Christopher Peacock Returns!

NY Social Diary

Look at this interesting article just released today:

The Renowned Designer Hires Nearly 100 Employees Across the Nation

Greenwich, CT (www.peacockhome.com) – Christopher Peacock is best known for his cabinetry. For more than 15 years his work has included many private estates and residences throughout the United States, France, Australia, the United Kingdom, Russia, Bermuda, Ireland and Puerto Rico.

Riding on this success, Mr. Peacock successfully sold his company in September 2008 to Smallbone PLC – a publicly traded UK holding company who already owned a collection of high-end luxury brands. These included Smallbone of Devizes, Mark Wilkinson Furniture, Paris Ceramics and Hopton Works. Sadly, the PLC Group, which was primarily based in the United Kingdom, hit hard times due to the global economic collapse

This turn of events provided Mr. Peacock the opportunity to return to his roots and now re-start the brand that bears his name.

“I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of and lead this dynamic group of designers and craftsman who are all dedicated to excellence once again. We still have so much to offer. In my heart I’m an entrepreneur, and the significant demand for our products and our way of doing business could not be ignored. I felt I had no choice but to continue onward with the brand and the reputation for being the best. By launching a home products collection I will continue to offer well-designed and well built products to designers, architects, builders and consumers alike” said Peacock.

The new company plans to introduce many new products for the home, beginning in the kitchen. His MOTRA™ Collection will be the first. This new Collection of high quality, well-designed and affordable cabinetry will be debuted this fall. Under the MOTRA™ label will be a modern line and a traditional line where a typical kitchen from this new Collection will begin at $45,000. “Obviously, the world has changed. To continue to lead our industry we must evolve. Frankly, many lesser brands and mill shops haven’t made it. I believe we are responding to a need in the marketplace and listening to our potential clientele. We are going to be aggressive and fight hard for market share in this multi-billion dollar industry.” said Peacock.


Interesting! Read the full article here.

Red, White & Blue Decorating

c.everad

In the summer, who doesn't love decorating with red, white and blue?

Coastal Living

This is a wonderful room and the addition of the 50's diner style stools add a great punch of color. Notice the vintage signs and bouys which contrast the shiny floor, table and stools creating interest.

Coastal Living

What a fabulous painted floor - this room is primarily blue and white but the few red accents really give it life. The red chair, side tables, pillows on couch, and floor accents help direct your eye around the room.

c.everad

Perhaps a bit unpatriotic for 4th of July, but I love how this antique textile becomes art and makes this room.

red door by the beach

Stripes rule this room, with flag, quilt and antique barber pole(?). Painted furniture and antique signs add a rustic warmth and charm. This could be a very busy room, but the white walls add a perfect backdrop and it is charming.

Coastal Living

A fun beach themed room complete with red coral pillows and shell mirror. The striped couch is fun with an interesting trim, but the chair is a bit too loud for me. I also would not have used the striped rug by the stairs.

Home Sweet Home

Okay, so not many people have big red barn, but if you did wouldn't this be fun?!

Country Living

A simple tablescape uses a striped tablecloth or extra material over a white tablecloth for a great accent. Blue splatterware becomes a great vase for sunflowers and checked napkins, white enamel dishes and small flags finish off a great holiday table. Is that Sangria in the pitcher?

Check out other Tablescapes at Between Naps on the Porch

Coastal Living

Here is a lovely porch adorned in red, white and blue. Bright red wicker with striped cushions, blue door, window box and pale blue ceiling are all accented by white trim. A perfect spot to sip lemonade.

Hope these rooms have inspired you! Have a wonderful 4th of July!!!

Danish Wedding Plans

We all are heading to Denmark this summer. When I say "we all" I mean my three sisters, their husbands and children - my entire side of the family. We total 11 people. My parents, who have since passed away, had four girls and I am sister number three. Sister number two lives part of the year in California and part of the year in Denmark. She has lived between two countries for most of her adult life.

Many years ago when I lived in Germany, we often visited her in Denmark. We did a lot of sightseeing and antiquing. She knew the best out of the way barns and I found some terrific Danish pine pieces.

