Two New Books in the Works

I’m so happy to be able to share that I have just signed a new contract with my fabulous publisher Gibbs Smith for two new books which will be part of my Design Directory series.

Can you guess what the first one will be about?

More to follow soon……………………………………………………………………………………….

If Furniture Could Talk

I was browsing through 1st Dibbs today and ran across this fantastic Billy Baldwin upholstered bed still wearing its original kelly green velvet upholstery. I would love to know the back story behind this bed. Who was it made for? - where did it live? - what did it see???- what did it's bedroom look like?

I was really struck by how current the design remains as is evident by the many new chair-back beds available on the market today.


This is my favorite from Hickory White. I like the furniture legs at the base of the platform and the nail heads.


This bed has a small arm on each side as well as a wing back. It is really taking the chair design to the fullest.



Jay Jeffers seems to be a big fan of this style bed and he uses them to great effect in many of his rooms.



Henredon's version



Oly Studio has a sleek modern version.



Transitional Charles P Rogers in leather.



Love the top of the wing backs on this model by Charles P Rogers.

If our furniture could talk what would it say about us? My furniture would be pretty boring, how about yours?

Mid Mod Love on 1st Dibbs

It's a good thing I am usually broke or I would spend hours putting together priceless rooms for my home on 1st dibbs. Every time I look at that sight it gets better and better.

Their online articles are full of inspirational visuals and good solid information. I learn something new every time I visit. I like the way their articles are written. They're down to earth, not full of old world antiquarian snobbery. They tell the facts as they are without looking down their nose at you. It makes me feel that even an unsophisticated slob like myself could become knowledgeable about vintage furnishings and style icons.

Following the advice posted by the Peak of Chic today I got my a$$ over there as fast as I could and proceeded to waste a few hours creating a fantasy room. Here are my picks for the day.

Are these Hollywood Regency chests not to die for? I luuuvvvv them! The latches are stellar and I like the detail at the base. I think I will use these as side tables for my fantasy sofa.


The genius of post war chic, Tommi Parzinger, created this fabulous set of dining chairs. He was such an amazing designer and was so ahead of his time. Imagine he was designing pieces like this in the 40's! What a trend setter.



I would slap some new snazzy lamps shades on these ceramic beauties and use them on my lacquered chests shown above. I think they will go together quite winningly.


This stunning Paul Laszlo console with cool brass fittings will go perfectly behind the sofa. Anyone have a large ceramic tang horse or giant piece of coral I can borrow for it? Perhaps a giant white whippet to sit beside it?


I'm in love with this credenza, also designed by the fabulous Tommi Parzinger. The man clearly knew what he was doing. This will go on the wall opposite the sofa and chests. I think a large mirror on mirror above it would be perfection. Perhaps some wall sconces.

These two James Mont beauties would get a drastic makeover. Perhaps turquoise lacquered frames with a bold print upholstery.


The masterpiece of the room is this Karl Springer lucite Greek key desk. Don't you love it? I know I do!


For the dining room a striking white lacquered credenza with fantastic drawer pulls.


Two Vladamir Kagan lucite club chairs to place in front of the desk. Too much lucite you say??? I say let's live dangerously!
Finally, a super cool brass stool in need of a total upholstery overhaul for the desk. Think zebra or possibly black faux mink.

Wouldn't it be great if you could do this for real. Just sit down at your computer and order up a great room online in it's entirety. Oh to live the life of the unbearably rich!!! I have to go now and finish choosing my fantasy wallpaper, flooring and accessories so I can sit back and relax in my fantasy room at the end of the day.

I'm Seeing Things in Black & White

Black and White combinations are still commanding attention across the board in decorative accessories and design. Here are a few of my favorites. They remind me of old book plates printed in Intaglio.
The Washington Printmakers Gallery defines Intaglio as:
"Intaglio (from the Italian world to carve) might be considered the reverse of relief printing. In a relief print, the ink is rolled onto the surface and not into the lines; in an intaglio print, the ink is pushed into the lines and pits and wiped off the surface of the plate. "

Celeb designer and blogger extraordinaire Mark Cutler is expanding his line of "Tableaux Cloths." A collection of crisp corner pleated table linens printed with black and white images of classic furnishings. He will even provide the tables underneath if need be. What a great solution to covering a less than stellar table or just to give the client flexibility and variation in a space. The new line will include lighting and even a tent!!! Oooh La La. Sounds very romantic. I can't wait to see all of the items.



From online retailer UMA these classic glasses come in a set of four. The vintage goblets shown in silhouette are so much fun.


Intricately patterned diner plates from Rossana make a dramatic statement on the table or hanging on a wall. The Rosanna website is one you must check out. Her patterns are to die for and the packaging is almost as beautiful as the dinnerware! I'm tempted to buy something just to get the hat box like containers.



Lisa Bengtsson is a brilliant graphic designer who has a large selection of wallpaper based on her graphic images. I adore this one entitled Familjen - Foto ( I am language illiterate but I assume this means Family Photo - please correct me if I am wrong )


The Acrila Collection from Moco Loco has a real sense of humor. This innovative use of acrylic showcasing images of traditional furniture pieces in Intaglio is truly unique. My favorites are the upholstered chairs and barstools. They also come with brightly colored accents in the upholstery.

Finally from the ultra talented design team of Mathew White and Frank Webb, their Intaglio series of furnishings and accessories is a play on the classics. Intricately detailed prints of classic embellishment and encrustation are adhered to the flat surfaces of these basic pieces creating the illusion of shape and shadow.




This magnificent faux room done entirely in Intaglio is part of an exhibition "Eminent Domain" done by White & Webb for the Rice Gallery In Houston, Texas. Wouldn't you love to have a room like this in your home? I know I would.

The Ottoman Empire

No! - Not those Ottomans! The upholstered variety.


I've always had a soft spot in my design heart for ottomans. They are versatile, stylish, and functional. I never knew a room that couldn't use one. Here is a collection of my recent favs.


Bright Red Ruffles from HollyHock. I really like the updated country look of this frilly oval.


A similar oval shape with a sophisticated tailored box pleated ruffle is available from Old Hickory Tannery. Also from Old Hickory Tannery this unique draped ottoman shown below is tufted on the top with a free flowing skirt. It looks like a blanket has been thrown over it. This would be great in a bedroom.


Antique mirror paired with a sleek upholstered top makes for high style in these two fabulous pieces from Amy Howard. I love it when items are offered in multiple shapes and sizes that you can mix and match.

Hate the fabric choices in these pictures but love the exotic shape of these boxy ottomans from Century. I have done this one in white leather with black leather trim and it is stunning.


Barbara Barry uses oriental overtones spice up this piece. I like the angle of the upholstered top and the legs are a show stopper. You can find this beauty at Barbara Barry for Baker.



The cabriole legs and classic nail head detail are offset here by the high, square, lightly tufted, cushion. I just love the lines of this one from Dino Mark Anthony.

Another great find from Dino Mark Anthony is this Quartet of tufted squares. This is such a versatile design and I love the legs.

A trio of traditionally inspired bench ottomans from Oly. Don't you love the reversed cabriole leg at the back and the claw feet?


This zebra covered version also from Oly would surely make a dramatic statement.

I think the design of this oriental is flawless. You can pick it up at Century.



Another Century oval has a lovely banded skirt. This piece could be very soft and mellow as it is shown in this cream linen or you could really spice it up with a more dramatic color contrast.


Two adorable leather drums with nail heads from Old Hickory Tannery.



I like the unique shape of this Burton James ottoman. It looks like a biscotti!
Finally an updated classic with a tall cabriole leg and a nice curve in the frame with a tight cushion from Henredon.