Topsy Turvy

A Clever Idea

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Click image for a larger view.

Interior design is not a science - that is something I've come to learn after reading designer interviews and articles, and learning how designers actually carry out their projects. That is a bit of a relief for me. Do you ever have the impression, like I do, that the best designers know right away exactly what they are going to do with a space and exactly how it will be executed? And they never make mistakes? How intimidating! But I think even the best sometimes have to improvise, and often come up with great ideas in the process.

In Garrow Kedigian's Upper East Side NY apartment, he wanted to use a flea-market mirror above the sofa, but it didn't have the size and heft needed. So ... he simply framed the frame. By improvising, Garrow found a way to retain the appeal of the original frame, but also make it work in the space.

Very clever.
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See New York Social Diary for more photos of the apartment and charming attic office.
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Autumn Home Tour

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:36:00 +0000

We're having such perfect weather lately, it's a great time for strolling through some pretty neighborhoods and getting a peak inside some beautiful homes.

The Autumn Home Tour is presented by Interior Spaces, Inc., a South Tampa design firm most well-known for their gorgeous kitchen renovations and gardens and outdoor spaces.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2-5 pm, $10.
Tickets can be purchased at any of the six homes on the tour.
Proceeds benefit The Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
For more info, call 813-251-8862, or visit Interior Spaces, Inc.

Click on map to enlarge.

More Than Just Pretty

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed that some people become more and more attractive, the more you get to know them?

And doesn't that hold true for fashion, as well as interiors?

I know that the clothes I wear most often are those that are simple and refined, but make me feel and look good. As well, interiors that slowly reveal themselves – through details, subtle interplays of textures and finishes, and a sophisticated color palette – will be much easier to live with in the long run than the flashy, trendy and uninspired.

Getting to know Suzanne Kasler through her new book has been a similar experience. Her work is certainly beautiful, but there is substance too, that reveals itself on page after page of rooms that pull you in for closer inspection. And you are rewarded to find much to gaze upon – as you discover that she is not always predictable. Her commentary accompanying each photo is icing on the cake.

The details are everything ...

Click on this image for an enlarged view. Suzanne's interest in couture fashion is especially evident in the fabrics and details in this vignette. I'm crazy about that nailhead studded, grosgrain ribbon trim on the sofa. She uses this trim often, even on a few pieces in her Hickory Chair collection.

Not quite what we've come to expect from Ms. Kasler, this room is sophisticated, with a European flair for combining classics and modernism. She says she has never put a label on her style.

A range of textures and a subtle palette shimmer in an elegant Palm Beach residence. This decor is reminiscent of the work of Michael S. Smith ... but with a more delicate touch.

Revelations from Ms. Kasler:
• White is her signature color
• She likes to add a little bit of color for big impact
• She has a love of French culture
• She translates details from haute couture into her upholstery designs

My observations:
• Her use of modern art freshens and enlivens traditional settings
• One of my favorite of her projects shown in the book is a log cabin in the South Carolina low country, which features a witty approach to hiding the TV in the master bedroom.
• She seems generous and down-to-earth {How often do you see designers devote a full page to acknowledge their clients, photographers, publishers, as well as the magazines and their editors for publishing her work?}
• She is as hard-working, as she is talented. {In addition to her interior design business, she has developed her own lines of fabrics, furniture, paint and lighting, and is apparently adding a line of notecards to her accomplishments.}

Hustle over to her website now to order your very own signed copy of Suzanne Kasler, Inspired Interiors. {See what I mean by generous? Even though I have received an advance copy from Rizzoli, should I splurge on a signed copy? I'm thinking YES - one to keep and one to give!}
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Suzanne Kasler, Inspired Interiors by Suzanne Kasler with Christine Pittel, Rizzoli New York, 2009. Available next month. From the top: photo by Quentin Bacon; detail of photo by Thibault Jeanson, courtesy of Veranda; detail of photo from Meredith Corp.
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A few pieces in Suzanne Kasler's Hickory Chair collection.

Her Argonne sofa.

Suzanne didn't forget about the back. The Argonne looks great, coming and going.

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My Tile Makeover

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Does your list of household projects, like mine, seem to keep getting longer, instead of shorter? If you have an old house, it probably does. There are always the "needs" and the "wants" – and, of course the "needs" usually win out. The "need" this time was a new roof. Yikes. That's a big one, especially when the roof is clay tile. But we managed to include a "want" at the same time, which helped offset the pain and gave me something to get excited about. And one more thing to check off the list.

I've been wanting to tile the entry porch for years. And, when we added two back porches a couple of years ago, we wanted to tile those too.

