Christopher Spitzmiller, Inc. features a wide range of luxurious ceramic lamps, tableware, and accessories.
46 SEAN O'HARA O'Hara Studios: Contemporary Sculptural Furniture
60 THE KIRKPATRICK COLLECTION RETURNS TO NEW ENGLAND
A group of artfully conceived, impeccably crafted contemporary occasional pieces for the highend residential market.
NUTS & BOLTS
118 RICHARD MISHAAN DESIGN: A Glimpse Inside the Book... Architecture and Interiors
126 EVENTS: Boston Design Center Fall Market
130 OUR BOOKSHELF: Five Books Past and Present to Inspire Your Seasonal Reading List
131 IN PRACTICE: Business Refresh 132 M|G EVENTS
ARCHIVEs
McLean Lighting: English Street Lights
There are so few moments for spontaneity these days but immersing ourselves in the creative and joyous side of hosting and sharing with each other this time of year, allows us to become filled with the meaning behind it all. As Christopher Spitzmiller shares with us in this issue, “[hosting] is the greatest gift you can give someone.” I would add that time is also the most precious gift we can give to one another.
Time has flown by; can you believe this is our fifth issue of this publication. It all started in a way to share the best of our partners, their stories, and the rich history we have here at M-Geough. In another words, the gifts and talents of the individual people really make you and your clients home special and unique.
Sometimes the gifts we receive come when we least expect it, something I am learning firsthand. Unexpectedly, M-Geough now as a new employee and as I write my message, Kevin, a four-and-a-half-monthold French bulldog is sitting in my lap. Over the last few days, he has been demanding my attention and demanding my time, something that I know I surely take for granted. I look into his dark eyes and it’s as if he’s asking for me to just stop and enjoy the moment of us being together. Truthfully, it’s a message we all should hear.
This year we have so much to be grateful for, our wonderful friends and colleagues, our manufacturers and partnerships, a wonderful team here and the long history of being a part of homes across the region, country and even the world. Home is indeed where we share with those we love and create memories for a lifetime…and most importantly, spend our precious time.
On behalf of Jim, Susan, our entire team, oh and Kevin too, I extend the warmest wishes of comfort, glad tidings and joy for a bright holiday season and blessed New Year!
ERIC HAYDEL Creative Director
Happy holidays from M-Geough, and it's my pleasure to introduce you to our final issue of 2023, the M|G Magazine Fall/Winter Issue “Returning Home.”
The winter season is a time for reconnecting with loved ones, indulging in cozy comforts, and preparing for the year ahead. It's a time to reflect, recover, and enhance our surroundings with home designing. From stylish decor to thoughtful gift ideas, we've got your back.
With this in mind, my home office is the place I go to dream up ideas. It needs to be a separate space where I can get away to be creative and have quiet time. I am grateful my home doubles as my workplace, inspiring me with every table I set and shelf I organize.
A comfortable workspace is key for your productivity. My must-haves include: an ergonomic chair, an efficient desk , and ample lighting. Being able to take in the landscape and enjoy a change of scenery helps keep me motivated throughout the day, so a window to gaze out of - whether I'm at a trendy café or my humble abode is essential.
The decor should reflect your personality which leans towards a blend of vintage and modern. I find that a single piece can influence an entire room, like vintage brass sculptures or framed artwork which were gifted from my mom. My collections of ceramics and plants help the ambiance which is both stimulating and peaceful.
new, gorgeous lighting fixtures. I'm a firm believer that lighting can be art in your home; there are so many options with which to express your spirit and personality, like the Draper Table Lamp from Matthew Studios or the Branch Table Lamp by Boyd Lighting, which you will see a selection of favorites in this issue's Editor's Picks!
We hope you find the inspiration for the rooms in your life—perhaps for a space that takes you away from your routine and is a haven for your imagination.
Let's get to work!
ANDREW LEVINE Brand Marketing Manager andrew@m-geough.com
PHOENIX DAY
WWW.PHOENIXDAY.COM
PRESIDENT | CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ERIC HAYDEL
BRAND MARKETING MANAGER
ANDREW LEVINE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
HALEY ABRAM
DEVRA FIRST
SAXON HENRY
KITKEMP.COM
JACQUELINE TERREBONNE
COPY EDITOR
SUSAN M-GEOUGH
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & DESIGNERS
HALEY ABRAM
ANTHONY BELLOMO
XANDER BROWN
BILL DAMON
DIGBOSTON
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
GENEVIEVE GARRUPPO
ALAN HUETT
ERIC KILBY
MAX KIM-BEE
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
THOMAS LOOF
NIC MCPHEE
J RANDALL POWERS
GEORGE ROSS
SMART DESTINATIONS
SOWA BOSTON
CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER
BROOKE TRISOLINI
LIZA VOLL
ASHLEY WHITTAKER
Interiors
MATTHEW STUDIOS
Photography by Marco Ricca &
Quinn Table Agate
M | G TEAM
PRESIDENT | CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ERIC HAYDEL
ERIC@M-GEOUGH.COM
VICE PRESIDENT
SUSAN M-GEOUGH
SUSAN@M-GEOUGH.COM
SENIOR SALES | FURNITURE & LIGHTING
MICHAEL REBOLO
MICHAEL@M-GEOUGH.COM
SENIOR SALES | FABRICS & WALLCOVERING
KRISTINA EICHOLZER
FABRICS @M-GEOUGH.COM
FABRICS & WALLCOVERING
REANNA MARTH
FABRICS @M-GEOUGH.COM
SENIOR SALES | CONTRACT STACEY WHITE STACEY @M-GEOUGH.COM
BRAND MARKETING MANAGER
ANDREW LEVINE ANDREW@M-GEOUGH.COM
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT | OFFICE MANAGER KELLY SHORT ADMIN @M-GEOUGH.COM
CHAIR OF THE BOARD JIM M-GEOUGH JIM@M-GEOUGH.COM
SUBSCRIPTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFO@M-GEOUGH.COM
ADVERTISING SALES INFO@M-GEOUGH.COM
CONTACT THE EDITOR
If you have comments or suggestions of products you would like to see, please contact: INFO@M-GEOUGH.COM
Charleston Wallpaper by Eric Haydel in Collaboration with Waterhouse Wallhanging s Bottom to Top | Oyster, Olive, & Mediterranean Sky
Waterhouse Wallhangings & Thomas Strahan waterhousewallhangings.com
Holiday Host GIFT GUIDE
Delight your host and say “thanks” with these thoughtful presents.
Attending dinner parties and visiting someone else’s home for the weekend are a joy, but choosing the perfect present to express your gratitude to the host can often feel like a challenge. The best hostess gifts are thoughtful, perhaps a little luxurious, and always attuned to their tastes.
“Good gifts include gourmet olive oil, embroidered linen napkins, monogrammed coasters, flowers in a vase, specialty coffees or teas, and anything chocolate,” says Jacqueline Whitmore, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach.
‘Tis the season to be jolly–and generous!
Estelle Colored Glass Stemless 2-Piece Wine Glass Set
These vibrant and colorful stemless wine glasses are a thoughtful gift for any wine lover and design enthusiast.
Via Carota Classic Negroni
Perfectly mixed and ready to serve, this classic negroni brings a taste of Italy to any party.
Pri
Chess Set
Entertaining becomes even more enjoyable with this beautifully designed chess set that can provide hours of fun during your time as a guest and long beyond.
Spice House Best Sellers Collection
Treat your host to an array of world-class flavors with this spice collection. From garlic pepper butcher’s rub for the barbecue to shallot and herb seasoning to elevate even the most simple of salmon dishes, the set truly has something for everyone.
This stunning dried flower arrangement is a long-lasting token of appreciation that will add a touch of nature to your host's home.
Creatoshopp Custom Pet Portrait
Ideal for devoted pet parents, this custom pet portrait will bring a personalized touch to your host’s home decor and make them smile whenever they look at it.
Harlem Candle Co. Josephine Reed Diffuser
This luxury reed diffuser from Harlem Candle Company is inspired by the legendary performer Josephine Baker. The sophisticated scent adds an air of opulence and culture to any home.
Ladurée Mon Chou 12 Macarons Gift Box
Box of gourmet French macarons is a sophisticated treat that your host is sure to appreciate.
Nautical Dream Lobster Embroidered Cotton Napkins
Give your host the gift of whimsical elegance with these lobster-embroidered cotton napkins. They're the ideal finishing touch to any coastal-themed or summer dinner party.
