Hi all,
Thought I would pass this gem of a website on to you. Taigan is a newly launched site that offers the best of the best. You would have to travel far and wide to collect all of the goodies you will find on their site. They have it all – home goods, childrens, gourmet foods and wines, health and beauty, jewelry…. (you get the picture). Happy Shopping!
Visit the shop: http://www.taigan.com/
xo,
S
I am loving the DIY aspect of antique dealer Karina Gentinetta cottage in New Orleans. Many people are afraid of the preciousness of antiques and shy away from them for everyday living. In the Home and Garden section of The NYT Karina shows how beautiful and livable antiques can be. Most pieces in her home were bought for a song after Katrina but look fabulous! A fresh coat of paint ( her favorite is Ralph Lauren’s Tudric Pewter), some belgian linen, and old thread bare rugs create a classic lived-in and well-loved look.
My favorite quote from the article is “Happiness is not a big house. It’s being in each other’s way. That’s what brings memories.” This could not be more true.
Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/garden/07location.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=garden
Visit Karina’s online shop at 1st dibs: http://disegnokarinagentinetta.1stdibs.com/store/furniture_search.php?FRID=ZmqXaGxpkZWW
xo,
S
There are several books that have just come out or are about to come out that are a “Must Buy”. I mentioned Bunny Williams’ Scrapbook For Living in an earlier post and these few books fall into the same category:
Out now:
At Home With Town & Country: This is the first book that Town & Country Magazine has come out with. All the homes I have drooled over the past years are included in this beautiful book. The book is full of inspiration and advice for creating stylish spaces. It is fun to take a peek into some of the most fabulous homes in the country!
Purchase At Home With Town & Country through my amazon store:
http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/158816697X
Coming out October 5th:
Mary McDonald’s first design book, The Allure of Style, is chock full of her amazing designs. She is a master at mixing traditional and whimsical styles creating unforgettable spaces. The book showcases more than 250 captivating photographs of lush interior design, complemented by witty passages.
Purchase Mary McDonald’s The Allure of Style through my amazon store:
http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0847833933
Alexa Hampton, daughter of famed designer Mark Hampton, gives you a very personal insight into her aesthetic and how it has been used to satisfy her clients wishes in her new book, The Language of Interior Design. Alexa provides a tour of stunning residences from her own portfolio. Eighteen classic spaces illustrate in rich detail the elements that govern cultivated design—contrast, proportion, color, and balance. Among the residences are a landmark 1912 McKim, Mead & White restoration on Fifth Avenue in New York City; an eclectic house by the sea layered in textures, patterns, and colors; a contemporary apartment distinguished by simple geometry and clean lines; and Hampton’s own apartment, filled with an exquisite collection of architectural elements.
Purchase Alex Hampton’s The Language of Interiors through my amazon store:
http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0307460533
Coming out october 19th:
As the best-selling author of 16 decoration and lifestyle books, the host of her own – and one of the first – television shows on HGTV for eight seasons, the creator of home fashion products that have generated close to two billion dollars in sales, and the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of her multi-million dollar empire, Chris Madden is an iconic name in the world of design. Widely known as the powerhouse who made “personal space” and “haven” household words through her ground-breaking books and products, Chris will now, for the first time, accompany her readers in THE SOUL OF A HOUSE through her own unique homes, showcasing her signature personal style that resonates throughout each room and share the basic steps and thought-processes that can easily turn any space, large or small, into a comfortable and stylish residence. Each room—from the entry foyer, master bedroom and living room to the mud room and greenhouse — will be explored with rich photography by Nancy Hill along with Chris’ styling tips as she chronicles the transformation of both her husband’s and her 100-year-old carriage house on three rambling acres outside of New York City and their mid-century modern getaway tucked in a bucolic apple orchard between the Green and Taconic Mountain ranges in Vermont.
