Merida + Celerie Kemble

Merida, a Massachusetts based company, is known for their natural fiber flooring and their strong commitment to sustainability. While I have always loved using their sea grass and sisals, I am really excited about their new product line with interior designer Celerie Kemble.

The line will be launching in June but my Merida rep brought me a over a sneak peak yesterday. I think the star of the collection is a multi-colored chevon pattern made out of wool and linen called Catalyst. It would perfect in a scheme I am working on for a little girls room (see below).

They also have a new Made in MA line which will showcase patterns made out of New Zealand Wool, Crimped Wool and Felted Wool. The beauty of this line is that you can create a truly bespoke rug by mixing and matching different yarns and colors.

Celerie Kemble in her office with the Catalyst rug

Colorways

Scheme for little girl's room

Duane

One of my favorite sources, Duane has moved from Tribeca to the Upper East Side. 

I am looking forward to visiting them in their new space at 302 East 61St, Second Fl, NYC.

Here are a few of my current favorites:

Italian Brass Chandelier, c. 1960's

Tub Chairs with Chrome Base, c. 1960's

Duane Lacquered Goatskin Game Table by Karl Springer, c. 1960's

High Back Black Lacquered Arm Chair, c. 1940's

Darryl Carter + Benjamin Moore

Darryl Carter, an interior designer known for his minimal, tailored palette has teamed up with Benjamin Moore to create 24 new colors. He has them grouped into categories so it is really easy to understand how he intended them to be used. I am particularly drawn to his accent colors for trim. Here are some of my favorites:

The Door is Phelps Black DC-22

Beadboard Color is  Pinecrest Gray DC-21

Fireplace is Bayard Blue DC-24

Wall Color is Dalton Blue DC-12

Moonrise Kingdom

This years Cannes Film Festival is kicking off with the new film Moonrise Kingdom from my favorite director Wes Anderson. The film is set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965. It tells the story of two twelve year olds who fall in love and make a secret pact to run away together into the wild.  I love Wes Anderson movies not only for their dry wit but because they are so visually perfect. His attention to detail, vivid use of color and sense of style are always spot on. I can't wait to see the movie which will be released on May 25th.

Kips Bay 2012

I always enjoy my annual visit to the Kips Bay Decorators Show House in NYC. Held every year around this time the show house is usually set in an Upper East Side townhouse. With none to be found this year it is set in the the Aldyn, a 40-story condominium complex on the Upper West Side.  I have heard that not having the usual prewar architectural embellishments has presented the designers involved with some design challenges. I am very curious to see what they came up with. Here is a little sneak peak from the New York Times. Kips Bay Decorators Show House, the Aldyn Residences, 60 Riverside Boulevard (between 62nd and 63th St), NYC, May 16th-June 14th.

Partners & Spade + Mondo Cane

Mondo Cane has a fantastic collection of vintage kids chairs that will be on display at Partners & Spade from May 17-June 6th.  I always enjoy stopping in there when I am in town so this will be an added treat. Partners & Spade, 40 Great Jones Street, NYC 10012

Aluminum Children's Chair, c. 1930

Children's Shell Chair c. 1950's

Bent Plywood Children's Chair. c.1980's

Green Cord Children's Chair, C.1950's

ART SY

A friend of mine recently introduced me to this great new website art sy. The site features artwork from leading galleries, museums and private collections from around the world. It is powered by the Art Genome Project, a study of the characteristics that distinguish and connect works of art. It is a fantastic way to learn about art that you might admire or want to purchase. Here are a few of my favorites:

David Leventi, Royal Swedish Opera, Stockholm Sweden 2008

Milton Avery, The Human Merrry Go-Round C. 1932

Pieter Hugo, 12. Adbulai Yahaya, Agbogbloishie Market, Acccra, Ghana 2010

Helen Frankenthaler, Blue Reach 1974

Annie Leibovitz, Kate Moss 1999

Lynn Geesaman, Beloeil Belgium, 2004

Bar Carts + Basil Lime Gimlet

A bar cart is a wonderful addition to an entertaining space. I tend to prefer ones that are either vintage or are rooted in early to mid 20th century design:

Flessas Design, Sculptural Aldo Tura Lacquered Wood & Brass Tiered Cart c.1950

Espasso, GW Gregori Warchavchic, 1930

Espasso, JZ Jorge Zalszupin 1950

One of my favorite drinks and always a hit with guests is a Basil Lime Gimlet. This recipe from Via Matta is outstanding!

BASIL LIME GIMLET

Ingredient

4 Large Basil Leaves

1/2 Ounce Simple Syrup

2 1/2 Ounces Tito's Handmade Vodka

3/4 Ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Ice

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 of the basil leaves with the Simple Syrup. Add the vodka, lime juice and ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the remaining basil leaf.