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SISTER PARISH DESIGN is coming to Darien 10.25.12
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
We are so pleased to launch our first Real in Darien event with Sister Parish Design. There is no doubt that the influence Sister Parish (Mrs. Henry Parish II) has had in the design world has seeped into our own philosophy at Real in Darien. Susan Bartlett Crater writes in her book, Sister Parish Design – On Decorating, that “the most important legacy of my grandmother Sister Parish is not solely in the realm of wonderful “taste”, but rather in the love of domesticity and the desire to create places within which families will laugh, escape and ultimately love.” That quote from Susan’s (and Libby Cameron’s) book precisely describes our approach when helping people find a new house. There is nothing more satisfying than getting to know a customer and finding a property that matches their needs and dreams – finding the house that is their “escape” and where their families will create their lives.
The recently launched Home Collection incorporates Sister Parish Design’s fabric patterns and aesthetic to home staples. Laminated trays and dust pans, napkins and tablecloths, desk and travel accessories, tote and duffle bags, notebooks, as well as dog leashes, collars and beds bring the whimsy and imagination of Sister Parish Design into every aspect of life and home. All will be on display and available for purchase. We have chosen the beautiful home at 593 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, available through Kelly Associates, for this wonderful event. Doors will open at 11am, and stay open until 3pm with a light lunch served. And then again from 6:30-9pm with wine and hors d’oevres. 10/25/12.
- Susan Bartlett Crater and Libby Cameron, partners,
- Sister Parish Design
It will be a sensational trunk show. We are certain you will agree so don’t forget to mark your calendars!
A Bit of Background:
Sister Parish, the long time partner of Albert Hadley, ran her design firm for 60 years known as Parish-Hadley. As one of the great American decorators, Mrs. Henry Parish II continues to influence todays top decorators and those of us who love to create our own interiors.
“Sister Parish’s granddaughter Susan Bartlett Crater, and Libby Cameron, Sister Parish’s protégé and colleague, founded Sister Parish Design in order to bring Mrs. Parish’s favorite materials and prints to the general public. Susan and Libby have designed a collection of fabric inspired by the designs Sister loved and used in decorating her own houses. Their recently launched home collection provides an additional way to add charm and whimsy to any setting.”
(All images and some text used are from the sisterparishdesign.com site. Check it out. You will also love the fabric and wall papers available through your favorite decorator! In addition, quotes and references are from the book, Sister Parish Design – On Decorating or from the web site.)
Miles Redd event at the Antique and Artisan Center
Monday, October 15, 2012We are getting sooooo excited for the Miles Redd book signing at the Antique and Artisan Center on October 17 from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. You can pre-order your book at www.assouline.com for $75.00. It is going to be loaded with wonderful pictures full of his distinctive work. We hear there may be a surprise guest or two!
The de Gournay paper, the velvet chair, the chevron floor. ooooh, this entry! So chic and sophisticated
Love the red….wish we saw more of this in town.
His townhouse in NYC. Both shutters and awnings!
The most amazing valances I have ever seen.
This is may favorite butlers pantry. I beg someone to PLEASE consider this in their home.
This Scalamadre wallpaper never fails
One of my favorite wall colors – black (or almost).
Note the floors off the blue. The light is perfect in here.
I have no words.
Such a happy room 🙂 The chairs (think they are from Todd Romano)
I do not like pink but I love it here.
GORGEOUS!!!!
Between the peacock lacquered walls, chinoiserie foyer and punch of orange….speaks volumes.
Please look up!
Love his jacket….how cute is he!!!
Can’t wait to meet him and hope to see you all there. XO-Abigail & Kim
A Post Script….
Wednesday, October 3, 2012I recently referenced Gil Schafer, the architect who is on his way to being one of the GREAT American architects. There is no doubt that I am CRAZY about his work, so I thought it was worth mentioning that his book, The Great American House, is superb! If you have even the slightest interest in architecture and or design you should take a look at this book. In fact, you should probably own it. He has some great advice. He really gets it.
On sale now. Worth every page!
I managed to collect a few photos to give you a flavor of this wonderful book. Gill describes three of four projects of his and how they come together. Very inspirational!
House in Dutchess County New York Designed by Gil Schafer.
A favorite room by Miles Redd in house designed by Gil Schafer
A Stunning restoration project in South Carolina! I am dying over this!
A smashing choice of color on the walls of this fantastic hall. Makes me want to rethink everything in my house.
“Think thin” to quote Gil Schafer. One of the drastic mistakes in home designs is the width. One, possibly two rooms deep, that is it! Otherwise you run the risk of falling into the McMansion trap. (Love this entry hall).