Also included will be a sampling of those historic spaces that have served as an inspiration to Chris— from the early works of the legendary Billy Baldwin, Elsie de Wolfe, Nancy Lancaster, John Fowler and Thomas Jefferson – through lessons gleaned in the great rooms of designer showcase houses (including those of Mario Buatta, Mark Hampton, and Albert Hadley) and her travels to such architectural treasures as the summer dacha of Czar Nicholas II in Russia, Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment and Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Washington home and museum, Hillcrest, to her hands-on design work at the homes and offices of Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric and Toni Morrison.
Purchase Chris Madden’s The Soul of a House through my amazon store:
http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0847833704
Owner of Hollyhock, Los Angeles’s renowned antiques and decorative arts mecca, Suzanne Rheinstein is known for her relaxed, elegant style. Style maker and interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein has a keen appreciation for special luxuries. She is a master at taking an eclectic mix of furnishings from the past and arranging them in a fresh, inspiring way. Elegant simplicity and attention to detail are the hallmarks of her look. A timeless quality pervades every room she designs. Rheinstein feels that how you live your life every day is much more important than getting your house together for a special occasion. Beautifully photographed, this inspiring volume shows examples of her work, ranging from a brick farmhouse in the Virginia countryside and a sophisticated rustic getaway overlooking the Big Wood River in Sun Valley to a year-round shingled residence on the beach in Newport Bay, as well as her own homes—a gracious Georgian Revival in Los Angeles and a New York City prewar pied-à-terre. They exemplify her talent for creating attractive homes that make living and entertaining extremely pleasurable.
Purchase Suzanne Rheinstein’s At Home through my amazon store:
http://astore.amazon.com/trafordes-20/detail/0847834093
xo,
S
Purple- eggplant, aubergine, plum, lavender, lilac, violet, mauve, lilac, mulberry, orchid, grape, amethyst, twilight. Purple represents royalty, creativity, romance, power, nobility, luxury, ambition, and sophistication. Dark purples lend a warm, sexy, quiet feeling to a room while light purples add a touch of romanticism. I love pairing deep aubergines with crisp apple greens, oranges, and silver or brass. While light purple leads me to blue and white china, grays, yellows, and mirrored furniture.
This room is so warm and feminine with soft lavender/ mauve walls, silk drapes, and french chairs.
A living room by Kelly Wearstler showcases a lavender geometric print rug with a deeper purple sofa and yellow and gold accents.
A room designer by Windsor Smith pairs up both light and dark purple with chocolate brown, crisp white, and pale teal.
Katie Ridder punches up the lilac walls with green, ivory, and bright orange.
David Kaihoi wraps his dining room/ living room entirely in purple. The red chair and tiger print throw pillows mix it up a bit.
Amanda Nisbet takes the plunge into purple with a deeply tufted headboard set against a deep aubergine wall with hints of pink and chocolate brown.
Aerin Lauder’s dining room as featured in Elle Decor. I love the deep dark plum walls and trim with the soft grayish plum zebra print table skirt. The pale wood chairs work beautifully in the room.
Touches of purple:
Keeping the rest of the room neutral lets the focus fall on the table skirt of Janet De Botton’s library.
A tufted chair by Jeffrey Bilhuber upholstered in Malabar’s Carom
Two chairs upholstered in Madeline Weinrib’s purple luce silk ikat bring this living room to life.
Purple paint:
1. Benjamin Moore Grape Hyacinth
2. Pratt and Lambert Autumn Crocus
3. Benjamin Moore Galaxy- deep dark purple
4. Benjamin Moore Caponata
5. Farrow and Ball Brinjal- I have used this many times and it is beautiful…especially in a high gloss finish
Purple Wallcoverings:
1. Osborne and Little Bedlam W5557/01
2. Osborne and Little Maharani W6022-01
3. Katie Ridder Attendants in purple
4. Fromental hand painted and embroidered chinoiserie in lavender
Purple Fabrics:
1. Katie Ridder Moonflower in purple
2. Peter Dunham Pasha- KT03
3. Amanda Nisbet Fabric on linen Francesca in grape fizz
4. Osborne and Little Papini F5851-03
5. Carolina Irving Andaluz in Viola
6. Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Sultan’s Suzani on linen in lavender
7. Edelman Leather Royal Suede in dusty rose
8. Scalamandre Rio 26676-007
Purple Accessories:
Using the painting breakfast by Pierre Bonnard as a jumping off point I selected the above accessories.
