Kristen Laird

KRIS Likes… Spring and De Gournay

Published on March 11, 2013March 11, 2013 by Kristen Laird4 Comments

“There are as many styles of beauty as there are visions of happiness.”
– Stendhal

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The weather is finally getting nicer and I was inspired this morning by an Instagram photo of a De Gournay wallpaper posted by a friend and fellow interior designer, Georgia Tapert Howe of Carolina George. Inspired by 18th Century Chinoiserie; nothing reminds me of springtime and brings the beauty of nature into a home quite like an exquisitely hand painted De Gournay wallpaper. The company specializes in creating block-printed panoramic wallpapers developed in early 19th century France and called: Papiers Peints Panoramiques. Every paper is handmade by skilled artisans and each one is a true work of art. The epitome of luxury, beauty and fantasy the paper can be customized any way the client desires and made into matching pattern fabric. Personally, De Gournay paper in a dining room is a look I will never tire of!! Thanks to Georgia for the inspiration… I am jealous that you get to work with one and am certain it will be stunning! For everyone else, enjoy the way designers have used these gorgeous papers in the pictures below! xx K

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*All photos taken from the De Gournay Website.

KRIS Likes… 1st Dibs

Published on February 5, 2013February 5, 2013 by Kristen Laird2 Comments

“I have no recipe for how to combine things. But you must be sincere. And if you are, strangely, it will succeed.” – Andree Putnam, Interior Designer

Today I thought I would simply post some of the things from one of my favorite websites (1st Dibs) that have inspired me over the past few days or (in the case of the John Dickinson tables)… things that I have loved my entire life! … Enjoy!

“I believe creativity is a childlike activity and to question too much may be irrelevant..” – Frank O. Gehry

Azilal Rug

Azilal Rug at 1stdibs.

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The Log Holder at First Dibs

Stunning Moon Mask From The Ivory Coast at 1stdibs

Stunning Moon Mask From The Ivory Coast at 1stdibs.

Rare Large John Dickinson African Table

Rare Large John Dickinson African Table at First Dibs

Cantagalli Vase at First Dibs

Rooster Parade from the portfolio Aftermath by Gustav Klimt

Original John Dickinson Four Leg Table

Original John Dickinson Four Leg Table at 1stdibs.

KRIS Likes… The Fireplace

Published on January 24, 2013January 24, 2013 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“There is no place more delightful than one’s own fireplace.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

There are few things better than snuggling up next to a roaring fire on a cold winters day. If you have been on the east cost this week, I am sure you can agree! Until the weather becomes more agreeable, stay warm and enjoy! xx Kris

Miles Redd, Elle Decor

1836 Greek Revival townhouse designed by Miles Redd, Elle Decor

Upper East Side Townhouse Decorated by Wayne Nathan and Carol Egan, Elle Decor Nov 2006

Downstairs parlor of painter John Dowd's Provincetown, Massachusetts, home. Elle Decor Dec 2006 — Downstairs parlor of painter John Dowd’s Provincetown, Massachusetts, home. Elle Decor Dec 2006

KRIS Likes… The New Year!

Published on January 1, 2013 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

Wishing everyone love and happiness in the New Year. Xoxo Kris

KRIS Likes… The Big Book of Chic by Miles Redd

Published on November 11, 2012November 12, 2012 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“This is a book about dreams coming true; the curiosities in the rooms I have decorated; and the people, artists, and places that have inspired me. When all is said and done and I am long forgotten, maybe someone will find this book in a dusty library—if such a thing still exists—and glimpse a bit of the pleasure my life has given me. I want them to have the sensation of dancing across an MGM soundstage, silhouetted in a klieg light, because that was my intention with this book, a very personal blend of work and fantasy.” —Miles Redd

As a thank you for helping update a few things in her home, my Aunt/Godmother & one of the chicest woman I know, gave me my very own signed version of Miles Redd’s new Book, The Big Book of Chic. Needless to say… I am obsessed! True to-miles-redd-form, the book is not what one might expect from a traditional design book. Save a brief introduction from Redd, the book contains no writing, hints or tips from the designer. Instead it reads more like a mood board in book form, allowing full-page photographs to narrate its story. The book showcases some of Redd’s most famous interiors interspersed with the inspiration images that fuel Redd’s creativity. Paintings by Sargent & Cassatt, Richard Avedon Fashion Photographs, a photo of Peggy Guggenheim and so on… Each Chapter marked with a quote that speaks to Redd’s sensibilities. It is true that no one has mastered the use of bold, beautiful and rich color like Miles Redd and this book is no exception. Each time I flip through its pages I find myself a little more inspired and a little more tuned in to Redd’s intentions and overall message. If you love design, color & glamour this books will not disappoint. Below is just a little taste of what’s inside to wet your appetites …. Enjoy!

“It would turn out to be an arduous and at times a painful process, but one that has provided me years of pleasure and satisfaction. I suppose a lot like childbirth – and to that point, houses in a way, are living things that need love and attention to flourish and shine.” – Miles Redd, The Big Book of Chic

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND from KRIS Likes!

