Interior Design in Raleigh, NC

…the patina of wood…

Another weekend in the mountains and surrounded by all things wood…the trees and a lot of wooden architecture inspired by these natural surroundings.   There is nothing like the warmth and patina of wood incorporated into the design plan.  Along with metallic and edgy elements, it tempers the glitz and adds that element of warmth into modern environments.  There’s even a whole book of stories devoted to this natural resource…everything from baseball bats to 50,000 year old Kauri wood found in New Zealand bogs.  This is on my must-read summer book list.  I guess I’ve just taken for granted this element of decorating I love most…

how beautiful would this candleabra be on a white Saarinen table?

grainy oak file...functional and warm element in an all white home office, perhaps?

love the wooden fruit contrasted against the milkglass

this lamp base would look stunning with an uber-modern shade

light wood magazine rack...modern or traditional magazines?

barley twist legs on this plant stand...paired with an orchid in a modern planter maybe?

vintage rattan could be updated with new cushion in geometric modern

Here’s some inspiration to add wood to your home…or here or fun upcycled pieces here.   Even freebies from nature…a vase of branches or logs stacked by the fireplace or a piece of driftwood from a trip to the beach…add that element of warmth only wood can impart.

 

 

 

 

Written on May 14, 2012 — Leave a Comment
Posted in Uncategorized

…one king’s lane…

For those of you unfamiliar with One King’s Lane, this is how they describe themselves:

“Simply put, One Kings Lane is an elegant, curated online sales site. We bring our members a spectacular, hand-picked selection of top-brand and designer items at up to 70%  off suggested retail.”

True enough…they are generally more affordable than here or here.  One King’s Lane has Daily Sales, Vintage & Market Find Sales….and my favorite, Tastemaker Tag Sales.  P. Gaye Tapp, aka interior designer extraordinaire, nationally acclaimed blogger, and woman of exquisite taste, has a tastemaker sale beginning this Thursday, May 10th.  Had the good fortune of meeting Gaye at West Week all the way out in LA…the two of us living mere blocks from each other in Raleigh until recently.  How odd…these six degrees of separation become more like two degrees the longer I’m in the south (which is 25 years this June).  Anyway, I love Gaye’s style and you will too.  Timeless, elegant, and personal. Here are a couple examples of what to expect from Gaye’s well-curated Tastemaker Tag Sale…

A richly detailed handmade Silk Kimono Robe. Made from an Indian Silk Sari in a vibrant orange with heavy decoration. The design for the robe is copied from an old Japanese Kimono. The fabric is silk, beaded & embroidered. The Robe is lined in lavender silk & weighted & padded at the hem.

A beautiful vintage French grey painted step back book case & two drawers in the Louis XVI style. Four shelves above w/ carved borders, bow & floral details in silver leaf & gilt. Sides have faux painted lines & a working cabinet below has wire fronts on each door. C.1920

 

Subscribing to One King’s Lane is free and you will receive updates in your inbox about the sales.  For me, it’s less about the buying and more about the trendspotting, dreaming, and mentally collecting!  It’s like going to Clignancourt without all the expense.  Enjoy!

 

 

Written on May 9, 2012 — Leave a Comment
Posted in Antiques, Auction & Estate Sales, Interior Design

…nyc…finale…

Sunday I took the subway up to Harlem to meet the fam for brunch at Red Rooster, part of mega-star Marcus Samuelsson‘s group of restaurants.  Great classic American cuisine.  Afterward, headed down to Soho to check out an unusual store, Evolution which specializes in taxidermy, fossils, sea life, insects and other natural curiosities for the home.  Here’s some examples from their website…

lovely pheasant, albeit a bit "stuffy"

ROAR!

beautiful barnacles

butterflies and other insects under glass were all the rage

buffalo fossil

Met my niece for matinee performance of Venus in Fur…wow, what a wild, erotic, funny ride…and nominated yesterday for best play and best lead actress (you will be hearing more and more about Nina Arianda).   We had a lovely tea and canneles break at Sanctuary, a new hotel near Times Square.  Little chill time at the hotel then dinner next door at Forager’s City Table, a new addition to Chelsea.  Sat at the bar, chatting with the bartender (actor) and his partner (also an actor who’s been in Book of Mormon since the beginning).  Theatre talk, great Asian spin on American, locally sourced food, the rose wine flowed…perfect last night in the city.

