This Old House Idea House 2019

September 15, 2019 Jessica Gordon Ryan

This Old House Idea House 2019, New Canaan, CT

4 Main Street, New Canaan, CT (Image courtesy Halstead)

This Old House has come to New Canaan.

Film crews from the PBS show have been on hand to discuss the transformation of the antique Greek revival farmhouse by Karp Associates. Run-down and in terrible shape, the firm demolished part of the original structure, restoring some of the antique features, while building a new extension filled with every modern convenience one could possibly want.

Karp wanted to save the 7,000-square-foot house from “demolition by neglect,” he told the New Canaan Advertiser. Before he bought it, the once dignified looking building appeared blighted from the street, with overgrown vegetation encroaching on the sidewalk and the porch missing a pillar. Inside, the roof was leaking and raccoons were wreaking internal destruction and havoc.

Karp’s intentions were to build something that would last another 100 years while maintaining the historical appearance of the area as the home is located in a historic district. From the street, it does blend in perfectly.

The home has been downsized to 6,000 square feet. The facade was restored as well as some of the 200 year old windows that were replaced into new window sills. A beehive oven from the 1700s, which was used to heat and cook in the original house, has remained. Throughout the house there are reminders of the original home, leaving beams exposed and intact. The home itself definitely has a very modern feel. One wouldn’t use the words antique or old to describe the house.

This Old House, a local Stamford-based company, worked with both national and local sponsors such as bender, Clarke, Juliska, Lillian August, Stickley Audi & Co, circa lighting, Iconic Modern, clarkson lighting, bilco, mr. steam, Sierra Pacific, Sense home energy, and more.

You can learn more about the Idea House and all the sponsors by visiting their website, thisoldhouse.com/ideahouse2019. Much more of the house and all the details will be featured in the November/December issue of the magazine which will hit newsstands on October 28, 2019. Part of the construction will also air on This Old House in October.

4 Main Street is currently on the market for sale. Asking price is $3.575 by Halstead properties. To see the listing visit: https://www.halstead.com/sale/ct/new-canaan/4-main-street/house/170235247

Scroll below to wander through….

4 Main Street, New Canaan - Image Halstead

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Inspired Interiors :: Adding Art to the Home

August 12, 2019 Jessica Gordon Ryan

One of the things I’m really looking forward to doing when I move is the decorating. I have so much art to hang and there’s so much gorgeous empty wall space for me to work with. Lately I’ve been obsessed with gallery walls, their compilation of collections; an amalgamation of sizes, shapes, and mediums and I long to create one in the main living area. In my opinion, art is the personal touch that makes a house a home.

Art is perhaps the single most reflection of one's self in a home. Highly personal, whether paint, photography, or mixed media, a piece of art can serve as an accessory or a focal point. Art adds color, personality, sophistication, even whimsy. It completes a space and is the perfect solution for those who want to add color but are afraid of bold paint or don't want the hassle of wallpaper. A wall filled with art, whether a large painting or a gallery, is a wall that tells a great story. But this takes time. It takes a while to grow one's art collection - piece by piece.

Many are intimidated by the process, worried that they'll buy the wrong thing, or haven't a clue where to start. Art shouldn’t be complicated. It should speak to you, whether it’s a photography, oil painting, watercolor or sketch. And art isn’t limited to just those items. You can add flags, old maps, posters, lithographs. You can frame old magazine covers and children’s art. I’m a huge fan of the latter!

Art needn't be expensive. But it should come from the heart. There's no right or wrong piece to purchase; beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder. The best places to start are by visiting craft fairs, art exhibits, tag, yard and garage sales, flea markets and antique shows. Galleries, even coffee shops, boutiques and salons have pieces for sale, often done by locals. Don't worry about whether you're making a good investment or not - if something speaks to you and you like it, it's a good investment!

