The Peak of Chic®

Nature's Fabulous Jewels

2012-02-01T05:11:00.000-05:00

Some of the most interesting collections that I've seen are those which consist of the fruits of Mother Nature's labor. Natural things like shells, rocks, and bird nests (not really made by Mother Nature but rather Mama Bird.) Through the years, I have collected shells, pine cones (I once had a great cache of enormous pine cones from South Georgia, but they disappeared during a move a few years back), and even acorns. For some odd reason, I absolutely love acorns.

The most striking of all natural collections are minerals. Now I don't know much about minerals, something that I attribute to my utter lack of interest in chemistry and geology, but I do admire their beauty. And the more organic looking they are, the better. Out of curiosity, I recently bought a 1974 book titled Minerals: Nature's Fabulous Jewels, written by Ian Campbell and Arthur Court. (Yes, the very same Arthur Court of aluminum tableware fame.) Both Court and Campbell are noted mineral collectors, and many specimens from their collections were photographed for this book. The examples are really quite stunning thanks to their fantastic shapes, unusual colors, and heavy texture. After reading the book, I'm sorry that I didn't pay more attention in science class. Well, almost.

Part of Court's collection of minerals that have been mounted.

Mimetite and Plumbogummite from Alston Moor, Cumberland, England

Halite from Brawley, California

Crocoite, from Comet Mine, Dundas mining district, Tasmania, Australia

Chrysocolla "stalagmites" and drusy Quartz, from Concepcion del Oro, Mexico

Calcite with Limonite, from American Nettie Mine, Ouray mining district, Colorado

Bayldonite, from Tsumeb, South-West Africa.

Azurite and Malachite, from Apex Mine, St. George, Utah.

Autunite, from Daybreak Mine, Mount Spokane, Washington

All photos from Minerals: Nature's Fabulous Jewels by Arthur Court and Ian Campbell, M. Halberstadt photographer.

Buy Me a Milking-Pail

2012-01-31T05:34:00.001-05:00

Buy me a milking-pail, O mother, O mother!
Buy me a milking-pail, O dearest mother of mine!*

Sounds like an odd thing for me to request, but I wish that someone would buy me a milking-pail. A Sèvres style milk pail, that is. I never really thought much about them until I was looking through my copy of the Jayne Wrightsman auction catalogue over the weekend. The 2010 Sotheby's auction featured the contents of Wrightsman's London residence. And in that residence was a Samson Sèvres-style porcelain milk pail from the late 19th century. (That's it at the top.) Somehow, I missed seeing this lot when I first read the catalogue almost two years ago.

It was Marie Antoinette who first used a Sèvres milk pail while she and her courtiers played milk maids at the Dairy at Rambouillet. According to what I've read, Marie Antoinette's pail was decorated in a faux bois design, meant to emulate real wood grain. Later models, though, are more often decorated with a floral motif. It's the rams heads handles that I find most interesting, though.

If I had a milk pail, I would use it as a cachepot or maybe even as a waste paper basket. But if the milk pail look is a little too pastoral for you, you might be interested in the two jardinières that I included below. They're not milk pails, but they have those great gilt rams heads on them.

*The excerpt at top is from an old nursery rhyme.

A Sèvres style (Samson) milk pail, late 19th c. Sold at Christie's in 2006; price realized $2800.

Pair of Sèvres style milk pails

Sèvres porcelain cachepot with gilded rams heads. Available from Vintage Views Consignment & Consulting.

A Dresden porcelain ram head jardiniere. 20th c. Sold by Neal Auction Company.

Pair of Louis XVI style blue and white Sevres porcelain jardinières, 19th c. From the estate of Evelyn Walsh McLean. Available from Newel.

Also from Vintage Views, a Louis XVI style bisque porcelain jardinière.

Paolo Moschino At Home

2012-01-30T05:51:00.007-05:00

My dining room is currently a work in progress. It's not quite pulled together yet. There is the Madeleine Castaing fabric that I just purchased for my dining room chairs; it's currently rolled around a tube, propped up in the corner of the room. Then there's the unresolved issue of where to display my collection of porcelain and ceramicware. I was standing in the room the other night, peppering myself with questions. "Is it going to look too traditional?" "What's the 'Wow' moment going to be in the room?" "What can I include that will be hip and cool?"

But then I got honest with myself. Cool and wow are not only not me, they've become tired and trite. I'm over hip. I want to see pretty interiors. Rooms that look cohesive. Rooms where you don't see one crazy, show-off piece that screams "OMG! Look at me!" After having this conservation with myself, I started to think about designer Paolo Moschino's London home. I first saw photos of it in the October 2004 issue of House & Garden, and two rooms really struck me. First, that dining room. It's such a lovely and elegant room, one that must look so romantic when awash in candlelight. And then there's the rich, rather dramatic looking bedroom with those Chinese Red walls. I couldn't find my tear sheets of the home, so I visited Moschino's website where I found the photos seen here.

After looking at the photos of Moschino's dining room again, I think that I've made the decision to stick with my original plans for my dining room. Nothing trendy, only lovely and elegant.

The two photos above show one end of Moschino's double drawing room.

The other end of the drawing room feels very different. This side is light and airy, while the paneled side feels more cozy and warm. The 1940s era pieces seen here provide an interesting contrast to the more traditional and formal furniture of the paneled side.

Two views of the dining room. To me, it feels more French than English.

A vignette in Moschino's kitchen.

Two views of the master bedroom.

The gorgeous guest bedroom.

All photos from House & Garden, October 2004 and Architectural Digest Russia, February 2009. Simon Upton, photographer.

Inspiration House

2012-01-27T05:30:00.004-05:00

The other evening, I had the opportunity to attend a press preview of the 2012 Inspiration House, just one of the many events related to the Cathedral Antiques Show. Located at The Deanery of the Cathedral of St. Philip, the show house features some of Atlanta's top design talent plus one New York designer as well. I could tell that each designer put a great deal of time and effort into his or her room, and the results are really quite impressive. The show house opens to the public this Sunday, January 29 and runs through Sunday, February 12. If you purchase general Antiques Show tickets, admission to the Inspiration House is included. If you prefer to only visit the Inspiration House, tickets are $10.

Also, don't forget that Richard Keith Langham, Jeffrey Bilhuber, and Deborah Sanders will be guest lecturers at the Antiques Show. For more information on this and other Antiques Show events, visit the official website by clicking here.

The Keeping Room by Laura Walker Baird

The Library by Lindsey Coral Harper

The Dining Room by Amy Morris

The Living Room by Rick Anthony Bonner

Guest Bedroom by Elizabeth Jordan

A detail of the Gentleman's Lounge by Tom Williams & Jason Bailey

The Nursery by Allison Harper & Nancy Duffey

Bathroom by Brooke Merrill

All photos by Jennifer Boles, with the exception of the first photo taken by Emily Followill.

Harrods Cookery Book

2012-01-26T06:07:00.001-05:00

I love Harrods Food Halls. A stroll amongst the counters and shelves filled with meats, cheeses, confections, and other delectables certainly can cause one to fall victim to the "eyes bigger than your stomach" syndrome. And the food isn't the only draw. I remember back in 1990 when a friend and I were there, we saw this very tall, big, mustachioed man walking quickly past us. It was Tom Selleck! The older British women standing near me were apoplectic. And well, okay, I admit that I might have been in a dither too.

Anyway, a friend recently gave me a 1985 copy of Harrods Cookery Book. I haven't had time to test any of the recipes, but I'm anxious to do so. There are so many dishes that look perfect for entertaining. But it's not only the recipes that are enticing. The photos are as well. So, to whet your appetite, take a look below.

PS- Click here to visit Harrods' website to see a few fashion illustrations from the store's archives.

Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

Veal Meatballs with Caper and Cream Sauce

Smoked Salmon Pate with Melba Toast

Raised Game Pie

Tomato Water-Ice with a Julienne of Smoked Salmon

Summer Terrine

Port Wine Jelly with Frosted Grapes

Fruits Dipped in Fondant

A Garden Party table set with Vanilla Souffles with Pistachio Nuts, Celebration Trifle, and Strawberry Tart with Praline Cream.

The Work of Paolo Genta

2012-01-25T06:04:00.001-05:00

When I'm in San Francisco, I oftentimes visit Smoke Signals, one of the best newsstands that I've ever seen. (I learned about it from Diane Dorrans Saeks.) Perusing their shelves of international newspapers and magazines is like taking a brief trip around the world. How I wish that Atlanta had something similar. The newsstand at my local Barnes & Noble just doesn't cut it in terms of international shelter magazines. If I lived near Smoke Signals, not only would I spend a fortune on foreign magazines, but I would also be much more familiar with the work of interior designers based in Italy, Spain, South Africa, and other countries far and wide.

While hopping around the internet recently, I discovered the work of Italian designer Paolo Genta of Studio Genta. Some (or perhaps many) of you are probably familiar with his work. I was not. Unfortunately, I can't glean much information about Genta from his website. However, a lengthy bio really isn't necessary after taking a look through his online portfolio of projects. His interiors are really quite stunning thanks to rich color, sumptuous fabrics, and serious furniture. It's a layered, rich look, one that I liken to a boeuf bourguignon or a pot au feu (or whatever the equivalent is in Italian cuisine.) All of the elements in the rooms seem to meld together to create a look that is hearty and flavorful.

I'm showing one of my favorite projects here, but there are many others on his website that are equally as striking. To visit Genta's website, click here.

All photos from the website of Studio Genta.

Golden Era of Georgia's Golden Isle

2012-01-24T05:50:00.003-05:00

I know that there are many of you who, like me, have fond memories of summers spent at Sea Island, Georgia. Although my family usually rented houses there, the old Cloister hotel is what I remember most vividly. It was my first exposure to the work of Addison Mizner, architect of The Cloister. As a child, I had no idea who Mizner was. I just liked the Spanish style architecture of the hotel. I remember the hotel's Spanish Lounge where there was always a table set up in the corner with a jigsaw puzzle at the ready. The Dining Room at The Cloister makes me think of Baked Alaska (which I had there for the first time on my 10th birthday), finger bowls and doilies, and Kadota figs. Kadota figs were always on the menu for breakfast as was prune juice. I never indulged in either one. And of course, there were The Cloister's legendary Bingo games. Bingo was what you did at night after dinner.

The old Cloister was torn down back in 2003, and a new, fancy version replaced it. It's sad, really, as I miss that great old building. I came across these c. 1941 photos of The Cloister, part of the Gottscho-Schleisner Collection of photographs, over the weekend and wanted to share them with you. The interiors that you see here are credited to Francis Abreu, the noted architect. Although Mizner was responsible for The Cloister's architecture when it was built in the late 1920s, Abreu was the architect behind the adjacent buildings as well as later additions and renovations. The photo captions make note of the "new" dining room, so I'm assuming that the dining room seen here must have been an addition to The Cloister around 1940.

So, for all of us who remember Sea Island for what it used to be, here is a trip down memory lane:

Large club room

Blue club room

Passage to new Dining Room

New Dining Room

New Dining Room

New Dining Room

Drinks & Antiques- A Night for the Young and Savvy

2012-01-24T05:49:00.006-05:00

I hope that my Atlanta readers will join me next Friday, February 3 for Drinks & Antiques- A Night for the Young and Savvy at The Cathedral of St. Philip. The party, part of the annual Cathedral Antiques Show, will be an opportunity for young designers and collectors to peruse the offerings of participating antiques dealers, all while socializing in a festive atmosphere. Of course, being able to purchase antiques and vintage pieces is enough of a draw for me, but in case you need a few more reasons to entice you, there will be music, libations, and both a slider station and a mac n cheese bar. But the most important reason to attend is that all proceeds benefit All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD). Tickets are just $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

To purchase, visit cathedralantiques.org/tickets

Hope to see you on the 3rd!

Donghia and its Flagship Showroom

2012-01-23T05:29:00.001-05:00

Last week's posts about fashion and interior illustrations seemed to resonate with many of you. A few (myself included) lamented the fact that illustrations seem to have gone by the wayside, while others were quick to inform me that there are still companies and designers who use, and in fact embrace, the artistry of illustrators.

