How to Layer Frames & Objects

There is a new trend in home décor: Layering. One would think that it’s an easy style to pull off... simply take a bunch of artwork and place it haphazardly on your mantle or bookshelf. Please, no! Be smart about layering your art. Here’s how: 

 

All images via

Step one: Pick images and objects that you feel would create an interesting grouping. They should be different sizes, but share a similar colour palette.

Step two: When visiting your local framer, keep things simple. If the frames are too ornate or too thick, it will be hard to layer evenly. Use glass and not exposed canvas, as an object could easily poke into an artwork and create a long lasting indentation.

 

Step three: The more you overlap, the higher the chances of losing the images you were hoping to show off. Notice how, in the following examples, there are no more than three consecutive levels.

Step four: Be careful! Sturdy the larger frames to your wall (by adding hooks and nails) or inserting a thin ledge or groove to your shelf. You want to be sure to prevent them from toppling over!

 

Interior Design With no Surprises

Drawings and Photo Realistic Renderings Show Exactly What Your Designer Has in Mind

A Guest Post by Keren Blankrot, Upstage Montreal

In the world of interior design a picture really is worth a thousand words. A client of mine who failed a solo attempt at redesigning her living room confided, “Keren, we made an effort to do this by ourselves, and I know what I like, but I just can’t seem to visualize it in my own space. This is not working for us and we need your help.”

 
While she put a great deal of thought into the design, and inspiration was not lacking –she has a Pinterest account with plenty of pictures defining her “For the Home” style – she needed a designer to pull it all together, and she benefited greatly from visual aids that allowed her to see the end result beforehand.

Through the wonders of technology, designers can show clients - via perspective drawings, photo realistic renderings, and mood boards - what the end result is meant to look like. These tools are something that I employ regularly. Not only do they establish clarity between the client and the designer in terms of the desired visual aesthetic and goal, they are great for working with clients remotely. For instance, the office drawings pictured below were created for a Manhattan client. All of the items were purchased online, and the installation was carried out with specific direction.

Clients put much trust in their designers and one of the reasons they hire designers is because they covet that designer’s signature aesthetic. As much as a client loves the designer’s taste, however, she is still looking to create a space that reflects her own personal vision and so being able to collaborate with a designer that can show you exactly in what direction they are headed in, with the help of technological tools, is invaluable.

Upstage Montreal works with clients looking to completely update their residential or commercial space, as well as those wishing simply to refresh it. To know more, please visit their website by clicking HERE.

Home Décor: Fall Trends

I won't deny it: I absolutely love when readers send me their requests, comments and questions. Here is the most recent query, posted on our facebook page: “PMT! Do you have any insight on what are the hot colors in home decor for the fall?”

To answer this question, I called my go-to designer, Keren Blankrot from UpStage Montreal, for her valuable input: “I’d say that for fall, the trendy colours are warm hued and rich including pumpkin, gold, cantaloupe, cinnamon, coffee and deep mauve. It’s earthy, spicy and jewel toned hues for the season." Keren adds: "A good way to integrate trends is through accessories and smaller ticket items likes throws and pillows so that you can update your look seasonally. Incorporating these colours will add warmth to her interior space as the mercury drops outside.” 

Images via

Take note of these fun suggestions, guaranteed to spice up your home décor: 1. Tonic Living Samoan Plantation Pillow / 2. Eiffel chair from Zone Maison / 3. Wire trash can from Urban Outfitters / 4. Oh-so-glam Jonathan Adler Gold Lantern vases / 5. Jonathan Adler hexagon tray... I saw these all over Germany. They are so cool! / 6. Zenith Mirror from Pure Home / 7. Hilarious flamingo table lamp from Zone Maison (who said fall needed to be serious?) 

Do you have any questions you’d like answered?

Send them to partymixtape@gmail.com or post them on our facebook page!

