Martine Sainvil | Design Happens

POSTS BY Martine Sainvil

Architectural Digest Home Design Show

by Martine Sainvil March 30, 2009 1 Comment

Last weekend I attended the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. The best part of visiting the show was seeing creative and innovative uses of materials. The worst thing was that most were completely out of my price range (but a girl can dream).

There were many highlights but two of my favorites were Cosmopolitan Glass and Lights Up!, both from Brooklyn.

Cosmopolitan Glass creates beautiful custom glass pieces that can be used as room dividers, shower doors or just as hanging art:

Glass panel by cosmopolitanglass.com

Lights Up! creates beautiful simple lamp shades. The fabrics are soothing and colorful (a combo that is sometimes elusive). Check out these lovely shades:

Lights Up! Meridian lamp, photo from moddecor.com

Even if I couldn’t take home everything I saw at the show, it was great to get some design inspiration.

A Touch of Glamour

by Martine Sainvil March 3, 2009 1 Comment

I recently went to see the revival of Guys of Dolls that just opened on Broadway. The classic musical features a wonderful score, a great cast and a pretty innovative set (go see it if you’re visiting the NYC area). While watching I found myself really loving the 1930’s glamour and wondering how I could bring that home in my own way. In other words not a major makeover but just a little something that sparkled. I love the stylistic shapes that mark art deco (for more on art deco style go to http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/moderncontemporary-architectural-style/index.html). And take a look at the detail of these costumes for another example of this style.

Guys and Dolls 2009

A quick browse through marketplace (http://marketplace.hgtv.com/) and I found these decidedly glamorous vases (for a very desirable price). So I can have a little touch of the style without breaking the bank.

Riedel Vivant Sparkle Vase at Target

Riedel Vivant Balloon Vase at Target

Riedel Vivant Bossa Nova Vase at Target

What are the little things that you have which bring out the spirit of a design for you?

Warm Thoughts in Winter

by Martine Sainvil January 22, 2009 6 Comments

The first Broadway play I ever saw was Proof by David Auburn (it was later turned into a movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jake Gyllenhaal). Admittedly I loved the stage play more than the movie not just because of the way the play unfolded but because all the action took place on a back porch.

Don’t you just love the idea of a porch – sitting outside watching the world go by with the perfect snack and beverage on hand? Waving to those who pass by while swaying on a swing or a rocking chair? Okay maybe my imagination is getting away from me since this is the time of year when I forget what it’s like to be warm and start wondering if summer will ever return (happily it always does).

When that happens I think of porches and one of my favorite places to start is the book On the Porch: Creating Your Place to Watch the World Go By written by James M. Crisp and Sandra L. Mahoney. The photos are gorgeous, the descriptions interesting and the idea divine. I really do love a porch.

There are some amazing examples of porches straight from my dreams on Rate My Space.

My porch essentials include a comfy chair (perfect for naps), a rocking chair or a swing and a table big enough to hold snacks and drinks. What are your porch essentials?