Designs 4 Living

Robert Kuo by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:56:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

While on a trip to Ann Sacks' Tile and Stone Showroom I saw some really interesting Robert Kuo tiles.

Look at this carved stone wall tile. Where else can you see something like this?Robert is a very talented and versatile designer. I've used his lamps for several clients.

His unique craftsmanship with elaborate, copper repousse and cloisonne techniques is unparalleled.

High on The High Line in New York by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:28:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Last weekend I was on my fall shopping trip to New York. There was so much see and do. More than once I found myself in the area known as Gansevoort Market, better known as The Meatpacking District. This is an area of the City that has been experiencing an amazing transformation over the last decade. In the early 1900's the area was home to over 259 slaughterhouses and packing plants, by the 1980's it was an area that was known for sex clubs, drug dealing and prostitution.Then in the late 1990's Diane von Furstenberg and a dozen other high end designers opened boutiques in the neighborhood. What a difference a designer can make.Gansevoort Market is now widely considered the hottest, trendiest place to be in New York City. For shopping there are dozens of high-end boutiques to choose from such as Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Rubin Chapelle. For fine dining there are such renowned restaurants as Pastis and Ajna Bar, formerly know as the Buddha Bar, and nightclubs such as Tenjune, and G-Spa at The Hotel Gansevoort. Is it any wonder New York magazine dubbed the Meatpacking District "New York’s most fashionable neighborhood"?

It's not just a neighborhood either, the entire Meatpacking District was added to the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2007. This summer the first segment of the High Line opened. This amazing concrete playground was featured in last month's Interior Design magazine. It used to be an elevated freight railroad developed under the aegis of Robert Moses, now it is an incredible greenway modeled after Paris' Promenade Plantée. The High Line park isn't finished, when it is done it will continue from the former 34th Street freight yard, near the Javits Convention Center, through the neighborhood of Chelsea to Gansevoort Street (one block below West 12th Street) in the Meat Packing District of the West Village. For now just the southernmost section is open while the middle section is still being refurbished. You can get to the High Line park from five different stairways or an auxiliary elevator on 16th Street. The park is lush with naturalized plantings that are inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the unused tracks. Spectacular, unexpected views of the city and the Hudson River can be seen along the pebble-dashed concrete walkways. The old tracks are incorporated into the park creating a unique perspective of what once was. It is nothing short of a work of art.

Big Sur Beauty by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Big Sur is a stunning location... for a wedding. A good friend got married there recently and I designed the flowers. With a back drop like this it's hard to go wrong. If you've never been to Big Sur it is a section of the California coast line where the Santa Lucia mountains rise sharply creating awe inspiring cliffs and breath taking vistas. It's gorgeous on an epic scale and a perfect location for a simply elegant wedding.Perfect pale pink roses paired with rich organic mountain greens were our themes. The wedding was spectacular.And the Bride & Groom lived happily ever after...

Limoncello: The Perfect Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:27:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Looking for the perfect present for your the adults on your gift list? Homemade Limoncello is delicious treat that will be sure to please everyone on your list. It's inexpensive to make at this time of year when ripe lemons are cheap.

What you will need:

15 or 20 ripe lemons- It is important to buy them right off the tree. You are going to be using the skins for zest, so you don't want the variety that you would buy in grocery store (those are usually coated with wax). So buy fresh organic lemons at the Farmer's market or pick them right off of your tree if you live in Southern California.

2 Bottles of 80 Proof Vodka or Everclear

3 cups of Water

3 cups of Sugar

2 -large (at least 3 liters) glass containers with lids

2-4 glass jars with resealable lids (the size will depend on how large you would like your gift to be)

Wash the glass containers thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Rinse them well and then sterilize them in boiling water for at least a few minutes. Set them on a rack or dish towel to cool.

Wash the lemons thoroughly, remove any blemishes and all stems and ends, you only want to use perfectly yellow skin. Zest the lemons using great caution to get only zest and no pith. Pith is the white part directly below the skin. Pith is bitter and will make your Limoncello bitter, so avoid getting any in your luscious mix!

