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Casa Interview, Part II: Domino Founding Editor Deborah Needleman (and an Awesome Giveaway!)

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:00:39 -0700

Deborah Needleman, the founding editor of Domino, is a goldmine of savvy advice on decorating your home, honed from years of experience heading up the style-centric magazine as well as decorating her own home. You can read the first half of my interview with her here. Deborah's tips and thoughts on decorating continue in the second half of this interview.

Our homes are really personal spaces. Considering that most of us are shopping from the same few décor retailers and finding inspiration in the same shelter magazines and blogs, how should we go about personalizing our homes?
Every home definitely needs a few old things and a couple unique things. And when most of what we have is mass-produced, it's more important than ever to have some things made by actual human hands, whether it's pottery, rugs, pictures, whatever. It is essential to find a few things that no one else has, whether you find them in a shop, at a tag sale, bring them back from a trip, collect them from nature, or even make them - like just tacking up drawings or notes from friends. Stuff that is meaningful to us, what we love or collect or find is interesting to our guests. I also do think it's really nice to have one really good piece - whether that's a table, rug, chandelier, whatever. It gives your room some substance, some weight - and also ensures it doesn't look like anyone else's.

To read the rest of the interview, read more.

I love your home, which I saw featured in New York magazine a few years ago. I know that you’re a big fan of neutrals and white, or at least you were when that article was written. Are you still a neutrals gal?
Thanks. It's funny, in New York City which is so chaotic and where I get easily overwhelmed, I need to be a neutral gal. It totally calms me down, and keeps my head clear. But upstate, where I feel more relaxed, I love layering patterns and color - florals, suzanis, chintzes, Indian prints, etc. I'm covering my sofa there in purple linen, my study is painted black, and one room is the craziest color green I've ever seen.

I love how your home is elegant and adult-oriented, yet still kid-accessible. What is your advice on and personal experience with creating gorgeous spaces that are also kid-friendly?
I have never understood dumbing down design for kids. No one had kid-friendly homes when I was growing up - people just had the homes they had and their children lived in them! A family home is for adults and children - why on earth would anyone give over their living room to let it look like a play room?! I'll probably get hate mail for this, but aside from a gate so children don't tumble down the stairs, and maybe a lock on the cabinet if you have the kind of children that want to eat the Ajax or whatever, children can be taught that table edges are sharp and that food is to be eaten in the kitchen and that open markers can't be left on the rug!

Other than that, if you have a fairly light palette like I do, you have to accept that you won't have the cleanest house in the world. Fortunately I like a bit of a patina on things! I like that the floor is scuffed by skateboards in part because I love a house where children feel free to run wild, have loads of friends over, and make forts out of the sofa cushions, but also where they have a sense of responsibility and respect for things. Oh, and I have cheap rugs, so if they get destroyed, I won't be sad! And I certainly wouldn't choose a linen velvet sofa fabric if I had to do it again! Kids don't rule the roost, they share it.

Your HomeGoods StyleScope tool helps home decorators find their style. How would you describe your own style?
I think I'm fairly conventional at core - I couldn't have furniture at funny angles or a bed floating in a room or anything too wacky or "fun." I dig symmetry. I like things that are classic in shape and form - not overly embellished, but I appreciate many kinds of design. I think I take this fairly classic base and mess it up a bit. I'm certainly not traditional. I like to layer on personality and quirk with ethnic textiles, cushions, interesting objects, fabrics, and art. I love stuff from India, Morocco, England. Thus, Bohemian Classic.

And to revive a favorite Domino feature of mine, what are 10 things that make you happy?
Hilarious question! Well, first of all, we never let people say their children or their dogs!!! Too boring and obvious.