Oblong Wooden Jewelry Trinket Dish – Ocean
A custom gift always feels special, and this personalized wood resin jewelry trinket dish is no exception. It’s the perfect solution for displaying your perfumes and skincare or a stylish place to set your keys and loose change when you walk in the door.
The Chef's Kiss
Our Earthly Delights bundle features products for the Michelin chef with a sweet tooth.
Biointensive Native Wildflower Honey
100% raw, unfiltered, antioxidant-rich honey, with powerful plant compounds from avocados, citrus and macadamias.
Mini Salsa Macha
Earth smoked Chipotle, crushed Red Peppers, Garlic, and Himalayan Salt in a base of our Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Our Olive Oil is made from hand-picked, organic Olives grown in family-owned farms in California.
BergHOFF Stainless Steel Herb Cutter, and Wood Cutting Bowl
Add flavor to your homemade dishes with some freshly cut herbs. Chopping and mincing parsley, basil, mint, etc. with the Leo herb cutter is a real pleasure thanks to the harmonious curves of the half-moon-shaped cutter and the concave cutting bowl.
Pint Club
Every month, recipients receive a curated selection of four flavors (often before they’re on sale) delivered directly to their doorstep.
Cocktail Smoking Ki t
This easy-to-use smoker kit imparts the subtle taste and aroma of smoke to handcrafted cocktails. A lovely way to create different flavor profiles for old standbys such as Manhattans and Old-Fashioneds, you can also experiment with smoke-forward drinks such as a Dragon's Breath. To lend a smoky taste to your favorite cocktail, light the included pellets and invert the carafe on top. Stopper when smoke collects, pour cocktail ingredients into carafe and swirl.
Williams Sonoma x Sheila Bridges
Harlem Toile Double Wall Ice Bucket
Cocktail hour meets urban cool. Trimmed in polished brass, this handcrafted ice bucket features a Harlem-inspired toile de Jouy by designer Sheila Bridges. The durable container is made of enameled and lacquered stainless steel to add eyecatching style while keeping ice close and chilled.
Safe-T Designer Fire Extinguisher | Cocktails & Drinks
Beat the fire without having to kill style! A beautiful reminder to always be prepared for any disaster, Safe-T Fire Extinguishers will finish the job during unexpected fires! Why buy a boring fire extinguisher when you can take home a fun and classy one. Perfect for housewarming gifts that everyone needs. Forget the cabinet and place it on your tabletop for a show stopper.
Sand Dollar Bowl
Recall lazy days wandering by the waves. Our sand dollar bowl captures the radial symmetry of these iconic echinoderms.
THESE EDIBLE DECORATIONS WILL
EDIBLE BROWNIE PINE CONES
INGREDIENTS
BROWNIES
170g butter
200g dark chocolate
160g plain flour
50g cocoa powder
3 eggs
200g caster sugar
60g light brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
FILLING
6 tbsp caramel sauce
CEREAL PINE CONE
Coco pops chocos
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Melt the dark chocolate and butter in the microwave, 20 secs at a time. Set aside to cool for min 5 mins.
2. Mix the eggs, sugar & vanilla extract with an electric beater/stand mixer until creamy, fold in the slightly cooled chocolate butter mix with a spatula.
3. Sieve the flour and cocoa together, add to the wet ingredients, fold in with spatula.
4. Bake at 340 F and let coll for 25 mins.
5. Once the brownies have cooled remove the crust off the top of the brownies.
6. Break up the brownies and add to a bowl. Roll the brownies into 6 pine cone shapes.
7. Place them in the fridge for 30 mins.
8. Cut a hole in the top then pour in the caramel sauce. Place the piece of brownie you cut out back on top to seal the caramel inside.
9. Starting from the top, push the cereal into the brownies all the way around, then continue on the row below until you reach the bottom.
COLOUR STORIES
Colour Stories that are delicious enough to eat up, celebrate the season of inspiration with our favorite holiday fruit inspired palettes.
ORANGES & PERSIMMONS
douglas chair and stool
minton - spidell . com
PEARS & NUT S
CRANBERRIES, RASPBERRIES & POMEGRANATES
TEXTILES & WALLCOVERING
1) Marvic: Safari, Berry 2) Templeton: Indore, Red 3) Waterhouse Wallhangings: Pomegranate, Red and White 4) Twigs: Arbor Day, Beige 5) Johnstons of Elgin: Sonnet Sateen, Pillarbox 6) Korla: Vida, Parchment 7) Jacques Bouvet: Cannes, Nantucket Red 8) Johnstons of Elgin: Tempo Herringbone, Bakewell
Be it ever so heinous, there’s no place like home.
-The Grinch, Jim Carrey, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
IN CONVERSATION
CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER
CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER INC.
W
hat does hosting mean to you?
I think it’s the greatest gift you can give friends: to put together a meal, set a simple (or sometimes an elaborate!) table and most importantly make your guests feel welcomed and loved.
You’ve renovated and created the most beautiful home in the country, as well as you still have your apartment in the city. How does hosting differ in each location?
In Millbrook, I have a ‘real’ kitchen: a stove with good ventilation and space to work. In the city I have a mini stove with no ventilation, so I cook things like cheese soufflés. Or if I am pinched for time, there is no harm in ordering in. I set the table the night before and do as much as I can ahead of time. The number one rule in
Image on the right: Christopher Spitzmiller and his husband Anthony Bellomo at their countryside farm home in Hillbrook, NY. Image above: Tigerlilies in action! This table setting by Bellomo accents the 18th century Chinese export wallpaper with the right amount of whimsy and thoughtfulness.
Image: Christopher Spitzmiller's country kitchen at Clove Brook Farm in Millbrook, NY. Image right: Beautiful table setting for lunch with a Lisa Fine Charlotte lilac tablecloth, blue marble plates from Christopher Spitzmiller INC., and some antique Spode Sporting Plates.
entertaining is to be a relaxed and welcoming host. I have made that cheese soufflé recipe so many times, all I really need to look at the recipe for is the amounts of eggs, cheese and butter. I know the rest by heart. I think every good host should have five different meals they can make with their eyes closed. The more basic the recipe, the better…everyone loves a good roast chicken. For big parties I make a beef stew that gets better if it’s made a day or two ahead.
When you have guests over for either
a weekend or just an overnight, what is one thing they should expect? Should they plan to bring anything?
If it’s a small group, I don’t mind having friends in the kitchen when I cook. I try to accept help and think of a few things so I can include any guests who want to help. However, I am not keen on having friends do the dishes!
What is your most favorite gift given to you from a guest who stayed in your home?
Image above: Porcelain leaf bowl and cherries, a gift to Christopher Spitzmiller from friend and ceramist Clare Potter.
Clare Potter—who is a potter extraordinaire—has given me a piece almost every Christmas over the years. One year she made eggs (after some from the farm) out of clay with Japanese anemones around them. A bowl of cherries is my all-time favorite. As an artist, giving a piece of your own work is the best gift.
As the days get longer and your gardens covered with snow, how do you keep the inside of your home as lush and festive and your garden?
I’m so thankful that we have fresh flowers year-round. My husband Anthony Bellomo has a home and garden shop in Millbrook called Orangerie, so there are always fresh flowers, even in winter. I force a lot of bulbs over the winter like paper whites and hyacinth. We have a big collection of house plants, topiary and begonias. Bunny Williams
Images on this page: Bellomo at his garden shop in Millbrook, NY called Orangerie.
Images on this page: Spitzmiller and Bellomo's garden at their country farm home hosts a plethora of flowers including these stunning Annabelle Hydrangeas. Image below: Bellomo has been shaping the five Hicks yew topiary. The white phlox, variety David, are in bloom.
Image: Spitzmiller enchants us with his Easter table setting. Fern patterned cloth from Cowtan & Tout NY Showroom, lettuce chargers by Dodie Thayer, James Robinson Inc., flatware by Staffordshire Rabbits and faux bois cache pots from Christopher Spitzmiller Inc. filled with flowers from Orangerie Garden and topped with Icelandic Poppies from Bear Creek Farm to add a bright pop of color.
Fresh Cut Olive Branches
One of the oldest symbols of peace, fresh cut olive branches craft idyllic and chic serenity. Imagine: woody stems adorned with dusty silver-green leaves create a fabulous backdrop for focal flowers; olive berries hang from the branches, adding a textural accent for your arrangements.
A rare evergreen shrub that is prized for its elegant and gracefully arching habit. Rich green foliage throughout the year. Inconspicuous flowers followed by showy orange - red fruits in fall and winter. Excellent as a cut green.