Sister number two is getting married in August and having a traditional Danish wedding. Her fiancee is a native of Copenhagen, Denmark. My children, and their cousins, are in the wedding and they are all very excited. The photo above is the Danish Royal couple; Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. Just like a living fairytale!

She has planned some great sightseeing for us. One stop we hope to make is Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen.

I plan to get plenty of photos of the plate room for my friend, Valorie at Visual Vamp. She would love this.

To keep the children ages 5 through 12 happy we also plan to stop at Tivoli Gardens.

But, back to the wedding. Here is another photo of the Royal couple - I just had to keep this one in it's so romantic. Sister number two has agreed to let me do a post on her wedding when I return. The plans sound really wonderful so watch for that in September.

After the wedding, my husband, children (ages 10 and 12) and I are heading to the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland. We are staying in the wonderful little village of Wengen. No cars are allowed in Wengen you can only get there by cog wheel train.

We plan do a few days of hiking, which no doubt will inspire me to sing songs from The Sound of Music. The kids have asked me to promise to not break out into song. But it that may prove difficult because the scenery is so spectacular.

We may travel over to Thun to see the Schadau Castle.Or stumble upon some other unexpected and delightful sights. Then we spend our final days in Zurich. We very excited.

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So, my international and well traveled readers, I am requesting any information about out of the way locations that we may want to stop in and see while we are there. These are those not to miss spots that unless you have traveled or lived in the area, an average tourist would not know about. So, if you have a moment or a thought, do let me know.

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Oh my, I feel a song coming on... lucky for you I have no audio feature.

xx-Gina

all photos Google Images

Ghost Chair Metamorphosis

Kartell

The Phillipe Starck Louis Ghost Chair is really beautiful.

We are seeing it everywhere.

flikr

Here it is used in the most common way as an accent chair - totally unadorned. Lovely, but because it is getting so popular, not as unexpected in a room as it used to be.

Casa Sugar

Perhaps in an effort to reinvent it, the set designers for Gossip Girls had pads made for the chairs. I really do not like it, I think the chair loses some of its ethereal quality.

c.everad

But this recent make over stopped me in my tracks. I was taken by the incredibly classic form of the chair floating under the gauzy sheer slipcovers. Isn't this combination fantastic?

I would use this slipcovered chair in any number of rooms! What do you think?


Check out other makeovers on Monday Metamorphosis at Between Naps on the Porch

In Atlanta!

Things that Inspire

We are spending a few days in Atlanta visiting family. Unfortunately I won't be able to meet up with my friend from Things that Inspire, because our schedules are too crazy. But while I am away you should visit the Atlanta Symphony Showhouse. Things that Inspire did a wonderful write up of this beautiful property. Here is the link - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

See you in a few days!

Finding a Niche for a Home Office

Apartment Therapy
I am always so impressed the way designers and architects find small niches for home offices. In my own home , we have a dedicated office space, but my husband often works from home and so it is "his"office. That left me trying to carve out a niche for myself in some other area of the house.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for fitting in an office when space is tight.

Brian Vanden Brink

A quaint space, but look closer and you will see this office is in the bathroom. Not sure how the moisture will effect the computer, but in homes with large baths this is a creative alternative.

Hutker Architects
Have a small area in your hallway? Here is wonderful little space that has been efficiently utilized.

Domenic Mercadante
Here is an office created in the far part of a butler's pantry. Spaces doing double duty!

Willow Decor

Here is where I ended up! I carved out a niche office for myself when I created my Butler's Pantry. It does double duty as a functional pantry, housing appliances, serving pieces and dishes, as well as cabinets to hold internet wiring, printer and family files. Read all about it here.

Apartment Therapy

Is this a closet with a window, an entry or landing? This is one of my all time favorites. I love the the shelf desk and the wonderful natural light.

Centerbrook Architects
An attic alcove has just enough space for a small desk and chair.

Anthony DiGregario Architects
Here is an unusual space at the top of a landing. The owner added built ins for a very efficient space -notice how they wrap around to the right.
. Tittman Architects
This area is not quite as small as some of the others but I included it because it is a space used by two people or one that does double duty. Notice the desk behind the table. Perhaps a shared space or the table is used for crafting.