Put all of the zest into the glass containers. Pour the vodka on top. Make sure that all of the zest is submerged in the vodka and leave at least 2 inches of head space between the top of the liquid and the top of the jar. Put the lid on the jar and seal tightly.

Put the jars in a cool, dark place to rest. The zest needs to marinate for at least 2 weeks, but you can leave it for up to 3 months! The longer you wait the better your limoncello will taste.

About 2-4 weeks before gift giving time it is time to make the simple syrup that will finish the recipe. Place the water and sugar in a heavy saucepan and heat slowly while you stir. Gradually the sugar will all dissolve. When it has dissolved, let it cool. Once the simple syrup is thoroughly cooled add it to the zest/vodka mixture. Reseal the jar and leave it in it's cool, dark place for at least 2 more weeks.

At least a week before gift giving bottle your limoncello in clean sterilized jars. Strain all of the zest from the liquid before bottling. You can do this using coffee filters or clean cheesecloth. Keep the bottled gifts in a cool, dark location for at least another week.Before giving my gifts I look to put them in the freezer and attach a pretty ribbon with a tag that says: Serve Chilled. Don't be surprised if your recipients ask for more!

Late Summer Lemon Fantasy by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:42:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I'm in the middle of a late summer lemon fantasy. I was in a meeting with one of my assistants talking about great homemade Christmas gifts and the subject of limoncello came up, which got me thinking about this fabulous restaurant I visited in Capri a few summers ago. Da Paolino is situated in the middle of a lemon grove. The branches of the lemon trees are literally the roof of the terrace. The have to most luscious Italian waiters that serve lemon inspired heaven on a plate. I had lemon fettuccine, lemon creme puffs and of course perfectly chilled limoncello. To sit in a lemon scented grove, your sun kissed by the Capri sun and sip this heady nectar....Ahhhhhh.

Even if you can't afford to fly to Capri in this economy you can still give the gift of limoncello - stay tuned to the blog, I promise to give the complete recipe and how to...

My Mad Crush on Darryl Carter by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:07:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I have a bit of a designer's crush on Darryl Carter.

It all started with a blog I did on Kitchen Designs that I like... In the blog I featured Darryl Carter's personal kitchen in his country house in Virginia...I sent him an email to tell him how much I admire his work and to check out my blog...he was sooo nice... his company actually sent me a thank you letter!!
Talk about class..... I then proceeded to say I would like to marry him in another life, that we would be very happy together...he was amused!!! Which was the point.I love his class, his effortless style, his simplicity, his all around good taste...and I find him handsome.
He looks like a gentle person who is nice. Check out his new collection for Thomasville Furniture. I believe in supporting other designers and this is truly beautiful work. His fresh "Americana" style has a wonderful taste level. Love his style!

All photographs by Gordon Beall

Dressed in Black by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:43:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Black. It's bold, versatile and back! In this month's Elle Decor, there was a story on Badgley and Mischka's weekend getaway farm, in Kentucky.As a designer, I am constantly surrounded by colors, textures, finishes, various fabrics, etc, etc.
Seeing color so much, I tend to stay neutral at home, myself.
Seeing their black barn and black kitchen and black dining room and black bedroom....I was like...hmmmmm?? They seem to have made it work for them....I thought I had a lot of cookbooks!! I love the way they color coded them.

My Heart is in Paris, by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:37:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Life happens. It was my intent to be in Paris this weekend for the magnificent Maison & Objet professional trade show. Instead I will be remaining locally, embroiled in work, watching as Los Angeles continues to burn. Still, a part of my heart is in Paris and if I can't be there I will write about Maison & Objet and what I hoped to see.Just a little background this is the most amazing event, spanning 5 days and closed to the public From the Maison & Objet website:

Explore the whole world of home-fashion

More than just a trade show, MAISON&OBJET is a magnetic pole for all professionals. Design, home-fashion, objects, tableware…
6 quarters each explore a decorative world and a style: fodder for giving you fresh ideas, or changing tacks, inspiring you, and creating your own world. A true reference in the world of decoration, creation and design, a mosaic of trends, new talents and new concepts...
MAISON&OBJET offers you a new vision, a new atmosphere: a high added value offer!