Case in point- Donghia. Although I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting their new Manhattan flagship showroom, I hear it's really quite amazing. The 18,500 square foot showroom houses the lines of Donghia, Bergamo, Hinson, and Mrs. MacDougall. But while the showroom might be new, it is also respectful of the style of the company's late founder, legendary designer Angelo Donghia. Chuck Chewning, the Creative Director of Donghia, has added lacquered door casings, gold and silver leaf ceilings, and decadent finishes to the showroom, all of which were inspired by Angelo Donghia's interiors.

What is also quite clever, in my opinion, is that Chewning commissioned Masaru Suzuki, one of Donghia's acclaimed designers, to render illustrations of both the flagship showroom as well as those around the world. If you compare the illustrations to the actual photographs of the showrooms, you can see that Suzuki's renderings are indeed accurate representations. (Although that being said, Suzuki does note that art and accessories are items that are changed out seasonally, hence a few subtle differences between renderings and photographs.) The illustrations really seem to help flesh out the personality, style and energy of the showrooms, something that cannot always be captured by photographs. That's just my two cents.

And if you want to see the flagship showroom for yourself but have no plans to visit Manhattan anytime soon, you might want to watch a virtual tour via YouTube. Click here to see it.

Two images of the flagship Manhattan showroom, including a few framed photos of Angelo Donghia and his celebrity clients.

Suzuki's illustration of Donghia's Paris showroom.

Donghia's Moscow showroom, as represented by Suzuki.

And last but certainly not least, Suzuki's rendering of the Chicago showroom.

All photos and illustrations used with express permission of Donghia. All illustrations by Masaru Suzuki.

Billy Baldwin in Color

2012-01-20T05:48:00.000-05:00

I wasn't planning to make this week "illustration week" on my blog, but I guess it's turned out that way. Illustration is still, I believe, an important means of rendering a room, although it's a trickier endeavor than perfume ads. Oftentimes, I find myself wishing that I could see an actual photograph of a room in order to really absorb the details.

The drawings shown here, executed by artist Sheridan Kettering, appeared in the September 1948 issue of House & Garden. According to the accompanying article, all of these drawings represent interiors done by Billy Baldwin while he was still with Ruby Ross Wood, Inc. Unfortunately, there is no other information about location, homeowner, etc. I tried to find actual photographs of these rooms, but came up with nothing. So, I've typed out the captions that appeared alongside each drawing in hopes that it might help a little.

I suppose we'll have to use our imaginations to flesh out these rooms. If any of you know any other details about these Baldwin designed rooms, do tell.

Bright walls are excellent as shock value in a transition room, here in Citron Yellow, tempered by a Copper-carpeted stair. Parchment-stone floor, iron rail, black-and-gold Queen Anne clock, green plants, set the foyer atmosphere, which should be formal and architectural, but alive.

Sprout Green velveteen curtains bound this dining room with positive color blocks. Black flock paper, black tile floor create an illusion of distant walls, draw the eye to Forest Green upholstered Biedermeier chairs and mahogany table, in which an Empire chandelier is reflected. Highlighting a room's center makes for good conversation on a black-tie evening.

Varied in a man's bedroom, cold and warm blues start at the French Blue floor, climb the scale through sturdy Bright Navy to the flash of Kingfisher Blue. See how, by keeping to one color, you gain two more which in a wider palette would be overlooked: the strong brown of French Provincial walnut, the dry-textured white of the cotton bedspread.

Against quite Stone Gray, spacious in a party room, Sweet Pink cotton voile curtains and Citron Yellow leather coffee tables look festive. The modern feeling of this room depends not on furniture (Empire and Chinese-inspired) but on monotone treatment with enough space around each color note to let it register.

Quartz Pink floor and walls make the shell of this lady's bedroom. Flame cotton taffeta bed cover is for drama, the glazed chintz butterfly print curtains are for prettiness. The Portuguese chair, painted gray and upholstered in horsehair, proves that antiques can sometimes be improved on.

White moldings, picked out as elegant tracery on Charcoal Purple walls, underscore paneling and support the theory that woodwork, as the "bones" of a house, should be uniform throughout. To keep the mood of the living room restful, armchairs echo the scheme, are covered in white and Purple Heather.

Illustrious Illustrations

2012-01-18T06:29:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but I wish that fashion magazines and ad agencies would start using illustrations again. Am I the only one who is a little tired of seeing airbrushed photographs of the same models/celebrities/it girls wearing the latest fashions or hawking cosmetics and perfume? Take the 1955 Lancôme ad, above. Illustrated by artist E. M. Perot, the charming ad reminds me of Tony Duquette's whimsical drawings. As much as I like Kate Winslet as an actress, I would be much more inclined to buy Lancôme products if they used illustrations like those above rather than the current campaign featuring Winslet. Rather than being old-fashioned, illustrations might actually be a novel way to advertise in 2012. You know, in an "everything old is new again" kind of way.

I did a little sleuthing around the internet, and it seems that during the 1940s and 50s, Perot illustrated quite a few ads for Lancôme fragrance including Flèches, Marrakech, and Magie. I've included a few examples of his work below as well as two unusual ads that were not drawn by Perot. People collect these types of old ads and display them as art. I wonder if fifty years from now, people will be displaying Britney Spears perfume ads? I sure hope not.

Marrakech ad from 1947; Perot illustrator.

Another Perot ad for Flèches, Tropiques, Marrakech from 1949.

Tropiques, Flèches, and Marrakech fragrance ad c. 1949; Perot illustrator.

Magie ad from 1951. Perot, illustrator.

Magie and Trésor fragrances, hand in hand. Ad from 1946 and drawn by Perot.

Not by Perot, but this 1941 ad for Kypre is charming nonetheless.

And this appears to be a photograph rather than illustration. An armor hand holding a heart (its conquest) is a rather artistic way of selling perfume. Conquête fragrance, c. 1950.

Veuve Clicquot and Hotel du Marc

2012-01-17T05:38:00.001-05:00

While we're on the subject of champagne, let's talk Veuve Clicquot. I'm partial to Veuve because it's what my family has always served during the holidays and on special occasions. While flipping through the Dec/Jan 2012 issue of French AD, I found these striking photos of Hotel du Marc, a private hotel owned by Veuve Clicquot. Located in Reims, France, the estate, once the residence of Madame Clicquot herself, was recently renovated and updated by noted architect Bruno Moinard.

Unfortunately, the hotel is not open to the public, serving instead as private guest quarters for those invited by the champagne house. The good news, though, is that we can get a taste of the interiors thanks to the AD article.

All photos from AD, Dec/Jan 2012, Mai-Linh photographer.

Breaking News: Albert Hadley's Homes For Sale

2012-01-16T18:03:00.006-05:00

Many of you will be interested to know that both Albert Hadley's Manhattan apartment as well as his Connecticut home are for sale. If you're like me, you've probably spent hours studying published photos of his homes. In fact, I feel as though I've actually been inside both homes, although in reality, I haven't.

The Manhattan apartment, located on East 85th St., is priced at $1,350,000. Unfortunately, the Brown, Harris, Stevens listing for his Manhattan apartment does not yet have uploaded photos. For more information, click here.

The Connecticut listing can be viewed here. That home is listed at $575,000. I've included a few photos of that house here, but you'll definitely want to check out all of the listing's photos.

Stay tuned for more details...

Flown the Coupe

2012-01-16T05:32:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend, I hosted a small birthday celebration for a good friend. Of course, no birthday party is complete without indulging in a few celebratory glasses of champagne. I have two sets of champagne glasses that I use for entertaining: plain flutes from Crate and Barrel and vintage coupes that once belonged to my grandmother. While I like my Crate and Barrel flutes because of their clean shape and their low price (something that alleviates any stress over breakage), I love my vintage coupes. They don't hold much champagne which means I'm constantly having to top off the glasses, but I don't mind because the coupes add to a party's festive atmosphere.

Coupes were once the glass in which to serve champagne. Oftentimes, they were spindly affairs with their shallow bowls perched precariously upon delicate stems. But then we were told that the only proper way in which to drink champagne was in a flute, its shape being better suited to keeping those bubbles from dissipating. (A coupe's shallow bowl allows champagne to go flat more quickly than in a flute. If you drink champagne like I do, though, it doesn't stay in the glass long enough to go flat.)

Looking through my old books and magazines, I very rarely see a flute. But starting in the 1970s or so, flutes seem to have supplanted the coupe in popularity. Fortunately, it seems that coupes are starting to make a come back, but I doubt they'll ever be as de rigueur as they once were. Somehow, coupes seem more fitting for evening wear and sparkling conversation than today's standard of jeans, flip-flops, and texting.

My vintage blue coupes, recently pressed into service to hold vodka and kosher salt for the tipsy tomatoes.

Something else that has gone the way of the coupe: fancy salads. This one is Lobster Salad Heligoland.

A "Special Occasion" lunch in which champagne was served... in coupes, of course.

The glasses that Churchill Brazelton used to serve champagne look like a cross between a coupe and a heavy goblet.

For her 1980s Tiffany table setting, Nan Kempner chose trumpet flutes to go with her Piper-Heidsieck.

McMillen Inc. created a "Gypsy Tearoom á La Tiffany" table with Cristal champagne and hollow stemmed trumpet flutes.

Image at top: House & Garden, July 1948; images #4 and #5 from Tiffany Table Settings; #6 and #7 from New Tiffany Table Settings.

A Little Dab'll Do Ya

2012-01-13T06:05:00.001-05:00

While I was researching yesterday's post on The Divorcee, I found a terrific online resource for architectural artifacts: Urban Remains in Chicago. I ended up spending a lot of time going through their Art Deco period inventory which includes the 1930s startled cat door stop at top. I'm crazy for authentic Art Deco interiors, but I also know that there is a lot of Deco drivel out there. Deco flourishes can quickly careen into tacky territory. My advice would be that unless you live a Deco era home, go light on the Deco furniture and accessories. The pieces below are ones that I think would look great mixed in with other periods and styles.

A 1920s pendant light with baked black enameled accent.

These 1930s era metal stools are probably too short to be used at a kitchen island or a bar, but could be use for pull up seating around a table of some sort.

A novel pair of armillary table lamps, c. 1930s.

A pair of 1920s chrome plated, cast iron bookends.

I like the looks of this light, although you would really have to find the right space for it.

I like the shape of this mantel, although the varnished oak I'm not so crazy about.

If your first or last name begins with an "E", these door knobs might look nice in your dressing room, powder room, coat closet, etc.

Watch This Movie: The Divorcee

2012-01-12T06:09:00.001-05:00

I watched the Norma Shearer movie The Divorcee (1930) over the weekend believing that the movie's sets included a country house done up in Hollywood Regency decor. Well, wrong movie. The Divorcee did not have such a set. Still, the movie was interesting to watch. A pre-code film, the movie's plot was, for the time, rather scandalous. In a game of tit for tat, Shearer's character cheats on her husband after discovering that he had an affair. (In the scene shown at top, a chipper Shearer had not yet learned about her husband's cheating ways.) Shearer then receives a lesson in society's double standard when it comes to adultery. While her husband's fling was a piffling event, Shearer's affair was a cardinal sin, something that eventually leads her down the road to moral looseness. Let's just say that for the era, the movie was considered to be shocking.

Storyline aside, the movie's Cedric Gibbons designed interiors are a feast of Deco architecture. In both Shearer's apartment as well as the swinging nightclubs, the geometric door surrounds are larger than life, while chevron sconces are quintessential Art Deco.

You know, for such morally challenged people, they certainly lived and partied well. Anyway, have a look:

The fireplace and andirons of Shearer's apartment are so Deco in flavor as is that pair of busts.

Shearer's husband in the kitchen fixing, what else, cocktails. The space is somewhat spartan yet stylish too.

The chevron shaped sconces are also textbook Art Deco, but the real star of this screen shot is that massive piano stool with the low ziggurat back and fluted sides.

A dramatic movie deserves a dramatic entry hall.

The apartment's sofa is definitely unusual. It had two separate backs that fit within the niches; the backs were connected by one large, bow front seat.

One could really make an entrance into the nightclub thanks to the massive door. Classic Moravian star fixtures helped to light the space.