1. Pierre bed linens by Julia B.
http://www.juliab.com/product-details.aspx?id=11
2. Pierre Bonnard Breakfast circe 1930’s
3. Purple samarkand area rug by Doris Leslie Blaue through 1st dibs
http://dorisleslieblaullc.1stdibs.com/store/furniture_item_detail.php?id=331849
4. Tub chair by Peter Dunham Hollywood at Home
http://hollywoodathome.com/products/view/Tub+Chair
5. Vanderhurd rug pattern dew drops in amethyst
http://www.vanderhurd.com/abstract.php?t=abstract&p=0&id=46
6. Set of 4 shagreen coasters in faux shagreen color amethyst through Sara Gilbane Interiors
7. Silk ikat throw pillow in purple luce through madeline weinrib
http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/ikat/Luce-Purple.html
8. Pair of antique suzani throw pillows through 1st dibs
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=440687
xo,
S
We have recently added a shop to our website. You will find a variety of items we have purchased on our travels ( antiques, accessories, wallpapers, fabrics, pillows, art, etc). New additions are added frequently so check back often. A few of the items are listed below:
Visit the store to shop: http://saragilbaneinteriors.bigcartel.com/
xo,
S
Yellow- Saffron, butter, dandelion, daffodil, gold, corn, buttercup, sunshine, canary, citrine, grapefruit, maize, taxi cab. Yellow conjurs up a positive sunny feeling. I have come to love yellow more and more and tend to mix traditional with modern for a youthful feel. As I stated in a previous post regarding yellow two of the most celebrated rooms in 20th century interior design had bold lacquered yellow walls: Nancy Lancaster’s legendary London sitting room/office (shown below) and Babe and Bill Paley’s Fifth Avenue drawing room, decorated by Albert Hadley and Sister Parish. Let’s dive into some fabulously chic autumn yellow rooms.
The traditional approach:
We will start of with Nancy Lancaster’s famed yellow drawing room above. This room was done by John Fowler in 1957 and would be just as stunning if done today. Fowler applied numerous layers of glaze over a butter yellow paint.
Andrew Virtue drew his inspiration from Nancy Lancaster’s yellow room and created his own writing room ( on a smaller scale) at the Greystone Estate show house. This deep vibrant yellow works so well with burnt crsipy browns, greens, and plums.
A sitting room designed by yours truly. When the sun sets in the afternoon the pale gold walls glisten ( custom paint color by Rollinson Hues). A soft pale yellow is a great neutral backdrop for most colors. We wanted to enhance the sunset so the reds, corals, pinks, oranges, and golds were introduced. The simple sisal rug keeps the room grounded and approachable while the scattered throw rugs add warmth underfoot.
One of my favorite rooms in a house by Architect Gil Schafer. They used a slightly bolder yellow than I did and kept the furniture simply upholstered. The antiques steal the show ( all brown wood always looks great against yellow). Beautiful! On a side note, Veranda and their new editor in chief Dara Caponigro selected and recently announced the winners of their second annual Art of Design Awards. Honoring design industry trailblazers whose work is both “innovative and timeless”. Gil Schafer won the award in the architecture category. Congrats!
The bedroom above by Jeffrey Bilhuber introduces a strong yellow as drapes for the bed. How lovely to be cocooned in a yellow tent! I love the pale lilac paired with it.
Christopher Spitzmiller’s apartment is shown above as seen in Elle Decor. Yellows, browns, and teal blues keep the room fresh and modern.
