AESTHETICALLY THINKING

GREYSTONE GLAM

2011-11-18T14:14:00.063-05:00

Last week I had the great pleasure of playing "design assistant" (instead of designer for a change- translation: I was vacuuming) for my dear friend Raymond Goins in Los Angeles. He is participating in Maison de Luxe (for Luxe Magazine) at the Greystone Estate in Beverly Hills. What a treat and absolute delight, I could have spent days there!

Built in 1927, the mansion and its' gardens were designed for Edward and Lucy Doheny, and the 46,000 square foot home with 67 rooms was laden with every amenity anyone could possibly want or need. Veranda magazine's Show House in 2009 was a study in elegance, each interior partnering perfectly with the stunning architectural details in every room. It was fascinating to see the rooms from 2009 reinvented in 2011 by a new group of designers. Once again, the spaces are positively sumptuous and decadent all over again! Each room is done to the nth degree by the likes of Philip Gorrivan, Mary McDonald, Jamie Drake, Barry Dixon and Martin Lawrence Bullard to name a few. The Greystone Maison de Luxe opens to the public December 2-22....it is truly a MUST SEE!

Note: All images are from Veranda's 2009 Show House at the Greystone, stay tuned for for the images from Maison de Luxe!

PRISTINE PALM BEACH

2011-11-02T14:24:00.023-04:00

Well, Halloween just went whizzing by and before you know it the Christmas lights will be going up! It's amazing how time flies this time of year! The sweaters are just out of the moth balls and now it's back to the beach- Palm Beach to be exact. Now there are way worse places to have to work in this world (I'll be feeling even better about that come dreary January). Sometimes life is glamorous...white-sand beaches, pristine lawns and orange blossom-scented breezes. As with any new project, I am always seeking inspiration. You have to get in the mood which isn't such a tough thing to do this go-around. Enjoy!

WHEN FOOD IS ART AND ART IS FOOD

2011-10-05T15:47:00.013-04:00

WHEN FOOD IS ART AND ART IS FOOD

Ditte Isager's photographs for Noma: Time and Place in Nordic Cuisine are breathtaking! In this world renowned restaurant in Copenhagen, chef Renee Redzepi's spectacular and innovative cuisine truly blurs the line between what is food and what is art?

GOOD DOG CHARLIE 1999-2011

2011-06-29T11:35:00.012-04:00

"...beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices..."

- Lord Byron

CAST CONSCIOUS

2011-06-20T10:04:00.031-04:00

Gosh, is it possible that I have been AWOL from the blogosphere since June 29th? I wish I could say it's because I took a long and luxurious vacation to Bali, but quite to the contrary. We have been working, working, working hard! We were out of the country installing a project for two weeks and right after had a two week installation for another big project, coupled with a major renovation. My how the time flies when there are seven day work weeks and twelve hour days!

From the beginning, I really made a commitment to post at least once a week and I am committed to getting back to that, so stay tuned. In the meantime here is one of my favorites- Sir John Soane's Museum at Lincoln Inn Fields in London along with Aynhoe Park by Soane in Oxford. I'm obsessed with Soane's massive cast collection- clearly James Perkins, the owner of Aynhoe Park is as well!

Interiors Magazine

Interiors Magazine

Interiors Magazine

In House - Photograph by Derry Moore

In House - Photograph by Derry Moore

In House - Photograph by Derry Moore

In House - Photograph by Derry Moore

In House - Photograph by Derry Moore

Interiors Magazine

Interiors Magazine

Interiors Magazine

SIMPLY WHITE

2011-06-14T11:08:00.011-04:00

Who doesn't love the crisp, cool look of white-on-white? In today's stress-filled, high octane world of endless emails, text messages and cacophony of cell phone ring tones-there is nothing like walking into a white-on-white interior! It immediately lowers the noise level and the blood pressure on so many levels.

So take a deep breath and NAMASTE!