Shearer's apartment after she became The Divorcee. I love the swag to one side of the doorway.

Trading Places

2012-01-11T05:52:00.001-05:00

A friend recently gave me a copy of the December 2003 issue of House & Garden. While reading it, I found an article on the Jacques Grange designed New York pied à terre of Mathilde Agostinelli and family. When I saw the photo of the pink tufted guest beds (see the photo towards the bottom of the post), I immediately recognized them as those that also appeared in the Agostinelli's Paris apartment, featured in House & Garden, May 2006. After comparing the two articles, it seems that many of the pieces that once graced their New York apartment later ended up in their main Paris residence (also decorated by Grange.)

Of course, if I had that gorgeous Grange designed plaster mirror, the Lalanne side table, and those embroidered panels, I too would make sure that no matter where I lived, there would always be a place for those blue chip pieces. They look terrific on both sides of the pond.

In the New York apartment, the Jacques Grange designed mirror was placed in the foyer.

In Paris, it's in the living room.

To the left of the New York living room, a pair of 18th c. bénitiers (holy water vessels) stood against one wall. One holds a silver champagne bucket with flowers. A Lalanne side table holds a drink tray.

The Lalanne table was later used in the Paris master bedroom. Note the wooden chair and Murano chandelier in the bathroom. The same pieces graced the New York foyer, shown in the second photo.

The holy water vessels later appeared in the Paris dining room, this time holding enormous shells.

Embroidered wall panels by Ernest Boiceau figured prominently into the scheme of the New York dining room.

In Paris, they were hung in the living room.

The pink tufted beds were placed next to each other in the New York guest bedroom. I'm taken with those small duvets.

And then here they are in the daughter's bedroom in Paris.

New York apartment photos from House & Garden, December 2003, Thibault Jeanson photographer. Paris photos from House & Garden, May 2006, Francois Halard photographer.

The Pavilion of the Soaring Kingfisher Bird

2012-01-10T05:55:00.001-05:00

I have a wonderful pen pal in Santa Barbara who has led the most fascinating life. Her name is Beverley Jackson, and she seems to have traveled everywhere and met everyone along the way. For years, Beverley was a columnist for the Santa Barbara News-Press, but what I find even more interesting is that she is an authority on 18th and 19th c. Chinese life, dress, and customs. She has a noted collection of Chinese robes, something that eventually led to her friendship with the late Rudolf Nureyev, also a collector of Chinese robes. She has written numerous books on Chinese culture, including Splendid Slippers: A Thousand Years of an Erotic Tradition, Ladder to the Clouds: Intrigue and Tradition in Chinese Rank, and the recently released The Beautiful Lady Was A Palace Eunuch. She is currently working on her next book, Living Like a Rothschild, which is based on her friendship with the late Baron and Baronne Philippe de Rothschild. And if that wasn't enough, she also writes an intriguing blog that chronicles the wonderful adventures that she's had in her life.

Beverley is noted for her stylish and effortless entertaining, but there is something unusual about where she hosts her seated dinners. She does so in bed...actually, a wonderfully elaborate 18th century Chinese alcove wedding bed! Beverley found the antique bed in a shop outside of Santa Barbara and had to have it. Because she already had a beautiful bed on which she sleeps (it's a copy of the bed that once belonged to Pauline de Rothschild), she decided to use the wedding bed as a dining chamber.

After having the bed restored, she placed it in a room whose walls were painted with 2/3 black and 1/3 burnt umber paint- a color that seems to cast a glow on the bed at night. She also added a wooden moon window on the inside of one of the room's picture windows to help integrate the bed into the space. (You can see the wooden window in the photo that immediately follows this text.) On the bed itself, the restorer added a false floor and banquettes that can be removed, leaving the bed's integrity intact. Four people can dine in the bed itself, while two additional guests can dine in the antechamber on two small 18th c. chairs and two small huanghuali 18th c. tables. If Beverley invites six guests to dinner, she simply sits outside of the bed and dines from a tray on her lap!

Beverley usually entertains in a casual fashion. Table linens are often made from fun cotton fabrics decorated with Chinese themes. When she does entertain with more formal dinners, she is assisted by Vicki and Fernando who don Chinese robes in keeping with the surroundings. One constant though is that Beverley makes sure to serve very good wines, some that are from the vineyards of her dear, late friend Philippe de Rothschild.

And in case you're wondering what the "Pavilion of the Soaring Kingfisher Bird" means, I'll explain. Beverley has a large collection of items made from Kingfisher feathers and has written a book on the subject, Kingfisher Blue: Treasures of an Ancient Chinese Art. In fact, she includes the room's name on her fill-invitations which you can see below.

I hope to make a trip to Santa Barbara soon so that I can see the dining bed for myself! In the meantime, I'm getting the lay of the land thanks to these photos that Beverley sent me. And by the way, that's Beverley in the top photo, standing in the alcove of the bed. Her miniature wirehair dachshund, Rennie Jackson, just had to be in the photo too.

For a complete list of Beverley's books, click here.

A detail photo of one corner of the alcove bed with the wooden moon window next to it. The peacock is a recent addition to the pavilion.

This is the way Beverley usually sets the table. Beverley believes that the paintings were not original to the bed but were added later.

An article which profiled Beverley's unique style of entertaining.

Her helper, Fernando, wearing a Chinese robe.

Beverley's Smythson fill-in invitations.

Kirk and Anne Douglas and Joanne Kendall supping in Beverley's bed. Even Julia Child dined in it!

Here you can really see the bed in all of its splendor. The giant fortune cookie was a prop from a film that was shot in the Soaring Kingfisher Bird Pavilion.

All photos courtesy of Beverley Jackson.

Decorating with Confidence

2012-01-09T05:42:00.006-05:00

While perusing my bookshelves this past weekend, I found the book Decorating with Confidence by Jose Wilson and Arthur Leaman. I have no recollection of buying it and can't figure out from where it came. The book fairy, I suppose. Anyway, what was interesting about the book is that most of the interiors were done by designers with whom I'm not familiar. I have a feeling that when the book was published (1973), many of the featured designers were probably prominent names in the design industry...or perhaps they went on to become prominent names later in their careers.

I've written so many posts on the likes of Billy Baldwin and Dorothy Draper that I decided it was time to devote one to the talented designers whose names may not necessarily roll off of our tongues. It would be interesting to know what has become of these designers, don't you think?

A small tented dining room by designer Jane Victor

J. Neil Stevens of McMillen,Inc. fashioned a small library and games area out of a hallway leading to the master bedroom. The striped fabric, used on walls and furniture, was used horizontally to make the narrow space seem wider.

Crystal bibelots, displayed on the cocktail table, add some sparkle, as do those metal screens. Reg Adams, designer.

A trompe l'oeil Fornasetti secretary holds shells in this room by George Headly.

I wonder if this room designed by David Holcomb might have been a display room for a department store.

You have to admit that the projected image of the Sistine Chapel is kind of wacky, but rather clever too. Room by C. Ray Smith.

A masculine space with walls covered in herringbone fabric. Jerome Manashaw, designer.

This one room apartment epitomizes the early 1970s aesthetic. Allen Stuart was the designer.

A half-canopy was created using curtain rods and fabric. R. Holland Trull, designer.

Logan Brown found all of this sitting room's furniture, lighting, and accessories at Goodwill.

Portuguese tile wallpaper makes an interesting backdrop for copper cookware. Michael Brown, designer.

Photo at top: I'm crazy for the Bargello runner in this living room designed by Carl Steele of Kunzig & Steele.

All photos from Decorating with Confidence by Jose Wilson and Arthur Leaman

Know When to Fold 'Em

2012-01-06T05:48:00.001-05:00

The first time a folding chair made a big impression on me was when I was a young student at the Atlanta Ballet. I remember that my rather stern ballet mistress, Miss Joanne, used to conduct class while sitting in a folding director's chair. I can't recall if the canvas back was emblazoned with her name, but considering the fact that the Atlanta Ballet was a serious ballet school, I'm assuming that it didn't. Truth be told, I have never thought that those oak directors chairs were much to look at, although I do understand the practicality of them. And for a while there, back in the 1970s and early 80s, canvas and wood directors chairs were used in quite a few homes.

While I was reading the 30th anniversary edition of World of Interiors, I was struck by the photo, above, of the tented room at Charlottenhof. Believe it or not, it wasn't so much the tented walls and ceiling that caught my attention, but rather the folding wood and metal campaign chairs that were covered in that jaunty striped canvas. It reminded me, in a way, of Miss Joanne's chair, although I find the example at Charlottenhof much more appealing.

I've rounded up some photos of metal folding chairs. Some appear to be campaign pieces, while others are slick metal versions of the modern director's chair. And the beauty of these chairs is that not only do they look great, they can also be folded up and stored away when not in use. If you live in a small space, these chairs can really be a godsend. That said, some of these chairs are so stylish, you might not want to stow them away.

Here, a folding metal chair finished with black leather was used as a desk chair. Interior by Charles Dear, c. late 1960s.

These dining chairs may not have actually been folding, but they have the look of old campaign chairs. In the Paris apartment of Mme Goldsmith, early 1960s.

A sleek take on the director's chair. The chrome and black leather chairs were used in a dining room, while a white leather version was used at a card table.

I couldn't resist showing this photo of the late Audrey Hepburn's director's chair in the home of Hubert de Givenchy.

Photo at top: World of Interiors, Dec 2011, Fritz von der Schulenburg photographer. Photo #3 from Nouvelles Reussites de La Decoration Francaise 1960-1966; Photos #2, #4, and #5 from House and Garden's Complete Guide to Interior Decoration.

Philip Johnson's Curtain Call

2012-01-05T05:35:00.000-05:00

I was recently discussing the late Philip Johnson with my friend, Keith. He was fortunate enough to have visited Johnson's Glass House when it first opened to public, while I hope to make the pilgrimage this year. The conversation reminded me of a May, 1934 House & Garden article which profiled the Manhattan duplex of Johnson. According to the article, the duplex (which, by the way, he shared with his sister) was comprised of the two upper floors of a townhouse located on East 49th Street.

When Johnson bought the apartment, the lower floor was divided into a two story studio living room, a reception hall, another small room, and a kitchen. The bedrooms were located on the upper floor. Johnson tore out the walls between each room on the lower floor (with the exception of the kitchen), effectively creating one large room. Where the walls once stood, though, Johnson installed curtains that helped to delineate the spaces. What's interesting is that Johnson chose different colored fabric for each set of curtains. Johnson typically left the curtains half drawn so as to give "a vista the entire length of the apartment." If he were to entertain large groups, the curtains were left wide open. In the photo above, you can see how the apartment's lower floor looked when all of the curtains were open.

Pale ecru linoleum was used throughout the apartment to create a sense of continuity. Johnson chose a dull white plaster finish for all of the walls and ceilings so as to give the appearance of lightness. The furniture included now classic pieces like the Barcelona daybed, chairs, and ottoman by Mies van der Rohe.

On a Philip Johnson related note, Birch Cooper of Birch Books has recently written a book profiling Johnson's library at the Glass House. The book includes photographs of 100 different volumes found in Johnson's library as well as a complete inventory of the titles located at the Glass House. All proceeds from the book will go towards conservation efforts of Johnson's library at the Glass House. For more information on Cooper's book, please click here.

The two-story living area that was at one end of the open space.

When drawn, blue serge curtains between the reception hall and the living area created privacy for dining.

The view from the study, looking towards the reception hall and then to the living area beyond. Curtains were also hung along the exterior walls to cover the floor to ceiling windows.

All photos from House & Garden, May 1934.

My Entertaining Resolution

2012-01-04T05:23:00.012-05:00

When I entertain, it usually amounts to cocktails and at times heavy hors d'oeuvres. But this year, I resolve to host a small dinner party on a monthly basis. And I'll continue to have people over for drinks as well because that's fun and easy. Alrighty then, I better start gearing up for all of this planned entertaining. Perhaps I should consult the designer Richard Nelson for advice. If you'll recall the post that I wrote about him in 2010, I mentioned that at one time, Richard hosted suppers for twelve people on average of four or five nights a week! Needless to say, I'm not that ambitious.

