July 4th Craft – Handmade Rocket Garland

Fireworks, backyard barbeques and flag waving parades. Yep. It’s almost here and we’ve been doing a little July 4th decorating.  

Brenda of alphamom’s 4th of July Confetti Popper Rockets inspired me to make our own patriotic rocket garland. She has a great step-by-step tutorial, so if you are interested in doing this project, head to her blog.

It was an easy craft that the kids enjoyed. Our rockets however, do not include confetti or “pop” – too messy for this mom! They sure look fun in the window, but we hope to hang them outside if the weather dries up!

Jetsetter

As you read this, I am almost home from my weekend in Vegas!

On my last trip to Vegas, I fell for these two spaces, with hanging lights and floating glass balls...

Top image - the John Varvatos shop. Bottom image - Julian Serrano at the Aria.


When I go to Vegas I usually shop, eat and sun. I'm not a huge gambler. But when I found the Sex & the City slot machine, I was kinda hooked.

As you can see, I was rolling in money :)

Cute 4th of July Decorating Ideas

Throwing a July 4th party or simply want to add some patriotic touches to your home? In any case, here are some darling and inspiring Independence Day decorating and entertaining ideas to get you in the holiday spirit.

{Patriotic Table Setting via Southern Living}

{Red, White & Blue Paper Goods from Shop Sweet Lulu}

{Festive July 4th Desserts: top - berry cupcakes via Martha Stewart, flag rice crispy treats; bottom - flag tart via Martha Stewart, chocolate covered strawberries via allrecipes.com, patriotic parfaits via Martha Stewart.}

{Paper Lanterns via Pier 1 and 4th of July Signage via Pottery Barn Kids}

{DIY July 4th Rosette Banner via Country Living}


How will you be celebrating July 4th?

"Sunday Runway . . . "

Greetings,

As is often the case, it takes someone else to see your work in its clearest form.  Several weeks back when I posted images from the Alexander McQueen show in New York, someone commented that they loved my blog because it was "the perfect intersection of interior design and fashion."  And as I look back over several years of posts - I REALLY love that description!

So I thought I take a stab at some organization here at Tartanscot - and use our Sundays together to highlight some of my favourite fashion images.

So, let's open with a classic - a behind-the-scenes video from the Spring 2011 advert shoot for one of my favourite shops - Hackett of London's . . . enjoy . . . .

Cheers,
Scot

"A Mini-Break . . . "

Greetings,

There might be a few of you out there who DIDN'T have a crazy week - and if so, I kinda don't wanna hear about it . . . lol.  For the rest of you who, much like myself, seemed to be in a spinning, and somewhat unending, game of chase-the-to-do-list - I'm going to book each of us a little cyber-vacation for the next few moments . . .

Some time to lounge in the bed, reading the paper.  Enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee.  And maybe a shockingly unhealthy carbohydrate.  Remember, there are no calories on the internet . . .

So come.  Relax.  Enjoy.  Wander . . .

Coopers Beach, Southampton NY, 2010  (photography by Scot Meacham Wood)
If you happen to be on the East coast - maybe 
a long walk along Coopers Beach in Southampton . . . 

And for those of us out here on the west 

coast . . . let's just use Carmel.  It's closer . . . 

Southampton, NY  (photography by Scot Meacham Wood)
We could take a quick jaunt around town on a vintage bicycle.

Presidio Heights Project, SMW Design   (photography by Nicolas Smith)
And plan a little lunch - al fresco . . .

Marina Project, SMW Design  (photography by Eric Hooten)
Or, if it's too warm, we could just have a quiet lunch inside . . . 

Miles Redd, New York
Clearly, we'll need a place to curl up and 
read a book in the afternoon sun . . . 

Southampton, NY.  (photography by Scot Meacham Wood, 2010)
Or we could just take a long walk around town . . . 

Michael Smith, for Elle Decor
Clearly, there will be multiple venues for lounging . . . 

The Surf Lodge, Montauk NY  (photography by Scot Meacham Wood, 2010)
And we'll need more food.  clearly.

Coopers Beach, Southampton.  Just after sunset. (photography by Scot Meacham Wood)
See.  We've spent the entire day relaxing 
together . . . and it only took a few moments.

Breathe in.  Breathe out,

Scot

And a giant 'THANK YOU' to everyone who supported my One Kings Lane Tastemaker Tag sale this week - btw, there's still a few things left - so head over and make sure you didn't miss anything good. 

Show & Tell

Happy Friday! Happy happy Friday! Why is it that this shortened week felt insanely longer than a normal one?

Well, the weekend is almost upon us and I thought I'd share some inspiration images I've snapped with my trusty iPhone around the city over the past few months... Enjoy!