My front porch, before. Click on image to enlarge.
The floor was concrete that had been incised to look like tiles, and was painted a terra-cotta color. I have cursed those grooves more times than I can count, while trying to clean the floor. The paint was not a pretty color, and getting scuffed, to boot.

Choosing tile is a big decision. It's expensive, and without the budget to re-do anything that doesn't work, I knew I'd have to get it right the first time. (No pressure from husband there.) Since our house is Mediterranean Revival, built in 1926, I wanted to use cement tiles for these areas. But when it came to choosing patterns/colors, that's where the trouble began.

After much deliberation and delay, the tiles are finally in and I am thrilled. The black/white tiles on the front porch were a risky choice, as they are visible from the main rooms. I was so afraid it would be too dramatic and busy for me, since I am all about neutrals and soft colors and not much pattern. But the design is a classic, so it was my fall-back when I couldn't find a pattern that really spoke to me. I hoped it would add a lot of style.

My front porch, after. Click on image to enlarge.
What a difference. But of course, now I really need to get a proper linen slipcover made for that ottoman, and just a few other things to complete the room.

"If you get the background right, you don't have to overdo what you put into it."
Suzanne Kasler: Inspired Interiors*

I wasn't quite prepared for how much the tile would change the feel of the entire house. What I also wasn't prepared for: the need to re-think the furnishings in the room to work with the patterned floor. I had never used the space at all, except as a pass-through to the living room. Admittedly, some of the furnishings were there because there was no other spot for them in the house. Mainly, my two beloved antique French wicker chaises and the bench, given to my husband by his mother.

The bench got to stay; sadly, the chaises will have to find a new home.
The great news, and the biggest surprise of all, is that we now have a room that is a pleasant place to sit and enjoy a morning cup of tea and the newspaper, or to flip through a design or art book for inspiration. Who knew that just tiling the floor could create a new living space? And such an elegant one, at that. Reading Suzanne Kasler's new book, I realized that, by putting too many things in the room, I had been trying to over-compensate for its shortcomings: the too-small windows on the front wall and the scruffy floor underneath.

The view from the living room into the porch. The front door can be seen at left.

What you can't see well in photos is the irregularities in the colors and patterns of cement tiles - they almost remind me of block-printed fabric. They are rustic and sophisticated, all at once, and don't feel like you'd expect cement to feel. They are very cool, smooth and almost silky to the touch. Similar to marble, but denser. Really nice, and even luxurious on bare feet.

I chose a different tile pattern for the back patios. I think it adds a lot of pizzazz, but is just subtle enough to work conceptually with the entry porch (although you don't see them at once) and with the ceramic tiles that will eventually go on the in-ground fountain in the back yard (which needs to be re-built - oops another project.) Now I just need to get the new patio curtains made up. I have the fabric, a nice white open weave that will billow nicely in the breeze. I'll need new white canvas for those chairs, and then there is the matter of the landscaping ...

Wait, wasn't my list supposed to get shorter?

A closer look at the tile pattern. Click to enlarge. This patio is directly off the living room, and there is an identical one off the master bedroom, that is being tiled to match. Hmm, I spy a little face at the door, looking quite peeved. Mitz likes to be in the middle of everything!

Other projects on my list: removing the modern slate floors in the kitchen and master bathroom and replacing them with antique terra cotta tiles. I'm insisting on antique tiles because they have so much character, so I may have to wait a long time for that. Then the kitchen countertops will need to be redone in Calcutta marble or limestone. And the stainless steel backsplash replaced with white beveled subway tiles. I think I need a job!

It really never ends ... but for right now, today, I'm happy.

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A special thank you to my great friend, Nina Long, former owner of Wholesale Tile + Assoc. Porch design by Roger Grunke. Tiles from Wholesale Tile by Aguayo.
More about cement tiles here .
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* I'll have a sneak peak soon of Suzanne Kasler: Inspired Interiors, by Suzanne Kasler with Christine Pittel, Rizzoli New York, 2009. Available November. Preorder here.
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Absinthe vs Chartreuse

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Did you know that absinthe is no longer just a drink? Yes, it is now a color. According to the October issue of Traditional Home magazine, absinthe is the new chartreuse.

I agree that absinthe is quite a terrific word (it is of French origin), but there exist those dark connotations and connections – to the seamy, forbidden (and now romanticized) world of struggling artists and ladies of the evening in the decadent days of Paris in La Belle Epoque. Apparently, enough years have gone by to give the spirits an air of legitimacy and yes, chic – and absinthe has now been welcomed into the color palette of the design world.

