Billy Baldwin: The Master

Billy Baldwin. What more do I need to say? Very few decorators can hold a candle to this master of interior design. His style could be quite contemporary, but he was just as comfortable with the traditional idiom. Many of his interiors were masterful displays of bold color, while others were outfitted in chic beige. I think the greatest compliment that can be given to Baldwin, though, is that his rooms were timeless.

I consistently leaf through "Billy Baldwin Decorates" for inspiration. I can see myself living in so many of the interiors, especially those that still seem so fresh today. Part of me leans toward his colorful interiors, such as the rooms of the legendary La Fiorentina or the pink living room of Mollie Parnis Livingston. My minimal side is drawn to the quite chic of Mrs. Gilbert Miller's living room. And what about drama? Well, Baldwin accomplished that too in the living room of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Eastman. Is it any wonder why Billy Baldwin is still so au courant today?



Blue and White Living Room at "La Fiorentina"

Snappy pink and white living room of Mrs. Mollie Parnis Livingston



Chic, chic, chic living room of Mrs. Gilbert Miller (my favorite!)

Deep, dark drama in the living room of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Eastman

Classic Carpet

Have you ever noticed that there are design elements that pop up over and over in interior decoration? Certain books ("Cabinet of Natural Curiosities" and "Best of Flair" ), fabrics (Lulu DK's "Chant" and Clarence House's "Tigre Velours") and furniture (Frances Elkin's Loop Chairs and Billy Baldwin slipper chairs) have all joined the pantheon of classic design.

There are also classic carpet patterns, too, that are favored by many decorators. One such pattern (and also one of my favorites) is "Antelope" by Stark Carpet. The combination of the subtle animal print and the neutral colors makes it a winner. Todd Alexander Romano learned about the pattern from C.Z. Guest, who told him it was perfect for hiding muddy paw prints.

Room by Todd Alexander Romano



Room by Jan Showers

Leopard print carpet is another classic. Stark makes a great one, although other carpet companies have leopard prints as well. Makes me think of Elsie de Wolfe!

Worn leopard print in C.Z. Guest's estate.

And finally, no post about carpet would be complete without including David Hick's designs (such as those at top). These geometric prints have graced many a floor and are always the focal point of a room.

David Hicks rug in a Steven Gambrel room

Chic Color Combos

In the current issue of House & Garden (March '07), there is a great article about color and how to use it. While bold and bright colors are the current trend, many people are very uncertain about how to incorporate it into their rooms. In fact, San Francisco designer Steven Miller warns that bright colors used with reckless abandon can look like "an angry fruit salad".

The editors write that the safest way to introduce bold colors to one's design scheme is by juxtaposing them against neutral colors and natural materials (shells, plaster, old leather). They also suggest the following color schemes: tangerine and stone; green, black, and white; pink and brown; chartreuse and silver; purple and gray; and orange and gray.

I think it's safe to say that pink and brown has been a perennial favorite amongst decorators (and us bloggers!) for a while now. H&G uses the photo at top (room by Tom Scheerer) as a great example. And I adore the combination of orange and gray- so clean and chic. There are certainly other color schemes where the bold color/neutral contrast would apply. What about bright yellow, black, and white? Or turquoise blue and white? I even think that chartreuse or apple green looks great against a very soft blue/gray. I would love to hear what others think about these color combinations. Which one is your favorite?


Bedroom by Albert Hadley- tangerine/coral walls and headboard with neutral trim, floor, bed linens, and furniture


Nick Olsen's command of the green, black, and white color scheme

Bright purple accents against a soft background by Jamie Drake


Bedroom in yellow, black, and white by Jamie Drake

Threshold by Kendall Wilkinson

Threshold is a fabulous design shop located in San Francisco. The spacious shop, owned by decorator Kendall Wilkinson, consists of lively tableaux that feature furniture (both antique and new), accessories, candles, books, and other chic items for the home. Wilkinson has a knack for mixing the traditional with the contemporary, but her real forte is her use of boldly colored accent pieces. Fortunately, much of the shop's wares are available for purchase on the website.

Town Toiles

Have you always wanted to see your hometown or favorite city immortalized in fabric? Well, Town Toiles may be just the thing. The Florida based company has created a line of toile fabric and wallpaper that celebrates such cities as Charleston, New York, and San Francisco. Other cities that will make their design debut this year include Atlanta, Palm Beach, and Philadelphia. In addition to fabrics and wallcoverings, they also sell home accessories made from their toiles.

"New York" Toile


"Charleston" Toile



"Nantucket" Toile

(Fabric at top is "Beach" toile)

Valentine Wishes

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and so is the stress of trying to figure out what to get one's significant other. I personally think that a beautiful and heartfelt card is one of the best gifts you can give. Here are some cards that hit a sophisticated yet romantic note!

Bernard Maisner "Love" Card


Bernard Maisner "I Love You" Card

Mrs. John L. Strong "Sugar or Spice" Card

Mrs. John L. Strong "I Only Have Eyes For You" Card




Kate's Paperie "Hey Hot Stuff" Card

Tyler Hall Wallpaper

Tyler Hall is a small wallpaper line that may not have the name recognition of Brunschwig or Scalamandre, but what it does have are some knock-out designs. Some of their patterns are document prints which are sure to impress the traditionalists out there. But what the line really excels at, in my opinion, are prints that are graphic and colorful.

I love the pattern "Exeter" above. I used this wallpaper in the black/graphite colorway in my powder room. It is the perfect backdrop for bold accessories which is the reason why I chose it. If you would prefer a bolder pattern, perhaps some of their other patterns might suit you.



"Casa di Whitney" in the Red/Coral colorway

"Villaggio di Cina" in the Black/Taupe colorway

"Gallery Gardens" in Coral colorway




"Esplanade" in the Wrought Iron colorway (yellow/black)



"Summertime" in Honey



"Cottage Gate" in Perennial Blue

Anthropologie- Design for the Masses?

It appears that Anthropologie is now selling furniture upholstered in fabric by lines such as Marimekko, Josef Frank, and House of KWID. While I'm not necessarily crazy about the design of some of the sofas and chairs, I think it's interesting to see fabric that is usually available to the trade only being used by a retail chain.


Wingback chair in House of KWID "Couture Stripe" fabric

Wingback chair in Josef Frank fabric


Chesterfield sofa with Marimekko fabric

Sofa in fabric by Missoni Home

Sister Parish Chic

Sister Parish's style lives on in a line of fabric and wallpaper by Sister Parish Design. Owned by Susan Bartlett Crater (Parish's granddaughter) and Libby Cameron, the company has created prints that were designed and inspired by the legendary doyenne of decorating. Sister loved pattern and was known for being able to mix numerous prints in one room with smashing results. I think these prints still look fresh today!


"Burma"

"Chou Chou"


"Desmond"

"Flora"

"Tucker"

C. Bell Palm Beach

Someone recently told me about a fun design shop in Palm Beach called C. Bell. Located on South Dixie Highway, the shop stocks new and refreshed furniture that really has that Palm Beach Vibe. Take note: these bold pieces are not for the faint of heart, but they would certainly provide some wow to a room!