A beautiful collection of bespoke pieces. Choose well, and choose what you love. The results will be beautiful.
(Photo curtesy of Architectural Digest)
A good outdoor room. That fireplace! The stone, the scale. Love the lantern as well. (Its probably from Ann Morris Antiques.)
(Photo curtesy of Architectural Digest)
(Photography curtesy of Erik Piasecki)
Farrow and Ball opens in Westport
Friday, September 14, 2012And, Real in Darien was there! We love the colors Farrow and Ball bring to us each season and the colors for 2013 continue to dazzle us. We came home with a sample of the newest Black Blue which will absolutely transform any space. I am thinking in the dining room, or transforming a Bar area. Gorgeous! In addition, they are thrilled to introduce French grey, Stone Blue, and Cornforth White. Check out all the color schemes they have to offer, as well as the sensational wallpaper!
What a beautiful arrangement, with colors chosen to show the subtleties of the F&B colors.
The scene last night at Farrow & Ball. Lots of local excitement about the new location at 391 Post Road East in Westport, CT.
The shop is lined with examples of Wallpaper and paint boards demonstrating the range of options you have (can you see the two boards in the background?)
Announcing the key colors for 2013.
Of course we ran into our dear friends from the Antique Center (Stamford) at the opening.
House Beautiful threw a great event for the store opening! It is so nice to have this sophisticated and sexy paint line now available in Westport. Go check out the store. You will have so much fun developing your new color scheme here.
We are back after a July Break!
Friday, August 3, 2012We hope you are having a wonderful summer. It has been a while since we posted, but we are back with lots to talk about. Summer time brings us out of doors for us to enjoy what we have been working for and what we enjoy most: gardens, sailing, tennis, hiking or simply enjoying the view!
As always, gardens can be a big part of what makes a home special. Spending time up on Mount Desert Island every summer is so inspiring. Acadia and Frenchman’s Bay offer a very unusual opportunity for spectacular landscapes and gardens. The Mount Desert Garden Club takes great pride in their small but not insignificant membership, and they should! It is where you will find some of the prettiest, most dramatic as well as some of the most well thought out gardens in New England. Every Summer, six gardens are chosen to participate in the Garden Tour. Here are some highlights that will inspire!
Fantastic potted clay pots surround this spectacular house on Somes Sound in Northeast Harbor.
The property combines native planting and GLORIOUS container gardening.
Views of Somes Sound from the native pink granite terrace.
A mossy sanctuary that leads to a beautiful garden in Seal Harbor, ME
A spectacular border that shows off many of the prettiest summer blooms
Meadow Rue. Fabulous!
A natural garden pool made from the native pink granite found all over the Island.
Another Seal Harbor spectacular.
Overlooking Bracy Cove. Very special.
You just never know what you may find on the Maine coast!
Looking out to the Cranberry Islands.
All over the property were these fabulous lanterns to light the way at night. What a beautiful way to discretely post lights around your property!
Another spectacular garden in Seal Harbor.
Landscape Architect Dennis Bracale has combined a Tudor garden in the front of the house with and East Asian waterfall courtyard against the cliffs of the mouton behind the house.
Backed up against the mountain behind the house, she is watching…
Not a bad view over Bracy Cove
Grand opening of illume´, hosted by NYC&G
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Accessory Store has done it again! We attended the opening of illume´, the new venture from our go to store for any lighting need – shade, bulb, re-wiring, candles – you name it, they do it. illume´ is now open in the city on 58th Street just steps from the D&D building. We could not miss out checking out their new spot and it did not disappoint.
Michelle, Chris and Wes enjoying the lovely evening
Marketing Director, Michele Roofthooft with owner, Mark Candido
This small space hits the mark; lots of antique glass, beautiful black cabinetry, a creamy gold grasscloth on the walls, blue painted ceilings and esquisite furniture that highlights the grand collection of shades and lights. They are diplayed in a way that gives credit to the beauty of the shades themself. It is like a candy store for lampshades.
The workshop side of the store
Hosts the same lighting odds and ends all in one place
They can rewire anything into a light-look at these!
Don't these look like party favors?
Your house is your home, inside and out!
Friday, June 1, 2012Memorial Day weekend is busy, and there is a lot to honor and celebrate. This year the garden proved to be equally exciting. If you have a garden that blooms at various times through out the summer then you were so pleased to see the peony in full blossom, as well as a lot of other wonderful plants pushing their way through the ground. Everything is so lush this year.
If you have just moved into your new house, get inspired. If you are thinking about selling your house, this is a time to to enjoy the fruits of your labor! After all, your house is your home, inside and out!
