HEADING HOME TO DINNER: SEASIDE SPIRITS

What a week!  Thank you to everyone who made this year's Heading Home to Dinner a success.  In case you didn't make it, here is a peek at my Seaside Spirits bar cart.  For information on the items included on this bar cart, please email me at alexandra@againteriordesign.com.  If an item is purchased, a percentage will be donated to the Heading Home foundation.  

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea – whether it is to sail or watch it – we are going back from whence we came.” John F. Kennedy 

Designed for a party filled with New England seaside views and summertime spirits, this bar cart serves as the perfect centerpiece for outdoor gatherings. Inspired by its’ surrounding coastal palette; sophisticated pale blue fabrics, decorative white trimmings, and fresh greenery adorn cocktail fixings.  The rattan cart is juxtaposed with fine finishes to create an elegant and casual New England feel.  Whether on land or at sea, this cart is ideal for all Seaside Spirits.  

Thank you to the following sponsors for their contributions: 

Cowtan & Tout, The Martin Group/Samuel & Sons Passementerie, Stitch, LLC, Pat Dahle, and Farrow & Ball 

Photography by Sarah Winchester Studios 

HEADING HOME TO DINNER: SURFS UP 2016

Last summer I discovered artist Annie Wildey and her stunning paintings of wild surf.  I shared my excitement for these works in the following blog post on August 18, 2016.  I am excited to announce that my Seaside Spirits bar cart features a small painting by Ms. Wildey.  It was a wonderful surprise, when Mom told me that she was going to Ms. Wildey's studio to purchase this small painting.  In celebration of Heading Home to Dinner and my Seaside Spirits bar cart, I thought I would re-share this post.  

                                                                                                                                            

During a recent trip to Martha's Vineyard I visited the Black Sheep in Edgartown.  As I approached the register, hands filled with sandwiches, drinks, and sweets I noticed a captivating image of a thrilling surf. 

At first glance I thought the image was a photograph, but as I moved closer I could see the artist's incredible talent.  Using hefty impasto, Annie Wildey created a foamy effect, while capturing changes in light within a cresting wave. I looked around the shop and discovered more of these surf paintings, each unique in their movement and lighting.  Some featured surf in foggy settings, while others focused specifically on the wild, but serene nature of a cresting wave.  

Sometimes you come along a piece of artwork that completely captures your attention.  I have always been drawn to the ocean and perhaps that is why I had such a strong reaction to Ms. Wildey's work. Here is a sampling from Ms. Wildey's website.  I suggest visiting www.anniewildey.com for more information about the artist and her work. 

Images via www.anniewildey.com

HEADING HOME TO DINNER: SEASIDE INSPIRATION

When I first heard about Heading Home to Dinner, I instantly knew that I had to design a bar cart.  Most of my days are spent thinking about client's homes, so it was wonderful to join with a foundation, that is devoted to ending homelessness in Boston.  

My heart is always at the sea, with bright blue skies, crisp blue water, and lush seagrass in mind I began sketching my bar cart concept.  Over the months, the design evolved, but the underlying theme remained.  Inspired by a coastal palette and natural textures, juxtaposed with finer materials, my Seaside Spirits bar cart came to life.   

Inspiration was drawn from various images of surf and coastal properties.  Here are a few that I frequently visited.  

Follow @againteriordesign on instragram throughout the week, for an inside look at designing Seaside Spirits. 

Featured images via Pinterest 

HEADING HOME TO DINNER: Thursday, October 12th - Saturday, October 14th 2017

This week is Boston's first Dine By Design Event for Heading Home.  This wonderful foundation has helped many homeless families and individuals in Greater Boston.  Heading Home strives to contribute housing and support, with the belief that "a stable home provides the optimal foundation to get back on track...the mission is to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing a supported pathway to self-sufficiency that begins with a home, together with critical services such as life skills, financial literacy, and job training (headinghomeinc.org.)" 

The upcoming Heading Home to Dinner event will showcase barcarts and tables designed by local design professionals.  Specified carts and tables will be included in a live auction, with proceeds going to Heading Home.  Be sure to keep an eye out for my coastal inspired barcart, Seaside Spirits!  

Heading Home to Dinner kicks off on Thursday October 12th with a cocktail party on the fifth floor of the Boston Design Center.  New England Home Magazine, will also announce this year's Design Hall of Fame inductees.  If you are interested in attending this event, there is still time! See the link below for tickets and information.

If you are unable to make Thursday night's cocktail party, the bar carts and tables will be on display on Friday October 13th.  Heading Home to Dinner wraps up with an evening gala on Saturday October 14th!  Featuring a live auction for many of the bar carts and tables.  The event will include food and drink sponsored by local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. 

If you are interested in attending one or all of this year's Heading Home to Dinner events visit headinghometodinner.org for details and www.eventbrite.com for tickets.  

You can also visit www.headinghomeinc.org to donate or volunteer with Heading Home. 

Cheers!

SPRING: GOING GREEN

Today might feel like winter, but Spring is upon us.  Days will continue to get longer, trees will display chartreuse budding leaves, and flowers will fill once snowy garden beds.  Spring-like days can not come quick enough.  For this reason, I love anything that gets me into the Spring spirit and these days I can not stop thinking about the color green.  Perhaps, this began with the celebration of St. Patrick's Day.  Or maybe it was a recent meeting with Marvic Textiles, where I was inspired by Safari in Lime, a stunning vibrant chartreuse cotton velvet.  In addition to celebrations and design influences, I think the arrival of golf season has also played a part.  

I look forward to a casual afternoon of golf, either as a player on the course or as a spectator from the comfort of home.  Today marks the beginning of the Masters, and what better day, than today to enjoy this great game.  There is something very relaxing about watching these talented professionals attempt to maintain their cool, while achieving the fewest strokes to a small hole.  The color green plays an important role in the game of golf and the Masters.  Sprawling bright green fairways and greens are one.  But the iconic green jacket is what many think of when the Masters is mentioned. 

In order to continue my "think-Spring" fling, I will spend the next couple of posts sharing all things Spring that inspire me.  Some of these green and others not.  But for today and the remainder of the week, the Masters is where I will be tuning in. 

Images via Pinterest  

BIBLIOPHILE BOSTON: TOM SCHEERER

Last night I attended the Tom Scheerer Decorates event, at the Boston Design Center.  The occasion was presented by Peter S. Knott, the President of Quadrille Fabrics, and the editors of the new ID Boston Magazine.  Scheerer is known for his breezy, chic, and elegant spaces.  He is praised for his simple palette and frequent incorporation of his favorite Quadrille trellis wallpaper.  

Since the day I was introduced to Tom Scheerer's work, I was inspired by his fresh approach to design.  Scheerer will cover an entire wall with decorative tile, he does not restrict it to back-splashes or bathrooms.  He will use an upholstered settee at an eating area. And he will pull furniture away from the fireplace, to create a casual and inviting living area.  Here are a few of my favorite spaces by Tom Scheerer:

Images via www.tomscheerer.com