Better Homes and Gardens
Another small area at the top of a landing or part of a small bonus/loft room.


Country Living
Although this office area is not in a small room; it is in a small space. Interestingly the desk is tucked into the bookcase design, taking very little space up in the room. Very creative!


Restyled Home
Here is a desk area tucked into a pass thru hallway. I like the vertical use of space in this area. The two chairs are also very functional for a parent to sit and help with homework.



This Old House
Of course a well designed closet space can be turned into a wonderful office. Take off the doors and viola - home office!


Steve & Chris
Or leave the doors on and close them if things get too messy. I really like the bulletin and peg boards on the doors for storage and notes.

Apartment Therapy
This is a wonderful modern example of how any space can be turned into an office.


Let me know how you have used an unusual area in your home as an office!

A Perfect Match

(All photos Dallas News unless otherwise noted)

The team of interior designer, Shannon Bowers and long time friend and homeowner, Stacy Hyde was a match in made in heaven. Talented friends working together to create light filled renovation of a 1920's Mediterranean Revival home in Dallas.

The home in the Greenway Parks section of Dallas was originally constructed in 1920 with steel beams from a bank down the street that was being torn down.

The foyer is warm and inviting with it's hand stenciled floors and Swedish and French antiques. Notice the lovely iron work on the staircase which was original to the house. The Bergere chair is lovely covered in linen and the basket adds a unique juxtaposition with the entry table.
The stenciling on the floor was done very lightly so you can still see the wood grain through the stain. The detail is magnificent. The sunroom's linen covered Swedish settee and antique column table make a lovely vignette.
The formal dining room also has an interesting table. The antique column capitals were refitted with new bases to make the table the correct height for dining. A limestone top was custom made and the floor reinforced to support this one of a kind piece. Antique mirror and chest enhance the look. Notice how soft the room still feels even with the lack of a carpet.
The living room's slip covered linen settee sets the mood for this room. The Swedish table, antique chest and pale aqua urns add texture and color.
In the kitchen hang vintage industrial pendant lights which were re-wired for home use. The Lucite stools are slipcovered to add softness. White cabinets, marble and stainless steel add to the classic look.
A dark wine room was renovated into a light, airy butler's pantry. After a long search, the perfect wine racks were located at West Elm.
Charcoal drawings add a punch to the breakfast room. I love the zinc table and with the white washed chairs.
A den filled with texture including linen slipcovers and twisted grapevine floor lamp.
The master bedroom headboard was custom designed by Bowers in a crisp linen. Swedish bench and chest are illuminated by antiqued turned wood chandelier.
Hyde's daughter's room is painted a pale lilac. White linens and custom canopy make it a room fit for a princess.

Material Girls
Through out the redecorating process Hyde found herself traveling outside of Dallas to find the look she was after. This inspired her to open her wonderful home and garden store, Stacy Hyde, on Henderson Avenue. If you are in Dallas plan to visit, as her store inventory mirrors her home style.

To see more photos of Hyde's beautiful home here. And to learn more about the Stacy Hyde shop click here.

Tell me what you think about this renovation and and its interiors.

Please stop by Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

Hardware in the Christopher Peacock Kitchen

The Christopher Peacock Kitchen continues to be ever popular. For the elite few who can afford these kitchens they embody a classic, old world style. Popular among the rich and famous, Christopher Peacock has clients world wide and many in NYC and the Hampton's.

For the rest of America copying these kitchens seems to be a popular topic among many kitchen designers, clients and blogs. I have posted twice on Christopher Peacock. The first Elements of Christopher Peacock Kitchen remains my most viewed post. The second, Lighting in a Christopher Peacock Kitchen, is also very often frequented.

Recently I received a request to find this lighting fixture above in the most recently designed CP Kitchen. The result proved the power of the Internet when Velvet and Linen and Kitchen and Residential Design were able to work together via Willow Decor to locate it!

I get emails weekly from my readers for help copying Christopher Peacock hardware. After months and months of research, and the help of my readers who also have undergone relentless searches, here are my best suggestions for recreating this look in your kitchen.