Actually, Traditional Home wasn't the first to grant legitimacy to the once-whispered name. The color palette of textile designer Dominique Kieffer's wonderful line of fabrics in 2003 included Absinthe, Aniseed, Vert d'Eau and Noir. Those appellations seem somehow appropriate for Keiffer's opulent, moody fabrics, many woven of natural fibers with dark undertones and accents.

I'm always up for whatever is new, but appropriateness has to be the standard. For most applications of that acid, yellow-green color, it will always be chartreuse, for me.

Besides, I don't think Chartreuse was ever accused of driving anyone mad.
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Photo from House & Garden, 10.03, of fabric samples from Dominique Kieffer's line of textiles.

The Gardens of Chateau Gabriel

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Click on any image for a larger view.

A little more about Chateau Gabriel can be found in the wonderful book, French Garden Style, which includes a few glimpses of the landscape and gardens, located in the idyllic French countryside at Deauville.

Looking down onto the rose pergola, with a view out to the sea.

The property had been abandoned for many years when it was purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Their vision for the landscape included: a walled garden of fruit and flowers, a rose garden, masses of lavender, a japanese garden to commemorate a trip, a wildflower meadow and a woodland garden – all of which were carried out by designer Franz Baechler. Hundreds of full-grown trees, from 30-50 years old, were transplanted onto the estate to give the gardens a sense of maturity.

The old stone pavers and antique brick columns of the rose pergola create a romantic and timeless setting for a leisurely stroll outdoors.

Interior designer Jacques Grange added garden ornaments, such as Diana the Huntress – seen here gazing over the meadow to the chateau – and a bridge for the Japanese garden, a decorative kiosk, a stairway leading up to the rose garden and a marble basin for its center. Many other design details and descriptions of plantings are included in the book.

Along with Chateau Gabriel, French Garden Style includes tours of more than 30 of France's finest gardens, including Monet's Giverny and the grand and elaborate Villandry.

French Garden Style, by Georges Lévêque and Marie-Françoise Valéry with foreward by England's esteemed garden designer, writer and historian, Penelope Hobhouse.
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Images from French Garden Style.

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Chateau Gabriel

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Please click on any image for a closer look.

Do you think you'd ever grow tired of, or blasé about, coming home to this wonder of a 19th-century Napolean-style manor? Would you, at some point, pull up into the front parking court, and find yourself oblivious to the charm of the ivy-covered brick walls, and the romance of the steeply pitched roofs and highly decorated gables of this Anglo-Norman fantasy? When you place it in Deauville, France, on 74 acres of land with breathtaking views leading out to the sea – it becomes even harder to imagine not being swept off your feet, every time you thought to steal a glance around.

I know, for me, familiarity and comfort do have a way of shifting my attentions to the new, the next thing. So perhaps that was the case for Yves St. Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who in 2005, had decided to sell their fairy-tale country home. According to an interview then, in the NY Times, the decision was made with sadness: 'If you don't go to a place, then you must get rid of it." Sigh. Priced at $25 million, Chateau Gabriel was finally snapped up this past February by a couple of Russian tycoons, for a bargain price of 9.6 million euros.

Perhaps it was this dacha out back that sold the new Russian owners on the place. It is surrounded by a birch grove, a waterfall and lake, a rose garden and an apple orchard that produces the house cider. Somehow, I would never have imagined Yves and Pierre lounging about sipping on apple cider, but I'm sure it must have been delicious.

Architectural detail of the dacha.

Two interior views of the dacha.

You may have seen photos of this reception room in the main house, with its Monet-inspired wall murals of water lilies.

The drawing room in the main house feels artistically moody, with its color scheme of purple and navy.

What a masterful design stroke to create a helicopter landing pad that, when not in use, becomes a lovely landscape feature – a grassy maze on a hillside.

Chateau Gabriel was Jacques Grange's first major collaboration with Yves and Pierre. His take, in 2005, on the news that it was for sale: "Pierre and Yves adored it - they love it still. Perhaps they have too many houses in their lives."

They also owned two luxurious garden apartments in the 6th arrondissement in Paris, and houses in Provence, Marrakech and Tangiers.

"Of all the houses I have decorated, the ones I have done for Saint Laurent are the most important part of my work," he said. "I love this place. It is unbelievable, extraordinary. I would like to dismantle it all and spirit it away."*

Too bad he couldn't have. On Nov. 17-18, the Saint Laurent-Pierre Bergé collection of art and antiques from Chateau Gabriel will go on the auction block at Christie's in Paris.
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Closer to the auction date, I'll have a sneak peak for you of Flammarion's new book, scheduled for release at that time:
YVES SAINT LAURENT – PIERRE BERGÉ COLLECTION: The Sale of the Century
Text by by François de Ricqlès and Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery
Flammarion, 2009

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All images from luxuryculture.com.
*The New York Times
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In Vicente Wolfe's Own Words ...

