Friday Je T'aime.....juxtaposition

I love the combination of this elaborate Rocco style head-board, enveloped in this stainless steel four poster bed and simple heather gray linens. As you can see from a bedroom project I did here, I love incorporating contrasting elements - it's what make thing interesting!

I may be off in posting till the new year, as we have several dead-lines this holiday season and are putting all of our time and energy into our projects and clients.

Friday Je T'aime... Bali Vine Wallpaper - Modern Nature

Bali Vine Wallpaper, in Sandstone

A recent selection for one of our clients foyers! I love the graphic quality of this sprawling floral print -- you can zoom in on it here online

Have a great weekend!

Star Cabinet Built-Ins & Dining Room Project

Kristine Mullaney Design, Sketch of Dining Room & Custom Built-Ins

1930's German industrial cabinet

This unusual German cabinet, was my inspiration piece for the built-ins designed for this dining room.

A glimpse of the built-ins, in the Dining Room we recently completed in Brookline.

As you can see, the paint color in the room changed (*from the sketch phase) to a very deep eggplant color. We silver leafed the ceiling...how glam is this? Details (not in photo) The table is a refinished antique, the chairs are upholstered with nail-head detail, a gorgeous transitional custom rug and a huge crystal dripping chandelier.

This is one side of the built-ins, with the star cabinet concept, which has been applied by our very talented faux painter. Can't wait to get the final photos of this project/home - it is fabulous!

Friday Je T'aime Diane Dorrans Saeks. Writer, editor, style icon.

Diane Dorrans Saeks

Author of "The Saloniste Style" Blog- one of my favorite blogs.

My first introduction to Diane Dorrans Saeks came through living and working in San Francisco for many years in the design industry. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a book signing at the Wiseman Group, for one of her many books.

As a designer, writer, and educator, Saeks has an incredible presence in the design community. Saeks writes and edits periodicals and has published 18 books. She reaches beyond interior design to architecture, travel, fashion, and people.

Saeks's blog "The Style Saloniste" carries her aesthetic and voice into an online, blog form. Often, I struggle to find blogs that are actually educational, journalistic, and informative and do more than plugging the same designers over and over -- or suggesting this season's use of leopard in interiors, or making a room “board” based off of an outfit. Or any boards for that matter. Yawn....

Sophisticated, interesting, evolving and worldly...

Diane's blog is more of a reflection of the design world I came to know and love in San Francisco and beyond.

It’s a privilege to be able to read such an accomplished interiors writer, with so many colorful and beautiful stories. Diane’s blog features original content, exclusive interviews with fabulous designers - truly keeping with the interaction present at a "salon". The images are beautiful and inspirational.

I look forward to reading more post and garnering further inspiration

from Diane Dorrans Saeks!

You may recognize some of Diane's books- she's kind of a big deal! Obviously.

C Magazine, a publication for which Diane Dorrans Saeks is a contributor

I hope you enjoy reading Diane’s blog as much as I do!

P.S. Follow us on Facebook for NEXT WEEKS Quadrille pillow give away and KMD design News!

Lela Rose's Apartment-HGTV - LOVING!

It's not surprising that Lela's Rose's Home is AMAZING! So innovative and creative -- we love this -- especially the table that "appears" from the ceiling and floors. We love Lela's whole collection as well-- we wouldn't mind a whole closet full of her clothing!

Friday Je T'aime.... Bernard Wharton

Bernard Wharton was honored at last night's New England Home Design Hall of Fame Gala. Last night, we were delighted and inspired to hear from Bernard Wharton about his illustrious career. Wharton grew up on Bermuda which explains his gravitation towards the resort lifestyle. He moved to Boston where he began to pursue architecture after taking a job at Arrowstreet as a so-called "office boy". He explained how hard he had to work to move up in the ranks and his initial start as the office Cinderella; having to clean up after very messy architects -- as we know, creative minds are rarely neat and tidy ;)

When he began his formal education in architecture, he knew immediately that he wanted to start his own firm- he did just that and Shope, Reno, Wharton have been working together since 1981. Wharton is loyal to an Arts and Crafts style and nods to the traditional vernacular while still striving to create space while improving life through design. While based in New England, the firm has projects both residential and commercial across the country.

In addition to all of their projects, the firm has also written a book "House, Home, and Heart: Artistry and Craftsmanship". They have also been featured on the Architectural Design 100 List.

You might recognize lust-worthy Further Lane Farm in East Hampton, New York. Incidentally, the famed Grayson mansion on the new series "Revenge." He also just finish the much talked about home in Brookline for John Henry, here in Brookline, MA.

When can we move in?

Have a fabulous weekend!

A while back I did a post about this hallway renovation here, one part of a historical home renovation that I have been working on for about two and a half years. Here is a picture of the family dog, Milo, on the hallway floor. Also, here are a couple of glimpses of the elements of the hallway...Michael J. Lee will be photographing the project later in the month and then you can see the full house.

Below is my "inspiration photo" -- as I was looking for something a little different than black and white check. Yet, something that was still classic....but unexpected.

If you want to see more information on this piece that I designed see the blog post here

I love the hardware I choose and on the door and the Lion Knocker!

I designed built-ins on either side of the entrance for plenty of storage. These closets were painted in about six coats of high-gloss black. Hardware, black crystal from Anthropologie.

Can't wait to share the full project! I love this Farrow & Ball color, Rectory Red -- it packs a lock of punch!

Monday Je T'aime... Arne Reimer

Overhead shot of Dancers at Rehearsal, Arne Reinmer

Recently, I stumbled upon the work of Arne Reimer. I was immediately captured by the realistic present in his work and wanted to know more...

Reimer, a mixed media artist, currently resides in Germany. So he proved to be quite difficult to track down. He completed his MFA at Mass Art and then began teaching at Wellesley College before returning to his native Germany. He has shown his work at several local galleries in Boston. He has two series circulating in the US at this time- dancers, shown below, and a second series of a movie theater. This project was completed in 2001, and is entitled Kraftig Nicht zu Schnell (Forcefully, Not too Fast). The title alludes to the pace of performance yet stillness present in these images.

His work suggests a very narrative composition. What I think is so wonderful about his work, in this series, is that one can relate from every perspective - be it a performer, audience, or backstage or waiting in the wings. The frames offer multiple vantage points- some up close and some from sweeping aerial views.

We are excited to be the first blog to share this series of Kraftig Nicht zu Schnell (Forcefully, Not too Fast), by Arne Reimer on Living with Style.

I can't help but think of this compositon as a modern day Degas....

I love this perspective...you really feel like your in the wings.

My favorite.

Bravo!

P.S. Je T'aime Friday will resume to it's dedicated Fridays...last week we had too much work and the clients come first ;)