Nearly all Santa Maria Novella products (if I could only choose one thing, it'd be their potpourri. But I'm crazy about the milk body cream, the honeysuckle perfume, and the pomegranate soap and bath salts). I am obsessed with scent - on my body and in my home!
My veg garden. (Really, seeing my children eat their way through our veg garden, but at Domino I would've edited that out as too sentimental!)
Making flower arrangements for the house.
My white parsons table (I have two) - and a brilliant new parsons side table in the pitch-perfect green color.
Comfy chairs in kitchens and bathrooms.
Cheap weekly blowouts from walk-in, no-appointment places.
Summer dinner outside with friends.
Staying in a lovely hotel room (never a trendy hotel, I like old-school, old-fashioned hotels). I love that nothing belongs to me and the beds are perfectly made. The Duc du St. Simon in Paris is pretty excellent.
Bobbi Brown makeup. Makes you look sun-kissed, not dolled up.
I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't say this, but having a decorator!! Specifically having the genius Rita Konig as a decorator!

Thank you, Deborah! We have a special giveaway for you CasaSugar readers on the way. One of you lucky readers will win a $500 gift card to HomeGoods! Check back for more details about the giveaway later on today!

Casa Interview, Part I: Domino Founding Editor Deborah Needleman (and an Awesome Giveaway!)

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:54 -0700

We design enthusiasts will admit that Domino will always hold a special place in our hearts - and bookshelves. But it was the stable of talented, creative people that truly made the beloved magazine an influence and an inspiration. So I was so delighted to have the chance to catch up with the founding editor-in-chief of Domino and co-author of Domino: The Book of Decorating, Deborah Needleman. It should come as no surprise that she hasn't lost her knack and passion for design.

Deborah's latest project is an exciting, interactive tool that she's created for HomeGoods, called StyleScope, which helps you find your own interior design style and learn to navigate the vast world of décor options. Home Goods, I hope you know, is a wonderful place to find designer home décor at prices 20 to 60 percent lower than department stores, and is also one of my favorite resources for stylish accessories. Deborah was kind enough to share some of her thoughts and tips on design and curating a stylish home that's uniquely you, and give us the lowdown on her life these days!

What are you working on these days? Any exciting projects on the horizon for you?
I am really enjoying the idea of just doing projects, consulting, writing, gardening - I probably shouldn't admit it, but it's quite a good relief to not be working so hard and to have a break from the pressure. I am considering on a couple book projects - one on table settings, another on decorators' gardens, and a more personal book on growing vegetables and flowers.

Before Domino, I was a garden writer - and it's nice to have time to garden like mad again. I'm also talking to people and companies about designing furniture and accessories and starting up new businesses. Sometimes I feel like I'm a professional meeting-taker. Last night the former creative director of Domino [Sara Ruffin Costello] and I hatched a plan to try to redesign all the ugly products at Duane Reade like Kleenex boxes, toothpaste, and shaving cream!

To read the rest of the interview, read more.

For the Summer, I'm just hanging out with my children, gardening, and being as lazy as possible. I've loved working with HomeGoods because oddly the store is a well-kept secret among design snobs - and I love spreading the word about great design sources. That was what Domino was about: sharing ideas and resources. And creating a style quiz was something we wanted to do but never got around to at Domino.

What current trends do you think have staying power?

Decorating that has personality and a sense of reality rather than rooms that are too matchy or too perfect. Rooms that are stiff and lifeless really depress me!! Mixing high and low design and price points will remain chic, and not simply for economic reasons - it shows personality and confidence. Also, now that nearly everyone is interested in design, there is no going back. It's a better decorated world than it used to be, and that is so nice!

What are your favorite go-to resources for furniture? How about accessories?

I am decorating my house upstate (well, really former Domino editor Rita Konig is!) and I can't get enough of the fabrics, rugs, cushions, and accessories from John Robshaw, Madeleine Weinrib, and John Derian.

What’s your number one tip for finding great bargains?
I am married to a man who will buy something truly awful because he "saved so much." Something is only a great bargain if you would want it even if it cost more. I learned from Domino editor Dara Caponigro to never let anything in my house I don't love. Even free stuff is not a bargain if you don't need or love it - it is junk, clutter. Also, you must know your own style more if you're wading through a flea market or garage sale than if you're in a boutique where the owner has done all the taste-editing for you already!