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:00:00 +0000

If you'd love to hear the voice of master interior designer Vicente Wolfe, and his frank and open discussion of design "behind the curtain," don't dally. Head on over right now and give a listen at The Skirted Roundtable, the brilliant invention of three fabulous bloggers – Joni Webb, Megan Arquette and Linda Merrill. I guarantee you'll learn something wonderful.

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Be Unconventional

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Dorothy Draper said, "we can all free ourselves and live our lives fully, zestfully and joyfully!

Image from Fiorete.
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Addictions

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Just when I thought I was getting control of my ideeli and Hautelook addictions,
up pops One Kings Lane. I think I'm in trouble!

If you have visited ideeli and Hautelook, you know that they have great online sales events, featuring mostly high-end, designer clothes and accessories, at greatly discounted prices (around 50-75% off). The sales are for a limited time, which of course, ups the anxiety quotient.

Now, there is One Kings Lane – the home decor equivalent.
Upcoming sales include Lux Candles, Jamie Young Lighting and Missoni.

Please don't hate me.

If you need an invitation to join any of these sites, I'd be happy to oblige.
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You Could Be Here ...

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:23:00 +0000

If you're in the mood for an exotic vacation, and the timing just isn't right for any of your friends, why let that stand in your way?

There's still time to catch a cruise through the Greek Islands, with stops in Athens and Istanbul – and including three nights in Santorini, Oct. 7-18.

Approx. $3600 covers most everything – including airfare, 4-star hotels (here and here), an outside (shared) cabin on the M.S Cristal (Louis Cruises), transfers, tours and meals.
You'll be traveling with a great group of artists, architects and designers.

E-mail me for more details.
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The Winner Is ...

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Congratulations to Elaine, the winner of the Topsy Turvy/Clayton Gray Home giveaway! Elaine will soon be receiving the necklace of her choosing. Thank you, Wendy, for offering such a great gift, and thanks to everyone who entered the drawing.
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Clayton Gray Home – Interview & Giveaway

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Wendy Garraty, founder of Clayton Gray Home.

It's nice to see the faces and hear the stories behind the bloggers we so often read, isn't it? If you're familiar with the online shop and blog, Clayton Gray Home, you probably already know that Wendy Garraty has great taste. You might not know that she is also kind and gracious, to boot.

I caught up with Wendy recently at Marketplace Interiors, near downtown Tampa, and we sat down for a chat.

Busier than ever, Wendy has just opened a retail store location in this unique, newly renovated warehouse building, which offers shoppers a diverse selection of furnishings and accessories from 17 different design professionals.

Tell us about your background - how and why you started your business, Clayton Gray Home.
Retail has always been part of my life (I once worked for Anthropologie.) Initially, I started doing residential design work, but gradually moved to commercial projects when I found that to be more exciting and quick paced.

I have always loved the "search" for just the right product. For Clayton Gray Home, I've pulled together a mix of goods that seems to appeal to a large segment of shoppers. And I thank those shoppers for allowing me to do what I love.

What is your personal decorating style, and what/who would you consider to be your influences?
My style is definitely eclectic and quirky. I prefer carefree living at home, with the ability to move pieces from room to room. My color palette is such that I can move a lamp or chair or rug from one room to another and the piece still fits. I have 2 children, a dog and cats, so it's very important to me that they are all able to be in any part of our home – there aren't any rooms that are "off-limits." That being said, I have put a great deal of effort into teaching my children how to behave inside our home. Now if I could just get the dog on board ...

I am influenced by Billy Baldwin, Dorothy Draper, Mark Hampton, David Hicks and Florence Broadhurst. I could look at their work over and over again, and find something new and inspiring each time.

Do you have a favorite color?
Gray, of course. It's my "go-to" neutral that I pair with every other color for a completely different look each time.

10 things you can't live without ...
1 Benjamin Moore color wheel – I keep one in my office and one in my car
2 Choosing Happiness, by Alexandra Stoddard – I re-read this often to help me stay focused.
3 Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Pens
4 My iPhone
5 Boxwoods
6 Volcano Capri Blue Candles
7 Dr. Bronner Lavender Soap – It is organic, and was recommended to me by Amber at Spa Jardin.
8 Tory Burch shoes – Since we live in Florida, I'm a big fan of her flip-flops and have several pairs. They are affordable, you can throw them on with jeans and they dress up an outfit just a bit more than a regular flip-flop.
9 "Cherish" lipstick & "Spice" liner, both from MAC
10 My vintage men's Rolex watch – My husband gave it to me when we were first married. It's very plain and simple for a Rolex, which suits my style, and I prefer the bigger face because it's easier to see the numbers.

