MEET BETSY LANPHIER OF ELIZABETH SWIFT INTERIOR DESIGN

Betsy Lanphier, of Elizabeth Swift Interior Design.

I was first introduced to Betsy in Vermont for a winter weekend at a friend’s farm house (think: “adult” sledding, dance parties, too much queso dip and roaring fires). But that tale is for another time. Fast-forward a few months and we both found ourselves moving to San Francisco within days of one another. It could be said we navigated some of our formative years together in the Bay Area, building our careers, exploring new places and laughing throughout some of the unavoidable tribulations city life presented.

Betsy is a truly special individual and it is an honor to call her a friend. She is thoughtful and kind, a classic beauty, an old soul — and has a keen eye for all things design. Over the years I’ve witnessed her build a beautiful family whilst growing her robust interior design business.

Her aesthetic most certainly reflects her east-coast upbringing, effortlessly married with a certain “California Cool” revealing refreshing, livable and timeless spaces, both in design & decoration. Betsy’s client roster varies from established families in Marin County, to young working couples “in town” and metropolitan bachelors seeking a little sophistication.

This year, Betsy will be taking her firm bi-coastal, an exciting new chapter for her team. I cannot wait to see what she brings (back) to the east coast!

I invite you to get to know Betsy with a good old fashioned Q&A, below (and be sure to follow her on Insta):

Tell us a little bit about Elizabeth Swift Design!

ESID is a high end residential design firm with projects on the East & West Coasts. The business came to life about 6 years ago and stemmed from a deep passion for the design world, and the joy of making a house a home. I had always hoped to be at the helm of a creative business one day, and meandered my way there through various posts in different creative fields. Ultimately after working for notable firms in New York and California I had a few small (but mighty!) clients and decided to branch off  on my own!

Having studied Art History, along with work experiences at several high end residential interior design firms, how would you describe your design influences?  

My design influences are definitely rooted in the classical. Particularly with studying Art History & Architecture as an undergrad, I was consistently drawn to more classic styles, and similarly while studying post-grad at New York School of Interior Design I found I was most inspired by spaces in the American Federal or English Georgian styles. Working with various design firms absolutely opened my eyes to different aesthetics, and challenged me creatively to go outside  of my comfort zone, for which I am incredibly thankful. I think the many mentors and designers for whom I worked all left their individual mark on me, allowing for this great mixing pot of styles to root from.

David Hicks or Mario Buatta? 

Incredibly tough question! Truly inspired by both in different ways, but at the moment I would say Mr. Buatta (who I will never forget meeting!)

Country, City, or Coast?! 

Oh gosh! There is really part of me in each one of these. I think I would say Coast, with my love for the Ocean...but would need to be in close proximity to a city!

What can we find on your coffee table at home? 

Various coffee table books, hopefully not damaged by my two daughters, a tall tortoise hurricane from Treillage before it closed, some antique boxes I’ve collected, probably some Blue & White Delftware and a large cup of coffee (or cocktail depending on the time of day)

Most memorable travel destination? 

I love to travel, and hope to continue exploring new places around the globe. I would say studying in Paris in High School, I was sixteen and living in Paris for the Summer and I think that’s when I became a true Francophile...The other trip is from my childhood, my Mother took me to London and I’ll never forget that one. I was maybe eleven and just in awe of everything. I’m pretty certain I’m part Brit deep down somewhere...I still love a good afternoon tea & crumpet--it’s a cure all.

Having grown up in New York and now embracing life on the west coast, how might these two geographies impact your design approach? Do you gravitate toward one style of living? 

I’m incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to experience both coasts and live in two fantastic cities, New York and San Francisco. They have absolutely impacted my design approach. I would say that New York City’s energy, hustle, the creativity is unparalleled. I try to bring that sense of drive to my design projects, and certainly the level of service and client experience. The East Coast in general is also rooted in history and that classical style that I am so drawn to, so I try to bring that into projects as well. San Francisco and the West Coast has the natural beauty in it’s landscape which I never take for granted. It’s a more laid back and breezy lifestyle, and I love the melding of indoor/outdoor. Living here and working on homes here has pulled me in that more “California Cool” look, with more block prints, linens, indoor/outdoor fabrics, whereas New York tended to be a little bit more sophisticated or richer in texture and finishes. I truly love both styles of living!!! Best of both worlds!!