HOLIDAY GREENS REMIX
GUNNI eucalyptus stem
Perfect for creating full arrangements with its many shoots from one stem. You can break the stem down and use the shoots to elongate its usage. Another workhorse greenery with a great bang for your buck.
Italian Ruscus Greenery
A classic foliage, this emerald greenery adds a dainty, soft touch to sweet and serene flower arrangements. This versatile greenery is an affordable way to make your designs go far. The individual branch sections can be used to create boutonnieres or corsages. These humble leaves are an ideal accent for bouquets and arrangements focused more on the flowers than abundant greenery.
Alexandrian Laurel or Poet’s Laurel
taught me the rule that every room should have something green in it. A little living plant requires care and makes you go into your different rooms at least once a week to water and care for them.
You and Anthony are some of the most gracious hosts. What are two or three things that are musts for when you are hosting guests in your home?
Offering a guest something to drink: wine, tea, and coffee. Have something to nibble on. I put out nuts or some William Poll Cheese spreads or maybe some pheasant sausage. Serve a good meal. We like to offer a buffet where guests can pick what they like and the amounts they like and encourage them to go back for more if they care to.
At Nantucket by Design, you mentioned that you and Anthony baked your own wedding cake. What is your favorite dessert to share with guests over the holidays?
Anthony is a great baker. I tend to cook the main dishes and he does the dessert. At Christmas, he makes an award winning, show stopping Bûche de Noël. I make the meringue mushrooms to go on it as well as my grandmother's hot fudge sauce.
Top three favorite playlist/or songs for background music?
I’m musically illiterate, so Anthony manages the playlists. I don’t think you can go wrong with soft jazz.
What is one of your favorite host gifts to bring someone?
I like to bring eggs from the farm or jam I have made myself – peach saffron, strawberry rhubarb, or raspberry. All these gifts are from the heart, and I think those are the most special.
Images on the left page: At Christmas, Bellomo made an award winning, Bûche de Noël. He's taken Spitzmiller's mother's traditional Christmas chocolate roll, and brought it to an entirely different level. The sheet of chocolate infused sponge cake is still filled with a simple whipped cream, but after rolling it, Bellomo coated the outside of the cake with whipped chocolate ganache and made the "bark" using the tines of a fork.
Images on this page: Spitzmiller's favorite gifts to give hosts is always from the heart including these amazing variety of coloful eggs from Clove Brook Farm and his handmade local peach saffron jam. "Last summer Martha Stewart gave me the tip to not peel the peaches. I think it adds favor and saves time."
And finally, if you were planning the prefect party and could invite anyone in the world, who would it be?
Good friends! People who are additive and get along with each other. At our wedding a few guests sat in the wrong seat and I don’t think it mattered at all since everyone we hang out with mixes with everyone else. I see Ashley Whittaker every weekend and Martha Stewart is here a lot. They are both interesting people on their own but are both also interested in meeting other interesting friends. A good guest has to be an additive person. The old adage applies, ‘sing for your supper!’
Hand
Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina
Image on the left: Great friends and additive people are truly key to enjoying a lovely evening, says Spitzmiller. Some of them are (lf to rt): Bellom, Spitzmiller, Ashley Whittaker & Timothy Whealon. Image above: Spitzmiller and Martha Stewart at his wedding.
"Tactile relations with my designs are crucial to my process. My creativity peaks when I am in the workshop, covered in dust, sculpting with chisel or rasp in hand. Touch is a powerful sense that guides me, which is distinctive in the design world."
-Sean O'Hara
SEAN O'HARA COLLABORATIONS: A HOUSTON PENTHOUSE
by Saxon Henry & 212box
Sean is a designer and sculptor whose work crosses the boundaries between art and design. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1996; then headed to Vienna, Austria, for his graduate studies. His wife Cynthia, also a graduate of RISD, manages the business and marketing aspects of their remarkable studio. She is also a talented fabricator who
loves to experiment with metals and finishing techniques. We appreciate their drive to create unique pieces and to consistently release new collections.
We celebrate the day these two visionaries joined forces. Cynthia was the catalyst, as Sean had an established studio and been designing pieces for others for many years. “One day Cynthia came through my studio, observing
Waikato Seat
O'HARA STUDIOS
Jack Table Gold
some of my studies in wood sculpting” he explains. “She said, ‘I’d like to develop that. Let's create a furniture company.” It was the mix of marketing and business training in Cynthia’s background intermingled with her art degree and her involvement in the high-end furnishing industry for more than 20 years that fostered the dynamic potential they have realized.
To say that Sean’s work is varied is an understatement. “I feel my work does not neatly fit into a category,” he says. “My designs are informed by my sculptural research. It is my belief, the materials inform the artisan/designer to guide them toward what they prefer to do, and that this is a critical relationship. You have to get your hands in there, in the workshop, in order to hear the materials. To have that conversation with the wood or plaster, you have to be willing to sweat through dusty conditions. And most designers are not able to speak on that level with the materials.”
He admits his process is time-consuming: “I spend a good deal of time researching. My Form Experiments in the workshop translate into designs in an array of materials and a variety of
scales—from wooden benches to silver baby rattles and large-scale Corten steel public works to cast bronze work. I enjoy a wide diversity of projects. I don't think I'd be happy working in a single category, such as specializing in silversmithing, for example. Each project is very different, and each influences the others in ways I could not imagine. This makes for a healthy creative life, as my mind
Anemone Coffee Table as seen on Showtimes' Billions
Anemone Side Table
O'HARA STUDIOS
Pina Table
is stretched, growing with every request I receive.”
We asked Sean if he had always known he wanted to be a maker and his answer was resolute: “My gift was easily recognizable early in my life. There were many requests when I was young to draw or paint images for others. I was very fortunate to be supported by my family, and, later in life, by Cynthia and her family. I am very thankful.” His gifts came very naturally to him. “This is just the way I am geared,” he explains. “I am curious and I am the type to develop form in experimental ways using any material I am able; and each material offers special properties that guide me, steer me down new exciting paths.”
His favorite thing about the unique life he’s carved for himself includes the broad range of materials and projects he explores each and every day: “One day to the next, I can shift from sculpting plaster, carving wood, casting bronze, to welding steel. All of the materials and forms influence each other in unexpected ways. Those discoveries are so very satisfying, and they drive my work.”
Sebou Bench
Spruce Occasion Table
Sean has some clear advice for young artisans who are determined to create their own paths in the world: “Hone your creative process in a manner that ignores categories or current definitions. Those definitions are boundaries that were put in place long ago by those who don't know just how broad a range there is within the creativity spectrum. I think folks are too quick to categorize creatives, and we all know that there are many, many shades of gray.” As Sean marches into new creative territory, his keen interest in exploring the possibilities for altering the forms
in nature will continue: “I pay close attention to how these shapes can visually communicate the unspoken word. I believe that there are undefined universal forms that are able to touch us visually, regardless of culture and background.”
This is MY house. I have to defend it.
-Kevin McCallister, Home Alone
Featuring the Kirkpatrick Collection: Plateau Coffee Tables
Native New Englander, Micheal Kirkpatrick, in his own words shares the excitement of returning to the showroom with new design inspiration and custom furniture creations.
MICHAEL KIRKPATRICK
KIRKPATRICK COLLECTION
Istrive to come up with new pieces which are original forms, that have aesthetic integrity, and convey a sense of refinement and quiet luxury. For example, to mention a few, our popular Link Console is a sculptural shape inspired by a Chinese altar table and is executed in laboriously applied polyester lacquer which takes 3 days to polish. The Parchment & Wood Coffee Table has solid wood ends which incorporate 48 individually inserted wood splines that provide visual interest and great strength. The top is composed of either 4 or 6 skins of real parchment which are applied in a patented process to prevent shrinkage and given a sealer and hand waxed sheen. The new Ellipse Drinks Table, a contemporary statement in powder coated aluminum, is offered in hundreds of colors and sheen levels, and can be used indoors and out. The forms illustrated can also be a starting off point for additional work. I relish working with other designers or clients who want a custom piece built to specific criteria. I have over the years, worked in a broad arrange of materials & finishes (from shagreen and palmwood to carbon fiber
and marine stainless), designed everything from breakfast tables to boardroom ones, jewelry boxes to massive media credenzas, and the craftsmen I work with are capable of building almost anything. I am happy to sketch ideas for designers looking for something unique and American made, so feel free to ask. Through the use of fine materials (sourced in a eco-friendly manner), traditional craftsmanship of the highest order, hand applied finishes, and careful attention to proportions and construction details, each [Kirkpatrick Collection] item can stand on its own.
