“I’ve been cheating on fashion with furniture, “says Carrie Bradshaw played by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City 2 movie. Carrie I feel the same way, it’s hard having two loves fashion and interior design. This is one of my favorite quotes.
One of the many reasons we loved the tv series Sex and the City and the recent motion pictures is, of course, the fashion. However, this time watching the sequel I found myself being more intrigued by the fabulous interiors. I also recognized many of the fabrics used, which made it kind of fun. The sequel finds Carrie growing up, and learning how to share a new apartment with new Husband Big and extending her passion for all things fashionable to the world of interior design.
Carrie is trying to make a new apartment for the two of them, not just for her. Carrie and Big’s apartment is a blend of masculine and feminine elements. The masculine elements are portrayed through the use of linear midcentury furnishings, and dark exotic woods. To feed Carrie’s feminine side, feminine accessories were used such as; whimsical rugs and botanical fabrics. Their apartment is the idyllic description of masculine vs. feminine.
The living room features Montauk Sofa upholstered in blue wool mohair from (of course) Donghia. Flanking the sofa are two midcentury side chairs. For a Carrie “touch”, the bright floral Birdie Blossom cushion by Paul Smith for the Rug Company was used. I love the deep blue mohair upholstery; against the rich yellow artwork. The two bold colors complement one another so nicely. Straight lined midcentury furniture looks great upholstered in any kind of mohair, silk or wool, it’s a gorgeous look and becoming increasingly popular. Interesting paint color selection. Gray is becoming a new neutral. I never was a gray person until the design industry introduced it as a new neutral, and now I love it. It looks stunning with white and really can set off any bright or bold color. The gray paint choice paired with the straight-lined midcentury furniture does feed the “Big” side. It looks very tailored and refined. It’s a great look.
Since Carrie isn’t one to cook. The kitchen was designed with Mr. Big in mind. The Kitchen features a blue modern motif tile backsplash by Heath Ceramics from (the beloved) Ann Saks.
The dining room features an incredible chandlier from Property (a new found favorite source for lighting). This piece hangs above a french 1940’smahogany table from Alan Moss. The custom chairs were upholstered in a signature Lee Jofa print fabric. I love the colored bottles and vases used to decorate the book shelves it adds just enough color to the setting.
Entry hallway features a blown-glass chandelier by Lindsey Adelman Studios. A statement piece for their hallway.
Masculine vs. Feminine. The closet says it all. On the left we have Big’s side custom cabinetry in a dark wood finish and contemporary straight lines. On the right is Carrie’s side. White finish, decorative hardware and ornate cabinetry detail suggests girly-feminine qualities. This closet is a more subdued closet. It’s more sophisticated and grown up compared to her closet in the last movie.
I know we all loved Carrie’s fun-flirtatious room in the last movie. The cobalt blue walls and the awesome arrangement of artwork. I want to re-create this artwork display because I think it is so unique and visually stimulating. I love the vivid blue walls against the white trim. The rugs are fun and very chic, they add just enough interest and pop of color. The slipper chairs upholstered in a botanical print are very feminine acts as a perfect driver in tying all the colors together.
We are going very neutral in Charlotte’s kitchen. There is nothing I love more than tasteful white cabinetry in a kitchen. It’s a clean refreshing look. Once again, a very neutral application on the floor. The white and gray ceramic tiles add a subtle pattern. Nothing sets off color like white. I think that is why the stripped window valance looks so great and provides just enough color to this simple kitchen.
