By Joy, on September 12th, 2011
For Labor Day weekend my husband and I went to Chatham and spent four days there with several other couples. We walked along the dunes and took pictures of the beach. Some of the colors are just incredible- these pics were taken with my blackberry and still look pretty good:
 Chatham marsh
Here is a shot of the beach- who can’t get inspired by the waves crashing onto the shore:
 Beach
All along the beach was the most magnificent seaweed that was a deep acid green. Plus there were many horseshoe crab shells that created a great color combo. As I said, inspiration can come from anywhere:
 Seaweed and shells
Here are some selections I would put together off of that:
 Anjelica Sofa Jayson Home
 Vintage Glass Bottles Jefferson West, Inc.
 19th Century Biedermeier Chest of Drawers
L’Antiquare
What do you think? Do you enjoy the beach as a source of inspiration?
By Joy, on September 9th, 2011
Almost time for the weekend and what better thing to think about than a beautiful canopy bed to sleep late in tomorrow morning. These are some of my favorites:
This is the exotic Zambia bed with turned wood posters in a rosewood finish by Artifacts International, available at M-Geough. The intricate carving is amazing, offset by the smooth headboard.
 Zambia Bed
The Cornell bed by Gerard, which is part of Dessin Fournir, is done in mahogany with a brass canopy. It is available at the Martin Group. This is such a sculptural piece that really makes a statement. It would be great in a loft or large bedroom.
 Cornell Bed
This Italian Campaign canopy bed from Anthropology is one of my all time favorites. The lines on it are so elegant and it is a timelessly beautiful bed. I’ve seen this in several bedrooms and one of my favorites was a tropical island location. It had sheer panels attached to the canopy which draped all around the bed. Can you imagine laying in that and listening to waves crashing outside?
 Italian Campaign Canopy Bed
Lastly we have the Antonia iron canopy bed from Pottery Barn. It also has an upholstered headboard covered in a champagne linen and cotton blend so you get the best of both worlds. This is a great no-nonsense bed with simple detailing.
 Antonia Bed
By Joy, on August 24th, 2011
A few weekends ago, we went to NYC for my birthday and my husband surprised me with tickets to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I was thrilled and we planned to stop by for an hour before dinner. How silly we were. The line to get in was out the door and down the street. We considered waiting but planned on coming back the next morning before we had to head home, which was the final exhibit day.
 Dress, Autumn/Winter 2010/2011, Image via Metropolitan Museum of Art
 Image via Metropolitan Museum of Art
 Image via Metropolitan Museum of Art The next morning we got there an hour early and there were literally several thousand people in line already! And these were all people with tickets. The line went down the block, wrapped around itself several times and continued on into Central Park. And that was just one of the lines- there was a second in the other direction. It was incredible. We sadly did not get to see the show but this just illustrates the desire people have to get up close and personal with the brilliance of Alexander McQueen.
For anyone not familiar, McQueen was a British fashion designer and couturier known for his provocative and controversial collections and runway shows. He had such an amazing, uninhibited artistic expression that took you to another place completely and is such an inspiration to anyone who is an artist of any kind. The colors, textures, shapes, and forms he used were combined in such unique and exciting ways.
I highly encourage you to take a walk through his collection at the Metropolitan Museum via this video- it is well worth the few minutes:
VIDEO:
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
The nice part about watching this is there are no crowds and the curator explains everything beautifully. I wonder where the collection will be taken next…
 "Cabinet of Curiosities", Image via The Metropolitan Museum of Art
By Joy, on August 22nd, 2011
Recently one of the patterns I have been noticing a lot is honeycomb. And what better time to focus on it than the summertime, the perfect time to find good fresh honey. Inspiration can come from anywhere and the honeycomb pattern is such an efficient, clever, and even beautiful design to look at. Let’s take a look at some examples:
This vintage 20th century French wine rack from Hamptons Antique Galleries would be so chic in a beach house. This caught my eye right away when I was antique shopping in Connecticut.
 Hamptons Antique Galleries Wine Rack
The Fred Mafra Josephine Roxy Club in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has an amazing design based on the honeycomb which almost makes you feel like you are in a hive yourself.
 Fred Mafra Josephine Roxy Club
 Fred Mafra Josephine Roxy Club One of my favorite glass designs of all time is this collection for Steuben Glass by Ted Muehling. I had always thought it was a honeycomb design but it is actually based on a tortoiseshell. The heavy weight of it, the smooth facets, it is so stunning and timeless.
 Tortoise Old Fashioned Glass
And finally we have this pair of antique honeycomb lattice cabinets from the Hunan province of China, circa 1850, proof that this design has been an inspiration for hundreds of years. They have elegant honeycomb bifold lattice doors with brass hardware, all in black.
