Tag Archives: chinoiserie

Autumn Hues – Orange

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Orange – pumpkin, rust, saffron, marigold, paprika, melon, peach, copper, spice, gold, flame, citrus, poppy, curry, mandarin, tangerine. Orange brings energy to a room. It can be dramatic in a deep rich shade or soothing in a pale peach or apricot. It works well with all colors ( just get the shade right, for example, a pale blue or a navy blue, a soft lavender paired with a deep orange is calming, orange paired with green brings a tropical feel to a space, bright orange with crisp white and chocolate brown keeps a space modern and fresh).  Below are a collection of my favorite oranges:

The above image is Fredric Fekkai and his wife Shirin Von Wulffen’s 5th avenue apartment.  I love the eclectic mix and the deep orange velvet in the living room is stunning.

Tory Burch’s orange library in her New York City apartment is amazing.  Pulling in deep blues, chocolate brown alligator (the cocktail table), leopard print ( on stools), and tortoise shell decorative painting ( on the molding around the doors) makes this room work.

The above bedroom by Sarah Story is all neutrals aside from the vibrant orange bird wallpaper.  When you have a wallpaper like this…who needs anything else! The side tables, lamps, and headboard keep the room from going vintage.

I love this room with it’s hot orange de Gournay wallpaper, bright coral silk drapes, and blue and white ikat chair seats.  The rug, table, chairs, and wallpaper are quite traditional but the colors make it modern.

This room by James Lumden for the Greystone Estate show house is wonderful.  The melon colored walls bring a warm glow to this bedroom while the moses rug from the Rug Company and the soft brown tufted mattress ground the room.

Another fabulously energizing room by my close friend ( and former colleague at Kemble!) Christina Murphy.  The orange sofa pops dramatically off all of the chocolate brown and white. Love it!

The slightly more subdued cantaloupe orange walls work well off the grasscloth insets and dark wood.

Both images above are of the same room designed by Honey Collins.  Again we see how nicely orange pops against dark wood and canvas. I love the orange piped trunk, throw pillows, and pops of orange in the rug and wing chair fabric.

The above room by David Netto is all cool blues, greys, and crisp whites.  The orange throw gives the room some zip. If you are nervous about bathing your room in orange this is a good way to test the waters.

Kelly Wearstler added a pop of orange leather in her pink and black room. Unexpected and chic.

The iconic Hermes wool blanket gives this room a jolt.

Below are some orange accessories to bring your home to life:

1. Dempsey & Carroll pumpkin stationary

http://www.dempseyandcarroll.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=32C-PUMP

2. Glazed orange lamp with gold base through Tonic Home

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=885&catid=74&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D74

3. Orange faux shagreen pencils

4. Orange cashmere throw through Tonic Home

http://www.tonichome.com/catalog.php?item=1151&catid=74&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D74

5. Orange Luce silk ikat throw by Madeline Weinrib

http://madelineweinrib.com/mw/ikat/Luce-Sunburst.html

6. Hermes wool blanket through Hermes

http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=128023&leftCategoryId=128022&topCategoryId=127528&parentCategoryId=128021&productId=45989&nbItem=0

7. Orange and gold giraffe print coasters

8. Leontine Linens Alcott pattern

http://www.leontinelinens.com/index.php/bed/product/alcott/

9. Orange wool rug through Madeline Weinrib

http://madelineweinrib.com/ama/tibetan/07-Orange-Sugar.html

10. Wedgewood Dynasty China

http://www.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=294704&cm_mmc=Google_Feed-_-6-_-75-_-%7Bkeyword%7D&kw=%7Bkeyword%7D

11. Hermes ashtray through Hermes

http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&categoryId=10934&leftCategoryId=10932&topCategoryId=127528&parentCategoryId=128021&productId=16855&nbItem=0

Drool worthy orange fabrics:

1. F. Schumacher Bleeker in Spark by Celerie 174043

2. F. Schumacher Arches Print in Orange by Trina Turk 174272

3. F. Schumacher Nurata Embroidery in Coral 174180

4. F Schumacher Weave in Spice 62541

5. Lisa Fine Baroda II in Cury

6. F. Schumacher Imperial Trellis II by Kelly Wearstler in Ivory/ Mandarin 174410

7. Katie Ridder Peony in Poppy

8. F. Schumacher Bagan in Spark 62652

9. Vanderhurd embroidered Stellar in Sunrise

Fabulous orange wallcoverings:

