Classic Room- Dorothy Draper

Dorothy Draper certainly enjoyed a resurgence in 2006. She was the focus of an exhibit, was the subject of a new book, and became a newly hip design icon. And while many people may be a little tired of reading about her, DD reigns supreme for me. From the time I first became familiar with her work many years ago, Draper's style has always inspired me.

While I love the drama and theatricality of her work at The Carlyle and The Greenbrier, I am most drawn to this room- her living room in her apartment at The Carlyle. Certainly Draper achieved a sense of drama here, but it was done in a more subtle way.

The rich aubergine-colored walls provided the perfect "Manhattan chic" backdrop to Draper's traditional furnishings. Draper was fortunate to have had many family heirlooms, including the portrait of her great-grandmother, the enormous china cabinet, and the Lowestoft china, all pictured here. What made this room so successful, though, is that she mixed these wonderful antiques with contemporary pieces, namely the low slung coffee table and the modern tufted rug. While this combination of traditional and modern is the norm today, it was rather revolutionary during Draper's time.

And in case you haven't yet noticed (although I'm sure you have!), there are two things in the room that truly scream Dorothy Draper- the floral chintz covered armchairs and the neo-baroque mantel. Can you imagine Draper living without both? I can't!

Stylish Stationery

Haven't we all read lately that the handwritten note is a thing of the past? That email has become the preferred method of social correspondence? While it is true that email has made our lives easier in some regards, it cannot replace the graciousness of a handwritten note. I love receiving notes of thanks and well-wishes, and I make a real effort to return the favor every chance I get.

Of course, bespoke stationery is wonderful. You might want to have at least one set of engraved stationery for more formal occasions. However, you also have the option of purchasing motif stationery- plain paper or cards with a motif engraved on the top. This is a wonderful (and less expensive) way to express your style and personality. Fortunately for us, there is an abundance of stylish stationery on the market.




For the ultimate extravagance, why not consider a set of the Chinese Dragon cards from Mrs. John L. Strong? Yes, they are pricey, and yes, you may want to reserve using these for only the most special people in your life. But aren't they a splashy way to send one's well-wishes?

Dempsey & Carroll has numerous options for motif cards. For an ultra feminine card, I like their floral motif cards such as the Japanese Spider Mum or the Red Hibiscus.

Or, for something more whimsical, their London Taxi cards might just fit the bill.





Smythson, the London stationery purveyor, has some simple but chic correspondence cards. I think their Lipstick cards would be great to send to makeup mavens.


And now for the hard part- what to write? Well, who can forget Strunk and White? Their writing manual/bible was updated in 2005 with charming illustrations by Maira Kalman. The Elements of Style Illustrated is not only helpful in guiding us letter writers, the illustrations also make it fun!

Lovely Bedrooms

I'm a huge fan of prints of all types- stripes, geometrics, florals. I tend to avoid using too much of one print in one room. I think the result can look rather matchy-matchy. One room, however, where this does not hold true is the bedroom. I love bedrooms where the same print is used on walls, window treatments, beds, and upholstery. I think it can look quite smart.

World of Interiors recently featured Kate Spade's Upper East Side apartment. I was really taken with the guest bedroom. Spade chose to use Osborne & Little's "Rococo" toile to cover the walls and the bedspread. This toile packs a punch by being used on more than one surface. I also like that Spade upholstered the head and foot boards in a complementary apple green solid fabric. It really is a cozy room.



Chloe Sevigny and her decorator, David Cafiero, took this idea a step further (a big step!) in Sevigny's guest bedroom. Using Schumacher's Shangtu Floral, they covered walls, ceiling, bedcover, door, and desktop in this sophisticated floral print. By covering all surfaces (with the exception of the floor) with this one print, they really created a jewel box-like effect.

