Spazio Rosso Interior Design

EYES IN THE SKY // THE WEEK BEHIND US

Aa enjoyed a weekend of hot pot, karaoke, and walks around the reservoir. He never knew shrimp paste would be so good… and the mai tais… mmmmm!

ECE is on vacation in the Adirondack’s. Without WiFi or electricity, we’re concerned she may forget how to fluff pillows!

AJ continues to feel under the weather. Her normal 110 mph life slowed to a school zone! Needless to say, her vision continues to be compromised so the slow zone is a bit of a blur. She plastered and spackled herself for a one eyed Shakshuka breakfast at Tatte with friends from Tokyo, but has otherwise remained horizontal. Which one is better AJ? One OR two….three OR four?

S continues her search for strength in miles & numbers, with juuuuust a hint of side eye. Along with her sidekick Lovey, she relaxed, rinsed, repeated. Lovey was less amused but we move onward and upward looking towards the sky as we go!

10 fingers
10 toes
1 smiley face
200 million trillion little things

While many of us were granted the gifts of adventure, good company, swimming, eating, drinking, dancing over the course of the week……one of our extended Spazio Rosso family members made his way into the hospital.

Aa’s 7 y/o nephew, Elijah, was admitted via jet into Boston Children’s Hospital over the weekend. He is about to undergo brain surgery for a tumor that just reared its ugly head. By all accounts and means this cute little smiling kiddo is in good hands, but he and his family could use some support.

Terrible news like this rapidly and dramatically puts things in perspective.

Let’s all give Elijah, his cutie patootie brothers, and his Mom and Dad, a little love today.

Our bodies have an estimated 30-40 trillion cells…..that miraculously work together to create each and every one of us. It’s the little things that make big differences.

There has been a GoFundMe page started. Link in bio.

🚀🚀♥️🚀🚀

KNITTED SEASCAPES // Our “artist we recommend” this is week is fiber artist Eric Speer. We love how his degree in science and passion for scuba diving has literally woven its way via knotting, knitting, crocheting, braiding, and weaving the varied underwater plant life into his 3 dimensional art.

SUBTLE SPLASH // Modern design doesn’t need to be flashy to make waves 🌊. These bold, colorful and modern fixtures from create a striking focal point across all bathrooms. Which color is your favorite? Green, blue or white? Comment below ⬇️

Photography by

Blissful Boomeranging Boundaries in the Berkshires // THE WEEK BEHIND US

Double Aa’s excursion to the burbs for an amateur drag show was more like the fast food of drag. At the outset, a delightful assortment of 8 enthusiastic performers seemed like it would be good; however, much like processed foods and very unlike drag, it left you wanting more, dissolved way too easily, (a short 30 minutes later), and the aesthetic was less than desirable. Aa also celebrated a cousin’s bday at a brewery followed by dinner at Spoke whose tasty menu read longer than the drag show itself! Aa highly recommends the Chilled Coffee Poached Duck Breast with Pickled Pepper & Apple.

AJ was finally feeling herself making it to the gym for the first time in over 3 months. The non-snow-storm-snow-day kicked off a week of home detoxification, ending in weeding through 15 year old storage items. AJ’s highlight was picking up seasonal BV spring which have started to arrive! Following a try on, AJ hit the gloriously fragrant halls of the Copley Nespresso store for the new Pierre Hermé hazelnut pods and the new nomad traveling mug.

S had a productive week starting with a rug installation for a beloved client. The non-snow-day-snow-day was a blessing in disguise, allowing for extra office time to fine tune projects before leaving for the Berkshires early on Friday. S & Chef J traveled to Lenox for a weekend in a beautifully appointed mid-century modern home with dear friends in what she related was blissful boomerang mode. S and crew went hiking, and then boomeranged back to rest until they were hungry enough to go out for sushi. This was followed by “booming back” to play a nostalgic game of Operation and to watch American Fiction. S went running and realized she inevitably photographed a running architectural tour of the area. The Cider House does rule!

When life in the woods gets monotonous, what you realize is that you get to sincerely power down and be with people you love. During those lazy moments when texts, emails, and client pings never seem to cease, reinforcing boundaries is crucial.

