Provincetown Shopping: Yates and Kennedy

I’ve been bad not posting about all the awesome shops I explored while in New England in the summer. One place that would be a shame to keep to myself is Yates and Kennedy in Provincetown.

A series of show stopping vignettes displayed against playful patterned wallpaper hold a collection of well- edited accessories in mainly neutral palettes, which makes it easy for the customer to imagine incorporating into their own space.

There is a masculine edge to the designs, with some glam thrown in for good fun. A nautical theme runs through a lot of the merchandise, which plays to the town’s seaside locale.

A fabulous collection of limited edition T shirts with nautical themes were so soft and cozy – I picked one up for my dad.

Here are some of my favourite picks from Yates and Kennedy:

Marseilles door stop, $44

Mermaid box, $26

white vase with flower appliqués, $42

framed cameo, $28

Cargo Ship Silhouette, $48

     

Pirate thank you notes, $22

Pacific Connections black and white lacquered square tray, $118

Feeling Fall

Inspired by the Autumnal palette of designers Dick Ridge and Rod Denault’s New York apartment, here are some easy ways to incorporate the cozy feeling of Fall into your home:

Try adding texture to your floors, sofas and tabletops with a crewel rug in shades of rich red and orange, cable knit toss cushions in camel and ivory and pheasant-feather placemats:

 

You can also channel the sights and smells of the season with pumpkins and leaves galore! Try retro-feeling canisters, delicious scented candles, carved centrepieces and more!

Top Clockwise: WS Home Suzani Crewel Rug, Ralph Lauren Cashmere Cable Throw Pillow, Pheasant Feather Placemats

Bottom Clockwise: Aunt Sadie’s Pumpkin Pie Candle, William Sonoma Pumpkin Canisters, West Elm Autumn Leaves Dessert Plates, Pottery Barn Carved Wood Pumpkin

(top image from New York Social Diary by Jeff Hirsch)

Celerie Kemble’s Fairytale View

One of my favourite spaces from the latest edition of Lonny is Celerie Kemble’s beautiful rooftop escape overlooking Central Park. Her usual MO of mixing classic themes with whimsy and bright colours is executed perfectly with the faux bois benches, bright yellow bistro chairs, and stone planters.

To get Celerie’s modern-day fairytale outdoor decor, try layering tons of lush greenery with the faux bois collection from Janus et Cie, yellow bistro chair by Conran USA, and Greenwhich urn by Restoration Hardware:

(photos of celerie kemble’s abode via Lonny)

Exciting New Project!

My sister is moving into her own place, so that means another  no-holds barre decorating project is on the horizon!

With a list of obsessions that includes Iris's cottage from The Holiday, flamingos and shabby chic -- it is going to be a very fun and eclectic project!

I'll be posting about our sisterly decorating adventures, so stay tuned to see how we turn the dated-looking interior above into a chic and cozy abode for a young twenty-something.

The Chicest Winter Coat You’ll Ever Meet: Erin Kleinberg X Johnny Yiu

Those of us living in Northern climates are well aware of the challenge of finding a warm winter coat that doesn’t resemble either a puffy garbage bag or an arctic explorer’s jacket.  One label I have turned to in the past for stylish options is Canadian company Johnny Yiu - so when I heard that one of Toronto’s rising fashion stars Erin Kleinberg was teaming up with the outerwear company for a new collection of edgy outerwear, I was jumping at the chance to see what their collaboration would yield.

The result is the practicality and craftsmanship of Johnny Yiu’s water-repellent nylon shell and ethically collected goose-down filling, spiced up with Kleinberg’s signature of-the-moment detailing, such as quilted patches, military-style buttons, zippers and more. 

My favourite  is the Magdalena Parka with its blend of luxe quilted patches, punky horizontal zippers and soft coyote fur trim hood.  You can buy the Magdalena for $815 at Holt Renfrew, Saks.com and Canopy Blue.

(Campaign shot by Jake Rosenberg)

Design Library Wishlist

There are some books out right now that I would love to be able to thumb through -- namely two that focus on the past history of star decorators, and one brand new tome that features a current designer whose work I adore: Mary McDonald:

Mary McDonald: Interiors: The Allure of Style

Billy Baldwin: The Great American Decorator

The Great Lady Decorators: The Women Who Defined Interior Design, 1870-1955

Even though I have no shortage of beautiful design books I plan on adding these to my library very soon!

Michael Partenio Photography

Here is some interior eye candy courtesy of New England photographer Michael Partenio. I stumbled upon his beautiful work when I picked up some local decorating mags in Cape Cod and am loving his light and airy images:

 

(images from Michael Partenio)

Stylish Sectional (no this is not an oxymoron)

Those of us in the biz know how hard it is to find a sectional that doesn't turn into a vacuous "L" sucking out every last ounce of style from the room.  I do have some favourites I return to now and then that I have used for clients in the past that are sure-things, but I was super excited to finally come across a sectional that really stands out from the crowd.

The 4800 Sectional Series by Lee Industries has a fabulous tall tight back with a side profile akin to a modern rectilinear wing-back chair. It's nailhead detailing and tapered legs add a glam element to it as well.

I had suggested it to one of my clients for their family room last month but they passed because it didn't look comfortable enough, so you can imagine my delight when I went to visit ELTE's recently revamped showroom and saw it on the floor! Not only does it look super festive in real life, but it was soooo comfortable!Usually people shy away from tight backs  thinking they won't be cozy, but the angle of repose, deep seat and lumbar cushions make it snug and stylish!

The affordable price is another bonus: $6,595 as shown from ELTE (not including the patterned toss cushions).