While I was at home in Washington, CT last weekend, I went up to Cornwall to visit my friend Charlotte. Charlotte grew up in Darien, and when it came time to sell her family’s sensational Goodwives River home, she took a piece her childhood: a cutting of the roses her mother had planted. They are thriving in their new home!
Roses from her mother's garden in Darien. They will be beautiful!
Charlotte’s garden is one to love, and be inspired by!
A newly planted border outside the kitchen window.
potted plants are always so effective on a terrace
The creeping hydrangea are so full and lush. It takes a long time to cultivate this, so get started!
Little creatures keeping track of the rain fall.
A fabulous focal point for a garden! Love this!
Waldingfield Farm is a special compound that five generations have been lucky to enjoy. I am lucky to be part of the fourth generation. I was so happy to at home last weekend. It felt as if we were in full Summer. The gardens speak for themselves, but don’t think that the love here is without labor!
Grandmothers urns help make the garden a very special place.
Five generations later, they bloom like pros!
Mom's border making its way into full bloom. It will peak later in August.
The breezeway, a special place to sit for lunch or with a book. The grapes that hang on the vine over the arches are beautiful but sour!
The peony boarder is spectacular this year. This is one of the best times in the garden! Note the Wisteria that is creeping along the house, headed to the pergola.
Another view of the West terrace were the trees are a very important part of the landscape.
The trees and stone walls create a very natural landscape.
Doris, the goat, is from Marvin Gardens in Wilton, CT on Route 7. An exceptional resource for garden treasures!
Grandmother's Budda lady watching over us
Memorial Day weekend
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Something very special about living in this town is our show of patriotism. Here are some highlights from 2012.
Over 2000 flags are placed on the graves of veterans every year
We salute our veterans today and every day and the yellow ribbon will stay on until they are all home.
FLEA IN ROWAYTON
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Flea is a small shop in the heart of Rowayton village (1588 Rowayton Avenue) that we came upon one day during open houses. What initially caught our eye was the gorgeous new garage in the parking lot behind Sails Restaurant. I am planning on building a detached garage (one day) and wanted to take a closer look. We then realized that there was a cute shop housed in the garage. Run by Laura Grabe and Laura Jayson (aka the dough girl), they have turned this garage into something special. The spot is stocked with everything from dog beds and tunics, framed art, woven baskets and candles. The best part is you can shop while tasting the delicious dough girl treats and Espresso Neat coffee.
dough*girl baking company has been run by Laura Jayson since 2007 and her tasty treats have been blessing us all over town. She runs the shop in the morning, then goes to her kitchen in Stamford and bakes her treats for the next day. She rises at the crack of dawn and delivers them to places like Espresso Neat before heading back to Flea.Her passion truly shows and their taste is second to none. Don’t miss this little jewel in Rowayton.
Laura Jayson of dough girl fame
I had found these stools and have been lusting after them ever since. I needed 5 but they only had 4. I decided to go back last week to see if somehow, magically, 5 would appear.
Antique stools with a cool blue chevron fabric
Well they still only had 4 (someone PLEASE buy these fab stools) but I stumbled across something even more special. Right there in front of me was a Dorothy Draper Imposter Chest. I could not believe my eyes! I was so nervous to look at the price tag…..these typically run over $1000 in poor condition and this one was in very good shape. When I saw the price was $450 I could not believe my eyes. I was about to own my very first Draper Imposter. For more information on Dorothy Draper and her Heritage Chests check out this great write up by Circa Who.
I can't believe they have not sold this huge Xanax
The prettiest looking surfboard
You can even pick up some Dough Girl treats and coffee
We loaded it into my car and it just fit!!!
Into the house it went and fit perfectly in my living room. Even my husband liked it. Thinking of a Christopher Spitzmiller lamp with a pop of color like chartreuse or orange.
So in anticipation of Memorial Day check out this cute shop tucked into a corner of Rowayton village. It is the kind of place that when you leave, will have found a friend and a new local lust!
Getting back to the garden
Monday, May 14, 2012We started this entry weeks ago, with every intention to post, and then other ideas got in the way. I still think we can start by saying that we have had an early and mild Spring this year. It is SO FUN to be back in the garden!
First bloom in the planters… the pansies
The weather being just so beautiful these past few months is making us think about the garden; picking up winter scraps on the lawn, getting the pansies in, and getting the flower beds ready for the summer. It is a little early, but since mother nature is forcing us to face Spring early this year (no winter whatsoever!), lets do it!
Mix and match colors and textures
In this Spring market, it is so nice to see what gardens are coming into bloom. Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but I will take you back to 5 Salem Straits. Listed through Kelly Associates. If you would like to see this property, we would be happy to show you.
