GO OUTSIDE: HGTVGARDENS.COM

GO OUTSIDE: HGTVGARDENS.COM

I love sharing our creativity at Tiger Lily’s. Anytime there is a reason to decorate count me in, whether it is a room or a garden. Thanks to HGTVGardens.com for touching base with us when writing a blog on how to take advantage of your outdoor space during the fall.

Below is a sampling of the blog:

FEATURED BLOG ON HGTVGardens.com
http://www.hgtvgardens.com/decorating/fall-decor-for-the-outdoors#sthash.eQpnWQMv.dpuf

“If your outdoor space looks and feels like summer, it psychologically cheats you out of spending time there in the fall,” says Samantha Knapp, interior designer at Tiger Lily’s in Greenwich, Connecticut. “You can incorporate summer colors to extend the season; salmon looks great with hunter green. There are lots of ways to create an edgy fall feel using the natural elements of the season.” 

For my complete tips on using the outside to your advantage, click the link below:

 http://www.hgtvgardens.com/decorating/fall-decor-for-the-outdoors#sthash.eQpnWQMv.dpuf

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEFORE & AFTER: A SWORD FIGHT

BEFORE & AFTER: A SWORD FIGHT  

BEFORE:
Draw your sword for a duel in design. The opponents are old verse new. It starts with a bench I picked up in near perfect condition. I loved the whimsical detail of the swords and just had to battle  an outdated fabric and color palette.

BEFORE:
LOVE THE SWORDS–BATTLING OLD FABRIC

Our motto in our workroom, tigerlilysgreenwich.com is that what is old can easily become new again. A point scored on either side.  It had me thinking about a textile company that I truly adore. Brunschwig & Fils http://www.brunschwig.com. The company dates back to 1891, when it was founded by Achille Brunschwig and understanding classic designs and new trends has sustained a legendary business in one form or another since. Over the last year, the creative team at Brunschwig has returned to the archives and reintroduced classic patterns and re-inspired prints in new color stories.

I thought using a classically inspired fabric was perfect for this bench. We reupholstered using Brunschwig’s Bamboo Trellis in Blue. The fabric retails for $390.00 a yard.  It features an embroidery detail on crisp white.

REUPHOLSTERED:
BRUNSCHWIG & FILS: BAMBOO TRELLIS

AFTER: 

I finished the piece off with a painted treatment that removed the black & gold tones and highlighted the fabric’s blue. The finish was sanded down and varnished to give it an aged appeal.  Battle, in my opinion won on either side.

AFTER:
BUY ME: $1,039.35
http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

I end with a quote and a message. Weapons don’t have to be used for violence, but in this case a symbol of delicate beautiful strength. In the words, never more true to my heart, of Edward Bulwer-Lytton: “The pen is mightier than the sword,” Touché!

 

BEFORE & AFTER: CASTING A SPELL IN THE FORM OF A HEX

CASTING A SPELL IN THE FORM OF A HEX

BEFORE & AFTER: CASTING A SPELL: IN THE FORM OF A HEX

I wanted to do something new. Something that I had never seen done before. The definition of Hex is to cast a spell and bewitch. I like the idea that something can be so appealing to the eye that it literally cast a spell and becomes a must buy. It was fitting to start with the shape of a Hexagon.

BEFORE:
HEXAGON BASE IN RAW STEEL

Working with a shape in mind, I then backed into some simple math to get the height, shape and angles to work. I wanted a standard finished height near 19.5″. I had my welder mount inside brackets for concealed legs and positioning to mount the upholstered seat.

AFTER:
FINISHED BASE WITH UPHOLSTERED SEAT
MONGOLIAN SHEEP PELT

Once we had the shape and the seat set, I brainstormed fabrics to cover the upholstered seat. My design style is always deep in contrasts so I went for organic hide against manufactures’ metal, deconstructed finished against measured angles. To unify the juxtaposition, I kept the elements joined in neutral gray tones.

HEXAGON OTTOMAN
BUY ME:
http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

When opposites attract only good things come of a space. The finished product of the hexagon ottoman is that magic spell, I was trying to achieve when I set out to create the shape. I love the way the piece fits in this contemporary Westside Apartment. The play of textures and materials adds balance to the neutral tones that are layered in the living space.  Andy Warhol said, “The most exciting attractions are between two opposites that never meet.” I like the way that sounds and how it develops when we set our minds into creating new forms and pieces that are sculptural perhaps like art, but on which you plop down and have a seat.

#ONE LOVE

BEFORE & AFTER: I LOVE YOUR GUTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BEFORE & AFTER: I LOVE YOUR GUTS

I LOVE YOUR GUTS

What are you really made of? What’s deep down in your guts? If you peel back the layers do you like what you see. Who you are on the outside is a manifestation of what you are in the inside. Love me love my guts!

