Posted on Thu, Feb 09, 2012
A great hotel should be more than just a building: it should exude originality, romance, art, luxury and have a personality of its own. When the Back Bay Shutter Co. started looking for a hotel for its NYC Sweepstakes, they discovered that the Gramercy Park Hotel would be more than a great hotel, it would enrich the entire experience with its history, luxury and individuality.
Rich History
From the time it was built in 1925, the Gramercy Park Hotel gained notoriety for its luxurious and unique style, attracting tourists and celebrities alike. Had you visited in the late 1920s or early 1930s, you could have attended Humphrey Bogart’s marriage to Helen Menken, or had a drink with Babe Ruth at the famous hotel bar. In the 1970s, the hotel became such a hub for rockstars that Cameron Crowe demanded Almost Famous be shot in the lobby.
In 2006 the hotel was renovated by boutique-style hotel mastermind, Ian Schrager, making it what it is today: a veritable masterpiece of a hotel.
Bohemian Boutique meets Modern Luxury
All you have to do is walk through the front door to realize that a stay at the Gramercy Park Hotel will be unforgettable. The lobby exudes a modern elegance that suggests such bohemians as Edith Wharton and O. Henry would’ve been at home there. Each hotel room is decorated in warm jewel tones accented with velvet-upholstered headboards, tapestry-covered chairs and custom designed furniture. The adjacent Jade and Rose bars combine fine art and cocktails by displaying one of the finest hotel collections of art, including pieces by Warhol and Basquiat.
Maialino
Forbes calls Gramercy Park Hotel’s restaurant, Maialino, “An ode to a Roman Trattoria… perfect.” It’s easy to see why. From the moment you walk in, you feel like you’ve taken a step into Italy. Every detail exudes Italy right down to the blue-check tablecloths -- just wait till you’ve tasted the food. Whether you have the roast suckling pig for dinner (Maialino translates to “Little Pig”), or ricotta pancakes for breakfast, Maialino will seduce your mouth with the best flavors of Italy.
Personality abounds at the Gramercy Park Hotel. From discussing a Warhol painting while having a drink, to dining at Maialino or simply relaxing in your room, your stay will be an out-of-this-world experience you’ll never forget.
Enter the Back Bay Shutter Co.'s NYC Sweepstakes to win a two-night stay at this hotel and more!
More articles on the destination points and activities included in the NYC Sweepstakes:
Posted on Tue, Jan 31, 2012
Can anything prepare you for the kind of remarkable experience the annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show will give you this March? Probably not.
This prestigious design show has established itself as one of the best in the nation. However, you might ask, “Do I have to be an architect to attend and enjoy this design show?”
Absolutely not.
Home designers, homeowners, trade professionals, retailers and anyone who is passionate about design will delight in the Architectural Digest Home Design Show for its enormous representation of design brands and custom-made, unique pieces that can’t be found elsewhere. Among other magnificent attractions, The New York Times sponsors a fascinating Designer Seminar Series that makes this design show unforgettable.
Exemplary Collection of Home Design Brands
The Architectural Digest Home Design Show four-day event features hundreds of manufacturers, galleries, designers and artists, and showcases services and products for the luxury design market. New and established brands show off their choicest work -- from design styles to one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings. Don’t be surprised if you hear yourself saying, “I simply have to have that!
MADE
Already in its fourth year, the MADE section has quickly become a, if not the, highlight of the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. MADE provides individual artists and designers of limited edition, exclusive, handcrafted, collectable objects and furnishings with an occasion to promote themselves at the design show. Instead of being lost among corporate production brands, MADE exhibitors show their phenomenal work with a voice entirely their own, making them impossible to miss.
New York Times Designer Seminar Series
If you can manage some time away from the unbelievable booths and galleries at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show you'd find The New York Times seminars more than worthwhile. Attend the “Future of the Home” seminar, which takes an in-depth look at the major trends the industry sees for homes in 2020; or learn about using colors to create personality, incorporating art skillfully, or how to manage small-space interiors effectively.
