Parisian Chic Meets American Country

While on my annual ten day vacation to Vermont I made the ritual stop at North Inc. 127 college street Burlington Vermont. I do not have a country home but this shop year in and out makes me wish I did. Bennington potters North Inc. is an eclectic mix of folk art, Parisian chic meets down home American country. The collections range from hand forged pottery to hand dyed and trimmed textiles to blown milk glasses.

One of the many things I love about this shop is the comprehensive selection. Available is almost every accessory and cookery item one would need to showcase a beautiful assortment of country finery. Today I purchased three interior framed, aged rooster paintings; they are rustic, artsy and chic (not an easy combination to nail). I also purchased carafes with their own baskets. These fun accessories reminded me of the carafes the French use to serve their table wines and water (one and the same it seems in Paris). I could not resist owning one myself and purchased another for our hosts in Paris. I also acquired a print by a local artist, Dug Nap. The print itself is lovely but the hand written caption above the rustic outdoor scene reads: "Hey, it’s a beautiful day". My 2 year old wakes every morning to proclaim the same sentiment. Obviously I had to have it.

The greeting card section of North Inc. is very small relative to the rest of the store but outstanding none the less. I procured several cards. Most likely I will keep the cards themselves but copy the sentiments on stationary I hand make. Here are a few of my favorites:

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” (Satchel Paige)
“Life is a great big canvas. Throw all the paint on it you can.” (Danny Kayne)

Referring to having a baby…..” No more life in the fast lane….welcome to warp speed.”

If you find yourself in Burlington Vermont and you have any interest in home décor regardless of your style or sensibility check out bennington potters NORTH INC.
802-863-2221

After a successful shopping excursion make sure to replenish at my favorite street side cafe, Leunigs Bistro at 115 Church Street www.leunigs.com

 

World famous Catherine Muller hosted Kelly, Kelly's sister and mom at her Floral Design School, Bourgeon in Paris France. In addition to learning some of the basics of floral design, the agenda was focused on The Art of The French Round Garden Bouquet. Just as apparel fashions go in and out of style so too do floral designs. Currently The French Round Bouquet is a fashionable must. Kelly posted a video blog showcasing the course on her youtube channel, kdtvdesigns which you can find at www.youtube.com/kdtvdesigns.

Following are some of the skills and techniques Master Designer Catherine Muller shared.

1. Prepare the flowers 2-3 hours before arranging so they are perfectly hydrated.

2. Use a knife to cut the stems on an angle allowing the flowers to receive more water.

3. If using hydrangea split the stems in half with the knife an inch or two from the bottom.

4. If using roses slice off the prickers and leaves below the water level.

5. If you are right handed hold the bouquet in your left hand.

6. Add one flower at a time with the right hand from the left of the last flower.

7. After adding each flower turn the bouquet 1/4" clockwise.

8. Some flowers should face in toward the middle and others out to create movement.

9. Flowers should be at different heights and angles. Just as interesting as the face of the flower is the flower's profile.

10. When the arrangement is complete tie a bunch of raffia around the stems. Wrap the raffia around the bouquet twice with one stroke down and one up, knotting the stems tight (if using a clear vessel it is interesting to place the raffia below the water line).

Suggested flower selections for The French Round Garden Bouquet:

2 Hydrangea, Hortensia

3 Garden Rose

2 Black Rose (dark red)

5 Rose Prince Jardine

3-5 American Grape, Phytolaca

For more information on floral arranging and other lifestyle tips become a subscriber to Kelly's new youtube channel, kdtvdesigns at www.youtube.com/kdtvdesigns

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Kravet one of the world's largest fabric and furniture manufacturers has asked Kelly of Kelly Dall Interior Design to participate in a presentation Kravet is offering to the Interior Design trade on Thursday May 6th at the Kravet Bethpage Showroom. The presentation will focus on social marketing and the applications that relate to Interior Design professionals and their companies. It is an honor to be a part of the program and as always Kelly's pleasure to help others succeed.

