So Dumb...and Yet, So Smart

My vote for most under appreciated piece of furniture goes to...the dumbwaiter. In particular, the two and three tiered, circular varieties often found in mahogany. If you look back in old books and magazines from the 1930s and 40s (and as you know, I do this often. Quite often.), you'll see dumbwaiters placed prominently in living and dining rooms. I suppose they became a little too ubiquitous, because how often do you see these in homes today? Not very often. And it's such a shame, really, because dumbwaiters have personality. There is something pleasing about that round shape, those shelves of graduated sizes, and the three-legged base that usually supports the piece. Not to mention how great they are for displaying objets, holding plants or vases of flowers, or even serving as a repository for books. They could even work quite well when you entertain. You could call it into service as a small bar or a place from which to serve hors d'oeuvres. Oh, wait, what about in a dressing room? You could display all of your beautiful perfume bottles on it. I could go on, but this post really isn't "101 Things To Do With Your Dumbwaiter." It's simply a little plug for a piece of furniture that gets high marks from me.

(I tried to find a contemporary photo of a dumbwaiter in use but alas, nothing. I could swear that Ruthie Sommers recently used one in a project of hers, but I can't find the photo to save my life!)


A pair flanking a fireplace in the Lake Forest, Illinois home of Mr. and Mrs. Kersey Coates Reed. The decorator was Frances Elkins.


In this Thedlow decorated room, a mahogany dumbwaiter holds a collection of "sportsman's trophies."


In a 1950s-era Milan apartment designed by Renzo Mongiardino


A collection of minerals adorn this dumbwaiter.


In a sunny spot holding vases of flowers.

Image at top: From left to right, dumbwaiters from Holland & Company, Parc Monceau, and Florian Papp

(Image #2 from Frances Elkins: Interior Design; #3 and #4 from House & Garden's Complete Guide to Interior Decoration; #5 and #6 from The Finest Rooms in France)

This Lady Sings the Blues

There are some people who can't stand blue. I know- each to his own, and if we all liked the same things, wouldn't the world be a boring place in which to live? But still, I just can't imagine living in a world without the blues. (Yes, I sound like a broken record.) But for blues to be interesting, they have to have something interesting to say. They have to be sophisticated and have that "traveled the world" air to them. Really mild blues are too timid for me; they don't look like they've lived. I want a bold, full-bodied blue. Blues that have some maturity. Such as... that blue above. The walls in this Atlanta living room are covered in Brunschwig & Fils silk satin in the most beautiful shade of blue. The homeowner, Danielle Rollins, and her decorator, Miles Redd, are both drawn to blue, so it's only natural that in their hands, the result is something magical. I've seen the walls at night, and they positively shimmer! And, it serves as a smashing backdrop for those chocolate colored velvet sofas.


Yes, there is much going on here. But look at those greeny blue walls. And look at how the purples and reds of the room sing against that blue. Maybe they're singing "My Blue Heaven".


And Madeleine Castaing was a master of blue. That carpet is the most gorgeous shade of blue. The walls aren't too bad, either.


The windows wore blue velvet.


If all of this blue is too bold for you, you can use it as an accent. Traditional fabric yes, timeless shade of blue absolutely.


A little blue, just for you.


(Image at top from Town & Country, August 2010, Francesco Lagnese photographer. #2, #3, and #4 from Decoration (Vol II); #5 and #6 from The Finest Rooms in France)

It's Not So Bad Being in the Dog House

This is a post about dogs. Right now, you dog lovers out there are thinking "Oh good!", while cat people might be saying "Well, okay, they are animals, so I can deal with it." And you non-pet people are probably going "Dogs?! This post is for the birds." Okay, so indulge me. I read a charming book over the weekend, Dog House: A Love Story by Carol Prisant, and it got me thinking about how my home has truly become a dog house. But first, let me tell you about the book. The author poignantly writes about her life long desire to be a dog owner...and what happens once she finally becomes mother to furry children. There are humorous anecdotes about ill-behaved dogs, sweet tempered dogs, dogs that get car sick, dogs that can swim and those that can't. In addition to the multitude of canine companions, Prisant's dear husband of forty two years and her son figure prominently in the book- and of course in her life too. All in all, it's sweet, funny, touching and most definitely heartwarming read. And, it's one that made me think of my dog.

I used to be very particular about my home. I mean, I still am, but I once gave new meaning to the word uptight. We're talking bordering on becoming Harriet Craig. Everything stayed new looking for a long time. Fresh, crisp linen on the bed that never seemed to wrinkle. Clean, spot-free fabric on the sofa. A floor so shiny you could see your reflection, not to mention the fact that you really could eat from it.

