Home Tour: Dottebob Andes

One of the many highlights of my book tour was visiting my sweet friend, Dottebob Andes, in her chic Philadelphia-area home.  Prior to my visit, I was aware that Dottebob and I had a lot in common, especially our shared love of "the classics".  (That would be classic décor, not classic literature- although perhaps we have similar taste in books, too.)  Like me, Dottebob, who is a well-regarded decorator, has an appreciation for bright colors (especially blue and coral), prints, Chinoiserie, and the sense of coziness that fabrics bring to a room.  But not until my book was published did I realize just how simpatico we are. 

Shortly after she read my book, Dottebob sent me photos of her home, explaining that she lives with most of the classic furnishings about which I wrote.  Sure enough, many- if not most- of my book's entries can be found in Dottebob's home.  There are examples of Chinoiserie, portières, leopard print, needlepoint, trompe l'oeil, singerie, exotic prints, garden stools, trellis, slipper chairs, skirted tables, and, well, I could go on and on.  Dottebob's home is like In with the Old come to life.  If I didn't know better, I would think that we had been separated at birth.

When I visited Dottebob, I was struck by how closely her home and her personality are intertwined.  Dottebob's home is a reflection of her warmth and generosity, her enthusiasm for socializing and spending time with friends and family, and her passion for decorating.  She is surrounded by things she loves and treasures that have meaning to her.  In my mind, all of these qualities represent the true meaning of decorating.

I'll leave you with the photos I took during my visit. Looking at them reminds me of what decorating is supposed to be about.

All photos are the copyright of Jennifer Boles/ The Peak of Chic

An Early Summer, Courtesy of Jim Thomspon and No. 9 Thompson

Last week, I attended a presentation of the Spring 2015 collections from Jim Thompson and No. 9 Thompson.  The temperature outdoors might have been hovering around the freezing mark, but it certainly didn't feel like winter inside the Jim Thompson showroom.  So vibrant and colorful are the new collections that I could have sworn warm weather had arrived.

Taking his inspiration from the textiles of Central Asia, Turkey, and Tangiers, No. 9 Thompson designer Richard Smith has created a collection that is the essence of summer.  Named "Anatolia", the new collection is abundant with juicy color, easy-going patterns, and breezy textures.  There is Karapinar, a multi-colored abstract print which is based on a 19th-century Caucasian carpet, and Zelig, whose pattern is reminiscent of North African ceramic tiles.  In addition to cottons and linens, there are a number of outdoor fabrics, including one, Fez, which is embroidered with a motif often found on flat-weave carpets.  And because a finished-look is welcome any time of year, two new border tapes have been introduced.  (See Casablanca, below.)

"Forbidden Colours" is the new Jim Thompson collection, and again, the story here is color.  Just look at the vibrant colors of Lamun, which is a beautiful handwoven silk.  Or what about Anais, a luxurious 6-ply silk ikat?  Jim Thompson is, of course, renowned for its silks, but cotton and linen have not been forgotten, with Cinnabar, Adler, and Balthazar striking casual-yet-sophisticated notes among those refined silks.   

I think that when you take a look at the new collections, you'll likely find yourself yearning for summer...and perhaps some new fabrics, too.

No. 9 Thompson Collection:

 Karapinar

 Torba

 Aisha

 Anatolia Stripe

Tan Tan

Casablanca

Zelig

Agadir

Fez

Tunis


Jim Thompson Collection:

 Lamun

 Ylang

 Chailai

 Eden

 Elixir

Anais

 Cinnabar

 Adler

 

 Balthazar

All photos courtesy of Jim Thompson