Banquette Dining in Oyster Bay

Banquette dining is a great way to comfortably seat maximum people while keeping your foot print small. In this case our Oyster Bay homeowner wanted a place where her large family could relax over several course Italian meals. In this relatively small great room in her condo this homeowner wanted sophisticated, casual elegance. She has small nieces and nephews who visit and wanted the fabrics to be durable but gorgeous. We achieved this goal by using faux reptile vinyl on the deep seat cushions (easy to wipe clean) while putting a higher end fabric on the seat back (less likely to receive staining). Kudos to my entire team for making this beautiful transformation a reality. My assistant Lynn had the genius concept, Scott Sammis from Mel Sammis and Son Construction did a phenomenal job building the boxes, Bill Peer Painting applied a German high gloss oil base paint and to Jamie for fabu upholstery. Finally kudos to my homeowner for trusting me with a faux reptile which was way out of her comfort zone. She loves the end product but pulling the trigger was initially frightening. The final touches including pillows and accessories have yet to be installed so stay tuned for the finished product coming soon.

While away on a long ski weekend in Vermont I visited Simon Pearce Glass in Quechee VT. This is a three time per year (minimum) ritual for me. I can't stay away!! Although Simon Pearce is best known for simple, beautiful glassware they also sell handcrafted pottery, cutlery, linens, furniture and accessories. In addition to the fabulous products it is a great destination if visiting the area as they have a phenomenal restaurant overlooking an incredible waterfall. The five star dining experience will only delay the inevitable shopping extravaganza. If that weren't enough the lower level of the Quechee facility offers the rare opportunity for children of all ages to watch and interact with artisans that hand blow each piece of glassware (which can not be called crystal for the lack of lead) and turn mounds of clay into gorgeous pitchers, bowls and vases.

"Green" design is becoming more and more a requirement for many clients. Not only does Simon Pearce deliver a green product but they manufacture those products without the typical expense to the environment. In fact the Ottauquechee River provides hydroelectric power for the glass furnaces as well as the electricity for the entire facility. The restaurant supports the local farmers and breweries. It is company policy that as much as possible Simon Pearce does business locally. Very much like Ralph Lauren, Simon Pearce sells a "Lifestyle". What I love about this company is that from the owners to the waiters (ask for Alan) live the lifestyle.

Simon Pearce is offering a great Mothers Day Promotion. Buy a vase as a gift and get one free for yourself. Those are my favorite kind of promotions!! Better yet take your mom away for the weekend and pop in at Simon Pearce, have lunch and let her pick out her own vase. If you do not plan on being in Vermont anytime soon, you can check out the entire collection at http://www.simonpearce.com/.

Newsday featured a transformation in my home in their li makeover article today Friday, March 19. There are several keys to this successful end result. The first piece of the puzzle is the use of feng shui principles. Many people believe that when implementing feng shui you need to use the principles literally. For example in this situation the front foyer represents the front center section of the bagua. The color for this are is black. That does not mean you need to paint your walls black. The earth element that should be represented is water. That does not mean you need a fountain in the middle of the foyer. I used recycled black wood frames on the three old fashion prints depicting the Brightwaters Canal. These three pieces are a nod to both the color black and the water feature. I used an enormous crystal chandelier to also represent the water feature. The key is to use these elements with intent. Feng Shui is a great way to ensure health and well being in your space.

Another key to the makeover was affordability. Ken Barrone of Spotless Contracting helped me design applied, raised panel molding for the space. Using applied verses actual raised panel molding saved thousands of dollars in materials and labor making the redesign significantly more affordable. The creativity displayed on the ceiling to floor molding plan is a testament to a successful brainstorming session between Designer and Master Carpenter.

For more information pick up Newsday today. If you miss the article in the paper check back in a few days to my website www.kellydall.com and go to the News page, click on the link to Newsday's website where you will see the original article, several new pictures as well as new information, techniques, tips and sources.

Granny Smith Apple Green

For the last few years orange has been the new hot color. While outlet shopping in Manchester Vermont three years ago a sales woman told me that a "New Yorker told her (so it must be true) that orange was the new black". If that was true then granny smith apple green is the new orange. 

Usually fashion dictates decor. What I mean by that is whatever you see on the fashion runway and then on the streets in one year translates to the new hot interior design craze.  I have noticed many "green" trends in terms of eco-friendly interior design. I have even noticed "green" trends in fashion design. What I haven't seen is granny smith apple green on the runway. None the less it is showing up in all the design magazines and on many Interior Designer's radar screen. In fact I am currently using it as the primary accent color in a beachy bedroom I am working on right now.

So if you are looking for a change and want to be on the cutting edge.....think green in more ways then one.