Luxe Lifestyle: Friday Vignettes

Hank's room got a new piece of art this week...a beautiful oil on canvas seaside painting framed in an antique gilt.  And the best part, this was a Homegoods treasure! It even came complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.  Homegoods Happy!

Luxe Decor: Gray Malin's Photography

I find art is one of the toughest categories to source for my home and especially for clients.  Great, original and affordable artwork is not always easy to come by.  And on top of that, it so personal.  It's important to have a connection to the art you hang in your home.  It should evoke a feeling or a memory, "speak" to you in some way, or at the very least you should just LOVE it.  

Recently we stumbled upon the photography of Gray Malin.  While all his work is remarkable, we are both particularly fond of his "A la Plage, A la Piscine" series and his latest series "La Dolce Vita".  

One of the reasons we love living in South Florida so much is we are constantly surrounded by water...whether lounging by the pool or basking under an umbrella at the beach...  It's the same reason we're captivated by Gray's work...He captures the beauty of the water and the beaches and the good life!  We love his vibrant colors, subject matter and his incredible perspective.  

Gray shooting his "La Dolce Vita" Series

A la Plage, A la Piscine

La Dolce Vita

It just so happened I was in the Amalfi Coast the same time Gray was shooting his "La Dolce Vita" series of Italian beaches! While I believe we were in Positano the same day, unfortunately our paths never crossed... But I was so excited to see how he captured the spectacular coastal town that I fell in love with.  Love it all!! Well done Gray! 

Check out all his work on his site maisongray.com 

Recently we did an installation for a clients dining room where we use Gray's "Miami Edgy Hotel Pool".  It looks incredible!

More photos of the installation to come!

Luxe Lifestyle: Favorite New Purchase: Antique Oil Paintings

While strolling the town of Wilmington, Vermont and poking into several antique shops, we stumbled upon the deal of the day...

In one shop we scored two Early 20th Century New England Seascapes in gilded frames... and for a mere $90 for both! 

My husband, being an avid art collector, spotted them immediately.  We bought one for our soon to be hallway art gallery wall and one for my dad for his birthday.

Art Gallery Inspiration

Luxe Fashion Meets Decor: Scarves As Art

In my opinion, artwork is one of the most challenging aspects of home decor.  I often find it difficult to come across unique, original and affordable art.  Ideally, it would be great to have a beautiful collection of original artwork...but until the bank account allows, I need to get creative and mix it up! Lately, I've been noticing beautiful silk scarves, framed and used as art! Brilliant!

Check out some of the amazing pieces of art...I mean scarves out there right now!

HERMES

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PUCCI

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ECHO DESIGN

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A few weeks ago I celebrated my 30th birthday.  Joe, my husband (and a particularly great gift giver), presented me with a beautifully, iconic orange box...Hermes! (Thirty isn't so bad after all!)  I was ecstatic to discover a beautiful silk scarf inside! Along with it came a box of suggestion cards on how to wear/use the scarf.  I never realized how many wonderful uses there are for scarves!  But I got to thinking...even with all the great options, I might not use it or admire it nearly as much as I'd like...Unless, however, I framed it!!! Then I could enjoy my beautiful gift all the time!

I still need to pick out a frame and matting option but stay tuned for the finish product!