For Your Mother (and other mothers)

The best gifts are those that are personal and purchased with the recipient in mind, but I think this round-up has universal appeal and would be appreciated by any mother next Sunday (ahem, that's a reminder for my husband - and kids - who might pop on here from time to time!). Of course the gifts of love, patience, sleep, laughter and understanding should be given too...

Thank you to all the mothers who care, heal, nurture, teach, encourage and inspire us each and every day!

xx, B

1.  Ditto House through Pop Life Universe. 

2. Anything from the Chocolate Lab on Colfax. 

3. I'm having a mild obsession with Callahan Ceramics right now! 

4. A membership or day pass to the Denver Botanic Gardens. Stroll around and take in the flowers, the pixelated sculptures by Mike Whiting, and the art by Jason DeMarte!

5. Farm Girl Flowers for the ranunculus-enthusiast (hint, hint).

6. A beautiful cushion by Edie Ure, the Boulder-based natural-dye (plant) textile and fabric star (who is also a dear friend!) . Edie hosts classes from time-to-time, so grab a coveted spot the next time one is offered.

7. The gift of craft and experience over at Fancy Tiger. 

8. Wallpaper, quite possibly the best gift ever :) Willie Weston is shown here. Email us for an appointment and we'll show you what we've got!

9. Sterling-silver watermelon tourmaline earrings, or anything, from Bird Brooklyn!

10. A beautifully crafted clutch from Denver-based, Animal Handmade. 

11. Send a COLORADO CRAFTED customized box filled with all sorts of locally-made products. They've got everything from lotions, chocolates, caramels, jams, totes, etc. Of course the WallTawk box is our personal favorite and 10% of all sales will be donated to local charities such as Project Worthmore, Project Angel Heart, and the Gathering Place to name a few!

12. Shesh-Besh, backgammon...whatever you call it, it's a fun game. We love this board by Wolfum.

13. Gift the mom in your life a card to a local bookshop, and then give her some time to read!

14. One of these stunning new ceramics by Cara Taylor. 

15. A pollinator push garden from Modern Sprout will give her blooms all summer long! And it will help bees & butterflies, too. Win-win!

16. Can you imagine juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, while simultaneously dealing with the impacts of war, poverty, or food insecurity? I can't. The IRC, which was founded by a famous refugee named Albert Einstein, will be working with mothers directly. They have several RESCUE GIFTS , including Care for Mom and Baby and 3 Newborn Baby Kits. You can also send young girls to school for a year. Find an option that resonates with your mother and donate in her name. Believe me, she'll appreciate it.

Happy Mother's Day!

Be still my wallpapered and historic-loving heart (The Osborne)

I'm that person - the one who, while sitting in a relatively quiet coffee shop, gasps audibly when stumbling upon well-designed interiors...which is exactly what happened when I laid eyes on Howie Guja's images from this beautiful, iconic and historic structure. 

The Osborne, an ornate 19th-century apartment building located at 205 West 57th Street in Manhattan, sits catty-corner from Carnegie Hall. It is a New York City landmark (1991) and on the National Register of Historic Places (1993). The eponymous building, constructed between 1883 and 1895, was the brainchild of a stone contractor by the name of Thomas Osborne. It was designed and built by James Ware, an architect who was an early designer of fireproof warehouses. More than 135 years since its initial construction, it is still a highly coveted residence.

One of the building's apartments, now occupied by a young couple and their children, was updated by Laura Flam of Reunion Goods & Services and Jacob Sandmann of Fogarty Finger Architecture. What I love most about the space's modernization is that the historic details weren't stripped away, and that so much of the building's charm was retained in the updated design. The transformation, which blends elements of old with elements of new, does so seamlessly. The architectural bones still shine through despite the 21st century appearance.

I really can't imagine how many years it took to design this apartment, but the careful selection of lighting, the use of wallpaper (OMG!), along with the strategic placement of beautifully made furniture, only made me fall deeper in love...

Enjoy! I hope this inspires you.

xx,

Batya

Photographs courtesy of Howie Guja and used with permission. Thank you, Howie!

[I originally read about this residence in The Cut by Wendy Goodman (2016), and rediscovered it while doing some research for an interiors project. It has also been featured in Domino.]

Photography by Howie Guja

The living room features a light pink S designed by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset, the Nour pendant by Julie Pfligersdorffer and a photo from the Sky Series by Eric Cahan. On the far side of the room there is a Prado daybed from Ligne Roset and the Mimosa Pendant by Atelier Areti .

Photography by Howie Guja

A pair of vintage Chiclet Armchairs, designed by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller, were covered in Rogers & Goffigon blue chenille fabric. Brilliant! 

