Travel
View from the Empire State Building
May 21 2013 ·2While I had to cancel my trip to BlogFest in New York City this week, I did happen to fit in a quick, fun trip to NYC last week. For the first time in all of my visits, it was a clear, beautiful day when we ventured to the top of the Empire State Building. The views from the observation deck were stunning…
Vine Video Friday: I Love London!
May 17 2013 ·0I Love London! xo @modenus #Vine #VineVideoFriday vine.co/v/bET3D2OQ2Ow
— Pamela Copeman (@PamelaCopeman) May 17, 2013
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…
Posh Pinterest Board of the Week: Caribbean
Mar 14 2013 ·0Since I’m enjoying a few days in the Caribbean, I thought you might enjoy a virtual vacation there as well! This week’s Posh Pinterest board is Caribbean Etc. by Mo Krissy. This board is chock full of beautiful beach shots, Caribbean architecture, and hidden tropical treasures.
Here are a few of my favorite pins…
A Tropical Interlude…
Mar 13 2013 ·0Things have been pretty hectic around here, in the best way! I’m taking a few days to rest and recharge ~ something that’s important for all of us!
Sunny Los Angeles
Mar 04 2013 ·4Today I’m in L.A. for the Design Bloggers Conference. Staring last evening with a kickoff party at HD Buttercup and right through tomorrow night, our schedule is jam packed! I’m loving it, but if I had an extra day to spend in L.A., here’s how I might spend it…
‘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.
Chicago: Neighborhoods, Museums & All That Jazz
Oct 17 2012 ·0Another weekend, another weekend trip for me. This trip however was extra special as I traveled to Chicago to visit my son Fred. He just relocated there and he couldn’t wait to show off his new city to me ~ and I couldn’t wait to see it!
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!
Brizo Fashion Week…Here I Come!
Sep 04 2012 ·0Tomorrow I depart for New York City and Brizo Fashion Week! Tomorrow!
As most of you probably know by now, I am part of a small group of interior design professionals (the “Blogger 19”) who have been invited by Brizo, the faucet brand for the fashion forward, to attend its’ semi-annual Fashion Week event in New York City, September 5-8.
Visiting Nantucket
Aug 21 2012 ·0Ah, Nantucket.
This geographically isolated (30 miles out at sea from Cape Cod) and culturally sophisticated (what international vacation destination isn’t?) island restores my soul each time I step upon her shores.
For 23 years I have blessed to visit Nantucket with my dearest girlfriends. When we are there, I believe the island rocks just a little bit more in the water from our laughter and ahem, our dancing!
Each trip, our cocktail mistress Tina creates a cocktail of the season for our enjoyment. This time it was Watermelon Strawberry Martinis.
Delicious and a perfect way to kick off the relaxation at our friend’s home.
This year during our stay we were fortunate to enjoy nearly perfect weather. The sky was cerulean blue and the water a beautiful reflection of it with a hint of phthalo (art speak for green). Whether you reach this charming island by yacht, ferry or plane and stay for one day or several, you must make time to explore. Here are some of my favorite sights from Main Street and beyond…
For us, a stop at Bartlett’s Farm is always a necessity. The amazing fresh corn, tomatoes and fleurs are all so beautiful ~ and tasty.
Their growing fields are like a paint palette.
Downtown offers art for all tastes. Among my favorites is Art Cabinet Nantucket ~ very avant garde and not to be missed.
In another gallery along Main Street, this piece was so charming. I love how it captures the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of a day at the beach on the island.
The little girl in this painting reminded my friend Sandy of my daughter Emily when she was a child. I have to say, I do agree!
For shopping, my favorite island boutique still remains Trillium. Just look at this table arrangement…
Even my cooking would taste good on this striking china!
Of course my mind is never far from my job, and thinking about color is such a large part of what I do. At Parchment, I spied this fun stationery line from Pantone. Unfortunately, my favorite, Tangerine Tango, was out of stock. Maybe next time…
This window had most inviting wedding shoes all in a row just waiting for a bride. They all seemed to be saying, “Pick me”!
With all of the window shopping and exploring, you are bound to get hungry. We were excited to dine at CRU, a new restaurant that is the talk of the island.
