To kick-off the Summer I invited a bunch of friends over to my apartment in Brooklyn Heights for a mid-week party on my terrace with beverages and food. It was a perfect evening, and more than one guest showed up in seersucker! (more…)
I am fond of two different Bellinis – both Italian, both legends, and both created in the 1930’s.
One Bellini is a drink invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice – a beverage that mixes Prosecco with peach nectar – the other Bellini, originally from Milan, is the architect and designer Mario Bellini.
Bellini – Mario that is – was recently in New York City to speak about about his career – including a 50+ year relationship with Cassina Furniture – and to share some thoughts on design, inspiration and to launch a couple new pieces of furniture.
I jumped at the opportunity to be in the presence of such legendary greatness….
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Even at the one-year-anniversary-of-my-still-very old-house in Connecticut I continue to gear-up with more gear.
As you can see here, galvanized metal figures prominently in my weekends. Galvanized metal is an ‘old-school’ material, predating plastic, evoking ‘times gone by’ (and some of the products are still even made in America.)
The photo was taken on the front steps of my Greek Revival farmhouse documenting my new shiny and practical treasures by my long time friend – Tom Luciano – who among other things is a talented photographer.
Tom spent the weekend with me in Connecticut – I have much to share….
While the photos of this light-filled living room are recent, I designed this project over 25 years ago.
Gracious and refined understatement was the standard by which everything in the room was selected.
Class Carr Sofas from Jonas Upholstery are covered in ‘Luxurious Cotton Velvet’ from Gretchen Bellinger – a textile that is soft and luxurious with a wonderful lustre.
The Barcelona Table designed by Mies van der Rohe had been purchased by the clients decades before I met them, illustrating a long-held interest in modern design.
The pair of iron and oak Pierre Chareau stools were purchased from Ralph Pucci.
The floorcovering is a ribbed wool sisal installed wall-to-wall, with a beautifully washed- out antique Garden Tabriz area rug – both rich and subtle.
The now classic Saladino Lamp sits on the table behind one of the sofas.
The 1958 lithograph ‘Nocturne’ from Derrière le miroir by Joan Miro, was part of my clients existing art collection.
Modern Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa was the inspiration for the custom designed limestone fireplace surround.
The clean, elegant lines of the Klismos Chair designed by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings fits seamlessly into this highly edited room.
Arts & Crafts accessories are from David Rago Auctions (the ‘old-days’ of David Rago when auctions were held in the ballrooms of NYC hotels, and when David sported a long ponytail!)
This distinctive modern house on Martha’s Vineyard was the second collaboration with my long-time friend Bob Miklos at Design Lab Architects for some long-time clients. (If you are in the market for a cool modern house on Martha’s Vineyard the house is currently for sale!) The interior images of this project have never been published – here are some of my favorites…. 
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