What makes an interior design project successful for Elizabeth Swift Design?

A happy client, and a proud team. Whether it’s as simple as wallpapering one room, or as detailed as an entire renovation, when we have happy clients and we’re all proud of the end result it’s a win-win.

Is there a particular trend in the design space you’d like to see fade away?

I’m not sure if it’s necessarily a trend, or more a sign of our evolving digital age and this need for “instant gratification” but, I feel like there are more and more outlets for purchasing all of the pieces for a room to get the look of another designer’s space, often for much less of an expense and without the designer’s consent.I can’t help but feel it minimizes the hard work behind the pretty photo; the design hours, the craftsmanship, the originality that was tailored for a specific client. I hope people remember that your house should be a reflection of you! Designers are here to help with that vision. Inspiration is everywhere, use it but don’t copy it. So I hope we see less of the “buy this whole look for less” and more, “tips to add soul to your home.”

Do you have a favorite go-to in the San Francisco Bay Area for home essentials if you’re in a pinch to throw a dinner party? 

Always Sue Fisher King, and March SF. Elsie Green in the East Bay has also has an amazing selection of flea market finds for tabletop and beyond

What’s in store for Elizabeth Swift Design for Spring/Summer 2020? 

We are about to roll out our new branding and website which I’m very excited about! Project wise, we are currently involved in a kitchen & family room renovation, a living room refresh with some of my favorite fabrics, and lots of Master and Guest Beds and Baths. Most importantly we are gearing up to move East and open the East Coast branch of  ESID! Stay tuned….!

Photography Credits: Lacy Kiernan and Olivia Hellman

Setting My Sights on Summer

Yesterday I visited my office briefly to check in on things as I haven’t been there in over two months. It was frankly a very odd feeling as it felt abandoned and in need of some love. Mail had piled up, the air was stale and my desk looked practically ransacked from when I hastily took my critical belongings not knowing how long we’d be in lockdown for.

I’m trying to stay patient and as regimented as possible in the meantime. It’s HARD. Part of that mindset is thinking forward to summertime. Even though we don’t quite know what that will look like, we are so fortunate to live by the water which will certainly be a welcomed outlet, like never before. I’m craving farmers markets, frolicking in the green grass, enjoying refreshing cocktails and having the windows and doors in the house flung open!

So, here’s to hanging on, and setting our sights on SUMMER.

MEET JENN SHORE

Jenn Shore, of Shore — Creative.

Photograph by Erin McGinn.

I’m proud to know Jenn and to have had the opportunity to work with her on a recent client project this past year. Jenn’s design office, Shore — Creative is based in Newport, Rhode Island, offering an array of services that include branding, illustration, art direction, graphic design and web development.

Aside from her work, which caters to the minimally inclined, one thing I especially admire about Jenn is simply the way in which she conducts her business. I am highly selective with whom I present to my clients, and Jenn is someone I would introduce without blinking. She is organized, thorough, communicative, deadline-driven and what one might affectionately call a “boss babe.” Jenn is process-driven, too, which helps ensure that the flow of our work is, well, flowing. She goes the extra mile to ensure the client is delivered with an end result they genuinely love, versus just merely delivering.

Above: A sampling of just one of the sub-mark assets created for Sara Crooks, along with a dreamy master bedroom Sara designed!

This past year, Jenn and I partnered on a partial branding and web development project for interior designer Sara Crooks. Based in Oklahoma, Sara’s portfolio oozes with sophistication and a chic dose of southern sensibility. Her goal with her design work is to ultimately create spaces for her clients that align and layer details from start to finish - spaces that are “high on style and comfort while honoring the souls that live there.” We especially loved working with Sara, and the creative energy that the three of us shared was good old fashioned fun! Below are a few visual snippets from the creative process…

Above: Developing a color palette for a sub-mark suite and digital identity that authentically reflects the essence of Sara’s designs.

Voilà A preview of Sara’s website developed by Shore — Creative. View here.

Above: Gone mobile! A preview of Sara’s site on mobile mode.

I invite you to get to know Jenn with a good old fashioned Q&A, below (and be sure to follow her in Insta):

Shore—Creative Delivers bespoke branding, illustration and custom websites for the minimally inclined. Tell us, what makes one “minimally inclined” in your world? 

