Heiberg Cummings Design // Elegant & Koselig (Cozy) Style

I met Bernt Heiberg and Bill Cummings of Heiberg Cummings Design at an event they hosted for one of their projects in December.  I quickly felt their warmth and style, both from the design partners themselves, and from their interior design work. They describe their aesthetic concept in their recently published book, White Light. It's about "koselig", which "literally translated means cozy in Norway, the word is used to describe everything from a room’s hospitable warmth to the pleasant feeling one gets in running into an old friend."  Koselig, is how Bill described their Chelsea apt. in a magazine article that was featured in their book - and it's how I would describe meeting them and seeing their work. This is their third book,

Their interiors are comfortable, and easy

also refined and elegant

The partnership began in 1990 in Oslo doing interiors in Europe and the US. They moved the center of their business to the NYC's West Village, but retain an office in Norway. The duo blend Bernt's Scandinavian minimalism with Bill's artistic and business background with an appreciation for traditional American design. This has come together into a modern design business with clients and residences from Manhattan, the Hamptons, throughout the Northeast, corporate projects to country homes in Norway.

The core of their philosophy and technique is Conceptual Design. Each project starts with a framework, a concept that is driven by the client and their close relationships. They want to understand what a client is looking for, how they live and how to best reflect their family and traditions. The core concept evolves and it then prevails in each space of the home providing the framework for the physical design which follows.

Each project differs in personality, but the foundation is consistent, warm neutral and natural colors and textiles, continuity throughout the project, which comes from the concept. Warm and quiet, yet a recurring description is 'tension', and it varies from project to project. The tension is a surprise, it may be accent colors, art, the antiques and accessories - and this is where each project suitably reflects its owners.

Naima Boger, a designer with the firm sought me out for artwork for a LETT, by Heiberg Cummings project in Rye, NY. LETT, Norwegian for 'Light" was introduced last year to provide another way for Heiberg Cummings to provide their design services and aesthetic to more clients. The LETT team is hired to provide interior design services on a room by room basis. They provide a beautiful boxed presentation containing customized floor plans, drawings, and tear sheets of recommended items. The client receives a shopping list to execute and manage themselves. The design firm will come in to style and accessorize when the client is ready and the furnishings are complete.

Naima worked on the Westchester project and assisted her client in sourcing artwork and accessories. When she saw Andrea Bonfils' Underwater Mixed Media artworks, she knew immediately they would provide the living room with the balance and the contrast to complete the room and compliment the photographs on the opposite wall, by Katie White Photography.

Ophelia, another Bonfils' piece is in the adjacent foyer.

Xanda McCagg's abstract Tete-a-Tete brought tension, color and contrast to the dining room. The strong modern painting is a counterpoint to the traditional furnishings, and the color balances the sofa, pillows and window coverings.

LETT is a timely and exciting new direction for Heiberg Cummings Design. It is a concept that will make their services accessible to many more people and introduce a new direction in interior design. The firm has an international reputation for the quiet, refined and personalized aesthetic they have created. They have a flair for details that reflect the homeowner, whether it's artworks, accessories or incorporating family items that are lived-in and worn. The spaces they design are contemporary  - yet they're classic and comfortable, a style that creates liveable spaces that at the same time are elegant and koselig!

The Neue Galerie // A NYC Gem

An afternoon spent walking through the collections at the Neue Galerie  was a real treat, a glimpse into another era. My daughter Alexis and I had a few hours recently and chose the small collection of Austrian And German Expressionist art in the beautifully restored Beaux Arts mansion just off Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile. The museum showcases early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and design. The collection reflects the intersection of various creative disciplines at the turn of the century, the "New Art", (source of the museum's name) of this period was represented throughout Europe to capture the innovative and modern spirit that was emerging. Examples from these early days of modern design; in the decorative arts, painting, sculpture, furniture, lighting and the very new field of photography are all represented in this thoughtfully edited collection and inspired design and book stores within the museum. The collection has work from the fine artists from Vienna, including Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.

and the decorative art of early modernists, such as Wiener Werkstatte and Josef Hoffman.

In the early 1900's in Germany, the Bauhaus movement was growing and included artists like Wassily Kandily and Paul Klee and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer. I have Breuer kitchen chairs based on the same tubular steel design of this bar cart and lounge.

The Neue Galerie grew out of the passions of two men who collected Modern German and Austrian art and design. Leonard Lauder, a businessman,  philanthropist and art collector and Serge Sabarsky, an art dealer and museum exhibition organizer. In 1996, after Sabarsky's death, Lauder began to create the Neue Galerie, to realize their shared vision of opening a museum for their respective collections. He bought  the former William Starr Miller House, on the corner of Fifth Ave and 86 St. Seldorf Architects renovated the mansion to appropriately display their artworks.