And then came Alfie. Dear, sweet Alfie. And along with Alfie came errant white hairs that started to litter my once shiny floor. Oh, and the stray kibble that turned up in the dining and living rooms, despite the fact that his bowl lives in the kitchen. In fact, I believe that Alfie is a food hoarder. I once gave him a bite of biscuit that I later found wedged between my bed pillows. But you know what? Instead of pulling my hair out with anxiety and frustration, I actually started to relax. So what if a white fur tumbleweed comes rolling out from behind the console table. That's what Swiffers are for. And yes, the shininess of my floors has subsided a bit thanks to tiny paw prints (who knew dogs have such oily little feet?), but I simply spray some Bona cleaner on the floor and buff away. Despite the fur, the spots that seem to appear on the sofa and chairs, and the smashed kibble on the floor, Alfie taught me to relax. And you know what? I actually enjoy my home a lot more than I did before. It's easier to enjoy things when you're not so anxiety-ridden.

Okay, so I'm not completely cured of my Harriet Craig tendencies. As I write this, Alfie is asleep on my newly upholstered wing chair. But, I made sure to put a blanket underneath him to protect my chair from what I call his weeping eye syndrome (don't ask). And when I see him making a bed for himself on the Porthault bed linen, I don't FREAK anymore. I simply say "Eh, it can go in the washing machine." Because thanks to Alfie, my condo finally feels like home. No amount of decorating, good upholstery, nice linen, and pretty rugs could do for my condo what all 11 pounds of Alfie has done. Oh sure, all of it made my condo a nice place in which to live, but a dog is what really what brought everything to life.

Now, will someone please remind me of this when I'm standing outside in the pouring rain, cursing under my breath, and begging Alfie to please take care of business before we both drown?

Tea and Civility

I must have stared at this photo ten times yesterday. One obvious reason, of course, is that the setting is pretty (not a dirty word in my lexicon.) Any room dominated by books, books, and more books holds appeal. You have a table covered by a rug (at least it looks like one to me) over which a blue damask cloth has been placed. There are those gorgeous bronze dore sphinx lamps that look as though they were turned on while the photo was taken, something which adds to the tableau's warmth. But the thing that really captured my imagination is the fact that the table is set for tea. You have that knock-out silver samovar (actually, a Regency coffee urn) and the homeowner's lusterware tea cups and saucers, not to mention those cakes and molds. It's like a little oasis of civility. And you know what? That is the real reason I'm so taken with this photo. Isn't it nice to think about what life could be like if we weren't dealing with a barrage of tweets or reality shows (don't get me started on those Real Housewives). We could be taking tea in the confines of a lovely home while drinking from a proper cup and saucer. I don't know about you, but it sounds pretty tempting to me. Crumpets, anyone?

(Apartment of writer Joan Juliet Buck; House & Garden March 1990; Oberto Gili photographer)

Blurred Boundaries

Continuing with lacquered walls...

Something that never ceases to capture my attention are rooms in which the walls, trim, and ceiling are all painted in the same color and the same finish. The effect is one which is often likened to a "jewel box", an apt description that unfortunately has become hackneyed as of late. Still, rooms painted in this manner do have a dramatic flair to them, don't you think? The planes of the room seemed to become blurred so that you feel like you're wrapped in a cocoon of color.

For me, the most memorable jewel box rooms are those that have been painted in dark, saturated color. Just look at the Los Angeles living room of designer Helen Partello, above. Wow, is that a room or what?? But, those rooms that have been bathed in lighter shades of yellow or pink are certainly just as charming. And I believe that I prefer for the walls and ceiling to have a high gloss or lacquered finish. All of that light bouncing around the room helps to soften the look. A matte finish, at least to me, seems to make a room feel like a dead zone. But that's just me.


It looks like Jan Showers chose a sang de boeuf color for this richly appointed library. The walls and ceiling really have a sheen, don't they?


Yes, the color may be a bit pale (it's corn-yellow), but the lacquered finish is what packs a punch in this room. The ceiling looks wet. This 1930s room was decorated by Jack Killick.


According to the book from which this photo came, the "deep flesh pink" walls and ceiling are a matte finish. Drawing room decorated by John Hill for Messrs. Green & Abbott, Ltd.


I know that this room is far more contemporary than anything I usually show, but it's a great example of not really being able to tell where the walls end and the ceiling begins. (New York apartment of Arthur Ferber.)