For me, this means someone that is looking for quality design. In a world where ‘minimalism’ has become such buzz-word, I believe its importance is in delivering no more than what is needed to create the best design solution.

I genuinely loved working with you to deliver submark and web designs for interior designer Sara Crooks. What makes any given project a fulfilling one for you? 

A project that client and designer feel great about, is all I can really hope for. It sounds simple, but it’s an extremely tall order.

What factors are important for one to consider if they are looking to conduct a brand identity project? 

I think the best brand identity projects are those that can take an abundance of information, and boil it down to the most potent essence. Our brand identity projects all start with an extensive questionnaire, investigation, and research phase. It’s the only part of the process where I think more really is more. You need to process all of that brand story and narrative to know where to edit when it finally comes time to sketch, vectorize, and present.

Why is the brand identity process so much more than “just a logo”? 

Investing in a brand identity for your business means you will be fully-equipped to feel confident in the way your brand presents itself. It tackles all the facets of the visual language that allows your brand to live in the world. Furthermore, it gives you much more flexibility and longevity that a single logo asset does. With a logo, you’re preparing your brand for one first-impression. With a brand identity you’re preparing your brand for its lifetime.

Above: Stationary Suite created for Moore House. Photograph: Erin McGinn

Are there other locally based boss babes you admire? 

YES. I am always in awe of the content that Catherine Druken produces (@loviciii). I feel like florals are having a big moment and Kim Lamathe always keeps me inspired (@greenlionri). Also, Erin McGinn is just a dream creator behind the lens (@erinmcginn).

Though your clients extend far beyond our city by the sea, geographically, what does it mean to you to be based in Newport, Rhode Island? 

There are lots of reasons that I love to live and work in this city, for starters it’s my home town and so it’s forever a special place for me. What makes me feel so excited about this place, at this very moment in time, is the insurgence in female-run businesses. It has felt absolutely electric over the past year.

Is there a recent project you are most proud of? 

While there are a few I am currently working on that I feel especially proud to be a part of, one recently finished project is Ceremony in Providence. That brand identity project was so fulfilling since the comparison between concept and realization was virtually seamless.

Favorite typeface you’re digging? 

How much time do you have?

Ogg.

Commuter Sans.

Nordvest Regular.

Palm Canyon Drive.

Love.

Cadiz Light.

Beatrice Display.

Agentur.

Above: Jenn illustrating & prototyping in her studio. Photograph by Erin McGinn.

Above: Jenn sketching in the studio. Photograph: Erin McGinn.

Let’s pretend: It’s mid-August in Newport, what most of us locals would identify as a heavenly time to enjoy home...When your office is closed, where can we find you?! 

Most likely on a hike somewhere with my dog, out of pure guilt for making her wait for me to stop working. Or, the beach, but still with my dog. I think when you run your own business you feel more or less like you are constantly communicating, so for me it’s so nice to get outside and not have to reply all, direct-message, conference-in, etc.

You created the brand collateral for The Nitro Bar. What’s your go-to order when you visit? 

Nitro cold brew. Nice and simple.

Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, thumbs up or down? 

Thumbs way the heck down.

Favorite Instagram accounts you’re following? 

@zhenyary

@swantjeundfrieda

@soultwinstudio

@hoodzpahdesign

@wildehousepaper

@nice.people.co

@katiforner

All other female-lead design studios. :)

What’s in store for Shore—Creative this spring/summer 2020? 

I am working on expanding our shop products. So, here’s hoping that by the time people read this there are lot’s of goodies people can peruse and purchase. I am hoping to have more stationary items; like cards, notepads, and calendars, as well as prints, and enamel pins. In addition to the inventory increase, I am working to make sure that every item is either tied to a charity or has a sustainability component. 

Above: Jenn setting the “mood” in her studio. Photograph: Erin McGinn.

J'Adore Straw

I often say that I can live simply in most areas of my life, but wish I had an unlimited money tree for beautiful clothing. I am certainly not the “fashion type” but appreciate well constructed, beautiful pieces that make you dream and feel confident. Queue the Dior Summer 2020 Collection. I’m loving everything I’m seeing, especially this straw hat! Have a look at the collection that debuted in Paris here.