I do have a list of recipes that I want to try and things that I want to buy to help make my entertaining easier and more fun too. We'll see if this list helps me to achieve my goal.

1. I hope to finish out my place settings of my flatware, Tiffany & Co.'s Hampton. If I don't do it now, they'll probably discontinue it and then I'll be out of luck.

2. I want to learn more about buying wine. I'm tired of being at the mercy of others while shopping for it.

3. I resolve to start keeping a menu book. If you're wondering why, just read this article by Christopher Petkanas in T Magazine. Maureen Footer and Christopher Spitzmiller are doing it. Perhaps I should too.

4. I want to have custom fill-in invitations made. I have a few ideas floating around in my head. And fill-in invitations are great for informal dinners and drinks parties. Perhaps I'll see what Pickett's Press can do for me.

5. I plan to make a second attempt at Bill Blass' Meatloaf. I hate to be blasphemous, but the last time I prepared it, I wasn't so crazy about it. Maybe the second time will be the charm.

6. I must expand my hors d'oeuvres repertoire in hopes of giving Steven Stolman a run for his money. First up, James Beard's Onion Sandwiches. I'll be sure to have Altoids available for my guests too.

7. And finally, I want to host a party that is so fun and raucous that one of my guests ends up with a lampshade on his or her head! I think that the best way to encourage that to happen would be to serve some Hunch Punch.

My Reading Resolution

2012-01-03T05:38:00.006-05:00

I have quite a few New Year's resolutions, although to save myself potential embarrassment should I not achieve them, I'll just keep them to myself. However, there were two resolutions that were a bit less lofty than the rest: to carve more time out of my schedule to read, and to entertain more frequently than I did last year.

I read on a daily basis, and yet it seems that there's still not enough time to get through all of the books that I'd like to read. It would be nice to be able to take two or three days a week and devote them entirely to reading. But, who's got time for that? In the interest of keeping myself focused on the books in which I'm really interested, I've made a list of titles that I hope to read this year. Some of the books might seem a little low-brow, and that's fine by me. I'm perfectly aware that if you wallow with the pigs, you should expect to get dirty. But really, isn't it better than most of the reality shows on TV?

Tomorrow, I'll post my entertaining resolutions.

West End Front by Matthew Sweet. I first read about this book on Beverley Jackson's blog. Sweet's book examines life in London's grand hotels during World War II. Evidently, there was all kinds of intrigue and scandal involving socialites, swells, and ne'er do wells. My copy just arrived in the mail, and I can't wait to read all about it.

Madame de Pompadour by Nancy Mitford. I enjoyed reading Mitford's The Sun King a few months ago, so I'm hoping that I'll feel the same about this book.

Constance Spry Cookery Book. An updated version of Spry and Hume's classic cookbook, first published in 1956.

Down the Garden Path by Beverley Nichols. I've never read any of his books, and I think this title- one of his most famous- is a good start.

Gilded Lily: Lily Safra: The Making of One of the World's Wealthiest Widows by Isabel Vincent. No, I don't plan to read this in hopes that someday I'll follow in Safra's footsteps. I'm just curious. Really.

Life in the French Country House and Life in the English Country House by Mark Girouard. I love books on general history, social history, and architectural history, and these two books combine all three.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Horror of horrors. Considering the fact that I'm a native Atlantan who has seen the movie close to thirty times, it's sacrilegious that I've never actually read the book. Shhh, don't tell.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-23T06:10:00.003-05:00

A very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to each and every one of you. May Santa bring you what you wish for, whether it be a wing chair, a new refrigerator, or a camel back sofa. But more importantly, I wish everyone a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.

I'll see you in 2012!

The image above was taken from the cover of House & Garden, December 1940.

Christmas with Tiffany's

2011-12-21T05:32:00.001-05:00

Just in case you haven't planned your holiday table yet, a few photos to get the creative juices flowing.

Baking Christmas Cakes

The Glorious Tree

The Gingerbread People's Lunch

Red, White and Red

Christmas at Mellerstain

New York- December 25

All photos from A Tiffany Christmas by John Loring.

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-19T05:38:00.007-05:00

My friend Ned Marshall recently opened his New Orleans house to the public as part of the Preservation Resource Center holiday home tour. According to Ned, between four and five thousand tour tickets were sold! It sounds to me like it was one successful tour of homes.

Knowing that visitors would expect his house to be done up for the holidays, Ned was a bit more lavish with the Christmas decorations than he usually is. A beautiful Christmas tree was trimmed in both white and colored lights, while garlands were strung between the living room columns. Ned's dining table was graciously set for a holiday dinner, while a drinks tray stood at the ready with preparations for holiday libations.

Since most of us were not able to attend the tour, we can take a virtual tour thanks to some beautiful photographs. I hope they bring you some holiday inspiration.

All photos courtesy of Kerri McCaffety, photographer.

Get Cozy with Mario Buatta

2011-12-15T05:03:00.000-05:00

I've had Mario Buatta on the brain lately, and I've been thinking about his apartment as it appeared in the 1970s. There is something very comforting to me about these photos. Maybe it's Buatta's choice of colors, the combination of fabrics and prints, the cozy seating arrangements, or the plenitude of collections. Perhaps it's a combination of all of the above. Whatever the secret formula was, these interiors make me want to crawl into the photos and curl up with a good book in that sunny yellow living room or that rich red bedroom. Can you imagine a better way to relax at the end of the day than to retire in that luxurious canopied bed?

Various shots of Buatta's living room with its glazed yellow walls.

The bedroom with its "Beaujolais" colored walls.

All images from The New York Times Book of Interior Design and Decoration by Norma Skurka.

Silver and Gold Decorations

2011-12-14T05:50:00.001-05:00

Yes, I borrowed the title from the Burl Ives' song, but it seems appropriate for a post on metal and metallic colored trim. It's been catching my eye lately. The trim by Aiveen Daly reminds me of jewelry, while Samuel and Sons' studded trim is reminiscent of the leather bracelets that have been so popular lately. Like bold jewelry, metal trim makes a statement so you need to use it wisely. Oh, and try to avoid anything that is too terribly shiny.

The three trims above plus that in the top photo are all by Aiveen Daly. The collection, available in a range of finishes, will debut soon. Visit their website for more details.

Samuel and Sons Diamond Nailhead on Leather. I could see it used on a tailored chair or sofa and perhaps even on a console or side table.

I think that this metallic border by Samuel and Sons is so elegant.

This tieback by Remy Lemoine Passementerie is not a metal but rather mirrored glass. Still, it reminds me of a sterling silver piece by Elsa Peretti.

I like the military look of this Royal Air Force Sword Knot Lace from Hand & Lock.

I'm sure it would be a big-time no-no to use Hand & Lock's General's Gold Twist Shoulder Cords in your home, but you have to admit they're pretty handsome.

Pratesi Cashmere Collection

2011-12-13T05:15:00.001-05:00

One of the great little luxuries of life is a pair of cozy house slippers. During fall and winter, I wear nothing but slippers around the house. (Not bedroom slippers or scuffs but rather little slip-on shoes with soft soles.) I recently received an email from Pratesi announcing their new cashmere collection, and what caught my eye above all else? Very chic cashmere house slippers for both men and women. I'm a fan of J. Crew and L.L. Bean slippers, but Pratesi is winning me over with their use of cashmere. And if you're a man, all you need to complete the picture is a smoking hat like those I mentioned a few weeks ago.

There are other items in the collection including cashmere throws, ponchos, bags, and eye masks, all of which make for great holiday gifts. Who doesn't like an indulgent gift every now and then? Personally, I can't imagine anything better than lounging on the sofa under a Pratesi throw while reading a vintage design book.

For more information on the collection or to purchase, please call Pratesi at 1-800-332-6925.

The Aconcagua directly above are for men, while those at top are for women.

Sabrina home shoes for women.

Mens slippers.

Camel toned slippers for women.

Slippers with straps for women.

I'm crazy for these cashmere ponchos. Just the thing to wear when taking Alfie for a quick walk around the block.

Beautiful cashmere throws.

This quilted cashmere and silk blanket might be a nice alternative to the oft-photographed orange Hermes blanket.

The very stylish and practical Pratesi eye mask and matching bag.

Clare Booth Luce and her Summer House

2011-12-12T05:48:00.001-05:00

It's not often that one attends a lecture that can be described as fizzy and fun, but that's just how I would characterize Steven Stolman's talk last week at ADAC. The recently appointed President of Scalamandre is an avid fan of old movies just like many of us. His presentation, "Iconic Interiors of the Silver Screen", spanned decades of cinema and included images from such films as Indiscreet, Auntie Mame, Valley of the Dolls, and The Women. If you ever get the opportunity to attend Steven's lecture, I urge you to do so. Not only will you see images of the chic interiors from these movies, but you will also get Steven's humorous commentary too.

When Steven mentioned The Women, it jogged my memory of a 1940 House & Garden article that profiled the Greenwich, Connecticut summer house of Henry and Clare Booth Luce. It was the latter who wrote the Broadway play The Women, later produced as a movie in 1939. If you've never seen the movie, do so soon. You just might reconsider running with a pack of women!

The Luces' Connecticut home, built around 1905, was described in the article as a being a "modified Georgian design." According to H&G, the entire house as well as much of the furniture was designed by Virginia Conner with the exception of the master bedroom. That room was given to Luce's friend Dorothy Draper.

The home's interiors look quite glamorous although there are some elements that seem a little gimmicky. (I'm referring to the dining room's serving table that was suspended from the ceiling with white metal ropes.) If you ask me, the interiors are a combination of the chic yet proper style of Mary Haines (the Norma Shearer character in The Women) and the flashy and brassy look of her man-stealing rival Crystal Allen (played by- who else?- Joan Crawford.)

Probably one of the most famous rooms of the house. The living room was mostly pale beige except for the curvy sofa that was covered in a blue green fabric. The article does not mention whether the mirrored screen was purchased from Syrie Maugham or simply inspired by that in her music room on Kings Road in London.

The other side of living room that looked out over the garden. The loveseats were upholstered in diagonally quilted seaweed green fabric.

The master bedroom that was decorated by Dorothy Draper. The walls, draperies, bedspread, and carpet were all in shades of ice blue. Draper's beloved cabbage rose chintz was also used.

The sitting area of the bedroom was delineated by folding screens. I'm fascinated by those unusual pelmets.

The dining room and the unusual serving table. The walls were soft pink while the ceiling and rubber floor were white. The pine chairs were covered in pink and cyclamen colored fabric. The colors were chosen from a Raoul Dufy painting.

In the hall, the walls were Chinese red and the sofas were covered in Prussian green satin. (Don't you wish that you could see the photo in color?)

The powder room wallpaper was gunmetal, pink, and coral, while the dressing table skirt was made of pink voile.

The library in which most of the room was sand-blasted oak. The ceiling was painted turquoise, and the rug was beige Astrakhan.

All photos from House & Garden, June 1940.

Holiday Picks from Nick Harvill Libraries

2011-12-09T05:32:00.003-05:00

One of the joys of visiting a bookstore is the likelihood that you'll discover a gem of a book, one with which you're not familiar. Because Atlanta does not have a decent used bookstore, I like to visit Jane Stubbs at Bergdorf's, Archivia, or Potterton Books when I'm in New York. Shopping for books online is a completely different experience. Let's face it- discovering some charming, out of print book on Amazon is difficult. It really is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

I recently received the 2011 Holiday catalogue from Nick Harvill Libraries, and I have so enjoyed reading it. Nick does a great job of assembling all kinds of literary treasures, and his engaging descriptions of each book really give you a sense of what lies beneath the (oftentimes) charming dust jackets. Lo and behold, I discovered some intriguing and even quirky books that I might have otherwise never known about it, and I didn't even have to travel to Nick's shop in Hollywood to find them! I thought I would share a few of them with you, just in case you too live in a book barren city.

Reno by Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.

The Cat by Colette

How to Be a Party Girl by Pat Montandon

Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah by Dinah Shore

The Constant Sinner by Mae West

Rich was Better by Philip Van Rensselaer

Mrs. Astor's Horse by Stanley Walker

Drinks Trays at Greystone

2011-12-07T05:45:00.006-05:00

Today is my last day of Maison de Luxe posting. Upon going through the house, I realized that a lot of designers added drinks trays or bar carts to their rooms. Seeing that it's the holidays and most of will be doing a fair amount of entertaining, I thought that these photos might be a little food for thought. Make that drink for thought.

