The Transforming Magic of Bold Paint Color with Fine Art

Sandy Sez – Most art galleries favor white walls to display paintings. White paint provides a clean palette which is modern, with no distractions. On the other hand, artwork can be transformed by dramatic wall color in ways that will surprise you. If you dare, paint your walls chocolate brown, persimmon, or green grape, as we did, and see the fabulous effect. Small rooms feel larger, large rooms feel cozy and rich. Our walls at SM Home have a bold new look. Artwork, furniture and accessories look amazing on these rich deep tones -

We dipped into the crayola box of Benjamin Moore paints and are thrilled with the results!

in the making

You are invited to come take a tour to see the magic of color in our three freshly painted downstairs rooms.

By the way, the upstairs at SM Home still reflects the serene whites and soft neutrals of the Swedish Gustavian Period. We continue to love the quiet elegance of this look, too. There is a room for all colors in our paint box and we are having fun experimenting as the seasons change.

What is your color mood today? Maybe, its time for a fresh take…let us inspire you!

Call soon for a color consultation -

SM Home gets in the Halloween Spirit

Happy Halloween!

What do you think about our chic spin on Halloween Decorating?? We have these fabulous trays and boxes in the shop, including a beauitful orange with black trim set. What a stylish way to greet trick o’ treaters at the door with a matching box full of candy. Of course we had to include our SM Home version of the “ghost chair”!

Sweet Little Reminders

Sandra bought a fabulous, chic Art Deco perfume bottle at an auction this summer and brought this gem into the shop. It is more than a perfume bottle, it is a true piece of art. The piercing blue colors and elegant impact of the perfume bottle automatically reminded me of the breath-taking, blue glass chandelier I saw hanging in the foyer of the Governors Mansion in Hartford, CT.

Art Deco Perfume Bottle at SM Home

At Governor's Mansion in Hartford CT

Their purposes and size are completely different, although that particular blue always carries a sense of elegance. In addition, when combined with crystal and light both objects impact us in a very similar way. This comparison is proof that you can obtain sophistication and style in unexpected ways. It can be a perfume bottle on top of your vanity or a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

"Big Pond" by Penny Putnam (under glass in silver frame)

Sandy Sez – Our passionate affair with the color blue is no secret. We love the blue spectrum from fragile, airy, wispy shades, to vibrant lapis-drenched inky hues. “Big Pond”, an original water color by Penny Putnam, framed under glass, has them all in spades. We are excited by the creativity connecting all three objects. Art Deco style, 19th century Russian style, and American Modernism are related in form and spirit.

Kaitlin’s New Favorite Place…the D&D Building

Me (Kaitlin) in front of the D&D Buildling

Last week Sandra took me into the city for Design week, at the D&D (Decorating and Design) Building. What a treat! After being there for an hour, I realized I could be there for days and love every second of it. The showrooms were beautiful and the speakers were inspiring. I had the privilege of listening to multiple designers and editors while learning so much about the growing business of Interior Design…I couldn’t get enough! For anyone who has not been, I strongly suggest you go!

 What caught my eye the most that day was all the beautiful ikat fabrics they had, especially at the Brunschwig & Fils Showroom.

Me (Kaitlin) taking a photo of the beautiful entrance to the Brunschwig & Fils Showroom! We loved the painting and the dark chocolate walls -

When Sandra and I walked into that showroom, I felt as if we were in ikat heaven! One of the showroom’s lovely representatives suggested we walk over to Bermingham & Co. to see the fabrics in pillow form! Check out the beautiful ikat fabrics we found at Bermingham. We are having our own pillows made featuring these designs.

Sandy Sez – It is always inspiring to go to these Design Events at the D&D. I’ve been walking the halls of the D&D for years and am still recharged by new design ideas presented in original ways.

I loved sharing the experience with Kaitlin this last trip. We attended seminars that included Shane Reilly (Vice President of Gilt Home), Michelle Adams (editor of Lonny Mag), Tom Delavan,  DePedro Cunningham. Pilar Guzman and designer Vincente Wolf.

We both came away feeling great design is alive and well and there are many rooms for us to conquer in the future. Ikats are only the tip of the iceberg. Social networking is the name of the game, and we are officially in the game!

Introducing Modern Traditionalist

Sandra Morgan, well-known interior designer in Greenwich CT, is the President of Sandra Morgan Interiors and owner of SM Home (beautiful retail shop located in downtown Greenwich).

Former Associate Fabric Editor at Mademoiselle magazine, she created the column Chez Mlle, devoted to stylish decorating for young women-on-the-go.

Now, she will continue to publish her design advice through this blog and sharing her passion for the fine arts and world of interior design!

Sandy’s decorating and lifestyle tips are a combination of her experienced eye for what’s classic, new and noteworthy, as well as fresh, innovative ideas from her diverse design staff.

You will be hearing from Sandy, Laird, Madeliene and Kaitlin on a regular basis. Please come in and meet us all, if you haven’t done so already.

Below is an image of the Sandra Morgan Interiros team at a luncheon for the “People’s Project”. CC&G Press Release says “Connecticut Cottages & Gardens Magazine Helps Preserve Historic Connecticut Governor’s Residence with People’s Project. Connecticut Design Community Comes Together to Update Public Spaces of Governor’s Residence.”  http://www.cottages-gardens.com/Connecticut-Cottages-Gardens/November-2011/Connecticut-Cottages-Gardens-Helps-Preserve-Historic-Connecticut-Governors-Residence-with-Peoples-Project/

(left to right) Kaitlin, Sandy, Laird, Madeleine at the Governor's Mansion for "People's Project" Luncheon - October 5