Leslie Fine Interiors» interior designers boston

Your Five Favorite Posts of 2011!

Leslie Fine — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:49:57 +0000

The end of the year is a natural time for reflection, and I am definitely using this week between Christmas and New Year’s to reflect on both my business and this blog. It’s great fun to review old posts and see which ones struck a chord with my readers. Posts about design trends always make the list, so it’s probably no surprise to you that posts about luxury amenities like expansive closets and well-appointed craft rooms were especially popular this year. You can rest assured you’ll be seeing plenty more about special items in the home during 2012!

DRUMROLL PLEASE . . . And here are my five most popular blog posts of 2011:

I love to design bathrooms, and this extreme bathroom makeover that I did was featured in New England Home Magazine. Is your bathroom ready for an extreme makeover?

Pin It

Leslie Fine Interiors

Amenities such as luxurious wine cellars were popular with readers. This reflects the trend of people continuing to enjoy home entertaining. Today’s wine cellars are created for intimate gatherings as well as proper wine storage.

Image source betadaily

Celebrity closets were a big hit. What better way to peek into the glamorous lives of celebrities than seeing their luxurious closets?

Mariah Carey's Closet

Men aspire to create their own “man caves,” but it appears that women are getting into the act and creating a work and creativity space for their own use.

Craft room. Image via scentablesbylisa.blogspot.com

A butler’s pantry is a wonderful amenity for people who love to entertain.

Image via ccabinet.wordpress.com

Which was your favorite post on this blog in 2011? Is it in the above list, or do you have another post in mind? Please do tell!!

I’ve Had a Makeover!

Leslie Fine — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:37:04 +0000

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you may have noticed that things are looking a bit different. I’ve been working hard over the past couple of months redesigning my blog, website, Facebook page and even my Twitter profile. My website has had a major overhaul to make navigation easier and to be able to showcase more great projects.

I made these changes because I wanted my online presence to really reflect the evolution of my interior design firm, Leslie Fine Interiors. The online world has changed dramatically over the past few years and, just like your home, refinement and changes need to be made to keep current. I jumped into the social media world a couple of years ago and have seen some dramatic influences to my design business and how I work.

Through my blog, Facebook and Twitter, I have made professional connections all over the country. Many of these wouldn’t have been possible without social media. These connections have helped me expand the scope of my work, and have also helped me to have access to so many ideas relating to interior design. Here are some examples:

Trip to NYC with Brizo (click here to read all about it)

I was quoted in House Beautiful!

House Beautiful

Most importantly I’ve been able to share my design philosophy and point of view with all my readers, and in exchange, your comments and feedback have taught me a great deal.

Pin It

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

So buckle up and enjoy the ride because over the course of the next few months, I am going to be introducing you to more design trends and ideas by harnessing powerful web-based tools such as Pinterest, Tumblr and even the latest ways to use Facebook!

Boston Design Center Pick – Lee Jofa’s Cooper Bench

Leslie Fine — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:40:18 +0000

Lee Jofa is one of my regular destinations at the Boston Design Center. Not only do they have wonderful fabric lines, but their furniture pieces are also beautiful, comfortable and functional. One of my favorite selections is their Cooper Bench. Fun, functional and well made, this bench works in a variety of spaces and is a great investment. I love the bench’s clean lines and sophisticated styling.

The bench, as shown here in this photo, can be upholstered in any fabric or leather, and it can be ordered in a wide range of finishes. You can even choose to have the perimeter of the bench upholstered with nailheads (as shown below) or with a fabric welting.

I recently used the bench in my clients’ living room. They love the versatility – it can be moved around easily for extra seating wherever they may need it.

Wouldn’t you love to have this bench in your home? This item is available “to-the-trade only,” a term you often see in the resource guides of design magazines. Available only through interior designers and architects, we can purchase it for you through a trade showroom. If you’re interested in enjoying this bench in your home, contact Leslie Fine Interiors - I’m happy to help bring these exclusive products to Boston homeowners!

Custom Made Just for You

Leslie Fine — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:59:00 +0000

It seems as if there are endless options for furniture out in the marketplace. One of the reasons that my clients use my services is to help sort through all the possibilities to determine which selections work best for their taste and lifestyle. However, despite the endless choices, sometimes the exact item needed and wanted is just not available. This is when it makes sense to create a custom piece that totally meets the needs of the clients.

This large coffee table I created for a family that lives in suburban Boston is an example of a great custom piece. The clients wanted a room that was family-friendly but didn’t sacrifice style and function. I couldn’t find a table that met their storage needs and had the look we wanted, so I designed one myself!