What types of furnishings should one splurge on/invest in? Any to cut back on?

It's so personal. It really only matters what matters to you. I believe in expensive sheets. I like sleeping, and good sheets are a wonderful indulgence.

How did working at Domino influence your own decorating habits or design choices?
As a reader, I craved a magazine like Domino because I was a person who I felt had good taste, but not great style, if you know what I mean. I could never make a decision because I could never decide who I was stylistically or how to express myself!! I surrounded myself at the magazine with people who I thought had great taste and great style (and all rather different style sensibilities actually), and who were all also really smart and nice - so they could teach me and the readers simultaneously. I learned to edit! I learned I could have a lot of different styles I like but just not all at once!!! And I learned to both be braver and to loosen up more. You can't avoid making some mistakes. But truthfully, I also learned that there is a lot to learn, that decorating well isn't easy, and that there are people way better at it than me - and that I still want their help! I love the advice of experts. Sadly, for me, the more I know, the more I know I don't know! Domino also made me realize how important decorating can be to the life of a home, and the life of a family.

This interview will be continued, so stay tuned for more. And we have a special giveaway for you CasaSugar readers on the way! One of you lucky readers will win a $500 gift card to HomeGoods. Check back for the rest of the interview and details about the giveaway tomorrow!

Interview: India Hicks on Top Design

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:59 -0700

In anticipation of Top Design's second season, I recently had the chance to participate in a conference call with the new host, celebrated fashion model and design aficionado India Hicks, as well as world-renowned designer Todd Oldham, who has a moved over to a new role as the contestants' mentor. And, I shared with you Todd's thoughts on everything from the judges to design no-no's. Now, I'm back to you with more from the interview, this time sharing the highlights of what India Hicks had to say. For those of you not familiar with India, she is daughter of famed interior decorator David Hicks and Lady Pamela Hicks, and is the author of several interior design books. Here are some of the highlights:

On the show's new look:

The main difference is going to be that we are really designing outside of the box. [In] Season One they were designing inside these white boxes, and this time we’ve taken our kids out into real places and real settings. You have real professionals designing in real places.

On designing on a budget:

My father, who was a very great designer in the '60s and '70s, had a very famous quote that he said which was, "Good taste and design are by no means dependent upon money." We see it more than ever with the group of contestants we have. I think the producers were very canny about keeping the budgets down low because that really does show who has the good eye and the good talent. If you can make something wonderful from a very small budget, you really do have talent.

To hear more of what India had to say during the call, read more.

On common design mistakes that people fall into:

Now there is this huge trend to have your plasma screen TV right out there in the room. Of course, I was very much brought up hiding the television. The television was an obscure, terrible object that needed to be hidden under a table or inside a cupboard. And indeed, I still live like that. We have televisions hidden in different places throughout the house. Trends change and obviously as times change, we adapt. Of course, my children have a plasma screen TV that they want out and they want to show off that they have this plasma screen TV. I find it’s the height of vulgarity. So, you know, it is a very sensitive question depending on who you’re talking to.

On whether she's ever done set decoration:

Well, I’m constantly being accused that my house is one big set decorated. But I take pride in that and I think that if you care, then you’re constantly reshaping and reformatting the way your house looks.

On the importance of your interiors these days:

I think there’s nothing nicer than having a home that is inviting and tastefully decorated. I think it’s good that we do care and I think this show is going to be very relevant because I think we are seeing a trend in the general public of people beginning to care.

I think also with the economic downturn that we’re going to be seeing, people are going to be spending much more time in their homes. They’re going to be cutting back on the restaurants, holidays and nights out, and I think we want those places to be stylish, warm, and inviting. And they’ve got to be a reflection of who we are as an individual.

I think Top Design is going to be very pertinent right now because of that economic down trend. We are going to be at home watching TV and this is a show that’s going to be showing you how to make your home that stylish, warm, and inviting place.