One final Bilhuber creation. The slightly more modern tufting on the chairs (loosely tufted rather than deep) and the yellow sign in this room off of the dark wood walls.
The modern approach:
Tone on tone yellows paired with black and white by Jamie Drake make for an exciting bedroom. I love that the base of this bed is upholstered in zebra. Very chic.
Kelly Wearstler created this yellow and black library for the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. Again we see tone on tone yellow paired with black, white, and mirror. The bookshelves turned on diagonal and books stacked in opposite directions adds whimsy and a focal point when you walk into the room.
Another room done by your truly. We needed to bring some life to this manhattan loft space. With pale seafoam on the walls and grey suede sofa we brought in a strong yellow Oushak carpet and pops of yellow ( throw pillows and accessories) for life.
This room could be filed under pink, red, or orange. I love the high gloss pink fireplace and I die over the silk ikat upholstered walls. The yellow linen roman shades with crisp brown ribbon tape inset keep the room feeling clean rather than chaotic.
Yellow paint picks:
1. Donald Kaufman Collection #30
2. Ralph Lauren Goldfinch
3. Benjamin Moore Showtime
4. Farrow and Ball Babouche
Traditional yellow wallcovering picks:
1. Farrow and Ball BP 1928
2. Farrow and Ball BP 1632
3. Farrow and Ball BP 572
Traditional yellow fabrics:
1. Lee Jofa Oak Leaves in yellow BFC 3514-14
2. F. Schumacher Seneca Cotton Stripe 62982
3. Lee Jofa Hisari ikat in plum 2008136_909
4. Quadrille Simba beige on gold
Traditional yellow accessories:
1. Antique spool stool with Robert Kime fabric through John Rosselli Antiques
2. Antique Samarkand rug through Doris Leslie Blau
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=448340
3. Christopher Spitzmiller Happy lamps in Butter with 23k gold water gilt base
http://christopherspitzmiller.com/lampdetail.asp?LAMPID=112
4. William Sonoma Home cashmere yellow throw in lemon drop
http://www.wshome.com/products/p126/index.cfm?pkey=ccashmere%2Dfaux%2Dfur%2Dthrow
5. Sharyn Blond table linens in Jardin pattern
http://sharynblondlinens.com/hand_table.html#2
6. Bee Line Home throw pillows through John Rosselli Antiques NYC
Modern yellow wallcovering picks:
1. China Seas Balinese Batik in inca/ gold
2. F. Schumacher Imperial Trellis in citrine
3. Manuel Canovas Trellis in citrine
4. Cole and Son palm leaves in yellow
Modern yellow fabric picks:
1. Lee Jofa Tulip in white/ yellow GWF-2622-140
2. F. Schumacher Katsugi in gold and mushroom 2620934
3. Lee Jofa Facet in Saffrom SC10049-1612
4. Ruby Green Mary in yellow
5. Ruby Green Marilyn
Modern yellow accessories picks:
1. Lippa armchair in yellow through Tonic Home:
http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1511
2. Yellow geometric pillow through Pieces Inc.
http://piecesinc.com/yellow-geometric-pillow
3. Pink Jacket on Yellow 50″ x 50″ gloss on aluminum by Natasha Law through Voltz Clarke Gallery
http://voltzclarke.com/law/1.html
4. Yellow garden stool through Tonic Home
http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1419
5. Jonathan Adler Carnaby Lamp:
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Carnaby-Hollywood-Lamp/?cat=0&initial=
6. West Elm Parsons desk in tumeric:
7. Yellow vases set of 6
http://www.mermaidhut.com/Prod-18-1-2604-30/Yellow_Vases_Assorted_Set_of_Six.htm
8. The Rug Company Sellarsbrook rug by Suzanne Sharpe ( The Rug Company also won in it’s category for the Second Annual Art of Design Awards by Veranda.
http://www.therugcompany.info/contemporary-collection/suzanne-sharp/sellarsbrook-yellow.htm
9. Vanderhurd Kafir throw pillow colorway 4
http://www.vanderhurd.com/hand_crafted.php?t=cushions&p=1&id=358
xo,
S
The October issue of House Beautiful shifted into fall beautifully. With pieces on sun-drenched Tuscan color, animal print rugs, pumpkin cupckaes, and fall fabric collections I was feeling the urge to head upstate to see the leaves starting to change and drink a cup of hot apple cider.
