Inspiration
The Smell of Spring
Apr 03 2013 ·2There is nothing like the smell of Spring ~ so fresh, so new, so…green. Fortunately, you can smell Spring any time of the year as soon as you step into Winston Flowers in Hingham (or any of their locations). Last week, just before Easter, I wandered into what felt like Paradise on a dreary, cold and gray day and into a garden of color and fragrance…
Punta Cana
Mar 19 2013 ·2“ Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind”
~Seneca
Ahhhh, I just returned from a short vacation to Punta Cana, a popular resort area in the Dominican Republic. Located on the same Carribean island as Haiti, Punta Cana is on the eastern point of the Dominican Republic ~ a lovely spot indeed…
Design is Everywhere…
Feb 20 2013 ·0All you have to do is see it. I truly believe this!
To that end, one of my favorite things to do is to explore new locations. Whether it’s someplace exotic (India! Morocco!) or your local flower market, inspiration is everywhere. And what better way to capture all that inspiration than with my trusty iPhone camera!
Valentine Tablescapes
Feb 13 2013 ·0Valentine’s Eve is upon us and wouldn’t it be fun to create a special tablescape for the big day? Need some inspiration? I’ve got it!
Inspired by Red…and Fuchsia
Feb 06 2013 ·0Since red is often thought of as the color of love, what could be more fitting than an Inspired by Red Posh Presentation Panel vignette?
Posh Palettes Presentation Panel: Emerald
Jan 15 2013 ·1As you’ve probably heard, the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year is Emerald Green.
‘Tis the Season: Christmas in NYC
Dec 05 2012 ·1Last weekend I traveled with a dear friend to the “city that never sleeps”. If you’ve never been to New York during the Christmas season, you simply must go! Even more than usual, the city is stunning, vibrant and full of light. I had a ball taking in the energy of Manhattan and the sights of the season.
Color
Nov 13 2012 ·0At the ASID Fall Business Conference, Mark Woodman, from the Color Marketing Group (CMG) delivered the keynote address. Not only is Mark a dynamic designer, but he is also an outstanding and personable speaker.
Trend Report 2013
Oct 10 2012 ·0One of my favorite design events of the year occurs annually in October at the Boston Design Center. Design Days are full of fabulous activities and it all starts with the Trend Report seminar conducted by our V.P. and General Manager, Julie Rogowski. Trends 2013 is “the definitive list of the most important design styles, colors and patterns sure to be on everyone’s hot list.”
Charleston, Sweet Charleston
Oct 03 2012 ·0This past weekend I paid my first visit to Charleston, South Carolina, a true jewel of the South. My dear friend Tina and I attended Parents Weekend at the College of Charleston where her daughter, Olivia, attends the Honors College. When Tina’s husband Rich had to cancel at the last minute due to work obligations, I was more than happy to step in!
My Summer of Weddings
Sep 25 2012 ·0“Today I will marry my best friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, LOVE”
~Author Unknown
It’s been of Summer of Love in 2012, as I’ve just attended my third wedding of the season! It is always a privilege to witness the joy and love as two people start their lives together. Not only do I enjoy basking in the glow of happiness at a wedding, I adore all the details that go into making each event special.
The 4th of July: Time to Celebrate…and Decorate!
Jul 03 2012 ·0Happy July 4th! Time to take a break from our routines and celebrate our country and enjoy the summer sunshine. Time to take out the patriotic plates, red, white and blue buntings and American flags. Time to gather with family and friends.
Here are a few ideas to help you jazz up your home and terraces for your 4th of July celebration~
Set the table with stars and stripes.
Go ahead and mix in some seasonal paper goods. There are so many great patterns to choose from and paper plates help make clean-up a breeze.
Don’t forget to add decorations in unexpected places. Even the sculpture in my Foyer “dresses” for the 4th of July!
One of the best parts about a summer holiday is enjoying your outdoor spaces. This time of year my deck is in full bloom ~ and the perfect spot to watch fireworks from afar. I love to accent the fleurs with a small flag…
and a well-placed tiara or two! Isn’t she beautiful?
Don’t forget about crowns for you and your guests as well.
I use my collection year after year, adding to my stockpile when a festive headpieces catches my eye.
Patriotic tiaras make for great photo ops!
At my home, the main event on the 4th is always the fireworks display from Boston decorating the night sky…
The most perfect spot to view fireworks has to be with a reflection on the water, how lovely!
The grandest of finales:
As you can see I must perfect my ability to photograph at night~but believe me, it is stunning!
After a night of patriotic revelry, I always love knowing a fun time was had by all…
Oh beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountains majesties Above the fruited plain.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
As much as I enjoy this fun and festive summer celebration, l do hope you’ll join me in remembering the heroes who help make our freedom possible. I’ll be raising a glass to my dad Marston who served in WW II, 8th Armored Division. Thank you for your service!
Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!
xo,
Pamela
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Blogfest 2012: Kravet Studio Tour
Jun 07 2012 ·1“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at thing in a different way .”
~Edward de Bono
Without a doubt, the highlight of Blogfest 2012 in New York City for me was the Kravet Studio Tour. When I begin a design project I always start with fabrics for inspiration. Naturally, on the morning of the Kravet Studio Tour I was the first one to arrive and secure my place on the first tour of the day. You can imagine what a thrill it was for me to have a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio where so many of my favorite lines are created!
The first studio we visited was the carpet shop. Look at this array of wool yarns ~ the colors are so pure and glorious.
This is a carpet sample that caught my eye~animal print of course. I can think of a dozen spaces this would be perfect in.
The next studio we visited displays Kravet fabrics that are available in showrooms across the country, I have used many of these and they are luxurious…
The next stop on our tour really captivated me. Here we got a peek at custom fabric design. The designer starts with original artwork, in this case a pencil drawing. Using a sophisticated scanning process to digitize the artwork, the design is then tweaked and reproduced on either cotton, linen or a leather-like fabric.
The designer extraordinaire has created this “racing” fabric from these original sketches, isn’t it amazing? He was so proud to share his story, can’t you see it in his smile?
In the Brunschwig & Fils area we saw architectural plans for a brand new showroom.
Here is a Studio wall filled with colorful Brunschwig &Fils fabrics.
Can you believe that once upon a time, this wood block was used to print this Lee Jofa fabric? So interesting to get a glimpse into history.
I felt right at home in this section of the studio. This small corner is where an artist paints designs for some of the fabrics. I would love to have this job for a week…or maybe even two??
Her desk is quite petite but somehow she makes it all work, such a delightful jumble!
Her creative corner…
Finally, no fabric line would be complete without fabric trim. Luxurious trim is a favorite accessory of mine when creating pillows and other accessories. Take a peek at this sumptuous trim book:
As you can see, the two floors of the Kravet Studio are jam packed with talent and creativity. Having been treated to this incredible tour, I will certainly appreciate the beauty in every fabric and textile I touch more than ever. Above all, I will think of all the people I met who take such pride in their creation. Thank you!
xo,
Pamela
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BDC Seminar Series: Passion, Imagination and Design
May 08 2012 ·0Last week Janus et Cie at the Boston Design Center sponsored a wonderful seminar featuring Pamela Jaccarino, Editor-in-Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design magazine. Luxe is the quintessential source for those with a passion for creating beautiful surroundings and living well.
The presentation was entitled Passion, Imagination and Design. During her engaging talk, Pamela highlighted many of the inspirations and influences that are helping to shape creativity and design today. Featuring some of her favorite elite designers and spaces they’ve designed, along with meaningful quotes and background information, she inspired all in attendance.
Here is a snippet of her message and some photos (taken from her power point program, my apologies on the quality). I hope you too glean some ideas from this seminar!
Passion
“If you love what you do the passion and excitement are always there to provide the curiosity and drive necessary to succeed. My work reflects the joy I get out of transforming the wishes of my clients into beautiful spaces.” ~Jamie Drake
I love this quote, especially the universality of the first sentence. As a designer, I also reflect this philosophy in my designs.
This is a Jamie Drake design for a client.
Such a great, eclectic mix of furnishings and the art work, I love the great pops of color as well.
This design is called Purple Zinger–can you see why?
This is an Amy Lau design:
Amy is inspired by nature and abstract art which is reflected in her design work. She was quoted as saying, “I never tried black on the walls ever, this was really forward thinking for me.” The client she was working with insisted that black be used as a backdrop for her colorful furnishings and art–and Amy totally made it work.
I love this quote…
Imagination is the creative process, training the eye to see the very best.
Imagination can be “kick started” by viewing fashion and home magazines, blogs or websites.
I’ve experience this type of inspiration firsthand~ I’ve designed window hardware using a piece of jewelry as my inspiration and a feathered leading edge border on a drapery inspired by an earring. Tip: look at things 3 different ways… and always THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.
Passion and Imagination lead to my favorite: DESIGN
This is a workbook of doodles that will transform into a glorious fabric and wallpaper collection. Amazingly, the design all started with a colored pencil in a wire-bound notebook from Staples.
Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield designed this beautiful room for the Greystone Estate Showhouse. This was the front cover of the program~ isn’t it grand?
Their designs are known for Hollywood glamour and the belief that having one foot grounded in the past and one foot to walking towards the future keeps one’s designs planted firmly in the present.
