Discussing the simple collections of pleasing objects in our homes, we perused our favourite cook books in the kitchen.  They are visually pleasing acknowledgements of the joy of sharing food with loved ones, useful staple items and sentimental reminders of delicious communal times! Below is a photo of my own kitchen:


In the spirit of sharing simple and sentimental home collections, we would love to share with you a list of our favorite New York cook books! They are some of New York’s most iconic and essential titles that rest in our kitchens with proud and dearly beloved weathered pages!

Loaves and Fishes,

Harry?s Bar,

Le Bernardin,


and Oscar’s!

 

Photo’s courtesy of Barnes and Noble.

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I was in Sydney last week for some exciting projects and beautiful social events for the end of summer!

I was thrilled to attend Mr Thomas Hamel’s soiree aboard his client’s stunning yacht. We were graced with the attendance of Mr Martyn Lawrence Bullard  a celebrated decorator and recently published author. He has been notably voted one of the worlds top 100 interior designers by Architectural Digest and is a personal inspiration of mine!

I had recently seen Mr Bullard talk at a trade show. It was particularly inspiring to be in the grace of so many creative and ambitious minds! Below are some photo’s from the event.




In the spirit of delightful gatherings and Valentines day I have chosen to present the recipe for the Royal Blush Cocktail, invented in New York City by Eben Freeman who was the bartender of Tailor Restaurant. It is Champagne based, and when transferred to a glass changes from green to pink! You will need to prepare a cherry puree, else use a fruit spread. It is such a beautiful, refreshing and engaging cocktail to make for guests! If you have any suggestions on variations or serving ways, please let me know! Have a great weekend!

1 teaspoon cherry purée (note: recipe below makes 3/4 cup)
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) vodka
1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
5 fresh mint leaves
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, chilled.

Photo’s courtesy of friends and Mr Martyn Lawrence Bullard

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The art of personalizing ones environment is an unending and enjoyable effort. Most of us collect personally significant items, from artwork and books, to little treasures such as pill boxes and charms or visually appealing themed images. This example below of the magazine covers is a wonderfully simple and gracefully effective idea!

Lively displays of beautiful and quirky collections without doubt add to the personality of your personal space. We would love you to share with us some of your creative arrangements!

A friend of mine who lived in France for one year discovered the delight of collecting each plaque de muselet (a champagne cork plate muzzle) from celebratory times, these were later framed in a simple and slim glass box frame and hung in the kitchen. To collect these plaques is to be a ‘placomusophilie!’. Trivia aside, such an example is a darling conversation piece adding both both sentimental personality and visually pleasing aesthetics to a personal space.


The presentation of treasured books is a beautiful and warm gesture, revealing our many interests, passions and inspirations. Beyond personal importance to us, collections are symbolic of our appreciations. This weekend we reorganized some of our books and found it a delightful exercise. We encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the visible books you keep, what is on top, why?

A simple reordering of some books on display can change the mood and inspiration of a space. For the artful placement of treasured books is a lovely gesture of personality and a surprisingly inspiring habit!



Below is an example of a project of mine, an opulent and welcoming space for beautiful minds and books!

Photo’s courtesy of Viceroy Hotel, Barnes and Noble and Inside Out Magazine.

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A mark of quality and care that we feel deeply for, is the personalization of ones favorite essentials. Whether it be luggage, napkins, towels, slippers, engraved silver items or blankets for nestling into… the simple joy of ones pride in comforting homely items evokes a sense of pride in ones belongings and is a pleasing effort. Given our modern day requirements of efficiency and effectiveness, we are delighted to learn of Johnathan Adler customized items which one may order in a few moments online. Small items make thoughtfully darling gifts, and larger throws are an easy and pleasant addition to any cosy retreat.

We also love the monogrammed candles available at Pottery Barn,

Photo’s curtesy of Johnathon Adler and Pottery Barn.

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Perusing artful heritage, a sense of timelessness so often present in our comforting environments we are warmed with nostalgic memories. One classic example is the cosy little hideaway Bemelmans’ Bar, in The Carlyle Hotel of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, It is a sophisticated and whimsical icon honoring New York Style with Art Deco flair.

Bemelmans-Bar

The bar was named after Ludwig Bemelman, creator of the enormously popular and beautiful Madeline children’s book series. Bemelman was also a successful artist working for The New Yorker, Vogue and Town and Country.

Bemelman transformed the bar in 1947 with nostalgic and clever hand painted scenes of Central Park. In exchange, he was granted residency for one and a half years in the hotel. The artful wit and whimsicality of the bar oozes a sense of quiet comfort, a warm and gentle abode.

The heritage of the walls in this Upper East Side establishment evokes a sense of timeless grandeur, of an artistic adventure painted in living memory. In the fabulous words of Bemelman, “Tell them it was wonderful!”.

Photo’s of Bemelmans Bar courtesy of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel.

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