Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Park Avenue’s proposed redesign, The Barns by Ali Mahon, and etiquette with Holly Holden . Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Bringing The Park Back to Park Avenue

While we often lament the loss of homes and historic buildings (including this latest Park Cities Dallas tragedy), every so often, we get to celebrate their revival. This week, New York City unveiled plans to “put the park back in Park Avenue.” Despite its reputation as one of the world’s most coveted addresses, Park Avenue has become more of a bustling, car-centric corridor than the serene boulevard it once was.

Originally known as Fourth Avenue, it was a far cry from the ritzy image we associate with it today. In the 1830s, the avenue carried the tracks of the New York and Harlem Railroad, a gritty start for what would later become synonymous with elegance.

By the 1850s, a clever transformation was underway. The railroad cut through Murray Hill was concealed under grates and grass, leading to the birth of Park Avenue in 1860. With its own numbering system and 1 Park Avenue cheekily placed at 101 East 34th Street, the avenue began to take shape.

The real shift came in 1871 when the Harlem Railroad merged with New York Central, and Grand Central Depot opened. However, the lack of separated crossings led to chaos. Enter Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1872 with a plan to sink the tracks between 48th and 56th Streets, cover them up to 97th, and create a grand boulevard. By 1888, Park Avenue had fully emerged as the elegant thoroughfare we know today.

By 1925, the avenue was lined with luxury apartments, and the original design featured a 56-foot-wide central promenade with walkways, benches, and lush plantings. Today, however, that promenade has shrunk to a mere 20 feet, now serving as little more than a picturesque traffic island. With increased traffic in the city, in 1927 the medians along Park Avenue north of Grand Central were reduced to create an additional lane in each direction. Today only one of the original medians remains on 96th street.

 

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 Due to failing infrastructure beneath Park Avenue, the City of New York and the MTA are undertaking the repair of the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, which stretches from East 46th to East 57th Street. To fully rehabilitate the shed, the cover spanning these blocks will need to be removed—presenting a unique opportunity to restore Park Avenue closer to its original grandeur. The city’s plan includes widening the medians to create more space for pedestrians, adding seating, landscaping, and potentially a bike lane.

We’re eager to see how this plan unfolds and excited to witness Park Avenue reclaim some of its original charm. But we can’t help but wonder—what will happen to the traffic?

The Barns by Ali Mahon

Ali Mahon, originally from Riverside, Connecticut, has traveled far and wide, with stints in New York City, San Francisco, and Palm Beach. Her journey as an antiques dealer began in 2006, driven by a passion for early American painted furniture and folk art. With a discerning eye for pieces that are one-of-a-kind, often handmade, and rich in history, Ali has now founded The Barns.

This charming shop, housed in a restored barn on her Riverside property, reflects her love for collecting and decorating with antiques that tell a story. Inside, you’ll discover a carefully curated mix of American, English, Swedish, French, and Italian treasures, from baskets and textiles to folk art and home accessories. Each item within the shop feels personal and deeply curated. A true treasure trove where history and style converge!

If you find yourself in Riverside, CT, be certain to give The Barns a ring to make an appointment to shop.

Etiquette with Holly Holden

Even the most polished among us occasionally need a gentle nudge in the etiquette department. Enter Holly Holden, a true connoisseur of manners, who has teamed up with the venerable Scully & Scully to bring a touch of refinement to Instagram. In a series of charmingly succinct videos, Holly shares her wealth of insider tips and tricks, making the art of gracious living more accessible and enjoyable than ever. Lesson No. 1 has just debuted, and we are already eagerly anticipating the next installment. With Holly as our guide, even the smallest details of etiquette feel both essential and delightful!

 

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Click here to see more of Holly Holden via The Glam Pad, and here to see our partnership with Scully & Scully in celebration of their 90th anniversary.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Bright Color and Garden Exuberance Turn a 1990s Home in Birmingham Into a Radiant Wonderland written by Stephanie Hunt for Veranda.