Image at top: Designer David Phoenix styled this drinks tray for his Dining Room. It's traditional and timeless.

Kathryn Ireland used a drinks trolley in her Social Secretary's Room. I'm guessing that the fictitious social secretary doesn't get much work done.

Philip Gorrivan used the niche for his Breakfast Room drinks set up.

Patrick Dragonette used all kinds of terrific vintage glassware and decanters for his cocktail assemblage.

Barclay Butera displayed his drinks tray upon an upholstered ottoman.

Nathan Turner had the advantage of having a bar in his Rec Room. Looks like a turban alighted upon a bottle of some kind of spirit.

All photos by Jennifer Boles for The Peak of Chic.

The Kitchen at Greystone

2011-12-07T05:44:00.002-05:00

And finally, I want to show my photos of the kitchen at Greystone. It was not part of the tour, but I couldn't resist snooping around and taking photos of the old stove and refrigerator, not to mention the spacious cabinetry. Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to have a stove like that in your kitchen? It would definitely make me happy.

Upstairs at Maison de Luxe

2011-12-06T04:52:00.002-05:00

And moving on to the upstairs at Maison de Luxe...

Woodson and Rummerfield decorated Mrs. Doheny's Bedroom.

A detail shot of Mrs. Doheny's Bedroom.

The Bath off of Mrs. Doheny's Bedroom.

Kendall Wilkinson designed the Twilight Room. She created this infinity wall using mirror and flowers.

A metal structure in the middle of Wilkinson's room supported these benches with chair backs.

The Gentlemen's Study as envisioned by Patrick Dragonette.

A plaid lampshade tops a horse lamp in Dragonette's room.

The Family Room by designer Barclay Butera.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard was chosen to design Mr. Doheny's bedroom. As you can see, the room was teeming with the Million Dollar Decorators filming crew.

Bullard also created a Massage Room...

...as well as Mr. Doheny's bathroom.

Oliver Furth created a mature Girl's Room.

It might be a little hard to see, but in the center of the room Furth hung a sculpture that was made of balloons covered in graphite. As the show house continues, the sculpture will get smaller and will release its graphite coating. The sculpture was created by artist Elyse Graham.

A little fuzzy, but I tried to get a shot of the peacock blue lacquered ceiling. It was a striking contrast to the brown toned walls.

The Girl's Room Bath, also designed by Furth, featured a dressing table and walls with metallic paper insets.

Atlantan Raymond Goins painted these horse themed canvases that lined the walls of his Sitting Room. Standing in the room was like being surrounded by galloping horses.

All photos by Jennifer Boles for The Peak of Chic

Downstairs at Maison de Luxe

2011-12-05T05:23:00.001-05:00

I want to thank Luxe Magazine for inviting me to attend last week's Maison de Luxe Opening Night Gala event. The show house, taking place at the glorious Greystone estate in Beverly Hills, is quite a success thanks to the hard work and skill of an impressive mix of designers. Over the next few days, I plan to show my photos of the house. (You'll have to forgive the quality of some of the images; taking photos at night with people milling about is not my area of expertise.)

The house is around 50,000 square feet, so needless to say, I took a lot of photos. Today's post features the rooms on the first floor and basement. Tomorrow, it's the upstairs that will be the focus. There are many other decorator rooms that I was not able to photograph, so if you happen to be in Los Angeles over the next few weeks, I highly encourage you to visit the show house for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

First up, the Grand Entry Foyer that was decorated by Timothy Corrigan. Corrigan chose a rich red Phillip Jeffries grasscloth paper to warm up the vast space.

Corrigan also designed the Grand Center Hall on the second floor.

A Corrigan vignette on the second floor.

A detail of one of the urns flanking Corrigan's seating area in the second floor hall.

Looking down the stairs into the Grand Hall and Card Room, both decorated by Michelle Nussbaumer. Born settees were a popular accent in a few rooms.

Looking across Nussbaumer's Card Room.

Two card tables at the ready.

One side of the Card Room.

This fixture in the Card Room caught my eye.

Barry Dixon decorated the Library.

One side of the Library.

I'm taken with this intaglio table (one of a pair) that Dixon chose for his room.

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this vintage dog book that was displayed on a cocktail table in Dixon's room.

The Living Room as envisioned by Jamie Drake.

Mary McDonald decorated the East and West Grand Halls in shades of blue and white. How stunning is that ceiling?

An assemblage of brackets with blue and white porcelain and white flowers.

McDonald even created vignettes above the doors.

Two more detail shots of McDonald's Hall.

Suzanne Rheinstein decorated the Guest Suite. At either end of the room were screens upholstered in her new embroidered Vermicelli fabric for Lee Jofa.

A square born settee.

The opposite side of the Guest Suite.

Philip Gorrivan's Breakfast Room.

Another view of the Breakfast Room.

And another born settee.

A detail of the Kyle Bunting rug used in the Breakfast Room.

The Social Secretary Room as designed by Kathryn Ireland.

The Dining Room by David Phoenix.

Phoenix chose one of my current favorite china patterns for the table: Alberto Pinto's Champignon.

Nathan Turner's handiwork is seen in the Rec Room off of the basement bowling alley.

A vintage issue of Playboy graced the bar in Turner's room.

All photos with the exception of the exterior were taken by Jennifer Boles for The Peak of Chic.

Christopher Spitzmiller Visits One Kings Lane

2011-12-05T05:22:00.000-05:00

To borrow a phrase from Albert Hadley's famous notepads: "Don't Forget"! Tomorrow night is a big night on One Kings Lane. Christopher Spitzmiller will be having his very own Tastemaker Tag Sale. Starting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9pm EST, the sale will feature both Christopher's iconic lamps as well as items from his personal collection.

There will be 60 lamps offered, including 20 pairs and 20 single lamps- all of which are considered to be "seconds", meaning they either have slight glaze irregularities or are non-standard colors. I have purchased seconds lamps from Christopher and I have yet to find the irregularities on them. (I know that they're there, but I just can't find them.) This is a great opportunity to buy his beautiful lamps at 30% off the list price.

Also included will be 25 lots from Christopher's personal collection including a Comer Jennings painting of a Magnolia, an antique Venetian mirror that Christopher originally purchased from Sotheby's, and numerous books. I covet Christopher's entire book collection, so I'm especially excited to see what books he has listed.

So, don't forget to mark your calendars for Christopher's big sale tomorrow evening!

Peeking into Christopher's entry hall where one of his lamps graces a console table.

Off to Maison de Luxe

2011-12-01T05:32:00.001-05:00

I'm currently in Los Angeles attending the opening festivities of the Maison de Luxe Designer Show House at Greystone. The show house, sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine, features rooms decorated by some of the country's top designers. I'm also looking forward to catching up with my L.A. friends. And once I get over the inevitable jet lag that I'll have upon my return, I'll be back to regular posting. See you next week.

Heads Up

2011-11-30T05:15:00.002-05:00

I've only been to Lock & Co. Hatters twice, but both times I've found myself staring at the Fezzes and the smoking caps. Are there men who still wear smoking caps? And, unless you're a Shriner or you live in the Middle East or Turkey, at what kind of occasions would you wear a Fez? If you know of other Fez wearing groups or occasions that call for the hat, please tell me.

What I have noticed, though, is that Fezzes often make decorative appearances in homes. Hamish Bowles' entrance hall comes to mind, as does the master bedroom of designer Alex Papachristidis. I recently spied one in a London home that was featured in the November issue of UK House & Garden. Some people choose to display their fezzes solo, while others place the hats on busts and sculptures.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a vignette featuring a smoking cap, but I'm sure it's out there.

The Fezzes in Hamish Bowles' apartment appear to be vintage Shriner hats.

In this London home, a Blackamoor bust wears a Fez.

Alex Papachristidis' Fez may not technically be a Fez, but it suits the purpose of this post.

The French photographer Jean-Pierre Godeaut wearing his Fez.

Christian Louboutin wearing one while in Morocco. Louboutin also owns the beaded red Fez to the right that was designed by milliner Stephen Jones.

Bowles photo from Vogue Living, Mar/April 2010, Stewart Shining photographer; London photo from House & Garden, November 2011, Mel Yates photographer; Papchristidis photo from Elle Decor, Roger Davies photographer; Godeaut photo from Paris Interiors. Louboutin photo from Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People, Francois Halard photographer.

Winter Entertaining

2011-11-29T05:18:00.005-05:00

Because so many of us are already decorating our homes for the holidays, I figured that there was no time like the present to start writing about Christmas table settings. While rifling through my holiday files over the weekend, I found this Veranda article about Christmas entertaining in the Paris dining room of Barbara and Didier Wirth.

I think that the first thing one is struck by is all of that fabulous red blanketing the room. Come December, Barbara hangs custom-made red fabric panels over the room's green and white tile walls. A red tablecloth and red taffeta blinds add to the color theme. What's nice, though, is that blue is used as an accent color on both the table and the mantel, something that gives the room more of a wintery feel rather than a holiday one. And the table itself is perfection when set with Venetian stemware, silver candlesticks and chargers, Malbranche embroidered napkins, and lampwork figures placed around the table. (The figures, made in Nevers during the 18th century, were made from glass softened over an oil lamp flame.)

Coincidentally, I happened to find other photos of the Wirth's Paris apartment in the book Paris Interiors. I'm not sure if this is the same apartment or not, but the photos are so attractive that I wanted to include them as well. You can see the Wirths' entrance hall and study below.

Dining room photos from Veranda, Thibault Jeanson photographer. Remaining photos from Paris Interiors, Eric Adjani photographer.

How the Stars Really Lived

2011-11-28T05:36:00.001-05:00

Articles about how the stars live at home have always helped to sell magazines. Not only has the roster of popular actors and actresses changed through the years, but so too have the decorative styles with which they choose to live. In the 1930s, more than a few actresses resided in homes that bore striking resemblances to the glamorous movie sets of the era. But, by 1940, some of that Hollywood pastiche seemed to give way to more established styles like French Provincial or even Early American.

The homes featured here appeared in the November 1940 issue of House & Garden. It seems that designer William Haines had a lock on the Hollywood movie community as five out of the six homes shown were of his doing. The sixth home was designed by Tom Douglas. While some rooms bear the mark of drama that you might expect from the likes of Ann Sothern and George Cukor (who of course was a director rather than actor), others seemed to evoke a sense of East Coast propriety. That bedroom of the Richard Wallaces looks like a room in which one of Katherine Hepburn's characters might slumber.

The dressing table of Ann Sothern which, according to the magazine, was planned by Sothern herself. Helen Conway of William Haines decorated the room.

The Richard Wallaces' bedroom designed by William Haines. A rose chintz covered the walls, windows, and the headboard.

"Constance Bennett likes a formal setting", or so said House & Garden. William Haines, decorator.

"Chinese elegance" in the William Haines' designed living room of George Cukor.

One of the only houses in this article that was not designed by Haines. The home of Wayne Morris was the handiwork of decorator Tom Douglas.

Tropical flowers abound in actor Sam Jaffe's entrance hall. William Haines, decorator.

All photos from House & Garden, November 1940

Isabel O'Neil Studio Holiday Sale

2011-11-28T05:35:00.008-05:00

Mark it on your calendars: the Isabel O'Neil Studio Holiday Sale will take place this Thursday, December 1 in New York. More than a few people have told me that this annual sale is an amazing opportunity to purchase exquisite and unique decorative painted objects.

To be held at Lighthouse International, the Patron Preview is from 5 to 6pm (tickets to that are $125), while the general entrance is from 6 to 9pm (these tickets are $50.) There will also be a raffle; a preview of some of the raffle prizes is below. (That malachite fabric lap quilt was donated by Edward Schaefer whose work I featured in a previous post.)

This is sure to be a great way to take care of your holiday shopping. For more information, click here.