I absolutely adore this next space~
I am ready and waiting to re-create this bedroom for my next client! Who wouldn’t love this ~ step right up!
Do you remember the lobbies in grand hotels that would feature a circular settee in the center of the reception area?
It looks right at home in this space as well. Such an elegant and functional piece of furniture.
At the end of the magnificent presentation, Pamela asked us several thought provoking questions that I now pose to you:
“What is your passion?”
“How will you expand your imagination?
“What drives your passion”
I challenge you to take out your journal (you do have one, right?) and record some thoughts on these questions. Then go back to this page all week and work on completing a plan as it relates to your passion. It will thrill you to explore the possibilities and get you thinking about how to translate your passion into action!
Finally, a photo op with Jennifer Matthews, Vice President, Group Publisher, moi and Pamela Jaccarino, Editor-in-Chief, Luxe Interiors + Design magazine, taken at the post-seminar luncheon at the JANUS et Cie showroom.
“You can’t depend on your eyes, when your imagination is out of focus”
~Mark Twain
xo,
Pamela
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One Stop Shopping for Inspiration: The Boston Design Center
Apr 24 2012 ·0The Boston Design Center is one of my favorite places on earth! It is just chock full of eye candy and inspiration. During my visit last week I decided to snap some photos with my new iPhone (love it) and take you on a virtual tour of some of the beautifully arranged windows and interior vignettes. I hope you too are inspired by these creative showrooms!
As I walk down the first floor hallway the first showroom to greet me is JANUS et Cie. I have always loved their signature golden topiary~especially as it is here: installed well above the round table. Do take note of the green hedge wall, another distinctive JANUS et Cie trademark.
Isn’t this umbrella covered white sectional oh-so inviting? 
Just think of the guests you could seat here and the conversations you could share…
Further on, I spied these cross leg tables from the Lee Jofa showroom. These are favorites of mine and can be used alone or in multiples~ tres chic.
At FDO (For Designers Only) they offer a treasure trove of accent pieces perfect for completing a design. The only danger here? With so many possibilities, don’t forget to edit.
Grange Furniture offers the most unusual tables. Cup of tea ma’am?
Kravet Fabrics wins my awards for Most Cutting Edge and Most Frequently Updated Showroom Designs thanks to Bill Elinoff and his design team. I love the layered nuances of this tranquil bed setting. At first blush it appears to be a tailored glam look, but upon closer inspection you also discover the mica wall covering, custom silk duvet and chartreuse velvet bench that add that extra pizzazz. Oh, how sexy!
Of course Kravet’s Main Street Window is perfect as always ~
A peek into Charles Spada is truly a treat for the senses. This showroom is full of unique antique pieces that tell a story and lend a patina of history and romance to any design.
The new window at Webster & Company is perfect for Spring with a dazzling new wallpaper mural in pale pink… what do you think?
The Boston Design Center is known for its extensive selection of fine fabrics and each showroom displays them in very interesting ways~
Don’t you love the way Lee Jofa has showcased the new Kelly Wearstler line?
Duralee has chosen to cascade their fabrics down a wall. I love how this method highlights the bright colors and vibrant patterns on the fabrics. 
Beacon Hill has a very contemporary way to showcase their beautiful materials.
I am so lucky to walk the halls of the Boston Design Center and hand pick the best elements for my client’s projects. If you would like to see these and other displays at the BDC contact me for a custom tour and inspiration galore!
xo,
Pamela
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Pamela's Posh Picks: Kate Spade Dinnerware
Mar 29 2012 ·0With the Easter holiday and traditional Easter dinner “hopping” closer, I’ve been thinking about beautiful tableware once again. I love to create festive, elegant table settings and this week’s Posh Picks from Kate Spade’s Home Decor line will help you do just that…
Don’t you love this painterly black & white pattern? Placed on a bright linen tablecloth, this china adds a dash of whimsical sophistication to your holiday table:
This simple bow pattern is more traditional. It reminds me of the sweet bows my Emily used to wear in her hair, especially with her Easter dress.
Of course if you’d like a more contemporary look you could pair the Grace Avenue china with this bright yellow accent plate:
Wickford Sea Cliffs Stripe Accent Plate
This yellow pattern just smiles ~ I think this is the perfect plate for a Santa Rosa Salad, full of greenery and orange peppers (my friend Amy’s delicious recipe).
Let’s continue the creativity by using the yellow stripe plate yet again with my next pick…
Larabee Road black accent plate:
Layering different patterns and mixing and matching your plates, glassware and table dressing helps to create interest and drama, setting the “stage” for a lovely gathering.
Finally, as the children hop down the bunny trail in search of bounty for their Easter baskets, you can serve dessert and coffee. Presented in these wonderful artisan cups, you can ensure your meal will come to a memorable conclusion.
