StyleWhipped

Matt Rivera: Painting a Room Black

When a client hires me, one of the first things I tell them is that I’m going to take them out of their comfort zone when it comes to some of the things I want to do with their space. Let’s be honest, why would you pay for a designer if they’re going to give you something you could have done yourself. One of my favorite things to do is watch my client’s reaction when I tell them I want to paint a room black. I cant even tell you how much I love seeing their face knowing that in their head they’re saying “IS HE JOKING!?”

Most of them are under the impression that making a room super dark will make it feel small, which in New York City where apartment sizes tend to be more like cruise ship cabins, making a room smaller is a reasonable concern. While it doesn’t make a room larger, what painting a room black along with the ceiling (which is KEY in this process) does is it eliminates your depth perception. When you can just barely see where the walls meet the ceiling and where the corners of the room are, the room appears infinite. It’s an illusion that many clients after hearing about are still hesitant. Once I even had to go as far as doing the work behind their back and when they came home to find it done, I got a phone call telling me how much they loved it, and thanked me for being so bold (and...never to do it again...haha!).

Another thing I love about painting a room black is the opportunity to utilize contrast as a key design element. Using vivid white is a great example. The white accents will pop like there is no tomorrow. It’s a trick I use a lot in bathrooms where the client doesn’t want to invest in a whole renovation, because most bathrooms I walk into have the standard white subway tile. This is a great way to use black because you have your contrast already built in. A lot of other colors will do this too...hence the prevalence of the black and red color schemes (which I tend to try and stay away from because it can get rather tacky very quickly). Black rooms have an inherent chic, expensive, and intimate vibe to them. Take a look at some of the examples below and see what you think of these spaces. 

Until next time, live well, and live with style.

- Matt

Matt Rivera: Finding Your Style

I often find that one of the first things every client tells me is that they can’t sure what their “style” is. They always think it’s important to identify with one category, “Am I modern or contemporary” is the one that I get most. What I tell every one of them is that it doesn’t matter what you call it as long as you LOVE it. Go on HGTV.com, pick up magazines like Elle Décor, NY Spaces, Luxe, Dwell etc… and rip out everything that you like. Even if you hate a room, but you see a table that you just would die for, pull the picture out (and if it’s for an item, cut it out so you’re not distracted). That’s always what I have my clients do for our first and second meeting because it’s more important to know your style then try and settle into such vast categories. I mean hey, you can love musicals and hate Phantom of the Opera!

Now I can’t tell you how exactly I piece together someone’s individual style but I can tell you that to a trained eye, looking through the clippings gives me a real sense of that my client wants. Somewhere there are always some specific themes going on, for example the client may love texture; rich fur pillows and luxurious rugs, or they may be all about color; neutrals with pops or eclectic vibrants. So even though I can’t tell you here what your “style” is, try this exercise and see if you can find some consistencies with what you are pulling out. Then, choose three to five adjectives to describe what you see. There are so many great ones to choose from, for example I would describe my style as glamorous, chic, sophisticated, clean, and balanced. Place the words in order from most to least important to see what attributes you want to focus on. Then when designing your own space, don’t focus so much on being “modern” focus on being glamorous and then things will fall into place.

Till next week, live well, and live with style.

- Matt

Matt Rivera: An Introduction

Editor's Note: I am so thrilled to introduce you to our newest columnist, Matt Rivera! Matt is an incredible NYC interior designer who is the CEO/Owner of Matt Adams Style. Matt will be dishing his take on what "interior design" really means every Wednesday right here on Stylewhipped.com. Take a look at who Matt is and enjoy reading about his philosophy below...!

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There are two types of interior designers, the million dollar decorators who you pay insane amounts of money to create a space so you can tell your friends you have a “Jonathan Adler designed living room,” and then there are the designers that you bring in to work WITH you to help refine your style (even if some clients don’t really have much of it). When I was going to school, I found an inherent ignorance being plugged by the teachers, who seem to be from the old school thought that interior designers existed only for those who could afford the extravagance that is a true “custom” home.