Look for pieces that fit in with your existing decor. It's also ok to separate the two. Garage sales and consignment shops are great places to start, so are local design stores and boutiques. Another great way to source art is when you travel. I love picking up pieces from places I've been to. Not only do they make the best souvenirs but they're perfect reflections of one's lifestyle. If you have children, you have a budding collection right at your disposal! (Read here about displaying children's art elegantly in your home.)

Don't just focus on the main living areas - the dining, living and bedrooms, think about every room including kitchen and bathrooms, even hallways. Below are some examples of ways to hang and display art throughout your home. (Hover over each image to enlarge.)

I’ll be sharing the process of adding art to my new home… so stay tuned!

Some tips on hanging and displaying art:

A large piece is a great way to accent a room. It can anchor or fill a wall. That said, don't hang a small piece on a large wall unless there are others that will be hung with it.
Consider hanging artwork on bookcases, or placing them on the shelves.
To create a gallery wall work from the middle on out. If you don't have a lot to work with center what you do have in the middle of a wall, so that the room doesn't look off center or unbalanced.
Group by frames
Group by color
Group by black and white
Group by subject matter
Mix frames and art
Do include children's art
If you're coming up short, think of printing one of your own images. We all have phones and they all have images on them. Have fun. You could curate your own in-home gallery!
Shelves are a great way to display art either neatly lined up side by side, or layers by size
Places art on mantels
Install shelves specifically for showing art and photography
Do use caution when placing art in kitchens and bathrooms, the steam from both could ruin the artwork. Best sticking with framed images in these rooms, as opposed to images on canvas. Wipe down your frames from time to time.
Use particular caution in kitchens that aren't well vented - grease is carried in the steam and can place a film on everything. When hanging art in these rooms, be sure to show those that can easily be wiped down.

Image credits: Architectural Digest,. Bre Purposed, Country Living, Design Hunter, Domino, Elle Espagna, Home Edit, Life on Virginia Street, Luxe, New York Magazine, Sniply,. Style Curator, The Cut

Seating Arrangements :: Crushing on Velvet

August 10, 2019 Jessica Gordon Ryan

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via Meli Meli Home

I’ve long been a fan of this gorgeous, soft and supple fabric. A few years ago I took note of its beauty and elegance on furniture and was not surprised, therefore, when I started to notice more and more, specifically for seating, inside the home. Its luxe fibres elevate the overall formality of any space, even those that aim to be casual and relaxed. I noted that these incredibly soft fabrics are best left to those homes or rooms without children, and wonder if, now that my own children are older, that the time might be perfect to transition from the couch dressed in a white cotton duck to one robed in velvet.

Velvet elevates the ordinary. It adds texture, depth, richness and color to any space. The rich jewel tones add warmth and sophistication to even the most relaxed of styles. It is a texture that lends itself to any setting and instantly transforms - making the most ordinary of spaces seem extraordinary. Velvet I do believe, is totally crushing it in the home. With a soon to be 14 year old still at home, is this a wise decision, I wonder?

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via My Domaine

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via Worthing Court

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via The Fox & She

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via The Style Files

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via Lonny

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via Decor Pad

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image Pinterest

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via Architectural Digest

Seating Arrangements :: The Velvet Touch, is it for you? Image via House and Home

15 Timeless, ageless & essential items for your summer wardrobe

May 23, 2019 Jessica Gordon Ryan

(Click on individual image to enlarge)

Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off tomorrow afternoon. Those of us in the New England area are going to be graced with gorgeous weather all weekend long. This is a first in a long time! Our Spring, so far, has been rather rainy and cool. Yesterday the sun shone brilliantly and temperatures soared into the 70s. This weekend folks will be taking to the beach, opening up their pools, lighting up their grills, popping open cans of beer and bottles of champagne. Everything seems a little easier and breezier in the summertime, including the way we dress. Below are 15 of my essential items that will take you through the summer from the office to the pool, no matter your age.