On Todd's role

Todd is very, very compassionate and I think it fills that role incredibly well, and these kids really relate to him. And I would go in and have to wag my horrible finger, and Todd got the nice bit of being nice and giving them a pat on the back.

On keeping a nicely interior designed house with kids:

My whole life is about kids. But having said that, I’m also very aware that they need to have their area and I need to have mine. And I think I’m blessed with living with space around me so we do have the space, that they’ve got a big playroom where they can be kids. I think even if you live in an apartment in New York, it is very important to keep that compromise. We do need to have room for ourselves to live in an adult environment with usefully styled tables and for the kids to have their space.

On what each contestant brings to the show:

What’s interesting about the contestants that we have on this show is that there’s such a wide variation and background. We have some very, very highly trained professionals which obviously brings a very different edge to the show. There’s a set designer from the Sex in the City. There’s a style editor from Martha Stewart. But we also have some very fresh, new blood on the scene. It’s interesting to see that the collaboration really stimulates the imagination in this instance and that you’ve got the 20-year-old who’s just come out of school, really fresh new look at the world, and then you’ve got the very experienced set designer who’s been on the game for some time.

On designing for your own home:

I think it really is nice to have a home that is a reflection of who we are as an individual. I find that in New York I could have a very minimalistic apartment but I live with a family on an island and so I design in the vernacular. I’m very aware of maintaining the integrity of where I live. When we build here we build in the old style of pitched roofs made of cedar shingles. But there has to be a unique and original twist to it as well. I like to also keep a sense of humor in the designing.

On working with the judges:

I hadn’t met any of them before. Margaret was known to me because my brother and sister-in-law are very much in the design world and they had said, you know, she’s going to be wonderful. Margaret is extremely authoritative with reason. She has a great deal of knowledge. Jonathan, obviously his work I knew because he was heavily influenced by my father, David Hicks, and referenced my father continuously which I respected enormously, as did Kelly. Jonathan is out there in the field, as is Kelly, and so they know and they have both worked their way up to the position they’re in now, so they know what it takes, so that they are in a position to be able to sit there and criticize may be too strong a word, but certainly give their point of view. These are real professionals judging and I think that makes a big difference.

On the guest judges:

Hold onto your seats, guys, because there are a couple of comments coming up from our guest judges that will make you sit up!

On American architecture:

I am a traditionalist, certainly. So naturally, I gravitate towards a tradition style in architecture as well. But, you know, America is a melting pot of so many different nationalities of people and design. From a European point of view or an English point of view, you know, Los Angeles is startling but that’s also what makes it quite special and unique, is the fact that you do have your Disney world of craziness going on there.

On environmental responsibility:

I am a great believer in zoning and in following the guidelines of the area that you live in. I’m very, very, very aware that, you know, island life is very precious and I live in an environment that is - you know, needs to be tended and loved. It is very important that we are very careful with our environment. I live a very responsible life. I do not live a fanatically green life, but I live a responsible life. I want my children to be brought up understanding how fragile our world is.

On the design styles of the wealthy:

Especially in England, you know, you have these wonderful estates that are done in impeccable taste. And then you have these new Russians living in London who can afford things that we couldn’t possibly begin to imagine and design in a very different way. I probably would tend towards the old, slightly dustier way of designing. I was brought up very much with the notion that it was terribly non-you to have actually bought your furniture. You were obviously meant to inherit it.

Stay tuned for more coverage of Top Design in the future!
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Interview: Todd Oldham on Top Design

CasaSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:15:25 -0700

As you may know, Bravo’s series Top Design will be back for its second season on Wednesday, Sept. 3, with a new look, new producers, and a new host. Lucky me, I recently had the chance to participate in a conference call with the new host, celebrated fashion model and design aficionado India Hicks, as well as world-renowned designer Todd Oldham, who has moved over to a new role as the contestant's mentor. It was really a blast to hear from both of them, and I can't wait for the season to begin.

