Anne Cummins Interior Design Blog
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Great Lighting Selections
This summer I’ve had the opportunity to specify some wonderful lighting products for a kitchen and bathroom renovation. On many projects based in New England, traditional styles prevail. In this case, the client lives in a classic New England colonial home but opted...
We’ve Got the Blues
A recent kitchen and bath renovation project focused on the color blue to play up the client's love for that color. Blue/grey slate tiles were laid on the kitchen floor in interesting patterns and size variations, and soft Wedgewood blue cabinets with beadboard...
Sea Glass Inspired Design Scheme
To continue the thread of my last blog about sea glass, here’s a design scheme I’m working on for a home renovation and design project in Florida. The fabrics we’ve selected for an open and airy family room/dining area will result in a cool and casual look that will...
Fresh Sea Glass Colors
Things are warming up. Hot and hazy summer months remind me of some of my favorite colors – those found in sea glass. The frosty, pale colors of sea glass that has been sandblasted and worn can translate well to interior colors to evoke a breezy, beachy feeling that...
Read more“Generally people think that good design is how it looks. It is how it looks, how it feels, the character it has, the whole thing in one package. To make something good, it takes all of those ingredients worked out.”
– Michael Graves
A Quote From Michael Graves
In tribute to Michael Graves, 1934-2015. From prominence as one of the "New York Five" to product design to universal/accessible design, Mr. Graves was key in increasing public awareness of architecture and design.
Maison & Objet Americas
I was just in Miami and toured Miami Beach to see all of the interesting architecture and design, both old and new. Banners were flying all over Miami and Miami Beach for the Maison & Objet Americas Trade Show scheduled for May 12 – 15. Annually held in Paris, Maison...
Designer/Advisor
I just met with a potential client who's planning a significant home renovation. She loves her house and the setting, but she’s ready to update her kitchen, adjacent family room, dining room and bathrooms. A common question came up during our meeting: “How will you...
The Enduring Classic Barcelona Chair
I’ve been reminded recently of the Barcelona chair, a classic furniture piece designed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The elegant, armless leather and steel chair is one of the most recognized pieces of furniture of the past hundred years. A new...
Read more“Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.”
– Donna Karan
A Favorite Design Quote
To me, this is a meaningful quote because it's so true that interior designers strive to achieve balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Legendary Alvar Aalto
While meandering through the gift shop at the Corning Museum of Glass recently (the gift shop is more like a wonderful gallery) I happened to see a photo of a familiar face – architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto (1898 – 1976) was a Finnish architect and designer, and I became...
An Amazing Day at the Museum
I just had the good fortune to visit the Corning Museum of Glass on the opening day of the new Contemporary Art + Design Wing, designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners. The new wing ties in seamlessly to the existing galleries and public spaces, and showcases a...
Creamy Off-White Trim Colors
Following up on my blog about white paint colors are thoughts about using creamy off-whites for interior trim. The softer, creamier off-white colors complement wall colors such as taupe, beige and brown, plum and burgundy, sage green and gold. They also tie in well...
Classic Plantation Shutters
I gladly incorporate plantation shutters as interior window treatment solutions whenever I can. They add a fresh and tailored look to all sorts of windows. I especially like to use them in bathrooms or powder rooms, where the windows are usually not that large and...
Fabulous Form and Function
Designers specify all sorts of things, from bricks to billiard tables to bathtubs. I chanced upon this freestanding soaking tub while shopping with a client to select fixtures for a bathroom renovation. Its simplicity and beauty are striking. The clean sculptural...
Beautiful Mosaic Tile
A single item or design element can often spark inspiration and give direction on a project. That was the case during a large scale renovation project I recently worked on. The architectural plans were all set and it was time to start planning the interior materials...