To be fair, I love when I get the opportunity to spend the day in the D&D or the NYC Design Center picking out the perfect fabric and finish color story, knowing that what I will inevitably produce for my client will be a true reflection of my creative vision. However, I am proud to have been branded as an “accessible and affordable” designer. My clients may not all be in the top 1% but you can be damn sure that I believe everyone of them, as well as everyone reading this, deserves to have a home that is well designed, functional, and that they are proud of. One of the things that I tell every client of mine is that my job isn’t just to pick out the things I like and tell them to buy it; I also try to provide some sort of explanation of why I am purchasing each item. I want my clients to start thinking like a designer themselves. One day I will not be on retainer and thus they will eventually begin purchasing things for themselves without my input. With my time here at StyleWhipped I hope to provide you, the reader, with some real life examples of things that clients have asked me, and how an interior designer approaches different situations that arise. Further more, as readers I encourage you to utilize me as a resource, a sounding board if you will.

So leave your questions in the comments and my next entry could be about you! Until then, live well, and live with style.

- Matt

Golden Table

As any regular Stylewhipped readers (or any "regulars" in my life) know, I am a yellow-gold fanatic. I rarely wear silver or platinum, and am currently contemplating painting one wall of my living room metallic gold. Yellow gold is warm, sunny, goes with my blondeness and obsession with the beach...and in some circumstances, is a great way to add a little new-ness and extra chic to your life, wardrobe...and yes, even your tabletop...

Stealing a moment from our resident interiors expert Sherin Botros, I couldn't help but share my latest obsession: gold utensils! Tabletop trends haven't changed much over the past ten years, but just recently this one has made a huge splash. Designers who are expanding their brands with home design collections have been some of the first to really jump on this. Case in point: my personal favorite, Diane von Furstenberg. Her home collection includes this amazing set of silverware...yes, in gold! The "Night" collection is incredibly refined and elegant but also bold and super modern, with simple lines that create a subtle but glamorous statement. The opposite of tacky, gold-filled '80's decor, this is more along the lines of "hmmm, maybe it's real?" because this beautiful trend could easily fit in on-board the world's most amazing yacht or at the most posh restaurant in St. Barth's. Or...hopefully...in my apartment...;)

~ Alison. 

Sherin Botros: Opa!

 After discussing a friend's honeymoon in Greece recently, I naturally became obsessed with all things Greek and decided to submerse myself in all its glorious tropical Mediterranean influence; its rich culture, amazing food, picturesque scenery, and of course, its remarkable impact on interior design!

The Greek Mediterranean approach to decorating is simple and uncluttered, yet beautiful and sophisticated. It’s traditional style evokes easy living and consists of white stucco walls, stone floors, woven wall-hangings, bare windows, rustic style furniture, natural clay pottery, and just the right amount of tile accents. 

While most of us don’t have homes on one of the Greek islands or live in a tropical oasis, we can take some design elements from their beautiful way of life and add touches of it into our own homes.

One inspirational trend that can be carried easily into your decor is the Greek key motif, which has often been used as an accent in fashion, architecture and interior design. The Greek key is an ancient ornamental motif consisting of a continuous band arranged in rectilinear forms and was the most important symbols in Ancient Greece, symbolizing infinity or the eternal flow of things. An elegant simple way to display this could be through these
beautiful linens from leontinelinens.com. 

And since this trend is classic and timeless, it translates just as beautifully to furniture and textiles. You can play with an enchanting color palate which evokes a Mediterranean oasis in shades of turquoise blue, as in this bold rug from The Rug Company 

Some homes feature this motif in decorative black or aged gold ironwork pieces for vintage charm while others prefer it on column shaped stands and Greek statues or busts for opulence. Whatever your preference may be, just be sure to let out your inner Greek goddess and while you're at it, I hope you find your Adonis to open the KEY to your heart...

 

-Sherin 

 

 

Sherin Botros: Knock Knock!

