Archive for the ‘Design book’ Category
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
Enjoy these images of a spring-kissed sun room that John and I designed for a show house in Montclair, New Jersey a few years back. We used lots of green to create a cool, soothing environment embellished with pops of yellow and pink. We eventually sold the two armchairs on One Kings Lane. The tole flowers on the mantel now sit above our fireplace at Chester Court in Brooklyn.
Gang:
It’s a cold and blustery day in New York City, so I decided to post some images of a spring-like sun room that John and I designed for a show house in Montclair, New Jersey a few years back. The space was a boring white box, so John and I pumped the room full of color to maximize the impact. We used gobs of green and oodles of pink, and I think the results are refreshing and simply delicious.
Tell us what you think!
John and I slip-covered a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa in a jaunty lattice pattern and floral print, both from Schumacher. The plants on the stand in the window hail from Ikea, and the rug came from West Elm. Good design (not to sound not humble, natch) doesn't have to be expensive.
John and I embellished the lampshades of these gourd-shaped table lamps with grosgrain ribbon. Did you ever read John's book "John Loecke's Grosgrain Style?" We unearthed the chinoiserie-style chandelier at a flea market in Miami, and the stools are from Baker Furniture.
The fabulous Bamboo Lattice wallpaper from Thibaut's Spring Lake Collection took the ceiling of the sun room from boring to brilliant. The fabric on the green, white, and yellow window treatments came from Schumacher.
Tags: DIY, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Montclair, One Kings Lane, Schumacher, Spring Lake Collection, Thibaut, West Elm
Posted in Before and After, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Guru, Design Lessons, DIY, Fabrics, How to Slipcover Furniture, Interior Design, Lighting, New York Interior Designer, One Kings Lane, Painted Furniture, Tastemaker, Tips for Design Small Spaces, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 1st, 2013
Here's an article in Chicago's Daily Herald in which I am quoted talking about my passion for all things gold and bronze. Click on the image, above, to read the whole story from divine writer Elaine Markoutsas.
Gang:
Happy New Year! Here’s to an amazing 2013…
What are your resolutions? I want to get into shape, spend more time at Madcap Cottage in upstate New York, throw more dinner parties, drink less, workout more, and get a product line going with Home Shopping Network.
Stay tuned!
As we move into the year ahead, I wanted to share my passion for all things gold…
Bow down, bronze goddess! Here are a few favorite golden “moments.”
Here's a custom striped silk and suzani pillow from the Madcap Cottage gents currently for sale on One Kings Lane right now. Click on the image, above, to look over this brassy confection.
The glittering and inexpensive Francois Table from the folks at Z Gallerie. A terrific deal at $249.
Here's the incredible Biomorphic Console from Baker's Tony Duquette Collection. The table is amazing, but wildly expensive... Use this if only for inspiration.
Tags: Baker Furniture, Bronze, Elaine Markoutsas, gold, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, One Kings Lane, Tony Duquette, Z Gallerie
Posted in Antiques, Before and After, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Guru, DIY, Furniture Recovering, Interior Design, One Kings Lane, Paint, Painted Furniture, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 24th, 2012
The summer issue of Do It Yourself magazine features John's renovation of his brother and sister-in-law's kitchen in Minneapolis. Scroll down to the "Kitchen Wisdom" link at the bottom of the installment to access the pdf of the story, packed with loads of ideas.
Gang:
As you probably know, John is a contributing editor at several of the Meredith Corporation’s various magazines, including Better Homes and Gardens. He also produces articles for the likes of Do It Yourself magazine, a terrific and color-filled publication that gives readers gobs of, natch, do-it-yourself options.
The summer issue of Do It Yourself features a fun and whimsical kitchen that John designed for his brother and sister-in-law in Minneapolis.
Here are some of his tips:
-Be bold with color.
-Top it with tin.
-Clean up your cabinets.
To read the whole story and to get some terrific ideas to bring into your home, click on the pdf, Kitchen Wisdom.
Enjoy!