The food was delightful but the designer in me was even more captivated by the decor!
The outdoor furniture was spectacular. I love this modern wing chair:
and a sofa with this view is pretty nice…
Don’t you love the punch of color?
For me, the pièce de resistance is actually inside the restaurant. This incredible crystal embellished driftwood chandelier is the centerpiece of the main dining room.
I adore the combination of rough and more formal ~so captivating and chic! You never want to look like you are trying too hard…the key to understated elegance.
Mother Nature is a master of understated elegance…
Sunset view from Cru on Straight Wharf
Oh Nantucket, such a lush place, a little bit of heaven on earth…
This year’s trip was
“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”
~Maori proverb
xo,
Pamela
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Blogfest Bound!
May 21 2012 ·0I am beyond thrilled to be on my way to New York City to attend Kravet’s Blogfest 2012 this week!
Three full days (and nights) of parties, previews, design celebrities, endless inspiration and meeting fellow interior designers and bloggers~what could be better??
Here’s a quick peek at just a few of the fabulous events on our agenda…
The official kick-off party at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House hosted by Margaret Russell, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest
Touring the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House
Attending the Hard Hat Preview Party at Baccarat
Color Pulse 2013 annual forecast with color expert and trend analyst John Turner from Benjamin Moore
It’s sure to be an incredible trip and I can’t wait to share the highlights when I return!
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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Love Locks
Feb 11 2012 ·0“You hold the key to my heart”
As Valentine’s Day approaches, our thoughts turn to love and romance. What city is more synonymous with love and romance than Paris? I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a few pictures of one of the most romantic things I saw during my trip to Paris last fall: the Love Locks.
Locks on the Pont des Arts, September 2011
The Love Locks showcase a tradition that couples partake in to show their love. A couple writes their names on a padlock and locks it onto one of two bridges, Pont des Arts and Pont de l’Archevêché in Paris. They then throw the key into the Seine River as a symbol of their undying love.
click for photo source
A French tour guide explained that you must be selective when placing your lock, for each bridge has a different symbolism. The Pont des Arts is for your committed love and the Pont de l’Archevêché is for your lover.
view from Pont des Artes, September 2011
Can you guess which bridge is completely covered with locks??
xo,
Pamela
Read more about this romantic tradition here: Padlocks of Paris
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Shopping the Fleas
Dec 06 2011 ·0As the holiday season kicks into high gear, one of the things on my to do list (along with decorating, of course) is picking out the perfect gifts for those on my list. Lucky for me, I’ve already gotten a jump start on my holiday shopping–in Paris! During my September trip I visited two of the legendary Paris flea markets: Vanves, the smallest flea market and Clignancourt, the largest market with over 2500 stalls.
Whether you are a passionate collector, a lover of a one of a kind antiques or an early holiday shopper you will certainly appreciate the “fleas” of Paris.
Come and take a peek…
First, some of my favorite vistas of Vanves:
This is a view of the vendors lining the street at Vanves, you really have to walk right up to each table to see their precious pieces
This cupid was so pretty among the rosy crystal and china
Baubles galore, how can you go wrong??
The way the sunlight beamed through the impeccable antique linens was so beautiful. In Paris it seems everything is more romantic.
I wish I had a grandchild I could’ve purchased these precious fur booties for….
Next, a visit to Clignancourt. With its many meandering alleyways gleaming with treasures, the selection here is definitely more upscale– and so are the price tags. Fortunately it doesn’t cost anything to look…
The silver was polished and simply glowed under the well placed lights
The doors to this vintage Chanel shop were so unusual. Upon closer inspection I could see they were faces of woman, oh how I would love this on my front door! By the way the shop was breathtakingly Chanel: $$$$$
By far my favorite shop was this well kept trim shop that was filled with trims and vintage findings from the proprietors family factory that dated back 200 years! Ahhh which one, or rather, ones to choose?
This exquisite trim was spun silver and simply glowed
For an 8′ x 6′ space, this stall was a piece of heaven on earth for this designer ~ One last look to tide me over until my next trip.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into two of Paris’ famous “fleas”. Whether you’re shopping for brand new treasures or an item with some history this holiday season, I wish you Bonne Chance!
