The Peak of Chic

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

2008-07-02T08:22:00.000-04:00

Isn't it interesting to think about what influences the way we choose to live? There are obviously many factors involved, but in my mind one of the biggest is how one was raised. I grew up in a traditional home with early American antiques and Chinoiserie. Now, I could have rebelled as an adult and ventured down the path of modernism. In fact, I was a die-hard modernist for all of ten minutes when I was 23 years old (yes, I know it's hard to believe). Instead, I've chosen to embrace the traditional, always mindful of adding modern pieces to keep the mix fresh and young.

So, what about you? Were you a rebel with a design cause? Or, did you did not leave the family fold? I thought it would be interesting to show images of some famous mothers and daughters to determine if the daughters' styles were shaped by their mothers. I've chosen Annette Reed de la Renta and Eliza Reed Bolen, Maxime de la Falaise and Loulou de la Falaise, and Irma Schlesinger and Nan Kempner. I think you can definitely see similarities between each mother and daughter, but I'll leave that for you to decide.

The home of Annette Reed de la Renta, c. mid-1960s (the young daughter pictured below is Beatrice, not Eliza):

And that of her daughter, Eliza Reed Bolen. I believe Bolen's apartment was decorated by David Netto:

Maxime de la Falaise, former model, international jet-setter, and writer is an English woman who married a French count. Her bohemian style is evident here in her New York apartment:

Her French born daugher Loulou de la Falaise was the longtime muse and best friend of designer Yves Saint Laurent. The images below are Loulou's Paris apartment:

Irma Schlesinger was the mother of style icon and socialite Nan Kempner. The Schlesinger's San Francisco apartment was decorated by Frances Elkins:

Interestingly enough, Nan Kempner employed Michael Taylor to decorate her Manhattan apartment. Taylor was greatly influenced by Elkins' work, so I suppose it's no surprise that Kempner hired him:

Image at top: "Mrs. Mayer and Daughter" by Ammi Phillips, c. 1835-40. In the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What's in Their Library: Todd Romano

2008-07-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

I was over the moon when Todd Romano agreed to provide me with a list of his favorite design and lifestyle books. After all, I've been a huge fan of his for many years. I think that I'm drawn to his interiors because they strike the right balance between classic and modern- and there is absolutely nothing boring about this balance. In Romano's hands, rooms come alive with timeless furniture, classic prints, rich and vibrant color, and the chicest accessories I think I've seen. A Romano interior is one that you can't help but look at over and over again. (I've looked at the old House & Garden article on his country home so many times that the pages are practically tattered.)

I knew that Todd would provide us with some great book selections because let's face it- this man loves books and has an amazing collection. And fortunately for us he could not narrow his list down to ten, so we get six bonus books! I think what you'll love most are Todd's witty and insightful asides about each book. Todd is one of the most charming, warm, and enthusiastic people I've met, and I think this comes across in both his list and his comments. Enjoy!

(Make sure to visit his store when you're in New York. It's one of my favorites.)

1. David Adler, The Architect & His Work by Richard Pratt. The original, or first book on Adler and one of the best. A comprehensive study on a very talented architect working at the peak of great residential design. Wonderful period photographs.

2. Lost New York by Nathan Silver (the 1967 edition). A fabulous book for preservationists, architects and historians interested in the architectural history of New York City. Also, a good cautionary tale for all that we have lost, the pictures of Penn Station make you want to cry – how could they have torn it down!

3. Jansen Decoration. The first book from 1971 I believe…unbelievable photographs & designs and well it is all about Jansen, isn’t it?!? A very informative book with text in French and English.

4. Les Pavillons- French Pavilions of the Eighteen Century by Jerome Zerbe and Cyril Connolly. A wonderful book with photographs and historical text on various small pavilions and houses in France – one for the Francophiles!

5. Observations with Photographs by Richard Avedon and Text by Truman Capote. The first real glamorous coffee table book…an unbelievable collaboration between two enormous talents at the height of their powers…the pictures are to die for – that was real glamour.

6. The New York Times Book of Interiors & Decorations by Norma Skurka.That’s what did it for this Texas boy back in high school…I pored over this book until the pages were worn out! I still find the book and the work featured in it incredibly inspiring today.

