelated color. Think about coordinating pillows, upholstery fabric and drapery.

-Think about putting a flower arrangement in your accent color somewhere else in the room. I like the spriggy florals that are out right now- lots of little blooms on long stems that arc softly downward. Stay away from expected arrangements that can look dated. If you are using a neutral or earthy color, do a stick or grass arrangement. Flowers and natural grasses are a great way to mix that accent color around.

Check out my blog post about paint brands I personally use and specify for my clients here.

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Pick: Cashmere Bed Blanket

j steinberg — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:12:10 -0700

Weekly Retail Pick:

Cashmere Bed Blanket

How to use it:

-Fall, Winter, and early Spring bed blanket for master suite and guest suite beds- the ultimate luxury that both makes a statement, creates a seriously cozy-warm slumber, and will last a long time with proper care.

-This bed blanket can be cut and re-sewn (by the proper hands only- I do not recommend this as a DIY project) to make a double-ply throw, or up to three single-ply throws for the family room, personal home theater, library or the reading chair in the guest suite.

-Be sure to professionally clean as needed (but not over-clean!), unless express alternative washing instructions are given on the care label.

-During the off season, wrap the blanket in a piece of cotton muslin then store in a quality, natural-material box. Don't forget a cedar block for your linen closet.

-Enjoy with every fiber of your being. Sweet dreams!

How to get it:

This particular blanket is a real value for a decent cashmere bed blanket. Its from Frontgate- available online as their Premium Quality "Alessandra Cashmere Blanket". The only other cashmere bed blankets I trust enough to recommend are made by Frette; however, they cost about 4 times more- but they are truly the ultimate in cashmere bed blankets.

Retail Price: $1300 Queen / $1600 King

I hope you enjoyed my retail pick this week! Don't forget to check in next week!

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Editorial: Lets Talk About Coat Closets

j steinberg — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:26:38 -0700

Have you thought about your coat closet lately? As you are reading this, what is the current state of your coat closet? You may even be drawing a blank, so let me remind you what the coat closet is. Its typically that small closet in or near the foyer or hall to your main living area. Its purpose is to store larger coats that you can grab on your way out of the house. More importantly, its also there to house guest's coats, jackets and sweaters when you host an evening of any sort.

To me, a small coat closet has the potential to be a real jewel box. It can be a bit of a surprise and serve as a pick me up each time you or a guest opens the coat closet in the foyer. Since its closed off, you can be wild with color, texture and pattern. You have the freedom to depart from your home's established design, or stick to the established design and be liberal with a lot of strong design elements in one place. Also, coat closets are tiny compared to other rooms in the home- so it doesn't really take much to punch it up.

Here are my guidelines for a smashing coat closet:

-The coat closet is an etiquette. Not only is it for your coats, but those of guest's when they arrive. This means keep it clear of other household junk! Leave room for your guest's stuff.

-Invest in two dozen quality hangers. Wood hangers not only look classy, but they are bulky enough to properly hang a heavy coat or jacket. Toss the plastic. Use the wood. Be sure to leave plenty of empty hangers for your guests! As an added touch, have your monogram or family crest hand painted on the hangers. If you purchase cedar hangers, there is no need for a cedar block.

-For your female guests, provide a safe place for their handbags. Have you ever been to a gathering where the women tuck their handbags next to a remote living room chair or pile them in a heap on the guest bed? Don't make your guests do this- its uncomfortable for a women to leave her bag in a random place. In your guest closet, provide hooks or commission custom millwork for cubbyholes. Your female guests will marvel at your thoughtfulness and praise you as a genius. (As a tip for cubbyholes, each one should be big enough for a typical handbag or tote. You can even vary the sizes to ensure you have big enough cubbyholes for large and small bags alike).

-Paint or use a fabulous wall covering. You can be as "out there" or as conservative as you wish, but do finish the walls. Good suggestions are a dark or vivid color, a busy or textured wall covering, classy millwork or a combination of these options (for instance, wall covering on the bottom 3/4 and coordinating paint on the top 1/4 with a chair rail moulding where these two finishes meet).

-If you have the wall space, think about a pocket door. If your coat closet is gorgeous and organized, why not leave the door open? The pocket door allows you to close it off when you aren't hosting an event or when you don't want to see the inside.

-Install a flush mount or semi flush mount light fixture. Think about how you want the light to come on. Do you want to pull a chain once you open the door, or do you want the light to be on when you open it? You can create a new switch next to the outside of the door, or even think about a motion sensor. Either way, you need to be able to see once that door is open.

-If you need the shelf space above the rod, finish off the edge of the shelf with a moulding. Put large bins or baskets on the shelf for other items such as hats, gloves, or over sized bags. Or, you can remove the shelf if you want to, its up to you!