” I love adding antique fabrics, trims or accents to my designs. They bring a history, a patina and a spirit to any room. I often wonder where they lived before I found them.”
Pamela Copeman
xo,
Pamela
Design is Everywhere: Paris Metro
Oct 04 2011 ·0“Beauty must appeal to the senses, must provide us with immediate enjoyment, must impress or insinuate itself into us without any effort on our part.”
~Claude Debussy, French composer
Bonjour mes amis! If you’ve hear that Paris is a romantic city, replete with beauty and inspiration, you’ve heard correctly! It seems everywhere you look and indeed, everywhere you go in Paris, it’s one breathtaking sight after another. Beautiful design details to delight all the senses surround you–even in the subway!
Do come take a peek at some of my favorite design moments from the Paris Metro…
My friend Debbie pointed out these chairs against the veritcal subway tiles at the Chatelet les Halles stop on our way to Montmartre. So striking!
At another Metro stop we walked through this tunnel with an amazing tree themed tile installation. I love how they've elevated the everyday to beautiful and interesting here!
A detail shot of the tree tile mosaic
Of course not all the good design in the Metro had to do with tile…
What a great, suit! Even the commuters in Paris are stylish!
Coming around the corner in one of the Metro stations, I heard music that reminded me of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I followed the music…
and came upon this ensemble of string musicians!
The acoustics the subway halls offer are comparable to a concert hall according to my pianist son.
The music was beautiful!
Here there is no ticket price, just a donation of your choosing.
Back to the business at hand, how many times did I look down the tracks for my train?!
There's even artistry in this colorful, approaching double decker train
I did encounter several more magnificent tile mosaics in the Metro, including this more abstract work:
Just look at the detail!
And yes, it’s signed!
From a totally different genre, another tile installation at the Bastille Metro station:
These tiles were both handpainted and dimensional!
It's always piques my interest when artwork tells a story
I hope you’ve enjoyed these glimpses into the Paris Metro! The designer and artist in me can’t help but notice and want to share some of the beauty that we encountered as we explored Paris. As I love to say, design is everywhere, even underground, you just have to stop and take notice of it!
A view of an iconic cast iron Metropolitain sign in Paris? The pigeon in my painting has an enviable view, wouldn't you agree?
xo,
Pamela
La Ville Lumière
Sep 29 2011 ·0Paris is known as The City of Light and as I discovered on my recent trip it is indeed an illuminated city–in more ways than one! Here are some images I captured in and around Paris. Enjoy!
At the Opera Garnier:
A simple candelabra on the Grand Staircase
The auditorium's chandelier is surrounded by a 1964 mural by Marc Chagall complete with self portraits and Paris points of interest
The reception area, can one ever have too many chandeliers? I think not!
Musée des Arts Decoratifs:
Beautiful lights with patterned shades reminiscent of lace flowers
At the Palace of Versailles:
The Hall of Mirrors, fabulous crystal candelabra chandeliers and me~shall we all dance?
At the Maison et Objet show:
One of many futuristic light fixtures seen in the exhibit halls
These amazing elongated candle lights can bend like bamboo. Wouldn't they look beautiful swaying in the breeze on a seaside patio?
Have a seat on this incredible illuminated chair
Glowing gym rings? Perfect for the sports enthusiast!
Perhaps a little light with your umbrella for a rainy night?
Are those clouds illuminated?
So many incredible fixtures, can you pick a favorite?
We also had the opportunity to visit a Showhouse featuring the most avant-garde Parisian designers. I loved these petite pendant fixtures in this hall.
Half moon pendant lights, en masse
Finallly, the Pantheon and the moon:
Day or night, natural light is always beautiful!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of some of my favorite lights of Paris. While some of these fixtures are over 100 years old and some are so new that they are only concept pieces, they are all illuminating and all amazing!
“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.”
~James Turrell
xo,
Pamela
C'est Magnifique!
Sep 21 2011 ·0Bonjour mes amis!