 Hunan Province Cabinets
By Joy, on August 19th, 2011
The hardware for your home is like the jewelry you wear. It can be big, small, elaborately embellished, smooth and simple, stand out or fade into the woodwork. It is the also the first tactile experience visitors will have with your home after seeing it as they grasp the doorknob and enter. The overall interior design of the home is finished by the hardware and it is an important consideration. Let’s take a look at some options:
One of my favorite hardware sources is E.R. Butler, located in Beacon Hill in Boston. They have an incredible selection of high quality pieces with more traditional styles. These crystal knobs come in a brilliant array of colors including clear and milk glass and are beautiful on both door and cabinet knobs:
 The E. & G.W. Robinson Collection Crystal Knobs The Enoch Robinson Collection is another beautiful line carried by E.R. Butler that has engraved door knobs, hinges, and floor stops which come in an array of finishes.
 Traditional EMS Series by Enoch Robinson
Nanz is a hardware company in New York that produces all of their pieces in their factory on Long Island. Could there be a more perfect doorknob than this? You can almost feel it in your hand:
 Nanz 1018
Here is their more architectural No. 2006 Bauhaus lever based on a design from Walter Gropius in the 1920′s. Clean lined and elegant.
 No. 2006 Bauhaus Lever
How amazing is this piece- the No.9702 “Anna Livia” doorknocker. From Nanz’s website:
“The No 9702 “Anna Livia” door knocker originated in the 19th century. The name derives from the goddess of Dublin’s River Liffey. Her classicizing face is crowned with leaves, and flanked by curling drapery suggestive of flowing water, which forms the striker. The striker has a beaded oval cartouche at center. The knocker measures 7-1/4″ x 5-3/4”. All Nanz plated and patinated finishes are available.”
 Nanz No. 9702 Another company that we should mention is P.E. Geurin, which is the oldest decorative hardware firm in the country. It is located in Greenwich Village in NYC and creates its pieces in its own metal foundry, which is said to be the only in the US.
They have a wide range of of pieces from incredibly elaborate to fresh and modern:
 Classic Round with Knurl
 Modern Square Lever
 Custom Lever and Rose Shown with Matching Cremone Bolt with Lever
By Joy, on August 17th, 2011
Recently I visited Stamford, Connecticut which is one of the antique meccas of New England. I had heard of the vastness of its collections, with over 500 dealers and set designers for movies using it as a source, including SATC2. It definitely did not disappoint. Any kind of antique or vintage piece you are looking for is there. Accessories, art, lighting, and jewelry are all right at your fingertips. It seems to also be a source for the very unique, very large, and very strange.
Some of the galleries we visited and enjoyed were: Hiden Galleries, Hamptons Antique Galleries, and Greenwich Living Antiques and Design Center.
One of our first discoveries were a pair of Foo Lions from Canada, just waiting to guard a front door. I would say they were life size:
 Foo Lion
They had beautifully finished antiques and also an entire warehouse of rustic farmhouse tables and woven baskets. You could almost just go to the area that suited the style of the space you were working on. Want to make your house look like the set of Mad Men? They have everything. If you’d like to style it like the inside of the Harry Potter castle they have that too.
Here is a more reserved scheme with some tasteful antiques and a nautical theme:
If you were doing a country house or even a quirky loft this wall of accessories was fantastic. They had an entire collection of handlebars mounted on the wall that would be could be great in one of those spaces.
Or if you had been searching for a woman covered in buttons she is here.
The lighting selections were varied as well. We came across this elegant French lantern that is just a little different from any other I’ve seen before. With it’s great shape and beautiful smoky color it would be beautiful in a powder room or entry hall.
These interesting lanterns are not electrified and use candles. The tops are metal with intricately cut out designs that would throw off patterns all over the room when lit. They could create such a dramatic mood in a room for relaxing or dining.
This may be the biggest shell I’ve ever seen. Where is the pearl?
And lastly, a cage I told my husband we could get to put him in when he misbehaves. Unfortunately, it did not fit in the car.
I hope you will make a trip there. There is plenty to stir your imagination and fill your home.
By Joy, on August 15th, 2011
My latest obsession is with the industrial lighting pieces being created that are both sculptural and minimal. What a great way to get some art into your house. They have such a raw beauty to them and are so unexpected in the shapes they form and materials they use. Each one gives you a little jolt of surprise and wonder.
Commute Home in Toronto is a company that some amazingly innovative installations, furniture and lighting. Here are some of their lighting creations:
 Linear Multi Shade Pendant Light
 Stick Light
 Balloon pendant
 Headlight
All images courtesy of Commute Home.
This next company, Le Deun Luminaires, is located in Paris and designs lighting that specializes in low energy consumption. The fixtures’ LED bulbs are supposed to last for approximately 30 years! I find these pieces so simple and elegant, yet playful as well. The table lamp reminds me of a Ferris wheel.