A pretty, wide brimmed straw hat is necessary to keep out the sun's burning rays. From the flower market to the farmer's market to the beach. Not only will a pretty hat protect your skin, scalp and hair, but it’s the perfect accessory to your outfit - whether worn with jeans, shorts or a pretty dress.
An oversized straw bag - I’m a huge fan of straw bags and I get a new one every summer. From office to cocktail hour, from farmer's market to beach, a simple straw bag is the ultimate summer accessory. Perfect for toting a paperback, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, keys, lipstick and phone, there's still plenty of room for any last minutes add-ins... as in I just had to get that adorable cardigan I saw in the storefront window!
A white blouse - Do I really need to say more? I mean one can never have too many white blouses. From tailored to oversized, there is perhaps no item quite as versatile.
The tunic - As I’ve gotten older I’ve fallen more and more in love with these oversized, yet flattering tops that can be worn as tops with pants or shorts or as a simple dress. I have loads of them in various colors and patterns., A simple white or black one can be easily dressed up for the summertime cocktail party.
Sunglasses - Always in style, always important to have, but especially in the summer when the days are brighter and longer. Luckily for our own style preferences and face shapes, it seems that everything goes these days. I’ve stopped paying a fortune for the designer pair only to have me lose them a day or two after I get them. With these accessories, I say the more the merrier. (Marshall’s always has the greatest selection.)
Little White Sneakers - The little white sneaker is so versatile and is the perfect summer shoe for those who plan on traveling (near or far) and sightseeing. They are sensible and pair well with dresses or jeans. I've been crushing on the Adidas Stan Smith for a while now, and I love that in addition to the classic green, they're available with all sorts of trims. I happen to adore my rose-gold ones myself!
The Shift - Perfect for a hot summer's day. This loose and carefree style is very forgiving and flatters many body shapes. Quite frankly there are just days you don't want to suck it in or wear spanx!
Wedge sandals or espadrilles - The wedge which saw a new popularity a couple of summers ago and will remain a strong presence this summer. Put together the wedge and the espadrille and bam, we’ve got shoe perfection. (Especially for shorter girls like myself!)
Anything off the shoulder - The off-the-shoulder look is hot right now and I love it. I think every woman's best asset is her shoulders... so set them free. Whether a top paired with pants or in dress form, you'll want to pick up several!
White jeans - (All white) A perennial favorite that never goes out of favor or style. Although now it's perfectly acceptable to wear them year round, they are still a warm weather favorite with their ability to lighten and brighten the wardrobe.
A little white dress - As essential as the LBD is to every woman's wardrobe, so is the LWD.
A cardigan - For those chilly nights, cardigans wear well with everything.
Slim black pants - Because even in summer there are times we need to stay chic.
A Chanel style jacket - see above
A ponytail or loose bun - An easy way to keep your hair stylish on those super hot, and humid days. Wears well from office to beach!

Join me at the Fairfield County Antiques & Design Center for an evening of Style and Conversation

May 6, 2019 Jessica Gordon Ryan

Please join me at the Fairfield County Antique & Design Center for a cocktail party, panel and conversation filled with style and design tips.

I’m so honored to be joined by the talents of Sue de Chiara, Lisa Ehrlich and Nicole Steinthal to discuss all things related to style and decor. Geoffrey Walsky of Iconic Modern will moderate the evening’s discussions. The event will also feature a special pop up with some of the fabulous finds from Fete Home.

How we got here

Long before the term “influencer” became part of the modern day vernacular, many of us were blogging, sharing our ideas and inspirations on decor and lifestyle. We didn’t do so for “fame,” notoriety, or money. We did so because we genuinely wanted to create good content to share, to inspire, engage and entertain. When we first entered the blogosphere, over 10 years ago, the term blogging was all so new and not entirely understood. Gradually it became a respected form of communication and people started to take note. We “influenced” without understanding (or really caring about) the power it had, without wanting or expecting anything in return. We were focused on creating good content.