Whether you're an architect, designer, retailer or homeowner looking for fresh inspiration or a unique centerpiece, the Architectural Digest Home Design Show will not only introduce you to the finest array of designs, items and furnishings, but will equip you with the best tricks, tips and trends to further your design aspirations.
But wait, there's more...
We asked Troy Hanson of the AD Show what stands out from his perspective this year and this is what he had to say:
"Attendees at the 11th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show will find thousands of products from more than 400 exhibitors including the latest in furniture, lighting, kitchens & bathrooms, fabrics, floor coverings and more. The MADE section, in its largest configuration to date, welcomes independent designers and artisans of original, handmade, fine art objects and furnishings. New at the Show this year is 'reFRESH', a section dedicated to high-end manufacturers of luxury kitchen, bath and building products, and a Fabric Exhibition which highlights major textile brands showing their latest lines.
In addition to product exhibits, attendees can enjoy complimentary design seminars, consultations with members of The New AD100 list, wine and food tastings, book signings, special events and more. While at Pier 94, don't miss DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN NY, an extravaganza of creative and awe-inspiring dining installations created by the industry's most iconic influencers. For full details, visit ADHomeDesignShow.com."
Don’t miss your chance to attend this show and more by entering Back Bay Shutter’s New York City Sweepstakes!
Posted on Tue, Jan 24, 2012
Excitement is building as the Back Bay Shutter Co. New York City Sweepstakes grows closer. It’s hard not to be excited when the prize includes a stay at a five-star hotel and tickets to one of the best design shows in the nation. Curious yet? Maybe a closer look at this exciting trip will whet your architect or designer appetite.
A two-night stay at the Gramercy Park Hotel
The Gramercy Park Hotel is famous not only for its luxury accommodations, but also for its rich history. Built in the late 1920’s in an elegant Neo-Renaissance architectural style, this five-star hotel has maintained a vision of artful diversity by using innovative decor, unique artwork, and exemplary architecture. It’s easy to see why such celebrities as Madonna, Bowie, Humphrey Bogart and Babe Ruth have all graced this fabulous hotel.
Visit and Dine at the Museum of Modern Art
The Back Bay Shutter Co. New York City Sweepstakes also includes a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), one of the finest places to get inspired. Filled with iconic masterpieces and admirable examples of modern art, MoMA will leave you breathless. To top off your museum experience, you'll enjoy dinner at The Modern, located inside MoMA and overlooking the famous Sculpture Garden.
Attend the Architectural Digest Home Design Show
The Architectural Digest Home Design Show is hailed as one of the best design shows in New York City. Get an inside scoop on the latest trends in architecture and design -- from furniture and lighting to kitchens and baths. Inspiration will abound for your home or business when you explore exhibits from nearly 350 new and established premium brands, including limited-edition and one-of-a-kind finds.
Breakfast at Zagat’s pick for the best new restaurant, Maialino
Famed restaurateur Danny Meyer could've been in paradise when the idea to create Maialino hit him. Inspired by the finest italian flavors, Maialino will seduce your mouth with savory and sweet delicacies. Within a bite, you’ll see it’s no wonder Zagat picked it as 2011's "Best New Restaurant."
The lucky winner (and guest) of the Back Bay Shutter Co. New York City Sweepstakes will probably think they’ve died and gone to heaven. Don't miss your chance! Enter the Sweepstakes to win this incredible design-centric weekend in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Just think, you could be immersing yourself in luxury, art, design and architecture in a couple months!
So what are you waiting for? Click the button below and enter the sweepstakes before it's too late! (Entries close at 5:00 p.m. ET on February 29, 2012.)
Posted on Wed, Jan 11, 2012
In the hubbub of New York City, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) almost blends in amongst Manhattan’s slew of skyscrapers. Yet something about MoMA catches even the most distracted passersby’s attention. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Cezanne are exhibited just behind those walls. You don’t have to be an expert to tell that this is more than just another museum -- it’s a place to get inspired.