7. Ritrattista d'intererni de Alexander Serebriakoff by Patrick Mauries. A catalog raisone of the work of the very talented Serebriakoff and his watercolors. He painted and chronicled the interiors and lifestyles of some of the all time great 20th Century tastemakers, from Beistegui to the Baron de Redé. Charming beyond belief. (Editor's note: The Amazon link is for the French version, not the Italian version that Romano mentions.)

8. English Interiors by John Cornforth. A somewhat sober but thorough examination of great English Interiors. The book is dedicated to the great John Fowler.

9. Horst Interiors by Barbara Plumb. A collection of Horst’s work from decades at Vogue…sort of the Slim Aarons for Interiors…beautiful people living in beautiful houses!

10. A House Is Not a Home by Bruce Weber. Gorgeous photographs of various people (high and not so high!) and their homes and objects.

11. Elsie de Wolfe: A Life in the High Style by Jane S. Smith. A great and comprehensive biography of the legendary decorator and hostess, a wonderful and very interesting read.

12. The Architecture of John F. Staub by Howard Barnstone. The “David Adler” of Texas, a great and not all that well known architect outside of Texas and the South. He built all of the wonderful houses in Houston (River Oaks) and also in my hometown, San Antonio (Olmos Park, where I grew up!) A great and comprehensive study of his work.

13. To the One I Love the Best by Ludwig Bemelmans. A hilarious and affectionate account of his years spent living with Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe) in Beverly Hills during WWII. The descriptions of the house and various supporting characters are worth it alone. A great read for anyone interested in de Wolfe.

14. First Garden by C.Z. Guest with illustrations by Cecil Beaton. One of the best books on gardening by one of the all time great ladies…concise, informative and beautiful, just like C.Z. herself!

15. Nancy Lancaster: Her Life, Her World, Her Art by Robert Becher. A great biography on the famous Virginian who came to own Colefax and Fowler. Her taste and “throw away” style are famous, as all of her beloved houses – a very interesting read for those interested in this period of great country house living, both here and in Great Britain.

And last but not least....

16. Alexis, The Memoirs of the Baron de Redé This book is so over the top in terms of descriptions of houses, silver, yachts, entertaining, grand balls and fetes…etc.
If you want to know what it was like to live in the Hotel Lambert and to be a part of international society at its most glamorous period…this is the book for you. A great read!

As well, Archivia Books has the most amazing selection of new and out-of-print books. They specialize in architecture, art, design, decorative arts, gardens and interiors. They are located at 993 Lexington Avenue in New York and www.archiviabooks.com.

Lee's Timeless Design

2008-06-30T08:02:00.002-04:00

It goes without saying that many people have long been fascinated with Jackie Onassis- no surprise there. But Jackie's sister Lee Radziwill is also a style icon, albeit one who still stands in the shadow of her more famous sister. Certainly Radziwill is known for her keen fashion sense, but she seems to be quite confident in how she chooses to live (I'm talking about the actual interiors of her homes- NOT her personal life!) .

Through the years, her homes seemed to reflect the zeitgeist of interior design. Remember her wonderful Renzo Mongiardino designed drawing room from the 1960s? That said, her interiors have also had a classic quality to them. Many photos of her homes are hard to date which to me is the ultimate compliment.

I've found some images of both her country home in England as well as her Fifth Avenue apartment. Radziwill was a decorator for a time, so I believe she was responsible for her New York interiors. I'm not sure who decorated her English country house- possibly Renzo Mongiardino? If anyone can clarify, please do so!

The dining room of Radziwill's country house Turville Grange c. 1971. The walls were covered in Sicilian scarves that had been lacquered. Painted panels were superimposed over the scarves. If this was not designed by Mongiardino, it certainly looks it. (Photographer Horst P. Horst)

The garden room of Turville Grange certainly had an English country house feel, but some of the furniture gave it a modern twist. (Horst, photographer)

The front hall at Turville Grange, again c. 1971 (Horst, photographer)

The dining room of Radziwill's Fifth Avenue apartment, c. mid-1970s. The walls were covered in silk moire. Don't you think the Regency dining chairs and pedestal table are stunning?

