The Glory of Shells

I have loved shells for as long as I can remember. During my childhood summer beach trips, I remember religiously checking the tide report in the newspaper so that I could plan my daily shell hunting (sounds a little nerdy, no?).

If you're like me, then you must check out the beautiful new book The Shell: A World of Decoration and Ornament by Ingrid Thomas. This highly informative book covers the history of shells and the shell motif in art and decorative art through the ages. Chapters include shells in jewelry, art, architecture, furniture, and porcelain, to name a few.

What I find most fascinating are the objects that were created using actual shells. Some of the most amazing images (at least to me) are the rooms and grottos that are decorated entirely in shells! Can you imagine the time and labor that went into these rooms? The craftsmanship in all of the objects featured in the book are just remarkable. Of course, after reading the book I have all types of fanciful ideas about what to do with my collection of shells. But in reality? Perhaps I should stick to something simple like a small mirror!


Shell Gallery at Rosendael Castle, Netherlands, c. 1730.


"The Sharpham Shellwork", c. 1770. Created by Jane Pownoll with shells collected in the West Indies by her privateer husband, the work is a replica of Sharpham House.


A carved mother-of-pearl and tortoise shell jewelry casket, 19th c. English.


Shell obelisks by Tess Morley, 1999


Pair of Olympic torches created by Peter Coke, 2001


Arcimboldesque Shell-Head Fountain in the garden of Petit Chateau, Parc de Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France.

Inspired Styles

Have you ever wanted to get inside the head of your favorite designer? Or wanted to know specifically what inspires them and influences their design? If so, Inspired Styles is sure to answer these questions for you.

Featuring a group of designers who have designed fabric collections for Kravet and Lee Jofa (including Eric Cohler, Alexa Hampton, Barbara Barry, Suzanne Rheinstein, Allegra and Ashley Hicks, and Kelly Wearstler), the book focuses on each designer's style (as explained in their own words) as well as the colors, places, and things that inspire them. Each designer has also answered a Q&A on what they deem as their favorites. Did you know that Wearstler's favorite ice cream is Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter 'n Chocolate? Or that Suzanne Rheinstein loves Mish New York jewelry? Or that Alexa Hampton's favorite hotel is the Gritti Palace in Venice (I agree!).

And with images of the designers' work and artful vignettes of inspiration, the reader can't helped but be inspired too!

A room designed by Alexa Hampton (I believe this is her living room).


What inspires Allegra and Ashley Hicks? Why the Trevi Fountain and books, to name a few.


Discreet elegance in a room designed by Suzanne Rheinstein


Kelly Wearstler's inspiration board


A montage of Eric Cohler's work

Image at top: A beautiful vignette of Diamond Baratta's favorite fabrics and pieces.

Fun with Books

Last week we had a lively discussion on how best to display books in one's library, books by the yard, display of figurines on bookshelves, etc. I think we came to the conclusion (or at least I did) that we agree to disagree.

Despite the fact that many libraries tend to be serious rooms, there's no reason why one can't add a little humor to them. To me, well-loved and well-worn libraries are already full of life, but what's the harm in having a little fun in them too?

The image above is of a library designed by Colefax & Fowler. Some of the bookcases in the room are real, functional bookcases with chicken wire mesh doors. But look closely at the section above- it's actually a trompe l'oeil painted panel that hides a jib door. The painting of the faux books and mementos is covered in chicken wire to make it look like the real bookcases. What clever subterfuge! Here is a blurry detail shot below.



Another clever trick is to be found in the library at Chatsworth. Instead of using trompe l'oeil painting to hide a door, the late Duke of Devonshire chose to inset faux books into a door. These "books" have all types of witty titles: "Consenting Adults" by Able N. Willing; "The Endless Road" by Wanda Farr; and "Venus Observed" by Sawyer.



Or, you can just paper a wall in books like Nina Campbell did using Brunschwig & Fils "Bibliotheque" paper. One of my all-time favorite prints, this paper would look great in a small room or hallway leading to the library or on blank walls in the library.

Gifts of Style for December 11

Looking for a fun cookbook to give the chef on your holiday list? If so, "Park Avenue Potluck" might just fit the bill. With recipes compiled by the ladies of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering (and with proceeds going to support programs at this revered cancer center), the book is chock full of recipes for both formal and casual entertaining. A few that I'm anxious to try: Indulgent Spiced Pecans, Chicken Salad for the Ladies (I think the Men will like it too!), Scalloped Oysters, and Accademia Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp. The bonus? There are some photos of great apartments designed by Mark Hampton, Irvine and Fleming, and Meg Braff! Go to parkavenuepotluck.com for more information.

Bold Bindings

There has been much discussion in the past about the best (and the most aesthetically pleasing) way to display books. Many of us also struggle with creating systems for storing our design magazines. Last night, I found this image in the December issue of World of Interiors, and the array of brightly colored book bindings caught my eye. I immediately thought of those leather bound copies of Webster's Dictionary (seen in the Kate Spade Fall ads) which are so popular right now.

The "books" in the library above are actually bound issues of Condé Nast magazines, which makes perfect sense as the homeowner is Nicholas Coleridge, managing director of Condé Nast. Issues of World of Interiors are bound in bright yellow buckram, Tatler in orange, Vogue in red, GQ in blue, and House & Garden in green. Don't they look wonderful?