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Elle Decoration UK - The White Company

Elle Decoration UK - Paola Navone

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

2011-06-13T18:11:00.025-04:00

The good news about Atlanta in the summer months (and it isn't even technically summer by the way) is that even though it is very, very hot-it is still lush and sublimely green! There is extensive green space in this city of ours thankfully, because sometimes it seems we endure a never-ending summer. However, thanks to the preponderance of the color green there is always a cool escape.

Green affects us both physically and mentally being the most restful and relaxing color to the human eye. It is actually proven to help alleviate anxiety and depression as it is the color of balance and harmony. Interestingly enough, a love of green is supposed to be the sign of an artistic temperament. So with the summer solstice upon us, I find myself longing for a lazy day lolling about in a hammock under a canopy of leaves…. mix up the margaritas!

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Martha Stewart Living - Photograph by Mikkel Vang

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Matheus

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Christine Ternynck

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Guillaume de Laubier

The World of Interiors - Maud Hewlings

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Sophie Tramier

Bon Appetit - Photograph by Jason Lowe

Bon Appetit - Photograph by Zach Desart

Bon Appetit - Photograph by David Prince

Bon Appetit - Photograph by Gentl Hyers

The World of Interiors - Origines

The World of Interiors - Marie-France Boyer

The World of Interiors - Photograph by Aya Brackett

The World of Interiors - Photograph by Fritz der Schulenburg

The World of Interiors - Photograph by Bruno Suet

Maisons Cote' Est - Photograph by Jo Pesendorfer

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Mark Eden Schooley

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Mark Eden Schooley

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Francois Goudier

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Anthony Lanneretonne

Elle Decoration UK

Elle Decoration UK - Alexis Tricoire

PRETTY IN PINK

2011-06-13T17:27:00.027-04:00

When I think about pink, it makes me just want to launch into the chorus for "I feel pretty, ohhhh so pretty!" Pink is the essece of beauty and feminity plus has the added bonus of making everyone look good-both men and woman. Who doesn't want that? We can all benefit from a little tone-enhancing color, so color me pretty in pink!

Martha Stewart Living - Photograph by Pieter Estersohn

Martha Stewart Living - Photograph by Earl Carter

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Francois Goudier

The World of Interiors - Benjamin Kempton

Maisons Cote' Ouest

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Sophie Tramier

Town & Country - Tom Scheerer

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Francois Goudier

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Herve Hote

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Herve Hote

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Aya Brackett

DINNER ANYONE?

2011-06-13T16:48:00.024-04:00

I love to cook, and more importantly- to eat. I just wish I had more time and a fabulous kitchen to do it in! The most important room in the house, and it goes without saying, the one we all spend the most time anguishing over during the design process. I live for the day I can do my own, as alas- "the shoemaker's children have no shoes!"

Atelier de St Paul

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Eric Morin

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Matheus

Martha Stewart Living - Photograph by Jonny Valiant

Martha Stewart Living - Photograph by Pieter Estersohn

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photography by Nicolas Matheus

Elle Decoration UK - Pernille Vest/ Linnea Press

The World of Interiors - Paul Mathieu

The World of Interiors - Patrick Baty

The World of Interiors - Marie-France Boyer

The World of Interiors - Jonathan Reed

The World of Interiors - David Gentleman

Plain English Cupboardmakers

Plain English Cupboardmakers

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Stephen Clement

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Stephen Clement

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Perrick Verny

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Tosi

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Matheus

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Nicolas Matheus

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Patrice Gavand

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Mireille Roobaert

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Francois Goudier

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Eric Herouville

Maisons Cote' Est - Photograph by Patrick van Robaeys

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Matheus

Elle Decor - Photograph by William Waldron

Architectural Digest - Photograph by Santi Caleca

Architectural Digest - Photograph by Birgitta Wolfgang

Architectural Digest - Amelia Handegan

COPENHAGEN

2011-05-03T09:46:00.015-04:00

I’m just back from Copenhagen a few weeks ago and all I can say is WOW,WOW and WOW! So inspirational! Not only was I able to spend five incredible days with an amazing group of fabulous interior designers, architects, editors and manufacturers; but also was so very thrilled to see some unique interiors.

