California Dreamin
Thursday, May 30, 2013I recently got a peak at the new book, CALIFORNIA HOMES, by the acclaimed architect William Hefner and wanted to catch the last plane out of town. The homes are beyond amazing and makes me wish we saw more variety here in town. The book takes you on a private tour of nine extraordinary homes by his firm, Studio William Hefner, in a range of styles, from contemporary to historic, modern to traditional. Their approach integrates architecture, interior design and landscape seamlessly. He works in collaboration with his wife, Kazuko Hoshino, who inspires and designs the interiors.
This book is a real departure from the look that seems to be duplicated over and over. The work is original and organic and would be a welcome sight in town. Perhaps you could buy a tear down and fly William in! This is a MUST PURCHASE book and is so hot that Amazon only had 2 left as of Tuesday! Also make sure to check out their work on Houzz and their website, WilliamHefner.com.
Photos courtesy of Studio William Hefner.
Farrow and Ball opens in Westport
Friday, September 14, 2012And, Real in Darien was there! We love the colors Farrow and Ball bring to us each season and the colors for 2013 continue to dazzle us. We came home with a sample of the newest Black Blue which will absolutely transform any space. I am thinking in the dining room, or transforming a Bar area. Gorgeous! In addition, they are thrilled to introduce French grey, Stone Blue, and Cornforth White. Check out all the color schemes they have to offer, as well as the sensational wallpaper!
House Beautiful threw a great event for the store opening! It is so nice to have this sophisticated and sexy paint line now available in Westport. Go check out the store. You will have so much fun developing your new color scheme here.
Farrow and Ball exterior door paint competition!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Have you seen the Farrow and Ball Great Outdoors competition for the best exterior door makeover? I have been planning on painting my house and was always going to keep my high-gloss black door. But this contest had me thinking, should I think outside the box a little more? Perhaps paint my door a whole new kind of color? A Parma Gray, Plummett or even Brassica (three of my favorites)? I saw a home on Delafield Island that was white brick with gorgeous blue-gray shutters. They were so elegant and unique; not blue yet not grey. Perhaps they were a Farrow and Ball color? Lamp Room Gray or Light Blue?
Farrow and Ball wants to see a picture of your exterior door showing the before and after difference. Whether it is your beach house, shed, front or back door, just take a photo and post it online by April 12th for a chance to win.
So instead of Spring cleaning, paint that door. It is amazing what a simple change can make for your whole house and the front door sets the tone for your curb appeal. They show you exactly how to do it and include a step-by-step guide (and would love even more if someone actually paints it themselves). Perhaps we will have our very first winner.
Welcome, Darien, to the Front Door
Saturday, March 10, 2012HOLLY’S FRONT DOOR
What a perfect metaphor for the launch of our blog “Holly’s front door”. Holly Hurd has been essential to our launch. Not only very encouraging, Holly has been a resource of information that has been vital to our planning and the direction of our blog. Her experience with her own business, VentureMom has been a guiding force for us. She represents the “front door” for “Real in Darien“ .
To that end, Holly’s front door is somewhat of a symbol for us. Holly’s house, on Stephen Mather (for sale through Kelly Associates in Darien, CT) has many wonderful qualities that we like and are certain buyer will agree. The front door is an example of how when doing a front door renovation, the details, can have an enormous impact on first impressions. Holly wanted to have a door that represented the quality and esthetic of the 1930’s. She researched and found just that. The door knob, the key in the lock, the weight of the door, the lead detailing in the custom windows surrounding the door all create the impact that we love to an entry way. (Details on resourcing this kind of front door to come).
We are so excited to launch this blog. Thank you to Holly and all those who have supported and encouraged us. “Like” us on Facebook, tell your friends, and read our posts on Facebook. This is a work in progress, a journey through one open house at a time!