...who's there?

Okay, I really don't have a good knock-knock joke for you, and frankly, I'm the worst at telling jokes. So before I screw up the punch line, I'll cut to the chase... 

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a deep affection for doors; especially door-front photos from countries like Greece, Ireland, Paris and of course my favorite, Italy! I get consumed by that warm inviting feeling and charm that each style holds. 

So naturally, I love the idea of decorating with old doors; wooden doors, rustic french doors, cast iron doors, and yes even barn doors. They each display an allure like no other. With their own natural character and charm, they most amazingly increase architectural interest in any room!

There are tons of ideas to explore with regard to decorating with doors. You can simply lean one against an empty wall and have it take center stage on its own, or use it as a backdrop behind a table, chair or vanity. I've also seen them used beautifully as headboards. No matter where you decide, they always add some texture and personality to a space, and can make a room go from ordinary to extraordinary!

And while not my typical style, when it comes to doors, I find that they look even more beautiful when unpolished and stylishly rustic. There is just something special about that weathered and perfectly chipped feel that pulls off the quintessential shabby chic look! 

If you want to glam it up a bit, you can simply use one against gilded furniture, with luxurious fabrics or in a room with an ornate chandelier. However you accessorize, you’re door will most definitely make a beautiful statement!

While some people like to find old doors in salvage yards and fix them up, the non-do it yourself-er in me found some ideas online through Restoration Hardware's Pininterest Page.

Available in an array of styles, colors, shapes and sizes, you are sure to find one to enhance your style and decor. Just celebrate it and let it fill your home with warmth and old world charm!

 -Sherin

Sherin Botros: A Step In Time

It's funny how that expression can be so literal, because that's exactly how I felt when I walked into Riverbank Antiques!

As I roamed throughout the quaint corner shop, my eyes got wider and wider. There was so much beauty, but it was unlike any beauty I have come to see in any one place. This was special, this was a step back into history with beautiful heirlooms, historic period furniture, rare collector's items and stories. They were stories of the lives of our ancestors. As I was caught in a gaze at so many amazing pieces, I was fortunate enough to meet Ben & Nedi Hern, co-owners of Riverbank Antiques, who graciously taught me so much about the antique world. I am happy to share this interview with you and hope that you will be just as inspired to bring a little history into your own home as I was.

Me: Tell me about Riverbank Antiques.

Ben: Riverbank antiques is known as a collective group: a number of dealers who joined forces and created a store to sell whatever it is they sell in the antiques/collectibles business. Most antique shops in the US  are collectives - that's how they evolved. There are smaller ones with just one dealer and larger ones with 100's of dealers. 

Me: How did you get started?

Ben: My wife and I have been collecting antiques for 30 years. I love antiques because I love history. I'm a history buff - I got attached to antiques because I always wanted to buy history, posses history, study history in its physicality as opposed to reading about it in a book. There's nothing better than reading about the Edwardian period and looking at an Edwardian desk or a reading about a Georgian period and looking at a Georgian armwar or reading about the Victorian period and actually seeing something from 1841, and touching it and feeling it and better yet how about owning it and putting it in your home and then admiring it everyday! As a former finance guy, I started thinking of finance from a very different perspective from the people I competed with - the investment world should also include art and antiquities, and like buying equities, you should get as studious as possible and study antiques and collectibles because there is long term opportunity and value. 

What I like to focus on is investment grade antiques, and that could deal in anything. That could be antique furniture, artifacts, sculptures, paintings etc. I tell my clients there is nothing wrong in buying something that has intrinsic value that in 10-30 years could make you some money. So when you buy, buy the best!

ME: And to add historical appeal within your home!

Ben: Exactly and you're also buying a heck of a lot better quality than most furniture made today if your buying antique furniture. So those are the aspects that you need to consider. And if you're going to buy to make money for investment purposes, what I recommend is to find an area that you like, so pick 1-3 areas that you really like, study those areas - get really proficient in them...hook up with an expert or someone who has expertise in that area and then the advice I LOVE to give is to buy the best in class for that collection!