Published on September 2, 2012September 2, 2012 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

“From Labor there shall come forth rest.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Vogue 1959

Vogue 1954

Vogue May 1941

Vogue July 1932

Australian Vogue

Ralph Lauren Ad

Picture of my grandparents on their honeymoon

Vintage Cole Swimwear AD

Photo by me

KRIS Likes… The 2012 CFDA Awards

Published on July 26, 2012 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (otherwise known as the CFDA), celebrated 50’s years at this years award show held at Lincoln Center. Often called the “Oscars of Fashion”, the cities fashion elite gather each year for the CFDA Awards and for this reason, it is often one of my favorite red carpets of the year. The photos below were taken from Photographer Jamie Beck’s blog From Me to You. I love the intimate shots she takes. They give you the feeling of attending an intimate party among close friends. Her detail shots are also fabulous. All around I find her photos edgy, artistic, classic and fresh!

Enjoy!

The dress above worn by Doutzen Kroes may be my personal favorite of the night

Padma Lakshmi wearing Naeem Khan

Diane Von Furstenburg is the President of the CFDA

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen won this years Womenswear Designer of the Year

Of course — I am obsessed with anything remotely related to Mad Men!

Another favorite dress from the evening was a Altuzarra dress worn by Kate Bosworth above

Anna Wintour wearing a dress by Marc Jacobs

Love the Cap Sleeves and Unexpected Hairdo from Mandi Moore (Photo on the Left)

The profile of Karolina Kurkova blows the front view of this outfit out of the water, HOWEVER…. I am still obsessed with these shoes!

All photos are by Jamie Beck’s blog From Me To You

KRIS Likes…. Surfboard Decor

Published on June 20, 2012June 28, 2012 by Kristen Laird1 Comment

1950’s Bondi Beach Swimwear Ad

Having spent most of my summer thus far in Montauk … it’s hard to not have surfing on the brain. Below are a few of my favorite ways that surfboards have been incorporated into the interior design of a home… Enjoy!

Nate Berkus California Home

Brooke Giannetti

Montauk House of Robin Srandefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams

Leslie Klotz House Beautiful

Home of Alan Wanzenberg Elle Decor

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Kerry Joyce Elle Decor June 2003

Ralph Lauren Home

Jason Grant

Sana Keefer Summer House

Sdouble Surfboard Showroom

Leonard Correa Luna Surf Wagon Isetta

Tim Clark

Sidewalk Surfboard #4 by Nash, 34″ Long

via 1STDIBS.COM – Surfing Cowboys – Nash – Sidewalk Surfboard #4 by Nash, 34″ Long.

KRIS Likes… The Photography of Mark Shaw

Published on May 2, 2012June 28, 2012 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“When you are building a room,

you are building character, and character

is the strength and wisdom of a home.”

– Rose Tarlow

A noted American fashion Photographer of the 1950’s and 1960’s, Mark Shaw, is best known for documenting scenes from the family life of John F. Kennedy. However, it was Shaw’s earlier work, shooting European fashion collections for LIFE and various other publications as a fashion photographer, that inspired Jacqueline Kennedy to hire him as the family photographer. Over the years Shaw photographed an impressive list of celebrities which included: Pablo Picasso, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Danny Kaye, Cary Grant, Yves St. Laurent, Nico of the Velvet Underground, Audrey Hepburn & Coco Chanel.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

I am obsessed with all of Mark Shaw’s photographs, but have a special affinity for the pictures he took of models, socialites & celebrities in some of the most elegant, luxurious and famous interiors of the time. The fashion and interiors in each one is stunning and seamlessly flawless. The combination is captivating. Especially for those of us with a passion for both. Yet, it is the simple elegance conveyed in each photograph that I find most alluring. There is an ease to the women in these pictures. They just exist. Fabulous creatures among all of this extravagance and decadence as if being the epitome of glamour was not a choice but just who they are.

Shaw was an innovator. He became the first photographer to use color while shooting the Runway and “backstage” at the couture shows. Perhaps more importantly, he was able to capture a rare “behind the scenes” look into a highly glamorous and stylized world. As a result there was a feeling of authenticity and rawness to his work that was rarely seen during this time. Enjoy!

Model in Apartments of Dior/Luling. France. 1960’s

Model in Mirror-Paris 1960

Model in Chateau Manon Lescault #3

Model in Chateau of Jacques Fath #2, France, 1950’s

Model in Teal Dress #1, France, 1960’s

Model in Home of Christian Dior, 1953 France 1950's

Model in Home of Christian Dior, France 1953

Vicki Reynaud #1, Paris, 1953

Model in Home of Elsa Schiaparelli, Paris, 1953

Model in Apartment of Henri Samuel #4, France, 1960’s

Model in Dior in Paris Apartment, 1960

Model in Chateau Manon Lescaut #4, France 1960’s

Portrait of Henrietta Tiarks #3, 1959, France

Portrait of Coco Chanel #17, Paris, 1954 (In the living room of her Paris apartment.)

** Photograph at top of page: Model in Home of Christian Dior #2, France, 1953

KRIS Likes … Easter Tablescapes

Published on April 4, 2012 by Kristen Laird3 Comments

I don’t think it comes as a huge surprise that I love any occasion that requires the setting of a table. I find it to be one of the most cathartic and creative activities. Since I will not be setting a table this Easter – I created a list of items that would make up my dream Easter tablescape this year…. Enjoy!