Boundaries for some lead to leaps and bounds towards others!

BORN TO TULLE // THE WEEK BEHIND US

Double Aa has unearthed himself from weekend hibernation mode where he made the most of it scrolling Etsy for a gift for his grandmother’s 70th birthday. It should be noted that as a good grandson, Aa doesn’t try to edit her flower garden collection of doo-dads, but will be adding a wacky wonky metal owl mobile to further her joyous aesthetic. Aa also scheduled an upcoming “supersonic fabric rep day” with 3 vendors which we are all looking forward to.

AJ has been creating up a storm this week preparing for our Creative Studio day, inspired by artisans and Paris fashion week. Her new obsesh, creating interpretive insect designs, led to adding wing variations to her nail art. AJ and S had a fruitful creative day working in each of their modes, AJ with jewelry and S with embroidery.

S set aside personal time with AJ to ‘tool with tulle’ in our Creative Studio and felt enormously productive. Being accountable to her own desire for creativity felt like S showed up for her authentic self, doing what she was born to do by way of patterning and planning towards a capsule collection of sorts. (You’ll see what we’re up to soon enough!)

S’s epic weekend started with an after holiday winter party gathering with friends whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. It was followed by a dinner turned birthday celebration at Mistral and was capped off by an inaugural visit to Blind Duck, at the notable Raffles Hotel. S gazed in appreciation at their amazing floral arrangements and lobby houseplants.

S is beaming this week with projects coming along in Newton, a shade installation in Vermont and overall satisfaction that her office is orga-to-the-nized. Trusting in the good people that you work with each day and feeling the communal contribution equates to being in a good headspace.

In the context of working smarter not harder, philosophically 2024 feels better already.

GETTING READY FOR BABY. We love to see your family grow, which is why we design, build, and plan each baby step of the way. Built-ins designed by us. Sweet dreams little one!

EXPLORING CURVES. We highly recommend New Hampshire Artist Damion Silver, renowned for his sculptures and prints. His current work, “In Plain Sight” features fluid lines, creating visually captivating pieces that delve into the essence of form and movement. Silver’s artistry often evokes a sense of dynamism and fluidity within his chosen medium and scale.

NOT SO WHAM-DOM // THE WEEK BEHIND US

Double Aa’s weekend of “fun, relaxation and study at the library” seemed tame, but then came the photos of blonde queen Mizdiamondwigfall and friends. We got a whole new understanding of his understated Miz-adventures.

AJ has been trying to combat her sedentary American lifestyle (compared to her life in Tokyo where she commuted on foot and bike) by starting a social media January Health Challenge of walking a 5k per day for 35 days. Friends from all over the world have started to join AJ and now 10 people are walking and checking in daily. It’s never too late to join! 😉

S had a very productive week, onboarding a new team member, cheering on the installation of a pivot door, zooming with her running group and bringing together some of her favorite people to enjoy dinner at Oishii Boston.

Wham! Never underestimate the power of music to connect. S bonded with a project supervisor over their favorite album collections, his was Wham! Make It Big while hers was Faith by George Michael. While relating this story en route to Oishii, the very next song that came up on the radio was “Everything She Wants” by Wham!. The irony! Not So Wham!-dom.

In celebration of MLK Day, we honor Gerry Thomas who was wrongfully convicted and eventually exonerated after serving 29 years in prison. AJ’s longtime support of the Innocence Project turned us onto his story and the strength he gained from the cassette player he called his “strength box.” Listening to gospel music and speeches given by Dr. King gave Gerry hope through decades of wrongful incarceration.

Words of inspiration, song lyrics, and meaningful speeches become solitary threads that connect us. They elevate our souls filling it with hope to rise above.

Thank you Dr. King for the ever present reminder that we need to live our lives with “a heart full of Grace” and music in our souls.

WE LOVE OUR OFFICE....always reminding us to look upwards. “To infinity and beyond”... ~ Buzz Lightyear

"SURE, WE’LL ""HANDLE"" IT. Luxe plumbing fixtures (along with floating stone vanity from ) are some of our favorite elements to design with. The Ludlow faucet sets the timeless yet contemporary tone for this Powder Room. It's a match made in bathroom heaven.