As brands began to take note of the power that bloggers had relationships developed. (Over the years I have partnered with some great brands and names from Rizzoli, to Tiffany & Co., to Warby Parker, Philips Saeco and so on.) These relationships happened organically. And we certainly weren’t blogging for the sake of paid sponsorships.

As these partnered posts became more popular, the quality of blogging started to deteriorate. It means nothing to talk about products you’re constantly promoting, selling and nothing else. This self promotion began to occur more and more and many took to social media, forfeiting the blogs altogether. Those who didn’t used their blogs primarily for revenue. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn a buck or two, today the blogosphere is comprised of a sea of “influencers” pushing their wares, wanting free product. As a result there’s so little good and unique content left. Whether a traditional blog, or Instagram feeds are being flooded with self promotions, many from pyramid schemes.

Nicole and I had been talking about the need for good and original content and when she asked me to help facilitate this event, I couldn’t have been happier. When she asked Lisa and Sue to join in I was thrilled. I never anticipated that the folks at the Fairfield County Antiques & Design Center would so wholeheartedly support this endeavour. I am so happy that this “old school “ event is taking place. By that I mean we aren’t getting paid, and we aren’t promoting anything. We are simply sharing ideas about those things that appeal to us, those things that make our homes prettier, and our lives simpler. It’s going to be an evening of information and entertainment. We hope you’ll learn some, and we hope you’ll laugh some!

About Sue de Chiara, founder, the zhush

Sue De Chiara is an entrepreneur, artist and seasoned interior design blogger who loves to provide her readers with up-to-date home decor and fashion advice.
An “avid observer of all things stylish.” – Sue has been blogging at The Zhush since 2009. What started out as a personal outlet for showcasing Sue’s style and home renovation projects,eventually grew into a large international following.

Originally hailing from New York City, Sue has been surrounded by creativity all her life. Growing up in New York with a graphic designer / fine artist as a father, it was no surprise that aesthetics and design would spark Sue’s interest early on.

During her free time, you can find Sue creating abstract paintings or spending quality time with her family and sweet Havanese pup in Connecticut.

About Lisa Ehrlich, Principal Lisa Ehrlich Designs

I am a interior designer living in the NYC Metro area. My passion for interior design is insatiable! My route to becoming an interior designer was a circuitous one. Years ago, in the midst of pursuing another path, I came to the realization that I needed to pursue a career doing what I was passionate about...now, when I'm creating beautiful interiors I'm living my dream!

About Nicole Steinthal

Nicole Steinthal is a blogger in the Westchester NY area. She writes the blog NS Lifestyles for women of all ages looking for the latest and greatest finds!! Her blog focuses on fashion, family and fun.

21 Tips for Decorating your home Mindfully

February 26, 2019 Jessica Gordon Ryan

21 Ways to Mindfully Decorate your home Rikki Snyder for Elle Decor — 21 Ways to Mindfully Decorate your home
Rikki Snyder for Elle Decor

Mindfulness is a word that’s tossed around a lot lately. We could even call it trendy, but the core values behind the notion are not and are indeed worth noting. Being mindful of something means nothing more than taking stock in it, slowing down to really appreciate it. Bringing mindfulness into your home is really all about creating spaces that you can enjoy, appreciate, live in and relax.

Decorating Mindfully - Image via Architectural Digest

Nearly 7 years ago I moved out of my marital home and started a new journey on my own with my three children. The road has been bumpy at times but I’ve seen some amazing sights from the ground and above. I’ve managed to keep my footing when times have been tough. I’ve managed to keep my wits about me when I thought everything would bottom out. I have always sought those moments and things that I value, savor, and that specifically slow me down. My home is one of those things — it has always been my everything. I’m one who needs to come home to the calm of my own space at the end of the day. And when it isn’t calm, whether due to the noise level created by three children under the same roof or the mess they (mostly) leave in their wake, I cannot relax. I have been known to clean when I am sick so that I can have order around me while I rest and get well.