Recap

A new addition to my bathroom cabinet: Beach by Bobbi Brown / Hubs and I are excited to start house hunting. Once we decide, I know I’ll have to refer back to Jessica Di Pierro for some interior design insight / The last remnant of Mel’s bachelorette party has fallen... It was so pretty, I couldn’t bring myself to take it down / This miniature foosball table has found its home in our living room / Whatisadam's Maple Sizzurp silkscreen hanging in my entrance / Yup. We all read it. / Lauren Elan’s neon magic / Blue nails / Mixing patterns

Happy Canada Day!

Interview with Jessica Di Pierro

Meet Jessica Di Pierro, an interior designer and project manager for de Man design & mobilier. The designer reveals images of her upcoming projects and shares with PartyMixTape readers her thoughts on buying her first home, working in the design industry and hanging art.

Interior designer Jessica Di Pierro

What is your passion?

Of course interior design is definitely one of my passions, but I have to say that everything having to do with beauty and aesthetics is in my range.  Not only have I studied fashion marketing, but I also took theater production where I would work on costumes, decors and lighting… that was such an incredible learning experience.  I even took makeup classes and worked on a few music videos and local movie sets.  Tinkering, painting, gardening, gift wrapping, you name it.  So if I really had to describe it, I guess you could say that my biggest passion is to work with my hands and enhance the hidden beauty in different elements.  It gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

How did you start in the interior design industry?

A few years back, I owned a furniture import and distribution company with my now husband and was really looking to get into interior design.  So I started taking night classes.  Unfortunately, the program got cancelled before I could finish. In the meantime, we sold the company, got married and became pregnant right away. I had nine months off, so I took that time to renovate our house and really enjoyed it. After giving birth, I was lucky enough to spend all my time at home with my wonderful daughter. When she started daycare, I decided I would finish what I had started. So I went back to school full time and graduated.  I worked for myself for awhile and am now happily employed at de Man design & mobilier. 

Combing her different passions; here is Di Pierro’s proposal for a local hair salon

What is the best purchase you ever made?

My best purchase is our house!  It’s not new, it’s not a palace, but it’s got great energy. It’s just the right size for our family and making it our home has been great so far.  It’s my own canvas and a constant work in progress, but as they say: “Your work is never done when you own a house.  There’s always something to do!”  

What are some of the common mistakes made by homeowners?

With all the decorating magazines and interior design shows on air these days, people have many tools to learn the basics and have also very much improved at creating balanced environments.  Still, the most common mistake, in my opinion, remains the positioning of furniture.  Some people seem to think that every piece of furniture needs to be against a wall.  Actually, bringing the furniture closer to the center of the room will make the room look bigger.  Another very common mistake is hanging art pieces too high.  Easy trick: eye level, when standing, is always a safe height.

Note the artwork by Karine Bassal on the far left!

Is design art or science?

Both, I guess!  The art part definitely comes in the conceptual phase.  That’s when the juices are flowing.  Everything after that is very technical. There is a whole set of plans that need to be made for each project and they do require a whole lot of precision.

What would be your recommendation for “what to do first” in a decorating project?

I think it’s important for the people living in a space to sit down and take some time to properly define the exact purpose of the room they wish to renovate or redecorate.  Make a list of the different functions you’ll use it for and define the different areas.  Don’t be afraid to list your priorities. That should usually define your starting point.

Which designers do you look up to?

In the fashion industry, Karl Lagerfeld has great style designing classic pieces with a modern touch.  But I also love the eclectic signature of Betsey Johnson.  She has a way of merging ideas, patterns and textures together and making them work.  I really admire that.  In interior design, I love Frank Lloyd Wright’s structured modern masterpieces.  With great architecture, airy interiors, functional furniture, they transcend the test of time.   

How amazing are these 3D renderings? This is one of the services offered by Jessica Di Pierro to help clients visualize the completion of a project. You may contact her by clicking HERE.

What songs are you listening to at the moment?

A lot of radio!

Some nights – FUN

Back in time – Pitbull

Fallout – Marianas Trench

Wide Awake – Katy Perry

Lullaby – Nickelback

Wild Ones – Flo Rida

Are there any trends you are excited about this spring?

