Tag Archives | high-end interior design

Book Review :: A House in the Country

Book Review // A House in the Country // via @simplifiedbee

What happens when a renowned architect and an A-list interior designer collaborate to build their dream home? The magical result is chronicled in a must have new decor book, A House in the Country which invites us in the one-of-a-kind Greek Revival-inspired house of Peter Pennoyer (architect) and Katie Ridder (designer). The creative power couple spent years searching for just the right property and in 2009 found a ranch house on six-and-a-half acres in Millbrook, New York. With more than 300 photos and illustrations, Peter and Katie invite us into their home and share the story behind the transformation. The book is simply organized into three sections – Exterior, Interior and Garden. It’s evident from just the first few page turns, that the home’s architecture and interior design are totally in sync. Don’t let the exterior traditional architecture fool you either – the home’s interior is colorful and full of modern touches. Katie’s bold use of color including pink and purple – beautifully connects and defines the spaces in Peter’s open-floor plan. In addition, the home’s garden is sensational and I love how the book dives into the smallest details including plant selection.

This home is extraordinary and the book captures it amazingly. Here is just a sampling of the stunning images.

A+House+in+the+Country+Book+Reviewfoyer // purple tile // katie ridderentry // katie ridder

The entire house is a feat of texture, color and personality. – A House in the Country

living room // katie ridderpink library // katie ridderfloral arrangement // A House in the Country // Book Review @simplifiedbeebreakfast table // kitchen // katie riddergirl's bedroom // katie riddergeo tile floor // bathroom // katie ridder
* photography by Eric Piasecki

**this post contains affiliate links

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Read full story By on October 25, 2016 in Bathroom, Bedroom, book, book review, color, Features, flowers, foyers, Girl, girl's bedroom, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, Living Room, living rooms, wallpaper

Interview :: H2 Design + Build

Seeking a one stop shop for architectural drafting and planning, engineering, permitting, construction, landscape design and interior design? Paul and Katie Hackworth the husband and wife team behind H2 Design + Build can deliver! The boutique style design and build company tackles projects ranging from designing interior spaces, to remodels, additions, and new homes. H2’s projects have caught the attention of numerous publications including House Beautiful, Luxe Magazine and Rue Magazine. I’m thrilled to be interviewing them today!

Simplified Bee: I love that you are a husband + wife team! When did you realize that you wanted to work together?

H2 Design + Build: H2 Design + Build wasn’t something we had set out to do. It was basically happening in front of us during our “off” time and we finally made it official in 2010. I had a background in graphic design, and to this day utilize the programs affiliated with the industry. Simply speaking, mastering the architectural ruler was the beginning of it all for me. Paul had many years of project management under his belt, and had learned all the tricks of the construction trade during his time managing a handful of blue collar commercial buildings in need of vaiouus tenant improvements and upgrades. Our first project as a team was in 2006 when we renovated a charming cottage style home for our own family.

modern farm house // H2 Design + Build

SB: Your firm seems to do it all – including architecture, interior design, and landscape design – which aspects do you enjoy the most?
What are your personal styles? How are they similar? Different?

H2: Lucky for me, Paul stays out of the architecture and design realm. He has almost mastered the art of listening to me (no one is perfect, right?) and he definitely knows what I expect quality wise. There really is a solid line between each of our skill sets and job descriptions. I create and/or oversee all the architecture, design, and promo of our company and it’s projects. Paul oversees the scheduling, budgets, and timelines of each. This is probably one of the reasons why we have made the husband and wife thing work. Most importantly, we both admire and respect what the other brings to the table. 

I can’t say I like one area of my job description more than the other. It’s nice to get to move back an forth between them and so rewarding to see it all come together in the end.

timeless kitchen // H2 Design + Build

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

H2: There really is no “one” person. The best collaborations are the ones where both sides respect the others talent and vision. When it works, it works. And it’s usually apparent right of the start.

gray kitchen cabinets // H2 Design + Build

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

H2: The Full Spectrum Color Collection by Benjamin Moore is my go-to collection these days. The colors feel very European to me and seem to fall into my work seamlessly. Colors like Crisp Linen, Chimichurri, Plantation, Sea Glass, Pinky Swear, Porch Swing, and City Shadow are all, literally, on my desk right now.

simple mudroom entry // H2 Design + Build

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

H2: In all honesty, I don’t pay attention to trends because they are just that. I find myself drawn to timeless materials and designs and pair them with modern lines and amenities. Longevity is so important. No one wants to put money into something that will be out of style next year!

breakfast nook // H2 Design + Build

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save?