The exhibits feature:

Hall 1: Ethnic Chic

Hall 2: Home Textiles

Hall 3: Tableware

Hall 4 L'espace - One of a kind masterpeices

Hall 5: Interior Decoration

Hall 6: Home Accessories

Maybe in January...

Tomato Abundance ~The Affordable Chic Gourmet Meal by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:17:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Designs 4 Living

You may have noticed yourself feeling a little discontent with your normal food choices the last few weeks. Fear not! That is just your inner gourmet telling you that your nearest Farmer's Market has the most amazing treats in store. It is harvest time! The freshest ingredients are available now for the lowest prices, why would your taste buds be satisfied with anything else?

This is a simple gourmet meal that I was able to pull together in 10 minutes for under $20.

One of the best ingredients available right now are the heirloom tomatoes. Seriously, if you have been eating those pink hot house tomatoes that are available year round in conventional grocery stores, then you have got to try an heirloom tomato, you won't believe the difference.

Heirloom tomatoes are incredibly versatile and economical. They come in a wide range of colors sizes and flavors. Try them all to see which ones are your favorites. They can be used to create days worth of economical gourmet meals.

Day 1 Buy the tomatoes and cut them into wedges to be served with drizzled good quality olive oil, fresh mozzarella, italian prosciutto and basil. Add salt and pepper, but instead of the run of the mill salt and pepper pick a nice cracked pepper and French Sea Salt, it will make the tomatoes sweat and bring out their natural essence.

Day 2 Rub warm fresh bread with olive oil and garlic. Toast the bread and then add the chopped heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil for a beautiful and sumptuous bruschetta. By toasting the bread first it stays nice and crispy. The subtle taste of garlic on your lips adds to the sensual experience of this inexpensive feast.

Day 3 Toss all the ingredients in heavy fry pan with some crushed garlic and olives and serve it over al dente pasta. Yum!

What a great, easy way to make tomatoes last all weekend. Enjoy the abundance of the Tomato Harvest and this last taste of summer. Your taste buds will dance!

Sunday Brunch by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:47:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I admit it! Ever since I saw Julie & Julia I've been in the mood to cook and entertain. Is there anything better than making great food and feeding it to friends and family? Of course I like to keep things simple and elegant, then you get a chance to be enjoy your guests. Total cost: Under $25!
I read Gwenyth Paltrow's blog last week (her site is called Goop) and got inspired to make chicken salad but with my own unique twist. It was simple, delicious and a crowd pleaser.

You simply broil some chicken breasts with garden herbs, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. While that is cooking toast some walnuts in a nice heavy pan (it takes less than 2 minutes but adds a ton of flavor).

Next, chop some endive and break up some English Stilton. Then you need to chop a couple of green granny smith apples. I a large bowl add all of the ingredients with the cooled and chopped chicken and some veganaise or light mayonnaise mixed with some plain yogurt,pepper,lemon juice and Italian parsley. Serve with a fresh toast baguette on the side and you have a delightful brunch meal that can feed 6 easily.

For my brunch I also made a lemonade spritzer using 1/4c. real lemonade, 2/3 c. orange sparkling water and 1/3c. ice cold water. Garnish with mint leaves.

Yum.

Tablecloth: Quadrille fabrics for China Seas; Napkin: China Seas, Pitcher and Glasses: Pier One Imports

Feeding Four for under $15! by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:38:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

This is a great easy meal that you can throw together for a group of four when you are trying to keep things light and healthy. It feels like a gourmet meal, but it's very inexpensive, under $15, less if you are like me and have capers and lemons in your pantry already!

Here is your shopping list:

1 package of Gravlax (I like them w/ the herbs added, like dill)

1 8oz. package of light cream cheese

1 small bottle of capers

2 lemons

1 purple onion

1 cucumber

1 package Fin Crisps (the best crackers EVER!)

