It's Not Easy Using Green

As a very famous frog once said, "it's not easy being green!" 

Well, around here we say.. It's not easy using green!! 

Sometimes it can be hard to incorporate color into your home. Not to fear, Lisa is here! 

Rule No. 1: Listen to Nature 

Often, we see spaces that are too dark, or too light. By listening to Mother Nature, you can replicate the color values that you see right outside your window. Choose darker values of color for the floor (ground), medium values of color for the walls (trees and mountains) and light values of color for the ceiling (sky). If you divide your colors by value, it send your eye "vertically" in the room, you’ll get an interior that looks good every time.

This pool house in Central Connecticut is a perfect example. Lisa used the dark floors to off set the light walls, which makes the medium tone coral sofa POP! 

Rule No. 2: Get Emotional 

It's your house, choose colors that you love! Use your emotional associations to their greatest effect in a space by deciding on what emotional impact you want the room to have. Would you like it to be lively? Choose reds and yellows. If you prefer subdued, try blues and browns.

This Florida remodel uses color very specifically. It livens up the minimalistic brown couches, and draws your eye to the modern art that was displayed throughout the house. 

Rule No. 3: Don't Forget Black

A maxim in the interior design community, by adding a black element, you ultimately enhance all of the other colors in the space. 

  In this HOBI award winning house, the master suite utilizes dark furniture to draw contrast against the light textiles and walls. 

Happy St. Patty's Day! May the color be ever in your favor. 

Summer Dish on Fish

It's summer in New England. Here in Connecticut, that means a lazy day enjoying the cool water of the Sound and nights taking advantage of the fresh seafood that the coast has to offer.

So jump on board today as we explore some fishy fixtures for your home.. and some for your stovetop too!

In the past, I've designed plenty of pool houses, but last year was my first yacht!

Indoor/outdoor fabrics today are a dream, maintaining a natural texture while still being durable enough to stand up the weather. Sometimes I even use them in kids rooms! The bright colors and enduring quality of the fabric make it perfect for messy little hands.

This fabric from Duralee is also Indoor/outdoor. I could totally see this pattern embracing a deck chair.. especially because it comes in three other fantastic colors! 

These color combonations are a delightful break from some of the other outdoor fabrics that are on the market today. 

This fish lamp from Jonathan Adler is just too adorable.  

While not indoor/outdoor, this Kravet fabric has dainty seashells that can bring the magic of the ocean into your home every day. I might use this linen fabric for some window treatments! 

These swordfish pillows from Eastern Accents are a great accent piece to any couch! Throw one on either end with a colorful solid in the middle and you'll have a whole new aesthetic! 

As a New Englander,  I just love a good mussel. My favorite way to make them is to steam them with some white wine... That way there's plenty left over to go with dinner. 

Steamed Mussels with White Wine

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" cubes
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 4 1/2 pounds mussels, scrubbed, debearded
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Place shallot, onion, wine, butter, and vinegar in a large heavy pot. Add mussels, cover, and bring to a boil. Cook, gently shaking pot once or twice, until mussels open, 3-5 minutes (discard any mussels that don't open).

Set a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth over a bowl; set aside. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mussels to a large bowl. Pour mixture in pot through prepared strainer. Season broth with pepper and pour over mussels. Sprinkle with parsley.

Red & White for the American Red Cross

For as long as any of us can remember, the American Red Cross and its bold signature of a red cross on a white ground has been the symbol of hope, support, safety and security.  The American Red Cross rushes in when disaster hits.  Amid the chaos, turmoil and disorder they rise, sometimes figuratively, and other times literally from the ashes offering comfort and aide.  The American Red Cross is a beacon of light during many dark hours.

On Saturday, May 3rd the Metro North Chapter of the American Red Cross along with sponsor CT Cottages & Gardens held their annual Red & White Ball at the Netjets Hanger in NY.  The night included extravagant tabletops dressed by talented designers.  This years honorary chair was  accomplished interior designer Mary McDonald!  The evening included fine dining, dancing, and silent auction.

I had the pleasure of designing a table scape for this years event.  The design illustrates the American Red Cross rising from the the ashes giving hope, comfort and security.

A bare Manzanita tree set into a cement base filled with Orchid Bark and charcoal is displayed on a grey ombre table cloth, symbolizing the start of a rise from destruction.

For balance and texture the tree base is accented with Glorosalilys climbing the base of the Manzantia imitating flames.  As the tree grows and ascends, life returns to the tree. 

The table runner was handmade by my local workroom. A screen of silver netting by Duralee Fabrics is encased by an elegant red fabric by Kravet Fabrics, bringing the red cross theme full circle. 

Sitting atop the table runner, classic white plates hold handmade, beaded napkin rings. They are fastened with a red ribbon, further tying together the red motif. 

By far my favorite detail (besides the cookies, yum!) were the glass hurricane jars holding delicate orchids. Each one was different, symbolizing how fragile life is .... the final piece that pulls this amazing organization together.  

Over all, it was a beautiful night. I couldn't have done it without all of my behind the scenes help, and of course, my Prince!! I'm already dreaming up next years design. 

Stay tuned!