The Roman Spring of Mr. Gendel

2011-11-22T05:35:00.000-05:00

I was not familiar with Milton Gendel until I read the November issue of Vanity Fair. Gendel, an American who has lived in Rome for close to sixty years, decamped to Italy following World War II, working as a cultural and public relations consultant at Olivetti and later at Alitalia. In addition, he has been a correspondent at ArtNews since 1954. But what Gendel is really noted for- and what earned him an article in Vanity Fair- are his photographs of his friends. Having traveled in rarefied circles for decades, Gendel's friends have included the likes of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, the Cushing Sisters, Lady Diana Cooper, and Stavros Niarchos. Needless to say, these are no ordinary photographs of ordinary friends.

The 92 year old certainly seems to be having a "moment" what with two concurrent retrospectives of his photographs. The American Academy in Rome is currently exhibiting "Milton Gendel: Portraits" through the end of this month, while a second show at Museo Carlo Bilotti runs until January 8, 2012. Gendel also recently moved to a new apartment after having lived in some fabulous apartments in various Roman palazzos. Coincidentally, I just found a 1992 House & Garden article on his former apartment in a Renaissance palazzo. For those of you who recently read the Vanity Fair article, I thought it would be interesting to show the 1992 apartment photos here.

The master bedroom.

Gendel's study.

The library.

A detail shot of the sitting room's ceiling. The 17th century polychrome ceiling depicts an array of birds, including a turkey from the New World. A shot of the sitting room itself is at the very top of the post.

Another shot of the sitting room.

All photos from the November 1992 issue of House & Garden, Oberto Gili photographer.

Holiday Elixir

2011-11-22T05:34:00.001-05:00

During the holidays, stories of family strife abound. Inevitably, there is one relative who makes you wish that you were sitting in a dentist's chair getting a root canal rather than at the dining table eating turkey and dressing with your family. I'm very fortunate because I actually get along with my family, and because I do have such a small family, the likelihood of there being fisticuffs on Thanksgiving Day is nil.

However, if you're stuck this Thursday with that person who literally drives you to drink, may I suggest a Martini (or two) to help get you through the day? To the left of this page, I'm including a classic recipe for a dry Martini courtesy of Henry McNulty's book Vogue Cocktails. (If you're reading this post by email, click here to be taken to the homepage.)

Of course, a Martini is a very personal thing. Some like it with gin while others prefer vodka. Some drinkers like theirs with a few olives, while to others, only a twist will do. I think that what we can all agree upon, though, is that a Martini does indeed have magical powers that might make you forget about being stuck at the table next to an insufferable relation.

But remember, Martini moderation is key. As Dorothy Parker once wrote, "I like to have a Martini, two at the very most; three, I'm under the table, four I'm under the host!"

Military Might

2011-11-21T05:13:00.001-05:00

Every few years, the military look makes an appearance in fashion. Sometimes it's the cut of a jacket or coat that is reminiscent of a soldier's uniform, while in other seasons it might be a far more literal interpretation with clothes adorned with epaulets, braiding, and other embellishments. Peacoats I can do, but if a jacket has military gewgaws all over it, then that's a trend that I usually don't partake in.

But what about the military look in furnishings? Again, I'm on the fence on this one. Campaign furniture and tented rooms? A wholehearted "yes" and "yes". Embroidery and braiding on furniture and soft furnishings? Well, maybe. I guess it's the embellishments that trip me up. But I'm reconsidering my opinion after reading an August 2004 World of Interiors article. In it, furniture was upholstered with various military style details like metallic embroidery and trimmings that look like an officer's uniform. Take the sofa at top, for example. It's quite different from the average sofa, and it wouldn't look out of my place in my study. And while some of the more intricate embroidery is too grand for my own home, it might be a nice finishing touch in the right surroundings.

While I might not go as far as saying "I love a chair in a uniform" (with apologies to Gang of Four and their early 1980s hit of a similar title), I think that I could be coming around to regimental details. You just won't catch me wearing epaulets anytime soon.

Metallic embroidery by Layla Moussa.

The back of this chair is reminiscent of an old military waistcoat.

Don't you think that the design of the sofa throw pillow resembles a military medal?

The metallic braided embroidery on both the bed canopy and the bed spread reminded me of military details. This bed is at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire.

Again, this bed's embroidery is evocative of military uniform embellishment. At Château de Haroué.

One would expect military, Empire style details in Josephine's bedroom at Malmaison. The intricate embroidery on the chairs is stunning.

Curtains and bed hangings in Napoleon's bedroom at Château de Compiègne.

I've shown this photo before; the braided trim on these curtains by Billy McCarty looks like something you might see on a solider's shoulder.

First three photos from World of Interiors, August 2004, Tobias Harvey photographer; #4 from The Finest Houses Of Paris; #5 from Interiors by Minn Hogg; #6 from Private Splendor: Great Families at Home; #7 and #8 from Empire Splendor: French Taste in the Age of Napoleon; #9 from David Hicks on Decoration--With Fabrics..

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

2011-11-17T05:42:00.001-05:00

As a child, I loved Saturday morning television. Unlike most children, I didn't watch cartoons; they always got on my nerves. My Saturday morning TV viewing started with Style with Elsa Klensch, truly the best show that has ever aired on CNN. Nobody can pronounce "Thierry Mugler" and "Yohji Yamamoto" with as much flair as Elsa. After Elsa was over, I believe that I had an hour's break before my other favorite show aired. Can you guess what it was? It was that guilty pleasure of the 1980s, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Now I admit that the show could be a little cheesy at times, but I have to say that it made for good entertainment. How else were you going to see the homes and yachts of your favorite television (or better yet daytime television) star? I actually don't think that I ever really liked the decor of any of the homes featured, but that was beside the point. And really, if that show doesn't sum up the 1980s, then I don't know what does.

My sweet friend Jean just gave me her copy of The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Cookbook, published in 1992. Let me tell you, this cookbook is a real treasure. All kinds of rich and famous people are featured as are their favorite recipes. As you might expect, Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky are in there as are Tova and Ernest Borgnine. (Come on, you know you love Tova and Ernie.) But others like Valentino, Marylou Whitney, and Alain Ducasse are also featured. I have not yet tested any of the recipes, but they actually look quite good. Cold Avocado Soup, Hot Pepper Jelly Cheese Puffs, and Poached Salmon on Saffron Sauce are all on my list to try.

Who knows? This cookbook just might get me one step closer to champagne wishes and caviar dreams.

I guess it comes as no surprise that Dina Merrill's table is my favorite, what with the Porthault linen and the lettuceware.

Barbara Taylor Bradford serving up Veal Casserole.

The late Eva Gabor who was quoted as saying "Dahling, you can have anything you want in life. I am the living proof." Gabor's specialties included Chicken Paprikash and Hungarian Goulash.

Do you remember Jean LeClerc, the soap star? He seemed to be on the show all of the time! Here, he is taste testing some berries and creme fraiche.

That's Gary Collins and Mary Ann Mobley eating some of Marylou Whitney's famous chicken sandwiches.

Yet another goulash! I actually like Ivana's silver basket serving dishes.

Sally Jessy Raphael...because I couldn't resist.

A table set by Anoushka Hempel.

A young Alain Ducasse in Monaco.

And last but certainly not least, Joan Collins in her kitchen preparing Scottish Salmon and melon. Her other favorite dish is Spaghetti Bolognese.

A Surprise from Ned Marshall

2011-11-16T05:38:00.005-05:00

One of the things that I love most about old magazines is that they are full of surprises. You might discover the work of a "new" decorator with whom you are not familiar. Perhaps you might find photos of your favorite fashion icon's home. Or maybe, you'll come across an old project done by a friend, a project that you have never seen before. That's precisely what happened to me last week. Imagine my delight when I saw the December 1990 issue of House & Garden, only to discover that my friend Ned Marshall's project was not only featured in the magazine but on the cover too.

Now based in New Orleans, Ned is a wonderful designer who once lived in New York. Some of you are probably familiar with Ned's New Orleans house that appeared in House Beautiful, March 2009. The design blogosphere lit up over his deft use of bold colors like ultramarine and shocking pink. Just in case you don't remember it, click here to see the article; it's definitely worth revisiting.

But let's go back to the 1990 H&G article. The featured project was an impressive Park Avenue duplex owned by Ned's longtime friends. The decor is somewhat formal and entirely appropriate for the clients' collection of fine antiques. And yet, if you look at the rooms, they appear to be quite comfortable too. It seems that the homeowners' dog agreed as he was photographed in almost every room looking quite content.

What I think is really interesting to note is the attention that Ned gave to the decorative details. Look at those curtains in the dining room, below; that took skill to both design them and to construct them. I know that elaborate curtains have fallen out of favor with today's designers and clients, and that's really a shame because there is a real art to curtain making. Ned also had the dining room's metallic paper glazed to make it less shiny. When interviewed for the article, Ned commented that it could use another coat of glaze to make it look aged. And what about the photo which shows an Adam-style faux marbre painted floor, a door frame painted with an Vitruvian wave motif, and a trompe l'oeil painting of a cow above the door? This type of decorating took time, energy, and loads of creativity; a quickie job this was not.

Now I do realize that much has changed in twenty one years, and formal living isn't quite so formal anymore. If you look at Ned's New Orleans house, you'll see that Ned's style of decorating has kept up with the times; his look is classic and yet current too. But what struck me while reading both articles is that regardless of one's style or desire for comfort, all rooms greatly benefit from thoughtful details.

All images from House & Garden, December 1990; William Waldron photographer.

The Shell Grotto at Margate

2011-11-10T05:03:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my neighbor David, I just got my mitts on the June 2004 issue of World of Interiors. In the issue, there is an article on the Shell Grotto in Margate, England. The underground grotto's origins remain a mystery. There are some who believe its roots lie in ancient times; in fact, there are shell symbols and patterns on the walls that resemble those used by ancient Hindu, Egyptian, and Zoroastrian civilizations. Others, however, wonder if the shell grotto was a folly created during the Regency era. This debate will continue as carbon dating isn't an option. During the 19th century, the grotto was lit by gas lanterns, thus rendering carbon dating impossible. And by the way, the grotto was discovered in the 1830s by two school children who fell into the grotto while playing in their garden.

The grotto is really quite stunning as almost every surface is decorated with shells- 4.6 million shells, to be exact. Surely this is an estimate; who in the world would and could count all of those shells? An even bigger question for me, though, is how long it took to craft this marvel? Inquiring minds want to know.

This lancet arch leads to the altar chamber.

The altar chamber.

Designs on the altar chamber's walls include the Shield of Dionysus and the Tree of Life.

In this passageway, the designs resemble the lyre of Apollo on top of a flower motif.

Twin passageways lead to a rotunda.

The rotunda.

A "sacred ogee" in one of the passageways.

In the entry passageway, you see a three-pointed star, believed to represent a Vishnu turtle.

Etchings on a piece of slate.

All photos from World of Interiors, June 2004; Bill Batten photographer.

Hotel Inspiration

2011-11-09T05:13:00.002-05:00

Over the last few years, much has written about how hotels have influenced the way in which people decorate their homes. You know the look. A home's entryway that's made to look like a hotel lobby thanks to the circular center table holding an oversized floral arrangement. Or the bedroom that looks straight out of a mid-range hotel. It's generic and, I hate to say it, boring too.

I think that if you want to make your home feel like a hotel, you should replicate (to an extent) the look of a hotel that has real style. There have been a few hotels that have influenced my aesthetic: The Carlyle in New York; The Stafford in London; and The Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice. My stay at The Gritti Palace occurred eleven years ago, but I haven't forgotten its elegance. I recently read that the hotel is currently closed for a renovation, something that had me worried until I learned that Chuck Chewning of Donghia was overseeing it. Knowing Chuck, he will be respectful of the hotel's history and will update it in an appropriate and yet stylish way. When it reopens in 2013, I really should try to travel to Venice to see the refreshed hotel for myself.

While we wait for the Gritti Palace to reopen, we should take a look at another Venetian hotel for design inspiration: Bauer Il Palazzo. I found these photos in a December 2001 issue of French AD, so I'm not sure if all of the interiors seen here look the same today. Regardless, these are some beautiful photos of some beautiful rooms. And I for one would not mind if my own home resembled Il Palazzo.