The Peacock Cabinet Latches: There are are two types of latches,

the "ice-box cupboard latch" and what I call "solid cupboard latch".

The ice box cupboard latches above, that are almost an exact duplicate, are from Cliffside Industries. They are very high quality and well made. I have these in my own kitchen and I love them.

The CP solid cupboard latch is more common and available from many retailers including Restoration Hardware and several on line dealers.

Resotration Hardware

My readers have commented and I have read lengthy discussions on the range of quality of this design. Some are difficult to twist and, as such, become cumbersome for active kitchen use. Two manufacturers who consistently have rave reviews are Rejuvenation Hardware and Cliffside Industries. These products are very high quality, and are easy to manipulate. Other readers have mentioned that they order several extra latches from Restoration Hardware and return the ones that are hard to open.

Cliffside Industries

The Ice box latches on the Christopher Peacock Refrigerator panels and wall units proved harder to recreate.

Eventually we found the Roseland Ice Box Company. They make a series called the McCray which are reproductions of the 1900's Ice boxe latches. The quality and look were exactly what were needed.

Roseland Iceboxes

The range of pulls available are staggering. Many have the feel of the Peacock kitchens and can be found in several sizes from smaller cabinet to larger door pulls.

We have found that Van Dyke's, Merit Metal,  Rejuvenation and Restoration Hardware had the best selections to emulate this look. I love the RH Aubrey and Bistro Pulls. I personally put the RH Bistro Pulls in my pantry. Other readers have had luck with Kennedy and Natz. This is an area where you can add a bit of your own personal taste to your project.

Rejuvenation

Van Dyke's

Locating the CP-like Bin Pulls were much easier, though personally time consuming.

In my own kitchen quest I bought 8 different bin pull look alikes. I mounted them on a board and had my family try each one to get an idea of how they would feel in day to day use. Hands down for quality and ease of use, as well as great design, I recommend the Bin pull from Restoration Hardware.

Last September Christopher Peacock Cabinetry was purchased for over 12 million dollars by Smallbone, a British company who has their own high end cabinetry line as well an umbrella company for several other lines, including Paris Ceramics. Smallbone recently filed for bankruptcy and its rumored that Christopher Peacock, himself, is trying to buy it back. It has even been rumored that he has tried to re hire his craftsman to avoid having them lose their jobs.

Sotheby's

We can only hope that Peacock is able to help keep the cabinetry business alive. Otherwise, we will need to find someone new to turn to for inspiration. All the links highlighted bring you to the exact product mentioned under each heading. I hope this helps my many readers who continue to use Christoper Peacock as a source of inspiration for creating their own beautiful interiors. If anyone else has a good source do let me know so I can share it.

All photos Christopher Peacock Designs unless otherwise noted

Coffey Creek Farm

All photos Robin Sutbbert

Searching for a weekend home in countryside north of Toronto, the Oligvie family found 116 acre Coffey Creek Farm. Having fallen in love the country homes of Europe and unable to properly renovate the 1970's house which stood on the property, the Oligvies enlisted the help of architect, Wayne Swardon and designer, Sharon Mimran. Together this team started from the bottom up and recreated an old/new home reminiscent of turn of the century English and French country villas.

To create this look the architect used heavy timber and stone. He left exposed stone and stucco and featured all these elements prominently inside and out. Landscape architect, Curr Didrichsons, created landscape of ivy and shrubbery that mimics the grounds of an authentic villa. These details created a home the would look perfect in meadows of Provence, on the English countryside or on Coffey Creek Farm in Canada.

The entry way has wide pine floors. The enchanting stone arch and curved door, fitted with period latches is charming.

The living room reflects the interesting architectural elements including the timbered ceiling, exposed stone walls and stone mantel. Fabrics are warm and tactile including linens, velvets and sisal rugs. These elements are set off by iron occasional tables.

The formal dining room includes many interesting details. Notice the timber framing over the double doorways which bring you into the kitchen/ keeping room. Again natural materials dominate the space including leather, sisal and iron.