With over 150,000 individual pieces of artwork and traveling exhibits that circulate internationally, MoMA is considered by many to have the best collection of modern art masterpieces in the world. However, touring such a large museum (especially if you’re not a regular member) can be staggering. Here are a few tips that will ensure that you always find your visit inspiring instead of overwhelming.
Prioritize what you want to see
When you step into MoMA you get the feeling that you could spend weeks inside without seeing everything. With a museum this large, you have to be selective about what you see. Look through the booklets concerning each exhibit, find three or four that pique your interest. Prioritizing which exhibits you see will give you a chance to thoroughly enjoy each of them.
Find your pace
One of the best ways to get inspired by touring MoMA is to find your viewing pace. With so many exhibits to view, it’s easy to rush past great works of art without really looking at them. Take your time -- find something that appeals to you and figure out why it appeals to you. On the other hand, if something doesn’t inspire you, move on to something that does.
Take notes
It’s easy to be inspired while you’re inside the museum, but carrying that inspiration out into your work is easier said than done. Take a notebook to sketch or jot down ideas to help you remember what inspired you, and what you can implement into your work. Get inspired! Find a piece of art that speaks to you and use it to take you to the next level. You will find it hard not to be inspired by the masterpieces housed at MoMA.
Enter to Win Free Tickets to MoMA!
You could win a weekend in NYC and tickets to MoMA! Back Bay Shutter is giving away an action-packed, design-centric weekend to one lucky winner and guest. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, just click the button to enter the Back Bay Shutter Company NYC Trip Sweepstakes button below! Hurry, you must enter by 5:00 PM EST on February, 29, 2012. See the offical rules, terms and conditions.
Posted on Thu, Jan 05, 2012
This is a guest post by Amy Statton, a professional ballet dancer who has worked with several ballet companies including the Tulsa Ballet and the Pennsylvania Ballet. In 2009, she received the bronze medal at the 6th Annual Tanzolymp Dance Festival in Berlin for classical ballet.
What is excellence?
The dictionary defines excellence as the quality of being outstanding. The pursuit of excellence comes in many varieties, but the principle stays the same: no matter how good you are, you can be better. With this mindset, you're able to push yourself to heights otherwise unattainable. For example, a ballet dancer and a shutter craftsman both actively pursue excellence in their work. However, they can only achieve excellence by letting their passions push them to their greatest potential.
So
what does a ballet dancer and a shutter craftsman have in common?
Ballet dancers and shutter craftsmen may look nothing alike, yet both pursue their passions in similar ways -- specifically by having a perfectionist mindset, using their passions to propel them, and reaping the reward of producing something they can be proud of.
Perfectionist Mindset
Perfectionism is the belief that you can always be better. There is no limit to how far you can go, and no detail is too small. In ballet, great effort is put into making a performance look effortless. Every jump and turn has to be precise and calculated, otherwise the magic is lost. It is this same attention to detail that sets the shutter craftsman apart. Every detail of his work must have that same precision in creating a blind or shutter that is well-made and appealing.
Letting Passion Push You Further
Loving what you do and getting a thrill from your work is a strong motivator. No dancer could do what they do without being head-over-heels passionate about ballet.
It is this love that takes them to the ballet studio every day and assuages the physical toll on their bodies. Similarly, a craftsman is pulled into his daily work by his passion. Discovering ways to propel his work and provide excellent service pushes him to create quality installations.
The Final Product
Making something you are proud of is what it’s all about. For a dancer, those moments on stage and the thrill of satisfaction makes everything worthwhile. When the shutter craftsman sees the finished product and the quality of his work, he knows that he has made something to be proud of.
The pursuit of excellence may be difficult, but the struggle is worth it for the few who let their passions take them to new heights. Nothing can compare to the satisfaction of creating a high quality product, no matter what you are passionate about.
Photos:
- Amy Statton pictured at the 6th Annual Tanzolymp Dance Festival for Classic Ballet in Berlin, 2009.