Note: The images below are not my own, have been credited and sourced.

Mindful Interiors - Guest Bedroom, Gray, Photo: Scott Frances, Architectural Digest

In 2012 I left a gorgeous 4,500 square foot home on top of a hill with nearly two beautifully manicured acres and an abundance of mature, healthy green trees. On Sunday mornings my husband would sit on the John Deere and, the in-ground sprinklers would rose through the grasses at dawn, greeting the early sunshine, to keep our lawns looking their best. We could hear the peepers and crickets chanting at night and the sweet melodious tunes of local birds in the early morning. Nature really does make the best alarm clock.

Although we had neighbors all around us we could see just the little red barn house at the back of the former surgeon’s property. An unattractive wire fence divided our property. During the wintertime it stood there cold, ugly, bare and punishing until the thick white snows clung to it creating the most sensational patterns. As the weather changed and winter turned to spring, the ugly wire appendage dressed itself in green as the verdant and sinewy vines and stems started their journey upward toward the sky. In the fall the vines began to fruit and mall green pellets formed and grew up into small green globes which eventually turned into stunning ruby colored grapes.

Living Mindfully - Texas Beach Bedroom, Architectural Digest - Julie Soefer Photography/Courtesy of Marie Flanigan Interiors

Our home, with its gorgeous bones, spacious rooms and regal setting needed a good bit of updating. While only about 20 years old (new by New England standards) the decor and design were quite dated and not at all our taste. This was a project we would tackle over time, slowly, lovingly. The things we could tackle immediately we did… the repainting, removing carpets, etcetera… Those things needing to wait: renovating bathrooms, kitchen and the massive play room over the 3 car garage. We began in the kitchen as we ripped down worn and faded faux marble wallpaper and replaced it with a coat of fresh leaf green paint. The space was transformed immediately — vibrant with a zen-like energy. The far wall, comprised of mostly windows and the sliding doors just to the left opened up onto a verdant backyard. The skylights over the generously sized eating area opened to the sky. The kitchen felt very much an extension of the outdoors. And despite the high energy and activity level in that room, it was a zen space for me. I do miss that kitchen terribly!

Mindful Interiors - Michael Lee for Elle Decor: Kitchens

Once the kitchen was repainted we went on to tackle the living and dining rooms. The living room, with its deliciously oversized mouldings felt dark and heavy with the dark green plaid fabric walls and even darker, heavier brown floral drapes. The walls were prepped and painted in shadow stripes. I selected two shades of blue, one in a high gloss and the other in a matted hue to create a sense of drama and elegance. We continued the darker below the chair rail. And we never did replace the heavy drapes with any window treatment to allow for the natural light to shine through from the oversized windows. I selected blue with a purpose, for its sense of calm, even with guests in deep conversation, raucous laughter and the clinging and clanging of silver against ceramic or China. I wanted to create a space that was elegant but one which was also comfortable and relaxing, so that guests could comfortably linger over coffee and dessert. Comfort is always a priority of mine. It does nothing to look good or have a space that looks good if one can’t be comfortable.

Mindful homes - Dining Room photographed by Bjorn Wallander for ElleDecor

The dining room opened up to the living room, also very generously sized and bright. This room posed a bit more of a problem. The previous homeowners — owners of a large and well known local furniture store — bought heavily into the faux marble trend of the late 80s so much so that the home was covered with it. In this room wallpaper as thick as corrugated cardboard was so well adhered to the walls that we worried about the damage it would cause the walls should we try to take it off. We opted instead to leave it in place and paint over it. In order to do so we removed strips of it at the seams and filled it with a compound that would serve to fill the gaps and seal the seams. After this ordeal had been completed we painted the room in a handsome putty color, ivory gloss mouldings and carried a lighter shade of blue used in the dining room to the living room ceiling to create a sense of continuum. When we removed the godawful faux yellow marbled paint from the fireplace we unveiled and restored the original gorgeous marble. (I mean what were these people thinking?!) This would be the only neutral colored space in the house. With the sun pouring in from three separate directions, the room’s hues were constantly changing - something I thought quite magical.