I really love all the bright nail polish colors!!  It’s hard not to buy every single one of them.

What’s next for Jessica Di Pierro?

I’m grateful for what I’ve accomplished so far and feel very blessed for what I have.  I take life one day at a time.  So who knows what will come next!

The Comfort Zone

Every day, I am surrounded by bold colours, patterns and textures.  This morning, I woke up longing for a little peace and quiet…  So I dressed in black and white, kept my hair down and ate a grilled cheese for lunch. Ah, the comfort zone…    

All images can be found via my Pinterest – feel free to follow me! Do pay special attention to the wonderful astronaut on the first row. I’m in love with Sophie Jodoin’s artwork. In. Love. For all you Montrealers, check out Battat Contemporary ASAP.

Klein Blue

Recently, Hubby’s colleague asked me “Hey Emily, do you know Yves Klein?” As an art historian, this is the kind of question I get a lot. “Do you know Picasso?” “Do you know Salvador Dali?” Anyways… do I know Yves Klein? Yes – a colour was named after him: International Klein Blue. Turns out, the reason he was asking was that his grandfather was Klein’s judo teacher in the late forties. (OK… that’s super cool!) To be clear, the practice of judo was highly influential on Klein artistic practice and often credited as being his first experience with “spiritual space.”

There are two points to my story (of which none is judo).  1) I truly believe in the concept of “six degrees of separation” (whaa! I’m connected to Yves Klein!) and 2) After all these years, how incredible that an artist would have enough influence that a colour would be named after him? Still today, we see Klein Blue pop up in art, fashion and home design. If you had to lend your name to any colour, which one would it be?  

Forth image: detail of Marc Seguin’s Sabotage 11 found at Galerie Lacerte.

Fifth image: Thierry Bisch’s Mr. Cute Blue found at Dimension Plus.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Credits go to Atlantic-Pacific – wearing a wonderful pink tulip dress from Zara / Cookie cutting and ribbon images are from Cupcakes & Cashmere / Pink roses from Damask & Dentelle / Text from Ornamelle / All others from my Pinterest

Art for the fashion lover

Meet Antoine Tavaglione:  Fine Art’s equivalent to Karl Lagerfeld. OK... not yet... but I bet he’d love that analogy. Tavaglione, also known as TAVA, is a Montreal-based artist who playfully subverts popular brand imagery. The first piece I saw of his was LSY, a tongue and cheek appropriation of Yves Saint-Laurent’s iconic logo. Add to all the initial glitz and glamour the artist’s political agenda and a touch of irony and there you have it: TAVA. Louis Vuitton beware, he hasn’t found you yet!

(All images via)

TAVA, signing his Double C silkscreen, at Station 16.

The artist recently tweeted CHANEL, linking an image of HIS Double C’s. Love it: How to use social media as an artistic performance!

Hermes – Crooks & Automoblies

Louboutin

My pants are not too short, I'm European

Like this artwork? ME TOO! I've pre-pinned it on Pinterest, click here to view.

Interview with Keren Blankrot

I met interior designer Keren Blankrot (Upstage Montreal) several years ago as she was trekking throught the snow with an adorable purple coat. Not one to shy away from talking to strangers, I walked over and said something profound like “cute coat”. How I ended up visiting her apartment, meeting up for dessert and wine, discussing interior design, I cannot remember. But since, I’ve turned to Keren for any interior design or home staging question.

Check out the Upstage Montreal website for more information

What’s great about your job as an interior designer?

I love bringing out the best in a client’s space – making it as comfortable and as beautiful as possible. Clients trust me to create a space that will reflect their taste and personality. The entire process is satisfying for me; from meeting with the client, interpreting their desires for their space and creating a unique vision, to putting together all the pieces of the puzzle and then, finally, leaving the client with a space that is uplifting, where they can live elegantly and graciously.

What would you say influences your style?