In Tents- Part 2: Richard Keith Langham does Palm Beach

Look at this chic little Palm Beach dining room done by Richard Keith Langham (featured in the Jan/Feb Southern Accents). Of course, the first thing that caught my eye was the tent awning on the ceiling (see my post from November 13 to see other interior tents). The soft pink and white strips contrast nicely against the pale blue walls. The same shade of pink is used in the drapes (I love the scroll work trim on the edges) as well as the coral and sea-horse sconces. The pelmet is the perfect crowning touch to the windows- notice the bells on either end of the pelmet. And although we've seen the Frances Elkins chairs used by many decorators, they really are perfect for this beach home. This room to me looks very "Dorothy Draper in Palm Beach"!

Nan Kempner: American Chic

The hot ticket in New York is currently the Nan Kempner exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Met. Nan Kempner was known as being the consummate fashion plate during her lifetime. She amassed quite a large wardrobe, much of it consisting of Yves Saint Laurent haute couture. It is no wonder that the Met considered the collection to be "art", and they were lucky enough to have had her wardrobe bequeathed to them after her death.

I was recently rereading "Billy Baldwin Decorates" and came across some photos of The Kempner's bedroom that had been decorated by Baldwin. While it is not necessarily one of my favorite Baldwin rooms, there is certainly much to look at. What is so striking is the amount of fabric used in the room. There is the shirred cream-colored muslin that covers the wall, the contrasting patterned fabric used on the headboard and bed, a floral print used on the sofa and chairs, and more. Baldwin writes that he chose to cover tables with fabric in order to create a sense of "restfulness". There are few sharp edges in this room.

Kempner chose later to work with decorator Michael Taylor, whose work was reminiscent of Frances Elkins and Syrie Maugham (both of whom strongly influenced Taylor). Taylor was considered to be the creator of the "California Style" of interior design, characterized by a lot of white and beige. Interestingly, Taylor was the chosen decorator of Kempner's parents, the Schlesingers of San Francisco (who incidentally had also employed Frances Elkins during her lifetime).

From the photos I have been able to find, it looks like Taylor tempered the casual California look and injected it with some New York high style. While much of the color scheme is neutral, the rooms were warmed up with traditional touches, such as the Coromandel screen. Kempner was known for her "casual" Sunday night spaghetti suppers, where friends and family could casually drop in. Can you imagine a more elegant setting in which to eat spaghetti????

Robert Rufino on New York Social Diary

Today's NYSD House interview (on newyorksocialdiary.com) is with Robert Rufino, VP of Creative Services and Visual Merchandising at Tiffany & Co. I had admired Rufino's apartment when it was featured in either Elle Decor or House & Garden a few years ago. While the apartment is certainly masculine, the crisp and tailored furniture and the interesting bibelots would, in my opinion, appeal to those with a more feminine decorating style.

Rufino is a natty dresser, and his love of clothing is reflected in his choice of fabrics for his home (plaid and striped menswear fabric). While there are certain "modern" elements to his home, such as the somewhat austere slate fireplace and the sleek and tidy kitchen, he has incorporated rather traditional furnishings to create a home that reflects his style- what he calls "traditional with a twist". I also like that he adds punches of color through his use of brightly colored books and accessories.

And don't you love his simple Christmas decorations? I'm crazy for the Magnolia wreath in front of the fireplace as well as the massive fir and conifer arrangement on the cocktail table. Overall, what an elegant and cozy home!

2007 Book Releases

As we are approaching the New Year, I thought I would share some upcoming book releases that I am looking forward to (and that I've added to my Amazon wish list!). I guess I need to start saving my pennies!

Jansen Furniture by James Archer Abbott. This Acanthus Press publication is a follow up to this year's release Jansen. From what I've read, it is supposed to be a comprehensive look at the furniture that was designed by this venerable firm. Set to be released in Spring 2007.

The L.A. House by Ruthie Sommers. I am eagerly anticipating this one. I have been a fan of Sommers for sometime, and I am hopeful that this book will include a lot of photos of her work. March 2007. Wish I could find out more information on this one.


Jeremiah: A Romantic Vision. This was supposed to be released at the end of 2006, but now it looks like it will be early 2007. The definitive work about painter Jeremiah Goodman, best known for his paintings of interiors. See my post from a few weeks ago.