I think this is one of my favorite rooms in Radziwill's New York apartment. The walls of the library were covered in blue-gray fabric, which was also used for the curtains. You can't really see any delineation between the window treatments and the walls.

The drawing room was also a vision in red.

Image above: That famous photograph of Radziwill and her daughter in their Mongiardino designed drawing room.

Thoughts on Tassels

2008-06-26T08:17:00.001-04:00

After going through some old clippings recently, I realized that there are a few things that always seem to catch my eye. And one thing that stops my magazine page- turning cold is the sight of a tassel. Truly, I haven't figured out why because I only have one tassel in my home. (Believe it or not, I do try to keep the embellishments to a minimum!) Still, they're fun and a bit frivolous. Here's a brief roundup of these little flights of fancy.

Smith & Brighty Rainha Tassel

Tassel beach blanket by Madeline Weinrib

Agraria perfumed tassels, available at Charlotte Moss

Vintage Tassel Table from Mecox Gardens

Tassel sconces from Brunelli Designs

Gilt Bronze and Opaline Jardiniere from Heather and Company

"Garland and Tassel" wallpaper border by Adelphi Paper Hangings

Image at top, courtesy of Conde Nast Archives

Who Influenced Who?

2008-06-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever noticed how many designers have made their mark on the design world by creating gorgeous brown rooms? And not just any brown, but a deep, dark, and sometimes glossy brown. David Hicks, Billy Baldwin, and Vay Day Truex are just a few of the designers who have created stunning (and legendary) brown rooms- rooms that still serve as inspiration today.

But what I want to know is who jumped on the brown bandwagon first. And who influenced who?

Van Day Truex seemed to lead the way with his gorgeous brown living room, designed in 1951. Truex was a style setter, so I wonder if he influenced Billy Baldwin's enthusiastic and masterly use of glossy brown. After all, when you think of glossy brown walls, don't you immediately think of Baldwin's Manhattan apartment:

So, was Truex responsible for Baldwin's affinity for brown? Or was it in fact Mrs. Walter Farwell, a friend of Ruby Ross Wood who designed a Coromandel lacquered room in her home that captivated Baldwin, at least according to his memoir Billy Baldwin Remembers :

And what about David Hicks? Hicks' living room with its Coca-Cola lacquered walls has a bit of an American look to it. Might he have been emulating some of his American counterparts? I have a feeling that had Hicks been influenced by American designers, he would not have divulged this information:

Albert Hadley has used glossy brown throughout his career. He freely admits that he was greatly influenced by the design greats such as Truex (a close friend) and Baldwin. Not only is Hadley a genius, he's a gentleman too:

And what about Sister Parish's living room circa 1968? Was she solely responsible for the choice of glossy brown walls? Or, was she testing out Hadley's more modern aesthetic:

And the cycle continues... Miles Redd chose glossy brown for one of his early projects. He has cited Hadley as having an impact on his style, so are we seeing that here?

English Exuberance

2008-06-23T08:31:00.001-04:00

The English are masters of the eccentric look (I'm referring specifically to interiors, but many Brits have proven to be eccentric dressers too). And despite the notion of the British "stiff upper lip", they can also be an exuberant people. British history is filled with grand homes and estates that displayed a vibrancy and an enthusiasm that was uniquely their own.

Whereas our American ancestors might have been tempered by their Puritan roots, many members of the British upper class did not seem constrained by such humility. To me, one of the most exuberant British houses was Brighton Pavilion, that wild and lavish fantasy commissioned by George IV while he was Prince Regent. While many of the Prince Regent's contemporaries ridiculed the Pavilion (and let's face it- many of the rooms are a bit, well, should we say tacky?), perhaps old George had the last laugh. The Pavilion is still standing, still beckoning visitors, and continues to influence interiors, albeit on a smaller scale, around the world.

And while the British were ardent fans of Chinoiserie, they also displayed an eagerness to embrace other styles as well. Here are a few colorful examples:

The Peacock Bedroom at Sezincote, the early 19th century home designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell in the Mughal style.

