Monday, August 22, 2011

Farewell to Pierre Deux

Sadly, Pierre Deux recently filed for bankruptcy.  To me, this is an absolute tragedy.  Pierre Deux was the definitive resource for authentic French Country home design.  From wallpaper to pen holders, Pierre Deux had it and it was beautifully crafted.


When I went to boarding school I was so excited because I got to pick out my Pierre Deux pattern for my desk.  I have always liked a tidy work space so having matching desk organizers makes me giddy as a school girl.  A few weeks before I started at Ethel Walker I walked into the Pierre Deux in Westport with my mother and I was ready to explore.


This was all before online shopping had become popular so I hadn't pre-selected any particular pattern.  Instead, I walked in fresh, open-minded, and for once, not scared of patterns.


After an hour of agonizing and some gentle encouragement from my extremely patient mother, I selected a beautiful, simple blue pattern called "avignonet" in a traditional Provencal style.  I picked a cloth-covered pen holder, matching tray, and memo pad.


I kept these desk organizers through college and I still have them at my parents house, although they are a bit worse for the ware.  I love my pattern and I am very sorry indeed to see Pierre Deux close it's doors.  This is my final salute to the King of Provencal style.




Holiday ornaments in my pattern.
Photo: Unknown

These days Bloomies holds onto their hangers like Dorothy to her ruby slippers so if you have to buy them, you might as well have a little fun.
Photo: Housebeautiful.com

Toile, stripes, provencal... love.
Photo: Pierredeux.com

This is the tray I have but in a different pattern.  Now I use it for all my perfumes.
Photo: Pierredeux.com

I always think of roosters when I think of French Country style and this rug is fabulous.
Photo: Pierredeux.com



Gardenia Stone wallpaper.  Pierre Deux has the best toile patterns of all time, bar none.
Photo: Pierreduex.com



Avec tristesse, adieu, Pierre Deux.
Margaret


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Ghost Chairs and Lucite Furniture

Time to push some boundaries.  It's not off the wall whacky but it could push you just beyond your comfort zone which I aim to do at The Summer House.


I haven't quite figured out my dream dining room but I do know two things: The heads of the table will have white or silver canopy chairs and the side chairs will be all clear Louis Ghost arm chairs.  

About five years ago I discovered the existence of Lucite furniture.  I had never been exposed to that kind of style and I felt an instant attraction.  It was a shape I was comfortable with but a completely modern take.  It may actually be my favorite piece of furniture.  Sexy, sleek, stylish, traditional, modern, intriguing, invisible.  What other object can be described as such?


Lucite has been used in design for decades but seems to be making a bit of a triumphant return and is still seen as a very modern design material.

Just one Lucite table adds some fun to this room.
Photo: Metropolitan Home


A fresh version of a Lucite bedroom.  The clear bed and white linens make sure the spectacular view is the focal point of the room.
Photo: Architectural Digest

This color palette is simple and I love the concrete floors mixed with the Louis Ghost chairs.  Reminds me of my days at Martha.
Photo: Elle Decor

This Lucite trunk would be a great coffee table.
Photo: House Beautiful

Lucite nesting tables are reemerging recently.
Photo: House Beautiful

This Lucite stool doubles as a magazine rack.  Multipurpose for a small space!
Photo: House Beautiful

A Moroccan inspired Lucite side table.
Photo: House Beautiful

Helena Rubinstein in her famous and fabulous Lucite bedroom.  The headboard and footboard included a light to create the glowing effect.
Photo: Life.com

A Lucite crib means a growing family doesn't have to sacrifice their modern style.
Photo: Elledecor.com

Lucite is remarkably scratch resistant, highly stain resistant, and very sturdy which makes a wonderful family friendly option.  You need not go as bold as Helena Rubenstein but one Lucite piece brings a breath of fresh air into a stale room.


Would you consider adding Lucite to your home?

Margaret

Saturday, August 20, 2011

My Visit to the Vogue Closets

In honor of the upcoming documentary God Save My Shoes I decided to share my brief tour of the Vogue closets.

One of the perks of working in the media world was getting a glimpse of the behind the scenes happenings.  I was lucky enough to have a friend at Vogue and he was able to take me on a tour of the legendary Vogue closet.  It was spectacular!

