Kristen Laird

KRIS Likes… Curb Appeal

Published on February 23, 2017March 14, 2017 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“A stunning first impression was not the same thing as love at first sight. But surely it was an invitation to consider the matter.” ∼ Lois McMaster Bujold

1930 HALF-TIMBERED DWELLING - Beverly Hills, CA — 1930 HALF-TIMBERED DWELLING – Beverly Hills, CA

My newest venture into the world of Real Estate has had me thinking a lot about first impressions. On this matter, I tend to agree with Andrew Grant when he said; “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. When it comes to selling your home, the tremendous importance of proper curb appeal cannot be overstated. As a real estate agent, taking buyers to see a house for the first time has started to feel a lot like being a matchmaker. No one wants their potential “forever” opening the door for the first time in a short dress with bare hairy legs. And trust me when I tell you I do NOT want to be the matchmaker responsible for matching you with the unkempt mess behind door #1!

No matter the style of architecture or personal preference; the exterior of your home is a very public declaration of who you are or who you would like to be. If you are planning on putting your house on the Market do everyone a small favor. Go outside. stand in your driveway and ask yourself… If I was my house, how would I feel if I looked in the mirror right now? If your house looks like it is ready to sit on the sofa and eat potato chips instead of calling up that new potential lover for a first date… you may want to consider making a few simple but important upgrades. There is no need to go overboard but ladies, trust me, shaved legs, clean clothes, and some mascara are a very good start!

For those of you who need a little creative inspiration to get you started on the right path, below are some examples of “love at first sight” homes that would have me saying “I do” before stepping foot through the front door. Enjoy! xx Kris

16865172_10154226908576128_6785488184718717421_n — ELEGANT TUDOR DESIGNED BY RENOWNED ARCHITECT OLIVE TJADEN – Garden City, NY For more information on this house go to http://www.coachrealtors.com/2916672

2907573 — SPECTACULAR MEDITERRANEAN COLONIAL – Garden City, NY. For more information on this home go to the link http://www.coachrealtors.com/2885409

HOLLYWOOD REGENCY FACADE OF LAUREN KINGS HOME - Los Angeles, CA — HOLLYWOOD REGENCY FACADE OF LAUREN KINGS HOME – Los Angeles, CA

STATELY 1939 GEORGIAN REVIVAL HOME BUNNY WILLIAMS - Palm Beach, FL — STATELY 1939 GEORGIAN REVIVAL HOME BUNNY WILLIAMS – Palm Beach, FL

TRADITIONAL EXTERIOR BY SIG BERGAMIN - São Paulo, Brazil — TRADITIONAL EXTERIOR BY SIG BERGAMIN – São Paulo, Brazil

EXTERIOR BY MLINARIC, HENRY & ZERVUDACHI - RAPIDAN, VA — EXTERIOR BY MLINARIC, HENRY & ZERVUDACHI – Rapidan, VA

gallery-1465085422-clx030115-house-exterior-shutters — HAMPTONS COTTAGE – COUNTRY LIVING

MEDITERRANEAN-ESQUE EXTERIOR BY NANCY GOSLEE POWER- BEVERLY HILLS, CA

RUSTIC EXTERIOR BY LANE-MCCOOK & ASSOCIATES - Kelsey Grammers Home in Los Angeles, CA — EXTERIOR BY LANE-McCOOK & ASSOCIATES – LA HOME OF KELSEY GRAMMER

gallery-1465095006-clx0506miki022 — ILLINOIS LANDMARK, THE WILLIAM HOWARD THOMPSON HOUSE BUILT IN 1868. RENOVATED IN 1901 BY WATSON & HAZLETON

GREEK REVIVAL WEEKEND HOME OF PETER PENNOYER & KATE RIDDER - Milbrook, NY — GREEK REVIVAL WEEKEND HOME OF PETER PENNOYER & KATE RIDDER – Milbrook, NY

