Thanks to client site visits, project installations, book signings, speaking engagements and BeeLine factory tours, I am always on the go! Here are a few of my packing tips to take some stress out of your travels:

• Carry-on is where it’s at! There is nothing more frustrating than having to wait for your luggage at the baggage pick-up after a long flight, especially if your flight has been delayed or if you are in a rush to get somewhere. I use a wonderful carry-on with wheels. The only problem with it is that it is black (like everyone else’s luggage!). If you are getting new luggage, think of getting a color. I would love an apple green carry-on.

• Make sure that all of your toiletries are in small plastic containers. At home, I have a plastic bag of toiletries all ready to go, that I just grab for when I pack.

• Pack as little clothing as possible. Don’t think you need an outfit for every occasion. Change with accessories, scarves and jewelry. A ruffle scarf or a great costume jewelry necklace can dress up a black sweater for evening.

• Always pack in a consistent color scheme – that way everything goes together and can be mixed-and-matched. And, think in terms of layering. You can always use a light sweater.

• For shoes, take a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a pair of flats and a pair of evening shoes.

• If you are traveling to a tough place, it’s nice to bring a candle.

• Who wants to iron? Pack all of your clothing on light hangers, wrapped in plastic from the dry cleaner – your clothes will be wrinkle free, and unpacking at the hotel is a cinch.

Bon voyage!
 

If you follow my design work, you know that I never use just one type of furniture in a room. I find it much more interesting to mix finishes and materials. If the entire room is done with painted furniture, the beauty of the painted finish seems to fade – the overall effect is a bit boring. I find rooms where all the finishes match rather dull. When you place a painted surface next to a dark wood one, the idiosyncrasies of both finishes are revealed.

One finish that I particularly enjoy is tetra negra. You should never paint something totally black from the can . . . always add some brown. The mixing of black and brown is where the term tetra negra stems from. Tetra negra is achieved by layering a dark wood stain. Unlike a painted finish, it is never flat. The layers give depth and variation. The color of the finish can even change depending on the light. BeeLine’s Ebony Anglo Coffee Table and Tambour Side Table are both beautiful examples of tetra negra. The finish on the coffee table allows for streaks of warm brown to come through, while the finish on the Tambour Table is a rich ebony that has been beautifully hand-waxed and rubbed.

What I love about furniture with a tetra negra finish is that the furniture tends to be incredibly versatile. Both of these pieces, for instance, would work in traditional or more modern rooms. In my office, I love the way the Ebony Anglo Coffee Table looks, paired with the painted Eclipse and Regale chairs. And, turned sideways, I think the Tambour Side Table would make a great TV stand for a small flat screen. It even has a drawer to stash the remotes! So, be bold… don’t be afraid of dark furniture!

Images from Top to Bottom:
Tambour Side Table
Ebony Anglo Coffee Table
Sitting area in my office
 

While I do think of myself as somewhat computer savvy (i.e. my new venture into Twitter), and I do browse and shop online, I prefer to leaf through the pages of a catalog or magazine. At any given time, my desk is covered in catalogs ranging from J. Crew to Sotheby’s!

For those of you who don’t know, BeeLine Home has a beautiful hardcover catalog of all the items in Collection I. The catalog has large images, descriptions and retail pricing for the entire line. It also has beautiful photos of how we set up the furniture in our office that hopefully will be inspirational to you as you use the line in your own homes or design practices. Designers who have already purchased the catalog have told me that it is a great help when they are sourcing for a project or when they want to show a particular piece to a client.

If you are interested in buying a catalog, please e-mail contact@beelinehome.com for more information.
 

Historic House inventories listed curtains and soft goods as some of the most valuable items within the household. Curtains do not always have to break the bank though!

• Windows look great with a clean simple treatment like bamboo or matchstick blinds. Or, find enough fabric or material to create a full set of panels, interlined with a flannel or wool for body. Skimpy curtains tend to look like hankies hanging from the windows.

• Splurge on trim, not fabric! A beautiful braid, grosgrain or tassel adds detail, color and intricacy to a solid fabric. Or, a striped fabric placed on the bias can add punch to a border.

• Interesting tone on tone fabrics can be stitched together to create a marvelous effect if   done correctly. For example, at the Kips Bay Show House, I attached Indian cutwork bedspreads with a wide decorative tape segmenting the panels.

 

Top 3 photos are private client residences.

Bottom photo is from the 2009 Kips Bay Decorator Show House.