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Among my passion for design, also lies a passion for food! Having a hubby that is a Boston restaurateur doesn’t hurt either. The first 10 minutes of most of our dining experiences are usually spent analyzing…well everything. On my end, I determine if the space is inviting. Did they select colors that evoke ambiance as well as hunger? How is the flow from the door to the bar to the dining room? Are there hooks under the bar for my bag? On his end, he observes the courteousness of the staff, the level of the music, and how bright the lights are. Yes- tough crowd, I know! But it is all in good fun. Once the food comes out- it is amazing how certain things that may have bothered us at first seem to go away as we savor a mouthful of foie gras or fresh burrata. My latest obsession and coincidently, my latest design project is designing a downtown Boston restaurant. We are transforming it into a fresh, casual French provincial eatery.
As I work on the design, I’m learning quite a bit about French dining and décor and I thought I’d share some interesting facts and history behind my two favorite things.

The word “brasserie” literally translates to “brewery” which may explain the long beer lists found in many brasseries in France. As opposed to a simple “bistro”, however, a brasserie offers a more formal dining experience wherein the customer may choose from a seasonal menu or simple hearty food. A bistro, on the other hand, is a more informal gathering space where locals would come together to enjoy wine and talk town business. In modern brasseries, you’ll find an energetic crowd ready to unwind over delicious food and drinks – it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat or to linger over a glass of French wine after work.
The design of a brasserie is based off of traditional French Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements and gives a nod to times when landlords used to open up their kitchens to the public in order to make a little extra money. Deep wood paneling and splashes of red walls and accents throughout the space make the brasserie warm, inviting, and familiar. Wood flooring enhances the romantic atmosphere that can be found within brasseries, and diverse seating arrangements with small café tables and communal bar spaces give patrons a choice in their dining experience. Subway tiles are a staple of the traditional brasserie and can be found floor to ceiling as a perfect backdrop to gorgeous mirrors and eye-catching chandeliers creating a sleek and clean look throughout the restaurant.
Francois Thomazeau wrote, “A brasserie is where the pleasure of the eye is reunited with the pleasures of the table.”
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

XO,

Taniya

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Sometimes you just need an escape from everyday life. Unfortunately getting away at the drop of a hat isn’t always realistic. So what better place to escape to than right in your own home? Here are some ways you can bring the awe-inspired sensation of your favorite travel spot right into your home.
Do you like the feel of the Italian countryside? Think neutrals like white-washed walls, beige linens in a heavy cotton, and rustic touches like wood or stone accents inspired by the old Tuscan stone homes.
Are you a hopeless romantic and dream of roaming the streets of Paris? Pick a few statement pieces like a dramatic oversized chandelier in wrought iron inspired by the Eiffel Tower. Find colors while window shopping on the Champs Elysees- you know that outrageously expensive elegant gown that you can’t get out of your head. Use it as your palette and Voila, in no time you’ll be transported to your own French flat.
Tropical Hawaiian vacations? Incorporate colors you’d find on the black sand beaches and deep umber sunsets. Use different shades of teals and taupe browns to create a calming feel. Try a grasscloth wallpaper inspired by a grass skirt or a thatched roof. Accent with deep oranges and golds from the sunset.
The sky is the limit when renovating with a travel hotspot in mind. Incorporating a few of these ideas into your humble abode will help ease the tensions of day to day life and create a soothing retreat right in your very own home.

XO,

Taniya

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Deck the Halls….and the Walls and the Tables

The holiday season has some how snuck up on us again and after turkey and stuffing it’s time for glass bulbs and holly. If you find yourself looking around at your home realizing that this year’s decorations are still neatly tucked away in the closet, I’ve got a few tips to restyle your holiday décor.

If you’re a little spontaneous, try instilling some of that spontaneity into your decorations through your choice of color or material. Step away from the traditional green and red and try purple or blue. If simplicity is more your style, then try something simple yet elegant by filling different sized punch bowls with glass bulbs that you would normally find on a Christmas tree and placing them around your living and dining areas – it’s unexpected yet festive.

Make any table a focal point by adding heat and height to the centerpiece. Bring fallen tree branches in from your yard and arrange them in a tall glass vase. Hang a few ornaments from the branches and surround it with candles to tie in your chosen holiday décor color scheme.

Try this do-it-yourself twist on the traditional village for a fraction of the price of a real village. It’s creative and only requires some cardboard and scissors. Are you more artistically inclined than most people – or are willing to give a paintbrush a go – and love wrapping presents? Go to your local art store and purchase a few small canvases, acrylic paint in your choice of colors and a small paintbrush. Set up your work station and start “wrapping” your canvas gifts. Paint on bows and ribbon in any pattern you’d like and hang them up on your wall in whatever order you choose. Not only is it great art, it’s YOUR great art!

　

Happy Holidays!

XO Taniya

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Pillow me Happy

Feel like re-accessorizing your home with a little splash of color? What better way to start than with pillows. Take it from the “Throw Pillow Queen” as my crew has so graciously dubbed me, every room can use a little pillow-love. Since starting my new show, I’ve come across so many cool websites that I have to share with you! You wouldn’t believe my excitement when I came across this site specially dedicated to my favorite things, throw pillows. Check out at their website http://www.imaginethrowpillows.com/index.html and see for yourself. Imagine that….pun intended.

XO,

Taniya

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‘Tis the season and I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling the chill already starting to set in. The temperature is dropping and the barbeques have been put away.  Now what do you do to get your home Fall ready? I have a few easy tips for you and your family to get your home fun and fabulously Fall and it all has to do with color, color, color!!!

First, put away your summer seashells and pick up some fabulous fall pumpkins! These are great for color, texture, and they make a clear statement that Fall has arrived.

