Alexa Hampton Book Signing at Meg Braff Designs

  Hey Everyone,
      Well the weather could not have been worse, cold, icy storm, snow and dangerous driving conditions.  None of the above kept our friends from joining us for Alexa Hampton's book signing.  The evening went on as planned and a good laugh was had by all.  Anyone who has ever met Alexa will know what a hoot this lady is - so much fun to be around and so talented.  Here are some pics to commemorate the evening.

Me, Alexa and Meg

Betsy Pash getting her book signed

Bob Scalamandre

Our brave friends all having a great time

Alexa and Liz Cordiero

My Mini Makeover

 Hey Everyone,

     Well it has been 5 years since I moved into this house and since I am definiately the type of person that lives in her house hard, it is time for new sofa's, rugs and an overall update.  Being that I moved in with tons of furniture from our last house some of my choices in furnishings I am stuck with.

     This go around I have much more knowledge of furnishings, rugs, draperies, lighting....need I go on?  Great, right? This should be a breeze!  Wrong!!! Now I know too much, can't make a decision - brass tables, linen wrapped table - velvet on my favorite chair or a print?  I have decided to take this journey to the people, sometimes writing things down clears it up.

      The first picture that I am posting today is my living room in its current state, seriously undone.  I have purchased two beautiful sofas from Lee Industries with a gold tone silk tape from Samuel and Sons bordered in larger brown tape by Hymen & Hendler.  There are currently two sunburst mirrors from Two's Company and the seagrass carpets are from Frank's Cane and Rush.  The only side table I have purchases thus far is a vintage low square mirrored piece from Meg Braff Designs on Forest Avenue in Locust Valley that I have decided to place next to the settee and I love it!

     Here is a pic in it's current state.  The room is rather large (25' x 26") and being that the fireplace is centered I am forced to create one living space.  I have a small reading space in the far left corner that is quite cozy but the chair needs reupholstering.  My new settee needs a fabulous new fabric as well.  We are still a long, long way from complete.  Chairs are missing, pillows are from the old living room - I just keep them there so my gorgeous dog Oscar won't jump on my new sofas. LOL! Tables are on their way!  I cannot commit to any of the accessories, if you look carefully they still have price tags on them!  I need amazing x benches and a sofa table to balance the space.  Stay tuned!

My Baby Boy!!!

Mario and Brian's Book Signing

  Hey Everyone,

     Well it was a wonderful event, and good times were had by all.  Mario was a hit in our shop, as was Brian in Betsy Pash's lovely shop next door.

     Here are some photos to mark the event.

Mario and I 

 -he poses for a picture quite well!

The Amazing Brian McCarthy 

- his book is a must buy!!!!

Bob Scalamandre and Luis 

 -two of my favorite men

Our MBD staff poses for a X-Mas photo

Your truly, Cali, Meg, Amal & Luis

Our guy, hard at work!!

  The rubber hand blotter still freaks me out a bit.  

But I do not argue with genius.

The ever joyous Meg Braff!

That't it for today, but please come again - this Tuesday on the 17th of December we will be hosting the wonderful Alexa Hampton in our shop in Locust Valley for her book signing.  Should be another  amazing event.

Marvelous Mario and Brian McCarthy!!!

  Hey Everyone,

 This Saturday I will be attending a book signings for the Marvelous Mario Buatta  and Brian McCarthy at Meg Braff Designs, 92 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley,NY.  Mario is celebrating his brand new book Fifty Years of American Interior Decoration, and Brian is celebrating his newest book Luminous Interiors, The Houses of Brian McCarthy.  I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Buatta yesterday and it was a conversation I will never forget.  Not only the nicest man in the world, but totally unaffected by his unparalleled success.  The Prince of Chintz is truly a prince.  Funny, kind, handsome and an unbelievable talent.  Unfortunately I have not gotten the opportunity to speak with Mr McCarthy but I am certain he is a prince as well.  Here are their newest contributions to Interior Design, don't miss it!

   


My Weekly Wonder is coming! Stay Tuned!!!

La, La, La, Cornue!!!

