Elements of Style Blog » design crush

Design Crush: Charles Spada

Erin Gates — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:55:53 +0000

The other day I was looking through a local design magazine when I was stopped dead in my glossy page flipping tracks when I saw this star lantern made of rock crystal from local designer/ antiques dealer Charles Spada. I mean, have you ever seen anything so spectacular? I would kill to use this in a home someday!

Here are some other amazing finds from his 1st Dibs store (the brick and mortar version in inside the Boston Design Center)

His interiors have such an amazing feeling to them- clean and serene but so chock full of history. I especially love his restrained but dramatic ability to accessorize!

Can I Run Away to Vermont?

Erin Gates — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:20:35 +0000

Being a decorator/writer/stylist person sounds really fun and stress-less. But let me assure you, I have never had a more stressful job in my life. So some days I like to throw hissy fits and declare that i am going to quit and go live a peaceful life somewhere more remote where I don’t exhaust myself by comparing what I do/have/look like to everyone else in this mini-metropolis OR on the interwebs. I mean, I do a lot, but even I feel like it’s not enough when I see other people in my industry launching product lines and magazines while having their 7th baby and canning organic vegetables for fun while making a four course meal (and photographing it). I am more the type to eat cereal for dinner and wonder what $6 bottle of wine will go with it best. So I hallucinate that I can just run off to somewhere with lots of fresh air, wear Patagonia while hiking and writing a book and painting and have ten dogs and GO BAT SHIT CRAZY because I am a high strung perfectionist who can’t even sit and watch TV without also being on the internet working while simultaneously flipping through a magazine. But a girl can dream, right? Especially after seeing this little adorable spread from House Beautiful about this adorable couple who have design business and wine bar in Vermont and live in this kick ass cottage. It’s that creative, laid back life of my dreams. *le sigh*

(This looks so much like my own bedroom it’s scary)

Oh, and they wrote two books too. Slackers.

Design Crush: Ted Muehling

Erin Gates — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:16:40 +0000

I have long admired the amazing work of designer/artist Ted Muehling- he of the most desired candlesticks on the PLANET, according to yours truly. I mean, a collection of these traditional yet modern beauties is truly something to behold (and pass down to future generations). Naturally I want them in gold, which would be about $3,000 for that nice grouping down there, but we all need goals in life right?

Ted also does amazing work in ceramics and porcelain for Nymphenberg. I personally adore the hand painted little insect plates and accessories.

More beautiful home wares in porcelain…

Aren’t these little votives just MAGIC?

Plates shaped like wings are unique and would be amazing on a coffee table (I picture just a singular one)

These egg vases are so simple but SO beautiful (Ina Garten has them on her nightstand, so you know they are good)

Ted also is a very talented jewelry designer… this bracelet is so charming and elegant in it’s natural beauty.

A plethora or FABULOUS earrings….

These cuffs are so modern but subtle in their material and color. A great accent to make a ho-hum ensemble slightly edgy.

Ted’s store in Manhattan is drop dead (and a must visit for me next time I’m in the Empire state). The wall color, the wood work, the marble busts! I take some serious inspiration away from it for a home, actually.

Wood framed chairs look great when covered in sheepskin hides (saves of reupholstering and look so natural!)

Ted’s Sag Harbor living room has the same vibe as his store

For us Bostonians, you can see his stuff at the GORGEOUS E.R. Butler on Charles Street in Beacon Hill, which is stunning in it’s own right!