White Drapery Surprise.

As I mentioned, over the weekend I am helping out a friend with her new house. It's so much fun for me and great to have someone who is receptive to my ideas even if we don't have the same style! Isn't that what a designer is for? Anyway, in her living room which is her top priority at the moment, she has simple ivory colored drapery. My first instinct is, COLOR! But then I stood back and thought that even though they were white, they still carried themselves without any color. Here are some other lovely rooms with ivory/white drapery and don't fade away.

This room is mainly made up of whites and neutrals in a very traditional style. By William Hodgins. Interesting how he works with the shape of the room and places the bedside table forward from the window.

Not a ton of color here but the white drapery is what draws your attention to the height of the ceiling. By Westbook and Winkler.

James Michael Howard, always decorating with soft neutrals tucks this gorgeous drapery behind the stunning architectural detailing.

The ceilings in the Kip's Bay Showhouse this year were so high that Bunny Williams had to sew two sheets (she used linen sheets I believe instead of drapery fabric) together to achieve that height.

Windsor Smith had the honor of participating in this Veranda Showhouse Greyhouse Estate. I'm just in love with those windows that are nicely framed out by strong white silk drapery .

Another lovely room, this one designed by the editors at Veranda.

Funny how even though there is a white carpet, these white drapes really stand out against the cocoa painted walls. By Carrier and Co.

I, of all people shouldn't be too astounded at how many people use simple white or ivory colored drapery. I have soft white drapery panels in both my bedroom and my living room with white scalloped edge roller shades underneath that. Would have included a picture for you but sometimes stealing internet has its drawbacks. I think it's subtle and elegant and lets the rest of the room speak for itself without being a cop out. White is certainly not a cop out.


Alicia B.

A Visit From a Bostonian!

A street on Beacon Hill in Boston

This coming weekend one of my very best friends from college is coming to visit me in NYC alllll the way from Boston! In honor of her visit, I've chosen some of my very fave designers in the Boston area.

Mally Skok always uses the most beautiful colors and fabrics (possibly because she has her own fabric line). This living room has neutrals, ikats, and a generally soothing color palette.

Pinks, oranges, and yellows make up this preppy fun basement sitting area. Also by Mally Skok.

Another gorgeous interior by Mally Skok, in Cape Cod. How gorgeous are the french doors and windows and that coffered ceiling?! FYI Mally also is on Twitter an has her own blog!

Gary McBournie has always been a favorite of mine for his classic and nautically inspired interiors. I love this blue wall in the dining room. They texture gives it such amazing depth.

William Hodgins designs the most incredible houses. This foyer looks all the way through to the window in the sun room. I love the green little plants glowing in the sun!

What a gorgeous antique wing chair in the front hall of this Boston home by William Hodgins. Also, I wish we could see more of the front door because that glass work looks amazing.

Lastly, Frank Roop adds a little edge to the classic look that I love so much. This room is romantic and uses neutrals and jewel tones in the upholstery. I ADORE that glass globe ceiling light in the middle.

I am very partial to designers from New England because of the classic traditional style. Often times, the houses are old Colonial houses with amazing thick mouldings and beautiful front doors, graceful and unassuming stairways. You get the gist...I'm obsessed. Anyway, I'm excited for my weekend and all the fun times we have planned. Two stodgy New England girls let loose in the big bad city...uh oh.


Alicia B.