-Consider replacing the rod with a metal rod in brass, chrome, brushed nickel or a wood grain and stain. Or, paint a standard issue rod a coordinating color to mesh with the wall covering.

Knock your guest out with a highly functional and gorgeous coat closet. For a small investment in both time, materials and labor- you can create a gem of a space with fantastic design and decor features that will receive rave reviews from your guests for years to come.

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Retail Pick: Metal Easel

j steinberg — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:09:39 -0700

Weekly Pick:

Restoration Hardware Metal Easel

How to use it:

- An easel is perfect for odd size frames, a frame too small to hang by itself on a wall, a "one of a kind" piece that isn't suitable for a grouping, or any piece you want to especially display.

- Use it on an entry or hall table, in a table scape, on a side table or in the study. Art Easels look especially smashing in table scapes since they add height and a strong vertical element. When positioned on a side table, angle it away from the corner and towards the seating grouping for a more dynamic display.

-Use it to display anything you wish to "vice", such as a rare or important book, record album, or a matted vintage family photo.

-Use it to rotate children's artwork or any art you want to easily rotate in and out of the same frame.

How to get it: Restoration Hardware, in store and online.

Retail Price: $89

I hope you enjoyed my retail pick for this week! Don't forget to check in next week!

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Q+A: How do I incorporate trends in my interior?

j steinberg — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:47:41 -0700

Let me preface this answer by stating that I do not think anyone should do anything because its a trend. Your home needs to work for you and your life, and reflect your style. Its perfectly okay to disregard trends and pick and choose which ones you want to adapt- but only if they reflect your style and your values.

I suggest incorporating trends in small doses- and in ways that are easily changeable. In other words, don't splurge on the trendy new sofa. Instead, splurge on gorgeous textiles and change up the throw pillows. Don't replace your counter with recycled blue soda-bottle terrazzo. Rather, paint the powder room or the inside of the guest coat closet that "new" shade of blue and let your tried and true mouldings balance that zing of trend. Get it?

Tips to successfully incorporating trends:

-Understand your style and what your designer has done. At the end of a project, I like to give my clients a few tips on how they can go about purchasing items after I am no longer on retainer. Colors, shapes, materials and retail vendors to check out (and ones to stay away from!) are used as guidelines. Understand what will and will not work in your space- that really helps to narrow down the field of choices that are out there at any given point in time.

-Keep your architectural bones and investment pieces and incorporate appropriate trends in small doses. Things like textiles, paint changes, and accessories can switch up your space and add that bit of trend without going overboard or veering too far from your established concept and style.

-Incorporate small splashes of trend all over, not just in one room. A new Blanc de Chine vase in a new playful shape can trend up the dining room. New throw pillows can liven up the parlor. New paint can liven up the powder room. Its a subtle trend lift all over, rather than lots of trend in one place.

-Don't confuse "trending" with "updating". Sometimes, its time to update even the most classic of spaces. Updates keep "Classic" current, too much trend carries Classic into a faux pas-ville.

-Know when to stop. If you think you may have a problem with this, consult a pro.

-Consider rotating art (art makes such a huge impact- changing out a traditional piece with a modern piece can do so much) and area rugs to trend up a space and lend change without truly changing anything- you are merely rotating. (Rotating area rugs is better for them, anyways! You can regularly clean them as well as reduce wear and tear at the same time!).

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Editorial: Living Well

j steinberg — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:35:17 -0700

Living well encompasses so many aspects- more than the backdrop we designers create, more than the things we surround our clients with, its more far-reaching than that. Yes, Residential Interior Design is a key component of living well- but its not everything. Living well is a daily act. Its a conscious decision to be the best you can be and live the best you can every day. Living well is maximizing what you have and striving for better when you can. Its using everything you have and everything you are at the highest level.

I was recently on site with clients that are at the tail end of a full kitchen remodel. Anyone who has ever lived through a remodel can attest to the perils of a remodel situation. Though the project is nearing completion, there is much to be done. There's still plastic on the floor in surrounding rooms, crown moulding to be installed, painting to take place and the finishing touches such as knobs and pulls to grace the gorgeous new cabinetry.

Since it was an early evening appointment, my clients offered me a light meal of sandwiches. My favorite is peanut butter and jelly (although they laughed to hear my humble request, they agreed that a classic PB&J is, in fact, a great sandwich!). So, in the midst of remodel chaos, in the living room at the table that is normally in the kitchen, we ate sandwiches. My favorite part, aside from their gracious hospitality, was the fact that they put the condiments in cut crystal dishes. I can honestly say that I have never put peanut butter or jelly into a crystal serving dish. This is a new high in everyday fine living. In fact, its a new high in living well under distress (remodels have been described as torturous), and I loved it! These people "get" it!