 Classic Table Lamp
 Super 8 Pendant All images courtesy of Le Deun Luminaires.
By Joy, on August 12th, 2011
As we get ready for the weekend I wanted to share with you the work of the three artists at Lanoue Fine Art. When I visited their gallery I was surprised and delighted that they had the work of Eric Zener which I had read an article about but never seen in person. His pieces have an ethereal quality to them and take you to that moment when you’ve dived down into the water and are alone with your thoughts.
The pieces seem to be photographic but up close have many layers and an almost glassy quality, with gold touches as highlights.
 Aqua Journey by Eric Zener
 Up by Eric Zener
Both images courtesy of Lanoue Fine Art. To see more of his work: Eric Zener
This next artist is Melody Postma whose work is vivid and playful. I love the juxtaposition of sexy bathing beauties, pop art, and a kind of dangerous messy feel.
 Might Cause Double Vision by Melody Postma
 I'll Have What She's Having by Melody Postma
Both images courtesy of Lanoue Fine Art. To see more of her work: Melody Postma
Last but not least for your summer inspiration we have artist Luciana Abait. Her pieces also bring out that underwater peaceful feeling although they have a more lonely aspect as there is no subject. Everyone either has left or is about to get there.
The concept of her work explores water which she says represents freedom, contrasted with a concrete swimming pool which represents boundaries and confinement.
 Underwater Study 3515 by Luciana Abait
 Underwater Study 1423 by Luciana Abait Both images courtesy of Lanoue Fine Art. To see more of her work: Luciana Abait
I hope you have enjoyed these pieces. Have a great weekend!
By Joy, on February 23rd, 2011
Today we are presenting a project that was originally for a bachelor living in Beacon Hill and by the end we were excited to see it was for he and his wife. We gave them a design that was rich in materials but had great architectural interest as well. The Entry is finished with a dark faux shagreen wallpaper which adds textural richness and opens onto the rest of the space which is lighter in feel.
The residence has a core Hallway connecting the spaces which is clad in stained oak. It wraps into the Living Area where it has a large door that can be shifted to conceal the media equipment or block off the entry to the Second Bath and Laundry. The Kitchen and Dining Areas are the sparkling jewels of the space. Distorted glass cabinet doors over mirrored back panels contrast with a muted black slate backsplash and deep charcoal painted cabinetry. A pop of color is provided by the antique Chinese lacquer sideboard from Danish Country Antiques.
The Master Bedroom has wonderful light and the bed was a custom design by Schranghamer Design Group. Closets were custom fitted for maximum storage.
The Master Bath was a play on dark and light using carrara marble and black slate, repeated from the Kitchen. The entire shower was clad in black slate and has a wonderful Kohler rainshower.
We hope you enjoy this project!
By Joy, on January 21st, 2011
We are always coming across wonderful new products as we shop for clients and it’s exciting to be able to share them. Then there are those items that just never go out of style and we included one of those as well.
Ann Sacks Asher Grey Marble
Distinguished by gorgeous linear veining this marble has a more modern look that is quite striking. Gradations of soft pale gray to darker charcoal make it a great neutral that coordinates with many other materials. What’s most exciting about this stone is that it is part of Ann Sacks Basics Collection, which is all under $12 a square foot. Shown here in 4″ x 24″ tile, great for a kitchen or bath.
The Tony Duquette Collection through Jim Thompson Fabrics
How exciting to be able to see designs by Tony Duquette and have the chance to use them ourselves. Incredibly bright and beautiful, avante garde, and playful, these would be fun in a Vineyard or Nantucket house. Available at Webster & Co. at the Boston Design Center.
Boneyard Brick
Here’s another new product which is really exciting. Boneyard Brick by Trikeenan Tile. If you are looking for a super green tile to use on the interior or exterior of your building this is it. According to their website, these are made of 100% post-industrial waste brick with 95% post-consumer recycled glaze. The resulting tile is 100% VOC free. It is made in the USA, has a low carbon footprint, and lasts virtually forever. They can be used residentially or commercially and Starbucks has been using them recently in their stores. Check them out and the price is really reasonable too. Available at Tile Showcase at the Boston Design Center.
 (Trikeenan)
(Trikeenan)
De Gournay Wallpaper
This is the “old” product. Also available at Webster & Co. is the beautiful de Gournay scenic wallpaper which is always a favorite. Chinoiserie is hand painted on silk using techniques that are hundreds of years old to create a panoramic view around the room. The result is breathtaking. Papers can also be blockprinted on paper with scenic views, all of which are customized to go around doors and windows of the space. It has such an incredible effect on a space.
(de Gournay)
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Welcome to The SDG Blog Schranghamer Design Group is a residential interior design firm based in the Boston area. Commissions are undertaken for a wide range of clients with a focus on creating high quality spaces that are timeless and innovative.
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