Friday, December 26, 2008

The Divinity of Coconut Oil

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

The Islands give us many gifts; among them is the divine gift of Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil is inexpensive and can be used for so many things.Derived from the dried flesh (copra) of the coconut or the wet coconut meat (Virgin Coconut Oil) coconut oil can be used as a cooking oil, a moisturizer, or a lubricant. It has even been used successfully in bio diesel engines as a component in bio fuel.Coconut oil has been widely used in cooking and baking for centuries because it stays healthy at a higher heat. Even olive oil starts to break down when heated, save it for raw foods and salads and use coconut oil for high temp cooking. A jar of coconut oil can stay fresh for up to 2 years.
The best thing about coconut oil is it's an excellent moisturizer for both skin and hair. I love to use it as a hair masque. It nourishes the hair down to the root and leaves it shiny and healthy. Coconut oil is also great on skin, it's extremely hydrating and rejuvinating. It's the perfect remedy for winter skin.


No matter where you live it’s a good idea to have this wonderful piece of the islands in your home.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Tim Clarke

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

My favorite find this week were these exquisite shell framed mirrors. I would love to have these in my home!! They are hand made by Tim Clarke and his staff...covered in a white matte paint from Farrow & Ball..stunning!!

Tim Clarke is a very popular Venice designer known for his coastal modern essence. His beachy elegance is effortless.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Fabric Art

Have commitment issues? Can't decide what to frame on your walls, because you don't want to be locked into a design theme? Here's a great solution, frame vintage inspired fabric in simple, cheap and cheerful frames. Hang them on the wall and when it's time for a new flavor simply change the fabric.
I got this great idea visiting the new Los Angeles Quadrille showroom the other day. They are currently featuring vintage inspired fabrics from the 50's, 60's and 70's, from artists such as Alan Campbell. The fabrics have all been updated in a modern color palate with vibrant colors printed on linen. The effect is stunning, flamboyant, bright, bold and happy prints.
The designs were so fresh and current that I found myself longing to design a coastal home that is as bright and playful as these fabrics. They made me want to design a Coastal Beach home around them. Alan Campbell inspired prints were included. I am a great fan of Alan Campbell's. There was a great article in Domino in August on Campbell's work.

The showroom at Quadrille had raffia lined walls with cheap and cheerful frames of the fabric displayed in then. They were lovely. I found myself thinking ...What a great idea! Have commitment issues? This is the perfect solution, you can change the fabric in the frames every week.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Robert Lighton ~ British Khaki

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer


Designing the perfect Island home is easy when you start with top quality handmade furniture. A few years ago when I designed Bruce Willis’ Parrot Cay Island home, I took him to one of my favorite furniture shops: Robert Lighton’s British Khaki showroom in New York City.
Robert Lighton has cornered the market on the best British Colonial Style furniture on the market.This colonial style furniture can be mixed with any style, Arts & Crafts, Contemporary or Traditional. Whether you are using one peice or several they blend easily with any design scape whether it be contemporary or traditional. Both Bruce and I were drawn to this lovely four poster bed; draped in mosquito netting this bed is a lovely romantic centerpiece for any Island bedroom. This lovely desk is perfect for small settings. It is a "campaigin" desk that is reminiscent of the small elegant desks that were taken on Safari. The are lovely, romantic and functional.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Superlative Sculpture

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer


Every once in a while I like to share the treasures that I find on my various shopping "field trips". For me design is about layering. Finding unique pieces of treasure to add to any home's design scape is one of my favorite things to do. This angel fish bronze piece is an original from a popular 70's artist, Curtis Jere. His work is very popular....highly collectible! I found this peice in Tim Clarke's shop ~ more on Tim Clarke in the next Blog.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Exquisite Italian Horn Gifts

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift or a lovely accent piece to complement your home, these handmade Italian “horn” pieces are certain to provide “wow” factor.
Hand crafted in Italy the quality level of these pieces is exquisite!!!!!
They are high-end, luxurious and elegant.Their slick surfaced lines are a wonderful combination of natural and modern designs.
These particular pieces are all available to the trade at Micucci ; call them at 310.360.7323. Ask for Favio’ but of course!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Tortoise Tile

By Erin Ferucci
Celebrity Lifestyle Designer
I saw something really unique the other day, that I have never seen before. Glass tile inspired by a Tortoise's shell, all man made of course.

Unique and versatile this tile would work in any bathroom setting: Modern, Contemporary or Traditional.

There are so many applications for this tile all of which would look sophisticated, chic and incredibly upscale. The tranlucent light that swirls on these signature tiles is inspired by beautiful tortoise shells, but they are completely manmade, no animals injured-only flattered.

Hagan Flynn, Inc. is the manufacturer of this design delectable, with showrooms in Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.