ME- How do you know your getting the best? 

Ben: That's from research and whomever your dealing with...it's by you knowing what it is you're buying. Remember what I told you, study what it is your going to buy. Get proficient at it, touch a lot of it, play with it, read about it, talk to people about. And you'll get really good at knowing what's mediocre and what's really good. You'll get a feel for it. And there are a lot of reproductions out there that you have to be careful of. That’s why you want to get an expert involved sometimes.

Me - Is that bringing it to an appraiser or antique shop?

Ben: Either one. An appraiser will charge you, but an antiques dealer who loves it may just talk to you about it and tell you yay or nay without charging you. It just depends on how you go about developing relationships. This way when you have questions, you can pick up your phone and just say ‘I just found something, can I send you a picture?'

ME- Do you have recurring clients through the years?

Ben: Yes...they know us, they come to us to buy because they know what they're going to get. We stand behind our products...I'm not saying I don’t make mistakes, but I do make mistakes. But the thing is, we stand behind our products, and because we do, clients know they can buy with total confidence and if it turns out not to be what it is, they can come back with it.

ME- Do you go to auctions to buy/sell?

Ben: Yes, more of the higher end auctions like Sotheyby’s, Christies, Pook & Pook (in Philadelphia), as well as some local ones. Remember, like with everything else, if you went to a mediocre store, you get mediocre products, if you went to a high-end store, then you're going to get high-end products. Well it's the same thing with auctions and antique dealers...wherever you go, expect to find what is appropriate for whatever niche your hitting. That's not to say you won't land a rare find, but those are few and far between. 

ME- How does each person know what to spend?

Ben: There are different levels like in any other retail operation. That's why you want to know how much you want to spend. I always say go for the best collection you can for whatever your income level is. And buy the best and always remember you're buying for the long term. 

ME- Do people trade?

Ben: Yes, they trade and they sell. We've been buying antiques for 30 years. We went from buying 1930s and 1940s pieces and now we are now collecting pieces from the early 1800s through upgrade. Remember with antiques...we never own an antique, we just borrow it. You're not going to take it with you anyway, so why not let the next person enjoy it!

ME- Do you get things from estate sales also?

Ben: Yes...estate sales, people inviting us into their homes, as well as our own clients who want to sell their collections.

ME- How does someone know they are going to a good antique dealer?

Ben: A dealer who is really a collector (whether its furniture or art work or whatever the case may be), should be able to educate  their clients about the piece, about the collection, about where to go...they should have a lot of knowledge at their fingertips to be able to help the client how to tell a forgery from the real thing. We believe that giving our clients more information than less...we believe in education - the more we educate, the better off you're going to be. If I can help teach you the difference between real and fake, old and new, pristine vs damaged, then I’ve done my job and you're going to keep coming back. 

ME- That’s good business!

Ben: Its a simple philosophy.

ME- What is your advice if someone is brand new to this and wants to start purchasing antiques?

Ben: Pick something you like. Research it. Develop relationships. Before you actually start buying, look around, read about it. But there is a lot of information out there, and that is one of the reasons you go to dealers. Dealers take a lot of time to pull all that information and really work with the pieces, etc.

If you’re just starting out, your going to have to do exactly what we do - your going to have to start buying books and learning about the general things. The best thing to do is always use your eyes, your nose, and your hands...that's going to help tell you if something is genuine or not. And the most important factor of them all is your gut. If it seems too good to be true, walk away. 

But pick a category, know it, get to know the history, get to know the times. Most people just look at what they are looking to buy and that's wrong. There's a lot of information in the history surrounding each period, so read the history of the period, because it will give you insights into what is real and what is not.  A lot of history books offer you a lot of information, but most people tend to ignore it. I read a lot of it, and that's why you should always go to an experienced dealer. 

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Well boys and girls like Ben said, you're on your way! So give your home some character and charm. Step away from the Pottery Barn catalog and purchase you're own antiques. Just remember, make sure it's the BEST! 