- Back Bay Shutter Co. shutter craftsman proudly displaying his creation.
Posted on Fri, Dec 09, 2011
Arched windows are among the most elegant of architectural accentuations, and they can have a dramatic impact in any room of the home. However, they are notoriously difficult to deal with when it comes to window treatments, as their irregular shapes make them difficult to cover without being conspicuous. The rule of thumb when it comes to window treatments for arched windows is to use them to deliberately draw the eye and enhance the overall visual effect.
For example, if you have a semicircular arched window above a large window in a dining room or living room, you can simply suspend curtains from a horizontal rod running across the entire width of the window, then place ties around the lower third of the curtains so the upper two-thirds has a graceful inward curve. This creates balance, offsetting the curve of the arched window with the curve of the curtains, while leading the eye to the full width of the main windows. This causes a greater sense of depth within the room.
You can also use valances over arched windows to separate them from the windows they rest atop. These window treatments for arched windows highlights the curvature of the architecture while creating increasing the intimacy of the interior space.
As a variation on this strategy, you can separate the arched windows from the main windows with a horizontal rod, then use blinds or curtains to cover the main windows and leave the arched windows bare. This approach optimizes privacy while still allowing an unimpeded flow of natural light into the room. You can also use swags instead of blinds or curtains if you want to leave the main windows exposed. Again, this effect counterbalances the arching movements of the upper window shapes, creating a sense of rhythm.
At the Back Bay Shutter Company, we specialize in custom-made blinds, shades and shutters. We're happy to offer you more tips and ideas regarding window treatments for arched windows; simply contact us and discuss your needs with one of our customer service representatives.
Photo by Alex Beatty: SHUTTER PANELS, 1 1/4” thick,1 7/8” louvers, hinged, top track supported, no divider rail, arch tapered movable louver fan above. Location: Marlborough St., Boston, MA.
Posted on Mon, Dec 05, 2011
Wooden Venetian blinds are an elegant way to enhance your home decor, and they come with various operational options, each of which has its own merits and drawbacks. In addition to stylistic considerations, you should also take these operating options into consideration when you're shopping for Venetian blinds to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your new window treatments.
You can operate wooden Venetian blinds using any of the following systems:
- Tilt wands. This system consists of a mobile rod that you can twist to partially or fully open or close the blinds. Tilt wands are one of the least expensive options, but because they use moving parts, they can wear down or become inoperative, requiring replacement, and, if used improperly, they can break.
- Cordless operation. A cordless system functions much like a traditional cord tilt, but uses a handle instead of a mobile rod to control the blinds. They are an excellent option if you are child-proofing your home, but may not be compatible with all types of blinds.
- Remote controls. With a remote control system, you can open or close your wooden Venetian blinds to the degree you desire with just the touch of a button. These controls offer superior control and enhanced safety and security for your blinds.
- Automation. You can link the operation of your wooden Venetian blinds to a room-based or whole-house automation system, giving you the option to program opening and closing during specific times of day and eliminating all touch controls. However, some older homes cannot be retrofitted to use this technology.
At the Back Bay Shutter Company, we will be happy to discuss the various merits of each of these systems with you in more detail to help you select the one that's right for your home. Simply contact us and one of our friendly customer service associates will be happy to assist you.
Posted on Wed, Nov 23, 2011
Isn't Thanksgiving a great holiday? Who doesn't love spending time with friends and family, eating way too much, and taking a nap in order to eat even more?
But in all seriousness, it is one of our favorite holidays, because it forces us to take some time from our busy schedules to think about what we have to be thankful for. We're so grateful we get to work in a business we love, surrounded by so many exceptionally gifted people. We'd like to take a minute to thank them.
Our company is small, which allows us to work closely with one another. So, our first "thanks" goes out to our talented and committed employees. They work hard, they're professional, and they bring a great attitude to work every day. They are diligent about making sure that every product that leaves our building is perfect. That's not easy. And we appreciate it.
