interior glass doors: 2008-07-13

Ring My Bell

I bought this Marcia Moran gold plated ring at Anthropologie a few weeks ago and people compliment me on it everywhere I go. US Weekly also praised it as Buzz worthy. Best part is that it's available online for only $122! Buy it and you can also feel like a celebrity since rumor has it that Cameron Diaz owns it too.

Elements of a Christopher Peacock Kitchen

A sincere "Thank You!" to the Washington Post for including this post in your Blog Watch, July 24th, 2008!

In my quest to revamp my kitchen and pantry, I have studied countless Christopher Peacock Kitchens for inspiration. Because Christopher Peacock limits images which can be copied I was able to locate some of his work via Real Estate listings in Hampton, NY and Greenwich, CT. All the pictures below are from real estate listings which noted that the kitchen was designed by Christopher Peacock.

The signature Peacock White Scullery Kitchen. Counters are carrera marble with a white subway backsplash. Notice the pot filler behind the stove and high arc faucets. The pendant lights are usually hung in twos or threes. These lights are from Circa.

Another signature Peacock white kitchen. Cabinetry is inset and counters are soapstone. This kitchen also has High arc faucets and pot filler. Note that the stove hood design is similar. Also notice the notched corners on the island, both are signature Peacock styles. One interesting feature of this particular kitchen is the sink in the center island. I read an article where Peacock mentioned he does not generally prefer to have a sink in this location. He said he liked the center island sleek and unobstructed.

Another carrera marble kitchen. I love the darker wood floors with these cabinets, versus the lighter floors above. Notice the faucets are also high arc and brushed stainless. These particular faucets are KWC Systema style, very pricey. Also notice the ice box style hinges and latches on the doors. This kitchen has inset stainless steel drawers. I am not a fan of these, as a mother of two, I just could not keep them fingerprint free.

Here is a lovely Peacock kitchen in the Hampton's. These floors are not wood, but a lovely slate - very pretty. I love the butcher block and marble island. Notice the glass front subzero refrigerator. I love the color of this kitchen and the multiple surfaces; marble, soapstone, slate and wood.

These two pictures are from a Peacock kitchen that is in a new spec home in Greenwich. The floors are amazing! Notice the marble and soapstone counters; and classic bin pulls and latches on the cabinets. I like how you can see the microwave in the bottom right photo, but when you enter the kitchen it is hidden on the side by the refrigerator. Inset cabinetry, pot filler, subway tile - seeing some trends?

Here is a different style Peacock kitchen. This is from an older home. I think probably a kitchen done by Peacock before his White Scullery Kitchen got so popular. Notice the heavier mouldings on the door and corbels. Notice the apron front sink, classic white school house pendant lights and large wood cabinet knobs. I am not a huge fan of the green hood though.

Here is another one from the Hampton's. I love the warmth of this kitchen. Although a white kitchen, it does not have the starkness of some the others. The backsplash behind the stove is lovely. It is small marble bricks with an inset arch; nice touch. The ceiling and the fixtures lend a more rustic feel.

This kitchen is obviously more formal. I love the X cabinetry. Pendant lights, ice box latches, bin pulls, marble and soapstone complete the look. Another notched corner island with a rectangular sink.

All above photos MLS

Here is the final kitchen from the real estate listings, notice the backsplash behind the stove. Here they use a solid piece of marble - you really get to see the veining in the stone. Also note the center island with sink and wood top. Perhaps clients do not always agree that a center island should be unobstructed.

These two final kitchens are the only images from actual Christopher Peacock ads. The first kitchen is called the Refectory Kitchen. I love the pendant lights, similar to the lights in one of the kitchens above. In the second kitchen I love the backsplash behind the stove. The use of subway tile and then marble surround is beautiful and elegant. I love the way they flip the backsplash design on the side counter and use the marble surrounded by subway tiles. Notched center island again, marble counters, square style hood, bin pulls and latches. Classic and beautiful. No wonder its one of the most copied kitchens in America today.

My next post will highlight where to find some of these elements if you are interested in creating this look yourself in your home.

