The festive season is upon us, with Halloween right around the corner and leaves changing all around us, we’ve been busy working on projects from Connecticut to the Hamptons. We are constantly pausing, if even for just a few moments, to stop and enjoy the bright leaves and the sunsets over the water (even if it’s while we are on a job site!). We’re grateful to work in this beautiful part of the country, especially this time of year, which is why this month I’m….
Obsessed with: Fall in New England
Need I say more? This season in the Northeast never ceases to amaze me. Lately, we’ve spent so much time in the quiet, picturesque Hudson Valley, home to those looking to enjoy a quiet life and still be just an hour from the city, including Richard Gere, Ralph Lauren, Rob Thomas and our clients, Bruce Willis and Emma Heming. Filled with equestrian estates and rolling hills, the Hudson Valley also puts on a breathtaking autumn show.
Even if you aren’t looking to live there, I highly recommend taking a fall weekend trip to the cute towns for farmers markets, hikes, or charming boutique shopping. A little further North is the town of Hudson, one of my favorite spots!
Things I’m Loving Right Now: Cozy Throws
Every location, home, and time of year can inspire different textures for us here at LTW Design. And for our projects this October, we’ve been all about two materials in particular.
C a s h m e r e
Luxurious, soft, and impossible to keep your hands off. Layering spaces with cashmere is guaranteed to add a level of warmth that whispers, “Come rest and recharge.” We love bringing in a cashmere throw to style a sofa or end-of-bed bench.
M o h a i r
This is a longtime favorite texture for us, perfect for adding an element of sophistication to a space. Just looking at it makes you want to grab a book and get comfy. It’s also versatile. Try incorporating Mohair via a throw, pillow, or even a rug.
A l p a c a
So soft + cozy, alpaca has become our go-to throw for everyone on the LTW team. We all own at least one of these.
Project of the Month: Pondfield Project
We’re so excited to launch our Pondfield Project, a gorgeous home we staged in the Hudson Valley with a long tree lined driveway, private barn, pond in the backyard and situated on equestrian riding lanes. The sellers completely transformed this antique farmhouse into a chic + modern one with a hands-on full scale renovation. When it came time to list it, they turned to us to adorn the house with our furnishings and finishing touches.
The $6 million home, an exclusive off-market listing, radiates refined tranquility. We were inspired by the wood beams and generous natural light-filled spaces to use soft neutrals and textures to highlight the focal points.
Taking cues from the home’s inviting design, we loved mixing materials throughout this project. In the living room, a shagreen coffee table sitting in front of the stone fireplace grounds the vast space, while white sofas and textured throws add a comfortable and airy feel.
While we created a pretty monochromatic palette throughout, there was one room that called for our blue velvet swivel chairs. The living room with it’s chic BOLD black floor and exposed stone wall quickly became our favorite.
What’s in my Closet: Breaking Rules . . .
White After Labor Day
Some fashion rules are worth breaking, and for me, that is absolutely the “no white pants after Labor Day” rule. Is it even a rule anymore?! A staple in my wardrobe, I’m unapologetically still wearing white pants and will be all winter.
Pro Tip: Minimalist Halloween Decor
Yes, for all of us minimalists out there, it IS possible to be festive and not have your house end up looking like a Halloween aisle at your local party store. Instead, we recommend keeping it simple by stepping out into your backyard, walk to a park nearby, or hit the hiking trail to find the ultimate styling accessory: Branches.
The larger the better, place them in a vase, add some stretched cotton balls for cobwebs and you have your minimalist touch of Halloween. See below for a few other ideas of how we do Halloween.
Stay safe and take lots of pics this Halloween. We are excited to share our upcoming collaboration with an extremely talented artisan in next month’s edit!