Miles and miles of tufting {the banquette at Cecconi's}

Feeling glamorously relaxed at the spa at the Parker

Lacey wallpaper {by Louise Body, at Walnut Wallpaper}

Gold elephants at Bonita Interiors {I went back to buy them last week and they were gone - heartbreak!}

Gorgeous dripping chandelier at Dennis & Leen

Colorful chair - at a booth at the Renaissance Faire {I'd never been to one and wanted to try one of those enormous roasted turkey legs!}

A macrame camel head - also at the Renaissance Faire. We asked how much, but it wasn't for sale...

"The Hangover, part II . . . "

Thomas O'Brien, New York, NY

Greetings,

First of all, I need to be quite clear about something, I am not - in ANY way - trying to infer the Thomas O'Brien is sitting out on his glorious terrace with a naked Korean businessman and a small, mischievous Capuchin monkey.  Nope, not saying that at all.

But, I *AM* a bit fixated on these beautiful awnings.  Summer is heading this way (even in notoriously damp San Francisco) and there's something delicious about lounging outdoors shaded under one these beautiful awnings . . .

Simply perfect.  Seriously.

Shelton, Mindel & Associates, from Architectural Digest
(photography by Michael Moran)

Or maybe we need some shade for a little morning breakfast?
With the New York Times and a perfectly toasted English muffin and coffee? 

Or lounging in the late afternoon - the flag wafting in the breeze . . .
with a cocktail in hand.

Atlanta Showhouse, from Traditional Home

Williams Sonoma Home Store, Palo Alto California

Remember the sunscreen,
Scot

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Interview with New York Interior Designer Sara Gilbane

Earlier this year, the seasoned, Traditional Home and youngster, Lonny collaborated to create a new digital shelter magazine, TRADhome. In it’s debut issue, TRADhome names 20 New Traditional Designers to Watch. On the coveted list is New York-base interior designer, Sara Gilbane. She is known for her classic modern-traditional style and artfully combining low-key and elegant pieces. Sara’s interiors are chic, yet grounded in practicality.
 

Simplified Bee: When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer? 

Sara Gilbane: After my first day of work at Kemble Interiors. I was thrilled to be working with Celerie Kemble and Christina Murphy and once I dove into those fabrics I never looked back!

SB: How would you describe your personal style? 

SG: I come from a traditional background and love bold color and pattern mixed with neutrals. My style has a bit of an eclectic loved feel with a sense of calm.

SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project? 

SG: Architects Peter Pennoyer or Gil Schafer. 

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones? 

SG: Benjamin Moore Linen White, Dove White, and Super White are always used on my moldings. Farrow and Ball Skylight is another favorite- a pale grey blue that makes you feel like you have been enveloped in a cloud.

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

SG: Ikat, zebra, sisal, jewel tones, reclaimed wood, and bold color are all trending but they are classics and will never go away. Perhaps neon is one trend we will (gladly) see go.

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save? 

SG: Splurge on drapes, wallpaper, and a custom sofa ( you will LIVE on this for 20 years and it will be amazingly comfortable). Save on cocktail table, side tables, lamps. With this splurge/ save combo the splurge items are so unique people assume the rest of your pieces are special. Then again.... if you fall in love with something, buy it. Since you love it you will always find a way of working it into your next home.

SB: I love the timelessness of the nursery you designed that was featured in TRADhome. Tell us about your favorite design elements in the space. 

SG: We used a classic wool rug with a timeless geometric pattern in charcoal grey, celadon green, and slate blue to hide stains. The room had a tremendously high ceiling so we added silver star wallpaper on the ceiling and a custom painted pale blue and white circus tent stripe on the walls to add a sense of whimsy to the room. The deep mulberry colored rocking chair is one of my favorite pieces. It is so comfortable and the shape makes it perfect for a growing child ( not stuck in a nursery forever).

SB: You are embracing social media and write a blog {Travel for Design}, are on Facebook and can be found tweeting {http://twitter.com/sgilbane}. Do you prefer one over the other? What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets? 

SG: I love the blog though I do not have nearly enough time to update it as much as I would like to. I need to be better with tweeting! I would advise other designers not to be timid. I was not sure anyone would read our blog and we have over 6,000 hits a day! Go forth and blog, tweet, and tumble!

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without… 

SG: Art.

SB: What’s next for Sara Gilbane Interiors? 

SG: I would love to design a range of fabrics and wallpapers for one of the fabric houses. I am fabric obsessed!

*images via Sara Gilbane Interiors and TRADhome

I Can Hardly Keep Up!

Everyday there seems to be another issue popping up of another fabulous online magazine. Yesterday we got a new issue of Matchbook, which comes out monthly. I've felt lukewarm about Matchbook in the past, this is issue was chock-full of inspiration! Behold, my favorites!

1. A fabulous round up of a modern-day Amelia Earheart.

2. 50 Green Products - that were absolutely adorable.

3. We all know I can't resist a picture of an adorable pup.

4. I've always loved the way carpet poms look (this is what designers use to select colors for custom rugs.)

5. Amazing jewels.

6. I can't resist gorgeous florals.

You can't have too much of a good thing - I can read online design & lifestyle magazines 'til I'm blue in the face.