OUR SEAMLESS DESIGNS are fully realized through our partnerships with our trusted team of experts. This bathroom, designed by us, was a match made in inerior architectural heaven.

ART CURATION is a service we offer for clients who want to elevate their space with art that makes a statement. We brought our clients to Boston Art Inc. to help select this playful painting

Lighting:
Chairs:
Table:

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP // THE WEEK BEHIND US

Double Aa’s search for Christmas presents landed him at Brighton Bazaar where art was as plentiful as former high school classmates. He did procure a curious bottle of wine for his grandfather, a funky red from Translavania. We are not convinced that is going to end well, but he did buy a bottle for himself… because for every third gift you get, you should buy yourself one. He ventured to the Slutcracker at the Somerville Theatre, a sexy parody of the Nutcracker, and may or may not have gotten a date with one of the cast members. Stay tuned….

AJ traveled to Seoul and then Tokyo this week. A little bit of work accompanied art exhibitions, fashion outings and dinners with old friends. She bought her first pair of Japanese denim designed by a friend. She also was excited to go with a friend to a shrine sale, the Japanese version of a flea market. As the name dictates, it’s held at a local shrine on Sundays. AJ reported she excitedly procured vintage obi’s, kimonos and glassware.

Like Monica from Friends, S declared, “I am not sick” all the while sneezing and sounding vaguely like Kermit the Frog. S manifested 2 remote wall paper installations for two beautiful water closets in Vermont. An interior designers work is fulfilling when you trust the people you work with to complete the job the way you intend.
This week was all about understanding the differences between managing people and leading people. We all want to be better leaders and do less managing going into 2024. S believes that leading is having self awareness and confidence to instill courage and confidence in the people that we work with. As leaders, we have to know and share best practices in business while cultivating an enjoyable culture in which people can learn, grow and thrive. Anyone can manage, but without self awareness, progression towards leadership is a hard hill to climb.
We are leaders moving towards a better future in 2024.

CUSTOM MURALS. This beautifully clever mural on a set of doors is by artist at the in Beverly Hills, CA. We love working with local artists to bring art into homes and local businesses, weaving it into the fabric of the lived experience.

A WELL DESIGNED POWDER ROOM can make the biggest splash 💦 We designed and created this custom vanity from a slice of burl from our client's family ranch.

Mirror: Northbridge Glass
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Venetian Plaster:
Sink: /

CUE ROAD TO KNOW WHERE // THE WEEK BEHIND US

To loop in those who are just tuning in, this is our weekly staff highlight reel of the exciting (mostly to us) events, moments of inspiration which fuel our creativity, Steph’s mindful musings and all that happened (and more!) during the week behind us.

Double Aa was both shaken and stirred while people watching at the Liberty Hotel Friday night. Aa said it was like walking into an unexpected wedding party. He rounded out the weekend with a Friendsgivingismasappyholidays party complete with a White Elephant gift exchange. The best was someone bringing merch from their company with their business card tucked in. (Support small business!!)

The stars aligned for AJ at the MFA this past week, viewing the John Singer Sargent fashion exhibition and spying none other than Edith Russell of the famed series “The Gilded Age.” Second to none was Nick Cave’s glorious sound suit (see image 2), representing the “thicker skin” he needed to put on every day in order to endure the oppressive life as a Black man in America. AJ was finally able to gather with book club friends for tea at The Courtyard Tea Room at the Boston Public Library.

S appreciated double Aa’s photo of the upside down Christmas trees at the Liberty, the work of long time friend, John La Roche of Blue Guava. S certainly ‘decked the halls’ this weekend with holiday decor for clients as well as gathering to eat dinner and trimming the tree with friends. Traveling over the river and through the woods, the experience was worth every mile. S was greeted by a beautifully orchestrated presentation of what hosting a dinner party should be. What’s keeping S up at night during a girlfriend sleepover that followed? The great Christmas gift dilemma: what to give and how much to spend on your parents during the holidays?? S has a few ideas for you: a weekend house rental, a gift card for multiple trips to a favorite restaurant, kitchen gadgets galore! S did conclude that parents who have everything may actually want more than a gadget or a gizmo; they want an experience they can share.

Here’s to a season of caring, sharing, and memory building!