My favorite feature was the Park Avenue apartment designed by Daniel Sachs. The moody grey/ blue entry hall feels like it has been there forever with the large Italian mirror, indian painting, Flemish table, and swedish chandelier. I love a layered atmosphere. It is a great way to let your personality shine through.
The living room is chock-full of pattern and color. Keeping the wall color neutral adds a sophisticated look to this well traveled vibe. We have ikat, floral, stripes, and embroidered suzani all living happily in one space. The turkish rug is from the 19th century. The modern art mixes beautifully with the traditional setting, keeping the room feeling fresh.
Lastly, I love the boys room. The blown up map applied as wallpaper is the perfect way for kids to spend an afternoon “traveling” within the safety of their apartment. I would have looked at this map for hours as a child. A very sophisticated way to add whimsy to a child’s room.
More on fall color to come….
xo,
S
As usual, 1st Dibs has a huge selection of fabulous new pieces. Here are some of my favorites:
Glam pair of french cobra sconces
France
1960’s
Pair of French brass sconces in form of a cobra, newly electrified with vintage metal shades. Converted from candle sconces. This pair would look amazing on either side of a door or a large bookshelf.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=437641
Silver leafed pagoda console by James Mont
USA
1950’S
This Beautiful silver leafed Pagoda console by JAMES MONT retains its original silver leaf finish which is in outstanding condition. The console has three cut out decals which support the pagoda top and has three drawers, with the center one which is braded “JAMES MONT DESIGN”
Measurements
height: 27.25 in.
depth: 19 in.
width/length: 6 ft. 5 in.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=440319
Feather Headdress
Cameroon
late 20th century
Ceremonial feather hat worn by Fon(kings) and senior dignitaries in various kingdoms of the Grassfields region of Cameroon. Originally the coloration of this kind of hat was more subdued and its construction allowed folding in for storage. Later on the colors became more vivid and the construction more rigid. It makes a wonderful and easy to use decorative element. I love hanging these on walls to add a textural element to the room. The feathers and the color are fun and bring a bit of whimsy as well.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=441002
A pair of porcelain elephant lamps
Italy
1980’s
A majestic pair of Italian ceramic elephant busts that have been mounted on acrylic
bases and wired as lamps….Funky and fabulous!
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=439732
Beautiful Swedish Rococo Writing Desk
Sweden
Circa 1760
Period Swedish rococo writing desk, circa 1760, with original hardware and secondary blue paint. Three drawers in the bowed front with a smaller drawer just under the drop leaf. The interior features two banks of three drawers on either side, as well as other drawers and compartments. Original bun feet. This desk is similar to a secretary I purchased for a client ( you can see it in my portfolio). I can’t tell you how many requests? comments I get on that piece.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=440345
Ox Weathervane
American
19th century
Attributed to Howard & Co., Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
Ca. 1854-67.
The imposing size suggests that this Ox Weathervane was made on commission for a large barn. It is perhaps the largest example by Howard & Co. known to date. It is an exceptional piece based on its sculptural form, size, and virtually untouched condition. I love the way the colors fade on this piece. Measurements: height: 22 1/2 depth: 6 7/8 width/length: 35 in.
Pressed Botanicals
France
20th Century
A collection of herbiers from the 1900’s. The color preservation is out of this world… they are quite spectacular, but it person they are even more magnificent.
12 available.
Inquire for more photos.
Sold individually.
Measurements
height: 22.5 in.
width/length: 17.25 in.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=435947
French Console
France
mid 1800’s
Dark walnut shows through the soft, aged gray paint.
