1st dibs Scoop

Get thee to 1st dibs ASAP! I have not yet checked out the new listings as I was distracted by all of the great articles this week.

Annie Kelly has a brief article on the upcoming Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People. It looks like Ashcombe (the Madonna version, not Cecil Beaton), Carolina Irving's Long Island home, Carolyne Roehm's Paris apartment, and the home of Christian Louboutin are among those featured. I can't wait for this book to be released!

Care to see some mid-century design with a Chinoiserie twist? Then check out the slideshow on the new James Mont show at Todd Merrill Antiques. Included in the exhibition are images of a Miami penthouse that Mont designed for Ellis Orowitz in 1963 (see image above).

And for a sweet story, read Marcia Sherrill's article about Billy B, the well-known makeup artist who is saving many of the historical homes in his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi.

(Image at top courtesy of 1st dibs)

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.

Christmas Memories

Last week when I posted on cozy rooms, a few readers commented on the red living room of the late textile designer Alan Campbell. The image was from a 12/01 House Beautiful article on celebrating Christmas with Alan Campbell and the Netto family (which includes designer David Netto). It's actually a bittersweet article as the photographs were taken at Christmas 2000, and a few months later both Alan Campbell and David Netto's mother died.

Most of the images are of Campbell's Connecticut home decorated in its Christmas finery (and a few are of the Netto's Manhattan home). What I find interesting is that I always associated Campbell with the bright colors and funky patterns of his fabric designs, but his home was actually very elegant and refined. And do you recognize the exterior of his home? The home is now owned by Bunny Williams and John Rosselli and is used as a guest house (and featured in its own chapter in An Affair with a House). Bunny was close friends with Alan Campbell and encouraged him to buy the house many years ago. When he died, Bunny wrote that she could not imagine anyone else living there so she bought it to "keep it in the family", so to speak.


A view of Campbell's Christmas tree with an inset of the Netto family. I want that chair!


Campbell's red living room is one of my all-time favorite red rooms. The image to the right is the living room of the Netto's Upper East Side home. Nice to see the contrast between country and city chic.


I LOVE this photograph of Campbell's dining room. The wallpaper is Zuber, which looks smashing with that darkish green trim. And to keep things from looking too fancy, Campbell chose some simple Hitchcock chairs for the dining table.


A shimmery vignette in the Netto's Manhattan dining room.


Cheery stripes in the Netto dining room.


A view of the former Campbell dining room after a redo by Bunny Williams. Fortunately the Zuber wallpaper is still gracing the walls.

Image at top: The exterior of Campbell's classic home.

Beautiful Vienna

Hi everyone! I'm back from my trip and I have to say that I think that Vienna is truly one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. The Baroque architecture, the design history (this is after all the birthplace of Wiener Werkstatte), the people- it's truly a wonderful place and one that I'm anxious to visit again. However, I won't bore you with the details of my trip- listening to someone drone on about their vacation can be a bit like watching paint dry. The trip did, however, make me realize what a small world it really is.

First, I was thrilled to meet Viennese interior designer Christine Oertel who also happens to write a design blog. Christine was kind enough to provide me with a comprehensive list of must-see shops and sites, and I also had the opportunity to dine with her. It was very interesting to hear about Austrian interior design and design blogging. Evidently, design blogging is just starting to catch on in Austria, and clever Christine is at the forefront of this trend. Thanks Christine for your hospitality!

Also, I had to share some photos of a great looking Viennese design shop called Evamaria Thonet bei Steinwender (At least that's what the sign said. I'm flying blind here as I know absolutely no German). Unfortunately, I passed by at night so I was unable to go inside, but I thought you might be interested to see how many of the design trends that we're seeing here in the States seem to be popular as well in Austria.


A little bit of glitz and glamour with mirror and crystal. If you like carefully at the back of the room, you will see some trendy ikat panels.


I love this yellow wallpaper with little gold stars, and the Deco looking border at top adds some real flair.


OK- someone refresh my memory as to what this wallpaper is. It's a bit reminiscent of a Florence Broadhurst print, no?


One of my all time favorite prints- Josef Frank's "La Plata" fabric serves as a backdrop to classic Chinese blue and white ginger jars.


Some blurry Hollywood Regency in the heart of Vienna.


If the pastoral look is more your thing, what about this Pierre Frey "Les Trophees" print? I've always liked this print but have yet to find a place to use it.

Image at top: Belvedere, a former palace that is now a museum.

Blast from the Past

The other day, I came across this spread on fashion consultant Dawn Mello's Manhattan apartment, and I quickly remembered why I saved this article. Mello's home is so elegant and refined, much like Mello herself.