In 2006, Lauder purchased Gustav Klimt's 1907 gold-drenched Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer l for a record price (at the time of $135 million).  The painting is in the main floor gallery, it is really wonderful, and worth the visit to the museum.

Cafe Sabarsky, the intimate restaurant in the museum was designed to replicate the Viennese cafes at the turn of the century. The furnishings are correct for the period, light fixtures are by Josef Hoffman, furniture by Adolf Loos and the banquettes in a 1912 fabric by Otto Wagner. I began by saying the museum and cafe are a treat, a quiet and lovely space. We didn't eat here that day, but will plan to on our next visit. The museum and cafe are beautifully done, a wonderful break from the usual NY pace, an environment to feel immersed in the period it represents.

We saw the current exhibit of Ferdinand Hodler's paintings. Hodler is considered the most influential Swiss artist of the period. His landscapes are beautifully executed, and I loved how their rich colors looked on the vibrant blue walls in two of the gallery rooms.

Color was a key component to his work in his female figures - particularly blues and reds.

The museum website has photos from a number of magazine layouts that were recently photographed at the museum. How apt that the  elegant setting was used as a background for fashion and style in the 21st century. Diana Taylor, "New York's First Lady", in Harper's Bazaar, 2011, in patterned black and white, echoing the stunning grand staircase.

and from Quest Magazine, patterns and colors reflecting the detailed Klimt painting

To view the collection and the current exhibit, (Ferdinand Hodler: View to Infinity, is through January 7th) only takes a short time. Both the museum space and exhibitions provide a glimpse into a period in history that informed a lot of change in the creative arts and influenced a great deal of modern art and design.

Her Haven // Designing a difference for others

Her Haven grew from Carey Dougherty’s vision to combine her interior design skills, and business experience with her desire to help women in need. With the driving passion that a “home can enhance one’s well-being and bring families together, and the recognition that women are often selflessly serving their families and their communities with little time for themselves, she wanted to give these women the gift of a ‘haven’.

Her Haven is a nonprofit organization that performs volunteer design services for deserving and inspiring women in the community.

Carey then brought her organizational and networking skills to coordinate the efforts of various people and organizations. The first two Her Haven projects were a partnership with Fairfield University's Interior Design Program and Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County.  11 design students from the program worked to redesign and furnish the living and dining rooms of two new Habitat homeowners, Nordia Black and Elizabeth Bosques, both of Bridgeport, CT.

The projects have elicited strong community support, from local businesses, supplying materials, trades, design skills and volunteers who have all helped see the projects to completion.

Another outcome of Her Haven's beginnings was a course at Fairfield University , developed by Dr. Catherine Giapponi, associate professor of management at the Dolan School of Business (DSB).“Managing Nonprofits Organizations". The course introduced students to careers in nonprofits, while helping to develop a business plan for Dougherty.  “There are many connections between entrepreneurship and starting your own nonprofit,” Dr. Giapponi explained, “And with entrepreneurship gaining interest around the world, this class gives students the skills to put together a complete plan that could be applied to nonprofits and for profit ventures.”

Her Haven has plans to expand its partner programs with additional design schools to provide both hands-on practical experience for it’s students with meaningful community work.

I was moved when Carey described a response to both projects. The women, who's home was renovated and furnished,  separately said, the best part of their new spaces was having, for the first time, “a dining table, a place to sit with their family”.

Her Haven is realizing Carey Dougherty's mission, helping women to create homes for their families that they would not otherwise have. Carey has in the process been bringing together diverse groups, from other non-profits, to  businesses, designers and educators.

Table d'Hote , table top and home accessories store, and Romanoff Elements are hosting an event Dec. 5th, with the artwork of Andrea Bonfils and Tulah Jems jewelry.  A portion of the evening's sales will help support the mission of Her Haven, Designing a Difference!

Its been wonderful to learn more about Carey's vision and organization that is effectively reaching out and bringing together resources and people who understand the value of a well-designed and comfortable space for all women and families.

Abstract Works by Xanda McCagg // at Comerford Collection

Xanda McCagg’s energy and enthusiasm about her work is evident from the moment you start speaking with her. We met at an exhibit opening a few years ago in The Chelsea Arts Building, at Spazio 522. Xanda’s studio is there as well, and soon after, I visited with her and was immediately drawn to her work.

In McCagg’s canvases you can see her background in traditonal figurative work, and yet as her work has evolved - the line, composition and color have abstracted into her unique form of expression.