Moi before our first day at the Maison et Objet exhibit halls
I have returned from an absolutely amazing, as well as exhausting, trip to Paris! I do believe my eyes are literally sore from taking in all of the incredible beauty we saw during our week long visit. I am full to the brim with inspiration and looking forward to sharing new, creative ideas with my clients! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to sharing the highlights of my trip with you, here on my blog.
To that end, here’s just a little tease of what I’ll be blogging about over the next few weeks…
Light fixtures to die for!
The latest trends from the Maison et Objet show
Breathtaking fashion at Versailles
The beauty and ornate detail of Parisian architecture
Awe-inspiring artwork
HIdden gems of the world famous Paris flea markets
To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway,
“If you are lucky enough to have [visited] Paris…, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Paris has long been in my heart and after this magnificent trip it is sure to make it’s way into my designs!
xo,
Pamela
Bonjour Paris: Maison & Objet
Sep 05 2011 ·0Bonjour mes amis!
I have some very exciting news to share with you. This Tuesday I am flying off to Paris to attend the tres chic Maison & Objet show.
Maison & Objet is a huge design trade show showcasing an unrivaled collection of talent and innovation on display in one of the world’s most spectacular cities. At this prestigious international show of home fashions, I will be among the first to discover the newest trends in textiles, tableware, accessories, decoration and furniture. I am sure to come home overflowing with inspiration for all of our newest projects!
In addition to seeing new trends in eight exhibit halls, I will be attending lectures and panel discussions led by the best in the design industry. Of course no trip to Paris is complete without a trip to Notre Dame to light a candle, a visit to the Musee D’Orsay to marvel over Monet’s Rouen Cathedral, or an evening at a bistro, sipping a glass of champagne overlooking the Seine. 
It’s sure to be a trip full of wonderful memories and overflowing with inspiration!
My promise to you is to come away with a memory card filled with photos of creative genius to share with you, sketches to record everything I think I may forget and renewed spirit to enliven our design palettes. I am also looking forward to putting together a presentation to highlight my design finds and photos. I would love to speak at events and share what are sure to be fantastic finds from the City of Lights!
As I pack my bags I am leaving you with this last image, I have been working my new hairstyle for Paris: the French twist. What do you think?
“Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.”
~Honore de Balzac
Au Revoir!
xo,
Pamela
Out & About: Trillium on Nantucket
Aug 25 2011 ·0Shopping at Trillium is like salve for the soul. There are always new items, and Robin [the proprietress] always make you feel so at home. I love the reaction I get from friends when they discover the gift I’ve given them came from Trillium.
~another happy Trillium customer
As summer in New England begins to fade, we are reminded that every warm and sunny day is precious and every summer tradition is meant to be cherished. One of my favorite summer traditions is journeying to Nantucket with dear friends. I am blessed to have a friend who owns a home on Nantucket and for the past 22 years she has shared it with me and five other friends. During our summer sojourns we have established many wonderful traditions. Not surprisingly, a few of them revolve around…shopping!
This week I am thrilled to share our very favorite shop for decorative home accessories, tableware and fanciful pillows from all over the globe: Trillium. When you receive a one-of-a-kind bag with a box from Trillium, you just know you are in for a treat!
This colorful table setting is anchored by the simple white plates with a lush beaded detail. These lovely plates will truly highlight whatever bounty is placed upon them. I can just imagine a feast of fresh Nantucket grown vegetables and fish. So scrumptious!
I just love the bright pops of color on this table. The not to be ignored whimsical candlestick transports me to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Be Our Guest indeed!
How charmingly organic are the floating votives with the garden hosta leaves? All you need are these elegant tiered glass vases to add a unique touch to your table.
You know how I adore pillows ~ aren’t these amazing?? I love the mix of textures and patterns, so effective in creating a tactile, dynamic and inviting display.
Every table should have something that catches the light and metallic pieces fit the bill perfectly.
The combination of these feminine glasses from J.L. Coquet on a mixed metallic placemat is at once traditonal, modern and a bit sexy. Oooh la la!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little glimpse into one of my favorite Nantucket shops. Next time you’re on the island be sure to stop in! If you haven’t celebrated summer with your friends yet, embrace the last days of this magical season and toast to the warmth of friendship.
xo,
Pamela