H2: Where someone decides to splurge is so personal. Items that you can see handing down to the next generation are a good rule of thumb. Artwork, lighting, an iconic piece like my favorite Saarinen table, for example, all could get put into the splurge category.

Architecturally speaking, you need to splurge on the bones of the house first. You don’t want to put money into something that you aren’t in love with initially.

outdoor living area // H2 Design + Build

SB: What excites you most about landscape design today?

H2: What excites me most about landscaping is how it can set apart a home from it’s neighboring houses. The same principles apply: keep it clean and simple, and don’t overwhelm the landscape with numerous species and focal points. I would guess that all of our favorite homes have a yard to pair with it that is just as lovely. 

One other small piece of advice; natural evergreen hedges are by far more welcoming that a fence.

artwork above bed // bedroom // H2 Design + Build

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

H2:  … a personal touch. I love adding quirky, out of place items that reflect my clients’ personality.

marble bathroom // H2 Design + Build

SB: Do you have words of wisdom for those thinking about building or renovating a home?

H2: Start with the bones of the house. Perfect it, and then add on… whether that be spatially speaking or interior furnishing wise.

modern elements dining area // nuvolette wallpaper by cole & sons

SB: What’s next for H2 Design + Build?

H2: We are just going to keep going! We have a small restaurant remodel opening very soon, which is a first for our company. Additionally, we are working on a handful of new homes, plus various remodels and renovations. And of course, interior furnishings for all of the above.

Far too much of the  architecture and design of today has lost the attention to detail that existed in the past. I hope and aspire to bring some of this back, but from a modern perspective.
*all images provided by H2 Design + Build
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Read full story By on March 22, 2016 in Bathroom, Features, gallery wall, Garden, home exterior / curb appeal, interior design, Interiors, interview, Interviews, Kitchen, kitchens, Living Room, mid-century modern, mudrooms

Book Review :: Carrier & Company Positively Chic Interiors

Their interiors reflect a spectrum of styles from bohemian glamour to country charm. from modern luxe to elegantly traditional. Husband and wife design duo, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier & Company make it all look effortless too. It’s therefore no surprise that the couple’s work has caught industry and media attention as they were named to the Architectural Digest Top 100 in 2013 & 2014 and Elle Decor’s A-list for 2015. When asked if I’d like to review Carrier & Company’s new book, Positively Chic Interiors (The Vendome Press), I jumped at the chance. Released today and filled with over 200 inspiring images, readers are given an inside look into their process for creating charmingly personal, beautifully balanced and positively chic interiors. In the book’s introduction, Carrier & Company explains that they “are dedicated to creating the firm foundations of functional beauty that are necessary in order to live with ease, style, and comfort.” Their design approach resonates with me and I know this is a book I will reference and treasure for a long time. Here’s a look at a small sampling of the gorgeous images that fill the pages of this delightful book.

Book Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #design

We love to edit back the belongings, to pare down the possessions to find the right balance – Carrier & Co

Book Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #design

We prize decoration that feels effortless, essential, and light of spirit. – Carrier & Co

Book Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #designBook Review // Positively Chic Interiors - Carrier & Co // via www.simplifiedbee.com #design

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Read full story By on September 22, 2015 in Bedroom, book, book review, dining rooms, Features, foyers, interior design, Interiors, Living Room

Design Crush :: Maggie Pierson Design

Comfortable sophistication. That’s what homeowner, jewelry designer, and founder of Dogeared Jewelry, Marcia Maizel-Clarke was seeking when re-designing her Malibu, California home. She hired interior designer and friend, Maggie Pierson to execute her vision of an inviting home that flowed and was well suited for entertaining. The result, as featured in MyDomaine is light & airy, approachable & open, and chic & relaxed. Love, love, love!

white contemporary kitchen // maggie piersonmarble kitchen // pendant lighting // maggie pierson designwhite marble kitchen // maggie piersonboho living room design // maggie pierson designLOVE sign // boho living room // maggie piersonnavy tufted sofa // family room // maggie pierson designround brass coffee table // seating area // maggie piersonwhite laundry room with wooden floors // maggie pierson designcontemporary california bathroom // maggie piersoncustom walk-in closet // maggie pierson designsquare marble tiled shower // maggie piersonsocal patio // maggie pierson design

There are even more beautiful images of this stunning home here.

*photo credit Tessa Neustadt

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Read full story By on August 26, 2015 in Bathroom, bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, Closets, contemporary decor, Garden, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, kitchens, laundry room, laundry rooms, Living Room, living rooms, mid-century modern, Organization, outdoor living, patio furniture