Greens for a tossed salad

Olive Oil

Creatively layer the ingredients on to a plate and serve.
Add tossed green salad on the side mixed with lemon, olive oil, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Cheap and Cheerful Design on a Dime by Erin Ferucci, Deisgns 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:38:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Just because you're watching your budget doesn't mean you can't make your home luxurious and tasteful. When money is tight you need to make careful choices and put your money where it will add the most to your lifestyle.

Here are a few of my favorite Cheap and Cheerful design tips:

1. Dress your bed for success. We spend over one third of our lives in bed, so it's important to make it a pleasurable experience. I'm a huge fan of imported custom Italian linens, but when on a budget a great pair of T-shirt sheets from Bed, Bath and Beyond are heaven on earth. Honestly, I have clients for whom money is no issue and they still choose the T-shirt sheets. Treat yourself to these, they are inexpensive and will give you a great night's sleep.

Bed, Bath and Beyond usually offers a 20% off coupon in the Sunday paper, or you can sign up here to recieve them in the mail! Take advantage and save!

2. Keep your dishes simple and white. I buy white table settings at Crate & Barrel. White goes with everything and can be dressed for any occasion or holiday. When you buy white you can always easily add on. I love Crate 'n Barrel cups, all white for as little as $1.50 each. Seriously, you can't go wrong.

3. Take storage seriously. Life is better when everything has a place. I love West Elm for storage. Their Parson's bookshelves and towers are fabulous and inexpensive. I go to West Elm for all more storage needs.

4. Accent, accent, accent. A few low cost accents can make the difference between blah and beautiful. Area rugs are a great way to define a space and give it character. Cost Plus World Market has a great assortment of well priced rugs. While you are there be sure to pick up some of their awesome imported marinara sauce, about $4, YUM! Not to mention a nice bottle of wine...Pier 1 also has a wide range of low cost candles and hurricanes. Add some sand and shells to the hurricane before putting the candle in and you have... cheap and cheerful design on a dime!

Shopping Outing Turned Cultural Outing by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:14:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Design

I am working on a project in the British West Indies...
While shopping for "fun" pillow fabric...I got the idea of going to a Hari Krishna Temple in Culver City... I was in SARI HEAVEN!!!The prices were incredible and the shop was full of exciting sari's and wraps, and shirts and jewelry!Everyone was so friendly...there was also a celebration going on there that day...food and flowers were offered to their "god", Hari Krishna... At the Temple they were also preparing for their upcoming event, The Festival of Chariots where they sing and dance and feed 20,000 people!!

Who would of thought simply shopping for some fun fabric would become a cultural experience???

They even have a small cafe where I ate lunch...basmati rice, organic vegetables, tofu in a lemon. coconut sauce! All for $3.80!!!!!!! Yes, $3.80! That included a bottle of water!

Bamboo Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:14:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Bamboo...
is one of the hottest textiles on the market.It's versatile, renewable, sustainable cost effective and fabulous!

Some of my favorite bamboo products...

Tortoise Finish Bamboo Blinds...

available at Target. They are available in many styles for both indoor and outdoor use.

Organic Bamboo Towels...
available at Bed, Bath and Beyond. These are amazing...so much softer than all cotton. I prefer white, but colors are also available. Who would have thought that something this soft could come from something this beautiful?could become something this soft?

Bamboo Plates...
available at Whole Foods Markets. These are beautiful, perfect for picnics and other casual dining. I love them.

Bamboo...it's good for the Panda and great for the home!

Alice Waters and Sustainable Gardening by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:39:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I saw the most amazing episode of Iconoclasts, on The Sundance Channel recently, pairing Alice Waters, and her crusade to teach the world about sustainable organic gardening with Mikhail Baryshnikov and his brilliant creativity and work ethic.

I have been a fan of Alice Waters for a long time, she is the one who is responsible for bringing organic gardening to the White House. I love the idea of Alice Waters and Michelle Obama planting organic heirloom tomatoes at the White House!