I’m inspired by the patterns and colours I’ve encountered through traveling. On a drive through the desert during a recent trip to Israel, I was mesmerized by the vastness and barren quality of the land. You could see hints of pink in the sand; various shades of grays and muted blues in the sky. It was hypnotic. This is a color combination that I will replicate or draw from in my work as an interior designer; most likely when I have a task to create a serene space.

Do you have a go-to designer you turn to for inspiration?

I think Karl Lagerfeld is brilliant. One of my favourite interior designers is Kelly Wearstler. She weaves glamour and colour seamlessly, creating spaces that are modern and minimalistic, but with a touch of vintage and nostalgia.

Fashion-wise, what is your most cherished possession?

My sister got me this perfect buttery brown leather purse from Italy. It looks like a mini piece of luggage and has a removable strap so you can wear it across your body. I wouldn’t dream of parting with it.

You know I’m a big music fan. What are your top three songs?

At the moment, my number one song is Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Nigg*s in Paris. The beat is addictive. It’s a party song and makes me want to lose myself in the music, and perhaps… be a bit debaucherous! I also love Not Over You by Gavin DeGraw. This song pulls at my heart strings. And finally, I’d say Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up) by Florence and The Machine – their music is dreamy. I love running to it at the gym.

What new and upcoming trend for interior design are you the most excited about?

Using things in a different way. For example, I turned a silk scarf and a wall hanging into pillow cases. Repurposing and DIY seem to be very de rigueur. It’s good for the planet too!

A little Monday sparkle

As a non-Monday-fan, I try to make the first day of the week extra special by adding a little pizzazz to my wardrobe, makeup and even my food... KD and Toblerone for supper! Hey, it’s Monday, I’m pizzazz-ing it! But seriously, glitter-up next Monday and you’ll see how great it will make you feel. And cheer up, Tuesday is just around the corner.

Selected images via

Eye candy - Tome II

I don’t believe in waiting for a significant other to make February 14^th a special day. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t exchange Hubby for anything or anyone, but I believe in extending the Vday cheer to friends and family. This year, why not send out homemade Valentine’s Day cards, wear that fantastic dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion or bring cupcakes to work? ...and treat yourself to something special! Here are a few gift ideas from you to you. (But hey, if you’re a purist, leave your computer screen open to this page... and cross your fingers he gets the hint.)

1. My absolute favourite coffee table book; Linda McCartney: Life in Photographs / 2. Michael Kors’ heart bracelet / 3. Oui-Non leather paperweight from Chapters-Indigo /4. I love love love Harry Allen’s piggy bank / 5. A Kate Spade necklace, from her new collection / 6. Hot pink blazer from Jacob / 7. My number one perfume; Chance by Chanel / 8. Macbeth by Butter London

Social Media

This week was a big week for PartyMixTape: A new Facebook page, a Twitter account, and now a membership to Pinterest. Follow me on any which one – I’d love to get your feedback! To be truthful, I'm slightly obsessed with Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board... or pinboard, as they call it. Check out the lovely discoveries I made this week:

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Eye candy - Tome I

February, already! The Valentine buzz is in full force – scaring our men and delighting the ladies. Hubby and I are known for our annual V-Day party, for which we request a pink and red dress code, serve red coloured drinks, encourage guests to eat just one more cupcake and convince them to dance all night long. This year, I’m forgoing this tradition for something even better: celebrating D’s big 3-0… but we’ll talk more about that later.

In the meantime, feast your eyes on this: my Eye Candy Tome I – the ultimate guide for your Valentine’s Day splurges!

1. Love at First Blush, lingerie crafted in Montreal / 2. Louis Vuitton… the ultimate luxury / 3. Ross Menuez’s Fawn pillow, from Areaware / 4. Antoine Tavaglione’s Valentine’s Day limited edition print I Scream and Melt for You, from Station 16

Interview with Karine Bassal

I met Montreal-based artist Karine Bassal in 2004, and attended her first exhibition three years later. I am the proud owner of a fantastic 20 x 20 inch painting, which depicts a close-up of a bright blue eye with lashes so lush and skin so velvety, it makes me envious. Painted in oil (and not air brushed as many believe), Karine’s paintings portray women who are strong, confident, and not afraid to look at you directly in the eye.  