1. F. Schumacher Rajasthan Paisley in Persimmon 5004471

2. Katie Ridder Pagoda in Persimon- I LOVE this. I am dying to do an entry hall or powder room in this paper.

3. Farrow and Ball The Ranelagh Papers – 1822

4. Farrow and Ball Strie wallcovering – DR 1285

5. Farrow and Ball Plain Stripe – ST 1147

6. Room by Kimberly Ayre and wallcovering ( on wall and inset) is grasscloth by Twenty2 style Montague

7. Manuel Canovas toile Tortuga in Safron

Orange paint selections:

1. Benjamin Moore Corlsbud Canyon #076

2. Rollinson Hues #20

3. Benjamin Moore Soft Marigold

4. Farrow and Ball Orangery

5. Sydney Harbour Paint Blood Orange

xo,

S

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Autumn Hues – Red

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For some people the Fall brings out their lacquered reds, peacock blues, and vivd oranges while others shift into classic neutrals (tans, greys, browns) with pops of animal print. As a designer, I am comfortable with all of the above and depending on the day you will find me expressing myself with different colors. In the boldest environments I still like a polished sophisticated tone so even if color abounds I will keep a neutral wall, sofa, or carpet. While in a neutral environment I love a dash of bold rich color (found in Lamps, a throw, or a chair) to give the space depth and warmth. I have selected rooms that represent fall to me in all the colors of the rainbow.

Red: Crimson, scarlet, tomato, brick, oxblood, geranium, cherry, pomegranate, fire engine red, sangria, blue red, orange red, chinese red, tulip red… Everyone has a particular red in mind when they tell me they want a “red room”.  There is a red for everyone.  I adore red in a room.  It feels daring and bold, while at the same time warm, sexy, and intimate. It works well with other colors ( particularly greens – not christmas tree green but apple greens, spring greens and other more modern shades) and blues ( I love it with pale sky blue, and cadet blue). Below are some of my favorite red rooms:

A high gloss lacquered red wall is amazing.  It makes me think of nail polish.  The neutral sofa, deep chocolate velvet arm chair, and leopard stools keep the room sophisticated.

This dining room/ library is fabulous.  The deep red felt table skirt is so festive ( as are the tiny lacquered red sconce shades).  Mixed with the antique carpet, warm wood bookshelves, and patterned drapes this room is so cozy.  Many people only use their dining room for formal occasions.  By making this a library/ dining room combo you would spend all your time in here.

This is a room done by me! Brick red venetian plaster walls gave this sunny room a bit of atmosphere.  We kept the sofa and arm chair clean in ivory linen and let the throw pillows and zebra rug be our pops. A leather ottoman, leather floor lamp gave us some additional texture to keep the room tough enough for after dinner cocktails.

I love the bold red sofa and carpet mixed with all the various prints. Bohemian luxe!

Miles Redd kept it classic with a bamboo bed, antique carpet, upholstered fabric walls.  But somehow you get a fresh feeling with the simple triple line sheets, pops of deep crimson in the table skirt and drapes.  And the shape and detail in the pelmets…amazing.

Glossy red walls in a dining room set off by deep brown/ burgundy moldings. Very glam.

de Gournay wallpaper in red on the walls, chocolate brown and ivory ikat desk chair, bright red leather desk chair, blue and white china planter, and zebra rug make this room delicious!

Tory Burch’s New York apartment’s bar is another favorite.  Glossy red walls with delicate unlacquered brass sconces brings a vintage feel to the space.

Another Miles Redd design- Red felt walls mixed with sky blue and deep cobalt blue- delicious.

Another woman who loved red… Diana Vreeland.  She is pictured above in her “Garden In Hell” room by Billy Baldwin.  The chintz fabric can be found at Pierre Frey.

Perfect red paint ships below:

Above: Farrow and Ball Blazer Red

Above: Benjamin Moore Chili Pepper Red

Above: Benjamin Moore Red

Above: Ralph Lauren Dressage Red

Above: Pratt and Lambert Vintage Claret

Above: Fine Paints of Europe Tulip Red

Fun red wallpapers below:

Scalamandre Baldwin Bamboo

Scalamandre zebra wallpaper has been a huge hit- we get lots of requests for this one… it was also featured in The Royal Tenenbaums ( see below)!