The Gallery at Syon House, home of the Duke of Northumberland. Robert Adam was responsible for the glorious interiors of the house.

A bed designed by Robert Adam as a Temple of Venus, c. 1775-76. Located in the State Bedchamber at Osterley

The State Bedchamber at Kedleston Hall. The bed was built in the late 1760s.

Recognize this room? It's the Gothic bedroom at Haseley Court, Nancy Lancaster's country home. The bedroom was a collaborative effort between Lancaster and John Fowler.

Image at top: The Banqueting Room at Brighton Pavilion

Lighting Millinery

2008-06-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Before I left home for college, my mother warned me about mixed drinks and alcoholic punches- too much and I might end up with a lampshade on my head. Well, I heeded Mother's advice and thankfully got through school without any major embarrassments. But after seeing these lamps by mat&jewski, I say bring on the Hunch Punch! I'm ready to wear these lampshades.

Now, I'm not really a fan of flouncy or cutesy lamps and shades. And despite the whimsy of the mat&jewski lamps, they unfortunately would not work in my home. But I just couldn't help but think of those great feathered hats that women used to wear. You know, women like Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, and the like. Maybe it's time for feathered millinery to make a comeback. And you can start with one of these lamps at your next party. Just don't say that my mother and I didn't warn you about the punch.

All lamps by mat&jewski; vintage fashion photos from Conde Nast Archives; images of mannequins with feathered hats by Stephen Jones.

Paying Homage to the Past

2008-06-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Have you ever noticed how Chinese ancestral portraits seem to grace many stylish interiors? Once I spotted them in one interior, it seemed that I started to see them everywhere. Of course, the paintings found in the interiors below were used strictly for decorative purposes, and I can certainly see why. There is something very dignified and regal about these portraits, and they also seem to add a little touch of Eastern exoticism to their surroundings. But what we shouldn't forget is that the purpose of these paintings was anything but decorative.

Ancestral portraits were long an important part of a Chinese culture which revered and worshipped family ancestry. From what I've read, it seems that these paintings were commissioned by family members not just out of respect for their forebears, but also out of fear. A disgruntled ancestor might be tempted to become a ghost and make life difficult for the living. In order to prevent this from happening, and to elicit good will and fortune, the portraits were worshipped by family members either in their homes or at family temples. Ceremonies, which at times included offerings to the ancestors as well as kowtowing, were often performed before these portraits.

So with this in mind, here are a few of the interiors that I have found which display these ancestral portraits. In a way, it seems that even today these portraits still command respect and awe, much as they did centuries ago.

(If any of you are experts on Asian art and wish to add to this, please do so by commenting- I would love to learn more about these portraits.)

Frances Elkins used them in a few of her projects, including one of her most famous: the library of Mr. and Mrs. Kersey Coates Reed. I think the portrait looks smashing against the Hermes goatskin paneled wall.

Jean-Michel Frank tried his hand at stage design in this set from "Les Fleurs des pois". The Chinese portrait rather dominates the set.

Yves Saint Laurent was obviously a fan.

Here are a pair of Chinese ancestral portraits in a contemporary setting- the living room of Liz and Steve Weinstein, decorated by Miles Redd (photo from Elle Decor; photographer Simon Upton)

Image at top: A pair of ancestor portraits, c. 1700-1800. From the collection of the Victoria and Albert

Thoughts on Stripes

2008-06-11T08:22:00.001-04:00

As my week has turned out to be a bit crazy, I decided to dispense with a lot of the chit chat and simply show some photos of big and bold striped walls. I think I first fell in love with stripes after seeing some old photos of Dorothy Draper's work (that woman certainly influenced me and legions of others!). I like stripes of all kinds, but particularly a wide stripe in a graphic color combination- think green and white, red and white, and of course black and white. Of course, with striped walls it's advisable to keep the rest of the room a bit simple. Too many prints fighting each other is guaranteed to give you a headache. That said, you can introduce some pattern into a striped room. Just look at Draper's florals and Redd's animal print below.

I have always adored Dorothy Draper's living room. Those bottle green stripes are beyond snappy! (Image courtesy of Condé Nast Archives)

A striped room by Anne Coyle. I love how the stripes are reflected in the mirrored cocktail table.