Photos of Wendy Garraty by Topsy Turvy, from the iPhone.
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How to enter the giveaway ...
As a special treat for Topsy Turvy readers, Wendy is offering a great give-away:
This charming necklace, valued at $65, in your choice of three colors.

Handmade and unique, these darling pendant necklaces from "Art by Amy" are fun and funky. Each sparkling cut-out heart is a "one of a kind" creation, framed in sterling silver and protected by a cut glass front and solid glass back.

When your mood changes, flip over the 16" sterling silver chain and pendant ... the reverse side displays charming vintage "found" papers.

To enter, you must do 2 things by midnight, Sat., Aug. 15:

1. Leave a comment on this post indicating which color necklace you prefer - orange, gold or purple. (And please be sure to leave an email address.)
2. Then go to Clayton Gray Home, and sign up for the mailing list (which will include discounts for future products, new arrivals etc.) The sign up box is at the bottom right of the home page.

It's that easy! One winner will be chosen by drawing,
and announced on Mon., Aug. 17.
Bonne chance!

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A Gift For You

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Coming up later this week, I'll have a special interview with blogger and Clayton Gray Home shopowner, Wendy Garraty. Wendy will be offering a special giveaway for one lucky Topsy Turvy reader, so please check back soon ...

Meantime, take a look at the beautiful photography of Marion Brenner.
The above photo is from her Still Life collection, but her Botanicals are equally great.

And those wonderful, quirky white vases ...
they're from my favorite ceramic artist, Francis Palmer.
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Two more photos by Marion Brenner, pottery by Francis Palmer,
from House & Garden, July 04.
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Chartreuse Is More Than Just A Color

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:10:00 +0000

One more reason to love chartreuse is the name. It's such a beautiful word, don't you think?

I seem to be naturally drawn to anything French – the language – spoken and written, the style, the culture, the landscape, and even the people. I think I must have lived there in a previous life, and I dream of going back.

For the time being (and until I find that perfect chartreuse fabric), I'm going to experiment with some cocktails using the liqueur of the same name. How pretty will these drinks look!

You probably know that the liqueur is made by the Chartreuse monks in the north of France, from an ancient recipe. It was originally referred to as an "elixir of long life," (I think I need a lot of that) and is made of 130 different herbs and botanicals. The color is natural, although the original formula is called Green Chartreuse, and a newer formula, milder and sweeter, is the Yellow Chartreuse.

The elixir reportedly has an anise flavor, so this drink recipe sounds like it might be tasty. If not, the bottle can just sit there and look beautiful. I'll report back on my drink success – and if anyone else tries it, let me know what you think.

Cloister
1 1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz Yellow Chartreuse
1/2 oz grapefruit juice
1/4 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz simple syrup

Shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Recipe from Gonzo Gastronomy.

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A dozen chartreuse roses look very haute couture, don't you think?

Who imagined that a bike path could be beautiful and functional?
Who else but NYC's DOT. I love it. Photo via mindcafe.org.

For a little fun, watch this video of the Henry Street bike lane in Brooklyn. Video via streetfilms.org

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Chartreuse

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:02:00 +0000

I can't stop looking at this room (from the latest issue of Veranda), for several reasons. First is that fabulous chartreuse pillow. Click on any image for a larger view.

You could say that the color chartreuse was an important part of my early life, as I grew up in a house in the late 50s-early 60s, taking meals every day in a dining room with three chartreuse walls. My mother loved anything chartreuse, and it still is my own favorite color, after white.
The room above also combines many design ideas that I am so drawn to: a neutral background and white slipcovers (how great is that tight white slipcovered settee with the little flared skirt!), a mix of modern and old, wonderful authentic European architecture, splashes of luscious color, high art (as opposed to thrift store art), and a bit of glamour combined with an ease and comfort that invites a person into the space ... to wander, explore and feel right at home.

On the other side of the room, a more formal and very long Biedermeier sofa is taken down a notch with white linen-blend upholstery and scattered throw pillows. (The owners lucked out on the sofa when they found it in an antiques shop: it had already been purchased by Versace for his Lake Como villa, but was later returned when it didn't fit through the doors.) The casual stacks of books piled beneath the side table also bring down the tone of the room – to make it feel more relaxed.