Oliver Gustav and Malene Birger are superbly talented! Oliver Gustav has a fascinating shop by the same name on The King’s Square. Oliver’s home and store are located under one roof-both spaces chocked full of intimate vignettes. Although I did not go to Malene Birger’s homes, I did spend a considerable amount of time in her store. Not only is Malene an formidable talent and her fashion formula….edgy, sexy sophistication. Her book “Life and Work: Malene Birger’s Life in Pictures” showcases her overall design savvy. She lives and breathes her design aesthetic daily.

I was stunned, to say the least, by the impeccable style throughout the city in every nook and cranny. Reaffirming that to the Danes appreciating beauty is more than just a hobby, it’s a way of life!

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Malene Birger

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Oliver Gustav

Malene Birger

Malene Birger

Malene Birger

Malene Birger

EARLY DELIGHTS

2011-04-26T00:05:00.024-04:00

There's a nip in the air! You can feel it, you can hear it, you can smell it coming! My favorite time of year-fall. So I find myself gravitating to the simplistic cerebral imagery that inspires my grass-roots sensibility. There is honesty here, there is a strong work ethic- a singular strong graphic visual and quietness that goes hand-in -hand with the imagery. So sensual, yet at the same time, so minimal-what poetic presence!

Elle Decoration UK

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Matheus

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Ferruccio Carassale

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Nicolas Matheus

Maisons Cote' Sud - Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Henri del Olmo

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Sud - Photograph by Bernard Touillon

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Jean-Marc Palisse

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Eric Herouville

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Eric Herouville

Maisons Cote' Ouest - Photograph by Eric Herouville

Maisons Cote' Est

Maisons Cote' Est - Photograph by Patrick van Robaeys

Maisons Cote' Est - Photograph by Jean-Marc Palisse

Maisons Cote' Est - Photograph by Francois Goudier

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud

Maisons Cote' Sud

"TUFT" STUFF

2011-04-16T01:54:00.042-04:00

Who came up with tufting any way and why? I've looked it up everyway I know how and really cannot come up with the history of the whole process. Don't get me wrong, I love the stuff...the tufted Chesterfield sofa (is that where it began?), a tufted ottoman, headboard or banquette - no matter and whatever the case...love it. Who's got the story?

Eric Hughes - Elle Decor

Maisons Cote' Sud

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier - Elle Decor

Jacques Grange - Architectural Digest

Adrienne Vittadini - Veranda

Suzanne Rheinstein - Elle Decor

Suzanne Rheinstein - Elle Decor

Sarah Medford, photographed by Oberto Gili - At Home with Town & Country

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

Kelly Wearstler

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Jean Bond Raffery, photographed by Oberto Gili - At Home with Town & Country

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

DARK? LIGHT? OR TONE ON TONE?

2011-04-14T18:56:00.016-04:00

In this business you never know what the day will bring, but one thing that's a constant is the question - "what would you do?" My clients are forever pushing me (in a good way) to be better, to think outside my own box. Most recently I was asked what I thought about trim painted in a dark color or tone-on-tone. Although I've done it, I tend to do more of the contrasting trim with a lighter color rather than a dark. If I do tone-on-tone then I'll often change the trim to a high gloss to contrast with a flat wall finish. Anyway, no matter the final decision, it gets you thinking - and that's always a good thing!
What would you do?