All photos from French AD, Noelle Hoppe photographer.

The Peak of Chic Entertains

2011-11-08T06:06:00.001-05:00

For years, I've wanted to own a retail shop, one that sells all kinds of great things for the home. For the time being, I think that this fantasy will have to remain just that- a fantasy. But, I am dipping my toe into the retail world with my new Amazon store, The Peak of Chic Entertains. You can link to it by clicking on the photo on the left-side of my homepage that says "The Peak of Chic Entertains". (If you're reading this by email, you can click here to be taken to the site.)

The focus of my shop is accessories for entertaining including china, swizzle sticks, cocktail shakers, cheese straws, and cookbooks. I've divided items into categories like "The Cocktail Party" and "The Epicurean Pantry", and most of the items that I am featuring are those that I either own or ones that I would like to own. I included a range of price points in hopes of including something for everybody. I even wrote my own comments on some of the items with tips on how best to use them.

It's a shop that I've been working on for the past few months, so I hope that you'll take a look. I plan to change the merchandise frequently, so do try to stop by often. Who knows? You might be inspired to throw a party!

That Must Have Been Some Toothpaste

2011-11-08T06:05:00.001-05:00

One reason that I love my collection of 1930s magazines is because of the advertisements. The range of ads is fairly diverse. I'm not particularly interested in the down home style of ads, especially those that feature grandma rocking in her chair while shivering underneath an afghan because the water heater is broken. (Or whatever the 1930s equivalent of the water heater was.) Some are a little hokey like the linen ad which featured Snowy the cat snuggled in bed with his head on a pillow while covered in a percale top sheet.

The ones that really catch my eye, though, are those ads that are all about high style and glamour. Car advertisements from this era usually showed men in tails and top hats and women in satin gowns and fur jackets. Cigarette ads also tapped into this sense of glamour by featuring socialites and debutantes who touted the smooth taste of their favorite cigarettes. But it wasn't just glamour and luxury that advertisers used to sell their products. These ads promoted a type of aspirational living in which elegance and civility were the rule rather than the exception.

What about ads today? What many of today's advertisers and consumers consider to be luxury and aspirational living is far different from that of the 1930s. Case in point: this 1935 ad for Listerine toothpaste. I find it utterly amazing compared to the ads that we're used to today.

The woman featured in the ad was Mrs. Kendall Lee Glaenzer, "member of the immortal Lee family of Virginia...noted for her beauty and talent- her reputation as a hostess in Paris and New York. Adores music. Has many friends among modern composers. Loves the outdoors and has a shooting box in the Adirondacks. Her sister is married to Rockwell Kent, famous artist." Yes, that was a mouthful, but the typical female reader of the day would have been captivated by Mrs. Glaenzer's glamorous lifestyle. Why, I'm captivated by it too!

The ad went on to say, "All hers...the appointments of luxurious living- yet the beautiful Mrs. Glaenzer pays only 25 cents for her tooth paste." Mrs. Glaenzer is quoted as saying, "It gives my mouth a new-born feeling... and a sense of well-being." But the most interesting thing about the ad were the examples of Mrs. Glaenzer's luxurious lifestyle. There was a photograph of her mink cape and her 10 karat diamond ring, but even more incredible is the fact that the ad included examples of the woman's antiques collection! Can you imagine an ad today featuring a celebrity's rare Louis XV French commode? I guarantee you that the Kardashian sisters don't own one.

It fascinates me that you used to be able to sell toothpaste with photos of diamond bracelets and Ming dynasty porcelain. It's really a shame that we can't sell it that way today. If aspirational living in 2011 means pricey vodka and even pricier handbags, then I'll just read my old magazines and fantasize about Ming dynasty porcelain and French commodes. Oh, and 25 cent toothpaste that gives one a sense of well-being.

"Corner console of the Louis XVI Period in Mrs. Glaenzer's apartment. Also Chinese crackle glass porcelain jar from the Ming dynasty."

"Rare Louis XV French commode. Behind it a rich Ming Period Chinese painting on silk, together with porcelain vase of the Chien Lung Period."

"Mrs. Glaenzer's 10 karat diamond ring and solid gold cigarette case given by Napoleon to a Russian princess, and her three diamond bracelets."

"Rivaling Mrs. Glaenzer's ermine and silver fox evening wrap in grace and beauty, is her mink cape, constructed of beautifully matched skins, collected over a period of twenty years by a famed furrier."

R.I.P. Loulou de la Falaise

2011-11-07T05:58:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, I was saddened to learn of the death of Loulou de la Falaise. Certainly one reason why I admired her was because she cut quite a stylish figure. De la Falaise was one of the few who could make bohemian chic look elegant. And of course, being part of Yves Saint Laurent's inner circle only added to her allure. In recent years, de la Falaise designed a line of jewelry. I own a pair of her earrings, and while I always get compliments when I wear them, I don't think that I have ever been able to channel de la Falaise's style. I'm far too American for that.

I thought it appropriate to show photos of her Paris home, one that was featured in the book Paris Interiors by Lisa Lovatt-Smith. I've shown these before on my blog, but it seems worth repeating. And although her apartment was a bit too eclectic and cluttered to me, I find it interesting to see just how well-defined her style really was.

The massive crystal chandelier that hangs in the salon came from a grand Paris hotel.

In the living room, the 18th century American day bed was a gift from de la Falaise's mother, Maxime de la Falaise. The magazine table was designed by Loulou's brother, Alexis.

In the dining room-library, the mirror on the far wall was found by Jacques Grange, while th gilt ballroom chairs came from the Yves Saint Laurent atelier.

A treasure trove of de la Falaise's jewelry is prominent in the bedroom.

All photos from Paris Interiors by Lisa Lovatt-Smith; Roland Beaufre photographer.

Creating Painted Beauty

2011-11-04T04:59:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to share with you the work of my friend Edward Schaefer, a very talented decorative painter who lives in the New York City area. I have long been fascinated with the art of decorative painting. In fact, I have checked out the late Isabel O'Neil's book The Art of the Painted Finish for Furniture & Decoration: Antiquing, Lacquering, Gilding & The Great Impersonators from my local library at least three times. Seeing that I have absolutely no experience in this type of painting, I read the book not so much for the instruction but rather to look at photos of all types of marvelous finishes.

When Edward first told me about his profession and his training, I was really intrigued. How many decorative painters do you know who received their education at the famed Isabel O'Neil Studio? After attending classes there, Edward now teaches at the Studio as a way to both impart his knowledge to others and further hone his skills. I asked Edward to share his thoughts on his profession:

"This year marks my thirtieth year since I started taking courses at the Studio. In college I majored in Applied Arts and minored in Secondary Education. This required taking just about every art related course, everything from painting and drawing to commercial illustration and fabric design. This was perfect for me since I was always creative and loved making things. Since then, I have even taught myself bookbinding, silkscreening and sewing.

Then one day I wanted to learn how to paint tortoiseshell. I bought Isabel O'Neil's book, which by the way, was probably the only book on painted finishes available at that time. Little did I know that this was a rather difficult finish. I completed my project but was eager to learn more. That's when I decided to start taking classes at the Studio. Isabel was still alive at the time, so I was fortunate in that I began under her guidance.

She developed a system that was based on the guild system of training. Everyone, regardless of training, begins with taking Furniture Painting 101. This sets the foundation for everything to come in order to achieve the finest results. The next course was Gilding and I was hooked.

Almost immediately, you are encouraged to assist in classes in order to further your knowledge and training and eventually to start teaching others and thereby passing on your skills. I still teach there and have taught Glazing and Marble and continue to take classes and even assist in classes. There are always new techniques and tips and things to learn. Since various environmental requirements have changed many paint formulations, we have had to make some adjustments in our techniques. So, we use a lot more water based media rather than oil, for instance. Something that would have been anathema in Isabel's time. Some products have just been discontinued.

After reaching Journeyman status and further training I eventually became a Master. A requirement for becoming a Master is to develop a new finish. Mine was Russian Karelian Birch.

Over the years one starts to gravitate toward the finishes that you really enjoy doing. Some of my favorites are Shagreen, Breche Marble and Malachite and I execute these quite often. My latest fascination has been for Straw Marquetry which I am still trying to perfect my technique.

From the beginning I often incorporated stencilling and decoupage in my work which hadn't been taught before and is now fully accepted along with murals, vinegar and icon painting, to name a few new additions to the curriculum."

Edward has painted everything from floors to flooring cloths to boxes and walls. In addition, he has sold his painted accessories to stores across the country. In fact, his painted place mats are available for purchase at Leta Austin Foster in Palm Beach. (You can see a photo of them at the bottom of the post.) And of course, he does many private commissions. What I'm especially excited about is Edward's upcoming line of fabrics and wallpapers that are set to debut next year.

Below are photos that show the range of Edward's work. And if you really want to see the difference a decorative finish makes, just look at the images at top. They are before and after shots of chest that Edward painted.

To inquire about Edward's work, you can email him directly at icreatebeauty@yahoo.com. And indeed, Edward does create beauty.

These are the place mats that are available at Leta Austin Foster. These are the three most popular colors, though they can be custom colored.

No. 9 Thompson Dynasty Collection

2011-11-03T05:31:00.001-04:00

I always look forward to No. 9 Thompson's new fabric collections. Yes, part of my excitement is due to my love of Asian prints, but I also find it interesting to learn what inspired Richard Smith, the line's design director. The fall collection is called Dynasty, and the various prints represent a fusion of the energy and glamour of modern China and the country's rich artistic history. I'm especially taken with Enter the Dragons and Qinglong.

All of these designs are printed on either linen or a linen/cotton/modal blend fabric. For more information, visit the Jim Thompson Fabrics website or your local fabric showroom.

Enter the Dragons. Inspired by a hand-knotted 17th c. silk carpet from the Ningxia region in China.

Qinglong. Smith reworked the scale and colors of Enter the Dragons and created the tonal version seen here. The tones were taken from an antique blue and white ceramic piece found at the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok.

Eastern Seas. Based on the traditional water pattern found often on textile borders and ceramics.

Imperial China. An updated take on the classic porcelain print. The designs of the vases, bowls, and plates were inspired by a traditional crane print and a cloud print that decorated an Imperial silk robe.

Chinese Steps. This fretwork pattern refers to that seen in Enter the Dragons and Qinglong.

All images courtesy of No. 9 Thompson

Tania Vartan

2011-11-02T05:31:00.001-04:00

One thing that I have noticed about suffering from information overload is that it really takes something unique and clever to catch my eye. That was certainly the case a few days ago when I first learned of the talented decorative painter Tania Vartan. I'm sure that for many of you, Tania is not a new name. I'm only just learning of her work, but, as they say, better late than never.

Tania started her career in the 1970s as a New York based fashion designer, later moving into the field of decorative painting in the 1980s. As a painter, Tania has executed stunning murals and trompe l'oeil paintings for the likes of Mark Hampton, Mario Buatta, and Lee Radziwill. In addition to mural work, Tania's other mediums include reverse glass painting, small oil paintings, and fabrics. Her fabric collection, available through John Rosselli in New York and George Spencer Designs in the UK, includes many prints that Tania first designed decades ago for her fashion collection. Now, though, they're available as furnishing fabric.

I've included a sampling of Tania's work below, but really, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to visit her website to see more photos of her beautiful work. Tania recently wrote a book chronicling her work as a painter. Tania Vartan, A Memoir of the Decorative Arts 1970 to 2011 is available for purchase through her website as well.

A Robert Adam style ceiling in a private dining room.

Acrylic on canvas panels for a music room in a private house.

Rain Forest, a trompe l'oeil painting by Tania

Baroccoco, another trompe l'oeil painting

Radishes, gold leaf and oil on panel

Study in Brown and Green, oil on canvas

After Leon Bakst, reverse glass painting

Another reverse glass painting

A reverse glass painted mirror

A hand-painted pillow

Tania's fabric collection

All images from Tania Vartan's website.