The distinctive x braces allow for legroom and a provide a midcentury vibe to this
and sophisticated,
Custom Tribus Occasional Table
Sled Bench
Simple
this superbly crafted bench is suitable for an entry hall or foot of a bed.
Double V Dining Table
Triangular Table/Stool
A unique shape in fine woodworking. This table is composed of 24 pieces of wood. The unique spline detail at the joints affords great strength and visual interest.
Restrained, elegant, precisely tailored dining chairs, comfortable for long dinners & conversation.
The top is in Metallic Cerused Walnut, and the base in a dark walnut.
Michael Kirkpatrick, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, has spent his professional career designing both independently, as well as in collaboration with internationally recognized designers, architects and fashion brands.
Michael’s background in the industry is impressive. As senior design director of furniture for Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael was responsible for designing Ralph Lauren’s most innovative modern furniture designs. Under the Calvin Klein brand, he conceived and launched the curator collection; achieving widespread commercial success both within and outside the United States.
As furniture design director of Gear, Inc., he created a selection of successful furniture collections under renowned designer Raymond Waites.
Holding multiple US patents for design, Michael’s work has been featured in leading publications including: The Times of London, Elle Decor and The New York Times.
“With each of my designs, I strive to create furniture capable of standing alone or blending with a variety of architectural styles and periods”
Clover Table
Custom Dining Table
The jewelry inspired shape, hand crafted in bronze or stainless, has soft corners to walk around, combining a round and square form in an elegant quatrefoil.
SILK LUXURY WALLCOVERINGS BY CALVIN FABRICS
SECRET COLORS | REANNA MARTH
by Haley Abram
Reanna Marth has always found herself around art. Her dad was in bands, her mom was always involved in creative things, and both parents encouraged art as an outlet for her. “I was an introverted kid,” Marth says, “so the act of creating, that hands-on tactile engagement versus everything being in your head, made me feel more complete.” As an adult, this need to physically create transitioned into her current practice with resin art. Marth doesn’t consider herself to be an expert drawer or painter, but resin allowed her the abstract freedom to still make with her hands while having a more freeform approach. “Resin doesn’t have to be right or wrong,” she says. “It’s much less limiting.”
The resin material with which Marth makes her paintings with is a two part epoxy system – a hardener and a resin – that are both clear liquids before being mixed. This liquid can be pigmented, and once mixed together, it hardens into an industrial plastic that was originally used for boats. As the resin cures on the medium it is used on, which Marth says can really be anything, but she most often uses wood canvases, it is still malleable. One can use a heat gun or blow torch to move and blend the resin, and the level to which these tools are used helps create resin artists’ distinct styles.
Art as a release or an escape is not a new concept, and Marth definitely considers her practice to be that for her. “Similar to how some people say reading a book takes them to another world, art does that for me,” Marth says. “I use art to make light of the day-to-day, but to also get through tougher things. It’s like a sidekick.”
In her role at M-Geough in the fabrics and
wallcoverings department, she has found a new place of inspiration. One can imagine the immense catalog in the showroom would be the first place to look, but Marth notes that she finds new ideas beyond the fabrics and in the furniture pieces, light fixtures and just conversing with her coworkers. “I think working at M-Geough kind of reminded me of the different way things can look together. This color palette suddenly works where in my mind it wouldn’t have,” she says.
Anyone who has stepped foot in the showroom would probably agree.
Marth is as dynamic as her art, and in addition to her personal art creation and work at M-Geough, she is also a part time graduate student at NYU’s Steinhardt School pursuing a degree in Mental Health Counseling. Marth found a lot of time to reflect on her career during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and found that between her time spent producing for film and photography to her current clients now, there was always a throughline of mental wellness.
“I would be remiss not to shift my career in that direction because of how clearly inspired by this I was,” says Marth. And she finds connections between her art and her studies all the time.
“You have to be creative in how you interact with people and in taking on what they want to deal with and when helping them uncover things,” Marth says. Art therapy specifically is a separate certification and path of study, but Marth says the usage of art, in
all its forms, is very commonly used. She often leads workshops that teach others how to use her eco-resin material, a variety of resin that is non-toxic and much easier to handle as a beginner. In these workshops she says you can see how art directly affects people.
“Art is for the person creating it over anything in my opinion, and doing it in this social environment leads to new human connections too,” Marth says. “Rarely is a workshop dead silent, and it’s a fun experience. There is no stress to be put on it. You’re able to make something to make it, with no weight on your shoulders for it to be good.”
Making art that is ‘good’ has been somewhat of a barrier to entry for the creative communities for decades. The idea that real, good art is for the elite or for those who understand art is a concept that is slowly breaking down thanks to people like Marth who are open to sharing their process and teaching their techniques. Marth also suggests that there are levels rather than a singular definition for what makes art, art.
“You have your Mona Lisa’s that you emotionally and intellectually experience, then interactive art pieces that engage in different, often physical ways,” she says. “I think every home should have art in it, but I don’t think a price tag should be associated with it. What is good art, nice art, and valued art should be an individual choice.”
This idea is a huge motivator for Marth’s workshops too. She feels that everyone should try art, and the option to try should be accessible to everyone.
“It’s awesome to have a piece of art that is made by you or a family member in your home, says Marth. "It's why parents hang up their kids’ art on the fridge. You should have a wide range of art in your life— it’s important.”
Little Ponds Table
Etched Bronze finish with gold on top frames. Oceania art glass. 15” Dia x 25”H
M atch & M atch
PAIRING A PRINTED WALLPAPER WITH ITS MATCHING FABRIC CAN INSTANTLY ELEVATE THE LOOK OF A ROOM. THIS TRADITIONAL DESIGN TECHNIQUE THAT HAD FALLEN OUT OF FAVOR IN RECENT YEARS IS NOW BEING REVIVED BY DESIGNERS IN A FRESH, AND POSSIBLY EVEN REBELLIOUS WAY. WE'VE ROUNDED UP SCHEMES THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO ADD A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATION TO ANY ROOM.
Interior Designer J Randall Powers went all-out in this custom retreat with Jasper Bouton in blue! Such a serene bedroom to rest your head. wallpaper and fabric, using it for walls, windows, upholstery, and even the pillows. A perfectly aligned repeat creates order from the visual chaos.
Pheasant in Regiment Red
Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper
Kashimir in Saffron
Jasper
Primavera in Vermilion on White
Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper
Indian Flower in Saffron
Jasper
Bargello in Gray Waterhouse Wallhangings
Ginkgo in Yellow on White Waterhouse Wallhangings
Ferns in Gold Gray Twigs Fabrics & Wallpaper
Little Havana in Henri Paper Mills
St. Augustine in Surf
Eric Haydel in collaboration with Waterhouse Wallhangings
HISTORY OF THE COUPE GLASS
Photography by Haley Abram
Pop the champagne and get comfortable, because we are about to take you on a magical journey through time to learn about the history of the coupe glass. Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
Pronounced ‘koop,’ the origin of the coupe glass is often debated, and history has been heavily permeated with the idea that the coupe glass was modeled after the female form. In fact, the legend goes as far as to say the glass was a surprise design from Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette, modeled after the shape of her own breast. Seriously, we can’t make this stuff up). And although Queen Marie Antionette left an iconic legacy behind this design cannot be accredited to her majesty due to timing. While a very saucy story, it is unfortunately untrue. But this story seems to be regular knowledge and represents the inherent glamour and sexiness this particular shape of glass holds.
The actual shape of the glass, like a small bowl, can be traced all the way to ancient Greece, but the most
concrete original form of the glass is linked to a Benedictine monk in England influenced by shapes of beer and ale vessels of the 17th century. Though Louis XVI did not design the coupe, he certainly influenced its popularity, and the coupe became the chicest way to consume champagne in France during the 1700s.
The design features a shallow, broadbowled glass that causes champagne bubbles to disappear quickly, unlike a traditional tulip or flute champagne glass where the bubbles bounce from each other and float playfully to the top of the glass. The shape however, eventually caused the demise of the coupe glass. Since it downplays the bubbles, the champagne flute rose to top of the bar scene once again.
Shortly after prohibition ended, the curved cup made its way to the U.S. and was quickly adopted by the
THE LAST WORD
This prohibition era concoction originated at the Detroit Athletic Club and boasts a vibrant green hue from the green Chartreuse. A classic cocktail for a classic piece of barware!