This is just one example of living well. Here are a few ways to live well each day with means you already have:

-Utilize fabulous lighting every evening. Don't just reserve it for company! Lighting creates warmth, ambiance and lends comfort- use it! Put your ambient lighting on a dimmer switch if its not already, then adjust the lighting levels according to activity. Its amazing how much more relaxed you can be when the lighting is dim and very warm. You will enjoy your home more when its "glowing" correctly.

-Set your dinner table as you would for company. Use your linens and candlesticks. It takes all but two more minutes to set these items out and two more to break it down after dinner. Don't save these things for special occasions- every day should be an occasion.

-As mentioned, use your china! For morning cereal, for coffee...for pizza! Embrace it. Love it.

-Display fresh flowers in a gorgeous vase (or recycle a San Pellegrino bottle for a casual kitchen bud vase). There is something about real flowers, aside from the fragrance, that really perks up a room and causes a smile in passing. Fresh flowers trump artificial, hands down.

-Burn your candles. Get into the ritual of lighting them upon arrival home. The scent and warmth really make you feel cozy, and candlelight adds that extra sparkle to a lighting scheme. I have a handful of scents I burn throughout the year, changing the scents with the seasons. Further distinguish your home with a hallmark of warmth and subtle fragrance.

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Pick: Crystal Lamp

j steinberg — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:08:03 -0700

Weekly Pick:

Williams-Sonoma Home Crystal Accent Lamps

How to use it: These lamps are so classic and versatile- they can literally be used anywhere in the house! I would love to see a crystal lamp in the living room, study, on the entry table, in the boudoir or even in a nursery. This would be a great statement lamp for a desk in the corner office, too. Tip: get a colored lampshade (I especially love black!) or have a plain shade covered with a textile to match or compliment drapery or wall covering.

How to get it: Shop Williams-Sonoma Home online or via catalog. Call select retail locations for in store availability.

Retail Price:$795/set of three. $275 each. Shade not included.

I hope you enjoyed my pick this week! Don't forget to check in next week!

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Editorial: The Grande Gesture

j steinberg — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:09:30 -0700

A knockout interior design encompasses many, many different components. From the floor plan to the lighting, finishes and accessories- everything must work in unison in order to create a memorable space. Its not enough to address one aspect of design and expect to achieve that "wow" factor. Every layer must work together. Every layer must be calculated, skillfully planned and designed or positioned on purpose. Even when great interiors look effortless- there is a huge amount of thought and reason behind every aspect of a finely finished space.

Enter the Grande Gesture. The Grande Gesture of a space is very important. Its developed by the interior designer via intuition and by information gathered from the client and their lifestyle. (In commercial design, the client's target market, business culture, product or a combination of these factors determine the Grande Gesture.)

Simply put, the Grande Gesture is the style, theme or concept of a design. Everything stems from the Grande Gesture. It must be carried out to the smallest detail and tastefully integrated into the large components of a design. Its one of those "hard to put your finger on it" definitions. And, when you hit the Grande Gesture jackpot, its also one of those "when you know, you know" feelings.

Great design must speak to the Grande Gesture at every level. Whether the Grande Gesture originates from the exterior architecture, the client's personality or the established design direction- it must be present at every turn. The best example is that of a focal point. We designers use focal points to draw attention, to feature something and, ultimately, to "wow". Everything else is supportive of that focal point, holds it up and reinforces that main feature. Its a balancing act resulting in design harmony.

Without a Grande Gesture, elements seem unrelated and choppy. Spaces may contradict themselves. A home will not flow. Styles will not blend or vibrate correctly. Lack of a Grande Gesture feels a little hollow, incomplete and half baked.

Go for the Grande Gesture. Figure out what you want to say by helping your designer when they (hopefully) ask you tons of questions and (hopefully) take tons of notes and (hopefully) think deeply about your project (a great interior designer will do these things!). A powerful Grande Gesture should be stated boldly and quietly repeated in the details to create a truly finished "wow" space.

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Q+A: What colors go with Carerra Marble?

j steinberg — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:56:15 -0700

I am thrilled to answer this question since Carerra Marble is one of my favorite surfaces. Its classic (harking back to Ancient Rome) and its absolutely gorgeous. Carerra marble comes from Carerra, Italy which was established in 1235. Aside from its impressive pedigree as a medium (think Michelangelo's David and the Pantheon in Rome), it is very distinctive due to its milky white color and gray striations.

No matter what, Carerra marble is elegant. It has a more formal look than, say, your run of the mill chunky, flecked granite or quartz composite. Carerra is more dressy, more refined. Its quiet, calm and sophisticated.