Give a Dog or Cat a New Leash on Life

2011-11-02T05:30:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, November 10, a group of design-minded dog and cat lovers will be hosting a very special luncheon to benefit New Leash on Life, an Atlanta based charity whose mission is to save the lives of homeless dogs and cats. The event, to be held from 11am to 1pm, will take place at the beautiful Buckhead home of designer Alison Womack Jowers. The big news is that renowned designer Suzanne Rheinstein will be our guest speaker; a booksigning and lunch will follow her talk.

The other hosts and I have been hard at work to make sure that this will be a most memorable event. I do hope that you'll consider buying a ticket to attend the luncheon. Not only does it benefit a worthy charity, but it promises to be a fun event too.

Tickets for the event are $100 per person with proceeds going to New Leash on Life. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please email me at jennifer@thepeakofchic.com. For more information on New Leash on Life, please visit their website.

San Francisco Antiques Show

2011-11-01T05:21:00.000-04:00

Attending the San Francisco Antiques Show has become an annual tradition for me. It's an opportunity for me to see my San Francisco friends (including Diane Dorrans Saeks, Grant Gibson, and Scot Meacham Wood), to salivate over beautiful antiques, and to party. Let's face it- the show's organizers sure know how to throw one fun Preview Party!

This year's show did not disappoint. The show's theme, Hidden Treasures, served to highlight pieces that, in the organizers' words, "have something to hide." At the front of the exhibition hall, curated vignettes were displayed that featured hidden treasures owned by San Francisco collectors. These treasures included pieces with trompe l'oeil decoration or hidden compartments. Many of the exhibiting dealers also included a hidden treasure or two in their booths.

There was so much to see that, quite frankly, I could write a week's worth of show-related posts. I tried to winnow down my photos to those pieces that really caught my eye. Below is a sampling of show highlights.

So, San Francisco Antiques Show, until next year...

I always look forward to visiting the Therien & Co. booth. In addition to being one of the most attractive booths, the mix of antiques and 20th century furniture is always intriguing. You can see a few of the Therien vignettes both above and at the top of the post.

This c. 1920 Constructivist Polychrome Painted Tabouret at Therien & Co. caught my eye, as did:

this c. 1935 cabinet by the Hungarian artist, Andrew Szoeke. Trained at the Weiner Werkstatte, Szoeke's pieces "exhibit a unique combination of Mittel European iconography executed in exotic wood inlay and Moderne form."

Also at Therien, a c. 18th century Spanish Mudejar Giltwood Drop Front Arca.

One of the most decorated booths at the show has to be that of Galerie Steinitz, based in Paris. Walking through it, you feel as though you're in someone's very elegant Parisian drawing room.

In keeping with the show's theme of hidden treasures, Engs-Dimitri showed this 18th c. Mexican painted marriage chest. Opening the chest's lid reveals a charming painted scene of a betrothed couple. On the front of the chest is nail head decoration.

This English naive painting of a coaching horse and dog is what drew me to the booth of Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge Inc. I always find naive art so interesting because oftentimes, a painting can look slightly contemporary despite its old age. This painting dates to the 19th c.

Vandekar sells all kinds of wonderful antiques including porcelain, one of my weaknesses!

Another specialty of Vandekar is Sailors' Woolworks, needlework that was done by British sailors while at sea. I'm fascinated at how they depicted the water, especially the chevron-print sea in the first example. If you look at the detail shot (the photo immediately above this text), you can see that the stitches were quite long. The examples seen here date to the late 19th century.

And finally, Vandekar had the most amazing set of Chinese watercolors of insects. Look closely, and you'll see that the insects were painted on lacquered leafs. These date to around 1850.

Not everything at the show is old. This Alexander Gorliziki miniature painting, The Hero Departs (2010), was displayed at the John Berggruen Gallery booth.

Being a dog lover, I couldn't resist photographing this 19th c. English engraving titled "The First Lesson"; available through the Daniel Stein Antiques.

The Lucy Johnson booth boasted this 19th c. Italian or Spanish scagliola tabletop, one that is decorated with trompe l'oeil maps of the Persian Empire circa 500 B.C. I don't know if the bronze table base is of recent vintage or not.

All photos copyright of The Peak of Chic

Off to San Francisco

2011-10-25T06:10:00.002-04:00

I'm heading out to San Francisco today to see my sister and attend the Antiques Show. Hoping to get a little bit of R&R, I'm going to take a break from blogging until next week. And if this trip is like previous ones, I might end up buying so many secondhand books that I'll have to ship them home. If only Atlanta had used bookstores like those in San Francisco.

See you next week!

Château de Groussay

2011-10-24T04:34:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, I came across some old photos of Château de Groussay that I had never seen before. At least, I don't think that I've ever seen them before. It's hard to remember what one has or hasn't seen thanks to the constant barrage of information that we face daily.

These photos were published in the May 15, 1955 issue of Connaissance des Arts. Some are in color, while others were published in black and white- typical for the era. And I'm sure that the article's text is interesting, but my high school level French wasn't very useful in understanding the details of the story. That translation will have to wait until another day. In the meantime, I think that the photos speak for themselves.

The images above are of the Dutch Salon

These photos show the Louis XIII gallery that leads to the Dutch Salon.

Christopher Norman Wallpapers

2011-10-21T04:51:00.001-04:00

While I attended last week's Fall Market at the D&D Building, I stopped by the Zimmer + Rohde showroom to see the latest offerings from Christopher Norman. Let's just say that after seeing all of their wallpapers, I desperately want to buy a second apartment where I can paper the walls with abandon.

I feel a certain kinship with the Christopher Norman team. Like me, they mine the past for inspiration, updating it for the 21st century audience. The Christopher Norman collection includes Waterhouse Wallhangings, Inez Croom, and Thomas Strahan. These three lines were founded decades ago (in the case of Thomas Strahan it was 1886), so collectively there is quite an archive of terrific old prints. Some of the prints are of more recent vintages, while others date to the 19th c. What's so striking is that Christopher Norman has recolored many of these prints, making them look completely fresh and modern.

Take, for example, Moiré, Spider Web, and Shoot for the Moon, all part of Waterhouse Wallhangings. They are 19th c. document prints that Christopher Norman/ Waterhouse Wallhangings produced in conjunction with Historic New England. They have been reprinted in the original narrow width and repeat, but the colors make them look anything but old-fashioned. Seriously, looking at the coral colorway of Moiré (see below), would you have guessed that it's a 19th c. print?

The beauty of these papers is that if you are a historical-minded person, you'll be charmed by the lineage of these prints. And if you're history averse, well, I think you'll still be charmed.

Oh, and one more thing- I'm so glad to see that Christopher Norman still carries wallpaper borders. They seem to have fallen out of favor, but I really do think that in certain rooms and installations, borders provide the finishing touch. In fact, I'm thinking of ordering a Christopher Norman border for my bedroom.

In many of the photos below, I included multiple colorways in one shot so that you could see part of the color range. In addition to great wallpapers, Christopher Norman also produces beautiful fabrics too. Visit their website for showroom locations. If you're in Atlanta, Travis & Co. carries the line.

Moiré, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman

Salem Stripe, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman

Fauve Leopard, Christopher Norman Collection

Petite Pavillion, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman

Badminton Trellis was introduced by Christopher Norman in July of this year. (You can see it at top in a window display.) It currently comes in one colorway (off white and rose)although four additional colors will be added in January 2012.

Spider Web, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman

Celestial Swag, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman

Waterhouse Drapery, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman

Monuments of Paris, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman

Rice Birds, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman

Shoot for the Moon, Waterhouse Wallhangings through Christopher Norman

Honorable Bamboo, Inez Croom through Christopher Norman

An array of wallpaper borders.

Pickett's Press

2011-10-20T04:57:00.002-04:00

Last week, my friend Elizabeth Pyne of McMillen Inc. introduced me to Kate Pickett, owner of a letterpress stationery line called Pickett's Press. Elizabeth raved about Kate's stationery, and during the course of conversation, two more people approached us to share their praise of the line. Needless to say, as soon as I got back to the hotel that night, I visited the Pickett's Press website to see the stationery for myself.

There is a lot of letterpress stationery on the market today, but much of it isn't quite formal enough for me. What I like about Pickett's Press is that the designs resemble what one might see in more traditional engraved stationery, and yet the letterpress printing of it makes the stationery seem fresh. It's the best of both worlds.

The line includes boxed note cards and gift enclosure cards as well as place cards and fill-in invitations. I love using fill-in invitations for small cocktail and dinner parties, so it's nice to see that Kate has included these in her line. Custom letterpress stationery can also be designed. You could order change of address cards with an architectural rendering of your new house or personalized menu cards or...well, the sky's the limit.

Seeing that the holidays are just around the corner, I urge you to visit the website to see the full range. I think that Pickett's Press is a great resource for social stationery during the holidays and the rest of the year too.

Entertaining in the French Style

2011-10-19T04:38:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, I posted on both the Manhattan and Paris apartments of designer Jean-Paul Beaujard. Well, my fascination with Beaujard's work has only intensified thanks to the book Entertaining in the French Style. I guess you could also say that because of this book, my interest in French food and tableware has been piqued as well.

Eileen Johnson, the book's author who also owns and operates FlowerSchool New York, has written a charming book that really captures the essence of French entertaining. Each chapter profiles an intriguing person (subjects include Beaujard, an artist, and an antique textiles collector) who lives in some beautiful part of France (think Paris, L'Isle sur la Sorgue, and La Perche.) The book's sumptuous photographs show the various tableware and food that each subject uses and serves when entertaining. There are even a few recipes included for dishes like Algerian Couscous and Plum Clafouti.

If you are at all interested in French style and entertaining, you really should consider purchasing a copy of this book either for yourself or as a gift. (The book's smaller size makes it perfect for gift-giving.) Reading it really is like taking an enchanting but all too brief trip to France.

A beautiful Maison Jansen games table set for dinner in the Paris apartment of designer Jean-Paul Beaujard. The porcelain is Sevres.

A table set beneath a pear tree at a bed & breakfast in Saignon. The wine, cheese, and fruit look scrumptious.

In the L'Isle sur la Sorgue home of designer and textile collector Michel Biehn. Biehn designed the cicada and pine decorated china and had it made in Mouspiers, France. I'm fascinated with the earthenware cicada knife rests.

Biehn set this table in his garden.

Artist Tony Ramos, who lives near Eygalieres in Provence, laid out hors d'oeuvres including saucisson, olives, and olive paste, in his studio. This was a precursor to a meal of roast chicken, string beans, and fresh tomatoes. Vin d'orange was served alongside.

A jasmine tart is garnished with crystallized mint leaves and rose petals.

All photos from Entertaining in the French Style by Eileen Johnson; Brie Williams photographer.

Under the Guidance of Ruby Ross Wood

2011-10-18T04:55:00.004-04:00

Can someone please tell me what it means when one would rather stay at home reading old magazines than to go out on the town? Well, whatever the diagnosis, I'm finding myself engrossed at night with my new stash of 1930s House & Gardens. There is a lot of good material in them that I'll feature in future blog posts.

So far, I'm intrigued by these five rooms that were created specifically for the May 1934 issue of the magazine. Some of the rooms' color schemes seem a little muddy, but there is a certain charm to the decor. (I especially find the valances to be rather striking.) It's worth noting that Ruby Ross Wood assisted the House & Garden editors in creating these design schemes. That makes the rooms especially intriguing, don't you think?

Because the condition of the magazine was so delicate, I had to photograph the photos rather than scam them- hence the photos' wonkiness. I'm also including the manufacturers of each room's furnishings beneath the corresponding photos. You might be interested to see that some of them are still in business today.

Image at top: The Living Room; furniture by Kittinger; Drapery and upholstery fabric by Schumacher; floor covering by Alexander Smith & Sons.

The Library. Furniture by Baker; drapery and upholstery fabric by Orinoka Mills; wallcovering by Thomas Strahan Company; floor covering by Armstrong Linoleum.

The Dining Room. Furniture by Baker; Drapery fabrics by Celanese Corporation; upholstery fabric by Greeff & Company; floor covering by Karastan.

No. 1 Bedroom. Furniture by Kittinger; Upholstery fabric by Greeff & Company; wall covering by Thibaut.

No. 2 Bedroom. Furniture by Tapp, de Wilde & Wallace, Inc; wallcovering by Thibaut; floor covering by Mohawk.