Elle Decor – Kristen Laird Design

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

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…. 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… 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…. 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.”