Another element of the room that resonates for me is the lack of pattern. I can be just as swept away as anyone by a beautiful print, but, over time, I find I get bored and want to change them out. The pillows I have at home that have kept their appeal for me longer than any: a solid brown antiqued velvet (actually the back side of a patterned pillow that I grew tired of) and a solid linen that looks like burlap, but is more refined and softer to the touch. The rooms I see that most often make me catch my breath are those with very little pattern, and a mostly neutral color scheme. Brighter splashes of color that are sparingly introduced into this setting take on much more drama and impact.

Why don't I have any chartreuse in my house? I must change that, but I don't think I've ever come across a fabric that has the depth and richness of that chartreuse pillow. Perhaps I need to take a look at Dedar's fabric swatches – after all, the owners of this villa located in a small town near Como, Italy are Nicola and Elda Fabrizio, the founders of the fabric line.
All pillows are made up of Dedar fabrics and trims.
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Caterina Fabrizio speaks about the origins and inspiration for Dedar fabrics (courtesy of Live In Full Color.)

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Interior photographs by Massimo Listri for Veranda.
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Lisa Fontanarosa

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:59:00 +0000

In case you weren't around way back in 2007, I did a couple of features and an interview with Lisa Fontanarosa. (Don't you love saying her name? For a five-syllable word, it just rolls right off the tongue.)

Lisa is a smart and talented woman, who presents a collection of artist-made pieces—from chandeliers and cushions to glassware and sculpture—not to be believed! Lisa travels the world in search of artists with a unique perspective.

Lucky for us, Lisa has a brand-new blog where we can keep up with her latest! Check it out, and then head over to the Lisa Fontanarosa Collection – and view the artists' work. Marie Christophe's airy and delicate wire sculptures and chandeliers are just thrilling. I think you'll love the commissions by Dior, Hermes, Roger Vivier, and others. And the fabric and pillow designs of Adam & Viktoria, influenced by vintage wallpapers and rugs, are showing up everywhere these days.
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I recently met up with Wendy, of Clayton Gray Home, at her new shop in Tampa. (More about that soon!) She has several of the new Adam & Viktoria pillows in stock – and they are more gorgeous than can be appreciated in photos.

Ombre Antiguo in Taupe - love this!

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Handbag Mania

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Lately it seems I've been experiencing "handbag mania." I have always preferred to get one purse that works with everything, and use it daily until it wears out or I get really tired of it. That way, no worry about switching purses at the last minute before going out, and I thought it was a nice way to simplify life.

This stone linen with cream patent leather trim would match the inside of my house. (I'd lose the little mirror.)

Since I've joined ideeli and Hautelook, I've been stressing out daily over which fabulous purse to buy at which greatly discounted price, and have decided I need a new strategy for dressing.

Black wicker with cream patent trim in a great shape.

I decided to pare down my wardrobe to fewer neutral pieces (mostly white, since that has always been my favorite color, and it works in a hot climate better than black.) So, now I'm obsessing over accessories.

A nice large tote in a chic fabric. (Again, the mirror needs to go inside the bag, not outside.)

Please don't tell my husband, but I have succombed (several times!), and am now anxiously awaiting the fed ex guy.

Another wonderful fabric done up in a chic retro style.

Today's envy: these handbags from the Lulu Guinness sale. They are all great for summer, don't you think? Lulu's designs tend to be very girly, which is not normally my style – but these are a bit more subdued and seriously tempting with my favorite materials – linen, wicker and fabric.

Or, maybe I just need to step away from the computer ...
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My heroine, the late Gilda Radner, famously said, "It's always something." If you're a fan of Gilda, you might enjoy this Audition skit. She's totally charming and funny and unique.

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Unspoiled Florida

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Our plan for a beach week was to escape, relax and unwind, but I'm not sure we were quite prepared for the isolation of San Pedro Island. There are no shops, no commercial buildings, not even a church. You must really plan your grocery shopping to avoid the pricey ferry crossing to the nearest Publix, five miles down the road.

Hmmm ... our ferry looks like a tugboat pushing a barge with chain link fencing around the sides!

On one corner of the barge, the Little House on the Ferry proves that ferrymen can have fun, and their attempt at decor, in this case, is really not too bad! The nice rattan chair could use a new slipcovered white denim cushion. I'd add a blue ikat throw pillow and a little outdoor rug in a simple thin stripe. Roll up that plastic panel under a jaunty wide-striped canvas awning, add a chic lantern, and this ferry house could be quite stylish!

Five minutes later – after crossing the Intracoastal Waterway – cars, cyclists and pedestrians debark from the Katie B onto the island.

The morning commute to the ferry. Reportedly 50% of the island residents are year-round. Would you consider this a dream lifestyle, or a no-stress option taken to an extreme?