3/4 oz. Gin
3/4 oz. green Chartreuse
3/4 oz. maraschino liqueur
3/4 oz. lime juice
Garnish: brandied cherry (optional)
Combine gin, chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice into a shaker with ice. Shake then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with cherry if desired.
MAPLE WHISKEY SOUR
This classic beverage can be served on ice or up in a coupe. It can also be made with or without an egg white. To keep the holidays luxurious and special, we are opting for the egg white and serving it in– you guess it– a coupe! The touch of maple brings a seasonal flair over simple syrup.
2 oz. bourbon
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. maple syrup
1/2 oz. pasteurized egg white
Garnish: Angostura bitters
Combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup and egg white into a shaker and dry shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake for an additional 20 seconds until cold. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and top with a few dashes of bitters.
masses as the most elegant way to sip champagne. It quickly became an iconic way to sip spirits for high society New Yorkers. From ‘20s flappers to the leading ladies of Hollywood’s golden era, there are countless iconic images and moments of the beloved coupe glass in hand. Cary Grant can be seen throughout the 40s looking oh-so suave with his coupe glass in An Affair to Remember and Roman Holiday. The iconic drinking glass pops
up in many award-winning movies throughout the decade including 1942 Best Picture, Casablanca.
Somewhere along the way the flute came into the picture and stole the show for a number of years as the ideal way to preserve the bubbles of champagne, thus ushering in a decline in the use of the coupe, but overtime became a staple of modern mixology. Bartenders became
crafty when looking for an alternative to a martini glass. Because of the shallowshaped bowl, the coupe became a spillproof alternative to the martini glass. “Up” drinks - cocktails that are shaken or stirred with ice but poured without the cubes - later found a home in the coupe glasses. It also became a stand-in as an elegant dessert dish and is the main attraction for Gatsby-themed parties.
THE MANHATTAN
It wouldn’t be the holidays without this tried and true classic. Perfect for sipping with friends over hors d’oeuvres or a cozy after dinner treat by the fire. This cocktail has stood the test of time for a reason, but we offer you the choice of rye or bourbon to suit your palette!
2 oz. rye whiskey or bourbon
1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes angostura bitters
Garnish: brandied cherry
Combine the rye whiskey or bourbon, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass and stir until very cold. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.
There you have it folks, the history of the coupe glass in all its glory. Now get out there and toast to this resilient and iconic cocktail glass. As lovers of the vintage and historic, we will always love a coupe, and here are a few recipes to shake up this holiday season– all served in the most glamorous of glasses.
CRANBERRY FRENCH 75
A spin on a classic that substitutes the lemon and twist for cranberry and a sprig of rosemary. Festive in taste and aesthetics, and fits perfectly in your favorite coupe!
*This cocktail traditionally calls for gin, but we’ve done a spin with vodka instead as it’s a perfect match with the cranberry juice.
1 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. cranberry juice
3 oz. champagne or prosecco
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Garnish: sprig of rosemary (optional)
Combine vodka, cranberry juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Once cold, strain into a coupe and top with champagne. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
FESTIVE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
Nothing quite says the holidays like a little bubbly, so take one of our recommended champagnes and simply add it to a coupe glass! For a festive twist, make cranberry juice and rosemary ice cubes to keep your champagne ice cold with no dilution. Simple, but very merry.
To make the ice cubes, add cranberry juice, whole cranberries and bits of rosemary to an ice cube mold. Let freeze until solid and add to your champagne!
CHAMPAGNE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Dom Perignon (classic, prohibition era)
- Domaine Chandon (sold only 200K less cases than Veuve’s 700K), local to the US)
- Vueve Cliquot (classic)
- Perrier Jouet (founded around 1811, preprohibition, well respected vintage)
- J Vineyards Brut Rose (women owned, recently won winemaker of the year, smaller vineyard, US based)
BE BOLD AT THE BAR
Bento Cab, Dakota Jackson
Bijou Ceiling Mounted Bar with Canopy, Kolkka Furniture
Kamakura Bar, Matsuoka Furniture
Moroccan Bar, Robert James Collection
Having a perfectly curated and welldesigned bar is a sign of a great host. It allows guests to drop over, or a fun night planned for the entire neighborhood. Whether you’re an amateur or professional mixologist, the well-stocked bar never overestimated the number of selections needed to entertain. Keep the collection basic, have a few drinks up your sleeve and a recipe book handy for a quick on the fly order. Soon you will be the talk of the town, everyone will be wanting you to host!
Glass wear makes magic! Stock your bar with some of your favorite classic cocktail glasses, but also a few new meaningful ones too. Remember even serving beer in a glass can impress Cousin Eddie this holiday season. Also add champagne flutes, collins glasses, martini glasses, both red and white wine, and rock glasses to the collection.
Mix it up! Add your favorite juices, have a few bitters on hand, simple syrup, grenadine and sour mix too. A few sodas, (don’t forget the diet red bull) and garnishes are the best treat to top it off.
Harrison Vitrine, Minton-Spidell
Bunny’s Bar, Julian Chichester
Belvedere Bar Cart, Charleston Forge
TRAVEL
Sap's Runnin'!
So visit some of Vermont's premier sugarhouses to see, smell and try the true taste of spring! Use our map and listings to contact these sugar producers so you may stop in. If you're unable to visit, simply call any of the sugarmakers listed to have the finest maple products delivered to your home.
SHOP LOCAL
Poor Farm Sugar Works | Colchester
End O Road Maple Sugarhouse | Jericho
The Sugarhouse at Green Mountain Audubon Center | Huntington
Palmer’s Sugarhouse | Shelburne
Bourdon Maple Farm | Woodstock
Little Hogback Farm | Bristol
Isham Family Farm | Williston
Visit some of Vermont’s premier sugarhouses to see, smell, and try the true taste of spring! Use our map and listing to contact their sugar producers so you may stop in. With a full page map of local sugarhouses for the sweet-toothed and maple-inspired audience, in many ways, the map perfectly encapsulates everything
Vermont aspires to be, or at least everything Vermont Life wants it to be: a cozy, rural, picturesque slice of northeastern paradise, embracing tourists with open arms and good-natured charm while also highlighting the traditions dating back decades, with many of the sugar houses noted as family run businesses.
1. Palmer’s Sugarhouse
This sugarhouse is our family’s favorite. We love all the delicious treats like sugar on snow, maple lattes, maple candies, and doughnuts. Anyhow, Palmer’s also has live music and sleigh rides, and there are great trails near to the sugarhouse.
2. Poor Farm Sugar Works
This sugarhouse in Colchester is another local favorite. It’s a traditional sugarhouse that boils with wood and uses pipelines and buckets. They recommend calling and making an appointment to visit (802-318-3620). They offer both curbside pick-up and showroom sales.
3. The Sugarhouse at Green Mountain Audubon Center
This sugarhouse, located at the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington, is one of our favorite sugarhouse destinations. It’s fun to spend several hours with your family here as there are so many great trails and things to explore throughout the Audubon Center.
4. End O Road Maple Sugarhouse
This sugarhouse in Jericho is definitely off the beaten path. They boil sap using wood, so viewing the process here is really neat. They also have an area where children can observe and feed the lambs. They offer those delicious treats we all love getting at a sugarhouse- sugar on snow, maple candies, etc.
5. Isham Family Farm
This popular year-round farm in Williston has seasonal offerings from blueberries to Christmas trees. And of course, maple syrup! They’ve been producing the stuff for over five generations, since 1871. It’s a great place to visit.
6. Bourdon Maple Farm
Bourdon Maple Farm sugarhouse is located in Woodstock, VT. They work hard to utilize our natural resources and work with the seasons to produce pure organic Vermont maple syrup. We recommend contacting them to schedule a tour.
7. Little Hogback Farm
Located in Bristol, Little Hogback Farm produces small-batch maple syrup, maple sugar, and maple sweets. The most fun thing about Little Hogback Farm is that you can spend the night! Stay in their cozy yurt, located within minutes of amazing hiking, biking, breweries, and much more! It’s a truly unique and amazing experience.
Chairs upholstered in Cascade Feather | Cushions
(left to right) upholstered in Fresco Chia, Cascade Petal, Fresco Peppercorn | Mauve Taupe & White
Herringbone Merino Wool Throw
I don’t even want to own anything until I find a place where things go together. I’m not sure where that is, but I know what it’s like. It’s like Tiffany’s.
-Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s
INVESTMENT PIECE
The guest room finishes last, the lumpy old mattress, the used bed frame or half-eaten headboard that the dog destroyed. Sounds like a wonderful night of rest! Whether it is the place to escape from a snoring spouse or the landing pad for the kids or guest, this room deserves to be special. Here are some great pieces to elevate your guest room experience.
DREAM IN STYLE
Rita Four Poster Bed – Gesso | Julian Chichester
Faux Bamboo Bed
Vincent Bed Robert James Collection
GUESTROOM
As kids the come home from college or relatives travel across the country to visit this holiday season, we asked some of our design partners, their ideas and tips for creating the perfect guest room experience.
AUGUSTA MAYER | KRISTIN PATON INTERIORS | BOSTON
“The first thing that comes to mind is a folding luggage rack. It's helpful to have a designated spot for your suitcase and is much nicer than putting it on the floor or the bed!”
RYAN DONNELLY | RYAN DONNELLY DESIGN | KENNEBUNKPORT
“Every guest bedroom should have a proper lounge chair! Provide a cozy corner for your guest to unwind and relax in comfort.”
SARAH
COLE
| SARAH COLE INTERIORS | NEWTON
“A craft of water and glasses are a nice accessory. It’s easy to get dehydrated when traveling and guests might feel shy about helping themselves to water or unsure about making their way to the kitchen in the middle of the night. I love the Hobnail Carafe by Klimchi.”
KIM MACUMBER | KIM MACUMBER INTERIORS |
“Guestrooms are the perfect place to delight your guests, creating a little sanctuary while away from home. No guestroom should be without a vase of fresh cut flowers – from the supermarket or your back yard. Nothing fancy, just welcoming. I also like to leave a set of fresh scented bath towels.”
SOUTHERN MAINE
LESLIE FINE | LESLIE FINE INTERIORS | BOSTON
“Some design elements I like to include in guest bedrooms: a dresser (with empty drawers) and a fluffy robe and spa slippers!”
“I always include a bench at the end of the bed, and I always encourage clients to invest in luxurious linens to truly elevate their guest experience.”
OTHER IDEAS FOR ELEVATING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE:
• Keep the Wi-Fi Password Handy.
• Offer a charging station or extra charger in the bedside table.
• Add a small coffee station for a single cup and a few snacks.
• Black out curtains or roller shades.
• Extra blankets and pillows.
• A small dish for jewelry, change or things collected along the way.
JENNIFER WILSON | JENNIFER J INTERIORS | BOSTON
14 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON THIS WINTER
Being in Boston in the winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside the whole time; in fact, I strongly discourage it! There are plenty of fun activities outside in the frosty brilliance of the snow to keep you occupied, and with the right attitude — and the right warm clothing — you’ll have a cool time in even the coldest of weather here.
GO ICE SKATING Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a kid (or have kids) to go ice skating in Boston. Winter fun is for all ages here, so lace up your skates and hit the ice, you fledgling figure skater, you!
1. Boston Common Frog Pond
Is it touristy? You bet! Is it a total blast? Also yes! Not only do you get the chance to skate in one of the most charming public parks in the country, but the possibilities for people watching are amazing even when you aren’t in the mood to show off your skills on the rink. The laughter of couples, families, and children fills the air along with the scent of goodies from the snack bar — don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee or cocoa after your skating session as you stroll through the Common and admire the (hopefully) snowcovered trees that frame the red-brick buildings of Beacon Street beyond the park.
SEE ALL OF THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS
There’s just something about holiday lights; no matter how many times you see them, they get you right into the spirit of the season during the long winter nights. Here are the best spots to light-peep.
2. Blink! At Faneuil Hall
Located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which features a large clock tower and columned marketplace from 1742, watching the light show here is like stepping back in time. Set to classical tunes by the Boston Pops, more than 350,000 white and colored bulbs on both the tree and the surrounding buildings pulse and flash to the music at random intervals.
HIT UP THE HOLIDAY MARKETS
Whether you have some actual holiday shopping for friends and family to do, or you just want to soak up the lively atmosphere with a hot beverage in hand, make sure you get a taste of one of Boston’s winter markets.
3. SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market
SoWa (short for South of Washington St.) is a district in the South End that’s home to art galleries, a year-round vintage market, and an outdoor artisanal market in the spring and summer. In the winter, SoWa also shines with a winter festival that features seasonal cocktails and handmade gifts from local makers under a canopy of twinkling lights. It doesn’t get much more magical than browsing for unique holiday presents like candles, jewelry, and scarves with a spiked hot cocoa in hand, smelling the scent of fresh pine trees for saleit’s always the perfect way to get into the spirit.
WARM UP WITH COCKTAILS (AND COMFORT FOOD)
A day of sightseeing in frigid weather calls for an evening of snuggling up with a stiff drink at one of the many intimate, dimly-lit lounges in the city.
4. Drink
Drink is a cocktail bar without a cocktail menu. I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one. You simply tell the expert mixologists behind the bar what flavors you’re in the mood for, and they’ll whip you up a custom libation. Genius, huh? That being said, they do have a fixed food menu, with the likes of burgers and fried calamari.
5. The Beehive
Enjoy a side of live jazz with your dinner at this sophisticated bistro in the South End, with red hanging curtains and a bohemian, Moulin Rouge-esque vibe. The menu items range from braised lamb shoulder to dryaged smash burger, and they also have one of the most extensive Champagne and sparkling wine lists anywhere, so get fancy!
ATTEND A HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
Get into the spirit of the holiday season with your sweetie by taking in a performance of The Nutcracker. But luckily for you, there are two versions in Boston (ooooh, fancy). But with one big difference.
6. The Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet
Come for the annual tradition across many a US city at the Citizens Bank Opera House for The Nutcracker. Not only are the dancers and musicians spectacular, but it’s always fun to dress up, enjoy a wonderful pre-show dinner, and delight in the festive spectacle of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers.
7. The Sl**cracker
For something completely different, slightly saucy, and brilliantly bawdy, check out a beloved, cheeky holiday-themed burlesque show called The Sl**cracker in Somerville. This parody show, which debuted in Somerville 2008 and has been going strong ever since, features local dancers of the ballet AND belly varieties, along with hula hoopers, actors, and others who put a fresh and irreverent twist on the Tchaikovsky classic.
WANDER AROUND A MUSEUM
You can still get your fill of culture when it’s cold out in Boston. Fortunately, we have a number of amazing museums – many of which are included in THIS PASS – that celebrate everything from art to history to science and provide the perfect day-long diversion when you need a break from the cold (albeit gorgeous) snow.
8. Museum of Fine Arts
A must-visit on your first trip to Boston, the stunning MFA houses an equally stunning collection that features paintings, sculptures, textiles, and photography from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Some of the world’s most famous pieces, including John Singleton Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere, Van Gogh’s Houses at Auvers (painted right before he committed suicide), and Renoir’s Dance at Bougival, are all on display here.
9. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Perhaps the most unique place to see art in the city, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also has a fascinating backstory: its namesake planned and designed every aspect of the space after her husband died in 1898. Not only is the architecture — which resembles that of a Venetian palace — beautiful to behold, but so is the art within, which spans paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and more. If your name is Isabella or it’s your birthday, you can get in for free!
10. Institute of Contemporary Art
A refreshing contrast to the myriad old stuff, the ICA is home to forward-thinking pieces of all kinds, from sculptures to video to installations made of electronics or found objects that you really just have to see to appreciate. Currently on display are Eva LeWitt’s colorful casted-and-dyed sculptures that are created from commercial and industrial materials and Deanna Lawson’s large-format photographs that capture black individuals and families in a variety of settings.
11. Museum of Science
The MOS is chock-full of cool, interactive exhibits that explain how things work on earth — like the Hall of Human Life and Engineering Design Workshop — and how things work on other planets, too; head to Cosmic Light to explore the Milky Way. Check out the world’s largest Van de Graaff generator, which creates indoor lightning, or see a movie in 3D at the IMAX theater.
TAKE A TOUR
By far, the best way to see the city is on foot. While it can be a blast to wander around on your own and stumble upon cool hidden gems, a guided tour can help give you some more context around the background of each building or home. Since these tours last at least two hours, make sure to bundle up and wear sensible footwear for potentially slogging through some ice and snow.