JUST AS COMFORTABLE as they are fabulous. Our expert team always takes into consideration form and function. We strive to find our clients functional pieces they'll love using as well as looking at.

Stools:
Lighting:

3 FUN FACTS about our founder:

1. Like Julia Roberts, she is a knitter. 🧶

2. She knitted this beginner Loopy Mango Little Monster Jacket herself.


3. She loves statement shoes, like these sparkly boots.

🧶 🌲 🧶 🌲🧶🌲🧶🌲🧶

SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL but don't forget texture. The juxtuposition of incredible textures can bring a neutral space to life.

JEROME IN THE HOME / THE WEEK BEHIND US

Double Aa was rested and ready for the weekend, buzzing about, social event hopping from lunch to drinks with friends. Drinks at hipster Shojo comprised the usual rock music blaring and the TV screen flashing with iconic but unmemorable films. The drink, the Journey to the West, sesame infused rye with Sichuan, was perfection. Sunday was a gallery day with a visit to Monique Rancourt Artisan Gallery in Waltham. Aa is our cultural queen!

AJ escaped to NYC for the weekend by car after enduring 3 hours of train delays. 56,000 steps in 3 days were achieved mostly due to a long day of walking from Madison Square Park, shopping around Soho and meeting friends to walk the Brooklyn bridge at sunset, all before a home cooked meal in Cobble Hill. Excess walking was met with equitable excess for two foodies with savory crepes at La Mercerie R&W Guild, dinner at Carbone, and capping it off at Air’s Champagne Bar. A decent amount of time was spent shopping with abandon with the first ever visit to Linda’s at Bergdorf’s. See Puppets and Puppets infamous banana phone!

S shouted from the rooftops that Chef Jerome is H. O. M. E. from stick season in Vermont. This means all the leaves have fallen off the trees and the requisite snow bunnies haven’t accumulated yet. S also enjoyed a Peruvian dinner with a client turned friend at La Royale (we not so secretly love when that happens :)) With the homecoming of Chef J comes 2 days in the kitchen preparing an amazing family feast with chicken roulade and pots du creme. S, the resident baker made a quick bread an hour before a coffee meeting. Banana raspberry chocolate chip bread, her signature, got a little browned when “someone” else watched it. What really came to fruition for S this week has been a long time dream of heading up a female centered cultural running group; a sisterhood of women who enjoy running but who are also interested in personal growth and development. We all need a place unconnected with family or work where we can lean in and lean on like minded souls who have the same passions for life.

RUNNING IN RAW SIENNA 🍁

Double Aa did his part to eek out the last vile of summer energy….at the club. Two nights. In. A. Row. He was in full double Aa attire but noted popular costumes: Barbie & Ken (ofc), prisoners, chefs and butterflies. We are confident that he is close to hibernation mode after spending the remainder of the weekend doing his normal tour of farmers markets, second hand stores (for sisters new home) and carving pumpkins.

AJ got a much needed fresh cut for the fuzziest set of corgi cheeks. It was followed by a visit to a Wellesley store opening for a fabulous new indie beauty boutique .70 run by famed Newbury Street E6 Apothecary owners (shout out to female entrepreneurs who continue to reinvent themselves!) Lastly, she delightfully discovered that 30% of her closet could be Victorian costume fodder for her invite to the Bridgerton vampire haunted halloween party in a spooky colonial home. (See psycho themed photo).

S ran through the weekend and right up to another Vermont installation. A creative client commissioned piece of artwork by came in this week. Take a peek at the Marvel superhero inspired work that will soon adorn the walls of a private billiards room.

Running from hardware showrooms to the back roads of Vermont, S cannot help but notice the change in colors, specifically how the sunlight reflects on the trees, transitioning from cadmium yellow. S didn’t just chill out watching the magic of Bob Ross like the rest of us, her dad taped the episodes for her. Setting up a little studio in the basement, she turned on a show and learned how to paint his “happy little trees'' seemingly right alongside him. Feeling this is the peak fall foliage color week of the season, S noted that like her childhood oil paints, the colors in the light and the falling leaves transitioned from cadmium yellow to raw sienna and soon burnt umber will follow.

Happy Fall! 🍁