Gifts of Style for December 19

OK, I couldn't resist- I love this Dog London Trench Raincoat from Pieces. Unfortunately, my late dog refused to wear clothing, but I'm sure some of you must have obedient, sartorially gifted dogs.

The Master Speaks

Many of you know that one of my design icons is the late Van Day Truex- designer, Parsons instructor, and Tiffany & Co. design director. An authority on all matters of design, Truex wrote an article in a 1946 issue of House & Garden about framing and hanging pictures (apparently something which confounded people back then as it does today).

Truex, whose living room is seen above, wrote that one should frame and hang a picture so that will "enhance, embellish, complement, and emphasize the picture". I agree. Truex preferred gold leaf and gilt frames for both modern and traditional pictures, although plain black or wooden frames were also acceptable. I think he would have approved of Kenneth Jay Lane's choice of frames for his Orientalist art:



Of course, not every picture is a fine work of art. For artwork that is more decorative, Truex said that framing could be as "entertaining and spirited as one wishes". I would say that these prints in a room by Roger Banks-Pye are definitely spirited- the geometric-patterned frames are quite striking.



Another treatment that I find quite charming is hanging pictures with decorative cord (although Truex, who was more of a purist, might not have agreed with me). You could use a simple cord, like that used by John Fowler:



Or you could go a bit more elaborate like Elsie de Wolfe did at Villa Trianon (although, to be quite honest, I can't tell if the cord is real or faux-painted):



Regarding placement of pictures, Truex advises one to hang or display the art in close proximity to one's furniture rather than up towards the ceiling. I think this vignette by Miles Redd sums up this idea perfectly:



And for a quirky spin on picture hanging, you could hang your artwork like Horst P. Horst did here, "like steps up the wall" according to H&G.

(Image of Kenneth Jay Lane from "Elle Decor So Chic")

Gifts of Style for December 18

How fun are these porcelain pea pods from Michael Devine Home? I could see placing one on top of a stack of books, or grouping a few of them together for a festive Spring tablesetting!

The Mysterious Jib Door

In last week's post "Fun with Books", I showed a few examples of book-themed treatments of jib doors. A reader suggested that I devote a post to the subject of these doors, which seem to be more prevalent in Europe than they are here in the States (although there are jib doors in the Oval Office).

For those of you who may not be familiar with them, jib doors are basically disguised or concealed doors. The doors tend to be flush with the walls around them and lack any surrounding architecture, thereby creating a continuous plane. Many times the doors even have concealed hinges to further add to the disguise. Jib doors are usually given the same treatment as the rest of the walls in a room- paper, fabric, mirror, etc.

John Fowler was a designer who incorporated jib doors into many of his projects. In one of the images below, you will see that Fowler papered both the walls and the jib door with a Chinoiserie paper. But Fowler could also be quite inventive with his treatment of concealed doors. In David and Evangeline Bruce's Albany set, Fowler gave the jib door the same molding as the rest of the wall but added a trompe l'oeil painting to both the door and the wall. When one opened the jib door, the painting was revealed to be faux.

Even if you have never heard of the term "jib door", I'm sure you've seen them before. In fact, I think one of the most famous photos of a jib door has to be that above of Pauline de Rothschild opening the door in her Paris bedroom. And with beautiful wallpaper like that, who would want to mess it up with a clunky door!


This jib door at Colefax & Fowler in Mayair was cut into a large painted panel- the door became part of the artwork, so to speak.


The Bruce's dining room with the trompe l'oeil painting on the jib door.


A classic treatment of jib doors- papering both the walls and the door (located to the right of the bed). Design by John Fowler (Sudeley Castle.)


David Hicks was also a fan of jib doors. Here, he papered both the walls and the door with a marblelized paper. However, he also added a little lit vitrine that, according to Hicks' son, moved with the door. Now that's clever!


I once saw an interview with Albert Hadley in which, if I remember correctly, he discussed the concealed door in his gorgeous red hallway that led to his powder room (I believe he said that his guests usually had trouble finding the powder room!). I couldn't find any images of this, but did find a jib closet door in Hadley's guest room. Look closely- it's on the left-hand side of the room.


Jib doors in the Oval Office- a rather blah treatment of the concealed doors during Eisenhower's administration.