12. North End Pizza, Cannoli, and History Food Walking Tour
Education and eating in one fell swoop? It is possible! Wander around the North End, Boston’s “Little Italy,” to learn about its rich past and sample tasty treats. During this two-hour guided tour, you’ll enjoy a few slices of authentic pizza, hit up five different historic sites including the Paul Revere House, and finish things off with a cannoli.
13. Boston Seafood Tour
When in Boston, do as the Bostonians do: eat seafood constantly. Enjoy a fully fishy day, combined with some walking and history, on this two-and-a-half hour tour that stops at some of the city’s best eateries for clam chowder and lobster rolls for both lunch and dinner, as well as bustling Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.
14. Mobsters And Lobsters Tour
Just because it’s the “holiday season” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get spooky. A Christmas Carol is literally about three ghosts! Hop on Mobsters and Lobsters is a one of a kind trolley tour through Boston's sinister underground... Hear tales of mystery, mayhem, and murder while traveling through the city on an open air trolley (don't worry, there's windows and heat if necessary!) We specialize in corporate events and group outings, where we offer transportation, entertainment, dining and fun all in one! The tour has the option to conclude at a beautiful waterfront restaurant, where guests will dine together on a traditional New England boiled lobster dinner.
DINING ROOM PLAY LIST
The 'Dining Room' Play List of Our Favorite Songs to Entertain & Dance to is a Great Gift for Your Host This Holiday Season!
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah CareySanta Baby by Eartha KittIt's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé -
Susan M-Geough Vice President
- The Christmas Song by Frank Sinatra
- Do You Hear What I Hear by Bing Crosby - Angels We Have Heard on High - Hymn
Michael Rebolo Senior Sales | Furniture & Lighting
Auld Lang Syne by Guy LombardoChristmas Time is Here from Charlie Brown ChristmasSkating from Charlie Brown Christmas -
- Where are you Christmas from The Grinch Movie
- Last Christmas by Wham!
- The Christmas Waltz by She & Him
- Rockin Around The Christmas Tree from Home Alone
- O Holy Night by Epcot's Candlelight Processional
- Pictures of a Season by the Boston Gay Men's Chorus
- Do They Know it's Christmas by Band Aid
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Jackson 5 - Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
Kelly Short Executive Assistant | Office Manager
Happy Seasons by Earth, Wind & FireNaughty List by Meghan TrainorO Holy Night by Aaron NevilleThe Magic of Christmas Day by Celine Dion -
- Pennies from Heaven by Louis Prima
- The Snow Miser and Heat Miser song from The Year without a Santa Claus
Our homes are a canvas for living. Whether we live in the city, the country, on a farm at the beach, in a penthouse or cabin, each is home and tells our story. And just as we dress differently in each of these places, we want to live differently as well.
-Ralph Lauren
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS
RICHARD MISHAAN
with Jacqueline Terrebonne
esign has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—and perhaps even earlier.
D RICHARD MISHAAN DESIGN
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. During my childhood, my family lived in a house that had been designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956. It was a flat-roofed, Prairie-style home with multiple split-level rooms, frameless windows, minimal moldings, a reflection pool, and a stone feature wall. The library was furnished with pieces by Edward Wormley for Dunbar and other notable mid-century designers. The décor of the living room was entirely different: eighteenth- century tables, étagères, and decorative arts mixed with modern pieces. Even at a young age, the eclectic combination struck me as perfectly balanced and harmonious.
My maternal grandmother’s home, where my mother grew up, was just the opposite. Later in life, I realized she must have been inspired by a visit to Château de Chenonceau. The interior architecture was quite classical, with limestone-clad walls on the first floor
and generous moldings throughout. Not everything was French though. Shortly after World War II ended, she discovered that her sister and her mother had survived German war camps and that the king of Denmark had taken them in and made them citizens. From then on, my grandmother visited Denmark often and became enamored with the Scandinavian modernists, who were fast gaining in popularity. She replaced a chandelier with a lighting fixture by Paavo Tynell and layered the home with pieces by Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, and Poul Kjaerholm. The result was fresh and unique—a true reflection of her personal taste and style.
Both women collected art and prided themselves on finding interesting emerging artists. My grandmother was drawn to Impressionist works, and my mother gravitated toward Latin American artists and other contemporary artists from around the world. The fact that all these disparate elements coexisted in each home helped me appreciate the power of the strong mix early on and even sparked
my desire to study architecture and design. Today, my homes are a tapestry of all these things. Many have been handed down to me; others I’ve found on my extensive travels or even just walking around my neighborhood. As a result of these multiple layers of influence, eclecticism and maximalism are what I find comfortable, warm, and cozy. They remind me of home. They are home.
As an interior designer, I strive to create that same feeling of comfort for my clients. I use my appreciation and knowledge of the arts, architecture, and design to help them identify their own personal style . In the process, they often discover their passion for it. Early in my career, after spending five years traveling the world to source artisanal furniture and decorative arts for clients, I opened my own shop, Homer, on Madison Avenue in 1997. Before my trip, I asked a friend, Christiane Celle—a visionary in all she does—who she considered to be up and coming in home design. She told me to look up her friend Olivier Gagnère
when I was in Paris. He had recently designed the Café Marly at the Louvre and truly had his finger on the pulse. He invited me to an exhibition he had participated in that was a design version of a cadavre exquis, or “exquisite corpse,” which is a collective work begun by one artist and sequentially added to by other artists. Gagnère and his circle had applied the concept to furniture, rugs, and lighting. The group—all newcomers—included Hervé Van der Straeten, Olivier Lesage, Thomas Boog, and Christophe Delcourt. I went on to represent all of them in my shop and held shows for each one. Homer became the go-to destination for the design world for the next sixteen years. Although the shop has long since closed, my belief in the power that unique design pieces bring to an interior has never been stronger. I’m always on the hunt for the next great artisan or the undiscovered piece of collectible design that will become the catalyst for an entire interior. In addition to collectible design, my passion for fine art drives my entire creative process. Throughout my career, I’ve had the
good fortune to work with incredible collectors on their homes. My job is to create a context for their extraordinary artworks and show them off to best visual effect. I often use trips to museums to spark new ideas for this. When I stop by the Metropolitan or MoMA or any of hundreds of museums around the globe, I’m not looking for art to buy. Instead, I’m informing my eye and taking in details such as how a piece is hung and lit or the fascinating color combinations in a period room. As I study the works and their settings, design ideas bubble up. A visit to a David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts once changed my entire direction on a project.
You can see the way my design process unfolds in the mood boards that open each chapter in this book. These images, rich with detail and inspiration, define what I’m trying to achieve with each project. For me, the mood board is where every project begins and ends: it sets the direction from the start and represents the cohesive thinking behind all the elements that make up the whole of the completed job.
Whereas my previous books, Modern Luxury (2009) and Artfully Modern (2014), featured only residential interiors, I’ve broken the mold in this monograph. In addition to residential interiors in country and seaside homes, as well as city apartments, I’ve included hotels, a restaurant, and show houses, which are my laboratories for experimenting with new design concepts. Taken together, they demonstrate the full range of the Richard Mishaan Design portfolio and show how I work within the constraints of budgets and space. Throughout, I pull back the curtain on my creative process to reveal how I achieve the end results.
My whole married life I’ve joked that my wife, Marcia, is the science channel and I’m the arts and entertainment network. I truly love all the art forms, but my favorites are the visual and performing arts. The sets of operas and ballets can inspire a million design ideas. Can you imagine constructing an entire Italian village to last just one night as they do for Tosca? When I work in my office on the weekends, I often blast not only operas but also jazz, contemporary music, and
Broadway musicals, especially those of Stephen Sondheim. His songs, filled with their inimitable romantic cynicism, have been the soundtrack of countless moments in my life. But more than any other musical, the Pulitzer Prize–winning Sunday in the Park with George, about the life of famed Pointillist Georges Seurat, stirs something deep within me. From the opening number, my heart soars. George says the words that to me are the secret recipe for creativity: “Composition, Balance, Light, and Harmony.” It’s what I set out to accomplish in every space I create. My artist friends and I have discussed how inspiration is not at everyone’s fingertips but must be searched for externally and internally by digging deep inside. I’ve had to do it time and again for clients because I want every project to be distinct and unique. The way George breaks down the elements of creativity on stage, that’s how I approach every project in the book. And just as Sondheim’s words have guided me, I hope the work on the following pages guides you in your search for—and understanding of— creativity and beauty in the world.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Douglas Friedman
Genevieve Garruppo
Max Kim-Bee
Francesco Lagnese
Thomas Loof
George Ross
STYLISTS
Carolyn Englefield
Parker Larson
Robert Rufino
Anita Sarsidi or Function?