As a chef and co-owner of Chez Panisse, Alice Waters has been a champion of eating locally grown produce for years, long before it was fashionable to be a "locavore." But what I really love about her is that she takes her message of growing and eating organic out into the schools and teaches children about the joy of eating really great food. She started a school program called the Edible Schoolyard, where kids actually grow the vegetables and then learn how to prepare them for a sumptuous healthy meal. Go Alice!

Dreaming About Summer in the South of France by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:41:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Normally, come summertime, I love to visit all of my best friends that live in Europe.

We meet either in Aix-en-Provence or Antibes (France) We love spending time together doing our favorites things:
browsing in all the antique shops, discovering old villages, drinking rosé in the sun, worrying about what our next meal will be...shopping at the farmer's market, Cooking good dinners and having lots of laughs! Always champagne at sunset!
Maybe a boat trip along the Med sea....sunning, bronzing, laughing, drinking chilled rosé stopping in Monte Carlo or St. Tropez for lunch....

I love summer...

This summer I will be in Los Angeles...by my own sea...making my own gourmet meals,

sipping rosé and...being grateful to be very busy, working!!

The Inspiration of Julia Child by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:06:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

In case you haven't heard, SONY pictures will be releasing a new movie about Julia Child called Julie & Julia, on August 7th, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Meryl Streep playing Julia Child, come on, that is delicious!

I'm excited about this movie for many reasons. I am a huge Julia Child fan. I wasn't always such a fan, but in the '90s I treated myself to cooking class with the great woman herself. It was in Santa Barbara at The Biltmore, one of those short intensive, immersion excursions. It was amazing, the food, the conversation and yes I will admit, a bit of wine. It was truly wonderful, and Ms. Child herself was, funny, eccentric and a little wild. I was inspired. It was a pivotal time for me. I was a successful young designer with no other plans, but I had a passion for good food. Working with Julia Child I realized I didn't want to just design interiors, I wanted to help people to design a lifestyle.

Clearly Julia Child has inspired many women. The movie follows one young woman's story (Amy Adams)as she finds her inspiration in Julia Child. From the trailers the movie looks, funny, poignant and inspirational. With Nora Ephron, a funny "foodie" woman, as both writer and director I think we're in for a treat. Julia Child was an amazing woman who broke down countless barriers in the world of fine food and she had a tremendous impact on my life and business. I can't wait to see the movie!

Ann Sacks and No Fear Bathroom Design by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:59:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Lately I am knee deep in designing bathrooms! AND I mean knee deep! It's a scary thing to start diving into...I mean, it can be intimidating, even to us designers!
but once you dive into these deep waters...you discover an entire kingdom...sort of like scuba diving! How to trim out your shower?What to put on floor? What to put on walls...what will go in and around the shower...floor trims?? Cabinet details?? Hardware..finishes...matte or polished?So much fun!!!!Just dive in...don't be scared!

So I headed out to Ann Sacks' showroom. This is the place to go when you want bathroom inspiration. The tile there is sick crazy, so don't be surprised if you get a little overwhelmed.

I saw some amazing Robert Kuo tiles...more on those next time. Back to bathrooms!

Patio Gardening and Rhubarb Pie by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:40:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

O.K...I finally did it!! I planted my patio garden of herbs, succulents, lavender and did I say tomatoes?? Yes, I will accomplish my goals this summer...
Eat sustainably, and in season...(better for your budget)
love thy neighbor,......
be kind to others.....
stay in shape!!!!!
and most of all.....grow your own tomatoes!!!!!
and make a rhubarb pie with lemon mousse!!! Happy Summer everyone!!

The Sunday Brunch Blog by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:22:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Tired of dieting all week...didn't exercise enough? Stressed out about finances and work worries.. no problem. Have a Salmon Benedict covered in hollandaise sauce! Enjoy champagne and the last good newspaper still around, the NY Times.

Nathan Turner's Spring Bazaar by Erin Ferucci, Designs 4 Living

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:32:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

A week ago Friday, Nathan Turner hosted a Spring Bazaar for industry insiders from his divine and diverse antique shop.
In a city that still seems a little sleepy these days it was a wonderful two day event that featured four vendors and their distinct wares.