Clarenece House- Flowering Quince is another popular wallpaper.  It has been featured in many design magazines but one of my favorite room’s is Sara Costello’s NY bedroom (below).

I love the above room: wallpaper is Jardin Chinois by Waterhouse Wallhangings

xo,

S

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These are a few of my favorite things- House Beautiful June 2010

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I loved the June 2010 House Beautiful. Below are my two favorite homes and a page with great valance examples.

Relaxed beach house designed by James Howard

The shape of the bottom of the roman shade is great. A fabric roman shade is a great way to warm up an otherwise sterile kitchen and the shape at the bottom follows the pattern – showing you put some thought into the details.

I am a huge fan of tortoise shell blinds – a chic way to add privacy to a room while letting in sunlight. The wicker sofa and club chair are in two different stains. A white painted bobble chair and two different side tables added to the mix show how a room can feel pulled together without being matchy-matchy. The pair of glass lamps unifies the space. The green and white stripe on the sofa and club chair are a great summery touch.

The above image is a close up of the wave molding and the upholstered linen walls in the dining room. I adore upholstered walls and done in this neutral linen adds texture and softness to a room without feeling fussy.

To create symmetry in the room they made an arched bookshelf to mirror the arch of the door. Thus creating a space where two side chairs feel comfortable. Again we see the white painted bobble chair and a pretty rope backed Orkney chair. The walls are painted in a pale but strong blue.

I have always loved Oscar de la Renta’s 4 poster bed with the crenallated canopy. The canopy adds a sense of whimsy and security when you are snuggled up for the night. The bench has a fun base shape and the soft blue gray walls create a tranquil yet happy guest bedroom. I love the turquoise gourd lamp from Mrs. Howard- what a great pop of color.

The page above included a variety of valance styles. All beautiful and with distinctively different feels.

Another favorite was the Historic New York House With Color by Jeffrey Bilhuber.

I love Jeffrey Bilhuber’s designs so I was thrilled to see his Locust Valley, New York country home “Hay Fever” that dates back to 1668. I think he definitely succeeded in keeping the “soul” in this house. Nothing feels precious but the colors are magical- just what you want in a summer home.

The black painted pine floor ( look at those floor boards!) lets the sisal carpet and soft blues and yellows float off the floor. You can paint a floor black and still have a light airy feeling room. I love how he threw in a punch of purple on the sofa. The above room was originally an entrance hall but he made it much more welcoming by adding the large round table, a sofa, and chairs.

The library floor is painted a lacquered green ( an idea borrowed from Monticello). The baby blue fabric on the chairs and the red lamp shades makes for an interesting room. The acid green walls in the next room pack a happy summer punch.

Finally the shot of the acid green room (Benjamin Moore’s chic lime) in all of it’s splendor. The large sisal ( from Beauvais) dresses down the more formal valances and fun chinoiserie fabric. Notice all the different shaped chairs ( most of which are slip covered). Red and white ticking stripe, wicker, soft blue, varying lamp heights, mirrored door surrounds ( a nod to Nancy Lancaster) , and texture make this room memorable. The room is exciting yet comfortable mixing humble and high.
xo,
S

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West Village- Elizabeth Bauer Design

Antiques Art Books Fabric Homes Inspiration Interior Design Shopping 1 Comment

I was flipping through Vogue and saw much to my delight that they wrote an article about Elizabeth Bauer and her fabulous store. A girl after my own heart, Elizabeth loves the vintage find, french artists, and color, color, color! I stop in her store regularly to find that last minute, “must-have” for my clients. I snapped a few photos of some of her more irresistible finds while shopping a few days ago.

A pair of night stands with interlocking brass rings

Console table wrapped in navy leather and nail head trim

Ceramic Buddha Lamp

Black lacquered chest of drawers with large brass rings

A beautiful painting of a street in Paris- This reminds me of an illustration from Madeline

An original Charles Cobelle painting hung behind beautiful glass bottles with large stoppers

Another beautiful bottle perched on a Dorothy Draperesque swag wall mount

A pair of vintage ikat pouf from the estate of David Barrett

A collection of vintage prints by French artist SEM- these are always fun hung in a power room

1960’s Etagere with tassel motif and light

A pair of black and gold side tables with x bases- Dorothy Draper for Henredon

Red Lacquer chinoiserie style plug in sconces

Shagreen and brass cocktail table- sleek and stylish

Gorgeous pair of faux malachite side tables- low in height but beautiful!