Gifts of Style for December 17

What about a painting by John Matthew Moore, a Southern artist who resides in Washington D.C.? A favorite of designers throughout the country, Moore's work is incredibly striking. I had the opportunity to meet Matthew at one of his shows recently, and not only is his work even more beautiful in person, but he is also one of the nicest people you will meet. If you're not ready to commit to a big piece, perhaps you might be interested in his prints that are available through Trowbridge Gallery. I'm partial to the silver leaf prints (below) myself. (Note: Trowbridge is to the trade only. If you're not a designer, get a "in the trade" friend to help you purchase one)

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.

Gifts of Style for December 13

What about these crazy vintage lamps from Lum Lighting of New Orleans? There are plenty of other fun vintage lamps on Lum's site, so make sure to check out the others!

Pierre Bergé's Follies

You know the feeling you get when you see a room that speaks to you? A room that perfectly represents the way you want to live? Well, this is how I feel about these garden pavilions at the Parisian home of Pierre Bergé, business partner of Yves Saint Laurent. Designed to accommodate a study and a dining room, each pavilion is a glorious mix of glass and antique mirrored walls, priceless Louis XVI antiques, non-pedigreed pieces, and stylish bibelots. In lesser hands this mélange could come across as a hodge-podge, but here the look is chic, timeless, and comfortable. Now wouldn't having a study like this make work seem much less taxing?

(Image at top: the dining pavilion with a table and chairs by Gilbert Poillerat.)


My favorite pavilion- the study. The 18th c. black console by Adam Weisweiller holds a Sèvres tea service. The portrait is of Jean Cocteau.


The veranda which connects the two pavilions. The cafe table and chairs are by Diego Giacometti. And what's more classic than a striped awning?

(Images from House & Garden, Nov. 2001; photographer Pascal Chevallier)

Gifts of Style for December 12

Venezia Fabriano sketchbooks from Kate's Paperie. The perfect thing for sketching furniture, room plans, or just making notes.

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.

Homage to Tony Duquette

There has been a lot of buzz lately about the Tony Duquette-themed holiday windows at Bergdorf's (well deserved buzz, I might add). Well, a reader was kind enough to send me images of another Duquette inspired window display, this time at Downtown in Los Angeles. This exuberant homage to Duquette includes all sorts of fantastical and whimsical touches, not the least being "coral" made from red pipe cleaners (now why didn't I think of that?)! Created by Downtown partner David Serrano, this tribute truly captures the spirit of Duquette.

Gifts of Style for December 10

How about a one of a kind gift for those of you who dwell in New York City? Charity Buzz is hosting an online auction that benefits The Paris Review, one of our country's most respected literary reviews. One of the hot items up for auction is a two-hour design consultation with Celerie Kemble at the winner's New York City home. This might be an affordable way for someone to get advice from a top-notch designer. But hurry, bidding ends on December 13. Click here 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

Gifts of Style for December 7

Soli e Lune screen by Fornasetti, available at Moss

Time to Revisit Laura Ashley?

Laura Ashley has not been on my radar for many years. In fact, the last time I really gave any serious thought to the line was back in childhood when I wore those long printed dresses (yes, we cringe now, but they were very cute "back then"). I also remember having some sweet Laura Ashley lamps in my childhood bedroom. Fast forward to a few years ago when a designer friend had some pillows made for me in a seriously chic solid black chintz- I was shocked to hear that the fabric was Laura Ashley. After the shock wore off though, I didn't give the line a second thought.

Well, perhaps we should take a fresh look at Laura Ashley. Yes, the line is still quite heavy on florals, but they have so many other prints that could work well in more sophisticated interiors. In fact, many of them look a bit like Robert Kime prints. The thing about Laura Ashley prints is that they're quiet- they don't scream for attention. But after years of having bold prints in the headlines, perhaps it's time for something a little more subtle. And really, what is more subtle than a Laura Ashley print?

(Laura Ashley fabric available through Kravet)


"Escot" in Lapis


"Tilbury" in Quartz


"Briston" in Mulberry


"Jezabelle" in Crimson


"Galley Bay" in Chambray


"Raj Paisley" in Colonial

Image at top: "Spice Island" in Coral