architect design™

As a blogger one receives a lot of PR emails and every once in awhile something catches your eye. Such was the case when an apartment in the famed El Dorado building on Central Park West decorated by Alexander Doherty was sent to me last week.
The building is an icon seen from central park and has been home to many big names for decades.
The homeowners own and run Blithfield & Co, a line of luxury textiles, and evidence of this is seen throughout the personal abode. I love this living room and those old steel casement windows!
 Design Development NYC was brought on board to do the extensive gut renovation and created all of the custom millwork and mouldings seen in the apartment which give it an art deco / old New York character.
 I love their idea of floating a fuzzy white rug over a heavily patterned antique.
 Some of the gorgeous fabrics from the owner's company used throughout the apartment are seen above.
 Notice the antique brass hardware on the jib door above -such a great little detail that's so important to get right.
 Books are to be found throughout the apartment even on either side of the guestroom bed; no wonder I like it so much!
 More space for cookbooks in the beautiful kitchen.
 I think this may be my dream kitchen. I love a galley kitchen as they're so efficient especially with tons of counterspace and natural light. You can keep your islands!
I love the mixture of wood floors, painted cabinets (a custom Farrow & Ball color), wood and marble countertops with a marble slab backsplash (so clean and easy!).
 After the kitchen, the cozy library has to be my favorite space. Can't you see yourself living in here?
Tons of books, a large tv for movies, and a comfy couch to curl up with a book or favorite magazine seem like heaven to me. I love the addition of a glass desk which doesn't block light from the windows.
Also notice those herringbone floors in the library. The floors are bleached oak to best reflect the light; always important in an apartment!
The master bathroom is a refuge of gleaming nickel and soft white marble off the white and bright master bedroom.
 I love a bed like this; lots of pillows, a fluffy down duvet, and all white - no fuss no muss!
I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did!
Photographs courtesy of Trevor Tondro.

You may remember me talking about Chisel & Mouse before and now the guys at Chisel & Mouse are at it again; this time transforming many of their beautiful plaster architectural models to hanging. Above you can see their version of the entrance to Buckingham Palace on one of my bookshelves but also hanging on my wall below.
They're constantly adding new models to their inventory and improving existing models. Also, the new models are signed and dated. Loving these guys and can't wait to see what they come up with next!

This past weekend I finally had the chance to tour Darryl Carter's new store and studio here in DC that everyone has been raving over.
 The discrete facade in an up and coming neighborhood, Shaw, belies the large amazing space within. Only a small "Darryl Carter" logo in red on the front windows alerts the visitor that they are in fact in the right place!
One can see why Darryl chose the space for his shop: the beautiful industrial spaces are old, worn, and interesting; the perfect contrast to his quirky but beautiful antiques and custom designed pieces.
 This imposing antique lion greets you as you enter.
The first floor features a lot of smaller items by local artisans such as pottery, dishes, glassware, and art pieces. I loved this old stone urn!
The second floor is large and covers his furnishings, antiques, and a lot of other unusual finds.  Copies of his amazing book are to be found scattered throughout the shop.
 At the rear of the 2nd floor, fabric samples are housed in orderly fashion in industrial metal baskets.
 Stunning intaglios by yet another artist line the stairwell.
Everywhere you look are fascinating objects: both found and antique. This chinoiserie dressing mirror picks up the shelving on the wall opposite.
I always associate this type of striped menswear upholstery with Darryl but this was the only example I could find in the shop!
 Taxidermy is to be found throughout the shop as well as cowhide and zebra skin rugs.
Most of the lighting comes from Darryl's collection for the Urban Electric Company. I especially loved these sconces lighting the stairways.
The Attic space is the most beautiful and gets amazing light through old skylights and dormer windows. Darryl originally intended this to be his personal office but the store got larger than anticipated!
 Imagine taking your phone calls on this comfortable daybed everyday.
I was amazed at the breadth of items that is carried by the store - everything including the kitchen sink!
Behind the shop is a private courtyard, perfect for parties. The lines of this old mattress make for an interesting art installation.
Located in the former garage is the design studio where his staff works and client meetings are held. I loved these metal and glass doors.
The wood paneled space is painted Darryl's favorite color by Benjamin Moore, Bonifant White, which visually expands the space. Even the staplers and tape dispensers on the desks were white! The color is from his line at Benjamin Moore where you can get his look for your own home.

Anchoring the work space is a closet with amazing antique hardware. Antique door hardware is to be found throughout the shop on all of the doors - no detail overlooked - don't miss it!
Darryl's shop is located at 1320 9th St. NW, in Shaw, across the street from the convention center. I encourage you all to visit!
Photos taken with my underwhelming iphone - visit the shop to see everything in greater detail!

This weekend while in Charlottesville on the ICAA tour of UVA and Blue Ridge Farm I stopped at "And George" - a charming shop with loads of great furniture, household items, and gifts.I love shops which are arranged with beautiful things as far as the eye can see, like in a house rather than just on shelves.I loved the etagere in the foreground filled with candles and the console table along the back wall.As you can see the shop is full of perfect furniture, like this brass and wood coffee table.Every display in the store is picture perfect. Bellocq tea and William Yeoward crystal made up this vignette.This little desk area reminded me of Charlotte Moss's office.If you find yourself in the Charlottesville area (home to many attractions) be sure to stop in at And George, located at 3465 Ivy Road on Route 250. You just may find me the perfect gift -haha.

This baroque chinoiserie clock from the Getty reminds me that summer is ticking away. I've had so many things going on I've barely had time to write about any of them but look forward to some interesting posts in the near future!

Much like jewelry on a beautiful woman, the right accessory on a house can really pull an entire look or design together. Details matter!