SEASON'S GREETINGS

{Photo & Graphic by Renata Gross}

NY SOHO SHOWROOM TOUR – Part 1

I have been absent recently. Not just from my blogs, but in other parts of my life too. I know there are some periods of our lives that we get busy with things, or get in turmoil, or both. I have been in both lately. However, this is not what I want share today. I am moving on and I have started yesterday… I started having some fun, and at the same time educating myself about the options available in my field. It was a really nice afternoon, in the terms of weather: so, I headed to Soho, downtown New York City. I picked one street: Greene Street, and started “zigzagging” it, visiting all the furniture showrooms available on that street. Oh, Man! There were a lot! A lot of them I have visited already at another time, but some of them were new in the area, or new just for me. But, yesterdayt was a new day… even the ones that I had known already became a new experience for me. I saw many beautiful things… I met so many interesting people (who work there). It was fun! I would love to share with you the places that I passrd by, and the people who I met. You might want to have an afternoon like that too.

17 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

FOSCARINI INC.

Here I couldn't speak with the sales associate because she was busy on the phone. But the place was a mix of being in a galery and a lighting showroom. Super fun! The red tubes where playful.

21 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

JACQUES CARCANAGUES

Please, look for Yvonne Chin.  She is incredible, super nice and great to chat with.

She has been working there forever...! She knows everything! The place has an amazing quantity of all kinds of exotic pieces from Asia, with moderate prices. And, ask her to take you downstairs.

23-25 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

STUDIO ANISE

Ask for Paul Anis, if he is not busy.  He is the owner. He is so helpful. Really knows his products, and he is willing to explain everything about it. 

Please, don't forget to go downstairs to see more amazing kitchens and bathrooms.

31 GREEN STREET 10013

NEW YORK

BOFFI-Soho

Contact Saya Hara. Kitchens on the street level, and bathrooms on the ground level.

33 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

DE LA ESPADA

Though I did not met Unha Kim yesterday, I recommend that you speak with her. But you are free to ask for help from any of the girls that work there.  They are all nice, and the pieces are beautifully handcrafted. 

39 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

KARTELL US

Darinka Chase is a very nice lady who you could ask for help when visiting Kartell in Soho.  

52 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

GANDIA BLASCO USA

Look for McCary Smith. He is the manager. Even though I did not speak with him because he was not there,  I am sure he would be very helpful.

54 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

BOCA GRANDE

Hank Payne is one of the owners (I think).  He would be super helpful to you. Gives you tips and ideas...

They have a great SALE now for their floor samples.  Don't miss it!

59 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

RAUL CARRASCO

Vidal A. Chavez (my sales associate contact) told me that I could not take pictures inside the showroom... but he did not say that I couldn't take them outside! Anyway... one of my favorite showrooms in Soho.

MOLTENI & C

60 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

The same thing with Molteni & C... across the street of Raul Carrasco and Cyrus Company. NO pictures! 

 But if you pass by there ask for Priscilla Bissi, my half-Brazilian-half-American friend.

She is very pretty and has beautiful hair! 

57 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

CYRUS COMPANY

Every time I pass by Cyrus Company I can't resist going inside... Looks like the furniture that you maybe would see in heaven.  But talking with Andrew Griffin would not feel in heaven at all. He is an energetic sales person really willing to help you.

76 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

DEDON

Ah... Dedon.  Love their collection. Liz McEvily told me that they now have an island and 

they also sell "exotic outdoors trips".  If you are interested, speak with him.

121 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

ANDRIANNA SHAMARIS

Talk to Andrianna or Rosemarie.  They have hidden gems.

So really don't forget to ask one of them to help you, to find the gems.

138 GREENE STREET 10013

NEW YORK

B&B ITALIA

Ask for the sweet Carol Lindsey. She is on the ground level.

On the lower level you find the whimiscal pieces.

HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THE TOUR!

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN SERIES

I have been feeling so bad that I haven't posted anything lately... It's not because of a lack of subject, it's just because you know that sometime life gets really busy and somethings have to wait a little bit. Hopefully with this post you can forgive me for been so absent! I want share an interior designer's secret with you...
For a while now I have wanted to start a new series which I could share one of the secrets of interior designers. You probably have asked all the time _ "How interior designers can create beautiful rooms that seems to be so perfect?". Of course there are so many factors that we have to take in consideration; as experience, talent, hard work between others... But there is also one, two or maybe six basics elements that interior designers use that are essential for a good design. They are six of them: Color, Form/Shape & Line, Texture, Scale, Pattern & Ornament and Lighting.

COLOR

Color is a physical property of light. When we speak of color, we are referring to a pigment.

FORM/SHAPE & LINE

Form is the basic shape and configuration of an object or space.

TEXTURE

Texture is a sensory experience that may be tactile, meaning that it can be felt by touch in addition to being visual.

SCALE

Scale is the relative size of something as related to another element.

PATTERN & ORNAMENT

Pattern is a repetition of a specific motif. Ornament is used to denote visual detail that is not functional, but rather purely decorative.

LIGHTING

Light is part of every design’s concept and solution. Light affects how we perceive space and objects.

THINGS THAT I LOVE

Sometimes I have clients that come to me and ask me “what is my style”. I always say that my style is their style. I try to work with the client, and bring their personality and things that they like to their spaces, especially for residential projects. Of course, my job is to select the items that goes in the project, and guide the client. Sometimes the client wants to be involved in the process and want search for “the parts” of the project too. It’s fine, but it’s my work to coordinate the overall always thinking in pleasing the client. I always think in the client tastes and necessities. However, I do have my preferences… for sure! And I tell you that my style has changed quite a lot. I believe that everybody styles change because we change. Our lives move in different directions, sometime to different places with different weather conditions, and then our personal style moves together too. The style also can vary from a country house to the apartment in the city for the person. Style is quite questionable, and I do believe that all styles are beautiful. I believe there is “beauty” everywhere, in all styles.
But today I am going to post some of my favorite things. Again, the things here are very specific for one kind of lifestyle. It doesn’t mean that is the only style that lives inside me!

