As the crispness of fall fills the air, attention returns to the warmth and comfort of home. Entertaining comes back inside, fires are lit, and the palette and scents are naturally refreshed. To kick off this colorful season, ASPIRE Metro asked designers how fall inspires them in their interiors projects and beyond.
Robin Baron | New York, NY Robin Baron Design Fall is my favorite season of the year. There’s an excitement in the air, and I’m filled with the anticipation of getting back into my high boots and leather jackets. The fall crispness invigorates me, inspiring me to wander around NYC to find new and vintage gems; there is nothing like exploring the city streets of Tribeca, SoHo, the Village and Brooklyn (except walking around the streets of Paris, of course). Ditch the subway, and take to foot! I always say, “You never know where you’ll find inspiration, so always have an open eye and an open mind.”
Jana Manning | Asbury Park, NJ Manning Design Group The return of cool air brings me energy, but it’s a quiet, inner force that replaces the happy, social energy of summer. As mental space opens, I crave solitary experiences to replenish, in nature or in the most alluringly designed interiors and architecture. When I’m in these spaces, I can be “alone in a crowd,” taking in the details. Here are some of my most recent favorites: Les Calanques (also one of my favorite hikes) in Marseille, France; Dia:Beacon in Beacon, NY; and Baccarat Hotel and the renovated New York Palace Hotel in NYC.
Sheila Rich | Monmouth Beach, NJ Sheila Rich Interior Design One of the things that inspires me during the fall is the annual High Point Market in October. There’s a wonderful energy that fills the air, and the new and exciting designs, fabrics, and color trends differ every year. Besides visiting the well-known furniture manufacturers, there’s the thrill of discovering original treasures showcased by unique artisans and new designers. I love reuniting with vendors who come from all over and make an appearance there year after year. However, my biggest inspirations – throughout the entire year – are my clients. Each client and project is special and distinct, and introduces a new design challenge that is both inspiring and energizing.
Phyllis Harbinger | Cortlandt Manor, NY DCI Studio Fall inspires me as a designer in many ways. First, the autumnal hues are incredibly wonderful in the northeast, and I adore being out in nature and enjoying the fall foliage. The variety of texture and color inspires my designs as people transition from outdoor entertaining to fireside chats and cozy gatherings indoors. I am also inspired by our yearly apple-picking trip, on which we enjoy a hayride and some hot cider. Spicy hues like cinnamon, persimmon, Fuji apple red and the yellow found in gourds and squash contrast well with hunter and forest greens – a fabulous fall palette in the making!
Susan Anthony | Montville, NJ Susan Anthony Interiors
Fall is a season of tastes, textures and bold colors; I want to reflect that into my designs. I go to Morris County Farms in Denville, NJ to pick up a couple of spruce trees. Then I head to the flower wholesaler to get wreath forms and succulents to make fall wreaths for myself and my clients. I love taking walks with friends in Pocantico Hills, NY at the Stone Barns, where we eat at their outdoor cafe and shop in the gift shop. On longer walks, I hunt for pinecones of all shapes and sizes. Either I gold leaf the pinecones for table settings, or I pile them in a big bowl along with some fall potpourri. I also purchase large jars of cinnamon cloves and bags of grapefruits to make pomander balls that I mix with a special spice mixture. Sometimes I pile the balls in with the pinecones. The smell is delightful.
Virginia Tesi | New York, NY Virginia Tesi Interior Design, Inc
Sea Bright, NJ It’s hard to imagine loving any other time of the year more than summer. However, as I sit on my terrace and watch the magnificent sunset over the ocean, it occurs to me that fall is upon us, and I look forward to my trip to Woodstock, NY and the turning of the foliage. Between hiking mountains daily and browsing local artisans, I am flooded with new ideas. Why shop where everybody else shops? I always like to have something unique that will end up being the focal point of conversation at my next dinner party.
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