Measurements
height: 30 in.
depth: 29 in.
width/length: 10 ft.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=438148
Pair of branch coral lamps on coquina stone bases
USA
Late 20th C.
A pair of branch coral lamps, mounted on coquina stone, with matching finials. I love the green shades and how full the coral branches are. Perfect for a large room that needs some fun.
Measurements
height: 31 in.
width/length: 16″
diameter: 7.5 in.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=439801
19th century anglo indian carved swing
India
19th Century
Fully hand tooled swing, teak wood. Used for the Royal Queen’s palace during British Raj in India. This is your statement piece. This would look incredible at the edge of a garden or in a grove.
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=440468
Happy Shopping!
xo,
S
I recently met up with the lovely ladies at Vanderhurd to see their latest besopke designs in fabrics, carpets, and accessories and was blown away. Those who know my design aesthetic know I love color and Vanderhurd’s products do not disappoint in that category. I have always been a huge fan of their products ( see my previous post on the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho) and was not let down by the latest additions. They offer endless options for carpets: hand woven flat weave wool, linen, hemp, hand-knotted cut pile and loop linen, silk, hand knotted cut pile Nepalese wool/ silk blend, felted wool, Tibetan silk, New Zealand wool….the list goes on and on); fabrics: block printed, hand stitched, hand printed, vintage; and accessories: cloisonné trays and lamps boasting chevron-esque geometric patterns reminiscent of a Missoni print.. A few of my dream carpets, fabrics, and accessories are below.
Above: The pruple, black, and ivory silk dhurrie (Rhonda Amethyst) is a fun choice for a room when paired with neutrals. I love the soft taupe and peach hexagonal silk dhurrie and would pair it with a neutral rough grasscloth on the walls for a livable but beautiful room.
Above: A silk grey and grey stripe dhurrrie with metallic threads woven through. This would be an amazing runner in a stairwell. The metallic threads catch the light and the grey is so soothing.
Above: Silk zig zag dhurrie in the most fabulous sorbet colors. I am picturing this with high gloss lavender walls and white furniture.
Above: The green, black, and aqua carpet on top is a nice thick rug (Cordoba Emerald) made of hand knotted cut pile wool. The black and white carpet below is made of 100% hemp and is surprisingly soft. Vanderhurd has also come out with a line of sisal carpets that are truly beautiful.
Above: These linen carpets were a favorite. I would love to use one instead of sisal. The colors are so vibrant and the woven linen is beautiful. The pattern you see above is a hand woven cut pile and a hand woven sumac- creating a tripe like pattern.
Above: Vanderhurd’s hand embroidered textiles are the ultimate in bespoke fabric. Employing intricate French knot, “Satin” and “Kanta” stitches, the collection is available on natural coloured linen or cotton cloth, or on any of the patterned fabrics, and has been designed to compliment their collection of hand printed textiles. In addition to the collection, they can embroider any design in any colour cotton thread on any cloth. The standard width of their base cloths is 44 inches, but requests for custom widths can be accommodated.
Above: more hand embroidered fabrics.
Above: Vanderhurd’s hand printed fabric designs are entirely modern in form and colour, although they derive from antique Indian block print motifs. This marriage of ancient techniques with contemporary design—informed by a great knowledge of the history of textiles, manifests their design philosophy. The textiles are hand block printed or hand screen printed on a selection of natural base cloths—linen, cambric or chanderi—and the colour palette reflects our quintessential juxtaposition of soft and vibrant shades.
Above: a few more examples of their hand embroidered fabrics
Above: Vanderhurd routinely designs custom pillows, bedspreads and headboards, and offers in house upholstery services.