Why not both?
BOSTON DESIGN CENTER FALL MARKET
DESIGNER PANEL - ‘Returning to Our Roots: Designing with Antiques & Reproductions’ & OPEN HOUSE - Unveiling the NEW M-Geough Space
Interior design professionals create the spaces where people live, work, heal, learn, socialize, and play. Designers’ decisions also impact the interior design industry comprised of designers, manufacturers, dealers, contractors, consultants, tradespeople, artisans, and workers around the world.
Through this wide reach, interior designers play a significant role in reducing global carbon emissions and regenerating ecosystems to help avert the climate crisis. Interior design professionals are also in a unique position to improve people’s lives and support wellness and prosperity in our communities.
We have a professional obligation to our peers, the public, and future generations to strive for a just, healthy, and sustainable society.
The Interior Design Pledge for Positive Impact calls upon designers to understand, assess, and maximize the positive impact of our work by making three interconnected commitments:
DESIGN FOR CLIMATE:
The climate crisis is the greatest single threat to health and economic prosperity on the planet, and disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. Interior design professionals reduce the negative impacts of climate change by committing to:
– Reduce emissions, including operational and embodied carbon, to the maximum extent on all projects.
– Optimize design processes to reduce waste and the depletion of natural resources.
– Design for adaptability and resilience.
– Design for responsible end-of-life, deconstruction, and decommissioning processes.
DESIGN FOR HEALTH:
Both human and ecological health are essential components of a thriving society, and essential for the future of humanity on the planet. Interior design professionals support holistic health and safety by committing to:
– Improve physical health by eliminating toxic and hazardous substances and creating healthy and regenerative environmental conditions.
– Nurture the mental wellness and wellbeing of people who use our spaces.
– Building social health by fostering better connections between people and strengthening community.
– Promote ecological health by preferring processes that restore and regenerate air, water, and other natural systems.
DESIGN FOR EQUITY:
Social equity and climate justice are central to cohesive, safe, and resilient communities. Interior design professionals promote diversity, inclusion, and equity by committing to:
– Design to benefit people with different backgrounds and needs, equally and fairly.
– Include and reflect the perspectives of underrepresented communities in our work process.
– Make design choices that directly support the health and prosperity of vulnerable communities in our work product.
– Prioritize access and a positive experience for all people, regardless of visible and invisible differences.
OUR BOOKSHELF
Five Books Past and Present to Inspire
Your Seasonal Reading List
Collaborations: A Houston Penthouse
by Saxon Henry & 212box
The principals on the project showcase their highly refined work for a Houston-based luxury penthouse, set atop the stunning Arabella building - Writer Saxon Henry provides detailed narratives on each space, including wonderful anecdotes with each of the multitude of artisans and craftspeople commissioned to create tailored pieces for the residence - Scores of makers and artists feature in the book, along with details of the process for designing the interiors, materials chosen, and furniture and art object placementIncludes hundreds of richly detailed, full-color photographs, including lavish gatefolds. This beautifully illustrated largeformat monograph reveals how multi-disciplinary architectural firm 212box has crafted a luxurious and bespoke penthouse suite in Houston, Texas. The principals on the project collaborated with more than 50 talented artisans and craftspeople -- from sculptors to cabinet makers to painters and ceramicists, among many others -- to create beautifully designed interiors, including furniture, materials, and art objects.
Richard Mishaan Design, Vendome, (November 2022)
by Richard Mishaan with Jacqueline Terrebonne
Richard Mishaan is renowned for his masterly integration of textiles, palettes rich in complementary shades, natural materials forged by artisans, surfaces bedecked with talismanic curios, a strategic sense of when and where to place a mirror, and a deep knowledge of both the fine and decorative arts. His many influences, including his upbringing in Colombia, coupled with his idiosyncratic perspective, explain why his sophisticated clientele return repeatedly as their lives evolve. In Richard Mishaan Design, his working methods are revealed in projects as varied as the conversion of a 400-year-old barn in the Hamptons into a warm, inviting family home and the transformation of an ultra-modern, glass-walled New York City apartment into a comfortable yet sophisticated aerie.
Ralph Lauren A Way of Living: Home, Design, Inspiration by
Ralph Lauren
A stunning celebration of Ralph Lauren’s signature home collections—including the designer’s own homes—which have inspired the world of interior design for nearly half a century.
The cinematic vision of Ralph Lauren is brought to life with a stunning and intimately written book that spans decades of innovation and influence by the iconic American designer. Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living, published by Rizzoli New York, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the home collection with the first comprehensive volume dedicated to the signature style of Ralph Lauren and his pioneering lifestyle approach to design. From trailblazing innovations that revolutionized the home industry to conceptualizing residential retailing and perfecting the art of hospitality, Lauren has created a multifaceted world that evokes emotion and inspires a more beautiful way of life.
Iconic Home: Interiors, Advice, and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers by Inc. Black Interior Designers & June Reese
Black Interior Designers, Inc. (BID) presents the extraordinary work of 50 interior designers and offers a behind-the-scenes look as they share their inspirations, expertise, and thoughts on what it means to be a designer of color working in the industry today.
The Wunderkammer, or cabinet of curiosities, saw collectors gathering objects from many strands of artistic, scientific, and intellectual endeavor, in an ambitious attempt to encompass all of humankinds knowledge in a single room.
Top Five Reasons to Rebrand Your Company
Is your brand still working for you? Are you building the necessary relationship to continue your book of business? If you’ve stop to consider these questions, that’s the first step in simply wondering if a rebrand is necessary. Put on your thinking cap and get down to business. As one thing is for sure, a rebrand is a natural part of the growth of any business. It isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.
Here are the TOP 5 reasons why you should be considering a brand refresh for this new year.
1 You have grown, added employees and/or new voices into your business.
2 You have expanded from your original demographic and are trying to connect with a new audience.
3 You are struggling to make the money you feel you deserve.
4 You want to stay visual in a very noise market.
5 Finally, Your Company Name or Logo do not match your current or future vision.
M|G EVENTS
JOYCE ROMANOFF PRESENTS THE EVOLUTION OF WALLCOVERING CEU WITH ASID NE
DECEMBER 7, 2023, 3:10PM M-GEOUGH SHOWROOM
ONE DESIGN CENTER PLACE, SUITE 350, BOSTON, MA 02210
HOLIDAY STROLL
DECEMBER 7, 2023, 4:00-7:00PM BDC, ONE DESIGN CENTER PLACE BOSTON, MA 0221
BOSTON DESIGN WEEK
APRIL 23 - MAY 5, 2024
RUN FOR THE ROSES
MAY 2, 2024
M-GEOUGH SHOWROOM
ONE DESIGN CENTER PLACE, SUITE 350, BOSTON, MA 02210
TRUE COLORS - A PRODUCT PRIDE EVENT
JUNE 2024
LOCATION: TBD
NANTUCKET BY DESIGN
JULY 15 -19, 2024 NANTUCKET, MA
Magazine, February + March 2023.
ARCHIVEs showroom
From the Archives: As with every company, there comes a time when a brand image must evolve. We honor our last 30 years under brand logos of the past.
In the coming months, you will see an update of our brand at M-Geough. We wanted to share with you the meaning of it all…
*Since 1951, M-Geough has been known to provide superior quality -brown furniture- in the form of antiques, reproductions and newly crafted heirloom pieces. We work with the finest makers and crafts people in the industry, who mostly work in the form of wood.
*What makes our story unique is the ( - ) that was added when dropping the “c” by Therese Tozer McGeough, Jim’s grandmother.
*Together these elements represent our story of providing the richness of our past, quality of present and inspiration for the future.!
Welcome Stacey! M-G Est. 1951
Hara Studio .
The M-Geough Company Welcomes
Stacey White as the newest member of its team. Stacey began her career in the A&D Community with Benjamin Moore, then moving on to stone/ hard surfaces and most recently an introduction to the outdoor furniture world.
"“Coming to work at M-Geough allows me to connect with designers on so many levels. I love to collaborate on projects, getting to know what each person is thinking, how can I help, and contribute. We have so many wonderful lines to be able to offer our design partners. I’m so excited to start this journey with the team and cannot wait to see what we can do together.”
Stacey will lead the M-Geough contract division as well as be on the road across the New England Region visiting with residential design accounts as well. To set up a meeting or send her a welcome, CLICK HERE.