Above: Imagery from Dior’s spring 2020 advertising campaign

Spring on Spring x Pattern on Pattern

I’m not sure if it’s a product of being a New Englander, but it’s hard for me to “sit” within each season. Immediately, I’m enchanted with the first winter snowfall and bundling up in my favorite outerwear, but find that romance is quickly fleeting and my mind is then dancing with thoughts of spring. So, here I am.

I seem to be drawn to hues of purple as of late and love the pattern on pattern (on pattern!) here in this yummy bedroom designed by Emma Jane Pilkington. Not to mention those bright blooms are giving me all the spring vibes.

Designer: Emma Jane Pilkington | Photography: Simon Upton | Produced by Cynthia Frank for Elle Decor, January 2020 International Women in Design issue.

Love Day

Cookies for breakfast! Clad in Red! Flowers on your desk! In your home! Everywhere! These are a few of my favorite things…

Wishing you a marvelous weekend from C&C HQ. And, if you’re looking for a gift for your sweetheart, how about a Spring Floral Subscription from Weatherlow Florals? Or, thinking you want to turn things up a notch? Sotheby’s Erotic Online Bidding closes on February 20th…

Pictured above: JEAN-GABRIEL DOMERGUE, 1889 - 1962, titled, FARNIENTE. Oil on board. See here.

meet Phoebe Poole of Weatherlow Florals

Phoebe Poole heads up Weatherlow Florals, based in Westport, Massachusetts. Our introduction many months ago felt kismet as we had both shared a plethora of friends and business acquaintances leading up to meeting in person. She has since provided beautiful florals for some client-related projects and I was lucky enough to attend her Foraged Wreath Workshop this past December. (A MUST for your winter calendar next season).

Phoebe is not only dedicated to her farm and floral business, but she possesses this special je ne sais quoi quality that is equal parts magical, genuine, intoxicating and pure. This combination of her savvy business acumen, commitment to her work and delightful energy makes Phoebe the perfect addition to C&C’s Short List.

The COOLEST thing about Phoebe’s floral operation in my opinion? Aside from the stunningly bucolic setting on Weatherlow Farms, one can truly have a bespoke floral experience. As a bride for example, you can specify that you love Icelandic poppies in a certain shade, and she will grow them for your respective floral design. How special is that?!?

Read on below to get to know Phoebe! And, be sure to follow her on Instagram, @weatherlow_florals

Tell us a little bit about Weatherlow Florals…

Weatherlow Florals is a 1.5 acre specialty cut flower farm and floral design studio, tucked into the larger Weatherlow Farms operation, in the seaside town of Westport MA. As farms go, it’s still in its infancy, as we head into the fifth season of flower production. Though we aren’t certified organic, we follow all organic practices, and pursue the utmost in sustainable methods including no-till bed systems and intensive mulching and composting protocols. Our growing season here on the coast is quite long, and we are actively harvesting and offering flowers from April through early November. Many of our blooms and foliages are sold wholesale to floral designers across New England (and beyond, in some cases), while each season I’ve grown the in-house design side of the business. The floral design work we do is purely ‘seed-to-vase’, meaning we only use what we grow (or forage) here at the farm.

What’s the best part of being a floral farm?

Besides the obvious of being surrounded by beautiful flowers during the season, I enjoy the endless experimentation and inherent creativity. I’m always striving to get more local flowers into everyone’s design work, so that means meeting with our wholesale clients to see what colors and textures they’re looking to use for the coming season, seeking out ‘new’ varieties and perfecting how we grow the tried-and-true favorites, scouring inspirational arrangements on Instagram for ingredients that I’ve never seen before and then trying find seed for them to grow them… in short, there’s never a dull (or idle) moment and that’s the best part.

Daily uniform?

No matter the time of the season, wellies are a daily uniform staple. In the warmer months, they’re paired with high-waisted canvas shorts and an oxford shirt. In colder months, I’m most likely wearing them with wool tights, a wool dress, and a (slightly moth-eaten) wool sweater. 

We love the idyllic farm setting you call home. What makes Weatherlow Farms so special to you?

It truly is an idyllic spot. The size and scale are partly what make it special to me - it’s a very large parcel for this part of the world, and is set atop the highest point in the county - so there are lovely open pastures and Wyeth-esque landscapes to admire. And then there’s the light - because the property is so high up and open, we have incredible sunrises and sunsets, and huge skies full of interesting clouds, and a clarity of light that is unique.