P.S. We are so excited to follow our good pal and Meredith Corporation editor Lacey Howard’s upcoming trip to London and the Olympics on her blog, Howardgirlshopthepond. Check it out!
Tags: DIY, DIY ideas, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Kitchen, Kitchen renovation, Madcap Cottage, Minneapolis, renovation, Weekend warrior
Posted in Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Guru, DIY, Entertaining, Flooring, Framing, Hanging artwork, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, Paint, Paint the ceiling, Painted Furniture, Pets, Sustainable, Tastemaker, Tips for Design Small Spaces, upholstery, Wallpaper, Weekend warrior | No Comments »
Thursday, July 19th, 2012
Read my story in the current of Delta Sky magazine on throwback eateries in New York City. I love dining out old-school style, n'est-ce pas? Put on the suit and pour me some cocktails and pronto. Curiously, John never wants to give me $50 for a trip to the powder room... Click on the image, above, to read the whole story.
Gang:
Let’s put on another hat today, my hat as a lifestyle writer… Of course, it’s a big old hat with lots of feathers and bows and trim and such. Would you expect anything less?
In the current issue of Delta Sky magazine, I penned a story about Old School Eats, places where you can dine to channel NYC back in the day, a day when there were captains at restaurants and waiters wore tuxedos and tables were well-spaced. Think restaurants with glorious interiors and gobs of flowers and barstools perfect for perching.
Oh, the glamour! I love nothing more than dining out at a throwback joint.
Take a read, and be sure to visit these spots on your next trip to NYC, if only for a cool cocktail at the bar.
Tags: Delta Sky magazine, Four Seasons, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, New York City, Restaurants, The Lambs Club, The Lion
Posted in Bar Cart, Color, Demystifying Design, Design book, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Entertaining, Fabrics, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer | No Comments »
Friday, July 13th, 2012
Recently, our neighbors in upstate New York moved their driveway from the left-hand side of their yard to the right. We quickly realized that we would need more privacy, so John and I decided to install a picket fence and new plants to create some separation between the two yards.
Gang:
I love a good picket fence. It’s so iconic American, and, unlike sky-high fences that close-off a yard, a picket offers plenty of see-through space without being off-putting. Plus, a picket fence is totally dynamic in its lines and rambling good looks and allows plants to poke through and vine about any which way.
Recently, our neighbors at Madcap Cottage in upstate New York installed a dirt driveway on the opposite side of the yard from where their driveway used to be located. And, sadly, our privet hedge that shaded the two yards wasn’t doing so well. So, instead of making a fuss, John and I decided to install a picket fence between our homes that would still allow for plenty of space to breathe but would also mask our neighbor’s driveway and create a semblance of privacy.
Happily, we found a terrific contractor, and the fence has been going in swimmingly. We will soon plant irises and ferns on the neighbor’s side of the fence and Siberian privet on our side of the picket. John and I are upstate next weekend and cannot wait to get started on planting and fine-tuning our newly enclosed yard. Stay tuned for more images.
As they say, Good fences make for good neighbors. Sign us up!
Here's the fence in the middle of installation. Looking good, n'est-ce pas? A picket fence offers some privacy without closing in a yard, and a picket perfectly mirrors the classic American lines of our 1840s-era former schoolhouse.
I cannot wait to plant a less cold-sensitive variety of privet hedge on our side of the new fence, and irises and ferns on our neighbor's side. We positioned the fence so that there would be plenty of room for plantings on both sides of the picket fence.
Tags: Ferns, Gardening, Irises, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Landscaping, Madcap Cottage, Picket fence, Privacy, Privet hedge, Upstate New York
Posted in Before and After, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Gardens, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, Tips for Design Small Spaces, Weekend warrior | 1 Comment »
Friday, July 6th, 2012
John and Weenie kick back upon a towel on our Siesta Key beach and wait for the July 4th fireworks displays to begin. Happy birthday, America!
Gang:
How was your July 4th? Any good BBQs or fireworks sessions? Do tell.