Here are some of the highlights:

On designing on a budget:

It’s an old-fashioned notion to think that style has anything to do with money. Top Design, this season especially, has a great evidence of that because many of the challenges had . . . don’t have anything to do with money but have to do with ingenuity. I’ve seen very, very rich affairs that look pretty awful. So I’ve never been too confused what money gets you.

On common design mistakes that people fall into:

I always find that one of the worst disasters I see is just people having someone else decide what they need around themselves. No matter how beautiful [something] is, if it doesn’t really suit the person I think that’s a much bigger disconnect than maybe having some tastes that everyone might not like.

To hear more of what Todd had to say during the call, read more.

On his new role as mentor:

I’ve been sort of crazy blessed with opportunity right now. My schedule is very tight. When I first joined Top Design, I was able to do both roles, but the amount of time that that requires is off the charts. So I was able to just really kind of clear the schedule for the mentor, which I was happy [about] because that’s my favorite part.

This was the no homework job. It was really fun just to get to show up and be very present. It was really fun and organic. I love being in the moment and reacting, and sort of responding to the energy from the contestants because, you know, they’re - I wouldn’t say they’re in panic mode, but they’re about as revved up as they can get.

On the judges (Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, and Margaret Russell):

I think all of - what I was impressed about all the judges is that they’re fans of design. There’s no, you know, no one’s a brutal nightmare. All the information is constructive. I think that the contestants are really lucky to have such fair sort of, you know, good-hearted judges.

On what each contestant brings to the show:

It’s very nice to mix it up. I actually always prefer some idea influenced by more of an outsider point of view. LA and New York are terrific but, you know, the influences here are very broad and sophisticated. Sometimes being sort of less exposed or exposed to more hybrid ideas leads you down more interesting paths.

That’s what’s great about this show. There’s like, there’s every kind of person and thought process you could find. There was all kinds of ages, points of view, ethnicities. It’s really - it’s an interesting microcosm of design and also the world. It’s a really good mixed point of view.

On his preference for design styles (mid-century v. traditional):

Most of my friends are a little more eccentric and [have] kind of gone more the individual route. I think ultimately it’s a hybrid of anything that leads us to more interesting ways. So I think the Frank Lloyd Wright house with the big mushy cushions might be a better way to go about it.

On his own home's style:

Mine’s very cozy. I think I have a different philosophy about home and design than others because I find a lot of people, clients, like the design to end. I think of it more as a garden where it’s just constantly going and adding to, and painting on top of, and layering in. I have a lot more fun with that. So then I don’t get so attached, and it makes it more interesting.

Stay tuned to hear what India Hicks had to say!
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Midday Muse: An Ikea Interview Exam

CasaSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:53 -0700

Somehow, this manages to belittle all my memories of interview angst . . .
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Casa Interview: Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:30:18 -0700

Yesterday, I introduced you to Christiane Lemieux, the founder and creative director of one of my all-time favorite textile companies, DwellStudio, in the first half of my interview. Dwell Home Furnishings, her original company, was founded in 1999, and later joined by partner and vice president of sales Jennifer Chused and Joshua Young, who is president, CEO, and also Christiane's husband. The company is well known for its vibrant, well-designed textiles. Recently, DwellStudio partnered with Target to offer a less expensive line of textiles. Recently, Christiane took the time to answer some of my questions about her company, her new line for Target, and her inspirations.To see the second half of my interview with Christiane, as well as to find out how you can ask Christiane your own question just read more.

CasaSugar: What do you find most exciting about working with Target?

Christiane Lemieux: The most exciting thing about working with Target is the opportunity to bring my designs to such a large audience. I am so thrilled to be able to offer great designs at great value. Working with Target, I’ve also been able to explore designing new product categories like nursery furniture.

CasaSugar: What trends do you foresee for bedding and textiles?
Christiane Lemieux: I think that interior textiles and fashion are getting more seamless. They are influencing each other much more directly. I think there is going to be lots of color in the near future. Big bold color. That is the biggest trend in fashion now.

