Dining Rooms – Kristen Laird Design

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… 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… 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

19_large

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

25_large-1

10_large

01_large

07_large

11_large

37_large-1

03_large

21_large

06_large

37_large

42_large

17_large

40_large

25_large

27_large

36_large

*All photos taken from the De Gournay Website.

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!

Botanical Napkin by Juliska at Michael C Fina

Table Art Pussy Willow Napkin Ring | Barneys New York

Kate Spade New York “Tomkins Street” 5 Piece Place Setting

Blue Italian Salt and Pepper by Spode

Jasper Conran Chinoiserie White Espresso Cup from Michael C Fina

Sao Paulo Bread and Butter Plate by Poc A Poc

Set of 2 Quadrado Azure Spreaders by RabLabs

Waterford Crystal “Lismore Nouveau” Stemware

Jardins Du Monde Grande Charger Plate by Juliska

Soa Paulo Dinner Plate by Poc A Poc

Jasper Conran Chinoiserie Green Salad Plate by Wedgwood

Sao Paolo Dessert Plate by Poc A Poc

Jardins Du Monde Beehive Pitcher by Juliska

First Image: Home of Valesca Guerrand-Hermes Elle Decor October 2007

KRIS Likes… Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Published on November 24, 2011 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life… a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year… -Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

The Thanksgiving table takes center stage on this holiday as families gather around to eat, enjoy each others company and give thanks. It establishes the festive mood for the gathering with its burnt umbers, reds, yellows, golds and aubergines. Bring the outdoors in with all the natural elements Autumn offers us as inspiration. What fun! Enjoy!

Traditional Home

Charlotte Moss House Beautiful

Elle Decor

Eddie Ross

Traditional Home

Traditional Home Fortuny Salad Bowl

Pottery Barn

Eddie Ross for Lonny Mag

Steven Gambrel

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

KRIS Likes… The Little Details

Published on October 16, 2011October 15, 2011 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

“People’s lives are expressed in little details….The soap in the bathroom, the flowers in the garden, the books on the bedside table are all strong symbols of a life in progress. You look at these details and a world unfolds – here are their books, the paintings they cherish, the music that soothes their souls.” – Charlotte Moss, A Passion for Details

Kelly Wearstler

Putting together a vignette is like creating a beautiful still life. The display of collections or placement of decorative objects may look simple and effortless but it requires a well-trained eye and is truly an art form. When done correctly, a vignette can have a major visual and emotional impact on a room. It fills in the blanks. Pulls a room together. Gives it polish and a personal touch. Transforms a house into a home. Changing a tabletop vignette is a simple and inexpensive way to alter the look of a room. Hopefully, these images will help to inspire you… Enjoy!

Apartment of Delfina Delettrez

Vincent Wolf

Richard Hallberg Veranda

Phoebe Howard

Apartment of Julie de Libran

Charlotte Moss

Steven Gambrel

alberto-pinto-04-brazil-apartment-living-room-4-lg

Alberto Pinto Architectural Digest

Carrier & Co Room for 2011 Hearst Designer Visions

Kemble Interiors 2011 Kips Bay Showhouse via Heather Clawson

Lizzie Bailey Lonny Mag Feb:Mar 2010

Kemble Interiors 2011 Kips Bay Showhouse via Heather Clawson

Miles Redd

Celerie Kemble via Lonny Magazine Oct:Nov 2011

KRIS Likes…. Setting The Table

Published on November 2, 2010November 2, 2010 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

Using Elle Decor’s 7 Essentials to Setting a Table as my guide I have created the table setting below…. Enjoy!

1. SET A THEME:

“Setting a theme will energize and captivate your guests. Create a consistent look from start to finish… Look at the items in your closet; it will help you come up with a table setting that mirrors your style.”

My theme: Exotic and Precious Gemstones

2. BE ORGANIZED:

“Being organized is the key to holding a successful gathering. You’re less stressed on the day of the event, which helps to create an inviting, carefree atmosphere.”

3. SELECT DINNERWARE / SERVERWARE:

“If simple doesn’t seem special enough–mix things up. Combine a variety of complementary—but not matching—dishes, cups and platters with the same motif, such as florals or stripes, for a fun, stylish table.”