The Decoration of Houses byEdith Wharton and Ogden Codman. Although this is obviously a reprint of this 1897 work, it is still the "must-have" work for all design libraries. I don't yet own a copy, so I'll be sure to purchase this edition. Spring 2007.

For The Decorator Who Has Everything...

If you're scratching your head trying to figure out what to get your favorite decorator for Christmas, why not give him or her a set of these kitschy curtain-themed glasses? Available through Stripe on 1stdibs.com, the set of seven glasses are decorated with a curtain theme and have images of curtain rods, finials, and tiebacks on them. Tacky? Maybe. Unique? Definitely!

Jeremiah Goodman

Jeremiah Goodman is considered to be one of the finest illustrators of interiors. Known for his watercolors and gouaches, Goodman made a name for himself with his interior renderings for decorators, celebrities, and Lord & Taylor. Goodman has painted the rooms of Billy Baldwin, Michael Taylor, Diana Vreeland, and Greta Garbo.

Now in his eighties, Goodman is finally getting the recognition that he so deserves. There is a new book, Jeremiah: A Romantic Vision, which is a compilation of some of his finest works. Coinciding with the release of this publication, there is also an exhibit of his works at Bergdorf Goodman (through December 31).

I found a few images of his work on the internet. The first work is "Tearoom at the Colony Club, by Elsie de Wolfe", which was painted in 1985. The second painting is "Jeremiah Goodman's East Hampton Living Room" (1967).

A few years ago, I was able to acquire two paintings that I believe were done by Goodman (Goodman always signed his paintings using his first name- Jeremiah- only). They are very simple renderings when compared to those above. As he did illustrations for Lord and Taylor catalogues and advertisements, I wonder if that might have been the purpose of my Goodmans?

Chinoiserie Redux

After writing my post from yesterday on the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, I decided to search the web for contemporary Chinoiserie design. What I found was a profusion of fabric, wallcoverings, furniture, and tabletop items that incorporate this classic style. Here's a little of what I found, and hopefully it will inspire you to create your own Royal Pavilion!

Source Perrier is a great source of traditional and affordable furniture and accessories. They have many Chinese inspired items, but my two favorites are the Red Chinoiserie Mirror and the Chinese Porcelain Figures.

Clarence House has many Chinoiserie fabrics and wallcoverings. Why not make a few throw pillows in their "Fete d'Orient" pattern for a little Chinese chic?

For an authentic Royal Pavilion feel, why not wallpaper a foyer in Zuber's aptly named "Brighton" wallcovering?



Charles Edwards has a plethora of fabulous lights, lamps, and lanterns. Their pagoda lantern would be add just the right touch to that Zuber papered foyer!




And for a bit of casual Chinoiserie, Williams Sonoma Home has a great bamboo style chair that would be perfect in the oxblood finish.

Royal Pavilion at Brighton

On my recent trip to England, I was able to spend the day in Brighton visiting the Royal Pavilion. To be able to see this Chinoiserie fantasy up close was a dream come true.

Built by George IV, the Royal Pavilion was initially a smaller, neoclassical style structure designed by Henry Holland. About thirty years later (in 1815), John Nash was hired to expand the home into its current incarnation- an Indian style palace characterized by onion domes and minarets.

While the exterior is awe-inspiring, it is the interiors, in my opinion, that make the Pavilion most remarkable. The Banqueting Room is a mesmerizing mix of Chinese (or at least a British interpretation of) elements- fretwork wall covering, gilt dragons, and Chinese inspired murals. This ostentatious display is continued in the Music Room, which is also decorated in a similar style and is grandly topped by a gilt capiz shell dome.









What I was taken with is that many of the rooms seem so current. I could see taking certain elements of the decor- perhaps the Chinese style wallcoverings and the Regency furniture- and using them in a contemporary setting. I think this is why the Royal Pavilion continues to inspire and fascinate designers today.