Prior to having the custom table fabricated, I worked on a number of designs. Here’s one of the later versions of the design; it was ultimately decided to use touch latch mechanisms as opposed to drawer hardware.

The custom table is made using a reconstituted zebra wood veneer. I designed the piece so that the drawers with alternating wood grain really show off the incredible beauty of the wood material. An abundance of drawers provide storage for every clicker, ipod, and magazine, and all the clutter associated with a busy family stays out of sight.

Pin It

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc. - Photography by Michael J. Lee Photography

What do you think of the piece?

I love to design custom furniture! Give me a call at Leslie Fine Interiors (617-236-2286) to discuss your home project!

Plaid – A Classic Pattern

Leslie Fine — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:22:47 +0000

Plaid is a classic pattern that enjoys a rich history and can be traced all the way back to Ireland in the 5th century. However, plaid as we know it really got its start in Scotland during the mid-nineteenth century when tartans were worn to distinguish different Highland clans. The classic tartan patterns are Black Watch and Royal Stewart, but these plaids come in endless variations. Traditionally, plaids have been used for blankets or kilts, but we now see them popping up just about everywhere.

When you think of plaid, the image that first comes to mind may be this …

Kravet

Or this …

Sean Connery

However, plaid in small doses can be quite chic.

Photo credit House Beautiful

Flor

Canadian House & Home

Elle Decor

Photo via Brinton Plaid and Carpet

Here are some great products featuring plaid that have recently come across my desk.

These plaid fabrics from Duralee have a crisp contemporary feel.

Duralee Fabric

The plaid design is even used in tile patterns. Here’s Bisazza’s take on a classic tartan.

Bisazza Tile

This outdoor bench designed by Raw Edges is bold and graphic.

Plaid Bench by Raw Edges

Are you mad for plaid? Let me know your thoughts on this classic pattern!

Looking at the Library

Leslie Fine — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:02:53 +0000

How do you find a good book these days? Do you head to the local bookshop and browse the isles for an inspiring title, or do you get instant satisfaction from downloading a book right to your Kindle or iPad? Are the days of good, old fashioned books soon to be a thing of the past?

Let’s hope books are here to stay – if only to justify having a home library. These creative and inspiring spaces are perfect for enjoying a glass of wine at the end of the day and curling up with a book. A library can be a refuge from our busy lives and a rare space devoted to quiet contemplation. And, who doesn’t need that?

Is this a dining room disguised as a library or a library disguised as a dining room? Either way it can make sense for a library to do double duty if you need to maximize the use of space.

Interior design by Mica Ertegun via Architectural Digest

This room proves that libraries can be light, open and airy spaces.

Photo credit Architectural Digest - Design by Simon Jacobsen

I love the idea of a large table in the center of a library. You can spread out your papers, work on a puzzle or even dine on a table this size. This arrangement also works well for families who want to create a homework zone.

House Beautiful

This ultra-stylized library was designed by Kathy Abbott for the 2009 Kips Bay Showhouse. This is a great example of proper bookcase lighting.

Kathy Abbott - Kips Bay Showhouse

Here is a creative space designed by 123DV Architecture. The home is named Villa Dali and you can see the Dali influence in the fluid bookcase design.

Photo via Modeco

Bold calligraphy personalizes the library in Diane Keaton’s home. A library ladder comes in handy when you want to reach a tome on the top shelf.

Diane Keaton's library as seen in Architectural Digest

I would love to design a library for your home. Please call me at 617-236-2286 to discuss your interior design needs.

Mod Squad

Leslie Fine — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:51:08 +0000

A mod 1960s vibe is in the air both on the runway and in the home. It’s hard to believe that a look that was in vogue fifty years ago is the ultra hip look of today! From the latest in fall fashion to the decor in our homes, we just can’t seem to get enough of this mod style. It’s no wonder that women are seeking out 1960s inspired pieces for their wardrobes – the look was elegant, flattering and sophisticated. The same could be said for the interior design of the era which featured groundbreaking modern design.

Some Fall 2011 runway looks may have been inspired by the past, but they have a definite modern viewpoint.

Elle Magazine

Even mass retailer Banana Republic has hopped on the bandwagon with a collection inspired by the television show Mad Men.

Banana Republic

I love the look of this color block coat. The length and high neck are perfect for the chilly weather here in Boston.

Bottega Veneta

These shoes from Stella McCartney are high style but low heeled, making them a stylish choice for women who shy away from stilettos.