John and I spent the holiday at my family’s retreat on Siesta Key near Sarasota, Florida. My grandparents purchased land on Siesta Key in 1950 long before the island became a retreat for the who’s who… Back 60 years ago, Siesta Key was basically all scrub palms and pine trees: Today our neighbors include the likes of Tom Cruise’s mom. Our property is still rustic and looks like a fishing camp from back in the day: It’s quite simple and relaxed. It’s kind of funny to see all of the faux Mediterranean palaces that now dot the island and all of the massive gates that surround these McMansions.
After a fun dinner with my parents, John and I relaxed on the beach in front of our property with Weenie and watched the fireworks that took place at various spots upon the key–including on our neighbor’s beach next door. And, wow!, what an amazing display. I had my mug of white wine in hand, and I blissed out.
I love fireworks, and John and I want to create a fabric collection that captures the sublime shower of colors that fill the sky during these festive displays. We are mad for the rich reds, the golden hues, and the emerald tones that erupt and shower down like candy from heaven.
Here's the first firework of the evening hovering high above Siesta Key's Crescent Beach. I love sitting by the sea and watching fireworks.
Wow, these emerald-green fireworks were just so delicious. I adore the mix of gold and green coming together in a shower of dazzling sparks.
I am crazy for these scarlet-hued fireworks. What an amazing rich and deep color, n'est-ce pas? So inspirational...
Tags: Fireworks, Florida, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, July 4th, Madcap Cottage, Sarasota, Siesta Key
Posted in Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Lessons, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, Pets, Tastemaker | No Comments »
Monday, July 2nd, 2012
My parents' den circa 1982 in our former house--a massive Mediterranean number built in the 1920s--on Davis Islands in Tampa, Florida. The fabulous basket weave wallpaper and upholstery covered everything in the room, including the ceiling and doors. Brilliant! And look at the actual baskets scattered about, fabulous.
Gang:
John and I wish all of you a fabulous July 4th holiday… I plan to craft Betsy Ross-inspired blueberry and strawberry daiquiris at my parents’ beach house on Siesta Key, Florida and wave a few flags and stumble down to the beach for the fireworks display.
Meanwhile, I am still in Tampa and going through old photos. I came upon this slightly out-of-focus-but-still-wonderful snapshot of our den circa 1982. In a fabulous fit of whimsy, my parents covered their entire TV room in a jaunty basket weave-patterned wallpaper–including the ceiling and closet doors–and then painted the room’s molding banana leaf green. And then they stenciled giant banana leaves upon the floor. Amazing, huh? Can you see where much of my inspiration comes from? In this photo, my grandmother Gayle is holding court to the left while my aunt Phyllis holds my baby sister Jennifer Alice. The only thing missing are a few cocktails on a tray.
I am totally inspired by this vintage room, so watch for basket weave patterns to soon show up in the designs at Madcap Cottage.
Have a fabulous 4th!
Tags: Basket weave, Den, Interior Design, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Vintage design, Wallpaper a ceiling
Posted in Bar Cart, Color, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Fabrics, Flooring, Furniture Recovering, How to Slipcover Furniture, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, Paint, Paint the ceiling, Painted Furniture, Television, upholstery | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012
John and Jasper look over our write-up and the big-ass photo of our den in the June issue of German Architectural Digest magazine. Um, danke, danke, and danke.
Gang:
Hey, cats! I hope your week is going along super swimmingly.
I need some feedback from the blogerati, I haven’t heard from any of you in ages. Um, dirt, gossip, updates, pictures of your kids… Bring it.
I am listening to Madonna’s “Superstar” and designing a couch. Um, loving MDNA, and it has totally inspired me. This couch is going to be so totally ooh-la-la. And how. Like Abe Lincoln cause you fight for what’s right.
Oh, did I tell you that John and I made an appearance in the June issue of German Architectural Digest magazine. Um, big in Germany. Sign. Me. Up. Check us out. Our den in Brooklyn gets a full page…
You can have the keys to my car, I’ll play you a song on my guitar.