 

What are the things that you like?

 

THE PLEASURES OF AUTUMN... A DAY IN THE COUNTRY

Autumn might be my favorite season… I mean, I love all seasons.  Each one has something different to offer… I remember when I moved to US/New York my first years here I used to be so excited waiting for the fall season to come. I mean, REALLY excited about it.  You have to think that I am girl from a tropical country where the colors of autumn is a little less defined compared to here.  In the tropical countries the fall colors are not so bright as much as here...  and also there isn't the red tons.  


Fall has a quality that is earthier then the other seasons, with a deep and soft vibrancy that makes me feel good. The warm tons of color, the spicies fragances, the textured materials of wood, baskets and wool, the so and so cold in the air… Oh... Ah... the crispy days with blue skies and gold yellow leaves...  Ah, it's a season that makes me feel like escaping to the countryside; and enjoying all the "goodie & goodie" pleasures of life.

LET'S START HERE!

If you don't have one of these "cutie beauties", rent one and head to the country!

 Next day: maybe you are lucky enough to get this kind of glorious morning...

(Photo: via The Paper Mulberry from 1st-Option)

How about a mellow walk?

Hum... feeling a little tired after your long walk?  So, now... how about grabbing a good book,

 and enjoying a relaxing time in the couch?

(Photo: via one of my old Elle Decor - Designer: Michael S. Smith)

LUNCH TIME!

Maybe some warm and delicious soup from the book "The Soup Bible".

NAP TIME!

(Photo: via one of my old Elle Decor - Designer: Michael S. Smith)

In the afternoon: going to the local art gallery would maybe be a good choice...

Don't forget to bring "organic apples & pears" to home!

(Photo: Still Life by Cezzane)

Before supper I think would be fun to go shopping online...  Jayson Home  is one of my suggestions; if you are looking for something charming for your home or garden!

Hum... but while your are shopping for your favorite item, how about that yummy cupcake

with coffee or tea?

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

by Barefoot Contessa

{Makes 10 cupcakes}

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup canned pumpkin purée (8 ounces), not pie filling

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Maple Frosting (recipe follows)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped Heath bars, for serving (2 1.4-ounce bars)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush or spray the top of 10 muffin tins with vegetable oil and line them with 10 paper liners.

2. Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined.

3. Divide the batter among the prepared tins (I use a level 2 1/4-inch ice cream scoop) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.

4. Spread the cupcakes with the Maple Frosting and sprinkle with the chopped toffee bits.

Maple Frosting

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 teaspoon Boyajian Natural Maple Flavor

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and butter on low speed until smooth. Stir in the maple flavoring and vanilla extract. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

AND FOR DINNER  _  A RICH STEW!

(One of my favorite kind of food: Stews)

Oxtail Stew in Red Wine - Rabo de Toro

from the book: The Culinary Institute of America One Dish Meals

{Makes 6 servings}

Oxtail stews have incredible body and flavor. We recommend that you make this a day or two before you plan to eat it—the flavor deepens as it rests. Boiled, mashed, or pan-fried potatoes are good accompaniments to this dish, along with a glass of the wine you used to make the stew.

 

1/4 cup olive oil

2-3/4 lb oxtail pieces

Salt as needed

Freshly ground black pepper as needed

2 cups chopped yellow onion

1-1/2 cups chopped leek, white and light green portions

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 cup diced plum tomato

1 tbsp sherry vinegar or as needed

1 tbsp honey

2 cups dry red wine, such as a good-quality Rioja

3 cups beef broth or as needed

4 parsley sprigs

4 thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

1. Heat the oil in a casserole or Dutch oven over high heat until it shimmers. Season the oxtail pieces generously with salt and pepper; add in a single layer to the hot oil. (Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pieces.) Sauté the oxtail, turning as necessary, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, letting the oil drain back into the casserole. Cover the oxtail loosely and set aside.

 

2. Return the casserole to high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the onion, leek, and garlic and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add the diced tomato and cook until it deepens in color and smells sweet, about 2 minutes.

 

3. Add 1 tbsp sherry vinegar and the honey and stir until the honey is dissolved. Return the oxtail pieces and any juices they may have released to the casserole and fold the oxtail into the vegetables gently with a wooden spoon.

4. Add the red wine and enough of the broth to cover the oxtail. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf together into a bouquet garni and add to the stew. Cover the casserole and simmer very gently over low heat until the meat on the oxtail is nearly falling from the bone, 2 to 3 hours.

 

5. Transfer the oxtail pieces to a heated serving bowl and keep warm. Remove and discard the bouquet garni. Return the casserole to the heat. Skim the fat and oil from the surface and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer rapidly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with additional sherry vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the oxtail pieces, garnish with parsley, and serve at once.

Happy "tummy"...?!  Get a glass of wine; or some hot chocolate and the blanket...

A little romantic movie... I think would be an excellent option after dinner!

And if you have a fireplace to go with the movie it would be more then perfect!

(I know... the image shows a living room during day time.  Please, just use your imagination to make the room at night time.) I just love this living room _ another beautiful creation of

designer Michael S. Smith.

Ok... next day is time to go back to the city.  I feel so bad to leave the country, don't you?!... 

I love all about it!  How about you? Do you have any suggestions that apply to our intenerary?

Ok...  Let's not fell bad about it, next time let's create an "Autumn Day in the City". 

I promise to you that I would come up with one.

By the way,  before you head to the country don't forget to check the:

NYSTATE FOLIAGE REPORT