Dries van Noten: A Designer’s Interior World written by Kate Finnigan for The World of Interiors.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!

Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Cathy Purple Cherry’s latest book, The Design of a Country Estate, Studio McGee’s Fall Collection, and The Glam Pad’s exciting London news. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

The Design of a Country Estate

For over thirty years, Purple Cherry Architects has been a leader in creating extraordinary residences across the United States. Whether it’s a timeless traditional home, a sleek modern retreat, a sprawling multi-generational estate, or a serene weekend getaway, the firm is dedicated to the art of designing exceptional living spaces. At the helm is Cathy Purple Cherry, a visionary architect whose passion for art and design was ignited in her childhood and further refined through studies at renowned institutions like the Corcoran School of Art, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Maryland. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Cathy has built a firm that masterfully blends cutting-edge technologies with innovative materials to bring her clients’ dreams to life.

In her latest book, The Design of a Country Estate, Cathy Purple Cherry takes readers on an immersive journey through the creation of an opulent Mid-Atlantic country estate, which boasts four fully-equipped kitchens and thirteen en suite bedrooms. That is a lot of house!

This meticulously crafted book not only explores the grand scale of the main house, guesthouse, and seven outbuildings but also delves into the intricacies of developing such an extensive project. From the earliest planning stages to the final touches, readers gain insight into the thoughtful decision-making process that defines every aspect of the estate—from the selection of materials to the strategic placement of buildings to enhance walkability and functionality.

Rich with inspiration, the book offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of luxury residential design, making it an invaluable resource for both design professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of architectural practices or simply seeking inspiration for your next grand project, this book is a must-read, capturing the essence of what it means to create a truly extraordinary home.

Studio McGee’s Fall Collection

As the Dog Days of summer wane, autumn eagerly lingers near, and Studio McGee’s latest collection is ready to embrace it. If you haven’t yet explored McGee’s namesake brand, McGee & Co., you’re in for a delightful discovery. Created by the talented interior designer Shea McGee, the brand effortlessly marries modern farmhouse charm with rustic elegance, offering everything from plush sofas and inviting chairs to meticulously designed table lamps. This season, McGee introduces a cozy touch with subtle Halloween-inspired elements, perfectly embodying the spirit of autumn.

As we shift from outdoor living to the warmth of indoor gatherings, now is the ideal moment to consider adding pieces that encapsulate the charm of fall. Crafted with the holidays and entertaining in mind, the new collection skillfully balances structured silhouettes with soft, feminine details, creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for hosting guests. Each item transitions seamlessly into existing decor, making it a foolproof addition to any home. We could not be more excited for the fall and for this collection! Shop the full line here.

The Glam Pad Goes to London

This week at The Glam Pad, we have some thrilling news to share! Our executive editor, Natalie, is embarking on an exciting new chapter as she prepares to move across the pond to London. A talented interior designer with a keen eye for detail, Natalie will be taking her passion for design to new heights as she begins her masters studies at the prestigious Royal College of Art. We couldn’t be more proud of her and look forward to seeing how her experiences in London will inspire her work.

Though her academic pursuits will keep her busy, Natalie will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the content at The Glam Pad, bringing with her a unique London flair. We’re thrilled to have her insights and influence as she navigates one of the world’s most iconic design capitals. Be sure to stay tuned as we chronicle her journey and share updates from her adventures in this vibrant city, offering you an insider’s look at the latest trends, timeless classics, and everything in between from the heart of London to the English Countryside.

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Visit the Glamorous World of the Ladies Who Lunch in “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” written by Cathy Witlock  for Frederic.

Designer Melissa Rufty’s Low Country Pied-à-Terre Is a Tale of Two Cities written by Katherine Owen for Veranda.

A Charleston House Restored with Old-Fashioned Charm written by Mario López-Cordero for Frederic.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!

Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Swing By! by Stephanie Nass, Damask for Days, and Caspari’s Fall Collection. Written by Natalie Aldridge.

Swing By! by Stephanie Nass

Stephanie Nass, the culinary maven behind the lifestyle brand Chefanie, has taken the art of entertaining to chic new heights. With her products featured on Revolve and Goop, and a presence that extends across TV, panels, and podcasts, Nass is well-acquainted with the spotlight. Often hailed as the “Millennial Martha Stewart” and listed among the top 50 hosts in America, she’s made New York City her playground for culinary creativity and stylish gatherings.

In her debut book, Swing By!, Nass serves up a beautiful guide to modern entertaining, drawing from her experience hosting events for the likes of celebrities, royals, and fashion elites. For Nass, hosting is nothing short of an art form—a harmonious blend of creativity, hospitality, and just a dash of flair. The book is a treasure trove of sixteen imaginative party themes, meticulously organized by gathering type—from breezy standing soirees to intimate seated dinners, lively outdoor fêtes, and festive holiday gatherings.

Each party idea in Swing By! comes with Nass’s signature hand-painted menus, mouthwatering recipes, and a toolkit of tips that range from effortlessly chic flower arrangements to DIY decor that’s as easy on the budget as it is on the eyes. Nass’s playful yet sophisticated approach ensures that every gathering is not just an event, but an experience.

For those who see entertaining as more than just dinner and drinks, Swing By! is a must-have. It’s part guide, part inspiration board, and wholly dedicated to helping you host with confidence, style, and just the right amount of panache. Paired with Chefanie’s line of table linens and wares, and you’ll be dreaming up your next bash! Set to release on September 24th, Swing By! can be pre-ordered here.

Damask for Days

Instantly recognizable for its nature-inspired, symmetrical trellises, damask is far more than just a pattern—it’s a weaving technique with a storied two-thousand-year history. Emerging from the Silk Road with an air of regal elegance, damask has long been the fabric of choice for those with a taste for the finer things in life. Originally dubbed Diaspron, this silk textile first captivated emperors and kings in China around 300 BC. As it traveled westward along the Silk Road, weaving through the vibrant city of Damascus, it acquired its contemporary name by the 14th century. And while damask has been around for ages, we are currently loving it’s stylish revival in the spotlight.

Scalamandré, a timeless resource for designers worldwide, has never shied away from damask. Despite the pattern’s dip in popularity over the past two decades, the renowned textile house has remained steadfast, producing damask with full flair. We’re especially enamored with their Estate Damask, which boasts a classic composition and rich, vibrant colors.

Damask’s distinctive, reversible technique involves a single warp and weft yarn, traditionally made from silk. However, today’s damask isn’t afraid to experiment with modern materials like synthetic fibers, cotton, wool, and twill. While some purists argue that only silk can truly embody damask’s essence, the modern blend of silk with cotton and viscose brings a chic, laid-back flair to the fabric.

Once limited to monochromatic schemes, damask has embraced the color revolution thanks to computerized Jacquard looms. Now, this timeless pattern can flaunt a rainbow of hues within a single pattern, proving that even ancient artistry can sparkle with modern flair.

Caspari’s Fall Collection

Even though summer is still lingering, we are eagerly anticipating the fall season. Caspari’s new autumn collection is already generating excitement for crisp air, vibrant foliage, and cozy gatherings with loved ones.

As the seasons transition, so too does Caspari’s collection of home accents and tableware for Fall 2024. The beloved paper products company has released a selection of fall-inspired goods that beautifully capture the essence of this enchanting season. Explore some of their top picks from the collection and start planning for those warm, inviting fall get-togethers!

Read our favorite articles of the week!

Sean Pritchard Shares His English-Garden Approach to Flower Arranging written by Fiona McCarthy for Frederic.

Gen-Z Is Here to Disrupt the Housing Market written by Charlotte Barnett for House Beautiful.

Shop this week’s inspired finds!