Ooh-la-la. You’re my superstar.
Yeehaw!, that's our den in Brooklyn on the right-hand page in the June issue of German Architectural Digest magazine. Top Germans are reading about the Madcap Cottage boys right this second in top cities such as Berlin and Hamburg.
Tags: AD magazine, Architectural Digest, Get Stupid, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Madonna
Posted in Carpets, Color, Demystifying Design, Design book, Design Guru, Design Lessons, Fabrics, Furniture Recovering, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Tastemaker, upholstery, Welting | 2 Comments »
Friday, June 8th, 2012
Thursday's New York Post featured an article about local up-and-coming designers and mentioned your favorite gents at Madcap Cottage. The Post also included an image of the Paris When It Sizzles armchair that John designed... Click on the image, above, to read the entire story.
Gang:
John and I woke up on Thursday to have a very chic mention in the New York Post… And the story featured an image of the Paris When It Sizzles armchair that John designed.
What fun!
Here's the blurb about us in the New York Post. I think they captured our spirit and sensibility perfectly, n'est-ce pas?
Tags: fabric, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, New York Post, Paris When It Sizzles armchair, Welting
Posted in Antiques, Color, Design, Design book, Design Guru, Fabrics, Furniture Recovering, Interior Design, New York Interior Designer, News Flash, Paint, Sustainable, upholstery, Wallpaper, Welting | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Thank you to the divine crew at New York magazine for featuring our humble yard sale in their delicious blog, above. What a treat! We love you, Catie Keck!
Gang:
I hope you had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend! Did you tackle any interiors projects? Do tell…
As you probably know, John and I hosted our World-Famous Annual Yard Sale and Vintage Finds Bonanza in cozy Hobart, New York at our Madcap Cottage, and the sale was a terrific success. We had a blast, meeted and greeted, flitted and flocked, and played endless songs from Foster the People and Nicki Minaj.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star. Now spend all your money ’cause they pay, pay, pay…
Happily, we moved a ton of merchandise. Thank you to everyone who stopped by… Paula, Kira Nissen, Irene, Barb, Eileen, Steve and Jessica, Gemma, Marge, Gary, Bea, and, of course, Diana Parton, we adore you!
Here are a few shots from the sale…
Madcap Cottage is ready for its yard sale close-up!
Here's the first shopper of the day... Hello, Farrow & Ball paint!
Our terrific neighbor Brent Ogborn, aged 11, set up a coffee-and-lemonade stand next door and, apparently, made a killing. Kudos, Brent! John and I baked the cookies and brownies that Brent sold. We gave him the profits for the baked goods if he would keep our cups filled with lemonade. I think we all made out swimmingly!
My super-cool parents, Lois and Jary, take a break in a fabulous American Standard farm sink that we soon sold.
Merchandising a yard sale is so important! Here, we have a few delicious chairs at the end of our driveway to entice shoppers to visit... And how about our custom Madcap Cottage pillows done up in all sorts of crazy colors.
A few of our favorite regulars take in the wares and ponder what to buy...
Cars line Maple Avenue, our charming street in leafy Hobart, New York. The mayor of Hobart, New York lives across the street from us, and even he stopped by... Our yard sale is something of an EVENT.
My parents join us for dinner at the sublime Mountain Brook Inn in Bovina, New York. We celebrated the end of the first day of the yard sale with fried chicken and watermelon lemonade. We drank lots of wine later...
The yard sale is done and done... The tent is cleaned up and cleaned out. John and Jasper take a walk in the backyard at Madcap Cottage and survey the scene. See you next Memorial Day, folks!
Tags: Hobart, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Memorial Day, New York, New York magazine, Yard Sale
Posted in Antiques, Before and After, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design book, Design Guru, Design Lessons, DIY, Fabrics, Furniture Recovering, Gardens, Interior Design, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, Paint, Painted Furniture, Pets, Renovations, Tastemaker, Weekend warrior | 1 Comment »