William Yeoward “Avington” Color: Orange: Charger / Desert Plate / Tea Cup and Saucer.

Haviland “Laque de Chine” Gold, Aubergine: Dinner Plate.

Michael Wainwright Truro Gold Pitcher: Water Pitcher.

Marble Salt and Pepper Cellars

4. SELECT GLASSWARE:

“Experiment with your drinkware and don’t let classification limit the use”.

“Multicolor” Drinkware

Baccarat Vega Rhine Wine Glass – Amethyst

5. SELECT FLATWARE:

“Sometimes it’s easy to overlook flatware. But don’t since it adds another stylish element to your summer table.”

Michael C Fina H Art Gold 5PC Place Setting

6. SELECT LINENS:

“Choose placemats and napkins that pick up the colors of your glassware and dinnerware. Textured elements like embroidery add interest.”

Nishat Gardens Napkin

RabLabs Agate Napkin Rings

7. FINISHING TOUCHES:

“Plates, glasses and flatware are a given, but it’s the accents that really make your table setting memorable and express your personal style.”

Lalique Large Amber Buddha (Made out of crystal).

Christofle Peace Pebble

McCoy Design Amethyst Votive Holder

RabLabs Agate Bottle Stoppers

Marte Candleholder

KRIS Likes… Tablescapes

Published on October 19, 2010 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

Here are how some of my favorite designers have set their tables….

Designer: Eddie Ross for “A Date with a Plate”

Photograph featured in October 2009 Issue of Elle Decor, Setting the Table

Table Designed by Textile Designer John Robshaw for 2009 Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Spring Gala benefit

Interior Designer Miles Redd Table Setting for House Beautiful PB plate Contest

Table Setting by Decorator Tony Duquette Photo Courtsey of Martha Stewart Website

Interior Designer Pheobe Howard Table Setting for House Beautiful PB Table Setting Challenge

Tablescape by Donna karan, House Beautiful April 2010

KRIS Likes … L’Objet Spice Jewels

Published on October 12, 2010October 11, 2010 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

Inspired by nature, yet unmistakably civilized, L’OBJET has redefined the art of home living. – http://www.l-objet.com philosophy

Inspired by wildlife and supremely suited for domestic life, L’OBJET turns entertaining into high art with their collection of Spice Jewels. Handcrafted with exquisite detail by European and Asian master craftsman, these salt and pepper shakers will add a playful and luxurious elegance to any table setting.

Turtle Salt & Pepper Shakers

I love the crystal clear shells and emerald-toned Swarovski crystal eyes of these gorgeous 14kt gold turtles!

Pagoda Salt & Pepper Shakers

Natural freshwater pearls adorn these 14-karat gold-plated pagoda salt and pepper shakers.

Pinecone Salt & Pepper Shakers

These would make a whimsical (and gorgeous!) addition to any fall or holiday table setting.

White Swan Salt Cellar

Black Swan Salt Cellar

These swan salt cellars are handmade from fine Limoges porcelain paste with 14kt gold accents.

Gold Plated Yellow Swarovski Crystals

These beautiful orbs remind me of glamorized sea urchins or Faberge eggs…

Gold Plated Multi-Color Swarovski Crystal

www.l-objet.com

KRIS Likes… RabLabs

Published on October 8, 2010 by Kristen LairdLeave a comment

Anna Rabinowicz launched her decorative home goods company RabLabs in 2002. Comprised mostly of Agate, a variety of chalcedony quartz that forms itself in concentric layers and has a variety of intensely vibrant colors, Rablabs pieces are truly unique and one of a kind. From antiquity, agate has been highly valued and sought after. Persian Magicians used it to divert storms and agate bowls were HUGELY popular in the Byzantine empire, and were also collected by European royalty during the Renaissance. Legend has imbued this gemstone with having powerful emotional healing qualities. Agate is believed to help discern truth and accept one’s circumstances, quench thirst, protect against fever, improve memory and concentration, promote stamina, prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams. Most importantly, however, it creates stunning and unique accessories for the home that I simply adore… Enjoy!