Monday was last day to explore design…walked around Chelsea and ended up in Union Square area.  There were a lot of chain stores including West Elm, Anthropologie, etc.  Canvas had a lovely and sustainable vibe…

tuftedness

Housing Works (thee most AMAZING thrift store, supporting those living with HIV/AIDS and homelessness)…a few local non-profits could learn a lot from their amazing Design-on-a-Dime event and their online shopping option…

housingworks window displays rival any department store

Of course…ABC Carpet & Home…not sure about all this over-dyed rug business…spend $5000 on a rug that you might be sick of in two years…

i love color as much as the next person

Olde Good Things…”architectural and altered antiques”…

how about a bench made with Coney Island boardwalk wood?

...or mirror made from old copper window...

...or table made from old fencing...

Ann Sacks Tile Gallery…does anyone make prettier tiles?

wouldn't want to get a quote on this...yikes

Snuck in and out of various smaller shops and thrift stores…love this area from 7th Avenue over to Broadway, and 16th Street to 24th Street to the north.  And all on foot from Chelsea area.   Had to digest it all on the train ride to Newark airport…can’t wait to get back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written on May 3, 2012 — Leave a Comment
Posted in Uncategorized

…nyc, part 4…park avenue apartment…

Had a wonderful evening with my uncle who has led a fascinating life as an educational filmmaker and film executive…first, cocktails in his apartment and later, dinner at a classic New York Italian restaurant.  He has lived in this apartment for forty years and it is an example of timeless design (as I blogged about here)…

the foyer with all our crap on his chair and floor

other side of foyer...view to kitchen

close up on painting and lacquered walls in foyer

view into expansive living room...a movie screen comes down from ceiling at the far end

left side of living room

piano area in living room

a cozy and functional area at right end of living room

the large painting in the dining room slides over to reveal projection equipment

closet in master is actually just book spines glued to doors to appear as full depth bookshelves

master bedroom

cozy den

It was a wonderful evening and always great to spend time with family, especially in this lovely setting.  Camera battery fortunately lasted to the end of this evening, but died thereafter.  I was using little man’s camera this weekend as mine is in the shop and he told me to bring his battery charger, but in the end I decided to save space in luggage.  Hate it when the 12 year old is smarter than me.  No more photos of NYC but some more blogging about great design finds to come….

 

 

 

 

Written on May 1, 2012 — 2 Comments
Posted in Uncategorized

…nyc, part 3…

Saturday was the original reason for my trip to New York…the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, where four of my siblings and I walked in honor of our mother.  It was a mob of people, many of whom suffer from the disease.  A beautiful day in Central Park…

crisp, cool weather in the park...everything greened up for spring

parkinson's unity walk

the man himself was there

what can i say? i'm a sucker for a short canadian man

crazy, fun sister holding our team sign

more of our team with our team shirts

we're almost at the starting point...it was a sloo-oow walk, not a race

lots of people and families affected by this disease

normal central park activities took place around the walk...excuse us, Mr. Ed

enjoyed the pond and other sights after the walk

Alice in Wonderland sculpture...kids obviously love it

Short stroll to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where I had lunch overlooking central park on one side and the American Wing atrium on the other…my view for lunch…

the atrium with lovely sculpture collection

more of the atrium

Saw four temporary exhibits:  Duncan Phyfe, a wonderful retrospective of this master cabinetmaker which covered all the influences on his career from Sheraton to Grecian style.  The Steins Collect was an amazing exhibit highlighting the patronage of these siblings and their impact on the artists of the early 20th century.  It was a nice complement to the exhibit I saw in DC about Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. Durer and Beyond unveils the museum’s collection of Central European drawings…highlight included an unfinished painting left behind when Durer fled Nuremberg for Venice.  It shows the intracy and cross-hatch drawing under the layers of paint…unbelieveable detail that is normally unseen.  Final exhibit was Naked before the Camera, a look at the early days of photography and how the nudity could be justified as an “artist study” during prudish Victorian times, though they really were art unto themselves.  It was difficult to ignore the permanent collections but I really tried to focus on a select few exhibits.

Left the museum and explored Madison Avenue and all its treasures…

the architecture was definitely tonier on the upper east side

great detail

loved this table in a window...what a practical way to store a table leaf

pussy willows on madison avenue!

very groomed bushes

loved the store window at ralph lauren home, but feared the prices would make me apoplectic

don't know that the wait was justified for...