After much deliberation over what we would wear, my friend Jackie and I walked over to Vogue to begin what was sure to be the most important fashion day of our lives.  What followed was better than anything I imagined.

The hallways were packed with racks of clothing, all with notes on them saying "Gisele," "Kidman," and other famous names for upcoming photo sessions.  We slowly circled the racks taking every ounce of will power not to touch anything because we wanted to remain as inconspicuous as possible.  The walls were lined with stunning photographs of decades past and present.  We were taking it all in.

After a brief, but terrifying run in with Anna Wintour, we rounded the corner and walked into the Shoe closet.

Shoes in every color, style, and texture imaginable.  Rows upon rows all organized by color.  Although there wasn't a lot of light, the shoes sparkled and my eyes danced around the room.  We saw incredible designs by the likes of Manolo, Christian Lu, Gucci, Prada, and more.  I wanted to live in there but we had to press on.

Next up was the Accessory closet.  Going into the Accessory closet was like walking into a better, shinier world.  There were vintage handbags, Hermes scarves, lavish Jewels, and sprightly headpieces.  Despite the coveted items this closet held, it looked much like any other closet - overflowing with things crammed in wherever they could fit.

We didn't want to overstay our welcome so we skipped the Beauty closet and quickly wrapped up the rest of our tour.  With all that adrenaline coursing through our veins, Jackie and I sprinted back to Marthaland feeling simultaneously exhilarated and self-conscious.

I wasn't able to take any photos on my tour but I was able to find a few online and wanted to share.

The Vogue Shoe Closet.
Photo: Youtube.com

Coco Rocha in the Beauty closet.
Photo: Vogue.com

A moment in the Shoe closet from the upcoming documentary.
Photo: Dailymail.co.uk

Carrie Bradshaw discovering the legendary Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes.
Photo: Dailymail.co.uk

The Teen Vogue Shoe closet.
Photo: Teenvogue.com

Make sure to go see God Save My Shoes and rewatch The September Issue and Valentino: The Last Emperor.

Margaret

Thursday, August 18, 2011

My Garden in Edgartown

I have mentioned before how important outdoor space is to Vineyarders.  We live outside in the summer and do all our activities from eating to napping and from playing to showering outside.


When my parents bought our summer house in Edgartown the backyard was in terrible condition. The house had been renovated and restored to it's original beauty but the renovation team forgot that the yard is part of the home.  Before my parents even got the keys they called in the experts on the Vineyard, Donaroma's.  They spent time designing the landscape and creating a concept for the space.


This year the backyard played host for a very special garden party for my father's birthday.  Just this past weekend we celebrated with the family by bringing in a small, but deliciously delectable selection of Soigne's backyard BBQ menu and a wonderful chocolate mocha cake. 


The photos in today's blog are a small tour of our garden on the Vineyard.


Front foor with the oversized clam shell brass doorknocker.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

The house was built in 1856 and was originally a Captain's house, then a boarding house, now a Schwartz shindig site.  The traditional blue porch ceiling is seen around the island.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

The front porch offers great views for July 4th fireworks in Edgartown Harbor.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

The landscape concept changes every summer and this year's theme was pink of all sizes and shapes.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

A Lacecap Hydrangea bush.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

Every time I look at this flower I feel joy.  It is larger than my palm and catches your eye as soon as you walk past our house.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

I picked up this fish doorknocker while on a trip to Malta.  Every single house in the village of Mdina had these and I had to have one too.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

This stone garden bench is perfect for reading but doubles as a stage for my five year old niece to belt out Taylor Swift from.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

I wanted to dive into these!  There were hundreds of these Black-eyed Susans that popped up in the past few weeks and I love the color!  It gave Megan and me ideas for fall...
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

My favorite spot on the property.  During the day I like to sit here with a cocktail and a terribly written rom-com novel.   At night every chair we have is pulled around the fire pit while we roast s'mores and well, have more cocktails.  We grow herbs and can't resist the allure of fresh mint in our glasses.

Hope you enjoyed the tour of our garden!

Margaret

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

House & Post: The three girls survive the Gift Fair!!!

Tyler Taylor, the current owner of The Summer House blogged about our experience at the Gift Show.  Please visit her fabulous blog to see her complete post and pictures.


House & Post: The three girls survive the Gift Fair!!!
"So, I am alive and the EMT the ran down the aisle at Pier 94 was not for me or anyone I know...."