"Although abstract, my work is influenced by formal principles. At the core of my work is a fascination with the human experience. As an artist, I am observing and commenting on the human condition on both a global and an intimate level ... Central to my work is the analogy of line to form; to light; to color; and to the spaces these describe."

Judy Ross, of Judy Ross Textiles introduced me to Karen Comerford, owner of the beautifully edited home decor shop, Comerford Collection, in Bridgehampton, NY. Karen brought  Xanda’s work into the store, a wonderful compliment to Comerford’s aesthetic of “modern handcrafted furniture and design”.

The shop is "Modern,"  but Karen's goal is to "strip it of its implications of austerity and imbue it with a comfortable, uncomplicated simplicity."  The store has achieved that, it's fresh and modern but warm and filled with unique and beautifully designed furnishings (many pieces of her own design), accessories, and art that compliments.

Xanda's work ranges from small, intimate 12"x12" canvases

to the larger-scale canvases like Pearling, 72"x60"

There are colors, textures and always enticing furnishings throughout the shop (and in the window...as in this photo)

I enjoy meeting with both Karen and Xanda in her Chelsea studio each spring to make selections for the summer at Comerford.

In April when we met, Xanda shared some highlights of her experiences at two artists residencies last fall in Europe. First at CAMAC, Centre D'Art, Marnay-Sur-Seine, France and then at the American Academy in Rome - visiting artists and scholars program.  Xanda talked about the exhilerating experience of working and living among a community of scholars and artists for several months.

Next up, will be an exhibit in Paris this fall, in October. In the meantime, if you are in the Hamptons this summer, stop in to Comerford Collection for the beautiful selection of both home decor and art ...

Picture Perfect // Bramasole Photography at Nest Interiors

Christine Wexler’s photography collection, Bramasole, looks and feels like summer. I met Christine in the winter, and as soon as I browsed through her work, it brought me right to summer - the waves, the warmth, the beach.  And now that it’s July, its great to see her work exhibited at Nest Inspired Home. The home shop in Rye is a great spot for Christine’s work, it fits their mix of easy, classic contemporary home furnishings and accessories. Bramasole in Italian means, to yearn or long for the Sun.  Umbrella's captures the colors and light on the Italian coast.

But most of Christine's photographs are more local, taken in the Hamptons, of surfer life.  She has exhibited in the Hamptons for many successful summers.

This will be the Westchester resident's first time showing locally.

Christine captures the splendor of the ocean in all it’s moods and those of all ages who come to experience the surf and the beach.

and the beauty of the ocean

Like Christine, I  love the beach and ocean.  Cliffs reminds me of a very memorable day when my friend Billy and I hiked and navigated our way from the lighthouse at the eastern most tip of LI, along these cliffs, to see the beautiful Stanford White mansions along the coast.

Christine's words of inspiration will resonate for those, like me,  who share her love of the summer and the sea;

“I credit my father for my love and appreciation for the ocean. The strength I gain when I stand in front of a vast sea is rejuvenating and overwhelming. The smell of the air and sound of the waves is empowering. 

As a child my father taught me to respect the force of the water and its gifts, to use the open space of the beach to clear your mind... To embrace that every wave is different and every sky is new.

I began photographing a special beach about six years ago. Montauk is considered "The End "of the Island... but it is always a new beginning for me. 

I started with a focus on the landscape of the cliffs and beach. I soon found myself drawn to the people. People surfing, walking, just being. Watching them contemplate, prepare, envisioning the ride... I found how glorious the human spirit can be. At first I felt that I was intruding on sacred space and without disrespect, I began photographing from a distance.  

My inspiration, my surroundings, my motivation has grown into my attempt to capture moments of peace and serenity so easily lost in our everyday lives. A true reminder to ground ourselves in a time of such uncertainty.

Just watching each individual pay their respects to the ocean... stare out to an endless sea of possibilities... I realized I am not alone in my addiction/love for the beach. Many of us long for it, some of us are fortunate to have it everyday. Many have said my work is a reminder of their time with the sea.

On July 9th, Nest is partnering with County Harvest, a Westchester-based organization that collects and brings food to Westchester’s hungry. There will be a food collection at the store during the week and a cocktail event on the 9th from 6-9. 10% of all sales of the evening will go to County Harvest.

Hope you can stop in to this Picture Perfect evening - or another time through the summer to see Christine’s photography ...

