Staying ZEN….

I have entered a period of great change and restlessness … so much so that even my two wonderful rescue dogs are picking up on my moods. 

I wish that after the numerous trips I've taken to Asia, I would have spent more time listening and absorbing the teaching of Buddhism. My heart and soul gravitates to the Zen philosophy.

Change is scary … in such times, ones needs to find their own peace and reality. My surroundings deeply affect my moods and I find refuge in nature and my home. I am able to capture moments of great but simple beauty, be it a sun ray of pure morning light casting shadows of tree leaves on my walls, the sound of morning dove, the thought of a friend.

All the emotions and feelings are part of the personal journey reflected in my design work.

Share with me a few moments of Bliss, Zen and Beauty ….

These images are from my various Interior Design projects.

Soon InterieursDesign Studio by Francine Gardner is too launch.

Join us on October 14th at Interieurs, 228 East 58th Street for an intimate gathering celebrating our design work and our new website.

Dreaming of a Zen refuge…email me: fgardner@interieurs.com

A summer in IBIZA

Years ago, our family and friends would cross the Mediterranean on my parent's motor boat to go and explore Ibiza, famous island in the Baleares. I loved the wildness of this enchanting yet primitive island. The hippies had taken over the ancient town Dal't Villa - the old town- having been thrown out of Katmandu . We were under  Franco's  era, but Ibiza was free from the Vigilentes and started to become a playground for artists, eccentric wealthy travelers and jet setters.

This island is stunningly beautiful, rich in history, culture and architecture. The now famous fincas had incredible charm. After a few visits to Ibiza, we stopped going to settle in the French Village of Eze Village. The New York Times article about Eze Village, published last week brought a slew of memories…. 

Years later, I met this handsome, wild guy in Boston whose mother had a beautiful historic house in the old town of Ibiza. He had spent his childhood summers there. As soon as school was over, we would pack up and fly to Ibiza….

The 80's was  best experienced in Ibiza, the crazy Pasha, Amnesia clubs, dancing until breakfast. Then sleeping the days away on the beach, suntanning and some swimming.

 This is what happens when mixing  too much sun and sangria….

That was the life! We have returned many times, Ibiza is now the home of the super jet setters and famous DJ's.

I love the Mediterranean, the architecture of Greece and Ibiza . Welcome to my dream homes!

My husband's mother's house is next to the church

El Chiringuito at Cala Gracioneta, secluded Ibiza beach restaurant

A Bientôt…. adieu l'ete

Francine

Are you are dreaming of you perfect beach home?  contact our "Interieurs Design Studio, by Francine Gardner". I can make it happen.

Design on a Dime benefit

Last week was a whirlwind, between business, design work and installing our Design on a dime booth, my head was literally in the clouds. As a result, i lost, glasses, camera, one of my projects' floorplans (which we had to redo). To add to the list, the day following the event, we started a HUGE sale at Interieurs.

I am now gearing for my next benefit event which is the highlight of Greenwich Westchester social calendar, The Red Cross Gala. I am designing a table and forgot a major detail...the flower centerpiece, I also designed a fabric pattern exclusively for the table and....the fabric is lost somewhere in transit.The event is on Saturday May 3rd. Mercifully, I am waking up to a beautiful morning and will shortly go and check my favorite nursery for a dose of "gardening fix", as I am in dire need of perennials and replacement roses.

Design on A Dime was an amazing success, The private cocktail for viewing only was packed and socialites, as well as designers, were taking a mental note of what they will purchase. The furniture is donated by each  designer. In my case, I received wonderful items from our vendors, Innergaze with whom we do the most high end cabinetry work, built the white console. Romo donated all the amazing fabrics for the seating, and Mario Valle our wonderful upholster made the pieces. I commissioned the wonderful artist Gerry Mercado to do the two graf. paintings. Robert, at window mode, made tons of pillows for us as well, Design Within Reach and Soho Concept donated the 2 armchairs.Interieurs took care of all the rest of the pieces, rug, accessories, vintage lamp, heating pillar etc....

As soon at the red cords were pulled, the shopping frenzee started. I was stunned, within less than half an hour our entire booth was sold!!! paintings, upholstered sectional, rug, chairs, tables, accessories....everything SOLD!!!! I took a risk by going so bold, when the rest of the booths were rather traditional and it really paid off. The energy within our team was amazing, as exhausted but happy, we felt that we contributed a little to the ones in need. 
Housing Work is truly an outstanding organization and it is so rewarding to see designers come together for such a great cause.

WE had a late start, 11am installing the electrical wires to crate a ceiling

We could not proceed placing the furniture until the canvases were mounted , stressful was the word as the count down - everyone had  to be out by 4pm started. A benefit Gala Dinner was to be held that evening. By 3:30 we hung the paintings.Neighbors were looking at us with compassion and horror, never thinking we would make it on time and commenting on how insane we were to be so calm....

Estera and I with Gerry, a well deserved hug! Gerry was thrilled to see his painting being snatched away

Now the fun starts...

A couple of my favorite vignettes:

 

A Bientot,

Francine

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