  Hey Everyone,

       When I discovered my current home it had already undergone a major renovation.  In one breath, we were relieved - so much less to take on.  On the other hand, I would probably never get the kitchen of my dreams.  I love vintage appliances, and I love to see a star in every room.  La Cornue is definitely the star in any kitchen, and I am going to have to move again in order to have one.  La Cornue ranges come in various colors and configurations - I am waiting my turn with bated breath.

Here is a blip I took from the site to help us all understand the greatness that is La Cornue!

Founded in France in 1908, La Cornue is famous for its impeccably styled, high-performance kitchen stoves. The commitment to gastronomic perfection is the cornerstone of La Cornue ranges, and La Cornue of the 21st century stays true to this commitment while providing tools suited to the modern lifestyle. Gaining an appreciation of the tools you are cooking with and learning to use them to your benefit can transform your cooking experience.

 La Cornue - CornuFé 1908, Navy $10,500

La Cornue - CornuFe Stove in Provence Blue $8,600

La Cornue - Albertine Ivory Stove $6,800

All of the La Cornue stoves are ready for quick shipping with white glove service.

Mega - Watt Metalics

  Hey Everyone,

     Metallics, bright and shiny - they always catch our eye.  Gold or Silver, in the appropriate setting they make a room.  They are considered neutrals and can be used in any room and easily mixed together making them so easy to work with.  Feel free to click on any image and you will be magically transported to the site!

Here are two great wallpapers that I am dying to use!

This is by far my favorite Meg Braff wallpaper.

 I know she has quite a few lovelies in her collection but this one has always just knocked my socks off!  This is not a great shot of it and it truly bears calling the Locust Valley store and getting a memo.  Truly Fabulous!!!

This lovely is by Phillip Jeffries  -The Lost City of Quartz -  I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Jeffries in our shop one day and he was such a gentleman.

 This product is a mica/quartz and looks amazing up on a wall.  

A fellow colleague of mine, Liz Cordiero of Long Island Style used it in a showhouse, while her room was georgous - the top question posed to her was 

"What is this wallcovering, and where can I get it"

Next 3 items can be found at Global Views

A collection of African Animals

 in shiny silver would look great on any bookshelf.

Sea Grape Leaf from,
 great for displaying on a table
 or will accomodate hanging on the wall.

These steel balls range from 3" to 6" in size.

This Trefoil Knot Sculpture is from Interlude Home and makes
 a interesting accessory on any  table.

The Tristan Pyramid Box is an exciting piece to display in your room.
 This is also offered at Interlude Home.

Gold Ribbons Glass Vases-Short to Tall
can be found at Global Views

Ashton Peony Companion by Shand Kydd - 

This metallic gold foil paper is adorned with pink peonies 

and would work wonders in a young teens sitting room, lasting 

until she came home from college.

This gold metallic papaer is by GP & J Baker - Eastern Pine Crayford.
Great accent for living rooms or dining rooms.


Here is my Weekly Wonder for week ending November 30, 2013!

These adorable place card holders are in keeping with my Metallic theme, 
are from Target
 and only cost $10.00 for a set of 2!!!!!
I am ordering a dozen sets right now!  Love, Love, Love Them!!

Weekly Wonders

  Hey Everyone,

I had a sort of epiphany today, and have decided that on the bottom of each of my blog postings I am going to include my Weekly Wonder!  My Weekly Wonder will be one fabulous furnishing, light fixture, rug, article, etc, etc, that really Wow's me.  We all read tons of publications each month and I am sure at some point we stop and just say Hmmm, that is lovely - well I have decided that the next time I am awestruck I am going to share it with my bloggers. Being that this is my Pilot Weekly Wonder, I am giving it it's own page!  Lucky Dog!

So lets get this started!

This week, since we are about to kick off everyone's favorite holiday season lets start with the Fabulous Meg Braff who has been featured in the December issue of Southern Living.  Meg is giving us a look into her beautiful Newport home.  This color combination is one of my favorites, but for the holidays I think it shines brighter than any other.

This Scalamandre wallpaper has always been a big favorite of mine and I am sure you can see why.  To make her home more festive for the holidays Meg has swapped out her dining chairs for these lovely gold bamboo style ones and added red shades to the beaded chandelier.  Magnolia adorns the fireplace mantle along with red hurricane candle holders.  So Lovely!!  :)

Southern Living December 2013