1922 GEORGIAN COLONIAL STYLE EXTERIOR BY TIMOTHY CORRIGAN INC - Los Angeles, CA — 1922 GEORGIAN COLONIAL STYLE EXTERIOR BY TIMOTHY CORRIGAN INC – Los Angelos, CA

gallery-1465087659-clx0213068b — 1875 VICTORIAN IN SONOMA, CALIFORNIA – COUNTRY LIVING

RUSTIC EXTERIOR BY LANE-MCCOOK & ASSOCIATES - Santa Barbara, CA — EXTERIOR BY LANE-MCCOOK & ASSOCIATES – Santa Barbara, CA

EXTERIOR BY PETER MARINO ARCHITECT- Dallas, TX

KRISTEN LAIRD • LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON •

COACH REALTORS · GARDEN CITY, NY

Happy Easter from KRIS Likes……

Published on April 1, 2015April 1, 2015 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“‘Twas Easter-Sunday. The full-blossomed trees
Filled all the air with fragrance and with joy.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Anyone who knows me knows that I am happiest when entertaining. There is nothing I love more than setting up for and hosting a party. I am always on the lookout for new and creative ways to set a table or create that perfect party ambiance. For all of you hosting Easter this Sunday here are a few inspiration images to get your creative juices flowing…. Happy Easter and Enjoy!! xx K

Personalized chocolate filled candy eggs

Kris Likes… Window Seats

Published on March 12, 2015March 12, 2015 by Kristen Laird2 Comments

“He left the drapes open, watched the lights of the cars and of the fast food joints through the window glass, comforted to know there was another world out there, one he could walk to anytime he wanted.” ― Neil Gaiman, American Gods

I am in the middle of designing a window seat for a client and I thought I would share some of my inspiration. There is something about a cozy window nook with a beautiful view. The space needs to feel intimate and cozy … a secluded space that is still a part of the room. There are a lot of elements to consider when building a window seat. Do you want shelving? Storage? Lighting? You have to consider how you want to frame the space, how deep you want the space and most importantly, how to make the space as comfortable and functional as possible. Stylistically these window seats are very different but there were elements in each one that I was able to draw from and incorporate into my design. Enjoy! xx K

Marrakech-EDC-01-14-3-lgn

Nina Griscom Elle Decor

Lauren Liess

Psychas-EDC-04-13-23-lgn

Nes tDesign Co Nest Design CO

Todd Romano

Steven Gambrel

Miller Architects

Window-Seat-Ideas-13-1-Kindesign

Happy New Year from KRIS Likes…..

Published on December 31, 2014 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

– William Arthur Ward

So grateful for everything and everyone in my life this year. Wishing everyone peace, happiness, love and good health in this new year! See you in 2015! xxK

Merry Christmas from KRIS Likes…

Published on December 24, 2014December 24, 2014 by Kristen Laird2 Comments

“This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!” – D.M. Dellinger

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas! xx K

KRIS Likes… Refined Rustic Interiors

Published on December 18, 2014December 18, 2014 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“There is a virtue in country houses, in gardens and orchards, in fields, streams, and groves, in rustic recreations and plain manners, that neither cities nor universities enjoy.” – Amos Bronson Alcott

I have always been drawn to the concept of laid back elegance in my designs. For me, the idea of a refined rustic interior begins with a neutral palette, a mix of metals and wood, industrial and ceramic lighting, and a pointed use of antiques. Rustic rooms gain their personality and refined aesthetic through a very delicate and selective mixture of preserved and exposed natural architectural elements; reclaimed wood beams and exposed stone walls or fireplaces. These natural elements in the architecture should then carry into the decor. Think of natural fibers and fabrics such as linen, leather and sisal. Everything should be about earthy texture and simplicity. Everything has its place and purpose. Mid-century pieces are also great for this style of home. My former boss Mark Cunningham is an expert at creating the refined rustic look as you will see in many of the inspiration pictures of his work that I included in this post. I love how he uses a Navajo rug or throw to add a little pattern into the room. Enjoy! xx K

Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres Elle Decor

Alfredo Paredes - Architectural Digest — Alfredo Paredes – Architectural Digest

Home of Patrick Dempsey - Estee Stanley Interior Design - Architectural Digest — Home of Patrick Dempsey – Estee Stanley Interior Design – Architectural Digest