CasaSugar: What should readers look for when choosing bedding?
Christiane Lemieux: The most important thing to look for is the fabrication - more than the thread count! I think thread count is so overrated. The feel of the bedding is in the quality of the yarn not the thread count. I think you have to know if you are a crisp person, a soft person, a slippery person, or a fuzzy person. I think bedding is very personal. Some people like sateens that are soft and a little slippery. Cotton percale is crisp and cool. Flannel is fuzzy and warm and gets really soft when you wash it. Linen is great because it’s cool and has a great texture but you have to love the iron. It’s best to start there and then add in your design direction. That way you will still be happy when you are in bed with the lights off and the design of your bedding ceases to matter.

CasaSugar: What’s coming up for DwellStudio and DwellStudio for Target? Anything exciting on the horizon?
Christiane Lemieux: There are exciting things on the horizon for the DwellStudio for Target collection but you'll have to go to the store and see! It would not be exciting if I told you!!

Thanks for visiting with us, Christiane! If you have a question you need answered about textiles, bedding, or bedroom design, just leave a comment below. Five readers will have their questions answered by Christiane in the near future.

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Casa Interview: Christiane Lemieux of DwellStudio (Part 1)

CasaSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:00:48 -0700

Christiane Lemieux is the founder and creative director of one of my all-time favorite textile companies, DwellStudio. Dwell Home Furnishings, her original company, was founded in 1999, and later joined by partner and vice president of sales Jennifer Chused and Joshua Young, who is president, CEO, and also Christiane's husband. The company is well-known for its vibrant, well designed textiles. Recently, DwellStudio partnered with Target to offer a less expensive line of textiles. Recently, Christiane took the time to answer some of my questions about her company, her new line for Target, and her inspirations.To see my interview with Christiane, as well as to find out how you can ask Christiane your own question just read more.

CasaSugar What are your inspirations for your designs?

Christiane Lemieux I look for inspiration everywhere – buildings, billboards, store fronts and people on the street. Living is New York is inspiring because I am constantly bombarded with design, color and culture. This definitely translates into my designs. I am also a hunter – I love to comb flea markets, antique stores, and art galleries for inspiration. When you look to the past you can find really interesting color combinations.

CasaSugar How did you first get interested in designing bedding?
Christiane Lemieux I worked for a home furnishings company as a designer so I was looking at homes and how we live. Bedding and textiles are the blank canvases in a home. It’s on these surfaces that you can add color, pattern and texture. This really interests me because this is where you can add the drama in a home in a way that can be changed. It’s the fashion in a home.

CasaSugar Has becoming a mom influenced your designs?
Christiane Lemieux Absolutely! I know so much more about how kids interact with their environments and how they affect them. The décor of your child’s room has a huge impact. They are taking in this environment on a daily basis. I am so proud of our product because not only do I like the designs but the colors and icons have given me a jumping point for a daily dialog with my daughter (my son is only 5 months so our dialog is mostly laughing). She has learned all her colors and shapes and the animal icons in her room are the starting point for stories every day. I think the great thing about good design is that it changes the way we see things and this is especially true with children.

CasaSugar What’s it like working with your husband?
Christiane Lemieux Interesting, challenging, and rewarding in ways I would never have guessed. It is challenging because work gets mixed up in your personal life. As much as we try – it does come home with us. I also have more time with my husband than I would ever have bargained for so carving out some time for me is important. I think it’s interesting because it is stressful but I really respect my husband in new ways that I probably would not if I did not work with him. I know how competent, intelligent and hardworking he is. That makes me respect him beyond the traditional boundaries of a marriage because I experience it first hand. All in all I think it’s made our marriage better but I think the key with being in business with your spouse is that you have very different skill sets. I think it’s hard when both people are creative or both people want to run the finances. When you have your own space and a well defined role I think husband and wife teams can work very well together.