Miles Redd used one of his favorite striped fabrics for the walls of this living room. (I know, you've seen this room a million times before, but it's still gorgeous!)

How smashing is this bar in the home of designer Sam Blount? The black and white stripes mixed with red curtains and flowers is bold and snazzy.

My, oh my! Are these some stripes or what? Here, the stripes are railroaded rather than vertical. Although a bit too gutsy for my tastes, I just had to show you this photo. (Design by Melvin Dwork, whose work I do like!)

Photo at top: A Dorothy Draper designed room at the Arrowhead Springs resort. Unfortunately, I don't know if the stripes are pink and white or blue and white.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-06-09T08:28:00.001-04:00

There is a design giant alive today who seems to get overlooked and sometimes even dissed by young designers and design enthusiasts. Many disregard his work as being too 1980s, too traditional, too English country looking, and too frou frou. And it's really a shame because this designer is truly quite talented. He has a remarkable sense of color and a keen understanding of what makes a room comfortable. His look is one that has changed little through the years- he honed his style as a young man and has stuck to it, perhaps with some tweaking over the years. Bottom line- his rooms are unabashedly pretty, and in my mind pretty is not a dirty word.

Who am I talking about? None other than Mario Buatta (a.k.a. Mario Buattachalotti-Sister Parish's pet name for him- and most famously "The Prince of Chintz"). The man has an impeccable design pedigree. He studied at Cooper Union and later at Parsons, studying under legendary teacher Stanley Barrows. He considered John Fowler a friend and mentor (one can see Fowler's influence in a Buatta room), and he also worked for Keith Irvine for a short time.

So why the disrespect? Perhaps his rooms are a bit conservative for some. Perhaps others don't like the amount of "stuff" in a Buatta room- at times, his rooms can be a bit over the top. And maybe some people can't stand Buatta's use of chintz (although maybe he is having the last laugh- after all, chintz's popularity is once again on the rise). But don't you agree that even if Buatta's look does not suit you, his rooms are incredibly inviting? Don't you just want enter one of his rooms and sit in comfortable chair and while away the hours reading a good book? Or what about relaxing in one of his nighttime rooms with a stiff drink and good friends?

I think what I am trying to say is that even if Buatta's traditional and at times maximalist look may not be hot or trendy right now, there are elements to his rooms that are timeless and stylish. But if you keep an open mind and look past the fabrics or furniture that may not be up your alley, you might just learn some important design lessons.

(I also would like to say I can't understand why no one has written a book on Buatta and his work. So many other designers have books devoted to their work, why not Buatta?)

How gorgeous are these Prussian-blue glazed walls? Alright, so the bow from which the painting is hanging may be a bit precious, but see how great that peach color looks against that shade of blue? I think this Buatta room is a lesson in rich color.

Buatta loves to design both daytime and nighttime rooms, of which this room is the latter. Nobody does a lacquered room better than Buatta. See how the gold frame looks so rich against the glossy walls? If you're a modernist at heart, just think how about a modern picture in a plain gold frame would look against the aubergine walls. Or what about a modern cream colored sofa in place of the traditional one above?

I know, I know- those of you who don't like florals might be apoplectic right now. However, look how effective the repetition of the floral print is. Think about whatever your favorite print is and then imagine it on walls, pillows, and chair and ottoman. I think that in this case, more is more!

Buatta decorated this bedroom in 1971. It's slightly dated, but look at that pink, that yellow, and the acid green. This color combination is bold and gutsy. No grooviness for Buatta; even back in the early 70s he was striving for sweet and pretty.

This shot of a Buatta room is one of my favorites. Take away the traditional pictures and pillows and insert some modern paintings and graphic pillows and I think you just might have a rather Miles Redd-esque room.

Dining Duquette Style

2008-06-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

Or should I make that Hutton Wilkinson style? In the June/July issue of C magazine, there is a neat little article about the way Hutton Wilkinson and his wife Ruth entertain at their home "Dawnridge" (you know, Tony Duquette's former home). On the table above, set for a luncheon, Wilkinson chose an emerald green tablecloth for the table, which is adorned with Chinese figures and pagodas from Duquette's collection. I just love the ballroom chairs with their malachite-patterned chair pads. And continuing with the malachite theme are the plates by D.L. & Co.