I was going to wish just my parents a happy anniversary on Friday but then I realized that I forgot to wish my blog a happy one year anniversary! I created my blog on July 10, 2007 as an outlet for all my pent up creative juices and had no idea what amazing people and opportunities it would lead me to. Thanks to all my wonderful readers, fans and friends for making it a fun and exciting year! Here's to you!

I've been hearing that Steven Gambrel had posted new photos on his website so I finally decided to check them out today. I was instantly attracted to this Tribeca Loft. The color combinations are to die for as is the art collection and beautiful custom carpets. On the website, I learned that it was featured in the November 2007 issue of Elle Decor and it turns out it's owned by a bachelor banker who returned from five years abroad in London to work on Wall Street and wanted a more soulful apartment than his previous New York apartment. I think he definitely got what he asked for and then some. It's perfection. I'm not sure who I'm more in love with, Steven Gambrel for designing it or the banker for having the sense to commission it. I wonder if anyone knows who he is. I'm seriously swooning!

The only good thing about riding the subway to work in the morning is that it gives me 15 minutes of quiet time to read a magazine. This morning I was reading the July/August 2008 issue of New York Spaces, which surprisingly enough came from the Bachelor. Neither of us have any idea why he receives shelter magazine he didn't subscribe to but he gave it to me to enjoy. Anyway, I feel in love with the room above with it's mix of well worn Louis chairs, modern Mies ottomans and in addition to works of art by the owner, Alexander Vethers. He says, "I surround myself with what I like and never buy what is not necessary. When a piece is old, it has dignity. I don't need to be a perfectionist at all times."

The caption for the photo above mentions how the neoclassical sofa looks sculptural against the sitting room's white walls and floor and I agree. It's simple, beautiful and elegant.

The table in the kitchen came from a Spanish monastery and the blue and white china is from Asia and Germany.

The owner considered his bed too bulky for the bedroom's small dimensions so he opted for a very zen bed on the floor, while his artwork hangs above.

Alexander Vethers also has a studio on the upper floor of the two floors he has in a building that sits between Soho and the Village that was built in 1816 and has high ceilings, tall windows, "elegant moldings", and large rooms. He has furnished the home with pieces from his family home and pieces from Europe but when it comes to his studio, he says, "it is impossible to have a 'decorated' studio." And even "undecorated" it still looks good to me!

I came across some old tear sheets recently of John Demsey's bachelor pad from an old issue of Elle Decor. I have no idea what month or year though. House and Garden published it again in in November 2007 after Mr. Demsey had married. I love looking for the changes that were made so I'll try to see if I can scan it in soon. Until then, you can check his great art and furniture. And that fabulous bookcase. But then again, I've never met a bookcase I didn't like! Enjoy!

UPDATE - I was just reading the House and Garden story this morning on the subway and the designer of the Demsey apartment is Bibi Monnahan. She is also working on a new project for him that should also be fantastic! Can't wait to see!

So, we had our first installation of furniture last week at the Bachelor Pad and the changes have been amazing if I do say so myself. Just in case you forgot what this wall looked like before, I've included the original incarnation below. Of course, it's still not finished. There is a lot left to do here and all over the apartment. I need to find a mirror for above the fabulous vintage console I bought from Pieces in Atlanta. More of them later. I also am waiting to hang the beautiful framed book plates of sculptures at Versailles that I bought at Christopher Filley in Kansas City. I left the candle sticks in the back since there was no mirror but they probably won't stay there. The Buddha heads from the flea market stand look right at home on the console too. I do have to crawl down under the console to touch up the spots that the painters missed soon though. Oh, and for all those of you who scoffed at the art books I was buying for the Bachelor, he said to fret not. He loves them all and will definitely read them. They also give me something to read while I wait for the furniture deliveries! Ha!

How do I love Phillip Lim? Let me count the ways...beautiful dresses, gorgeous knits, fabulous necklaces...you get the idea. I've been wearing Phillip Lim for a few years now and am always surprised that even though they may at first appear simple, his clothes are full of interesting details and are wonderfully finished inside and out. I wore what I considered to be a simple little sleeveless top on Friday and was amazed at how many strangers stopped me to tell me how much they liked it. That is the power of Phillip Lim. His designs for fall seen here, have me swooning and wishing for cooler weather. If anyone needs me today, I'll be at Barney's and Bergdorf's shopping!