Victoria Hagan - Elle Decor

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Mark Cunningham - Elle Decor

Kirsten Kelli LLC - Veranda

Brian McCarthy - Elle Decor

Gwen Driscoll - Elle Decor

Steven Gambrel

Steven Gambrel

Steven Gambrel

Steven Gambrel

Steven Gambrel

"X" MARKS THE SPOT

2011-04-12T10:38:00.023-04:00

What is it about an X as a design element that makes it so very effective? I was flipping through pages and my eye kept going to X stretchers, X's on doors, X's on everything! Is the X in the "XOXO" the kiss or the hug? Google that - the X is the kiss! Of course, then when googling X's and O's, I discover that a cross mark or X was the same as a sworn oath. The X at the bottom of a document took the place of a signature. For an illiterate person, they would then kiss the X as a crucifix or bible was kissed to emphasize the importance of the mark! Well, all that being said, kisses everyone!

Maisons Cote' Sud

Hermes

Photograph by Simon Upton - The World of Interiors

Darryl Carter - Elle Decor

Jack Ceglic - Elle Decor

Edwina Hunt - Elle Decor

Photograph by Sang An - Elle Decor

Cristina Grajales - Elle Decor

Photograph by William Abranowicz - Elle Decor

Mariette Himes Gomez

Mariette Homes Gomez

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

James Huniford - Elle Decor

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Kirsten Kelli LLC - Veranda

Charlotte Moss

Charlotte Moss

Charlotte Moss

MARRAKECH EXPRESS

2011-04-05T12:27:00.019-04:00

I have not been to Morocco since I was twenty-one years old (in other words, a long time ago), but as far as exotic travel goes- it remains very high on the list of spectacular places to visit before you die! It’s impossible to forget the smells, the sights, the sounds and the flavors of this magical place. The highlight of the trip was sitting by the pool at La Mamounia (I, of course, was NOT staying there on my student’s budget), but I fell in love with Moroccan tile right there and then in this stunning space. I’m keeping my passport on me just in case!

The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge - Interiors by Bill Willis and Jacques Grange

The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge - Interiors by Bill Willis and Jacques Grange

The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge - Interiors by Bill Willis and Jacques Grange

The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge - Interiors by Bill Willis and Jacques Grange

Restaurante San Pedro - Town & Country Travel

La Vitrola - Town & Country Travel

Barbara and Rene' Stoeltie - Mexico Style

Barbara and Rene' Stoeltie - Mexico Style

Hacienda Style

Dar Es Saada, Marrakech Guesthouse - Style and Substance

Giambattista Valli - Style and Substance

Dar Es Saada - Style and Substance

Sig Bergamin - So Chic

ALL LACQUERED UP

2011-03-29T11:34:00.012-04:00

Gloss, gloss and more gloss! Love lacquer! Glitzy and glamorous, sleek and sexy....give me some lacquer. Just like glass, a glint of that sheen on a surface adds a glimmer to any space....shimmer and shine!

Todd Romano - Architectural Digest

Stephen Sills and James Huniford - Style and Substance

Ralph Lauren - Architectural Digest

Michael Rosenberg & Associates - New York Spaces

Kelly Wearstler - Modern Glamour

Kelly Wearstler - Luxe

John Stedila - Style and Substance

Giancarlo Giammetti - At Home with Town & Country

Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca

WHITE OUT

2011-03-29T10:57:00.018-04:00

Is white hot or is white cool? Either way, white on white continues to enthrall me. Serene, sublime, ethereal and quiet....white on white is heavenly!

Santorini, Greece - Tablet 10

Shelton, Mindel & Associates - Architectural Digest

Vicente Wolf - Style and Substance

Piet Boon 2

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy

Mark Gaudette - Architectural Digest

Kristiina Ratia - Style and Substance

Katherine Margaritis - Style and Substance

John Stefanidis - An Island Sanctuary

Jennifer Post - Architectural Digest

Jay Smith and Chris Howard - Style and Substance

David Hicks

Bulthaup - The White Book

Piet Boon 2

Bernard Chevalier - The White Book

GOT IT NAILED

2011-03-15T16:03:00.015-04:00

What did House Beautiful say? “Nailheads are furniture’s new jewelry”. Decoratively speaking, it’s the exclamation point - the dotting of the “I”, the crossing of the “t”! They always give such a sophisticated couture flavor to any room. Whether on a wall, door, furniture piece or accessory, they add that little bit of umph - God is in the details!

Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Stephen Sills and James Huniford with Michael Boodro

Beth Webb - Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Michael S. Smith

Barry Dixon

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Nate Berkus - Style and Substance

ALL KEYED UP

2011-03-15T11:41:00.010-04:00

In both art and architecture, a meander or meandros is a decorative border consisting of a continuous line shaped into a repeated motif. This particular design is called a Greek fret or Greek key. Meanders were among the most important symbols in ancient Greece perhaps symbolizing infinity, unity, the bonds of friendship, love and devotion. Some believe it had it had its basis in the Greek myth of the labyrinth that held the minotaur, but in actually has been found in other cultures thousands of years beforehand. It has long been a staple in the world of architecture and design. There is, and always has been, an enduring, classical beauty associated with the iconic design motif. I’ve always been drawn to it in any application and feel certain it’s due in large part to its forever elegant, tailored aesthetic whenever utilized.

Victoria Hagan

Michael S. Smith

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

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Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca

Alessandra Branca

FOOD AS ART

2011-03-15T10:09:00.021-04:00

I spend a lot of time thinking about food. Don't we all? But more specifically - food as art. I will buy a cookbook just for the photography, even though I may know going into it that I'll never prepare a single thing in that book.

One of my very favorite blogs at the moment is "What Katie Ate." (http://www.whatkatieate.blogspot.com/) I am dumbstruck by the visceral beauty of Katie Quinn Davies foodie photo blog! Katie, a graphic designer turned photographer and food stylist, never ceases to amaze with her stunning images! Another very talented foodie photographer is Jonathan Lovekin, who shot the evocative and yet earthy images for Angela Hartnett's Cucina. Have a look at both of these very talented artists' work and tell me what you think...is food art or is art food? Either way it's just beautiful!

Katie Quinn Davies

Katie Quinn Davies

Katie Quinn Davies

Katie Quinn Davies

Katie Quinn Davies

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

Jonathan Lovekin - Angela Hartnett's Cucina

SLIPS AND CASES

2011-03-02T02:48:00.017-05:00

Slipcovers date back as far as the seventeenth century. “Cases” as they were called then, were used to keep expensive surfaces clean, shield them from the sun and protect the more luxurious upholstery from wear and tear. Aesthetically they served many functions too. Outdated upholstered furniture was updated with new slipcovers in a fashion-forward fabric choice. Or as often was the case, the slipcovers could unify a room of mismatched pieces.

Interesting enough, historically, loosely fitted slipcovers were often constructed of linens and cottons. Tailored “cases” were typically made from finer textiles-worsted wool to velvet, brocatelle and needlepoint. Silks were often used, even leather. Glazing the fabrics, according to textile historians, was an early form of stain repellent thereby helping in repelling dust and spills.

I personally have loved and used slipcovers on furniture and skirts on tables all these years because they add so much versatility in look and liveability. As a mother, dog lover and frequent hostess, the “wash and wear” factor is and always has been an enormous selling point for me! A final point on the advantages of cases and covers-…..
Wouldn’t you rather remove and launder than reupholster???

Victoria Hagan

John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross - Elle Decor

Ilaria Miani - House & Garden

Marisa Bartolucci - At Home with Town & Country

Victoria Hagan

Chatsworth House - House & Garden

Piet Boon - House & Garden

Michael S. Smith

Michael S. Smith

John Saladino

Carolyne Roehm

Bobby McAlpine - House & Garden

Amanda Lindroth - Veranda

Suzanne Kasler

Stephen Sills and James Huniford

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Bobby McAlpine

INTERIOR PORTRAITURE

2011-03-01T13:35:00.018-05:00

As so often is the case, what I chose to write about has to do with whatever is coming my way that week or that day. It just so happens that this week I had to submit a black and white portrait for an upcoming publication giving me pause to think about the enigmatic image in photography.