And what will the guests eat and drink at this elegant luncheon in a rather exotic setting? Hibiscus lemonade, Fattoush salad, and fromage blanc with berries and honey for dessert. I don't know if the guests will get the chance to have a piece of the "coral" cake, seen below- it's too pretty to cut!

Finally, the satiated guests will get to take home a very stylish party favor- a D.L. & Co. Duquette candle. My luncheons and dinners tend not to end with favors, but I just might change my mind!

A cake too pretty to eat! Cake by Cake Divas in Los Angeles

I'm smitten with these malachite plates D.L. & Co.

The Duquette candle by D.L. & Co.

(Image at top and of cake from C Magazine; Peter Wintersteller photographer)

Mary Jane Pool and La Dolce Vita

2008-06-04T09:15:00.001-04:00

I really went gaga over legendary magazine editor Mary Jane Pool's apartment that was featured in the March Domino. I thought it was such a beautiful mix of graceful antiques, 20th century pieces, and gorgeous fabrics and wallpaper. So, while I was reading Tiffany Taste(aka Table Settings of the Rich and Famous) the other day, I came across a chapter on Ms. Pool and her style of entertaining.

According to the book, Ms. Pool has a fondness for all things Venetian (this is confirmed by the Domino article, which notes that Pool has a decent sized collection of 18th and 19th c. painted Venetian antiques). For a summer lunch, Ms. Pool would likely start with a salad of shredded celery, mushrooms, Gruyère, white truffles, and a vinaigrette of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The main course might be a pasta gratinée of green tagliarini, béchamel, prosciutto, and tomato. For dessert? Chocolate twigs or truffles, grapes, or strawberries accompanied by mandarin orange tea. Oh, and no wine- "nothing dangerous"- with lunch, only San Pellegrino. After all, when you're an editor of a magazine, you have to stay on your toes!

What I enjoyed most were the photos of Pool's Sutton Place apartment circa 1986. Author John Loring wrote that Pool "knows as much as anyone about the domestic pleasures that make life sweet." I wholeheartedly agree.

What a sumptuous mix of yellow satin curtains, yellow walls, and red satin(?) chairs. In fact, those chairs appear to be the same ones that were featured in Pool's Olympic Tower apartment, although at that time they were covered in orange cotton pique. The mirror is 18th c. Venetian. And notice the pedestal table, which Pool still owns today (see image of Pool at top). According to Tiffany Taste, the base is in the shape of a neoclassic Italian urn.

Another Venetian piece- this time an 18th c. painted commode. The tea service is Royal Berlin, and the silver Tiffany basket is filled with chocolate twigs.

Tiffany's classic "Chrysanthemum" flatware and "Nymphalidae" dessert plates adorn the table. Strawberries are nestled in a Tiffany sterling basket.

(Image at top of Pool- photographer Annie Schlechter)

Coleen's Back!

2008-06-03T07:30:00.001-04:00

Exciting things are underway at Coleen and Company! After years at her eponymous Newport Beach shop, Coleen Rider decided to sell off most of her inventory and make the big move to Los Angeles. The new showroom, located near Culver City, will be opening the first week in July with all new inventory, and based on what Coleen has told me, it's going to be fabulous! I'll be posting photos of the showroom once the dust has settled. But in the meantime, Coleen has completely revamped her website in honor of the upcoming opening. Here are some sneak peeks of some of the new merchandise, and not to worry- Coleen's Tole Tent Lanterns and Chinoiserie Panels are still available for sale both online and at the new space. Oh, and don't forget to sign up for the $500 Gift Card contest- but you must visit the website to enter!

(Image at top: In addition to her custom Chinoiserie panels, Coleen has now added the Orange Tree topiary and the Kumquat Tree topiary panels to the collection- sold separately.)