Photography by Howie Guja

The woodwork in the doorframe is original.

Photography by Howie Guja

The dining room features a custom wallpaper design by Eley Kishimoto. The bright graphic contrasts nicely with the minimal feel of the adjacent spaces. The look is made complete with felt chairs and a custom poured-resin table from Martha Sturdy. (Eley Kishimoto is available through WallTawk.)

Photography by Howie Guja

Original parquet floors, intact. Mic-drop!

Photography by Howie Guja

I love the splash of color that was achieved by the sea-blue scalloped wallpaper, along with the fixtures from Fantini. The wallpaper was designed by Eley Kishimoto, the same surface designer who created the custom pattern in the dining room. 

Photography by Howie Guja

Photography by Howie Guja

The restoration and additional millwork throughout the apartment was done by Katsura Construction. 

Photography by Howie Guja

The lead-paned windows are original to the residence.

Photography by Howie Guja

The perfect use of tile is on display. The azure-blue mosaic floor tiles are from Mosaic House.

Photography by Howie Guja

The boy’s bedroom is wallpapered with a custom design by Rebekah Maysles and Reunion. The yellow table lamp is from Jieldé.

Photography by Howie Guja

The polka-dot-painted walls are the work of Cassandra Holden .

Photography by Howie Guja

A personalized touch comes in the form of a climbing wall from Everest Climbing and a custom wallpaper from Cavern Home. (Cavern Home wallpaper is available through WallTawk.)

Photography by Howie Guja

I LOVE how this space was utilized; it's no easy feat to make a triple bunk-bed (designed by Reunion) look light and airy. The Northmore Minor fabric was designed by Rachel Parker for Studio Flock. The pattern is digitally printed in a lovely mix of bold bright and fresh colors on crisp white linen.

Photography by Howie Guja

Photography by Howie Guja

I just fell over, THUMP! The wood paneling in the foreground is part of the new transformation, and was made to match the original section above. There's even built in storage space; it's a New York City miracle!

Photography by Howie Guja

The light palette of the master bath featuring various shades of gray that result in a fresh and modern look. The custom marble trough sink was designed by Reunion and the floor tiles are by Lindsey Lang. (I'm pretty sure the wallcovering is Villa Louis by Lincrusta.)

Photography by Howie Guja

Spotlight: Ghislaine Viñas

Home is important to me. In addition to being a place that provides shelter and protection, it's also where I find refuge and sanctuary. Home provides a temporary escape from the current sociopolitical climate, which continues to frustrate and anger me to no end. I think that's why when I'm not marching, volunteering, mothering or working, I spent my time pouring over colorful design. It's escapism that actually makes me feel inspired and creative. Penelope Green, a writer for the NYT, noted, "[people] are trying to feather their own nests as a prophylactic against the chaos" and they are searching for beauty, comfort and a bit of joy. I couldn't agree more, which brings me to the work of Ghislaine Viñas. Her designs just lift me up; simply put, they make me happy. 

Joyful (or is it joyous) is definitely a word I would use to describe Ghislaine's Sky House project - designed in collaboration with architect David Hotson - for which she won the Interior Design Magazine BOY in 2012.  In fact I would use that same adjective to describe all of the spaces that she designs; they are infused with style, art, humor and so much COLOR (I can't think of many other designers who embrace bright hues more).  Every project Ghislaine puts her finger on is so readily (and immediately) identifiable as her’s. Her original aesthetic and obvious passion are why she has accomplished such mastery over her domain. Ghislaine says that, "being a designer, staying authentic and unique is my job. It’s what I do to stand out and differentiate myself from what others are doing. You can be inspired by peers or those who came before you, but you need to bring your unique flavor to the work you do." 

I really enjoyed listening to this Clever Podcast . In it Ghislaine talks about her childhood (she was born in the Netherlands, raised in South Africa), being an interior designer, starting a business at the same time as having young children (my biggest personal struggle is balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood) and she shares her general philosophy:

"The most important thing for me is that [clients] step into the house and they just feel good; it's [really about] the aesthetics of happiness... it just makes you feel happy or calm or it feels like home." She also adds that it has to be stress-free.

I hope this post brings you some joy, happiness and inspiration. Enjoy the weekend!

xx, Batya

[The photos have been posted with permission, courtesy of Ghislaine Viñas.]