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

We Shopped 'Til We Dropped

We made it!  The Gift Show was a total whirlwind and sometimes we didn't know the color difference between Orange Mango and Orange Tangerine.  Don't you hate that feeling?

Megan and I had a blast at the Gift Show and we enjoyed our grand tour with Tyler as our trusted guide, navigating the hurdles of all things retail.  We made our way through the maze and found some spectacular items including a few exclusives as well as some vintage and rare finds.  

We got everything from fine silver to all natural soy candles made with imported Australian herbs.  We can't wait to get everything in and show you what we have.  In the meantime, here are a few photos of some things we picked up.


Coming soon to The Summer House an antique door turned gorgeous coffee table.
Photo: meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

 Tyler Taylor, Megan Freyer, and Margaret Schwartz sitting on insanely comfortable floor pillows.  We made good use of our time and ordered these while resting.
Photo: meganandmargaret.blogspot.com 
 
Robin's egg blue lacquer jewelry and hinged vanity boxes make wonderful gifts.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com

Margaret

Monday, August 15, 2011

Gift Show Induced Delirium

As all you loyal fans out there know, Megan and I attended the Gift Show as buyers for the first time today.  It was a smashing success.  There is so much out there that we are extremely excited about.  

We hit dozens of vendors all to find those perfect one-off pieces that you can't get anywhere else.  One of these is a coffee table that we fell in love with ten minutes into the day.  When you find something like that you can't pass it up.  You never know if it will be gone when you come back for it.

We met fabulous people who are dedicated to the gift industry just as we are.  It is invigorating to meet people who are so committed and creative.  Every time we turned a corner there was something unexpected.  But we are careful with what we bring into the store and we have curated a fabulous collection for The Summer House.  All these items will be arriving in September and we will post pictures then!  Too bad they don't let us take photos at the show.

Now, after a full day of hunting, and Gift Show induced delirium, Megan and I are off to seek solace in our own homes...

Margaret

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Gift Show

The New York International Gift Show kicked off on Saturday and runs through Thursday.  It is the mecca of all beautiful, innovative, and inspirational home design.  This will be Megan's first time attending and this will be my first time attending as a buyer.  I went while I was at Martha Stewart but that was a very different experience.  

We are looking forward to a fabulous first show.  We will include some pictures from the show in our next post.

Happy Monday!
Margaret

Friday, August 12, 2011

The Summer House in The New Canaan Patch

Megan and I met with Jane Preziosi of the New Canaan Patch to discuss our plans for The Summer Store.  Please click on the link below to see the full article.


The Summer House in the New Canaan Patch


Margaret

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Vineyard Style


This post comes to you from the sweet serenity of a glorious backyard with an ice-cold cocktail in hand.  I am in Edgartown at my family’s summer house.  As soon as I get off that ferry and smell the salty Vineyard air my stress melts away.  The cocktails don't hurt, either.

One of the best things about Vineyard style is that it is so simple.  There are only a few exterior paint colors allowed in town and you would think that would make all the houses blend together. While they all certainly look cohesive, they each have their own subtle charm that sets them apart. 

Part of what separates each house is the beautifully manicured lawns, gardens, and rooftop terraces that have different theme colors, groups of flowers, or arrangements.  Outdoor living is an essential part of Vineyard living and we take pride in every square inch.

I took a walk around my neighborhood and snapped a few photos of what I think represents Vineyard style.  Enjoy.

The quintessential front door.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Ultra high gloss green paint on the shutters.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


The Federated Church prescribes to Vineyard style.  The Vineyard Sound, an all male a capella group performs weekly at this location in Edgartown.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


A vacant house.  The whale above the door is perfect.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Edgartown Harbor in the distance beyond this gorgeous lawn.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


This house is breathtaking inside and out.  The lawn is the envy of everyone in town.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogpsot.com


Love the flagpole in the yard.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


An outdoor room and a second floor terrace looking over the lawn.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Hydrangeas reign supreme on the Vineyard.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Close up of one particularly enchanting hydrangea.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com




Do you enjoy the Vineyard style?

Magaret

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Visiting 32 Forest Street


Thank you to everyone for reading yesterday’s post.  Megan and I received a lot of great feedback and we always welcome suggestions, comments, ideas, etc.

