The Cultivated Home

Had a stressful week? Need a litte Zen-out time? We suggest a day trip up to Innisfree Garden, one hundred and fifty acres of Chinese-influenced public gardens. Take a long stroll and let the experience of the landscape unfold. A series of cup gardens or natural tableaus lead you past waterfalls, rock formations, streams and terraces. Wind your way back to the hilltop where you started, sit yourself down in an Adirondack chair and bask in your newfound perspective. The garden began to take form in 1938, but it feels like it’s been around for thousands of years – the perfect counterpoint to a New York minute, or work week. Innisfree Garden, Millbrook, NY 12545 845.677.8000

We love David Weeks. Or, more specifically, we love his lamps. He seems to have taken his inspiration from Serge Mouilleand added a bit of Calder to create a classic look which is quite transitional. His chandeliers and floor lamps are sure to make a statement in any room, and can work with both antiques as well as high modern furniture. Within recent years, he has had an unbelievable amount of press, seemingly popping up in every Elle Decor. Regardless, his pieces are sure to be classics. The Ralph Pucci showroom displays and sells all of Week’s lighting, located at 44 West 18th Street or call to schedule an appointment at 212.633.0452.

So, it’s a bit early for this, but we are going to reveal our favorite store in Manhattan. It might not be a secret to everyone, but BDDW is one of the most elegant and successful new furniture design stores currently in NYC. Their incredible work is showcased in a large, loft-like store tucked away on Crosby Street. Once inside, you can see up close the absolute skill and craftsmanship of the designers and mill workers. BDDW builds and designs all of their work locally in Williamsburg, with hand rubbed finishes and traditionally joined domestic hardwoods.

This handmade American furniture offers dozens of classic pieces, such as the Lake credenza and dresser, as well as innovative pieces such as their 19′ wood slab dining table. Their aesthetic allows these pieces to work in almost any home and will surely retain their value over the years. While their lead time is approximately 10-12 weeks, it is absolutely worth the wait. Located at 5 Crosby Street or at 212.625.1230.

What could be more earth-friendly than reusing old building materials – and what could be more beautiful than old lumber? The patina of time and use gives the wood character and warmth that new lumber just doesn’t have. Here’s our almost-local source for old wood: Antique and Vintage Woods of America in Pine Plains sells not just lumber, but also reclaimed masonry and unexpected treasures. See if you can catch those old church pews before they get milled into flooring, or ask Dave how that 500- year old Chinese temple got here – it’s quite a story.

They carry reclaimed lumber in top quality condition, cleaned up and ready for reuse as flooring, millwork, posts or beams, and have a stock of interesting and hard-to find species like tobacco barn oak and chestnut. Antique and Vintage Woods of America, Pine Plains, NY 518.398.0049

Elsie De Wolfe is considered by many to be the first lady of decoration, and became a major influence on American interior design with her book The House in Good Taste, published in 1913. She was a strong believer in a plainer, brighter, simpler home as opposed to the Victorian style which was predominant during her time. And yet, her concepts and advice are just as applicable today as it was back then. She says “Suitability! Suitability! Suitability! It is such a relief to return to the tranquil, simple forms of furniture, and to decorate our rooms by a process of elimination.” (The House in Good Taste, pg. 18) How very true this holds today! Pick up this book for a truly fulfilling and inspiring read.