Thursday, October 30, 2008

Poliform Closets

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Successful home design can start in some of the most overlooked spaces. Having the perfectly designed closet can not only add to the value of your home, it can add to the enjoyment of your life.
Nobody does it better than Poliform. Yes, Poliform is more expensive but look at these amazingly clean lines.
If you are looking for the Maserati of closets it has to be Poliform. Their functional designs are sleek, easy to maintain and immaculate. If you are looking for a small home make over project that will add to your home value for years to come and give you a psychological boast in the meantime, check out a Poliform closet. It’s impossible to walk into one of these closets and feel anything but successful.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Spectacular Succulents

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

The weather is changing, the holidays are just around the corner and with the economy what it is, more and more people are deciding to turn their attention to their current home. Why not take this opportunity to make your home a haven for you, your family and your guests. It doesn’t take a lot of money to create the ideal living situation, and if you take it in small projects it doesn’t even take much time. Planting succulents is a great weekend project.

Start with a winter makeover for your deck, patio, or balcony. Clean away any clutter of debris that has accumulated in the deluge of fall leaves. Then take whatever winter precautions are necessary for your furniture and appliances. In colder states, furniture may need to be stored or covered, in warmer states cushion might need flipping/fluffing or rotation. When the hard work is done it’s time for rewarding trip to your local Home Depot, Lowes or Do It Store. Make sure to take a list of any hardware that is needed for repairs or winterization, but the main reason for this trip is to do a mini splurge on succulents to accent your outdoor living or to spruce up your home. You don’t need to spend much money to create a lovely succulent wonderland. In colder states you may want to focus on bringing the succulents indoors and creating a lovely focal point.

This fabulous succulent wall was featured in the Methome July/August 2008 issue. The landscape designer is Mia Lehrer & Associates. I like the idea that this is living art.
Here in Southern California, I love to plant durable succulents dish gardens grouping several different varieties to make a colorful mini garden. They are beautiful, functional and extremely low maintenance. Their shallow roots require very little water. Even if you are someone who forgets to water, these plants never die. They are amazing. They love containers.Taking the time to winterize your deck, patio or balcony will help preserve your furniture and appliances and save you money. Planting succulents will increase your enjoyment of your home now, through the long winter and even in the spring.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Moura Starr & the Brazilian Wood Revolution

by Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer


This is the most superior craftsmanship I have seen on the market today. The design is modern organic. The medium is exotic non-extinct woods from Brazil.

These pieces can be described in three words: custom, custom, custom! Handmade in Brazil out of wood that cannot be found anywhere else in the world Moura Starr adds Brazilian stone, colored glass and colored crystal to make unique high end contemporary furniture that surpasses Italian contemporary workmanship and design.



Take a look at this wonderful Curio Cabinet made from black lacquer, black crystal and rustic Imuia wood. Isn’t this the ultimate media cabinet? It is unique; designed and made with impeccable taste.

With their Pacific Design Center grand opening scheduled for sometime before the first of the year, it is just a matter of weeks before this unique and wonderful company will be on everyone’s tongue. For shoppers living outside the scope of Los Angeles or New York, Moura Starr will ship anywhere in the world. They recently opened their first showroom in Dubai available for designers and the public to shop. Please browse their online site for more unique and spectacular pieces.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Krislyn

by Erin Ferruci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

When celebrities collect modern design sculptural art they frequently choose the work of Krislyn. These sculptures are unique, they are classical but capable of surviving in a modern setting. The sculptures make a strong statement and are low maintenance - they have a presence that is strong with a subtle wow factor without being overwhelming.
Her unique perspective is echoed in the jeweled and mossed trees which make her studio on West 3rd seem more like a woodland for fairies than a downtown boutique

Her arrangements are remarkably unique and feature spectacular organic displays of nature inspired art.
Julie Krislyn designs trees that don’t die. She does something that no one else does. Some crazy things, crazy in a good way. She's very original. Innovative, cutting edge, unique and eco friendly