Can’t wait to see this in full bloom at 5 Salem Straits
Something that really popped out at me was the cutting room at 45 Ridge Acres. (Now under contract through Halstead/Darien). It’s beautiful; the red brick floor and soft moss green on the walls are very chic. This is the kind of cutting room those of us who garden dream about. It is such a treat to have a place where you can create beautiful arrangements from your own garden. You can work in a shed, or in the corner of your garage. Yes! Use that third garage bay for a garden center of your very own. If you want to go to the next step and add a sink , I saw a gorgeous one at Good Food Good Things. The stone urns underneath are pretty fab as well.
One of a kind sink available at Good Food, Good Things, Darien, CT.
Sink details
A trough made into a potting sink I saw at Pergola in New Preston, CT very durable and perfect for potting and cutting flowers. This is a beauty!
I was in my neighbor’s greenhouse the other day which is a lovely stone/glass structure in her garden. The sink at Good Food Good Things or Pergola (in New Preston, CT) would be Divine in there! You don’t see a lot of spaces like this around here, it would be so exciting to have a greenhouse like this!
Think candlelight dinner under the stars
From my own potting shed. Couldn’t resist these pink ranunculus.
Yes, pink works really well for me. Never go wrong with pink.
Getting back to all the gardening to be done, something we encourage is potted flowers and plants. These days the urns you can find are beautiful without spending too much money. Potted flowers are easier to manage and much less maintenance. You are not weeding all summer, (some of us enjoy garden work, some of us don’t) and they are wonderful additions to a terrace. And, of course, window boxes. But get creative. Don’t just stick the old ivy and typical flowers that we see everywhere. Experiment with texture, and go for it!
Planted these for Mothers Day
Look at how the window boxes give my shed a little love!
I was wandering New Preston, CT and one of the treasures up there is Pergola, a sophisticated yet down to earth garden shop with a “green” approach to the garden. They have a lot in pots and beautiful garden accessories (note the garden sink they have built from a trough). If you ever find yourself wandering around Litchfield County, make a stop at Pergola!
At Pergola in New Preston, CT.
Beautiful old fashioned table and chairs at Pergola
Cherry blossoms at Pergola
More beautiful garden accessories at Pergola
Inside Pergola
Flower pots that will be lovely inside and out doors
Lastly, but certainly not least, few of the best garden resources are very close to Darien. Mariani Gardens is, hands down, the best one in the area, if not the Tri-State. This is a totally different (not necessarily better) experience than White Flower Farm, or Elise or any of the better flower/shrub farms. Mariani Gardens is an all encompassing garden experience – and you can take a break from shopping the extraordinary species and have a lovely lunch at their cafe . Its a great way to spend the day. Check it out!
An extraordinary experience at Mariani Gardens
A little bit more local, Elise Nursery is another great option for landscape design. This is one example.
An old stand by. White Flower Farms is always considered one of the best sources for flowers and shrubs.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
and the results are in…..
Wednesday, May 9, 2012Check out the winner of the Farrow and Ball front door contest! Congratulations and thank you for the divine inspiration.
Estia’s…On Our Minds!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012The ladies who lunch in Darien have never had it so good. For that matter, we all haven’t had it so good! After the best breakfast around and another mouth watering lunch we decided to return with camera in hand. At 12 noon, there was not a table to be had. The food is fantastic, the ambiance is terrific, decor very cool and the bar is very inviting (probably not for breakfast, but certainly for lunch!) Estia’s Little Kitchen started in Sag Harbor around 12 years ago. Collin Ambrose, the owner, “the chief cook and bottle washer”, has now brought his talent and expertise to Darien, and we hope he will continue this great tradition of good food right here for many years to come!
Off the menu: a delicious combo of egg, avocado, tomato and Andouille.
Daily special. The veggie burger. Not like any other!
View from the bar.
The much anticipated opening for dinner is tonight and I bet it does not disappoint. We are very lucky. Go check it out if you haven’t. From what we understand, it is quickly becoming the “go to restaurant”.
The world is getting smaller
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I picked up my new issue of House Beautiful and while I don’t usually pay attention to Restoration Hardware ads, I was struck by it this time. It said
“The world is getting smaller (and so are we)”.
Small doesn’t have to mean plain and boring
It goes on to say how they are listening to their clients by making smaller furniture for smaller homes. If you live in a small home your style should not be diminished and they have begun to recognize that.