...these, but they sure were pretty tasty looking

Subway back to Chelsea where I stumbled upon a street festival on 8th Avenue, practically at my hotel’s doorstep.  These street fairs change locations each weekend and offer a fun assortment of goods…

great textiles

jewellry made from Columbian seed pods...i may or may not own two pod thingys now...

more textile gorgeous-ness

orchid love...and cheap

moroccan goodies

moroccan glass

moroccan man wanted his fifteen minutes

...and finally, glass murano-like jewellry pendants

Back to hotel and quick change to meet family for drinks at Carlyle club, famous for its painted mural, “Central Park”,  by Madeline author/illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans …and its storied history…Jackie and JFK had an apartment upstairs and Woody stills jams there on certain nights…

you might recognize these characters

From here to my uncle’s Park Avenue apartment…a classic worth noting…stay tuned…

 

 

 

 

 

Written on May 1, 2012 — 2 Comments
Posted in Uncategorized

…nyc, part 2…

Wandered around NOHO (North of Houston) Design District which is roughly bordered by 4th Street to the north, Bleeker to the south, Lafayette to the west and Bowery to the east.  Walked past here on the way…this is for you, college boy…get through exams and everything will be all right…

college boy, you'll play here one day...I have no doubt

Enjoyed the architecture and quirkiness of these modernized buildings in NOHO…

rockin and rollin in noho

check out the gold people climbing the building

Stopped in Lobel Modern with furniture from the 40s through the 80s…

great museum-like collection

loved these stacked lucite lamps

beautiful deco dresser

this ain't your daddy's lounger

this guy kept talking my head off

70s x-benches with original silver upholstery...egads

original upholstery again...famous 70s pattern

unbelieveable new piece designed by owner...with thin cut bamboo under lacquer

Lunch break at Prune, made famous recently with a memoir, Blood, Bones and Butter, penned by the chef (who also happens to be a James Beard recipient).  Take an autobiography that reads like fiction and mix in a chef who also has an MFA in writing and you have a great dish read.  The focus of the restaurant is on simple, good food, locally sourced and delicious…here’s my first course…

shaved asparagus with fava beans...and that yellow stuff is lots of a buttery based something

Had to make another food stop with my sister who’s in the restaurant business.  Checked out the best smoked salmon in the city and other assorted goodies at this small grocery store…

guess he didn't have any sons to inherit the business

loved that nothing looks changed from its original opening

Moved onto Orchard Street, exploring smaller art galleries.  Found an interesting “pop-up” shop called Leftover Luxuries.  The owner has done this in other cities – very interesting concept.  She says the purpose is to bridge the gap between auction houses and tag sales by providing short term consignment.  Her website is right up F&F’s alley, promoting the “too much stuff” factor and the reuse/repurposing aspect.  Great selection of high end stuff at deeply discounted prices…

old beam bench/coffee table

channel boots...ooh la la

cool vintage couch and accessories

real Emeco chairs at deep discount

Onto lower end of Broadway for a little shopping…then explored the lower end of the High Line…a walk back through Chelsea to my hotel and finally, War Horse at night…

great architecture...keep time on the shopping

can see the river from this end of High Line at Ganesvoort Avenue

the Standard Hotel...where some exhibitionists like to show their stuff through the windows

more flowers and pretty plantings

it's fun to go under the buildings like the trains used to do

lovely shallow water feature

Mr. Gehry's even on the High Line

more architecture

sculpture amongst the plantings

back of a church on the High Line

love the sights on West 22nd where my hotel is located

feel lucky to walk on this tree-lined street each day...

...and enjoy this slice of neighborhood life in the big city

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written on April 28, 2012 — Leave a Comment
Posted in Uncategorized

…nyc…

Flew into the city yesterday and met my sisters for a matinee performance of Clybourne Park.  Brilliant, simply brilliant.  With a limited run, if you happen to be in NYC the next few months, I highly recommend it.  It reminds me of why I love theatre, why theatre can do what only live performances can do…move you in so many ways.  I was laughing hysterically one minute and near sobs the next.  My one sister, the usual “crier” in our family, looked at me incredulously at the end of Act I and asked, “Are you crying?”  I couldn’t talk, as it would have made me cry big, boo-hoo out-loud sounds and further embarass myself…the grief from the last scene was so palpable.  It was that good.  I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to provide a spoiler.  Suffice it to say, it made me miss theatre both performing and attending, which I haven’t been so good about back home in Raleigh.   With red eyes and all, spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the lower east side and saw some lovely design stores (forgot the camera…duh) and ended the day here for dinner.  Yum.