(Image #1 from Architectural Digest California Interiors; #2 from Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers, Jeff McNamara photographer; #3 and #4 from Colour Schemes for the Modern Home by Derek Patmore; #5 from Architectural Digest New York Interiors)

California Interiors

A pleasant surprise is always welcome, don't you think? That's what I got this past weekend when I bought an old copy of Architectural Digest California Interiors. I've collected most of the AD books (of which Architectural Digest New York Interiors and Architectural Digest Traditional Interiors are my favorites), but for some reason, I always avoided the California book as I thought that it would only feature homes that bore the " California Look". After all, the book was published in 1979, so maybe my assumption could be understood. And truth be told, the heavily publicized California look of the 1970s and 80s is not a favorite of mine. (I know- sacrilege. I'm prepared to take the heat for this.)

But...boy was I wrong. Yes, there is some of that look in the book, but not much. Instead, there are plenty of elegant interiors that one would expect in Los Angeles and especially San Francisco. And even more surprising, some of the interiors don't seem too dated. A few flouncy curtains and oversized upholstered furniture perhaps, but not much. Just take a look:


This has to be my favorite photo in the entire book. The Los Angeles dining room of Jerry Leen, founding partner of Dennis and Leen. How chic, even thirty years later.

I think that I'm taken with this room because it's truly a nighttime room. Those dark brown walls and black blinds are such a rich backdrop for the room's fine furniture and rug. (San Francisco home of Spero Arbes.)

To me, this room has a New York feel to it. Sally Sirkin Lewis designed this room in the Beverly Hills home of Harris L. Katlemans.

Another nighttime room, this time the Los Angeles dining cum sitting room of designer Helen Partello. The chintz covered walls are unexpectedly topped by a dark, dramatic ceiling. The tablesetting is rather nice as well. (And yes, there is a sofa trimmed in fringe, although it's a little too long for me.)

Okay, I realize that this bed is kind of funky. But, I think that's why I like it. I'm not saying I would have it in my bedroom, but there's something oddly appealing about it. The bedroom of Los Angeles designer J.P. Mathieu.

(All images from Architectural Digest California Interiors; images #1, #2 and #5 by photographer Russell MacMasters; #3 by Tim Street-Porter; #4 by Jerry Bragsted)

Memorable Introductions

While I was searching for images of brush fringed chairs, I came across all of these great photos of entryways and foyers that most definitely catch one's eye. Haven't we read umpteen times that entryways are an opportunity to make a statement? And really, it's quite true. Think of them as an amuse-bouche. Their small sizes allow you to really get creative with floors, walls, and ceilings.

Take that entryway at top, for example. I've been looking often at that photo for a few years now, and I still find it charming. There was no dramatic statement being made here; it's just a really pretty room. There is that marbleized black and white linoleum floor, the floral papered walls (green leaves against a yellow background), a Moravian star light fixture, and an elegant Regency table. All together, it adds up to a very proper introduction to the rest of the home.


There is this small hallway that was decorated by Marian Hall and Diane Tate (read about them in Adam Lewis' great new book, The Great Lady Decorators: The Women Who Defined Interior Design, 1870-1955). That wallpaper in yellow and sepia tones is a Directoire print, while the rubberized floor is brown with a green and yellow sunburst-type design. I'm a little iffy on the color scheme here (a brown, green, and yellow combo is not a particular favorite of mine), but unfortunately we're left to using our imagination because of the black and white photography.



Not quite an entryway, but rather a niche. This space is all about those green and white striped walls. You almost forget to look at the other objects in the room. (The Chicago residence of Mrs. John Alden Carpenter)


Sometimes, simple really is better. But, each piece must be chosen with care. That seems the case in this Regency style foyer in the New York apartment of decorator Mrs. Arthur James (James & Landor decorators). The stripes on the wall are bands of crumpled gold paper (according to the book from which this photo was taken). The floor appears to be some type of linoleum or composite- so simple with that banded outline. And of course, the Venetian blackamoors and gold and black bench add additional layers to the Regency theme.


Barbara Jaffe and Carol Ann Hayden decorated this foyer sometime in the 1970s. Look how super traditional the chandelier is, not to mention the William and Mary chest and the turned leg chairs. But, that wild wallpaper completely updates the look. If I were to walk into an entryway with a paper like this, I might think "this is going to be a fun night." And if it wasn't, I'd be sorely disappointed!


Leave it to the late Anthony Hail to create an entryway (this one in his San Francisco home) that was classically masculine. The walls were painted with trompe l'oeil rustication. Despite that bust of Napoleon on the console table, I think that this entryway, no matter how small it was, did not suffer from a Napoleonic complex. In fact, I think the same could be said of all of the them.

(Images #1, #2, and #3 from House and Garden's Book of Color Schemes; #4 from House & Garden's Complete Guide to Interior Decoration; #5 and #6 from The New York Times Book of Interior Design and Decoration by Norma Skurka.)