Leather bound Webster's Dictionaries from Graphic Image

Photograph at top by Simon Upton, Dec. World of Interiors

Setting the Scene

I've been thoroughly inundated with books! The Fall releases have been arriving daily at my house (what? me wait until Christmas for these goodies?), and as I write this I'm looking at a pile of about 25 books that are beckoning me to read them. When will I find the time? That I don't know, but when I can find an hour here and there to read, I try to make the most of it. So with that in mind, here are few things that to me make reading time enjoyable.

One must be comfortable while reading, and I can't think of a better chair than this one by Hollyhock. The Spencer chair is upholstered in a Velvet Strie in Slate, part of Suzanne Rheinstein's new fabric line for Lee Jofa.


Don't forget the throw! I love to read with my ivory Yves Delorme mohair throw on my lap (available at Linen Closet Online)


Of course the right light is crucial, and this floor lamp is a classic. (Le Tent adjustable floor lamp from Circa Lighting.)


I like to keep a journal and pen handy to make notes while reading, and I think this embossed journal from Charlotte Moss is particularly handsome.

Sometimes I like to drink these while reading, depending of course on the amount of concentration needed to read said book:

Vodka Gimlet
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. Rose's Lime Juice

Pour the vodka and lime juice into a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lime.

(Recipe and image courtesy of Southern Accents. Photographer Rex Perry)

And what would be my ultimate reading accessory? Why having one of these curled up next to me:

Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

OK- the book we've been waiting for (and the one we're all blogging about) has finally arrived, and it certainly does not disappoint. Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People is a compilation of homes and gardens that have appeared in Vogue over the past ten years or so. And if it sounds as though it's a rehash of old articles, well, it's not exactly. There are many photos included that did not appear in the original articles.

I think that where this book excels is in its lavish chapters on European and British estates. While American design is more of my style, I can't help but be fascinated by the timeless and slightly ethereal look that many of these homes possess. Some of them even manage to make messiness look chic!

And lest you think that the entire focus of the book is European, the Americans are well represented. The homes of Marina Rust, Samantha Rosen, and Tory Burch are all featured too.


The Provence home of Janet de Botton


18th c. faience displayed in the breakfast room of de Botton's home.


The salon in photographer Francois Halard's home in Arles. The walls are covered in early 19th c. painted canvas.


The lavish Paris bedroom of Carolyne Roehm.


One of the many (and ever changing) homes of Karl Lagerfeld. This home, Le Mée, was photographed in 1990.


Classic American style is represented by Marina Rust and her family home in Maine.


Don't forget the gardens! This pavilion at the Marrakech home of Marella Agnelli was inspired by one at the home of Yves Saint Laurent.

John Fowler: Prince of Decorators

I just got through reading the upcoming release, John Fowler: Prince of Decorators. If you're a student of interior design or design history, a lover of the English country look, or someone who is inspired by photos of beautiful interiors, then you truly must read this book. Written by author Martin Wood, this work is also the perfect companion piece to his previous book, Nancy Lancaster: English Country House Style.

Of course, Fowler is best known for creating the English country house look around the time of World War II (with some help from Lancaster, of course). This look, which has often been imitated to varying degrees of success, is one that is adored by some, admired by many, and dismissed by a few. What's important to remember, though, is that when Fowler developed this style, it was actually rather revolutionary. It was certainly in stark contrast to the modern look that was prevalent prior to WWII. It was also a novel way in which to decorate a stately British home, which tended to be the type of home on which Fowler worked.

The foundation of the English country look was beauty and comfort- two very noble design goals. Fowler achieved both by using comfortable and sometimes humble fabrics, charming prints, and painted furniture. This was truly a far cry from the stiff fabrics and mahogany furniture that had been the standard for these great homes. It was "good" design, not historical accuracy, that Fowler strove for.

I think that what makes this book a success is that Wood provides the reader with a thorough yet interesting account of Fowler's career. There is certainly enough information to satisfy those of us who love design history. For those who are more entertained by the photos- well, there are plenty of those too.


The drawing room of the Bruces at the Albany, London, designed by Fowler. Christopher Spitzmiller cites this home as the inspiration for his New York apartment.


Another celebrated Fowler room- the saloon at Daylesford, designed in the 1950s.


The drawing room at Hambleden. According to the author, this room has remained the same color for 40 years, proving how timeless Fowler's designs were.

The Classics II

A continuation of my series on classic design. See The Classics I for further reading.

The Saladino Lamp


Designed by John Saladino, this lamp is so simple and so perfect. And the fact that it has been in production for over 30 years just goes to show that many times it's the simple things, and the simple designs, that have staying power.


Le Creuset Dutch Oven


Not only is this Dutch (or French) oven stylish, it is the perfect vessel for beef bourguignonne and winter stews. And what's more timeless than the orange Flame color?


The Parsons Table


Legend has it that the Parsons table was conceived by students at the Parsons School of Design in Paris and their lecturer Jean-Michel Frank. Again, another simple design. This Parsons side table, available at Apsara Interior, was from the estate of saloon singer Bobby Short.


"Bowood" print


Discovered by John Fowler at Bowood House in the 1950s, this charming chintz is one of Colefax & Fowler's most popular and enduring prints.


"Blue Canton" China


This Mottahedeh pattern, inspired by blue and white Chinese Canton ware, is so versatile. The bonus? You can wash it in the dishwasher!

"Chou Chou" print


This classic Sister Parish design is available in both wallpaper and fabric. A tasteful way of injecting some pizzazz into a room.


"The House in Good Taste"

The Elsie de Wolfe book that has inspired generations of designers (and ghost written by Ruby Ross Wood).