Today I explored what continues to be my favorite addition to the cityscape, the High Line.  When I was here two years ago it was not completed… it now runs from Ganesvoort in the Meatpacking District up to West 30th street, a nice distance with many wonderful things along the way and plans for even further expansion.  The architecture varies from the old and rusty to modern and enviable rooftop gardens that overlook the park.

modern building on the high line

love the rusty duct work and more industrial look of this

it was not too crowded today...not like the weekend mobs

loved the glass jars in the art studio windows along the high line

outdoor patio right on the park...jealous

love the plantings between the old tracks

a little green amongst the buildings

metal architecture

Met my sisters for a tour of Chelsea galleries.  Some of it was as pretentious as I remember two years ago and some was refreshing and more interesting.   A felt artist was intriguing with her “floor” installation…

all handmade felting...this does not do justice to the colors

But the absolute highlight of the day was this incredible macrame (yes, that kind of macrame) installation by Brazalian artist, Ernesto Neto…

interactive art

my niece interacting

my crazy sister interacting

the two of them relaxing in the middle of the piece

the piece we walked thru to get into exhibit...also interactive, it had bells and swung as we walked thru

another piece seemed specifically sighted to this atrium

another interactive "swing"

beautiful lounging niece

a "gazebo"

Enjoyed the gardens and houses of Chelsea on way to subway…

cliimbing wisteria

beautiful doors

My niece, who lives in Brooklyn, took us on a mini-tour of the Dumbo area, including a little chocolate break here, before exploring Modern Anthology, one of the inspiration stores on my list…

oh yes...

loved the pretty windows of the chocolate shop

whimsical floral theme for spring inside the shop

Modern Anthology has a mix of antiques and industrial and clothes and textiles

loved the blankets on this bed backed by old maps as "wallpaper"

fun pillows

etagere of reclaimed wood from old ships

loved these lights made with old shoe molds

old surveyors stand turned lamp

window display

old metal letters

lots of "natural" decor, including this skull

fun art made from old industrial parts

Down the street, discovered this store dedicated to mid-century Danish furniture…

beautiful rosewood

great coffee table selection...especially loved the ones with lower caned shelves

these bookcases could work well in a modern or traditional setting

lots o' mid-century pottery

even a vintage t.v.

chairs-r-us

Tonight dinner in the Meatpacking District here and tomorrow exploring the design area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written on April 26, 2012 — Leave a Comment
Posted in Antiques, Art, Interior Design, Out & About, Travel, Upcycling & Reuse Decor

…master bath renovation…

When we moved into this house ten years ago we did a serious cosmetic upfit to our master bath, ripping out walls and adding glass block to bring light into a very dark bathroom with no windows.  We added a new sink and Mr. F&F got all the gold fixtures and the shower from his old workplace…his old boss, el Presidente, had been living large with a spa shower.   Gotta love the 90s.  In the new age of “cutting back” and saving face, they decided to rip his shower out.  Mr. F&F was first in line to reclaim it for very few dineros.  I hated it from day one with its gilded nod to the era of fancy steak dinners and endless expense accounts.  But I have to admit it was a step up from the green fixtures and dated bath that we inherited with the house.  Fast forward and we’re moving on…here’s what we added in 2002…

new sink and glass block that added light from adjoining den

the ugly shower

…we’re capturing some space in the adjoining den and adding a bathtub and mirrored closets…here’s what I’m aiming for…some inspiration pictures from my Pinterest board …

 

vanity idea for between two mirrored closets

love this tub

closet idea

The tile will be simple – subway and mosaic like we did in the kids’ bathrooms…and in keeping with the era of this house c. 1925.   Light and bright and very girly in the bath area…an escape for mommy.  Demolition began today and it’s a mess, as expected.  But I love our contractor, who came back from the mountains to do this project for us, and squeeze in some other past customers.  Should be a breeze and complete in eight weeks…ha ha ha.  Keep you posted on the progress.