Today, I was in The Summer House working with Tyler Taylor to make the big switch!  Megan and I officially takeover the store on September 1st and we are busying ourselves with preparations.  Tyler has been fantastic in guiding us along and making it a smooth transition for Megan and I and more importantly, for you.

I took a few pictures of the store today (with my iPhone so they aren't the best) to show any newcomers what the store looks like.  Not only do I love the style of this building, but I love how there are so many tall windows and a huge skylight that allow the sun to drench the space in natural light.  When you see the photos you’ll understand why it is the perfect setting for our vision of a mix of modern and traditional styles.


Gorgeous wood beam ceiling and skylight juxtaposed with open duct work.  This is exactly the mix of modern and traditional we want.
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Tall front window but this dark photo does not do it justice!
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Display of antique saws
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


The concrete floor gives the space that loft style we like
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


Martha Stewart has a larger version of this table in her office at headquarters
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


View from the front of the store
Photo: Meganandmargaret.blogspot.com


We are expecting a lot of new pieces starting in September and Megan and I will do our best to post pictures of items as they arrive.   I can’t wait to show you what our fall colors are at The Summer House!

What do you think of the space?

Margaret

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Margaret at Marthaland!

Welcome to Megan and Margaret’s blog!  I’m the new owner of The Summer House in New Canaan, Connecticut along with Megan, my childhood best friend extraordinaire who is joining me in this adventure. 

This is our first blog so bare with us as we navigate the world of weblogging.  We thought we’d start out with an introduction to who we are.

First, I am so proud to be the new owner of The Summer House.  Tyler Taylor has done an incredible job building this store over the past six years and we can’t wait to get in there and build on that success!  Being a part of the New Canaan community is something we are looking forward to!  

I am a local gal having grown up in South Salem, NY but when I was in college I worked at Irresistibles in town and fell in love with New Canaan.

Decorating my interior space has always been important to me.  Even at boarding school I made my room look like an escape with large pieces of fabric hanging on the walls, inspiring photos, and crisp, clean linens.  College was the same.

My love of interior design lead me to pursue a career where I could be involved in décor.  So, I started working at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.  Over my four years there I worked in various roles and I loved it.  I am certain Marthaland is THE most creative place on the planet, although terrifying at times as well.  In recent years MSLO has had some challenging times but I still believe in the power of that brand and I wish my friends who are still there the best of luck.

When I left Marthaland I knew it was time to express my own creativity!  And here I am almost a year later following my dream, inspired by Martha.  And I’m not that far from her old stomping grounds, either!

While I was at MSLO we were taught that clean, understated spaces were important.  We worked in an all white office in an industrial loft building with concrete floors.  Although the spaces were industrial in style, the employees made their desks entirely their own.  People had pictures of friends and family, ribbons, color chips, paintings, fabrics, and objects that inspired them.  Some desks and offices were covered in these items and some chose a fewer, big impact items.  Your desk was your expression of you.

Typical work row
Photo: Time Out New York

My old Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings, Darcy Miller standing next to her famous inspiration board
Photo: Time Out New York

Kevin Sharkey's Office - One of Martha's adorable French Bull Dogs is named after him
Photo: Time Out New York

The roof deck is the site of all the summer soirees
Photo: Time Out New York



My desk always had a clean white surface with a galvanized tin filled with pens and glue sticks sitting next to a stapler and a tape dispenser.  Just the essentials.  That is unless of course it was Christmas when I had a miniature pink feather tree that everyone in my department helped me decorate.  Apparently, that tree is still brought up frequently.  I’m on the hunt through my old stuff to see if I can find any pictures of my desk.

That is my style.  Pared down with a few high impact statements.  I love a mix of modern and traditional.  I might have had a pink feather tree but I decorated it with miniature glass ornaments.  Finding your style and designing your home around that style should be fun.  And that is what we aim to do at the Summer House.

The Summer House is a mix of old and new, traditional and modern styles.  Every time you visit The Summer House you will find something new.  We are always looking for vintage pieces.  Whether that's an antique in a French country style or midcentury modern, we'll take that piece and breathe new life into it.  We keep an eye out for something you might not typically think of for your home but bringing in a statement piece is liberating and can help push you out of a design rut.

I know this was a long post but it is my first one and I just can’t contain my excitement!

Thanks for reading our blog and we welcome any comments!
Margaret