Above: Antique African Indigos. These Indigos are woven by the Koulongo and Abron weavers from the Bondoukou region of the Cote d’Ivoire and by the Nigerian Yoruba people. These cloths were woven on small looms as narrow strips, which were then sewn into “Wrappers” worn as skirts by both men and women. Vanderhurd New York’s Creative Director, Emilie Jean, an avid collector and dealer of tribal and antique textiles has introduced them to Vanderhurd’s repertoire. Also, their presence in Vanderhurd’s showroom makes perfect sense, given Vanderhurd’s commitment to handmade, unique textiles, and to sustaining the culture and tradition of exceptional indigenous craftsmanship.
Above: The pale purple and pink silk and the gold silk with chartreuse border are two of Rocio Moreno’s silk fabrics. Rocio Moreno, a well-known interior designer in Spain, has long been a traveler to India where she developed her collection of exquisite hand-woven silk brocade textiles. The weavers she works with there are unique in that they continue to employ the complex technique of weaving silk brocades by hand, in the same way as they were produced in the 15th and 16th centuries in Venice as well as the Imperial Moghul court in India, where all the court rituals and its economic structure were built up around the symbolism, cost and almost mystical stature of the silk. Today the weavers Moreno works with continue to produce silks for temples and palaces across the East, for the Dali Lama and the Royal Family of Nepal. Moreno was fascinated by the workmanship, quality and texture of the brocades. Up until the weavers produced her designs, they had only ever produced very traditional textiles. Moreno’s designs are totally modern in form and colour, although they are derived from Ottoman motifs. The result of this marriage of ancient techniques with contemporary design informed by a great knowledge of the history of textiles is Rocio Moreno’s collection, and as such, very much in the spirit of Vanderhurd.
Above: Their beautiful cloisonne trays and lamps.
To see many more examples of their beautiful work visit their website: http://www.vanderhurd.com/
xo,
S
Summer is my favorite season and that is due, in large part, to all of the summer days and nights spent in Newport, RI. The seaside town is set amidst historic buildings, cobble stone streets, and some of the nations best known ( and impeccably preserved) mansions. You can charter a motor or sail boat to take in the spectacular coast line or hop on a bike or walk the city to get a feel for it’s charming streets.
1. Grace Kelly and Louis Armstrong on the set of High Society filmed in Newport. A must see!
2. Dinner and dancing at The Sky Bar on the top floor of The Clark Cooke House. After 11:30 pm the tables are cleared and the DJ starts spinning, finish up the evening with a rendition of “God Bless America”. The heirloom tomato salad and lobster ravioli are my favorite dishes. Make sure to save room for their famous “Snowball in Hell” for dessert (a chocolate brownie, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and shaved coconut lit on fire).
3. Surfing at Bailey’s as photographed by Slim Aarons
4. Newport to Bermuda Race June 2010
1. Grab a cocktail ( preferably a dark n’ stormy) and watch the sun set on the lawn of The New York Yacht Club. On a side note, I was married here and it is one of my favorite locations.
2. Images 2,3,6, and 7 are various levels of The Clark Cooke House ( the Sky Bar is the top) which in my opinion, is the best restaurant in town for dinner.
4. The Newport Bridge at Sunset
5. The Black Pearl is located right next to the Cooke House on Bannisters Wharf and is the perfect spot for lunch or go to the annex for a hot dog and clam chowder.
7. The Boom Boom Room is the night club in the basement of The Clark Cooke House.
1. and 2. The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry. In 1898, the Berwinds engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a house modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d’Asnieres (c.1750) outside Paris. Construction of The Elms was completed in 1901 at a cost reported at approximately $1.4 million. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds’ collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades. The elaborate Classical Revival gardens on the grounds were developed between 1907 and 1914. They include terraces displaying marble and bronze sculpture, a park of fine specimen trees and a lavish lower garden featuring marble pavilions, fountains, a sunken garden and carriage house and garage. These gardens were recently restored.