The colors are buttery, subtle and soothing. The apartment strikes a feminine chord, but there is no frill here. I would call it a quiet femininity. I think what I like most, though, is that it seems evident that her collection of antiques and accessories were accumulated over time and with great care. No instant decoration here, which ultimately makes this home a true reflection of the homeowner.


A painted mural on the walls in Mello's tiny entryway. I adore the Venetian mirror, the lamps, and really the whole vignette.


Is this bedroom not to die for? The hand-embroidered silk panels and canopy were thought to have been made for the Japanese royal family.


The lacquer cabinet is one of Mello's favorite pieces (although I'm sure the poodle is a favorite too!)


A view of Mello's living room.

(All images from 3/01 issue of House Beautiful)

Fireplace Jewelry

On another fall subject... the fireplace. It's almost time to start building those fires (or turning on the gas logs). Loyal reader Perry suggested that I write a post on andirons, which I thought was a great idea. We've talked a lot about decorative details such as lamp finials, picture frames, and hardware, so why not discuss andirons (or chenets or firedogs as the French and British call them)?

Many people have the traditional brass ball andirons, which are perfectly lovely. And I'm sure you've come across those cast iron owl andirons with the glass eyes that "glow"- available at just about every flea market in the country. However, there are so many other clever designs on the market that perhaps you may want to consider upgrading your andirons with ones that truly reflect the spirit of your room. Here are a few that caught my eye...


Hammered brass andirons, c. 1950, from Historical Materialism


These nickel and copper andirons are quintessential mid-century modern.


Rococo Revival brass andirons, French c. 1890, from Epoca


Glass spherical andirons from Wilshire Fireplace Shops


Louis XV style chenets, c. late 19thc., from Westland London

Image at top: Glam crystal andirons in the home of Delphine and Reed Krakoff; I believe these andirons were custom designed by Delphine.

Cozy Rooms

Although it's 84 degrees as I write this, I am so anxious for Fall to get here- it's my favorite time of year. Now is the time that I start to dream about woolen fabrics, leather, and faux fur throws- although realistically, I may have to wait another month or so to indulge in these fabrics. Here are a few rooms that are cozy, warm, and oh so perfect for those crisp days that lie ahead.


A sophisticated and masculine living room designed by Miles Redd. This home, which does not possess the full-on glamour typical of Redd, is actually one of my favorites.


This room, designed by Joel Woodard of Lichten Craig, was inspired by the spirit of Bill Blass and his couture collections. I love the plaid fabric walls (to me reminiscent of a Blass pantsuit), the touches of lavender, the chrome legs of the desk, and that fabulous daybed with the fur throw. This room is cozy and chic!


Charlotte Moss' study- I adore her mix of fabrics, pillows, and throw. And of course the books! What makes one want to linger longer than some books and a comfy chair or sofa. (Photo courtesy of New York Social Diary).


A view of the charming Connecticut living room of the late Alan Campbell (House Beautiful, Dec 01). The red walls and rich accessories make the cast iron and brass stove look rather glam.

Image at top: The library in the former home of David Hicks, updated by his son Ashley Hicks (House & Garden, November 04)

See You Soon!

I'm off to Vienna for the next week, so my posting will be a bit spotty. I can't wait to return to catch up on all of the great design blogging that I will have missed. See you soon!

Cecil Beaton Fabric

I've always admired Cecil Beaton. This creative force was a photographer, a diarist, a costume designer, and a set designer (have I left anything out???). He was also known for his amusing line drawings, some of which appeared in his books.

So, I was quite thrilled when a reader informed me about the Cecil Beaton Fabric Collection. According to the website, the prints, drawn by Beaton in 1948, were commissioned by Zika Ascher for his couture fabric line. Many of the prints are produced in linen, cotton, and silk fabrics as well as wallpaper (the prints also come in various colorways).

I'm crazy about "Ashcombe Stripe". This is not your everyday striped fabric, especially as you can see the drawn lines in the stripes. And what about "Beaton Rose"? If the color shown below is too graphic for you, then you must look at the Mink colorway on the website- it's very creamy and subtle. I'm also drawn to the "Beaton Pansy" (below). To me, it's a little reminiscent of a Porthault print. What do you think?


"Beaton Rose" and "Ashcombe Stripe"


"Beaton Rose" "Ashcombe Stripe" and "Pelham Check"


"Beaton Pansy"


"Beaton Bloom" "Ashcombe Stripe" "Pelham Check"



"Beaton Tic Tac Toe"



Image at top: Cecil Beaton at Reddish House

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).