Long before I even thought about going into the design business I paid close attention to details. I remember a trip to the Phillipines when I was 9 years old and visiting friends of the family at their house. I don´t recall much about the decor of the house except a set of stacking end tables next to the sofa and a large beautiful tortoise shell on the wall. Come to think of it.. it was probably there it all started…. my love for anything tortoise ; Boxes, furniture, sunglasses, jewelry, you name it. Ironically.. one day when my friend and I were playing outside we found a little turtle in her mailbox. We named him Michael Jackson.
Here´s some great tortoise inspiration… but have no fear.. it´s all fake (even all the ones on the wall designed by KWID), because who would want to kill those little creatures.
The Tides in Miami – Design : Kelly Wearstler (all shells are made of resin)
Lonny
A few days ago, on March 30th, the world of interior design and decoration lost a great talent when Albert Hadley passed away at the age of 91. Mr. Hadley was a true icon, mixing a modern esthetic with classic design in interiors for some of Americas most famous names. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Mr. Hadley attended Peabody University and later became a graduate and teacher at the famous Parsons School of Interior Design in New York City and in Paris. After joining the renowned firm McMillen, Mr. Hadley later co-founded the legendary design firm Parish-Hadley Associates along with Sister Parish in 1962. Some of the very top decorators in the United States have trained with Mr. Hadley and Sister Parish and have in their turn started very successful firms of their own. My former boss, the incredible Mr. Brian J. McCarthy is one of them, along with famous designers like Bunny Williams, David Easton, Mariette Himes Gomez and David Kleinberg.
During my years with Brian, he has always shared with me fond memories from his time with Mr. Hadley and I see so much of his influence in Brian´s work. I am so grateful to have worked so closely with Brian who was my mentor for many years and continue to be an inspiration to me in my work today. Thanks to Brian, I was very fortunate to get a glimpse into the world of Mr. Hadley and learn some of the best decorating ideas from him.
The first time I met Mr. Hadley was when we attended the decorator´s showhouse in Southport, CT where my colleague and friend Todd Bishop was exhibiting his work. After the show, we were invited for a drink at Mr. Hadley´s home which was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The second time I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hadley was at his 85th birthday party which Brian generously hosted in his Manhattan apartment. It was incredible being in the same company as some of the country´s most acclaimed decorators..an evening which I will always remember.
I believe all of us decorators today have been influenced in some way by this amazing man who during his lifetime touched so many peoples hearts and brought so much inspiration and talent to the world of decorating.
Mr. Hadley.. you will be missed but I will never forget the impression you have left in my life.
Spring is on it´s way and I think everyone in Stockholm is as happy as I am that the skies are clear blue and the temperatures are finally a steady 5 degress above freezing which means the sidewalks and streets are no longer covered in ice and snow. I am ready for Spring.. bring it on!!
To make more room in the shop and to celebrate winter being close to over (cause let´s face it… we might still get some more snow in this country) I am having a little SALE in my shop. Beautiful pillows, lovely scented candles and fabulous accessories are marked WAY DOWN so hurry on in!
50% REA REA REA!!! Hurray!
by Kristina on February 8, 2012
in Art
To say that I am a fan of abstract art is an understatement. I´m not an expert on the subject by any means but I can really appreciate it from a purely esthetic point of view. I used to work on an amazing project which was an education in art on a daily basis, where priceless art lined the walls in every room. It was such a treat and an incredible experience to view these pieces in a private setting.
If I had a few million bucks I would spend it on one of his pieces…
"Montauk"
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by Kristina on January 22, 2012
in Colors
I found the cutest shoes on a recent shopping trip in New York and if it weren´t for the hideous price tag I would have snatched them up no question.
Given my love for the orange/pink color combination I was inspired to find some interiors that reflect the same great look!
here´s just a few….
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I grew up in Naples, Florida which is one of THE most beautiful little towns in America. When I went to school there I couldn´t wait to leave and move up to New England and experience four seasons again. Now, having lived in Stockholm for a few years, I am dying to go back to gorgeous weather, beautiful beaches and all around simple and easy lifestyle. Having spent the holidays there I am missing it now more than ever.
So I started fantasizing…
If I were to move back.. what would my little dream house look like? well… let me show you
This would be the front of the house.. except I´d paint the front door black.. and change the fence to a nice green hedge which would be prettier..
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by Kristina on December 13, 2011
in Floors
Oh how I would love to live in a house. Especially with multiple floors so I could have a beautiful stairway with a gorgeous runner.
Here´s some great examples of pretty stair runners and some other fun ideas on how to decorate your steps.
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Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. Even though I am not American by blood, I grew up there and have, from the first year we arrived, always celebrated Thanksgiving with our many American friends. For me it always started with waking up to the amazing smell of my mother cooking in the kitchen, and the noises and sounds from the TV showing the Macy´s Parade from New York. I have such wonderful memories from all these years whether it was in Naples where I grew up as a teenager, or with various friends while in college in New England and finally to many great years in New York. Today I am thinking of my family who is all gathered in Naples and spending the day together with dear friends. I wish I was there with them!
As I am dreaming about turkey dinner and mom´s amazing stuffing.. Here´s some beautiful table settings to give you some inspiration for making tonights dinner extra special.
Don´t forget to say your thanks and let your loved ones know what you are the most thankful for. Today I am thanking all my friends who have always been there for me and given me such support… especially when I have needed it the most the past few months.
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by Kristina on November 4, 2011
in How-To
It can be a bit tricky figuring out how high to hang your chandelier, how many chairs will fit around a round dining table and how much paint you need to cover all your walls so here´s some very handy tips from some of the greatest decorators in the business. Write these down on a little cheat sheet and the next time you need to know how far up the wall to install your light switches.. just refer to this list and you´re good to go.
Happy decorating!!
1 . A 36″ – wide rectangular table is perfect for conversation. A round table with a diameter of 48″ seats six; a 60″ round table with handle eight standard dining chairs or 10 ballroom chairs.
- Charlotte Moss
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by Kristina on October 29, 2011
in Colors