NY's street-art themes are a bit edgier than what you will find here.

Save for the one main entry road which is paved, all others are sand and shell.

Upon arrival, most people switch from cars to either golf carts or bikes.

Hello, backyard.

Look what we found! Some impish fiddler crabs apparently were up all night, preparing for our arrival.

The morning skies were so painterly. I love the landscape palette of beige, blue and white, and the constant ocean breezes.

The photographer becomes part of the scene.

Of all the houses we saw on the island, this was my favorite. It is perfectly sited and perfectly suited to its location. Its footprint is narrow and deep, and the dark wood siding and tin roof lend a non-obtrusive, subtlety to the structure that feels just right – like it could have been here forever.

It appears to have been designed specifically to fit right into that little clearing between the palms. Every elevation is interesting and distinctive because of varying roof lines and gables, porches, windows and stairways. This is the perfect antidote to a McMansion, and a perfectly charming beach house.

I would definitely turn that screened porch into a sleeping porch!

A path to the beach, the smell of the Australian pines, and the sound of the wind whispering in their branches evokes childhood memories for me.

Looking through the carport of this house (which is available for rent), you can see the wooden boardwalk that leads over the sea oats and down to the beach. Most every house is built up off the ground like this one. The island is just wide enough in many areas for a narrow road and a row of houses on each side, so I can only imagine what would happen if a hurricane came through.

Another house using rustic barn-wood siding, but this one fills the entire lot and obscures the view of the beach beyond. Bright yellow front doors play up the contemporary design.

I love the pink and white color scheme on this cottage, along with the entry gate, double entry stairs, and wrap-around porch. Landscaping around most of the homes is usually limited to gravel, tall grasses, sea grapes and palms – and no structures on the island are taller than about 3 stories.

Due to many recent storms, there was a lot of seaweed along the shore. We decided to clear a path, so that we could walk down to the water.

Early the next morning, we saw large flipper marks in the sand! A Loggerhead turtle had used our path during the night and made a nest! "Our" turtle nest was also spotted by the Turtle Patrol, who marked its location.

This was just too much excitement after being lulled into a trance-like state from days of nothing but ocean, sky and sand and the occasional bike ride and paddle-ball game! We decided that we must dig more paths, so more turtles would come up and nest. And, we would do an all-night vigil (the turtles nest only at night) to witness the phenomenon! Of course, our vigil lasted only until about 11 pm, when we ran out of wine.

We were disappointed to find no signs of turtles on our new paths the next morning, but we did run into the Turtle Patrol volunteers, who informed us that another nest in front of our condo had hatched two nights prior, and they were going to dig it out!

When there is evidence of a hatching, the Turtle Patrol digs up the eggs in order to take a "head count." Here you can see how deep the eggs were buried. Sometimes live hatchlings can also be found - those that were not able to get up to the surface.

A live baby turtle is found!

Then three, then five!

The babies are placed on the sand so that they can make their way down to the surf, and help strengthen themselves for their long journey ahead.

Hopefully these five will be able to join their 104 siblings, who had a two-day head start.

"Moxie" had one bad flipper, but a lot of heart. Here she picks up steam and races ahead to be first into the water! Her tiny little body was tossed around in the waves a bit, but after coming up for air, she managed to plunge down below the tidal forces and was gone – off to her new home in the ocean. The baby Loggerheads will swim for 24 hours until they reach the shelter of seaweeds growing in the Sargasso Sea.

Au revoir, les hatchlings.

Until another time ...

Last three photos by Laurie Van Brocklin. All others by Topsy Turvy, from the iPhone.
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Caretta Caretta, all grown up, can reach 3 1/2' long and 800 lbs.
See more wonderful photos of Loggerhead s here. Copyright Tony Rath .
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A Beach Getaway

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Sister-in-law Laurie has rented a beachfront condo for the week, and invited Tim and I to join her for a few days. We'll be staying on a little island off the coast of Florida near Englewood, about halfway between Sarasota and Ft. Myers. This will really be getting away from it all, since you have to take a ferry over from the mainland. There is no shopping on the island, and just one restaurant. Wonder if we'll have wi-fi?

Click on any image for a larger view.

I don't think we'll be quite this secluded, but one can dream.
I'm taking along books, magazines, and plenty of mojito mixings.

My idea of a beach getaway ... is looking out the bedroom french doors, thrown wide-open to a view like this!

Sheer white curtains billowing in the ocean breeze, and mosquito netting draped over a bed ... this scene appeals to the romantic in me.

