Monthly Archives: March 2013

Emerald Elegance

Emerald Blog PhotosIn honor of St. Patrick’s Day and Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year, we are celebrating Emerald this week with a look back at the ways 2012 Holiday House designers used this luscious color to enliven their spaces.  Pantone describes Emerald as “lively, radiant, lush…a color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well being, balance and harmony,” and we saw those attributes cleverly employed throughout Holiday House last fall.

Our designers certainly are trendsetters and several from the 2012 Holiday House – Geoffrey Bradfield, Suzanne Eason, Tobi Fairley, and Lee Robinson – were ahead of the curve, using Emerald evocatively before Pantone bestowed it with the “Color of the Year” accolade.

Geoffrey Bradfield’s “Remembrance of Things Past” room evoked the splendor of a bygone era with a sophisticated black and white color scheme.  A few strategically placed paintings with deep green hues, such as “Green Earth Deep” by Julie Hedrick (Nohra Haime Gallery), really brought the room to life.

The “Spring Forward” room by Tobi Fairley was also full of black and white elements mixed with fresh, pale pinks.  Commanding attention were two stunning vintage Murano emerald and gold lamps (Swank Lighting) that Fairley called the “jewelry” of her space.

Malachite Wallpaper, Cole and Son
Malachite Wallpaper, Cole and Son

Lee Robinson chose “Chinese New Year” as his theme since 2012 was the auspicious Year of the Dragon.  Robinson conveyed the energy of the dragon and nature’s abundance with rich Malachite wallpaper (Cole and Son) paired with chinoiserie and bountiful orchids.

Another 2012 Holiday House designer who took inspiration from earthly delights was Suzanne Eason with her “Origins of Life” Birthday Study.  Radiant emerald pieces included “Coins” table lamps in green glass (Lorin Marsh), a serpent rug (Fornasetti Rug Collection of Roubini Rugs) and inviting pillows (HB Home).

Hopefully these gorgeous greens have gotten you in the spirit for St. Patrick’s Day.  Here’s an idea for toasting both this inspiring color and the patron saint of the Emerald Isle…a Baccarat Vega flute in emerald green!

Wishing you the luck of the Irish!

Spring Forward

We lose an hour of sleep this weekend, but it’s a worthwhile sacrifice to gain lighter evenings for the next half year!  Spring Daylight Savings always feels like a sigh of relief as the winter is coming to an end and the beauty of Spring is upon us.  Tobi Fairley chose this day as inspiration for her 2012 Holiday House room and captured it perfectly.

Entering Fairley’s Holiday House sitting room felt like taking a breath of fresh Spring air.  It was light and feminine but also grounded by deep black elements, such as the Merida Meridian black wool and sisal rug.  One of the finishing touches, a bouquet of pale pink peonies, was so simple but made everyone forget that it was November!

The always clever and fun Fairley didn’t stop at one theme, but also connected the room to the idea of being “Fashion Forward.”  In her own words, “The inspiration is truly Spring Forward and Fashion Forward: the idea of couture details that you would see in Fashion paired with a Spring Palette for a soft, sophisticated and timeless look.”  The black and white design of the Phillip Jeffries wallpaper is reflected on the curtains with custom embroidery by Villa Savoia.  Additional stylish black and white elements include black grograin detailing on a white settee, expressive black and white artwork by Kansas City artist Jane Booth, and lovely black double sconces from Dunes and Duchess.

Tobi Spring Forward_!
In addition to her interior design talent, Fairley is also the consummate hostess.  For our Holiday House Cookbook, she contributed a Kiwi Mango Mint cocktail recipe that “is screaming sunshine and freshness, making it perfect for Spring and Summer parties and patio brunches.”

Ingredients
1 part 42 Below Kiwi Vodka
5 parts mango nectar/juice
8 mint leaves

Preparation
Fill a highball glass with ice
Add mint leaves and vodka
Top with nectar/juice

Tobi’s tip: releasing the mint into a dash of the nectar via a short muddling is worth a little extra work!

Tobi Fairley was invited to participate in Holiday House by sponsor Traditional Home.  Most of the furniture in her room was from Hickory Chair with fabrics from Schumacher and Duralee.

Photography by Michael Rodenbush