Shop Elizabeth’s Store: http://elizabethbauerdesign.com/shop/

xo,

S

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A Little Taste of Chinoiserie

Antiques Art Books Fabric Homes Inspiration Interior Design Shopping 1 Comment

My post about Harrison Howard made me think about some of my favorite chinoiserie themed rooms and the designers that created them. There are so many details in each photo so take your time, they are not to be missed!

Billy Baldwin:

Design at Winterthur

Billy Baldwin designed Diana Vreeland’s “Garden in Hell” living room

Billy Baldwin- Salon for Marie-Laure de Noailles

Scalamandre Billy Baldwin Bamboo Collection

Kelly Wearstler:

Restaurant on the 7th Floor of Bergdorf Goodman: Antiqued mirror, brass, pale blue, green, and acid yellow leather, de Gournay wallpaper, and cerused oak floors.

Tony Duquette: The below images are from Tony and Elizabeth Duquette’s two properties: “Dawnridge” in a Los Angeles canyon and “The Empire”, 150 acres in Malibu. What I wouldn’t give to have been able to visit these residences. Total and utter magic.

Tony Duquette for Jim Thompson: These fabrics are amazing!

Gemstone- looks just like malachite. Would be amazing as wall upholstery or drapes.

Royal Ermine

Spinach Leopard

Tony Duquette Lighting for Remains:

California Sunburst Sconce

http://www.remains.com/item_DS4410.24.aspx

Splashing Water Sconce

http://www.remains.com/item_DS4300.3.aspx

Mary MacDonald:

Ruthie Sommers:

This is a favorite Ruthie room: color scheme, fabric, sofa shape, and best of all… the pagoda style woodwork above the door.

A nook turned nursery

Charlotte Moss:

Me:

Chinoiserie Panels

xo,

S

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The Colorful World of Harrison Howard

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I have a serious thing for chinoiserie. I am also a great lover of color. Harrison Howard started his career as a decorative painter and worked for various well known firms all over the country. While he will still paint wonderful murals for your home he has also been putting his work down on paper, canvas, and panels.
Inspired by 18th century painter Jean Pillement, he paints whimsical and vibrantly colored chinese men painting crabs, floating through clouds in wonderful boats, and looking through telescopes. His series of flower and shell people remind me of children’s book illustrations- truly magical. His shell series are also beautiful. His pieces work anywhere- a living room, dining room, hallway, or bedroom and I would love to see his shell and flower people framed in a nursery. If you look closely in Lonny issue 3 I have two of his watercolors hanging in my dining room. They are special pieces and made by someone who is passionate about his work. I have attached some examples of his work below:

Chinoiseries:

The Astronomer

The Fisherman

The Two Gardeners- I love that their garden is inside the yellow gazebo

The Two Workmen- Hanging a shell inside the pagoda while the lobster pulls another large clam shell up.

The Butterfly Keeper- I love his robes!

The Yellow Sail- Reminds me of the children’s book “The Owl and The Pussy Cat”. The peacock tail feathers as a rudder are amazing.

Arranging Drapery – I love her pet hermit crab and the large red sea urchin

The Dowery

Flower and Shell People: Their hats are fabulous! These prints are perfect for a little girls bedroom. Think how many bedtime stories you could weave from a few of these hanging on your little girl’s wall.

Parasol In The Air

The Reader

The Letter Writer – I love her wicker desk, black shawl, the blue and white ginger jar holding her hand fan and architectural plans, and most of all her broad flower petal hat. It reminds me of a fabulous hat you would wear to the Kentucky Derby.

Shells: These are screaming beach house!

Shells with Seagrass

Shells By The Sea

Red Angaria White Coral- I love the tiny painted shells with the blue background. This is a great jumping off point for a beach house room- soft aqua, pale lavender, bright pink, yellow, white, and a touch of black. It would also be fun to use this as a design running across a painted white floor.

Visit Harrison Howard’s website to see more of his work and to purchase: http://www.harrisonhoward.com/mainframe4.htm

xo,

S

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