I am a huge fan of House of Turquoise, and could not be more ecstatic that Erin has asked me to write a guest blog for her site! I encourage you to visit my own ‘turquoise-themed’ blog Destinations Perfected on food, travel and the bespoke lifestyle, and I wish Erin all the best on her recent marriage!
Pops of turquoise and coral abound |
When I purchased my first condo on Boston’s Waterfront (North End) over three and a half years ago, I did not have one piece of furniture to my name. I moved in with a few suitcases and a bed and then had to begin the task of decorating the roughly 900 square feet from scratch. My mother always says that your home should be a true reflection of yourself. Armed with this advice, I had to identify a style and a color palette that was all my own. Having spent summers in St. Tropez, Sardinia and the New England coastal town of Rockport, Massachusetts, I was most drawn to soothing blue turquoise, pops of red coral, crisp whites and all sorts of sea life associated with the beautiful beaches of my youth, from seashells to octopus to crabs. In addition, I love the elegance, sophistication and glamour of the old Hollywood Regency era; sparkling chandeliers, mirrored furniture, a drink cart with high ball glasses and rich fabrics. Subsequently, my own personal style emerged as a smash up between casual beach chic and the glitz of the 1930s.
In decorating my condo, I used the same rules as those I follow for fashion: invest in a few expensive and timeless pieces and then mix in some cheaper accessories to make a bold splash. The big-ticket key staples in my living room are the high-backed white boucle sofa from Kravet Fabrics and Home Furnishings, Emilio Pucci throw pillows purchased in Sardinia, Italy, a vintage turquoise Hermes Grands Fonds fish scarf I had custom framed, a sea-foam green Persian rug from the personal collection of the former Khan of Kalat (a housewarming gift), a beautiful sea-life painting I had commissioned on a recent trip to Sorrento, Italy (for a close up of my painting, click here), and an absolutely massive reproduction of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’ 1806 painting of Caroline Riviere (the original hangs in the Musee de Louvre in Paris) which was printed on fine silk, purchased in Paris, and then framed by hand here in Boston. Luckily my 12ft. ceilings can carry this off!
As for the accessories, lots of velvety turquoise throw pillows from Pier 1 Imports, a glass, mirrored and croc leather trimmed coffee table with silver camel feet from Cabot House Furniture , two custom upholstered white armchairs with ottoman from Bassett Furniture, twin coral lamps (that I painted myself) and various turquoise vases from Home Goods, twin mirrored cinema side tables from Target, Versace Les Tresors de la Mer vases and matching porcelain, as well as sea glass, seashells, and crab shells collected from various vacations.
Mirrored side tables hold treasures from the sea as well as coral lamps I hand painted myself and sprayed with a high gloss lacquer |
A white boucle couch from Kravet holds Emilio Pucci pillows bought in Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy mixed with velvety turquoise throw pillows from Pier 1 Imports |
A turquoise and white glass vase rests on the mirrored bottom of a croc leather trimmed coffee table, while a framed vintage Hermes Grands Fonds scarf hangs on the wall |
Lovely views from the roof deck of the Boston City Skyline |
If anyone wants real proof of where a love or even a hobby of interior design can lead you, I have just been offered and accepted a job to be the new product manager for Liberty of London Furnishing Fabrics in London, and professionally, I come from a footwear background! This is just further testament to the fact that your passions can lead to your destiny. Unfortunately, this means that, as of June, I have to rent out my beautiful condo, but the new tenants have asked me to rent the apartment furnished, and quite honestly, I couldn’t think of a nicer compliment.
Alexandra D. Foster is the founder of Destinations Perfected and currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Cuban In My Coffee says
CONGRATULATIONS! What cool words of encouragement. I hope that your next journey is as fulfilling as your passions have been.
http://thecubaninmycoffee.blogspot.com/
XOXO,
Whitney (the cuban in my coffee)
Luciane at HomeBunch.com says
Wow…
It's beautiful and fun! Loving every "corner" of it and the views!!! Wow!!!!
Have a Happy Day!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Calmly Chaotic says
I love your space! And thank you for sharing the news of your new job! It is always inspiring to hear stories of people doing the things that they love!
IAMSNOWFLAKE says
Beautifully decorated room. Sleek and elegant. Congratulations on your new job! All the best with the job and the relocation (I'll love to be in your shoes).
eclecticrevisited says
lovely apartment…love the clean lines of the furnishings and just the right amount of turquoise splash of color…
maureen
Anna says
Totally beautiful! Congrats on the new job/move!
Sizzle and Zoom says
Very nice. Beautiful view.
Justina F. Lee says
I only have one question;
How does one NOT fall in love with this home?!
shayquigley says
Not only do I love the coral and teal (obviously), but the richness of the shades in the room–to die for. I love me some jewel tones.
Ambyr says
I love those candle/light holders on the brick wall, so unique! And great pillows. I love how simple and bright they are.
xoxo
http://www.thewrittenrunway.com
Conspicuous Style Design Blog says
Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!
Stacy @ http://www.conspicuousstyle.com
Cove and Grey says
I love the coral accessories!
Joann says
Lovely house! Loved the colors used, the furniture and also the accessories! Very comforting and chic! Cool post, check out also 3D Rendering