The lovely Minnie Mortimer showed her first line of clothing which was very young and preppy.

Carolina Irving, the one time style editor for Home and Garden Magazine, showed her new line of home fabrics and Irving & Fine clothing line. Her unique beach cover-ups were fresh, current and offered in great color combinations of turquoise, green and coral. Apologies for the blurry shot taken from my IPhone.

Legge & Braine were featured with venetian glass bracelets, cuffs, rings and necklaces. All the pieces were hand blown in Italy and are only available in London and at this two day event at Nathan Turner's shop.

There were also treasures from India, truly the most beautiful jewelry I have seen in a long time. The quality of their gold was some thing you would see only in Florence Italy on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Raw diamonds, mixed with hand crafted gold. Some of the pieces looked like antique treasure. Seriously, it was the kind of jewelry you could find yourself getting into trouble with - one piece just isn't enough. Treasures and Jewels by Vinesh flew in from India just for this event.

As always, Nathan's shop looked lovely.

This shot makes me want to reorganize my coffee table.

These are all textiles imported from England, I can't wait to go back and go through them.I still can't get enough of Suzani's.

Making the Simplest Things Look Pretty

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:41:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

"What I Ate for Breakfast" Massaged-organic-corn fed hen eggs...omg! rosemary sea salt crackers, french sea salt and cracked pepper, irish butter, farmer's market-organic cherry tomatoes...yum

I Love White

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:15:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

I love White. As a design element it has no equal. It's fresh...clean...vibrant...and light. I really like this design firm based out of Sydney, Australia
http://www.leibowitzandmclachlan.com/ I love white.

Christianne Engs

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:11:00 +0000

By Erin Ferruci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

After diving into all the latest "new" things and "design trends" in the world of Interior Design...in Los Angeles and around the globe....

It was so refreshing to walk into Engs-Dimitri on La Cienega and view a lovely array of antiquities.

Pictured below are Eastern Mediterranean Pottery Amphorae believed to be from the late 2nd - 1st century B C, recovered by marine archaeology. Wine, olive oil and other foodstuffs were stored and transported in these vessels. Most had two handles, an elongated, globular form body and a pointed base to act as a shock absorber or prevent leaking. The spike could also be pushed into sand ground or placed in a rack.

Imagine the entrance to your villa's garden guarded by... A Set of Four Composition Stone Garden Sphinx, two pairs of opposing neo-classical garden ornaments Italy, circa 1900 Each crouching on a rectangular base with head turned to one side, wearing a saddle, harness and drapery.

Or if you really groove on the truly ancient...This Etruscan Head of a Man is dated 3rd-6th century B C! Made from stone it was probably from a sarcophagus lid.

Or if you prefer Roman artifacts...A marble torso of Cautopates, dated 2nd-3rd century A D.

Or this large Roman marble portrait head of a Roman Senator...Dated 4th-5th century A D, This is believed to be Quintas Aurelius Symmachus a Roman Senator from 383, who died after 402. A fierce upholder of the Roman pagan tradition, he was one of the last men to wear a toga.

All of these treasures are available at Engs-Dimitri Works of Art Antiques located at 740 North La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, info@engsdimitri.com http://www.engsdimitri.com/

Richard and Christianne Dimitri are members of Art & Antique Dealers League of America, Inc., C.I.N.O.A. Confederation Internationale des Negociants en Oeuvres d'Art and Accredited Members of the International Society of Appraisers http://www.engsdimitri.com/main.aspJust to see all of their amazing collections of Antiquities was so inspirational... Can you believe seeing pieces from the 1st Century BC and the 1st Century AD?? Amazing!

Moroccan Lanterns

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Ferucci) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:52:00 +0000

By Erin Ferucci

Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Just when I thought I'd had my fill of lanterns, I stumbled on these.... Moroccan Lanterns.... Working on fixing up your garden terrace, outdoor patio, or small garden??? Throws some cushions down, hang up a lantern, have a picnic outside... these lantern are availavle exclusively at Berbere Imports, ask for Zaid. Tell him Erin sent you.