Illustrated Step Brightly Cup & Saucer Set:
I encourage you to have a colorful and creative time dressing your Easter table this year!
xo,
Pamela
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{all images via KateSpade.com }
Posh Palettes Inspiration Board: Spring
Mar 27 2012 ·0“Oh Spring! I want to go out and feel you and get inspiration.”
~Emily Carr
Last week in the Boston area we enjoyed record breaking warmth. Temperatures topped 70 degrees and sunny cerulean blue skies were the norm for 5 days in a row. I felt like I was on vacation! Now the forsythia are blooming next to the daffodils and crocuses, and it is just splendid.
All of this warmth coupled with the afterglow of Alexa Hampton’s lecture and her amazing project boards inspired me to create a vibrant Spring Inspiration Board for some of my personal projects…
I was inspired by my current favorite color ORANGE~ which as you may recall just so happens to be the Pantone color of the year. Similar to my Presentation Panels for clients, I love to use texture, color, appeal to all of the senses. On this board, the scent of suntan lotion transports me right to the beach, a beach photo recalls memories of younger days, and a bright lipstick brings to mind salty, smudged kisses…
I love woven wood blinds any time of the year but particularly in the Spring and Summertime. Consider installing these versatile window coverings on a porch to shield you just enough from the direct sunshine and then easily roll them up when you want to admire the full view~
Ahhhh, the romance of a toile. Always a classic but so much more cheeky in orange and magenta, don’t you think?
The changing of the seasons invites you to take out all your colorful clothing and accessories. It seems that subliminally I tend to purchase clothes to match my interiors… I wouldn’t want to clash would I??
Just between us, it’s not really subliminal ;-).
The next time you want to approach a design project, why not put together an inspirational board for yourself? It’s so much fun and you just might surprise yourself with some unique textures and color combinations that you adore…
xo,
Pamela
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Hot in South Beach
Feb 23 2012 ·0A few days in South Beach Miami in February is just what this New England girl needed to tide her over until summer. As soon as I stepped foot into the Gansevoort Hotel (soon to be the Perry South Beach) the hot, sexy and colorful vibe put me in the mood to relax and kick up my heels!
The lobby furnishings are colorful and bright, just the way I like them. Just look at this comfortable seating area: the neutral sofa with pillows of purple and gold coupled with the boldly striped lounge and modern purple chairs. Everything about this area says ‘Welcome to South Beach, get ready to have a good time!”.
The palm patterned carpet in magenta and plum is the perfect anchor and accent for this lively, fun seating area.
Elsewhere in the lobby sits this huge, 20 foot wall aquarium. The vibrantly colored tropical fish and contrasting but equally bright glass mosaic tile provide an unmistakable focal point. I love the shape of the mustard colored chair, echoing the colors in the aquarium and again reinforcing the colorful, lush vibe of the space.
A wall aquarium is a wonderful design element to consider for an office, a reception area or even a bedroom as it brings light, life, color and movement into area.
In another, more quiet area of the lobby I found these sexy, sculpted chairs. Just perfect for my Em in her stripe shift~ although she seems to compliment any chair!
Moving to the outdoor space of the property brings even more glam South Beach design!
Just look at this rooftop pool~
And oh, the cabanas! The bright red and orange are perfect. In the late afternoon when the sun is setting these colors are echoed in the sky along with purple and pink and endless variations in between. 
The beach below boasts the cool colors. I once read that if you consider the hues in nature for design you can’t go wrong because they always work together and flow seamlessly.
What better place to look for inspiration than the view right in front of you?
South Beach is known for its night life and the sensual vibe was easily spotted in the design of the spaces we visited after dark. The vibrant colors of the sunny daylight hours were replaced with dark and sultry shades of brown and grey.
At the W, the lobby has individual conversation areas that create intimate meetings spaces. The sleek sofa is done in an ivory linen, and the zebra design carpet is a light weight texture to match the climate while still providing a lush pop of pattern.
My chair fetish should be well-known by now, and here is one that I just loved:
I’m not sure how comfortable the faux fur would be in the intense heat, but what a conversation piece! So feminine and curvy, what’s not to love??
Finally, a reminder that any area can be anchored with art work. Although the mood is one of dark sophistication and the furniture is arranged for sipping cocktails, the focal point is the brightly colored painting. To me it reads Hot Miami~ a visual reminder of where you are, just in case you’ve forgotten!
Where ever you may travel this winter take a few moments be aware of different interiors, styles and colors and consider bringing some new ideas home for your own space. After all, wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring that vacation feeling home with you?
“Colors, like features, follow the change of the emotions.”
~Pablo Picasso
xo,
Pamela
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