1. Nat P. by Karine Bassal / 2. Best purchase: leopard heals! / 3. Loving Mark Rothko / 4. The best thing about MTL? The Jazz Festival / 5. Number one music choice: Janis Joplin / 6. Loving Andy Warhol / 7. Everyone needs a little black dress / 8. Gin and tonic with lime, please! / 9. MM byKarine Bassal

What best defines your style?   

I can't say that I am inspired by just one thing or current. Words come to mind: clean, fresh, sharp, crisp, intense, colourful, edgy... these could be use to describe my aesthetic. I love love love artists Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko. As far as personal style, being the mother of an active two year old, I don't feel like I have much of a fashion style these days. But I used to be a bohemian/hippy/rocker-chick all rolled into one!

Karine Bassal, Madonna, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches (SOLD)

Photograph taken by Christine Guérette, Dimension Plus    

Your husband is a musician. Which are your top three songs?

My all-time-favourites-no-matter-what are anything by Janis Joplin, Tori Amos and Rush (Sam Roberts and Led Zeppelin would be numbers 4 and 5... I'm just sayin'). I love these singers/bands because they are classics that I will never get sick of listening to. They make me feel the most like myself! However, when I’m running on the treadmill, my right-now-favourite-songs-but-I-doubt-I'll-be-listening-to-them-20-years-from-now are "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO and "Moves like Jagger" by Maroon 5.

What is your morning ritual? 

Cheesy but true... my favourite morning ritual is rocking with my son Louka while he drinks his milk and we read books for a half hour. It's a relaxed and snugly way to wake-up and ease into the day before the craziness starts.

What’s the best thing about living in Montreal?

That’s easy: the Jazz Fest. You get awesome shows for free and great people watching guaranteed!

Karine Bassal, La muse (sepia), oil on canvas, 30 x 60 inches (SOLD)

For special orders, please follow the links: Karine Bassal and/or Dimension Plus.

What’s the best fashion-related purchase you have ever made?

My little black strapless dress from Bedo and my 4-inch leopard heels. Oh, and earrings.  Earrings can make you look good with very minimal effort!

Any favourite quotes?  

Gin and tonic with lime, please! (laughs) I’ll go with "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were afraid to have and the decisions we waited too long to make..." These are words I live by.

Photograph taken by The Village Gallery

Colour of the year

My good friends will remember that in 2001, I rocked the colour coral so hard, it was downright embarrassing. Coral sweater, coral t-shirt, coral gauze skirt, coral loafer:  eek.  Brace yourselves my friends, because according to Pantone, the colour of the year is Tangerine Tango! Hello, youth!

From top to bottom : Tangerine Tango Paint swatch from Pantone / Champagne spritzers from Martha Stewart wedding / Decor from Pantone / Dress from H&M / Detail of Georges Mamàn’s Portrait de ville variation 307 / Décor from Upstage Montreal

Check out Glitter Guide for their tangerine-y vision!

Happy feelings

If my friend AJ taught me anything, it’s to embrace colour and buy TOMS shoes. Following this thought process, here are a few things I discovered while window shopping this weekend:

1. Tonic Living pillows / 2. Jonathan Adler bookends from Ludovik / 3. Yellow Pop TOMS shoes found at Little Burgundy / 4. My obsession: moleskine notebooks / 5. Chanel’s new spring collection / 6. Lauren Elan Josie Wrap Bracelet in yellow / 7. Michael Kors Ariana wedge sandals

Llama love

On Mondays, one needs something particularly fantastic to cheer up. A good cup of coffee (check), fantastic art hanging on your office wall (check)… how about a little llama love?

Luc Nadeau’s etching Chez nous, c’est des igloos. I know. It's a camel. But a camel is so close to being a llama, it counts / Madewell’s sold-out (pout) Llama Love Sweater / A friendly llama jar from Etsy