Italian Gilt Barcart with Tassels

Pair of Faux Painted Obelisks

19th c. French Damask Linen Screen

Vintage Tole Fruit Centerpiece

Revisiting the Career of William Pahlmann

2008-06-02T07:46:00.001-04:00

Isn't it amazing how people who were once celebrities can fade into obscurity? The same thing can be said for celebrity decorators, especially William Pahlmann. Okay, so perhaps he's not an obscure designer, but he does not have the name recognition of Dorothy Draper or Elsie de Wolfe. If this were 1950, we would all be talking about Pahlmann. After all, he was one of the most famous decorators of the 1940s through the 1960s.

Pahlmann, who was educated at Parsons in the late 1920s, first gained notoriety after designing a mirrored bed for the first Mrs. William Paley (this according to Legendary Decorators of the Twentieth Century by Mark Hampton). Getting her seal of approval was the impetus he needed to go onward and upward, eventually landing him the job of head of the decorating and antiques department at Lord and Taylor. Pahlmann became known for his model rooms for the department store- rooms which garnered attention by the press and brought flocks of customers to the store. After a brief hiatus during World War II (serving in the Air Force), Pahlmann returned to New York where he set up his own decorating firm. He even had his own syndicated newspaper column titled "A Matter of Taste".

Pahlmann's interiors after WWII are quite evocative of the post-war era. While Pahlmann was quite capable of designing in the traditional style, much of his work celebrates mid-century modernism. Pahlmann was a champion of modern materials, including rubber flooring and rayon and other synthetic fabrics. The exotic also played a role in his interiors. Artifacts and objects of various cultures and countries mixed freely, lending his rooms a sort of well-traveled look. And let's not overlook Pahlmann's love of color. There was nothing primary about his chosen color schemes. In fact, in his book The Pahlmann Book of Interior Design, he wrote about various color combinations that he had used thus far in his career. These included cerulean, lime, magenta pink and white as well as deep sage, ripe persimmon and French blue.

Pahlmann was so well-regarded in the design world that when a young Albert Hadley first ventured to New York seeking a job as a designer, he sought out a meeting with his design idol. Hadley describes Pahlmann as "a man of great charm with a flamboyant personality and certainly he was not shy about anything."* Pahlmann encouraged Hadley to enroll at Parsons School of Design, just as he had.

While many of Pahlmann's room may seem a bit dated today, don't you think it's worth revisiting the career of this late, great decorator?

(Pahlmann's work is featured in the upcoming Acanthus Press release New York Interior Design, 1935-1985. Another "lost" designer whose work I greatly admire is George Stacey. I'll be writing about him soon!)

A great example of Pahlmann's fearless use of color. This bedroom's colors were inspired by a vineyard.

The mod floor in this living room was rubber! The mix is a bit unexpected: modern furniture with a Victorian sofa and Spanish altar candlesticks mixed with French candle sconces.

This was Pahlmann's own living room. I love the gunmetal gray walls and the robin's egg blue leather chair. According to Mark Hampton, the cabinet is actually a snakeskin Victrola.

I couldn't resist this image of an Empire-style tented room. Pahlmann admired Napoleon and Malmaison- might this have influenced the design scheme of this room?

Pahlmann designed this living room for Mrs. Walter Hoving in 1948. In my opinion, this room is one of Pahlmann's more elegant designs. Much of his later work seemed to be more casual, much in keeping with the times.

(*Hadley quote from Albert Hadley: The Story of America's Preeminent Interior Designer)

Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair

2008-05-30T08:25:00.001-04:00

Last night I attended a great party at Max & Company in honor of Suzanne Kasler's new furniture line for Hickory Chair. Kasler's gorgeous line made its debut at High Point this past Spring where it generated A LOT of buzz. And it was only natural that the Atlanta party was held at Max & Company, a fabulous shop owned by another Atlanta designer, Phoebe Howard.

I haven't been able to find any images of the new line on Hickory Chair's website, so I took copious photos of the entire first floor at Max & Company. Most of the furniture in these photos are Kasler's pieces. And if you're interested in anything and everything, by all means call Max and Company for info- everyone who works there is very nice and courteous. (Telephone- 404-816-3831). I think it's safe to say that Suzanne's new line is going to be a big hit!