I spy a perfect spot for napping on a hot, lazy afternoon. All you need to add is a ceiling fan whirring gently overhead. This room looks like it could be in a treehouse on a tropical island, à la Swiss Family Robinson (hopefully sans pirates).

Hmmm, I wonder if our condo will have a bathroom with a view?

The owners of this beach house have gotten the decor right.
White denim slipcovers are superb for a soft hand, clean beachy look and ease of care. They wear like iron, and can be thrown in the washer and dryer and come out beautifully (no need even for ironing). The fabric is inexpensive as well.

Many of us dream of an outdoor shower.
This bathroom takes the idea a step further, and is completely outdoors ...

... with a gorgeous gilded-leg clawfoot tub, a separate shower, lots of tropical foliage and nothing but the big blue sky overhead.

For an evening on the beach, I love these sand excavations with votive candles set inside – they look so pretty and somewhat mysterious.

Enjoy your 4th of July weekend, and see you in a few days ....

Top image from Nuevo Estilo. (Thanks Carolina Eclectic!)
All others: Luxury Culture.
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Yves Gastou Decorates with Red, White & Blue

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:50:00 +0000

French antiques dealer Yves Gastou shows us all how to decorate with patriotic color. Just throw in one simple André Arbus rug, add a sprinkling of designer antiques, and voila ... instant fireworks!

The sculptural forms and soft colors of the neoclassical commode by Gio Ponti, coffee table by Jansen, and armchairs by Jean-Charles Moreux set the stage for the sophisticated heat provided by the red-white-and-blue rug, in the living room of Gastou's house in Biarritz. I love how the rug acts as a giant, abstract painting, and the large scale of the pattern pulls the room together.

Switch to his Paris apartment, and you can still find hits of blue and red/orange. It's quite ok to bring in a range of colors in your rooms, letting their dominance vary from room to room. The slender lines and glass top of the Arbus coffee table make it the perfect choice here - you really wouldn't want to hide much of that luscious rug. The rich purples in the Christian Liagre sofa are not a perfect match, but that doesn't seem to matter. I think the white pattern with dark outlines in the rug, along with the deep-blue and pale lavender accents in the room help change the way the colors are perceived.

Poolside – a little playfulness, in style and color, courtesy of a Mark Newson chair and what appears to be a pink rubber ball in a fabulous zinc urn. When your home is a charming, turreted mini-castle in Biarritz that verges on Disney-esque, I think you can get away with this approach. Perspective and a sleek landscape play into the stage-set.

Gastou's style shows that you can mix serious antiques with modern and colorful accents, and have fun with your home decor. But in order to successfully break the rules, you have to know them. And I think it takes real talent to make this work.

See more here. Photos by Ivan Terestchenko.
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Making Peace Personal

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Instead of a peace button, I think I'll wear one of these great bracelets.

Max&Chloe Ettica Leather Peace Wrap Bracelet. I love the wrap style, and this would go with most everything (perhaps a pair of brown leather gladiator sandals).

Also from Max&Chloe, the Ettica Leather Peace Bracelet comes in your choice of 16 colors.
I'm partial to the white.

Max&Chloe Blu Bijoux Rock N Roll Peace Cuff, $22.
If you like cuffs, this one is cute with a little bit of cool.

What a nice way to provide a subtle, constant reminder of your personal vision for the world!
It is said that visualizing can make things happen ...
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Bringing Peace Home

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

A small, simple gesture – like incorporating peace signs in your everyday life – can have an effect on your own way of thinking, and that of those around you.

Jonathan Adler's Peace Pillow is available in magenta/brown or black/white. Or – you can choose from quite a few custom color swatches to match your decor.
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Coming Together for Peace

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

This candle-light peace sign, in Budapest, 2006, is such a beautiful way to make a peaceful statement.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix
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The Peace Sign

lana@topsyturvystyle.com (Topsy Turvy) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Yesterday was the first in a series of posts I'll be doing about peace. I can't stop thinking about what this world would be like without war, violence, hate, intolerance and the struggle for power and control of others.

Did you know that the British were marching with peace signs, guitars and babies in 1958?

Designed in 1958 for the British nuclear disarmament movement, the peace sign was brought to the US by a member of the Student Peace Movement, in the form of peace buttons. Thousands of those buttons were sold on college campuses, and it was soon adopted by the baby boomer anti-war protesters in the 60s.

Millions of people around the world, regardless of race or religious beliefs, have looked to the peace sign to unite them. It has become an enduring cultural icon ... It is probably the most commonly used non-religious symbol of hope in the world, instantly recognized anywhere as the universal sign for peace ... Although the world is currently filled with wars, the peace symbol is a reminder of how much people long for peace.*

*More information and photos here.
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