Favorite place to escape to, sans wellies & shears?

I was very lucky as a kid to travel extensively, so honestly when I have a moment away from work I love to escape locally - rather than a far-flung place - to the Elizabeth Islands. They’re a chain of small islands off our coast, between us and Martha’s Vineyard, that retain some of the magic and mystery of New England that can’t be found on the mainland any more. Scooting out there on the boat in October for a quick swim and picnic lunch can’t be beat.

What are you most excited for this coming spring?

I’m most looking forward to the continued expansion, and also refining, of this beautiful business. I’ll be cultivating a bit more land, but also making even better use of the space we have already. I’m adding more varieties of flowers and foliages, but also doing a better job of growing the pretties we’ve become known for over the last few seasons.

Other entrepreneurs you admire?

Taylor Johnston of Gamine Workwear, not just because I rely on her incredible clothing for my daily grind. Her commitment to sustainability, and the neglected art of practical and beautiful clothing for women, is unmatched. www.gamineworkwear.com

Jenny Tatelman of Fly and Flow, not just because I’d spend more time on the water if I wasn’t flower-ing all of the time. Her brand and ethos, of connecting and empowering women through the coolest sport ever (fly fishing), is admirable and inspiring. www.flyandflow.net

Semia Dunne of Semia Floral Design and The Floral Reserve, not just because she’s endlessly encouraged me in my business. In this part of the country I think she’s doing more than anyone else for the local flower community, educating other designers about seasonality - why it matters and why it’s gorgeous, and curating the whole scene beautifully. www.semiafloral.com and www.thefloralreserve.com

You’re hosting a summer fête at home with friends...what does your table look like? And playlist?

I can’t say that I entertain much in the summer (as it’s the height of our busy growing and wedding-ing season) but when I do the table is a weathered teak one that’s lived out on the lawn for many seasons, in partial shade from the big oak tree. It would be set with a large pitcher of bits and bobs from the garden, flowering perennials and herbs and whatever blooms are in season, mismatched plates and platters from our family friend who’s a ceramicist, and the clunky family silver. There would be a huge salad of local greens (with edible flowers, of course), grilled vegetables from my CSA share alongside Weatherlow burgers and sausages, good local cheeses, and plenty of wine.

My summer playlist would likely be an eclectic mix of classic rock, bossanova, and 90s pop hits.

What’s in store for Weatherlow Florals this Spring/Summer 2020?

I am slightly expanding the growing area, and variety selection, for our flowers and foliages so we will have even more lovely material for our wholesale customers and wedding work. Our floral design calendar is fully booked with 2020 weddings, and I can’t wait to make fun and elegant designs for each of the unique couples - and at some exciting venues around the region! We’re also slightly expanding our workshop offerings with a few farming-focused workshops for the spring, so that folks can learn how to grow a cut flower garden at home - and also how to arrange those blooms into artful centerpieces.

Your bouquet subscriptions look dreamy! How can I register for spring?

The bouquet subscriptions are so delightful, and informative! Rather than the flower CSA model of a single type of flower each week, we offer arranged bouquets each week for the spring, summer, or fall season. Plus, the subscriber gets a weekly email detailing the bouquet’s ingredients, plus growing and natural history information. You can sign up, and see photos of past season’s bouquets, on our website, https://weatherlowfarms.com/?page_id=1148

This season we’re endeavoring to reach new customers by adding pickup locations other than Weatherlow - if you and four friends register for spring bouquets, we’ll deliver them weekly to a location of your choice (within 45 minutes of the farm.)

If you could visit any other floral farm operation in the world, where would you go?

I’d most like to visit the amazing floral world that Erin Benzakein has created at Floret Flower Farm out in the Skagit Valley of Washington. She’s really pioneered the ‘farmer-florist’ arena and educated so many folks about the beauty and importance of seasonal floral design. I find the evolution of her business fascinating and would love to see the operation in person!

https://www.floretflowers.com/about-us/meet-the-family/

Can you tell us a little bit about your Seed-To-Vase Wedding Floral Design offering?