Draw some attention to your dining or coffee table by making a simple yet elegant centerpiece with small gourds and pumpkins in varying sizes and shapes. Bring in some clean and colorful leaves from outside and place them around the gourds for a little touch of nature. For a splash of warmth, arrange some freshly picked apples (I love going apple picking) in a clear glass container with a candle in the middle, mix red and green or stick to just one kind, whatever you choose will work great. Second, focus on your pillows they’re a simple way to make your home ready for any season. Pick up some inexpensive pillow covers in deep reds, oranges, greens and browns to cover your throw pillows with. No need for new pillows and no need for extra storage. Who has the extra space these days anyway? Take your Fall décor outdoors and hang a wreath on your front door. Yes, wreaths are not just for the winter holidays. Just be certain yours has some fall character with twigs, deep colors, and maybe even a small pumpkin. Adding a seasonal touch to your home not only keeps it fresh and fun, it can also be an activity for the entire family. Make a fun decorating day out of it and top it off with some yummy hot cider by your newly decorated fireplace. 

 

Here’s my favorite way to brew up some cider:

2 quarts fresh apple cider

1/2 cup brown sugar

Slices from 1 orange

1 cup of pomegranate juice

2 sticks cinnamon

6 cloves

1 teaspoon allspice

Grated nutmeg to taste

Add the sugar, orange slices, pomegranate juice and spices to the cider in a large saucepan. Simmer, do not boil, for 15 minutes. Strain and serve hot in small glasses or mugs. Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

 XO,

 Taniya

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Fun fact of the day: when many brownstones were originally designed in big cities such as Boston and Montreal, the bays and / or first floor openings were meant to house horses and carriages.  That’s why the windows today are so large — they follow the original form of the openings.

And yes, that’s a (fake) horse in a window in Montreal.

XO,

Taniya

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photo by Essdras M. Suarez of the Boston Globe

Yesterday, I was honored to open my hometown newspaper, The Boston Globe, to see myself on the cover of their G Magazine.  Globe writer Christopher Muther interviewed me in my home about my work on television as well as my work around Boston, and thought I would share the article with you.  Happy reading!

Here’s the link http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2009/09/10/taniya_nayak_is_right_at_home_in_the_worlds_of_interior_design_and_tv/

XO,

Taniya Nayak

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From left to right: Patricia Urquiola Canasta Circular Armchair for B&B Italia, Dondola Rocking Recliner from David Trubridge, Kingsley Ibiza Chaise Lounger from Morethanteak.com, Perth Lounge Chair from Patioproductions.com,  Monaco Ville Adjustable Chaise from Brown Jordan, Dune Daybed and Ottoman from Barlow Tyrie, Hampton Bay Amazon Teak Lounge from Home Depot, Iraya Outdoor Wicker Daybed from Locsin International for Neoteric Home, Gandia Blasco Modern Day Bed by Jose Gandia, Kitty Hawk Carlton Wicker Double Chaise from Overstock.com, Leaf Modern Outdoor Lounge Chair from Dedon, Antibes Chaise from Ballard, Loft Chaise Lounge from Chaiselounges.com

One of my favorite holidays of the year is coming up: Labor Day! In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy the last days of summer than to spend a 3-day weekend taking it easy, laying around in a comfy lounge chair with a cold drink in your hand.  If you’re looking to spruce up your patio or poolside, a lot of beautiful outdoor lounge furniture is available right now. I have compiled images of some great lounge pieces for your viewing pleasure. Although outdoor furniture can be quite pricey because it needs to hold up to the elements, you can find wonderful bargains at the end of the summer from retailers looking to unload their wares in preparation of the next season. (Check out Overstock.com, Home Depot, etc). Once fall rolls around, don’t forget to cover and store your furniture properly so you can enjoy it just as much next summer. Happy lounging! Now all I need now is a frozen drink and a good book!

XO,

Taniya

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My husband and I are finally feeling settled into our new condo and we are loving it! As exciting as all of the demo and construction were, the finishing touches are definitely the fun part.  In the living room, a beautiful wall finish made to look like concrete panels is definitely the show-stopper.  My good friend Larry Olson from Concrete FX based in Massachusetts blew me away with the wall treatment.  It is urban and industrial looking, yet very cozy.

Because the concrete wall finish is such a focal point in the living room, I wanted to keep the remaining walls relatively spare, so I hung only a few key art pieces in the remainder of the space.  I used a large wood frame to wrap a stunning Marimekko fabric and create a high-impact art piece for very little money.  It’s definitely a great trick for displaying your favorite textile.

In my guest bath, I decided to go a little more daring and got this idea to hang silver horseshoes in a grid pattern across the walls.  That’s right—horseshoes! Now, I’m not an equestrian by any means, but there’s something just so fun and quirky about those silver shoes that I couldn’t resist.  For about $3 a shoe from an online clearance sale, I was able to cover a lot of space and create such a unique little room!

Now, if horseshoes aren’t your thing, I found these amazing ceramic wall tiles from ceramic artist Heather Knight of Element Clay Studio.  They run a little on the pricey side, but each one is handmade and they really are just exquisite little pieces of art. They would look phenomenal hung in a grid pattern on a colorful wall.

For wall hangings that are even more daring than horseshoes, how about hands?! I found these hand hooks from Harry Allen Design while furniture-shopping for my TV show’s pilot, and can just picture an entire wall covered with hands! Creepy, fabulous, or a little of both?

I saw this image of architectural ceiling plaques used as wall art and thought it was such a wonderful idea.  I think the traditional, intricate moldings would be especially interesting in a modern space, for a unique twist.

I just wanted to post a few of these ideas to get your creative juices flowing. In regards to adorning your walls, think outside the box (or in this case, the picture frame)!

XO,

Taniya Nayak

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My appearance on The Today Show.

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