Here are my five favorites spring (or anytime!) flowers:

1. Calla Lilly

As I’ve mentioned several times in previous blog posts, my absolute favorite flower is the calla lily. I love its sculptural quality and simple beauty.

I often will use one or two calla lilies arranged in multiple bud vases. Here’s a photo of a master bathroom project that I did where I used this arrangement.

Interior Design by Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

2. Hydrangea

These hydrangeas are actually silk flowers by Diane James. Her arrangements are a “secret source” for many designers. Honestly, it is nearly impossible to tell that these are faux. Real or silk, I love them!

3. Gerber Daisies

What could be more joyful than a bunch of colorful gerber daisies? These are perfect to perk up a dreary work space or bring to a friend in need of some cheer. Again, I love how these are arranged in same-color bunches!

4. Tulips

Tulips are the perfect spring bloom and are available in many colors. While they can be easily arranged freely in a vase, I do favor the more controlled bouquet shown here.

Simplicity and elegance – Is there anything more beautiful than a white orchid?

Click photos for sources.

What is your favorite flower, and how do you like to arrange it? Please leave a comment and let me know.

Kartell

Italian furniture manufacturer Kartell launched a new version of Philippe Starck’s iconic Mademoiselle Chair in partnership with Lenny Kravitz. Yes—that Lenny Kravitz. The collection was unveiled at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. The chair features leather, python, woven materials and faux fur. Kravitz and Starck collaborated on the project, which Kravitz says is “haute couture meets rock and roll.”

Kartell

Lenny Kravitz has actually been working in the field of interior design for quite some time and even has his own design firm—Kravitz Design. Not surprisingly, the firm’s work is uber-hip, cool and quite decadent. It’s safe to say the look might not be for everyone, but I certainly appreciate the indulgence and drama! What do you think?

Kravitz Design

Kravitz Design

Kravitz Design

Avoid decorating your porch with cast offs; instead, let the porch be an extension of the look and feel of your interior. If you favor a contemporary look indoors, be sure to carry that aesthetic outside.

There are many stylish outdoor furniture pieces on the market that will allow you to step away from traditional white wicker and have some fun.  Also, keep in mind that each selection need not match each other. Play around with different materials, and don’t be afraid to mix and match fabrics and textures for a layered look that better reflects your personal style.

I would love to help you achieve a custom design for your outdoor (or indoor) space! Please give my office a call at 617-236-2286 to schedule a design consultation.

This hotel is just what I would conjure up as a chic, classically Parisian retreat. The Left Bank hotel exudes Old World charm with a sophisticated Parisian twist. It’s seen many celebrities and dignitaries walk through its doors, including Salvador Dali, Princess Grace and Elizabeth Taylor. Oscar Wilde even took up residence there when he claimed to be “living above his means.”

The hotel was lavishly renovated by French designer Jacques Garcia who won many awards for his work on the project. Mr. Garcia is also responsible for renovating other venerable French hotels, such as the Costes Hotel and the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière. These are some of the gorgeous scenes from L’Hotel . . .

A charming entrance to a decidedly grand hotel.

This is what I would call the wow factor!

Lush color and rich textures abound in the bar.

Which bedroom would you choose?

The private pool and steam room are available to hotel guests.

I can easily see myself enjoying my morning coffee on the deck.

Have you been to L’Hotel? I would love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment or send me a tweet.

Kurt von Kahle

Chef Kurt von Kahle will be joining me at two events at the Poggenpohl Boston Kitchen Showroom this month. Kurt is a great chef and presenter who makes cooking seem effortless. He’s well-known throughout New England for working his magic at a variety of showrooms and shops. Kurt also does in-home cooking demonstrations to reinvigorate your meals or simply have a fun evening with friends.

Do you have a new restaurant-style stove that’s proving to be a bit daunting to use at home? Kurt is the guy you should call to bring that unwieldy Aga, Wolf or Viking into submission.

Here’s a fun video of Kurt giving a demonstration that just might inspire you to organize a fun evening of cooking at your home!

Kurt will be cooking with Grammy Award-winning artist Patti Austin at the Poggenpohl Boston Kitchen Showroom on June 19, 2012. The event is a fundraiser designed to support the Over My Shoulder Foundation, an organization dedicated to mentoring. Leslie Fine Interiors is donating $1 to the Over My Shoulder Foundation for every new Facebook fan we get between now and the June 19th event.

We also have a contest on our Facebook fan page that will be giving two sets of VIP tickets to the event ($500 value). Please visit my fan page and “Like” us if you haven’t already. Then just click the “Win Guest of Honor Tickets” button to enter the contest.