For the rest of the interview, tune in tomorrow! And if you have a question you need answered about textiles, bedding, or bedroom design, just leave a comment below. Five readers will have their questions answered by Christiane in the near future.

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In The News: Method's Founders Dish the Dirt

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Since I've been chatting with you this month about ways to clean green, I knew you'd also be interested in hearing from Method's co-founders Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry, who recently gave an in-depth interview to one of my favorite green websites, Grist. In the interview, they discuss their new book Squeaky Green, their newest product (toilet bowl cleaner!), and ways that Method has brought green cleaners into the mainstream.

One of my favorite answers in the interview is when Grist asks the duo what most surprised people about conventional cleaners; Ryan responds, "The light bulb goes off the most [with] things that seem so obvious but you never stop to think about it. [Like] the idea that you clean your tub with toxic cleaner, but then you soak in it afterward." Now that's something to think about. Read the whole interview here.
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Chatting With the west elm Winner

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:19:48 -0700

As promised, we're going to take some time in the next few weeks to chat with Kavi484, who has won the west elm sweepstakes, worth $5,000 in west elm merchandise.

Over the next few weeks, we'll bring you some interview questions with Kavi484, to learn more about her personal style, take a peek into her current digs, and find out how winning the sweepstakes will change her home life!

To hear and see more about Kavi484's decorating style, just read more

CasaSugar: How would you describe your home décor style?

Kavi484: My décor style definitely tends toward dark woods, rich textures, and earthy, bold colors. I guess you could call it “ethnic” if you wanted to describe it using a single adjective. My parents are from India, and I have definitely been influenced by an Indian aesthetic in the colors and styles that I like. Both the way I dress and the way I would decorate a home reflect that heritage – I wear lots of bright colors and bold patterns, often mixed together, and that is how I would decorate my home as well. I also like to wear bold makeup and tons of jewelry, and similarly I tend to have lots of knickknacks and accessories in my home. I have a big collection of Indian textiles I’ve been amassing since college, just waiting to be put to use in my “grown-up” home after I graduate from law school! They are in a mix of colors, patterns, and textures, which is very “me.”

I also love to sew, and have often put that skill to use in decorating. In college, I made curtains for my apartment out of an old silk sari that once belonged to my roommate’s mother – a deep teal with magenta borders and gold threadwork. I’ve also sewed slipcovers for chairs, duvet covers for my bed, etc. I have a pair of Isaac Mizrahi for Target tea towels with that bold, photographic pink poppy on them (the one he also put on a duvet cover) that are just waiting to be made into throw pillow covers!

Casa Interview: The Good Wife's Stephen Hendrickson and Beth Kushnick

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:28 -0800

As I've mentioned in the past, I'm a huge fan of the new CBS series The Good Wife. In particular, I adore Alicia Florrick's (Julianna Margulies) apartment. With classic styling and great use of color, it's definitely a look I'm currently coveting. Luckily, I recently had the opportunity to chat with the two people responsible for the look of that very apartment. The Good Wife's production designer, Stephen Hendrickson, and set decorator, Beth Kushnick, answered my questions about the look of Alicia's home.

CasaSugar: How did the production designer and set decorator define Alicia (as a starting-over mom, lawyer, etc.), and how did this play into their concept of her new apartment?

Hendrickson and Kushnick: We defined Alicia as a working mom who wanted to make a comforting life for her kids as they had to downsize from a large house in the suburbs to a much smaller apartment which she purchased and had renovated. We kept some furniture from the old house like the kids' beds and the dining room furniture. In addition the show creators wanted to keep Alicia's king size bed as a visual - that it was too big for her new bedroom and show that one side of it was now empty. We also created a maid's room in the back of the apartment for all of her husband's belongings.

CasaSugar: How did Alicia’s style as a North Shore mom change when she moved into Chicago proper?

Hendrickson and Kushnick: Her new apartment had a sophisticated color palette . . . Alicia's apartment also has more contemporary living room furnishings and an upgraded kitchen.

Read the rest of the interview, and check out photos of the set.