 

 

 

Written on April 25, 2012 — 2 Comments
Posted in Interior Design, Redesign, Upcycling & Reuse Decor

…timeless design: a fashion analogy…

What makes timeless design?  Avoid trends at all costs or incorporate some inexpensive trendier items with foundation pieces?  Maintain a classic aesthetic, be it modern or traditional?  Of course, this discussion is completely subjective…what is timeless to one is not neccessarily to another.  I’d like to venture into my version of timeless design rules via a fashion analogy…please indulge me.  I am the lucky recipient of many vintage pieces from my mother’s wardrobe, including a killer dress c. early 40s.  My mother’s health took a turn for the worse this year so, rather than waiting for senior prom, my daughter decided to wear it this year.  She wants her grandma to see a photo of her in all this tulle and sequined loveliness…

1/ Good design is well-constructed and has good bones…never underestimate the longevity of a good couch or dovetail joints…

classic strapless, flattering bodice, flowing skirt and sooo well-made

2/ Good design includes accessories but knows when to stop…editing is key…how many family photos, how many tchotchkes, how much is just enough…

grandma's rhinestone necklace was the ticket

3/ Good design has layers and texture…be it in the use of curtains over sheers or pillows on couches or the use of family heirlooms with modern accessories…

LOVE the tulle overlay...perfection

4/Timeless design incorporates humor..a little dash of whimsy to show you’re not all stiff and formal…maybe it’s the necklace on the Buddha head or the funny dog picture or whatever reflects your unique humor…

good friends share a humorous pose in their finery

5/Timeless design must be shared, shared with friends and family…we feather our nests to escape the busy world but we must open our doors and hearts to our nearest and dearest…envelop them and share the warmth of what we’ve created…

a lovely group of kids

6/ And finally, good design comes in all colors, shapes and sizes…we each hope our resulting design reflects our personality, lives, loves, travels, family and all that is important to us…

each of these girls is so well-represented and so lovely in their own way

And that, my friends, is my first and last attempt at fashion commentary….have a wonderful, design-filled weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written on April 21, 2012 — 1 Comment
Posted in Antiques, Interior Design

…f & f family room redesign…

The family room is my most troublesome room…never have felt comfortable, hate the couch I bought, tried to make chairs work with the rug by slipcovering…blah, blah, blah.   Mr. F&F and I sit there to read the morning paper…he in his chair and I in mine.  We stare across at the unused sofa and even encourage the dog to sit on it to justify its existence (the couch, that is, not the dog).  TIME FOR A CHANGE.  In the spirit of using what I have, but making it work, I used my $100 coupons for PB and added some fluffing to the room and removed some items.   Room before…

the dreaded sofa...why did I pick this bulky behemoth?

Decided to remove the back cushions and use loose pillows instead to soften the look and make it more comfortable…this has worked for clients in the past.  However, look what I found behind the cushions…

the leather doesn't go all the way down...damn throw pillows better cover this hot mess

not sure what pillows to get for windowseat, as it's pretty narrow

messy kitchen table and banquette area

slipcovered these chairs to set them off on the orange, Moroccan rug...oh, and grey wing chairs are for sale and NEED to go to the store STAT!

Before revealing the after, some more background.  We are embarking on our last and final renovation in this 1925 Spanish Colonial.  The master bath is in need of a facelift and Mrs. F&F wants a bath…showers are wonderful, but I need to soap and soak once in awhile.  After ten years in this home, and what seems a continuous renovation of every square inch, I enter this last redo with a lack of commitment and fervor as in the past.   I needed an easy job, a pick-me-up, so the family room revisit seemed the ticket.  I feel better already and can now hit the tile store, the plumbing supply, the cabinet shop…OMG what have I done…

restful...new indoor/outdoor faux sisal lightens things up

a retreat from the demolition that has already begun in the master bath

the pillows, they are a-workin' to hide the missing leather...AND I have actually sat here

still not sure what to do here about pillows, but for now it still serves its purpose to conceal games and a place for overflow "perching" at parties

cleaned up table area

removed the slipcovers...and the orange looks fine on new rug

doors behind chairs lead to loggia which is finally being cleaned post-pollen season

kids craft area cleaned up...though not for long

bar moved back in room from kitchen...Indian textile, from my sister, is one of my favorite pieces

A room still primarily for the kids and eating our meals, but inviting for adults as well.   A few more tweaks in the near future, but mostly done.

 

 

 

Written on April 18, 2012 — Leave a Comment
Posted in Antiques, Furniture Redos, Interior Design, Redesign, Upcycling & Reuse Decor
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About

Carole MarcotteMy name is Carole...and this is my blog. I'm an interior redesigner, working primarily with what people already own. My ideal (I can dream big, can't I?): People will stop buying crap, refurbish and highlight their existing treasures, and if they absolutely need more "stuff", buy only resale items (vintage, antique, flea market or the like). And if it must be new "stuff," it would provide significant function, environmental sustainability, or support our artists and thereby feed our soul. I'm on a mission...please join me.

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