Celebration of Mothers! // at Table D'Hote

Table D’Hote is a welcoming boutique filled with beautiful tabletop and decorative accessories. The shop is off the beaten path, so it feels like a great find, even though it has been in Armonk for 8 years. Owner Jennifer Katz has put together an enticing assortment of dinnerware, beautiful glassware, and assorted products that reflect her casual, yet refined, taste and style. Jennifer transitioned from a career in social work as she sought a more creative outlet. She continues to work with people, but now uses her skills to help her customers style their tabletops with her sophisticated selection of high end ceramics, glassware, home accessories and a wide variety of hostess gifts from Juliska, Simon Pearce, Terre Provence, Aletha Soule and Terra Firma, among others, and she is always on the search for new products.With a love for beautiful things, Jennifer, “... likes to sell high end pieces that her customers will have for a lifetime, mixing, matching and adding to over the years.” Table D’Hote, is a French phrase, that literally means "host's table".  The reference for Jennifer, is to the casual style of Country French that she was initially drawn to and inspired the shops aesthetic.  The shop has transitioned to a more modern style in recent years. She now offers an eclectic selection, responding to the way she, and her customers, shop and live.Jennifer and I knew each other years ago, we went to summer camp together,  so when we reconnected it was with great shared memories of summers in New Hampshire at Camp Merriwood. We quickly learned of our present mututal interest for home decor and bringing together beautiful products with our customers.We have also both been fully immersed into medical issues in the past few years, and share the impact this has had on our families and our lives. Jennifer’s son Alex was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2008 and received a life-saving bone marrow transplant in August 2011. My husband Howard was diagnosed in 2007 with Pulmonary Fibrosis and successfully received a life-saving double lung transplant, also in August 2011.

Jennifer has always wanted to bring art into her store - Mothers Day seemed like a perfect time  to begin - so we started planning, to combine art and shopping  - and to invite mothers, wives and daughters, to celebrate the gifts of life and health and family.

Jennifer was immediately drawn to Tracy Burtz' beautiful artwork  - her subject matter, mostly women, still lives and seascapes are well-suited to the home decor shop. We began by meeting at Tracy's fabulous studio barn to learn more about her work.

After making the selections, an assortment from Tracy’s large body of work, we were thrilled by how beautiful it looks in the store. The butter-colored walls are a perfect backdrop for the artwork.

Reverie welcomes customers at the entrance

and for the occasion, we love  Mother and Daughter, surrounded by seascapes

Mah Jongg is in a great corner complimented by colorful ceramic pieces by Jill RosenwaldWe look forward to a Celebration of Mothers! on Thursday, May 10th, 6-8.  These and more of Tracy’s artwork wil be on display through June 21st. We will share information about Organ Donation, and a percentage of all proceeds of the evening will benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Lumiere by Jean de Merry // Classic & Versatile Lighting

This cover of Elle Decor caught my eye in December, I loved the eclectic mix of materials and styles. I was especially drawn to the striking black light, which I learned was the Lumiere by Jean deMerry. The room, designed by Ashley Stark, successfully mixes a variety of materials and periods. The organic table with "tree trunk" bases and a cement top is by Groundworks, it's paired with 18th century Italian chairs, and a Tommy Parzinger cabinet.

I had previously seen the ceiling mount version of the JDM light in gold, at the Kelly Wearstler designed restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman

While in the D&D Building a few months ago, I stopped in to the JDM showroom, and saw the beautiful range of elegant furniture, lighting and acceessories. I learned the Lumiere is available in a choice of metal finishes, powder colors, and the size can be customized.

Lighting, a great chandelier, whether casual, formal or in between, can be a focal point of a room. I have come across the Lumiere used in a variety of beautifully designed spaces. My Pinterest lighting board has many  of them. It is a relatively new piece, introduced in 2008 - that’s classic and verstatile.  It works in modern, tradional, transitional and eclectic settings.

In Emily Sommer's elegant dining room in her 60's modern Palm Springs home featured recently in Architectural Digest, it is beautifully paired with Jean Risom chairs and a Karl Springer sideboard.

a black version in this warm dining room with a mix of natural elements

in this bright white kitchen, with a bold use of blue chars, the black JDM light is striking above a lucite table

in a library, the contrast of dark walls and a lucite desk

and as the focal point of an airy living room, by Kara Mann

to compliment the success of the hanging light, JDM recently introduced a sconce to the collection

The LA based Jean de Merry started in 2000, with a line of artisanally made chairs and have since developed a line of furnishings and lighting, of beautiful and quality design and workmanship. The Jean de Merry site  explains that the collection, “... merges neo-classical design with 1940’s French sophistication in their timeless...line. Each piece...transitions into both traditional and modern interiors and naturally becomes the stand-out piece of any room.”

Interesting, how when you come upon something that really catches your eye, you notice it again and again. I gravitate towards well-designed pieces that are timeless and verstatile, the Lumiere is just that.