It starts with a simple frame. The bones have to be strong. Ours all wood, while cheaper versions rely on press-board.  Once it arrives at Tiger Lily’s (www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com) we work with the good solid bones, the kind that drink Milk and build strong components around the shape.

SPRING INTO ACTION

Our sofas have hand tied springs. Commercial quality sofas, the kind you GASP… get from places like Pottery Barn & Resto have factor compressed springs or webbing. Let me put this into terms most body & health conscious people understand. We are talking about the difference between filling your body with saturated fats and organic foods.

THE GOOD STUFF

Once you have got the good stuff,  it is time to layer and protect, that is the layer of muscle.

FOAM LAYER COVERED IN MUSLIN

You have to feel good inside. That’s the truth. That is advice that relates to the insides of the sofa and the insides of the soul.

On a personal front, I can say from experience that you need layers of protect over your good stuff. Everyday something comes at you… Maybe you try for a job and the answer is no. Maybe you tell someone you love them and the reply is that they don’t feel the same way. Maybe you want something that is forever out of reach. A good soul, good foundation and protected foundation are the only way to combat all those things.

GET THE GOODS INSIDE THEN COVER THEM

Once you establish the person you are inside, you fortify, protect then cover with the shield of who you want to be. When you do it right the outside exactly matches the inside. When you do this right in upholstery you have clean, solid inside guts covered in muslin then covered in fabric.

 

FABRIC IS THE FACE

The fabric is the face you give to the people. The fabric is what you want people to know about you. This guy’s solid. This guy’s strong. This guy is all blue. Blue is the color of the sky, the sea and represents heaven on earth. I personally like that skin. It is thick and inviting but doesn’t penetrate.

That’s how you own skin should be. The world can throw punches and shake your foundation, but you’ve got to have thick skin. You have got to be able to put things in perspective, not take defeat personally and go at it again. Celebrate get stronger and show off who you are. It is the differences in your personality that make you special and make you shine.

CELEBRATE THE SPECIAL

A few things in life make you who you are and make you special. Celebrate that. This sofa has decorative tufting, a waterfall skirt and decorative tape. It is special. It is not for everyone. It is for someone. It is ONE LOVE.  Just one person has to love it and until that person pops up, it has to be strong enough, down to its guts to take every moment that comes in between.

AFTER:
BUILT TO LAST
BUY ME: http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

AFTER:
Built to last. The Grateful Dead sang it strong.

“Three blue stars set on the hill
Say no more now just be still
All these trials soon be past
Show me something built to last”

 

Thanks & Gratitude.  I see you all on Rockethub supporting my Dream. I see it everyday!

http://www.rockethub.com/projects/22909-sam-on-the-scene

 

 

TALK AT TIGER LILY’S: THE FOUR-LEGGED QUESTION

TALK AT TIGER LILY’S: THE FOUR-LEGGED QUESTION

I was with the kids on Thursday. It is all part of my small business growth plan as taught by Goldman Sachs 10-Thousand Small Businesses. Rule on business profit engagement, despite it all MAKE ROOM FOR THE KIDS. Yes they are exactly why we are all doing what it is we do. It is about love and respect for the future. The future is bright so protect it, let it guide you and do it right. That is the Buddha inside me, the other part is Jew.

THE FOUR-LEGGED QUESTION
TRASH OR TREASURE ?

I had #Nicktheintern start this one:

“Here’s the infamous (to us anyway) coffee table we all been talking about! Like any other day (I don’t know the reference here. Footnote, ask Nick. ) there’s always a heated debate at Tiger Lily’s. So many questions so little answers. The real question is JUNK OR SELL? I am the reporter on this case. Sam, the forever journalist, suggested an interview.

BK SOUNDS OFF:

BK SOUNDS-OFF
THIS IS HER FIRST APPEARANCE ON THE BLOG
CLICK AND WATCH…
WELCOME MOM TO THE SHOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9x9CtVgHAo&list=UU7l5iAl_RQPHuNeErFUrITQ&index=2

As seen above BK had a few good reasons to like it, one of which was that it is her vintage find. The majority of the team at Tiger Lily’s where on upside of no. The wife a former President said this quite prophetically,  “Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes,” Eleanor Roosevelt.

MADDY AND LAURA BOTH SAY NO
#Thumbsdown #Tablestinks

Now time for the boss lady. Know this my friends, Samantha Knapp is opinionated and has a loud mouth.

#NICKTHEINTERN
ROLL REVERSAL
I AM THRILLED TO BE INTERVIEWED

NICK INTERVIEWS SAM ON YOUTUBE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ipRaIHiy8E&list=UU7l5iAl_RQPHuNeErFUrITQ

I didn’t trust Nick The Intern with the wrap up. Samantha Knapp for Tiger Lily’s. This is where experience comes in. I am the solo trustee to deliver the hard sell. We’re asking folks to sound off on this Talk @ Tigerlily’s. The Four-Legged Question,  Trash or Treasure, Buy or Sell? http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com. Speaking of the sell, every good blogs ends with a small one. Thursday is Design On A Dime for Housing Works featuring on partnership with Robert Allen. We are going to be interviewed by House Beautiful.  Promise to share. XXOO

There is also my new campaign on #Rockethub. Brian Meece is a colleague at Goldman Sachs 10-Thousand Small Businesses and new friend.