Mrs. Berwind died in 1922, and Mr. Berwind invited his sister, Julia, to become his hostess at his New York and Newport houses. Mr. Berwind died in 1936 and Miss Julia continued to summer at The Elms until her death in 1961, at which time the house and most of its contents were sold at public auction. The Preservation Society of Newport County purchased The Elms in 1962 and opened the house to the public. In 1996, The Elms was designated a National Historic Landmark.
3. The Tea House at Marble House. Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, a summer house, or “cottage”, as Newporters called them in remembrance of the modest houses of the early 19th century. But Marble House was much more; it was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces.
Mr. Vanderbilt was the grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who established the family’s fortune in steamships and the New York Central Railroad. His older brother was Cornelius II, who built The Breakers. Alva Vanderbilt was a leading hostess in Newport society, and envisioned Marble House as her “temple to the arts” in America. It was designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. The cost of the house was reported in contemporary press accounts to be $11 million, of which $7 million was spent on 500,000 cubic feet of marble. Upon its completion, Mr. Vanderbilt gave the house to his wife as a 39th birthday present. The Vanderbilts had 3 children: Consuelo, who became the 9th Duchess of Marlborough; William K., Jr., a prominent figure in pioneering the sport of auto racing in America; and Harold, one of the finest yachtsmen of his era who successfully defended the America’s Cup three times. The Vanderbilts divorced in 1895 and Alva married Oliver H.P. Belmont, moving down the street to Belcourt. After his death, she reopened Marble House, and had a Chinese Tea House built on the seaside cliffs, where she hosted rallies for women’s right to vote. She sold the house to Frederick H. Prince in 1932. The Preservation Society acquired the house in 1963 from the Prince estate. In 2006, Marble House was designated a National Historic Landmark
4. The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages” and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad, which was a pivotal development in the industrial growth of the nation during the late 19th century. The Commodore’s grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, became Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system in 1885, and purchased a wooden house called The Breakers in Newport during that same year. In 1893, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the earlier wood-framed house which was destroyed by fire the previous year. Hunt directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Allard and Sons of Paris assisted Hunt with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters.
The Vanderbilts had seven children. Their youngest daughter, Gladys, who married Count Laszlo Szechenyi of Hungary, inherited the house on her mother’s death in 1934. An ardent supporter of The Preservation Society of Newport County, she opened The Breakers in 1948 to raise funds for the Society. In 1972, the Preservation Society purchased the house from her heirs. Today, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark.
5. and 6. Doris Duke’s Rough Point. Frederick W. Vanderbilt built this vast English Manorial house in 1889 on a dramatic, windswept promontory on Newport’s Cliff Walk, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In 1922, James B. Duke, the founder of fortunes in electric power and tobacco, and benefactor of Duke University, purchased Rough Point. In 1925, James Duke died, leaving his enormous financial legacy to twelve-year-old Doris, his only child. Rough Point became one of Doris’s several very private retreats.
Doris Duke had a keen eye as a collector and followed this passion throughout her life. Representative artists within the collection include Renoir, Van Dyck, and Joshua Reynolds as well as artisans of the Ming Dynasty. Upon her death in 1993, she bequeathed the estate to the Newport Restoration Foundation, the organization she founded to help preserve Newport Rhode Island’s architectural heritage.
7. The Tennis Hall of Fame
Places To Stay:
1. The Inn at Castle Hill overlooks the mouth of Newport Harbor and Jamestown.
To reserve a room: http://www.castlehillinn.com/
2. The Chanler Hotel is perched right above 1st Beach at the beginning of the Cliff Walk.
To reserve a room: http://www.thechanler.com/
3. The Hotel Viking is the perfect spot to be right in the center of town. From here it is an easy walk to tour the mansions, browse antiques on Spring Street, or walk down to dinner on Thames Street.
To reserve a room: http://www.hotelviking.com/
Real Estate: Below are a selection of beautiful homes that are currently for sale in Newport. Visit www.liladelman.com or www.gustavewhite.com for details.
If you want to see more of Newport and read about the architects and the people whose homes they designed go to amazon for the following books:
xo,
S