A great back entry! Take notice of the antique artillery basket on the right used as an umbrella stand. These were popular about 6 or 7 years ago at Brimfield Antique Market where they were stacked in huge piles from several dealers.

The arched entry adds addtional charm and interest to the home. I love the ivory covered ram above the archway.

Such wonderful new home that captures all the detail of an aged antique home. This is a great example of how architect, designer and landscape architect cam come together to create amazing work. Its hard to believe the home is only ten years old.

Ana Ros

Ana Ros is a very talented Interior Designer in Barcelona. With 25 years of experience as an antiques dealer, Ana tried her hand at interior design 6 years ago. She has had great success; winning the Andrew Martin Award for Interior Design in 2005. Since then she has launched her own line of furniture, lighting and accessories. Let's have a look at an apartment she recently completed in an affluent enclave on the Maresme coast, a few kilometres north of Barcelona.

This stately building, which houses several apartments, has wonderful mountain and sea views. Ana, inspired by the neoclassical style of the facade, designed the interiors to be formal and glamorous. Ana is often quoted as having “a classical reinvented style, very timeless and that in spite of the time passing by, it never goes out of fashion".

Inside the apartment, we discover the very image of glamour. Ana Ros' philosophy is: after a careful study of her clients needs she likes to incorporate the glamour of the forties and apply it to her clients lifestyle and taste.

At a first glance, we feel as if we are in the house of a Hollywood star from the forties, although small nuances remind us of Gianni Versace, a favorite of the owners. Ana's preferred colors are golds, silvers and rusts, highlighted with a patina. For the furniture, the designer relies on pieces from the forties and fifties mixed with French antiques, accompanied by silks, velvets and thick linens. Areas in this room which I think are worth noting are the airy, ethereal window treatments, which enhance, rather than overpower the view and the limestone flooring set on the diagonal.

The owner of the apartment wanted to give his master bedroom suite a different feeling, but seeking a Versace touch too.

The jellyfish, a favorite sea creature of the owner, was reproduced on the floor of the bathroom, made of a single piece of travertine marble.

To achieve the elegance the owner wanted, Ana included rich tapestries. In addition, some gold was added to the walls, which were elaborated with decorative paint. This process was also done on the doors, cabinetry and cornices in order to achieve a richer look.

The owner also wanted drama and elegance in the guest bathroom.

Here marble is mixed with gilded mirrors and faux painted columns add even more drama to the spectacular tub. Notice that "carpet"which is actually an intricately patterned travertine floor.

To see more of Ana Ros' work visit her website. It is filled with many fabulous interiors, as well as her new line of furniture, lighting and accessories!

Decor Medley Interview

I wanted to thank Giorgina Devereaux of Decor Medley for so kindly taking the time to interview me about Willow Decor. Check out the interview here.

Since the interview the paparazzi has been going crazy! So if you're looking for me I'll be in my usual disguise!Thanks Giorgina!

xxx-Gina

Slettvoll Summer

all photos from Slettvoll website
To kick off the weekend I wanted to share are the most recent photos from the Slettvoll Summer Catalogue. As you may recall Slettvoll is a case goods and upholstery company that has several locations in Norway and has recently opened 3 new stores in Sweden. They have over 23 stores and have been in business since 1951. It's sort of Norway's' equivalent to Design with In Reach. Lets have a look! Their furniture has clean fresh lines and compliments antiques.
Upholstery uses all natural materials like cotton and linen.
Many pieces are offered slipcovered.
Notice the contemporary lines of the coffee table mixed with the the texture of the aged walls and sisal rug; it looks great with the antique ladder back chairs. They have recently launched an outdoor furniture line with weather resistant fabrics.

Isn't this a lovely garden room? Notice the pattern of the tile floor and the addition of the free standing antique architectural columns.

More photos of the garden room

Slettvoll also offers a sleeker, more masculine line

I find the swivel chairs very interesting. I would love to use those in a porch or sunroom project.

Five simple sectional chairs create an inviting conversation area. Again these pieces are covered in the new weather resistant fabrics.

Slettvoll style is clean and easy on the eyes -I wish they would open a store in the US.