There’s nothing more special, I think, than the process that we get to go through with couples to create floral designs for their weddings. We rely solely on the flowers and foliages that we grow at Weatherlow, and foraged bits from the fields and woods, to embody their story and the season in which they’re celebrating. There are quite a few things that we now grow that stemmed from a need we had for a particular wedding - since we start the design process a full season ahead of time, if there’s a color or texture that they want to see as part of their celebration that the 300+ varieties we’re already growing can’t meet, we find seed or plants and add it to our repertoire!

If flowers were the new Zodiac signs, what would be yours?

My birthday is in late June, which is a magical and abundant flower time. I’d love to say that I’m something refined and elegant like a June peony, with hugely beautiful but not abundant blooms, and requiring time and patience to grow. However, the honest answer would be that my ‘zodiac sign’ flower would be the sweet pea - they’re also incredibly lovely and perfume-y like the peony, but they are fairly scrappy as well. They work hard, scrambling up the trellis and producing abundant vines and tendrils, and demand a lot of compost and stinky fish fertilizer. They want to be planted very early, it always seems impossibly cold still, but that’s their way. Then they reward us with incredible foliage and the most dreamy and delicate flowers until the heat of July - and then I miss them until the following spring.

THANK YOU, PHOEBE!

NOTE: Imagery provided by Weatherlow Florals, captured by Erin McGinn Photography, Caroline Goddard Photography, Caylin Harris, Henry and Mac, Jennifer Jeanne Photography and Silver & Salt Photography.

Print System for Marchioness

There are dream clients and then there are DREAM CLIENTS. Marchioness is one of them.

Marchioness Home & Garden is based in Dover, Massachusetts. The founder has travelled the world, collecting and procuring special pieces that will help shape her e-commerce offering(s), launching this Spring 2020. The sentiments of the brand are so feminine, timeless and special. The products range from an early 19th-century French painting, rare First Edition Audubon Watercolors, to a whimsy birdcage statement piece, or small curiosity. Each one tells its own narrative. The overall mood of the brand also truly captures the essence of its Founder Bethany, who is absolutely lovely, warm and gracious. Marchioness authentically honors a by-gone era in an effortless yet reimagined way.

Marchioness came to C&C looking to ultimately turn a robust passion into a business. We started with a brand identity project, then shifted to various phases of content generation, collateral creation, operational development, monetization strategy, collection curation and now, building an e-commerce platform.

I am extremely fortunate to have assembled a creative team that is so committed to Marchioness. Each project partner has been able to contribute their unique skill set to each phase of work. Below you’ll find recent photos from a shoot that aimed to capture pieces from the brand’s new print system.

We brought on Lindsay Fair of WOMA Design to help execute brand identity, brand collateral and web development. It’s no secret that I adore Lindsay. She has been an instrumental part of the brand’s cultivation. When making selections for the print & packaging pieces, we truly labored over each detail, resulting in some sumptuous pieces that will serve Bethany and her brand well. The business cards are engraved, letter pressed AND edged in gold ink. They are on double thick paper (it’s ALL about the card stock), accompanied by an engraved notecard with a custom envelope liner. The envelope liner design was inspired by an exquisite and rare antique paper Bethany had collected.

Thank you to all for playing a part in this project:

Graphic Design & Web Development: WOMA Design
Photography: Molly Lo Photography
Styling: Caylin Harris Creative
Florals: Weatherlow Florals

SALT

Last weekend my sister and I accompanied my Mother to Florida to celebrate her birthday. It was a lovely weekend that was strictly devoted to R&R on the beach. Stacks of magazines were devoured, swims in the sea were enjoyed and we most certainly made the most out of every moment in the sunshine. Newport has been raw and with the sun setting so early, a quick escape to soak in some salt & sun was the perfect reset. Not to mention, I was so happy my spontaneous airport book purchase proved to be a great read.

Thanksgiving

And so it’s here. Thanksgiving will always be one of my most favorite holidays. Family traditions are incredibly important to me, and I love the traditions we have in our family…of course, for this holiday, they mostly live in the kitchen! I always look forward to my sister’s Nantucket pie and Sweet Potato Casserole (with Marshmallows!), our family’s spinach salad with citrus and pomegranate (My Aunt’s specialty!), homemade cranberry sauce and Spinach Soufflé.

I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll leave you with this photograph of Carolyn Murphy, clad in shearling, looking as she always does, effortless, magnificently beautiful and Americana-cool.