Riverbank Antiques is located in Red Bank, NJ, and for more information on the photographed pieces or buying/selling antiques and other vintage pieces, you can reach Ben at bhern163@comcast.net

- Sherin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danielle Aspromatis: Rain or Shine

It's always a gamble to make the bold move to plan an outdoor party...you could luck out and get sunny weather, but you also run the risk of getting rain. So you have to always be prepared!

Tents can be expensive, but if you are going to make the insurance investment in renting one, they are also a great way to enhance the look of your party. Bright color accents, draping, lighting, fun chandaliers and hanging decor will give you the wow factor that you are looking for with your outdoor party! Not to mention shield you from rain, wind, and temperatures outside that are too cold or too hot for your guests. Get really fun and personalized with draping in stripes, coordinating pillows and lounge areas...even a disco ball! (The disco ball is for Alison, our Editor-In-Chief, who would gladly install a disco ball in her home) I love chinese lanterns hanging in tents...go neutral and classic or make your area pop with brights. However you choose to decorate and enhance your tented area, go for it!

 

-Danielle

Sherin Botros: Move over leopard print, bird is the word!

Just in time for spring, a new trend emerges...Birds, baby, Birds! And I’m not talking the Angry kind you mindlessly play on your phone!

The trend is catching on throughout home decor and fashion alike. We're seeing birds flocking around everywhere, specifically as graphic patterns and bold, bright colors, pillows, wall paper, upholstery, art pieces, unique wall decor and even fun tabletop accessories. 

They are an excellent way to add some color and can be creatively showcased throughout your home in different themes; whimsical, sophisticated, modern or traditional.

Take your choice of decorating with peacocks, love birds, turtle doves (in a pear tree...hehe), blue jays, hummingbirds or whichever species fascinates you! 

Personally, I think the peacock is a beautiful bird; the gorgeous hues of blues and greens and golds are just breathtaking to me. And the brighter the colors the better, but if you want to start off small with your bird bliss, this beautiful hand-poured candle finished with a brilliantly beaded and glittery peacock from Pier 1 would be the perfect accent starting point for your room.

It's okay to take baby steps and then maybe expand onto a desk accessory and then perhaps a piece of wall art carrying the same theme. Simple yet eye-catching!  

Some of you may get a little more enthusiastic with bird houses and stuffed birds, but PLEASE just be sure to not overdo it. You don’t want your living room looking like a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock movie...YIKES!!!

But don't be afraid...if you’re bold enough to try something more permanent like a wallpaper, stick with something a bit more modern, so it adds elegance and can stand the test of time.

If carefully done, you can pass this bird trend with flying colors! 

-Sherin

Sherin Botros: "Mad Men" Fever

Yes, I've got the fever!

The long awaited Season 5 of the massive hit "Mad Men" came out last week and with lots of modern changes to the set. The offices, the residences, the hair, the make up and the clothing are all updated, but there are a two things that have remained the same: 1. Don Draper is still looking quite delicious, and 2. There's a bar in every office with a drink always ready to be served, even if at a 10am meeting.

The sixties were an rousing time in America. There was a feeling of merriment and people loved to entertain. Fast forward to 2012 and we still love to entertain, so here are few 60s/Mad Men inspired bar ideas for your own home. I love this retro Mash Studios Swig Mini Bar from CB2.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or how about this sleek yet glam Hollywood Regency Gilt Bar Cart from Vintage & Modern 

 

And for something a bit more traditional that can be used as a credenza or sideboard, I love this unique 1960s Brasilia Tile Top Server also by Vintage and Modern. 

Whichever style reflects your home and personality best, entertain safely!

And for now, I leave with this Mad Men Quote. Do you know which season it's from?  "You don't know how to drink. Your whole generation, you drink for the wrong reasons. My generation, we drink because it's good, because it feels better than unbuttoning your collar, because we deserve it. We drink because it's what men do." -Roger Sterling

-Sherin