Mindful Living - Living Room, Image via Elle Decor

We brought color upstairs into the guest bathroom, the children’s rooms and the Master Bedroom. Working with various hues of blue, lavender, red, pink and green… Downstairs a softer shade of green was brought into a bathroom, yellow was the color I chose for our sunny laundry room and tranquil blue in the family room balanced the rather rustic wood and stone fireplace. Our colors were chosen carefully and methodically so that each space would feel welcoming and relaxing. Ten years ago wallpaper hadn’t become as popular as it is now or I likely would have chosen to paper a couple of the rooms. Without realizing so, I have always used color in my homes to create mindful spaces.

Mindful Interiors - Image via Simon Upton for Elle Decor

These days I tend to gravitate to blues and greens as I find them soothing and grounding whereas in the past have also used shades of yellow, red and pink and would love one day to have one painted black. But alas, I am in a rental now, a white house inside and out and while I’d very much love to repaint every room, and while I’m sure my landlord wouldn’t mind, I’d rather not spend my money enhancing someone else’s property. When I first moved here I quite welcomed the white but I did tire of it rather quickly. I have added color best I can with accessories - pillows, sheets, rugs, flowers. It can be said that although not perfect, my home is indeed my sanctuary. It is a place where I can work, rest and enjoy myself and my children.

Mindful Decor - Marie Flanigan Interiors for Elle Decor

A mindful home is one where you feel relaxed and at rest, where you can look around and appreciate all that you have. It is one that is not cluttered, overly decorated or relying on decorated trends. A mindful home is one where you feel at peace, safe and comfortable. Below, some tips on how to decorate your living spaces mindfully.

21 Ways to Mindfully Decorate your Home

Surround yourself with items that have meaning
Get rid of all clutter
Get rid of all non-essentials
Treat each room as the separate space that it is - ie the living room isn’t the dining room and the bedroom isn’t an office
Do not create an office space in your bedroom
Incorporate items of sentimental meaning into your decor
Incorporate items collected from travels into your decor, ie small sculptures, photographs, artwork
Incorporate items that inspire you, great novels, art books, etc
Clear off all surfaces and create beautiful vignettes that you won’t want to bury under clutter
Add some candles as mood lighting
Bring in fresh flowers once a week
Incorporate plants and small trees into your home
Create spaces that are inviting
Create spaces that encourage relaxation
Incorporate diffusers with essential oils
Declutter once every other week or so
Toss 10 things into the bin every day
Add color, hues like blues and greens automatically invoke a feeling of calm
If you have a dining room, add cushions to the chairs to ensure your guests are comfortable enough to linger around
Set the tone with lighting - during the daytime push aside curtains and shades to allow for maximum sunlight. In the evening use dimmers to relax after a busy workday
Add soft textures to your home with rugs, pillows, blankets

Of Books and Kitchens :: The Kitchen Library

January 26, 2018 Jessica Gordon Ryan

There are, in my opinion, three musts in my life: great books, great food and a great kitchen. Give me a great story where I can bury myself in the plot, admire the scenery and fall in love with the characters. Or give me a book brimming with gorgeous photographs for me to savor and enjoy. Or give me a cookbook. Definitely give me a cookbook! Give me one that I can read from front to back and all over again, with pages marked from notes in pencil, or marked from spatterings of whatever dish it is I am making or wine I am pouring, and pages that have been flagged, marking my favorite recipes. I love beautiful, image-filled cookbooks, as well as the instructional, informational varieties such as those from Fanny Farmer, Julia Child and Joy of Cooking. In my own small kitchen I have two bookcases filled with books, a collection that continues to grow. One day I will have my very own kitchen library with copious amounts of books, comfortable seating, plenty of lighting and of course a library ladder - No library is complete without a ladder!