Good luck—I look forward to seeing you on June 19th!

According to an oral history in the Parsons archives, Frank challenged students to design a table so basic that it would retain its integrity whether sheathed in gold leaf, mica, parchment, split straw or painted burlap, or even left robustly unvarnished.

What grew out of Frank’s sketches and the students’ participation was initially called the T-square table, rigorously plain but with stylistic distinction: whatever its length or width, its square legs were always the same thickness as its top. (New York Times).

The first mass produced Parsons tables in the US were made in 1963 by two furniture companies. As a teenager some ten years later, I selected a white laminate Parsons table for the desk in my bedroom (the style appealed to me even back then!).

I’ve used the Parsons table in many of my projects as desks, consoles, dining tables and cocktail tables – from custom fabricated tables made from metal and glass to more mass produced, lesser priced versions available from national retailers.  Here’s a few of my favorites:

Side tables with nail heads from Kravet:

Brueton designed a metal interpretation:

 Console by Harris Rubin with a bronze base and granite top:

And one of my favorite moderately priced desks, available from West Elm – shown here mirrored (also available in white lacquer, dark brown, or metal):

Do you have a favorite Parsons Table? Please let me know!

Gymkhana from Hibou Home

Kreme - Equestrian Series

Schumacher - Horses

Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest to see more fun home design finds!

I am thrilled to be honored at the event celebrating the recent launch of my new website and blog. While I am certainly proud of being recognized for my company’s innovative marketing and social media efforts, I am equally proud of how Leslie Fine Interiors is constantly innovating when it comes to our interior design projects. I am always on the lookout for the latest high tech innovations for the home and the newest products available. We are constantly trying to innovate and change how we approach a project so the spaces not only best reflect our clients but provide them with the absolute best the marketplace has to offer.

Poggenpohl

I look forward to seeing many of my collegues in the design industry at the Poggenpohl Boston Kitchen Design Studio. If you are interested in joining us, please rsvp to Rosemary Porto at rosemary.porto@poggenpohl.com. Click here for the invitation.

Patti Austin

Grammy winner Patti Austin and the Poggenpohl Boston Kitchen Design Studio will be hosting an evening of cooking in support of the Over My Shoulder Foundation on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

Patti Austin loves to cook almost as much as she likes to sing and entertain, so it’s only fitting that she will be working with Poggenpohl’s showroom chef Kurt von Kahle to whip up some delicacies for the evening. While Patti may not be singing, she will certainly be entertaining the crowd!

The Foundation’s goal is to raise awareness of the impact of mentoring both cross-culturally and cross-generationally. Patti Austin was profoundly influenced by mentors throughout her life, and now she mentors young, talented artists in return.

As an active supporter of the Over My Shoulder Foundation, I am happy to be offering two pairs of VIP tickets to this June 19 fundraiser. All you have to do is visit the Leslie Fine Interiors Facebook page to enter.  Contest winners will be able to enjoy the cooking demonstration seated right at the island while interacting with Patti and Kurt. It’s sure to be a wonderful evening. The Poggenpohl showroom is nestled in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay at Poggenpohl’s Boston Kitchen Design Studio, located at 135 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.

Leslie Fine Interiors will be donating to the Over My Shoulder Foundation for every Facebook “Like” we get during the contest time frame, so you have extra incentive to join the fan page and keep up to date on the latest in the New England interior design scene! Please visit the Leslie Fine Interiors Facebook page for details.

The bathroom was designed for a home in suburban Boston with the goal of creating a spa retreat for the homeowners. A series of small spaces were opened up to create a bathroom that is large, functional and full of natural light. Each element of the bathroom design was carefully selected to provide the homeowners with the amenities they desired. Sleek fixtures, rich wood cabinetry from Poggenpohl, and a stunning mosaic tile treatment from Ann Sacks create a suburban oasis that feels fresh and sophisticated.

While the bathroom’s finishes are noteworthy, it is the room’s unique design and floor plan that makes this bathroom a stand out. The focal point is a large freestanding vanity in the center of the room with sinks on both sides. A two-sided, custom stainless steel framed mirror, suspended from the ceiling, is centered over the vanity. Sculptural pendant lights on either side of the mirror supply excellent task lighting.

The fact that this room is chock full of storage space can’t be overlooked. The extensive storage space means there is plenty of room for towels, beauty supplies and bathroom cleaning products. There is even a large area for the storage of dirty clothes – one hamper for whites, one for colors and the third for dry cleaning!

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

Click here to read the article.

Wouldn’t you love a bathroom retreat like this? Give me a call to schedule an appointment to discuss your bathroom renovation.