Next, we'd like to give thanks to all the talented and inspiring designers and architects we work with. Your creativity and high standards constantly challenge us to maintain our own high standards. Thanks for choosing us again and again.
Lastly, we give a heart felt thanks to all of our families. They put up with us when we think about work too much, or talk about work too much, or go to work too much. We love you, and thank you for supporting us, and allowing us to do what we love to do.
Enjoy your holiday and be safe. And don't forget to take some time, before your second helping, to give thanks.
Posted on Fri, Nov 18, 2011
Properly caring for your indoor window shutters is essential to maintaining their beauty and extending their long life. Regular care and cleaning can prevent material degradation and improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust present in your home's interior.
Wooden indoor window shutters require particularly careful attention. Protect the investment you've made in your wooden window treatments by using the following care tips:
- Dust and clean your shutters. Use a duster or a clean, dry cloth to remove everyday buildup from your window treatments. Your vacuum cleaner should also have a soft-brush attachment that will help you eliminate dust from hard-to-reach areas.
- Eliminate exposure to moisture. Always close your windows when it rains to avoid any water splashing in from the outdoors.
- Always follow manufacturer usage guidelines. Never open or close your shutters using any other mechanism than the controls which were installed by the manufacturer. Clean your shutters when they are in the open position, so you can access both sides easily.
- Be careful about your choice of cleanser. Never use an abrasive chemical on your shutters. Instead, choose gentle cleaning products when necessary.
Following this advice will help you get a lifetime of enjoyment from your wooden indoor window shutters.
The Back Bay Shutter Company is a leading provider of quality finished wood shutters for homeowners who demand the very best. For further information on our products or services, please don't hesitate to contact us or request a quote for shutters.
Posted on Fri, Nov 11, 2011
If you're updating your decor, brushing up on interior design trends for 2012 will help you make stylish and timely choices that can add significantly to your home's overall value. Natural looks and products are making major inroads and figure to form the backbone of the direction of the interior design industry in the coming year.
Interior Design Trends
Going space by space, here's a closer look at general trends for 2012:
- Kitchens. Stainless steel appliances and surfaces continue to be big. Not only are they practical, they're also functional--they're easy to clean and disinfect, and they last a long time.
- Living rooms and bedrooms. In these rooms, wood has become the most popular material, for flooring as well as furnishings. While traditional favorites like bamboo and hardwood continue to enjoy widespread popularity, reclaimed and repurposed wood is also trendy and offers you a way to save some money.
- Outdoors. Again, nature and conservation rule: more and more people are building decks and patios from natural stone, and gardening trends are promoting habitat-like environments that sustain and support insects and birds rather than keeping them away. Landscape designs are making widespread use of grasses and plants that don't require a lot of watering.
Color Trends
Not surprisingly, color trends for 2012 are moving towards natural hues and colors that are emblematic of nature. In addition to timeless neutral shades of beige and brown, bright sky blues and deep forest greens are big right now. If you want to make bolder choices, include warm sun-like yellows, sunset-like oranges and rich teals. Choosing paints with natural pigments and low or no VOCs is also recommended.
Window Treatment Trends
Bamboo shades are one of the top interior design trends of 2012, as far as window treatments are concerned; bamboo is one of the most ecologically friendly products on the home improvement market. As an alternative, you can also consider organic or reclaimed wood for your blinds--these materials have been staging a major comeback for several years, a trend that is showing no signs of slowing down.
Also, according to Marie and Kathie at Custom House Draperies in Holliston, MA: "The trends we are seeing seem to include roman shades and draperies. People are gravitating toward textiles and neutral, soothing colors. When they want color, purple and orange are abundant. Large bold prints are also popular."
Working with a professional interior designer, or at least consulting one, will help you gain a better grasp of ways you can apply these trends to your home's unique spaces. As ecological consciousness becomes increasingly prominent in contemporary culture, your home makeover will resonate and add value for years to come.
What trends are you seeing for 2012?