Now that you know a little about where it comes from and how truly timeless it is- you may break (or follow) the rules.

Not to disappoint- but Carerra marble goes with just about every color! Its a neutral, so adding one more color to it or including it in a more diverse palette makes it perfect. Lets break it down according to interior style:

Contemporary- This is an instance where you can get away with mixing Carerra with another neutral. Pull out the gray and go a little darker. Mix it with black for a high contrast, sexy, polished look. Put it against a light sand color for a clean vibe. When mixing with a color for a more contemporary interior- stay on the lighter side (no darker than the tone of the gray in the marble).

Conservative Transitional- In transitional design, you pull from both Contemporary and Traditional. The way to solve this problem of where to go with the color when you are erring conservatively is to get the tone right. I recommend a medium Dusty Blue or a medium Olive Green.

"Make a Statement" Transitional- Punch it up with color. If you want to make a statement (as if the Carerra isn't enough), think bold! Traditional colors are deeper, so when choosing Transitional colors- it's okay to step into the area of bold color. I would love to see Kelley Green, deep Olive Green or, dare I say it, Forest Green, Burnt Orange or even Navy Blue mixed with Carerra's white and gray. Pair it with quality white/dark wood cabinetry and accent it with brass or high polished chrome hardware and you have the potential for a seriously gorgeous and unique kitchen or bath. Its easy to distinguish yourself with color, since not everyone has the guts to go bold.

For something a little more fresh, quirky or feminine- lavender and light pink would look amazing with Carerra marble. You could rock this in either contemporary (just go a little more pastel), or transitional (go more towards the middle-ish range of colors on a paint chip, but be careful- you don't what the lavender or pink to come off as juvenile!).

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Pick: Kate Spade Flatware

j steinberg — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:31:59 -0700

Weekly Pick:

Classic Quilted Flatware by Kate Spade

How to Use it:

1) This flatware would be great for everyday use- its fun, stylish and substantial. It doesn't look like fancy dinner or formal guest service- just a chic and classic "everyday" design.

2) This flatware is suitable for casual guest service such as breakfast, luncheons or book club meetings.

How to Get it: This flatware collection, along with matching service pieces, is available at Bloomingdale's in their home department and online.

Retail Price: $55 for a 5 piece place setting (pictured here). Matching serving pieces range from $29-$66.

I hope you enjoyed my retail pick this week! Don't forget to check in next week!

-Janelle Steinberg BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

Weekly Editorial: Brass Revival

j steinberg — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:09:53 -0700

I predict a brass revival. I'm not sure how long this revival will last, or how huge the movement will be...but I'm pretty sure its coming. One could argue brass never really left. In certain circles- brass till signifies tradition, quality and taste. You can still find a selection of brass hardware and fittings...if you know where to look. There is some brass that looks current (think rubbed brass)...if you know where to find it and how to use it.

By and large- its the chrome, nickel, stainless, and oil rubbed bronze (the current craze) in all their incarnations that take center stage, and have done so for awhile now. All appliances became stainless steel overnight- and its still popular for the mass market. The majority of fine jewelry and bridal sets have been set in platinum and white gold for awhile now- and its still popular for the mass market. I don't think we are "done" with the cool metals yet, since gray is proving to be a big color for 2009. But something is on the horizon.

As with all trends, when there is a major shift to one side- the other usually follows. And, when the once exclusive tastes/materials/looks are attained by everyone- the opposite will come into popularity and slowly trickle down to the masses.

I am slowly starting to see more gold in jewelry and accessories for the younger set (which is a sign that tastes are slowly changing). I've been noticing more brass and "gold tone" fittings on shoes, handbags and clothes. I'm starting to see more warm metal options for fine appliances. And, most importantly, I am starting to visualize using brass as the metal accent in some of the designs that dance around my head. The key is that brass has to be updated and inserted into todays Transitional design. And, the other key is attaining a client that wants to set a president and be ahead of the curve, a client that wants to do it before everyone else starts doing it (again).

The last time brass was popular was in the 80's. Think very traditional 80's decor....forest green carpet, oak cabinets, big floral fabrics, Austrian shades, frou-frou, and, brass. Brass chandeliers, brass knobs and pulls, brass lock sets, brass switch plates, brass bed frames....you name it- it was brass.

Now, take those same brass elements. Move them from your memory of home circa 1988, and into the fresh Transitional interior of today. Brass would not only set you apart, but lend utter refinement to an interior that is tailored and clean. Mix brass with the dark woods and white moldings of today and its almost Ralph Laurenesque- very high style Americana. Taking brass and putting it into a new context of Transitional interior design is the new frontier in modern day metals.

-Janelle Steinberg, BA ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design