Whenever I look at a portrait, I cannot help but focus on not only the subject of the photograph, but also the environment surrounding the person being photographed. The camera lens and the photographer behind it captures not only the personality but simultaneously documents the space they inhabit. The era, their stylistic sensibilities and the captivating gaze of that subject within their individual interior bleeds through. So many celebrated photographers gave us insight into those extravagant personas in their sumptuous spaces- Cecil Beaton, Horst, Richard Avedon and Henri Cartier- Bresson – giving us a glimpse of a lifestyle and immortalizing a moment caught in time.

Photograph by Harold Acton - Cafe' Society

Pauline Potter - Cafe' Society

Harrison Williams - Cafe' Society

Millicent Rogers - Cafe' Society

Marie-Laure Noailles - Cafe' Society

Marie-Laure Noailles - Cafe' Society

Lord Berners - Cafe' Society

Diana Cooper - Cafe' Society

Isabelle Hubbert - The Portraits of Henri Cartier-Bresson

Elsie de Wolfe - Cafe' Society

Elsa Schiaparelli - Cafe' Society

Daisy Fellowes - Cafe' Society

Coco Chanel - The Portraits of Henri Cartier-Bresson

ICONICALLY ORANGE

2011-03-01T11:32:00.016-05:00

The lengths we will go to with our obsessions is mind-boggling! We all love those beautiful orange boxes from Hermes, so much so that particular color has been dubbed "Hermes orange." Not bright orange, mind you, but a bit burnt and decidedly distinctive, I'll have nothing other than that particular hue. So I've actually taken the iconic box and had that color matched for what is, in my mind, the perfect orange paint. I seek out fabrics in that exact palette because I just love it that much...a little dab will do you!

Penelope Irwin - Elle Decor

Mark Gillette - House & Garden

Katie Ridder - Elle Decor

Istvan Francer - Elle Decor

Giorgio Armani - Elle Decor

Istvan Francer - Elle Decor

LINING UP

2011-02-22T22:12:00.018-05:00

Isn't it funny how stripes work? Always bold, always dramatic- the perfect punctuation mark in a room. A stripe in whatever application, whether it's painted , in wallpaper, on a fabric or in a rug is a classic accoutrement for any space. Chic, sassy and forthright - I think every interior needs a little or sometimes a lot. What do you think?

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Carolyne Roehm

Carolyne Roehm

Carolyne Roehm

Alessandra Branca

Mary McDonald

Joanna Wood - House & Garden

Beth Webb and Raymond Goins - Atlanta House & Lifestyles

Ilaria Miani - House & Garden

Jacques Dehornois - House Beautiful

Emma Jane Pilkington - House & Garden

Paula Caravelli - Elle Decor

Jean-Louis Deniot - House Beautiful

John Oetgen - House Beautiful

Gabby Deeming and Olivia Gregory - House & Garden

Suzanne Kasler

Paula Cussi Azcarraga - At Home with Town and Country

Phillip Gorrivan - Elle Decor

James Huniford - Elle Decor

WICKER AND RATTAN WORKS

2011-02-22T10:50:00.025-05:00

My focus has been on a tropical locale for months now and when furnishing a home that will never see a chilly day one always thinks of wicker, rattan and seagrass. The casual texture and informal breeziness always adds heightened dimension even when furnishing a formal space. Forever fresh and inviting - the organic shape inherent in these materials brings a level of welcome relaxation to any interior!

Victoria Hagan

Victoria Hagan

Vicente Wolf

Suzanne Kasler

Sister Parish and David Kleinberg - House Beautiful

Paula Cussi Azcarraga - At Home with Town & Country

Michael S. Smith

Michael S. Smith

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald - Veranda

Maisons Cote' Sud

Katherine Price Mondadori - House & Garden

John Saladino

Jeffrey Bilhuber - House Beautiful

Jeffery Smith - At Home with Town & Country

Carolyne Roehm

Bobby McAlpine

Ann Shore - The Well-Lived Life

Amanda Lindroth - Veranda