Markham Roberts Inc. - Architectural Digest — Markham Roberts Inc. – Architectural Digest

Kathleen Walsh - Architectural Digest — Kathleen Walsh – Architectural Digest

Anouska Hempel Design - Architectural Digest — Anouska Hempel Design – Architectural Digest

Suzanne Kasler Interiors - Architectural Digest — Suzanne Kasler Interiors – Architectural Digest

KRIS Likes… Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Published on November 25, 2014November 25, 2014 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.” – William Shakespeare

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays to set the table for. I love working with a fall color palette and bringing nature indoors. I like to think of the table as its own small landscape; incorporating flowers and natural elements throughout the table setting. Here are a few Thanksgiving tablescapes for inspiration and some of my favorite items to set the table with this year. Enjoy! xx K

Natural Tablescape

Feather Setting

Country Living

Whenever I am setting a table I love to mix the high and low. For example, putting fine china on a more rustic wood slab charger as I did in my Thanksgiving table “wishlist” below…

Ward Bennett Prisma Flatware Setting For 16

Wood Slice Charger – West Elm

Rialto Brick Red Napkin

Beauville Rialto Brick Red Napkin – Gracious Style

Gold Bird Napkin Ring

L’Objet Gold Bird Napkin Ring – Gracious Style

Palais Royal-Prestige Collection

Michael C. Fina Palais Royal-Prestige Collection

Set of 8 Chamberlain Wercester Imari Dessert Plates

Colette Tumbler

Juliska Colette Tumbler – Juliska

Amber Crystal Glasses

L'Objet Pinecone Gold Placecard Holder

L’Objet Gold Pinecone Placecard Holder – Gracious Home

Serving trays by Kay Bojesen Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather Salt and Pepper Shaker – West Elm

Elegant Pair of Polished Brass Peretti Style Candlesticks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

KRIS Likes…. Bookshelves

Published on March 30, 2014 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“Every book is a quotation; and every house is a quotation out of all forests, and mines, and stone quarries; and every man is a quotation from all his ancestors.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is finally starting to feel a little bit like spring here in New York and that means … time for spring cleaning. One of my favorite spring cleaning activities is re-styling my bookshelves. It is a great way to freshen things up and give new life to your old objects and accessories. When re-styling a bookshelf you should always be thinking of ways to alternate the color, sizes and orientation of your books. This will help give the shelves some visual interest and break the monotony of vertical rows. Lighting and artwork on the surface of the shelving is a great way to give your bookshelves an additional design element without adding extra items that may leave your shelves feeling cluttered. To keep a clean and tailored look always make sure to keep all the spines of your books at the same depth. Here is a little inspiration to get you started… Enjoy!

hbx-red-coffee-table-newberry-0413-de — Connie Newberry House Beautiful

Alain and Claude Fassier House and Garden

Richard Meier Architectural Digest — Richard Meier House & Garden

KRIS Likes… America

Published on September 11, 2013 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for it’s existence against the winds and rain and scorching sun.” – Napoleon Hill

pamela hanson

House Beautiful

“For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground.” – Lyndon B. Johnson

In loving memory….

KRIS Likes… Bounkit

Published on March 19, 2013 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of.” ~George Eliot

I first discovered Bounkit on my never-ending and seemingly impossible quest for the stylish and modern clip on earring. (Yes, I might be the only woman under the age of 80 who does not have her ears pierced.) When I finally stumbled upon this treasure trove of gorgeous semi-precious gemstones (that offered all of their earrings with a clip-on option), I thought I had died and gone to heaven! A native of Morocco, founder Hassan Bounkit launched his jewelery line in 2006. His inspiration derived from his Mediterranean background, ancient Moroccan designs, art deco and his love of nature. Each piece is handmade in the label’s New York atelier from crystal, wood and organically cut stones. Below are just a few of my favorite creations. I hope you enjoy these elegant and exotic creations as much as I do! xx Kris

All items seen below can be purchased on their website www.bounkit.com.