Are you inspired?!

At Home with Dogs and their Designers, Sharing a Stylish Life

September 13, 2017 Jessica Gordon Ryan

© At Home with Dogs and Their Designers by Susanna Salk, Rizzoli New York, 2017.  All  photography by Stacey Bewkes, unless otherwise  specified. — © At Home with Dogs and Their Designers by Susanna Salk, Rizzoli New York, 2017. All photography by Stacey Bewkes, unless otherwise specified.

There are two things I have a weakness for, design books and dogs. And so when I received an advance copy of At Home with Dogs and their Designers, Sharing a Stylish Life, from Rizzoli, it was akin to getting an early Christmas gift. It's the time of year I start to take note of those gifts worth giving, and books are always at the top of my list of favorite items to give. As soon as I pulled this gorgeous book out of the bubble-wrap-lined manila envelope, I knew immediately who must have copies of these stunning pages filled with fun photographs, with snapshots into the lives of these vivacious dogs and their designers, with tips for dogs on living stylishly, and tips for humans on living with their 4-legged friends. As whimsical as it is stunning, this is a must for those designing dog-lovers in your life.

I remember, about 4 years ago, when fellow blogger Stacey Bewkes and designer Susanna Salk got together to create a series of short videos bearing the same name. Stacey was the talent behind the scenes while Susannah was in front of the camera conducting the interviews. Perhaps Stephen Gambrel summed it up best when he said "I thought that houses were all about dinner parties and decorating but then I realized that you have to have a dog to really make it come to life."

Inside the glossy pages 22 A-list designers offer us glimpses into the lives with their pets who tend to (more often than not) rule the roost. In these homes no room is off-limits, no piece of furniture banned. Here clothing is optional and accessories are as chic as their surroundings. And as such as dogs will be dogs, accidents do happen - sometimes on vintage rugs, and antiques can sometimes be mistaken for chew toys.

Each dog and his (or her) human has his own chapter and we are invited along to watch as they frolic around their stunning homes and gardens. At Home with Dogs and their Designers is as much an inspirational design book as it is a resource. Featured are such renowned decorators as: Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes, Jeffrey Alan Marks, Mary McDonald, Betsy Burnham, Kelly Wearstler, Schuyler Samperton, Brooke Giannetti, Hutton Wilkinson, Windsor Smith, Mark D. Sikes, Jonathan Adler, Steven Gambrel, Katie Ridder, Alex Papachristidis, Robert Couturier, Charlotte Moss, Bunny Williams, Carolyne Roehm, Brian J. McCarthy and Michelle Nussbaumer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lifestyle author Susanna Salk has written many books, including Room for Children, Decorate Fearlessly, and Be Your Own Decorator, all published by Rizzoli. She also hosts (and co-produces) the At Home With video series featuring visits with leading tastemakers. Interior designer and architect Robert Couturier is the author of Designing Paradises, also published by Rizzoli, and an ASPCA supporter.

Stacey Bewkes is the founder of Quintessence, a lifestyle blog and the co-producer of the At Home With video series, which really must be seen!

AT HOME WITH DOGS AND THEIR DESIGNERS: Sharing a Stylish Life By Susanna Salk Principal Photography by Stacey Bewkes, Foreword by Robert Couturier
Hardcover / 7¼" x 9⅛" / 176 pages/ 235 color photographs $35.00 US
ISBN: 978-0-8478-6090-6/ Rizzoli New York
October 2017 www.rizzoliusa.com

Camouflage, is it a New Classic?

August 29, 2017 Jessica Gordon Ryan

Camouflage as a Classic. Image via Collage VIntage

Camouflage has been making its way into mainstream fashion over the past few years. Designer labels such as Valentino, Michael Kors, Burberry and Dries Van Noten have been incorporating this green and khaki-colored print into their ready-to-wear lines for a couple of years now. As it started to capture the attention of the general public, it has become more mainstream. With stylish and affordable takes on the pattern in such places as J.Crew, The Gap and Banana Republic. From skinny jeans to tailored pants, from jackets to dresses, we're seeing stylish, chic and modern takes on the battlefield uniform. From the front lines, to the runway to Fifth Avenue does Camouflage have what it takes to become a classic?