Turn your attic space into the office you have always dreamed of
I live in a small home and have always dreamed about all of the closets, and rooms, I thought would make my home and life perfect. But with age comes the wisdom to realize that closets won’t make you happy. So while I still wish for a little more space, I now realize that my small home does bring me happiness. First off, it is so easy to manage. It takes me seconds to get from the kitchen to the living room to the family room so I have less travel time to pick up all the things my kids seem to drop for me. My oil, cleaning and landscaping bills are not killing us which eases stress (we have enough of that in our lives). But most importantly, I buy less “stuff” – more quality and less quantity.
Don’t be afraid to use vibrant wallpaper in a small space
After all those years of wishing for more, I am so happy with less.
Use fresh color in a small space
When I first moved here a friend referred to my house as a “cottage” and I almost passed out. Now I giggle as I reflect back on it and realize that cottage has become the place I most want to be.
Many of our favorite homes in this blog are smaller because they typically ooze the charm and character we seek when looking at homes with our clients.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
The Way Home
Thursday, April 19, 2012Since most of Darien is out of town this week, I took advantage of my extra time and went down to Greenwich where the Historical Society hosted a fantastic luncheon and lecture featuring Jeffrey Bilhuber. Jeffrey Bilhuber, the very celebrated decorator, is my rock star. Some people like the Stones, I will stick with Jeffrey Bilhuber. I can promise you, this “rock concert” did not disappoint.
Reflections on American Beauty.
He was there to talk about The Way Home, his latest book. In a very theatrical presentation, Jeffrey Bilhuber talked about his experiences with clients, and how together they create homes that define who they are, and where they have come from. Since I like to think that I am helping my customers find the house they will make their home, this afternoon was the perfect way to supplement the journey I have with my customers.
Abigail Moore with Jeffrey Bilhuber.
As it turns out, not only can he pull a room together with color and trim, he can speak to a room full of people as if he knows everyone personally. He is an excellent speaker. He never uses the same word twice, never stalls on his thoughts, and is genuinely excited about his projects. He had us all dreaming of our own decorating experiences and we all came away with a “new best friend”. I am guessing he came away with a few new clients.
Highlights from The Way Home.
Answering questions at lunch.
Beautiful tables by Juliska and Bilhuber.
Bilhuber and the winner of the grand raffle prize - 3 hours of consultation with him!
Circa Who in West Palm Beach
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
I am on my way down to Palm Beach for Spring break and while I am down there, if anyone is looking, I can be found at Circa Who , my favorite store in West Palm Beach. I check in on their new finds almost daily. When I first discovered this jewel of a resale shop in the Northwood section of West Palm Beach, getting down there over winter break became a priority. Once, I was after a ceramic bamboo lamp. The lamp I had spotted on line was sold the day before I got there, and would soon appear in the Garnet Hill catalog for the Lilly Pulitzer spread (pictured below). At least it was Lilly that beat me to it! No fear, there was a slimmer, taller pair that would look even better in my family room. Phew…
Garnet Hill catalog…..That’s my lamp!!!
You will find unique, Palm Beach vintage ‘must haves’ reminiscent of a bygone era on the island. I could not pass up sharing this new Pagoda Mirror that is on the site right now. I have a cream one just like this in my kitchen that I bought last year. It adds an unexpected kick in my traditional New England home.
Love the dog on top of the garden stool.
I am truly obsessed with lighting… all lighting, and have promised my husband that I will not indulge any more…but maybe one more time. This chandelier is one of their latest treasures, and I think it might be one for the collection.
You do not have to limit yourself to a chandelier. They have more lamps than anyone could ever dream of. And the more lamps, the better.
Same green but in a table lamp.
These remind me of my Asian figurines that I transformed with the help of The Accessory Store in Stamford, CT.
Circa Who has the most impressive inventory of chairs. While there are tons of imitations out there, these are the real deal and are worth shipping up sight unseen (they will take care of that for you) and recovering if needed (but most of the vintage Palm Beach fabric may be worth keeping).
Garden stools are now sold in every catalog but they always have an original selection and no 2 are ever the same. LOVE LOVE these elephants.
I have been looking for a table to put in my kitchen and have been craving a fretwork console. Could this be the one? I will find out when I am there next week on vacation.
Or a Chippendale Credenza? Love the faux bamboo. Plus I could store more.
How fun is this elephant table!
A similar one in Ruthie Sommer’s pool pavilion. She probably found it at Circa Who.
These Dorothy Draper imposter’s are my new lust after seeing a pair at 262 Tokeneke Road (asking $1,099,000 through Halstead Property. If you would like to see this home contact us). They make a statement anywhere. I may have to find a spot for these…..
My mother still has her coffee table just like this from the 70’s. She still will not give it to me.
I just love what Tracy has done wit this resale shop and one can tell she loves what she does. We look forward to seeing more of these Circa Who pieces in Darien, Connecticut!!!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.