SAMANTHA KNAPP ON ROCKET HUB
VIEW MY CAMPAIGN
http://www.rockethub.com/launch/details?project_id=22909

I think that was a strong enough tease into a commerical break. Television, reporting and producing… It is like riding a bike, one push and the pedal spins.

#ONELOVE

JERRY MCGUIRE MANIFESTO #5: It’s Not Always Pretty

JERRY MCGUIRE MANIFESTO #5: It’s Not Always Pretty

It is not always pretty. That’s an ugly picture of me. One of the worst taken, HA!  Laugh to business. You work hard, you dream all day and write that dream down every single solidarity night. Each night the dream gets stronger and your energy grows. You forget to sleep. Your body bursts with the idea that your very own brand will blow up any day now. That’s the dark bags under my eyes. Sleepless nights 🙂 Look at the picture. I am so tired and so happy.

I am sitting there, fuck yes I am!!! It took many years. That is an accomplishment. Right there! Sitting there in my booth at the Architectural Digest Home Show, Pier 94 baby ,New York Fuckn’ City. That’s the smile. That picture is taken of me & my executive assistant by a magazine no less. Our hugest accomplishment!  WAG Magazine.

Celebrate with us! Enjoy the link to WAG.

http://www.wagmag.com/home-sweet-home-design-show/

Abrham Lincoln say “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are a his sincere friend.” Readers and followers, I applaud you.  I hope you consider me as much”

 

For more information visit our website, http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

#ONE LOVE or as Laura put it today. #DESIGNLOVE

TIGER LILY’S BLOOM: NICK THE INTERN’S ASSIGNMENT

TIGER LILY’S BLOOM: NICK THE INTERN GETS HIS ASSIGNMENT

I am going grass roots. That said it is time to let Nick the Intern in on the assigment. On Thursday March 28th, Nick is going to Greenwich Avenue to hand out fliers. Watch as I fill him in…

WATCH: HITTING THE STREETS WITH NICK THE INTERN
http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

YOUTUBE LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eQznZwpKY4

 For more information on Tiger Lily’s visit our website, http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

TIGER LILY’S BLOOM: I HAVE AN IDEA starring Sam & Laura featuring Nick the Intern

TIGER LILY’S BLOOM: I HAVE AN IDEA starring Sam & Laura featuring Nick the Intern

HIT & WATCH WHAT’S NEXT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmw3-mgXUWo&sns=em

The brand is luxury. The effort to grow awareness is grass roots. I am the one behind all the big ideas for company growth. I write the #JerryMcGuireManifestos. I have an idea in keeping with one of the first rules of business. Work with what you’ve got.

YOUTUBE LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmw3-mgXUWo&sns=em

For more information on our progress on this project, Tiger Lily’s, our new exclusive furniture collection, vintage finds, before & afters and interior design, visit our website, tigerlilysgreenwich.com.

“Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”

-Andy Warhol

BEFORE & AFTER: STONE COLD

BEFORE & AFTER: STONE COLD

I have a heart for stone. I truly love it. The texture is a juxaposition; it is hard and smooth. I’ll stop there! I found this piece of stone in the stock pile at Rye Marble.

BEFORE

Stock is a valuable savings. I was able to cut the size I wanted from the existing chipped piece. Installed on lucite brackets, the coffee table is sized to make a statement.

AFTER

For more information on upholstery, before and afters and one-of-kind vintage finds log onto our website http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com

BEFORE & AFTER: LINE ITEM DETAIL

 

 

BEFORE & AFTER: LINE ITEM DETAIL

I found this frame in our storage facility. It had a 1970s vibe happening when it came in to our custom workroom, Tiger Lily’s Greenwich. I ripped a picture from the internet to give you a feel for the style.

 I had the upholstery team gut the chair and remove the channel tufts, adding new straight foam across the back.

  I selected a indoor/outdoor neutral stripe for the new fabric. I decided to railroad the fabric creating a horizontal stripe rather then veritical. The change in direction of the fabric for me gives a modern feel. 

 

 Once the fabric was in place. I started thinking more about the black lacquer finish I initially created when I began the furniture facelift. 

 The chair began to feel more beachy, so I wanted to pull back some layers. We played around with the finish using a sander in a playful way that created a tortise-shell like finish.    

TAKE ME TO THE BEACH $1.695.00

 

 

The end result is one-of-a-kind with beach side bungalow style. For more information on Before & After, custom upholstery and one-of-kind furniture, visit our website http://www.tigerlilysgreenwich.com. You can also shop us on 1stdibs.com.