Camo worn Stylishly. Image via WHo What Wear

Camouflage gets sophisticated when paired with a dress and pretty heels. Image via Cut Y Paste

The French (and Ginger) knock it out of the ballpark! Le Camouflage, c'est classique c'est vrai! Image via Not Dressed as a Lamb

Camouflage takes a sophisticated turn in the form of a pretty blouse, worn with white jeans and heels. Image via Glam Radar

Because she Camo! She's French... bien sur! Image via Noholita

Mixed Media and Camouflage. Image via Cut And Paste

Chic Camo! Sequins and Things shows us another sophisticated style to this print that takes on a preppy-like appearance when paired with a black sweater, pearls and oversized sunnies. — Chic Camo! Sequins and Things shows us another sophisticated style to this print that takes on a preppy-like appearance when paired with a black sweater, pearls and oversized sunnies.

When in Europe... Go Camo! Image via Style du Monde.

When done properly we see that Comfy Camo is not slouchy! Image via Style du Monde.

Desired and Inspired :: 15 Reasons Why White is Always Right

August 10, 2017 Jessica Gordon Ryan

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor Image via Giannetti Home

Yesterday I wrote a post publicly declaring my love for black houses. I think they're bold, elegant and in short, sublime. (You can read about them here.) Today I will write about my love for white houses. Perhaps a direct reflection of my own Gemini personality, I happen to adore both. Traditional and classic there's a reason why this color has remained a favorite since the Colonial times. Whether at the shore, in the desert or on top of the mountains, the simplicity of this effortless color choice speaks for itself. Unlike its darker counterpart, white paint fares better in the elements, as the darker colors can fade beneath the sun's bright rays, this is never a problem with a white home, (which may need a good power washing on an annual basis.) Although modern homes are very well insulated with eco-friendlier heating and cooling systems, the darker colors do tend to absorb the heat of the sun, whereas white homes do not.

In my town of Southport, Connecticut - a quiet, coastal hamlet located about an hour outside of New York City, white remains a popular choice among homeowners. Our architecture runs the gamut from Colonial to Cape Cod to Georgian, with a few VIctorian style homes. More modern-Colonials and Farm-style houses are starting to pop up in crisp white colors that seem to magnify the brilliance of the natural landscape. These white houses while no less sophisticated than the black ones I highlighted yesterday, do make a quieter statement, evoking a sense of calm and tranquility.

I've been noticing a few changes over the past couple of years in the newer as well as the older homes.

I've seen more homes removing their shutters and painting their trims the same color as the exterior paint (as opposed to a shade or two darker or lighter) or by complete contrast outlining the trim in black, which I also adore. As though piping has been added along the exterior of the home.

Windows are getting larger and many are starting to remove their shutters entirely. This is an easy update for an older home looking for a more modern look. In the case of the modern colonial, especially those with larger windows, I prefer the no shutter look, yet with the older homes, I'm torn - the jury's still out on that decision. I love the crisp, clean lines of the white home without shutters, yet there's nothing as charming and quintessential New England than driving through a historic down full of light color houses with dark shutters. If one has shutters on their home, I believe they should absolutely be a dark, classic color. What do you think?

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor, Image via Dixon Architect

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor Image via Studio McGee

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor. Image va Home Bunch

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor. Image via Apartment 34

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor. Image via Blog and the City.

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor. Image via Charlie and Co Design

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor. Image via Robert Elliott Custom Homes

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor.. Image via Pinterest

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor.. Image via CZCAM

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor.. Image via New England Living

Desired and Inspired :: White House Splendor.Image via Simply Seleta

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