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND  

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, NY. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

MONTAUK BEACH HOUSE, NY. ARCHITECT: ARCOLOGICA    |   PHOTO: GARRETT ROWLAND

WILD THING WALLPAPER DESIGNED BY GHISLAINE VIÑASFOR FLAVOR PAPER. Photo by Garrett Rowland

TriBeCa FAMILY LOFT, NYC. BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

TriBeCa FAMILY LOFT, NYC. BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS  |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

WARREN STREET TOWNHOUSE, TriBeCa, NYC BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS |   ARCHITECT: DDG   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

WARREN STREET TOWNHOUSE, TriBeCa, NYC  BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS |   ARCHITECT: DDG   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

LOS FELIZ HOUSE, CA. BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: CHET CALLAHAN   |   PHOTO: ART GRAY

LOS FELIZ HOUSE, CA. DESIGN BY BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: CHET CALLAHAN   |   PHOTO: ART GRAY

LOS FELIZ HOUSE, CA. ARCHITECT: CHET CALLAHAN   |   PHOTO: ART GRAY

SKY HOUSE, NYC. DESIGN BY BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: DAVID HOTSON   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

SKY HOUSE, NYC. DESIGN BY BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: DAVID HOTSON   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

SKY HOUSE, NYC. DESIGN BY BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: DAVID HOTSON   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

SKY HOUSE, NYC. DESIGN BY BY GHISLAINE VIÑAS. ARCHITECT: DAVID HOTSON   |   PHOTO: ERIC LAIGNEL

Ghislaine's instagram posts are a constant source of inspiration! 

Inspired: No. 1

Our mood board this week features lots of earthy tones, like rust and sienna, as well as colors that pull from a purple palette, such as plum and fig.

From top left to right: 1. The Ambra Table Lamp by Studio David Pompa, in Mexico City, with cantera rosa pink lava stone and copper. 2. The new Musée Yves St. Laurent in Marrakech, Morocco. 3. Refracted in Cadmium Red and 4. Silk Scraf in Alizarin, both from Porter Teleo wallpapers 5. The living room of Terry de Gunzberg , 📷Francois Halard for @wmag via @archdigest France. 6. Assemblage by Porter Teleo in Cerulean. 

Mood Board: Morocco

I've travelled to a good number of places, but one destination that has eluded me is Morocco. It's a country that is high on my bucket list and recently I've found myself "pinning" away on my Maroc board. I'd love to immerse myself in the culture, eat tagine, learn how to tile, hike around the Atlas Mountains and wander through the souks. Sleeping in one of those beautifully designed riads would make the trip complete! 

For the past year I've been doing a "country of the week" with my boys. We spin the globe, close our eyes, and stop its movement with a pencil eraser. Then we study whatever country we've landed on for the next 7-10 days. We talk about culture, language, government, history, food, design and art. When possible, I also try to find something local here in Denver that complements our "country of the week." For example, while we were studying Japan the "Samurai" exhibit was at the Denver Art Museum, we grabbed paletas on Federal Blvd. when we were learning about Mexico, and we ate delicious hummus at Damascus when landed on Syria (we also spoke of ways we could help the refugees fleeing civil war).

This week we are studying Morocco so you'll definitely find me eating at Maatam Fez on Colfax! And since I have Sephardic-Moroccan heritage on my biological/paternal side, this week's country really resonates with me personally and it's something I've been looking forward to!

Here's our Moroccan mood board. Enjoy!

Top left to right...

1. Berber Rug. You can support Moroccan artisans and their work though these two sites: Green Olive Art // Anou. 

2. Grey Sabra Pillow via Proud Mary Global Textiles (Org).

3. The Colorado "Home of the Year": Kamil and Glo Tazi's ranch via Colorado Homes & Lifestyles. (Tazi is a native of Morocco whose family immigrated to NYC in 1966. He's been living in Douglas County, CO for 22 years and his home blends both cultures in the most magnificent way.) Photos by Gibeon Photography. 

4. Riad courtyard.

5. Cosmic Dessert by Justina Blakeney for Hygge & West (available through WallTawk)

6. Cushions inspired by Moroccan gardens from BlueBellGray

7. Another image from the Tazi Ranch via Colorado Homes & Lifestyles.

8. Riad (yes, please!)

9. Tiling details 

10. Stefan Hengst Wallcoverings. 

11. Handmade tiles made in Morocco by Popham Design.

12. Tile-envy via This Is Glamourous.

13. Barons Eye Blouse via H.K.M

14. Gardens at La Gazelle d'Or in Taoudant via Trendland.

15. Wallpaper by KelseyProud through Rockett St George

16. Berber woman, via National Geographic.

17. Palmyra Lamp by Moving Mountains (which is named after the ancient caravan Syrian city, but we think evokes a North African feel as well).