Showing posts with label interiors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interiors. Show all posts

Friday, January 18, 2013

Designers at home: Francine Gardner of Interieurs


This is our first of hopefully many in the series: Designers at Home!  I am very excited to welcome Francine Gardner of Interieurs!   Francine is an amazing designer and has traveled the world in search of inspiration.  I am absolutely in love with her home, it is so personal and beautiful beyond words.  Francine was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about her life, her business and her design presence below.  I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her life and take time to discover her shop in New York the next time you are there, I know I will.



 




.        What are the three major differences when designing for yourself, as opposed to designing for your clients?

Budget! When designing for myself, I often need to compromise on the level of contractor, finishes etc..I do not plan or follow the process as I would for a client. I buy what I love regardless of the period, the importance of a piece of artwork for instance. My personal space is to be lived in, with the constant influx of friends, my son's friends, pets, kids… When I design for a client, I start with floor plans, look at the light, the flow and am extremely focused. Once a presentation is approved, I start the installation process and shopping process. I practically custom design everything for my clients, from kitchen to bathrooms,  cabinetry, interior architecture, pool etc… Then I go shopping for the unique pieces that will give the house its personality, always keeping in mind the client's lifestyle and budget.
 
2.       As designers, we tend to love many different styles and items.  How did you select the style for your home and why?

My current home evolved over the years. We bought it sight unseen as it was love at first sight, a stone stable and carriage house that reminded me of the houses of Gascony in France. It is filled with heirloom furniture mixed with modern pieces from my Showroom. From my travel, I have brought back textiles, art, objects, furniture which are part of the home. Books are present in every room, stacked or on bookshelves. My style is eclectic with a soul…if that makes sense.

3.    How would you describe the style in each of your homes?

The common denominator in all the homes I have designed is unique, eclectic. From Beach houses to ski houses, contemporary loft, apartment, country houses….the style is clean, uncluttered, with meaningful furniture. Attention is given to the surfaces: walls, floors, ceiling and each home is unique in itself but represent the life of their owners.

4.     Your homes tend to be very neutral, is there a reason behind this?

My clients live very busy lives, often managing multi homes. My goal is to provide a sanctuary where they can be themselves, at peace, I bring calmness to their lives and can only do so by keeping a neutral palette. The color come from the spines of books, artwork, flowers, objects…

5.      What is your staple piece that you incorporate into each of your designs and feel is necessary to a complete and finished product? (mirror, chair, art, etc.)

I would say our lighting is always unique and often custom made. All our project have at least one light by Jose Esteves, either from our Interieurs collection, or custom designed.

6.     What is your favorite room in your house and why?

My library…this is where I deep into my world of books and leave everything behind.

7.    What is your secret to creating an elegant space synonymous with comfort?

Proportions, textures, quality of the furnishings and a good floorplan.


Thank you again to Francine for taking the time to participate! 

all images via Francine Gardner


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Sunday, June 17, 2012

Mr. Mister







For all the men in your life.  
Make sure to wish the Dad's a wonderful day - I know I will!

images via pinterest


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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Dark Doors..


I am considering this.. I love the look of dark painted doors on and interior!  I was thinking of trying it on the doors that lead to our bedroom but I feel like if I do one set I have to do them all (which is obvious) but I just wanted to test it out.  I love that these look like a dark grey not entirely black.  What do you think?   Do you have dark doors?  Do you want them?  Do you love them?

image via pinterest


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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors









A little while back I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this amazing book,  Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors.  I am a sucker for design books, they are stacked around my office and home here and there just waiting for a free moment to be opened and explored.  This book is a fabulous resource of inspiration images and information from Segreto on their work.  It offers a view into some of the most beautiful homes I have seen and information on how these looks were achieved.  With over 300 pages of interior photos and details it is a great piece to add to the design library and the cocktail table alike. 



"Explore the breathtaking rooms within and enjoy a multitude of design styles by the bevy of talented interior designers, builders, architects and homeowners that Leslie has been privileged to work with through the years. Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors gives you the knowledge of what is available today and the confidence to create an ambiance that best reflects the particular period or design style you desire, by simply applying the right finish." from Segreto.


images via Segreto
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Interior Photography.. and my {1000}th post


Lately I have been thinking about interiors (big surprise there)  and interior photography.  I was looking through Ashlee Raubach's blog and saw this picture.. which I love.  Ashlee took our family pictures last fall and she was amazing!  I cannot wait to have her photograph some of my work and my home when I get ready.  The light in this picture makes my heart race and that table makes me want to scream I love it so much.  I love the way she uses the light in the space and the softness that comes across in the photos.

Anyway, I am curious have you had interior photographs taken?  What do you think of different styles? 

Image from Ashlee Raubach


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Saturday, November 5, 2011

New Lighting from Arteriors


I am totally loving all of the new pieces from Arteriors, these are just a few of my favorites!!!
You can tell I am partial to the darker finishes right now.  I am looking forward to next week as we get closer to the holidays things get busier but much more fun around here!  We will be having a giveaway from one of our wonderful sponsors here on greige and some updates.

I hope you are having  great weekend so far!

images via Arteriors


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