Stella McCartney ‘pelosi’ satin jeweled heel pump

These round sunglasses are the great way to enjoy the 1960s trend without going overboard.

Oliver Goldsmith ‘Koko’ in olive tortoiseshell sunglasses

The 1960s have been a strong interior design influence for quite some time. Mid-century modern pieces are highly collectible and sought after by trendsetters. Furniture and accessories from the 1960s have the appeal of vintage pieces, but their clean lines keep them feeling fresh and contemporary.

The living room of this Litchfield, CT home is filled with beautiful vintage furniture pieces. While the design relies heavily on the past, the room feels completely contemporary.

Elle Decor

Classic mid-century chairs flank a Lucite console in the foyer of this Manhattan apartment. What stylish dog beds!

Elle Decor

Designer Matthew White’s London apartment has a lively mod vibe.

Architectural Digest

What do you think? Are you ready to join the “mod squad”?

Happiness is … Being in House Beautiful!

Leslie Fine — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:17:42 +0000

Twit Pic via Stacy Kunstel

A few months ago I was contacted by the editors of House Beautiful and asked what was the one thing in my home that makes me most happy? My response - “My Spa Tub from BainUltra. I’m in it every night.” If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you probably aren’t surprised by my answer, since I often write about my love of indulging in a good soak. On a related note, I also enjoy the challenge of creating beautiful and functional bathrooms for my clients.

Here’s where you’ll find me every evening – my spa bath from BainUltra

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

Some other design blogger favorites:

A George II chandelier from Visual Comfort – Traci Zeller

Diptyque’s Baies Candle – Erika Johnson

30″ four-burner gas stove from BlueStar – Katy Elliot

What is one thing that makes you happy in your home? Leave a comment and let me know.

Red Hot – From Fashion to Home

Leslie Fine — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:32:17 +0000

New York Fashion Week is in full swing so, of course, fashion is on my mind. A clear trend for Fall 2011 fashion is the influx of red in clothing and accessories. While my own closet tends to be full of black with some neutrals, there is something appealing about adding red’s positive energy to your wardrobe.

Gutsy and bold – a red dress says you aren’t afraid of getting a bit of attention!

Elle Magazine

Who could resist these red pumps? Red shoes are a great way to enjoy the color trend in small doses.

Platform Pumps by Nicholas Kirkwood

A classic.

Lancôme ‘L’Absolu Rouge

If you can pull this off – go for it.

Michael Kors Cropped Fox Fur Jacket

Because fashion is indeed tied into home decor, we can assume that we will start seeing more red in our interiors as well. Red’s warmth and richness makes a beautiful addition to your home. However, just like wearing a red dress, having a red room requires a bit of guts!

Decorator Bibi Monnahan painted this room in a bold red then used the same color on the the main furniture pieces. With a gallery of black and white photography, a light colored rug and a large expanse of windows, red does not overwhelm the space.

Elle Decor

Powder rooms are always great places for bold colors since they are small and should be “little jewels” (see “Jewel of a Home – The Powder Room). Doing something special and eye catching in a powder room offers a nice surprise for your guests.

Elle Decor

Beautiful red accents are a nice counterpoint to the serene cream palette of this bedroom.

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

How fabulous is this high gloss, red lacquer wine bar/kitchen? Chic, sophisticated and unforgettable!

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

This bright red entryway is the perfect backdrop for an Indonesian sculpture.

Architectural Digest

Red can also be a great accent to an otherwise neutral room – a little bit can go a long way.

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

What do you think about red? Does your love for red stop at a pair of high heels or would you decorate a room with it? Please leave a comment and let me know!

So Long Summer!

Leslie Fine — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:33:45 +0000

It’s hard to believe . . . but here we are at Labor Day Weekend! Can you believe how fast the summer flew by? While autumn is particularly beautiful here in Boston, it is still sad to see the summer end. In the spirit of closing the chapter on the season, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite summertime blog posts. These posts capture the fresh feeling of the summer so we can hang onto it just a bit longer . . .

To read the post, click on the photo.

Luxurious Outdoor Showers – definitely a summer pastime!

Design by Cary Bernstein

Splashy celebrity swimming pools (After my recent trip to LA and Hollywood, this post is really fun for me to read again!)

Photo credit Architectural Digest

Don’t worry – you can still hang out in one of these chairs even when the weather gets cooler.

Knotted Melati Hanging Chair from Anthropologie

Sleek freestanding bathtubs – wonderful any time of the year!

The Be Collection from Wetstyle

Do you have any home renovation projects in the works for the fall? Leave a comment below and let me know. It may just inspire a blog post!