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Casa Del Bianco

All designers have secrets. Little bits of information that we have that we know will wow a client. Today I am giving away one of my secrets, I probably shouldn't, but I love the owners of this shop so much and their sheets are so spectacular that I'm giving up my secret. Now everyone will know where to get the same custom made sheets that celebrities and the uber wealthy rest their heads upon, Casa Del Bianco.
If what they say is true and we spend over a third of our lives asleep, then skimping on budget linens is not the thing to do. If you want the best linens that money can buy, then you want Casa Del Bianco fine Italian Bed Linens. Every thing is hand woven in Italy. They are a gift to yourself. Trust me this is what the wealthy and influential have on their beds, I know because I put them there!

Their small but chic shop on Lexington Avenue in New York is a veritable treasure trove of custom linens. If you want to put together the perfect bed from top to bottom this shop is the secret answer. If Oprah isn't sleeping on these sheets she should be!


The sheets are custom made so you can pull a look and feel together simply and create a stunning bed that is divine to look at and even better to sleep in. There is so minimum order at this palace of bedding, so if you only want two shams - not a problem.



You can order the linens on line, but if you are in New York you must treat yourself to the sensual experience of these linens. Tell Lupe and Fabrizio that Erin Ferucci sent you. And now my secret is out!




Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Dayna Decker's Candle Line - My Fav!

DayNa Decker's unique candle line is really impeccable. Her "chandels" transcend good taste. The packaging is beautiful and the truly innovative "EcoWood" wicks used in her candles crackle when burning. It's like having a personal fireplace!


The affordable line is the Botanika line. These candles are made with aromatic gel in several different scents. They look great, smell wonderful and at prices ranging from $34 to $74 these candles make great gifts.


If you are looking for a truly remarkable gift DayNa Decker offers "conceptual gifting" that is spectacular.



On the higher end are the exotic woods Luminesse sculptures. This is the kind of candle Tom Ford would buy; in fact he probably already owns one.


I even love DayNa Decker's website, a direct quote:


“Providing both artistic impression and provocative ambience, one does not just light an illuminating sculpture, one experiences it. From the mesmerizing flicker of the flame as it works its way across the top, to the ebb and flow of glow dancing with the surrounding air, it is the perfect fusion of form and function manifested in light.”


These candles are amazing. Treat yourself to the experience and give one as a gift.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Garden Visit at Charles Jacobson

In the middle of the city, down a mysterious hidden alley way, off the "beaten path", is an oasis called Charles Jacobson. As you approach you are greeted by tremendous wrought iron gates from India, in the background you can hear gentle water flowing from fountains and the sounds of birds softly chirping. This is how your garden visit to Charles Jacobson begins.
Interior design is as much about setting a mood as it is about color and function. Charles Jacobson clearly understands how to set a mood, making him a favorite among interior designers. Every time I visit, I have to remind myself that this amazing, immaculate wonderland exists in the middle of Los Angeles. It really is unbelievable. The trees in the garden are filled with bird cages from Chinatown, and each cage is home to an exotic bird. There are sitting areas all over the garden for designers to take a break or enjoy lunch while conjuring up idea for their clients. I love to enjoy the ambience of the garden and listen to the exotic birds chat with the birds that come to visit from the neighborhood.The shop and garden are filled with treasures, one of a kind wonders that are whimsical and unique. Furniture from all over the world is displayed, there is a definite Asian influence, but as each piece is hand picked by Charles himself there is an impeccable, tasteful through line. Charles skilled eye ensures that each piece is unique and special. The "Garden" is a wholesale warehouse where a designer can bring their client, shop and enjoy a
peaceful field trip. Charles Jacobson also has a showroom at the Pacific Design Center, and while it is indoors, temperature controlled and lovely (they even play taped birds chirping softly through out the showroom) I prefer to visit the garden oasis and marvel in its wonder.